To Mr. J. FISHER UNWIN comes the happy thought of issuing, in a neatly-packed box, the whole twenty volumes of the Pseudonym Library--and a very acceptable Christmas-Box it will make. The volumes, with their odd, oblong shape, are delightful to hold; the type is good, and the excellence of the literary matter is remarkably well kept up over the already long series. Mr. UNWIN promises fresh volumes, introducing to the British public Finnish and Danish authors, or Danish first, and the others to Finnish. See how these Poets love one another! How touching is the dedication of ALFRED AUSTIN'S latest volume to GEORGE MEREDITH! May both live long and prosper, is the hearty wish of their friend, THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS. * * * * * THE ROYAL ROAD TO COMFORT.--A DREAM. The rival Steamboats were on the alert. It was a misty night, and it was a difficult matter to make out the lights of Calais Harbour. "We shall catch him yet," said the Captain of the Blue Vessel. "He will not escape us," observed the C.O. of the Red. Suddenly the Blue started at full steam ahead, and was lost to sight in Calais harbour. She was quickly followed by the Red, moving with equal expedition. The vessels reached the quay nearly at the same time. Then there was confusion and sounds of military music. Evidently the Illustrious Personage had embarked. Then the mist cleared away. "He is safe on board," said the Captain of the Blue Vessel, and his Mate indulged in a short laugh of triumph. "It does not matter," observed the Commanding Officer of the Red; "the Blue may have his person, but _we_ have his luggage!" And then the cheers were renewed again and again, and the Illustrious Personage came to the conclusion that English enterprise was not without its disadvantages! * * * * * [Illustration: WHAT OUR ARTIST HAS TO PUT UP WITH. HE TRAVELS ALL OVER ENGLAND IN SEARCH OF A BACKGROUND FOR HIS "_VIVIAN BEGUILING MERLIN IN THE FOREST OF BROCELIANDE_,"--A HOPELESS QUEST!] * * * * * BOGEY OR BENEFACTOR? _Timid Ratepayer loquitur:--_ O lor! O dear! What have we here? What a nondescript, huge NID-NODDY! None know, I'm sure, what _I_ have to endure. It's enough to frighten a body! They are always up to some queer new game, and a giving me some fresh master; But this one is a _crux_ from the sole of his foot to the crown of his comical castor. He looks as big as all out-of-doors, and e'en BUMBLE was hardly as bumptious. He'd make my London a Paradise, which is a prospect that's perfectly scrumptious. But oh! he _is_ big, with the funniest rig; a Titan who, if he _should_ tumble, Might squelch me as flat as an opera-hat, and make me regret old BUMBLE.