LITERARY ENTERTAINMENT.--The second of the series of Halfpenny Readings was held last Tuesday evening at the Literary Institute, the REV. MR. MILDMAN being voted to the Chair. It will be noticed from the programme that something more than mere amusement is the aim of these small gatherings; and, as a means towards the better education of the country, we need hardly say we wish them all manner of success:-- READING, "_Old Mother Hubbard_" MISS BROWN. RECITATION, "_Humpty Dumpty_" MASTER JONES. SONG, "_Twinkle, twinkle, little Star_" MRS. ROBINSON. RECITAL (in costume), "_Grilling a Grizly_" MR. SMITH. READING, "_The Humours of Joe Miller_" REV. Z. SNOOKS. COMIC SONG, "_O, did you twig her Ankle?_" MR. LARKER. RECITAL, "_My Name is Norval_" MASTER WIGGINS. GLEE, "_The Cock and Crow_" WOBBLESWORTH WARBLERS. READING, "_The Bandit's Bride_" REV. H. WALKER. SONG, "_I seek thee in every Shadow_" MR. GROWLER. RECITAL, "_The Haunted Hottentot_" DR. BLOBBS. COMIC SONG, "_Jolly Miss Jemima_" MR. LARKER. CHORUS, "_Ri fol de riddle ol_" WOBBLESWORTH WARBLERS. The company separated at the somewhat advanced hour of half-past nine o'clock, after spending an enjoyable and instructive evening. DUFFERTON AND BLUNDERBURGH. SPARROWSHOOTING EXTRAORDINARY.--The annual meeting of the Dufferton and Blunderburgh Sparrow Club was held on Monday last at the Goose and Gridiron, Dufferton, the President, MR. BOOBIE, again occupying the chair. It appeared from the report that, during the past twelvemonth, no fewer than 5937 sparrows had been slaughtered by the honourable members of the club. Complaints had been received of increasing devastation by fly, and slug, and caterpillar, and it was said that this was owing to the great decrease of small birds effected by the club. The Chairman, amid cheers, pooh-poohed these allegations, and, after presenting a new powderflask to MR. JONAH JOWLS, for having made the largest bag of small birds in the twelvemonth, the Chairman humorously adjourned the meeting to the supper-room, where mine host served up an elegant light supper, the _menu_ whereof consisted of sausages, black puddings, Welsh rarebits, and pork-chops. * * * * * SCIENCE GOSSIP.