[Illustration: Vol au Vent.] Now that the Parliamentary Session has opened, and the Season threatens to set in with its usual severity, the dinner question comes prominently to the front. Even in the best-regulated households there is a sameness about dinner which, towards the end of the week, palls upon the appetite. Some ambitious young men have attempted to deal with the matter and surprise their guests by introducing cheese immediately after the soup (_soufflé au parmesan_), and after a cut of beef comes the fish (_turbot à la Russe_). That is well meant, but it is crude. _Mr. Punch_ has given his great mind to the subject, and presents to the consideration of the dining world the following hints for a meal:-- Half-om-half. Blauwe Landtongsche Oesters. Hoog-Sauterneswijn. Soepen. Dikke Rivierkreeften Soep. Volmaakte Soep in Van Dijk Stijl. Amontillado. Zuschotelles. Selderij. Olijven. Radijs. Haringen. Poukenvorm gebakken in Berg-op-Zoomsche Stijl. Liebfraumilch. Gekruide Gerechten. Gestreepte Baars, Piet Hein Stijl. Lambasteien met Zeeuwsche Saus. Chateau Danzac. Voorgerechten. Hoenden Vleugels, met Haagsche Saus. Heetkoudegemakten Ganzenlevers in Zwolsche Stijl. Ruinart, wrang wijn, Bijzonder Perrier Jouet, Louis Roederer, wrang, Giesler & Co., G. H. Mumm, buitengewoondroog. Groenten. Aardappelen in Sneeksche Stijl. Doperwten, Fransche Stijl. Gebakkene Kropsalade. Sorbet, Anneke Jans. Gebraad. Kanefasrug Eendvogels. Gekruide Seiderij-sla. Richebourg. Nagerecht. Curacaogelei. Italiaansche Ijs. Edamsche Kaas. Vruchten. Gemonteerde Stukken. Koffie. Likeuren. Sigaren. Pupen en Tabak. It may be objected that half-and-half, even when badly spelt, is a cold preparation for dinner; and others may take exception to _Poukenvorm_, as likely to have an earthy taste. But did they ever try it _gebakken in Berg-op-Zoomsche Stijl_? It is no use mincing matters. Let anyone in search of a good dinner enter any well-appointed _restaurant_, and order this _menu_ right through down to _Pupen en Tabak_ (which is not a preparation of dog's meat), and if they are not satisfied, _Mr. Punch_ is a Dutchman. * * * * * "RICHARDSON'S SHOW" AND A "BILL OF THE PLAY."