[_The Times_ has announced, in two consecutive issues, that Mr. HUGH CHISHOLM has retired from the control of its financial columns in order to resume his editorship of the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_. One seems here to catch a faint echo of the proprietary booming of the 10th Edition by _The Times_ and Mr. HOOPER. The present publishers are the Cambridge University Press.] It is a common object of remark How many things in life are periodic, Some punctual (like the nesting of the lark, Or Derby-day), and others more spasmodic, Recurring loosely when the hour is ripe; And here I sing a sample of the latter type. Nine years have coursed with their accustomed speed Since England hailed its previous apparition, Since every man and woman who could read, Wanting the nearest way to erudition, Bought as an ornament of her (or his) home The monumental masterpiece of Mr. CHISHOLM. Much has occurred meanwhile of new and strange; _E.g._, in matters purely scientific Great Thinkers, eager to enlarge our range, Have (on the lethal side) been most prolific; Ten tomes would scarce contain what might be said on Their contributions to the recent Armageddon. What wonder if the Editor forsakes The conduct of _The Times'_ financial pages? An even weightier task he undertakes Than to report on bullion; he engages To let us know, by 1922, All things (or more) that anybody ever knew. Why should he care if Oil-cakes fall or jump? He has the Total Universe for oyster; Yankees may yield a point or Rubbers slump, Yet not for such things shall his eye grow moister, Save when, by force of habit, he admits "A heavy tendency to-day in Ency. Brits." Could but _The Times_ revive its ancient part, Repeat its famous turn of dollar-scooping! O memories of the urgent boomster's art, And that persistent noise of HOOPER whooping, Down to the Last Chance and the Closing Door, And then the Absolutely Last, and then some more! Those shrill appeals to get the Work TO-DAY (With the superb revolving fumed-oak garage)-- How well they followed up their fearful prey Till the massed thunders of the final barrage Such pressure on your tympanum would bring That you could bear no more, and _had_ to buy the thing. O. S. * * * * * The Giant's Robe--Cheap. "FOR SALE.--Superior Dress Suit, 37 chest, City made, silk facings and lining, worn twice, no further use, suitable for individual 7 ft. 8 in. Price 4 guineas."--_Local Paper._ * * * * * "PAYING GUESTS WANTED--From 1st June, married couple with no children; also at once, single married lady or gentleman for three single rooms or one single married couple."--_Indian Paper._ To be in keeping with the inhabitants the house, no doubt, is "semi-detached." * * * * *