Snow has fallen, winter's due; In the months that now ensue Smoky fogs will hide the view, Mud will get as thick as glue, Rain, snow, hail will come in lieu Of the warmth to which we grew Quite accustomed, and will brew Colds, coughs, influenza, rheumatism to thrill us through. Gone the sky of southern hue, Cloudless space of cobalt blue! Gone the nights so sultry--phew! Quite without rheumatic dew. Gone the days, when each anew Seemed yet finer! In Corfu, California, Peru, This would not be strange, but true; But the weatherwise at Kew Say in England it is new. Peerless summer, in these few Lines we bid farewell to you! Or as cockneys say, "Aydew!" * * * * * A "SHAKSPEARIAN STUDENT" wants to know "if, when _Richard the Third_ calls out 'A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!' he is not alluding to the Night-Mare from which he is only just recovering." [Can't say. Highly probable. So like SHAKSPEARE.--ED.] * * * * * Dear MR. P.,--I believe you do not know that Mrs. R. recently visited Rome. She tells me that she thinks it an excellent thing that the Tontine Marshes have been planted with Apocalypses. * * * * * THE CITY HORSE. (_A Legend of the "Coming Ninth."_) "You _must_ let me have him on the day I have specified," said the military-looking man, with an air of determination. "And you order this, Sir, after learning his history?" replied the well-educated cabman. "You know that he has been in a circus?" "I do; it is one of his greatest qualifications. A circus, I think you said, where there was a brass band?" "Not only a brass band, but a very brassy band indeed; a brass band all drum, trombone, and cymbal! A brass band that could be heard for miles!" "And he bore it well?" asked the ex-soldier. "He did not mind the noise?" "Not he," was the reply. "Why should he mind it? For remember he was accustomed to insults from the clown. When a horse regards insults from the clown with equanimity, you may be sure he will object to nothing." "And what were the nature of these insults?" queried the veteran warrior, with renewed interest. "Did the clown push him about? Did he tell him to gee-up?" "Why, certainly. Had he been an unruly crowd at Blackheath on a Bank Holiday, the clown could not have behaved worse. And _Rufus_, poor beast! bore it all--six nights a week, with a _matinée_ thrown in on a Saturday--without complaining." "And you do not think he would mind being called 'cat's-meat?' Not even by a rude boy?" "Bless you, Sir, it is what I often call him myself. _Rufus_ is his name, but cat's-meat is his nature. But don't you want him for more than a day? Won't you buy him?" "No," returned the veteran soldier, sternly. "I only require him for the Ninth."