It was, Sir, not with the intention of making this obvious remark that I break in upon your reflections. My purpose was moved by discovering on the front corner of this work of Literature and Art the legend, "Price 6d.; _Inland postage_, 2d." Looking at the postal cover which lightly bore the treasure o'er land and sea to this ancient town, I discovered, that coming under the "foreign postage rate," 1½d. had served the turn. Whence it appears, that had I, as usual at this season of the year, been at my country address, to be found in _Dod_, the _Almanack_ would have cost me, or someone else (it is beside the argument), 2d. Whereas, being hundreds of miles away from the placid pastures that surround The Kennel, Berks, the postage is 25 per cent. less in amount. In one case, where the larger sum and the less amount of labour were concerned, the English Post-Office, taking all the money, charge 2d.; in the other, calling in the assistance of Belgium and Germany, and of course sharing with them the plunder, 1½d. is held to be the fair recompense for the immensely extended labour. Isn't this something in the way of reversal of the ordinary trade axiom, as who should say "Twopence Plain; a Penny, Coloured"? In its immediate application it is a small thing. People privileged to receive _Punch's Almanack_ through the post will not quibble over a half-penny. But it is evident that a system which embodies an arrangement that needs only to be stated to have its absurdity demonstrated, wants looking after. I beg to give my friend, the new Postmaster-General, notice that, as soon as the House meets, I shall put a question on the subject. In the meanwhile, and always I am, honoured Sir, your obliged and obedient servant, TOBY, M.P. _Kaiserbad, Aachen, Monday_. * * * * * [Illustration: "ENGLAND, HOME, AND BEAUTY!"] * * * * * POPULAR SONGS RE-SUNG. Perhaps a version "up to date" (as the slang goes) of _Our Village_, may interest the supporters of the Statesman Mr. ACLAND, without annoying the admirers of the poet WAL PINK. NO. IV.--OUR VILLAGE. AIR--_"THE VILLAGE ON THE 'SLOW AND DIRTY' LINE."_ For centuries the Village was maintained, without cessation, As "a Squire and Parson's paddock," just to keep poor yokels down, But all that is to be altered, at the Radical's instigation, We're settling on a village which shall have the charms of town. It's shaped on Democratic lines, it is _in nubibus_ yet, But when Reform's set going, it's a horse that does not stop. The House o' Commons has pronounced, and though old Tories fuss, yet All understand the tyrant has the tip to shut up shop. [Illustration] _CHORUS._ In the Village, new Village, a healthy little spot, The home of rural Hygiene, where nasty smells are not, Where HODGE shan't be the thrall Of the Vicarage and the Hall, In the Village shaped on Democratic lines!