The Botanical Afternoon Fete of last Wednesday was a brilliant gathering in brilliant weather. Privileged is "the Inner Circle" to have in its midst these lovely gardens. "The Flowers that bloom in the Spring, tra la!" were all out uncommonly early--long before the earliest worm, which hasn't a chance against these very early risers. "All a-growing!" on the part of the flowers, and "all a-blowing" on the part of the Band of the Second Life Guards. Among the distinguished company present we noticed the Crimson Queen, looking immensely well, the blushing Duchess of ALBANY, the Duchesse de VALLOMBROSA, Admiral COURBET, in a striking costume of "deep yellow splashed with red" (where _had_ he been?), the Ladies DAPHNE PINK and CALLAS WHITE, and Marechal NIEL. For "_Uriah Heep_," who "loves to be 'umble," a Silver Medal was awarded to Mr. PIKE. "The prize, that's my point," observed the sharp PIKE. Funny Fish PIKE. * * * * * A PENNY WISE.--The new import of the latest Budget may be aptly called "A Penny for your Thoughts," as no one pays a tax upon his income as it really exists, but as (for Income-tax assessment purposes) he believes it to be. THE PICK OF THE R.A. PICTURES. [Illustration: No. 37. The Knight of the Graceful Curve. See remarkable figure in George E. Robertson's picture.] [Illustration: No. 17. The Hare Apparent trying to study a part under considerable difficulties, as shown in Nos. 18 and 19. (_Vide Notes, p. 215._)] [Illustration: No. 220. Queen of Golf Clubs. "'I'm going a golfing, Sir, she said.' You see I've Gotch 'em in my hand." T. C. Gotch.] [Illustration: No. 159. Mr. Henry Irving in his Dressing-room studying a New Part. Sir F. Leighton, Bart., P.R.A.] [Illustration: No. 470. Worse Halves coming Home. A Half-vest Scene. It is called "The Army of Peace," but it seems to be "An Army in Pieces." F. W. Loring.] [Illustration: Nos. 586 (by Louis Falero), 590 (by St. George Hare), 591 (_encore_ Falero). Awkward Position of an Unprofessional Sitter at a Studio when the Models have arrived, but the Artist hasn't yet turned up.] [Illustration: No. 217. The New Toy. Little Tottie's Mechanical Bird. Sir J. E. Millais, Bart., R.A.] [Illustration: No. 131. The Sea Serpent! Caught at last!! General rejoicings!!! Frank Dicksee, R.A.] [Illustration: No. 218. His First Cigar. G. F. Watts, R.A.] [Illustration: No. 375. Disturbed by Wopses. Arthur Hacker.] * * * * *