The larger number of the verses that make up the little volume SMITH, ELDER & CO. publish under the title _Tillers of the Sand_ have, Mr. OWEN SEAMAN states in his preface, appeared in the _National Observer_. Whilst they are above the average of the cleverness of that really smart journal, they are tainted by its besetting sin. Purporting to present "a fitful record of the ROSEBERY Administration," the recorder finds it all very bad. This is hard on the late Government, but it is harder still on the clever versifier. True art requires light and shade, and here is none. Appearing week by week the pungent admixtures were passable, were even titillating. But the monotony of vituperation, however cleverly compounded, grows a little wearisome, even in a volume that does not much exceed a hundred pages. My Baronite likes best "The Lament of the Macgregor," not because its literary style is more masterly than that of its companion verse, but because its fun is less acrid. The rest, with significant exception of two pieces that appeared in these pages, is too hotly spiced with ASHMEAD-BARTLETTISM to please one who looks to Mr. SEAMAN for the wine of scholarly verse and finds the vinegar of election squibs. THE BARON DE B.-W. * * * * * Shakspeare on the recent R. A. Elections. ONSLOW FORD, Sculptor, R. A. W. B. RICHMOND, Painter, R. A. "Good Master FORD, be contented." _Merry Wives of Windsor_, Act III., Scene 3. "For RICHMOND'S good." _Richard the Third_, Act V., Scene 3. * * * * * MRS. GAMP ON "LOCAL OPTION."--"I never could have kep myself up but for a little drain of spirits, which I seldom touches, but could always wish to know where to find, if so dispoged."--_Martin Chuzzlewit_, c. xlvi. * * * * * The case of slandering Major RASCH, M.P., was dismissed on defendant TURP tendering apology and paying costs. Rash on the part of TURP, but the case was settled in a Rashional way. * * * * * TO MR. A. F. MUMMERY.--The Recollections of his foreign _Climbs in the Alps and Caucasus_ might suggest to the author a new work to be entitled "_Pleasant Mummeries_." Of course nothing to do with amateur acting, or with Miss MILN'S _Strolling Players in the East_. * * * * * [Illustration: EXTINCT!! SOME INTERESTING SPECIMENS RECENTLY ADDED TO THE PARLIAMENTARY MUSEUM OF THE PAST! (_By Mr. Punch's Own Prehistoric Artist._)] * * * * * [Illustration: THE FORCE OF HABIT. _Miss Diana_ (_a novice_). "OH, JACK, I'M CERTAIN THIS THING IS GOING TO SHY AT THOSE HORRID PIGS! DO YOU MIND LEADING IT PAST?"] * * * * * THE LAST PAGE OF SOMEBODY'S DIARY. (_Picked up in the neighbourhood of Dorchester House_)