"CITY IMPROVEMENTS."--The City isn't likely to lose any chance of a dig at the L. C. C. Last week, at a meeting of City Commissioners of Sewers at Guildhall, Alderman GREEN,--not so verdant by any means as the name would seem to imply,--protested against the great delay on the part of the L. C. C. in regard to the improvements in Upper Thames Street. So the London County Council is sitting considering "_dum defluit ANNUS_"--representing the "_amnis ævi_"--and while Upper Thames Street is, _pace_ the ever Green Alderman, in a state of stagnation as far as "improvements" are concerned. * * * * * A DROUTH-AND-MOUTH-DISEASE.--A curious disease, originating, it is said, in the East, has lately baffled medical men. It is called "beriberi." Introduce another "e" into the first and third syllable, and the name might serve for that thirsty kind of feverish state with which no Anti-closing-of-the-public-at-any-time-Society is able to cope. * * * * * "PREMATUER?"--Per the _Leadenhall Press_, Mr. TUER is bringing out a real old Horn-book, that is, a _facsimile_ of the ancient Horn-book. For years have we longed to see the genuine article. It will be in Hornamental cover, of course. "_Succès au livre de la corne!_" * * * * * "THE AUTOCRAT." OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. BORN 1809. DIED OCTOBER 7, 1894. "The Last Leaf!" Can it be true, We have turned it, and on _you_ Friend of all? That the years at last have power? That life's foliage and its flower Fade and fall? Was there one who ever took From its shelf, by chance, a book Penned by you, But was fast your friend, for life, With _one_ refuge from its strife Safe and true? Even gentle ELIA'S self Might be proud to share that shelf, Leaf to leaf, With a soul of kindred sort, Who could bind strong sense and sport In one sheaf. From that Boston breakfast table Wit and wisdom, fun and fable, Radiated Through all English-speaking places. When were Science and the Graces So well mated? Of sweet singers the most sane, Of keen wits the most humane, Wide yet clear, Like the blue, above us bent; Giving sense and sentiment Each its sphere; With a manly breadth of soul, And a fancy quaint and droll; Ripe and mellow: With a virile power of "hit," Finished scholar, poet, wit, _And_ good fellow! Sturdy patriot, and yet; True world's citizen! Regret Dims our eyes As we turn each well-thumbed leaf; Yet a glory 'midst our grief Will arise. Years your spirit could not tame, And they will not dim your fame; England joys In your songs all strength and ease, And the "dreams" you "wrote to please Grey-haired boys."