7. "Le Scrimmage." This barbarous and savage entanglement is absolutely _defendu_. No two opposing combatants must ever, under any circumstances, permit themselves to touch each other. The great skill of the new game will be, by subtle and appropriate gesticulation, to dance out of each other's way. On any two opposing combatants, by any chance, touching each other, "Le Capitaine" of either side will appeal to the Umpire, and, after the manner of "Le jeu de Cricket," will propose for him the simple question, "Mister Umpire, 'ow is that?" Upon which, that official saying "Out!" the two offenders will be struck from the game, and enjoy no share of "Le gate-money," if that is the prize for which the two teams are honourably contending. The above, _Mon cher Monsieur_, are the principal Rules, as arranged by the Committee, and you will see that they have been drawn up with a view to eliminating the bloodthirsty _boule-dogue_ ferocity from a pastime which, under the title of _Le Kick-Balle Fight_, bids fair to become the characteristic sport, gay, active, and courage-inspiring, of our modern French youth awakened with _elan_ and ardour to the athletic spirit of the age which has overtaken them. Receive, _Mon cher Monsieur_, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration, Le Heads-Masterre of the Lycee Janson de Sailly. * * * * * THE FARTHING NOVEL SERIES. Now that the entire works of the late WILLIAM SHAKSPEARE can be purchased (allowing for discount) for fourpence-halfpenny, it seems strange that no publisher has issued the more celebrated of our romances at the rate per volume of the smallest coin of the realm. That it can be done will be obvious to the meanest comprehension. All that is required is brevity and intelligibility. It is only necessary to give an outline of the story--the sketchier the better. If a little "local colouring" can be thrown in, no harm will be done. But that local colouring must be distinctly modern. Again, if sentiments calculated to be popular with the class by whom the series is likely to be purchased are introduced, a distinct gain will be the consequence. But as an example is better than pages of description, a sample is subjoined:-- IVANHOE; _Or, The Disguised Knight, the Distressed Jewess, and the Templar who did not Behave like a Gentleman._ CHAPTER I. "You are very welcome," said CEDRIC the Saxon, for the fifth time, as Sir BRIAN DE BOIS-GILBERT took down the Fair ROWENA to supper. "As for you, WILFRID the Pilgrim, sit below the salt, and, Sir Seneschal, keep your eyes upon the horn spoons." "And this is the curse of the land," murmured the heir, as he helped himself to plum-pasty, the forerunner of plum-pudding. "It is this haughtiness that causes our yeomen to strike, and makes ROBIN HOOD, Friar TUCK, and the rest of his merry men possible!" CHAPTER II.