The excellent article in the _Times_ on the 6th inst. upon CHARLES KEENE was worthy of its subject. The writer in the _P.M.G._ of a day earlier performed his self-imposed task with a judicious and loving hand, and, as far as I can judge, his account of our lamented colleague seems to be correct. As to our CARLO's Mastership in his Black-and-White Art, there can be but one opinion among Artists. Those who possess the whole of the _Once a Week_ series will there find admirable specimens of CHARLES KEENE in a more serious vein. His most striking effects were made as if by sudden inspiration. I remember a story which exactly illustrates my meaning. An artistic friend was in KEENE's studio, while CARLO was at work, pipe in mouth, of course. "I can't understand," said his friend, "how you produce that effect of distance in so small a picture." "O--um--easy enough," replied KEENE. "Look here,"--and--_he did it_. But when and how he gave _the_ touch which made the effect, his friend, following his work closely, was unable to discover. F.C.B. * * * * * PARS ABOUT PICTURES.--There is always something fresh coming out at Messrs. DOWDESWELL's Articultural Garden in Bond Street. Their latest novelty is the result of a caravan tour from Dieppe to Nice ("Dieppend upon it, he found it very nice!" said Young PAR, regardless of propriety and pronunciation) by Mr. C.P. SAINTON. CHARLES COLLINS utilised such an expedition from a literary point of view in his inimitable "_Cruise upon Wheels_," and this young artist has turned similar wanderings to good artistic account. His _cartes de visite_--no, I beg pardon, his _caravans de visite_--are numerous and varied. Verily, my brethren, all is caravanity! Not altogether, for Mr. SAINTON, in addition to returning with his caravan and himself, has brought back an interesting collection of original and delicate works in oil and silver-point--in short, taken every caravantage of his special opportunities. Yours parlously, OLD PAR. * * * * * "MAY IT PLEASE YOUR 'WARSHIPS.'"--Twenty-three American ships, 118 guns, and 3,000 men; six British ships, 52 guns, 1,229 men; and seven German ships, 42 guns, and 1,500 men--all in "Pacific" waters! Looks like Pacific, doesn't it? * * * * * MR. PUNCH'S PRIZE NOVELS. NO. XI.--THE BOOK OF KOOKARIE. BY READER FAGHARD, AUTHOR OF "QUEEN BATHSHEBA'S EWERS," "YAWN," "GUESS," "ME," "MY MA'S AT PENGE," "SMALLUN HALFBOY," "GENERAL PORRIDGE, D.T.," "ME A KISS," "THE HEMISPHERE'S WISH," &C., &C.