On reading my notes I find that I have left unanswered the question with which I commenced this article. I was sent to Aldershot to "deduce from the display, the exact position occupied by England amongst the Powers of Europe as a Military Nation." Quite so. Well--but perhaps on second thoughts I had better get the Editor to send me to another review before I attempt to solve the problem. [Certainly: try it.--ED.] * * * * * OF THE MASKE-ALINE GENDER. The great success of the Gray's Inn _Maske_, has raised in the mind of some of the critics the consideration whether a revival of this form of entertainment could not be established. Ever ready to assist in carrying out a valuable suggestion, _Mr. Punch_ begs to provide a _Scenario_ for a modern _Maske:_-- SCENE I.--_The Exterior of the Castles of_ TORIUS _and_ GLADSTONIUS _with a view of the Palace of Westminster, seen through the gateway. Enter_ SESSIONIUS, _who looks about him and ponders_. _Sessionius._ This should not be! Such a time as this puts down a thousand pleasant schemes of summer! When a Bill, an Opposition, and a Closure are met within the Hall of great St. Stephen's! Let the Ex-M.P. bless the summer day, but Whigs, Rads, and Tories, needs must nod to the Sessions Reign. _Enter_ VACATIA. _Vacatia._ Well, o'ertaken Session! _Sessionius._ What's that I see? How dare you approach. D'ye mean to give the lie to the prophets, who say I shall not be done until October? Away, thou tempting fancy! Begone! Stay not a moment! _Vacatia._ Nay, be not angry! In days gone by thou used to welcome me! Why is it? _Sessionius._ Do you not see I cannot move? With Irish Members and Coercion Bills, I may stay here for ever! VACATIA _weeps, and is appeased by_ TRIPPIUS, _who explains that they can go unto the seaside by the Sunday trains. Then all go out. Then enter the_ EXCURSIONISTS, _who sing strange songs in praise of wine and tobacco. After a while the fun grows fast and furious, and the Scene changes to_,-- THE GARDEN OF PARLIAMENTARY FLOWERS OF SPEECH. _First song, wherein the_ SPEAKER _works a charm by which certain Irish Members dance a measure with sticks, and striking the floor, then one another's coat-tails, and, lastly, one another's heads. When this is done,_ HARCOURTIUS _appears in the_ pavan, _or "peacock's strut," and marches about. He disappears, and there is a Dance of Woodmen with hatchets by the_ Gladstonian Family. _All this ends merrily with a view of_ VACATIA _working a change as_ TRIPPIUS _introduces a View of a possible Autumn Session_. * * * * * "What I want some fellow to tell me," said Mr. DUFFER, looking up from an advertisement of a forthcoming sale at Aldridge's, "is--what the dickens is the use of a _broken_ sporting dog?" * * * * * [Illustration: "À LA PORTE!"