In clear weather, on the side of one of these hills, _Cat's-meat_, in the habit as he stood when he left the well on that fatal day, may be seen patiently waiting until the time shall arrive when he shall receive a coat of blacking, a companion steed to share with him his labours, and a hearse! I am not the only person who has seen him thus. The spectre (if it be a spectre) is known for miles around, and has been watched by thousands. Nay, more. On occasions of great rejoicing, when merry-making has been the order of the day or night, several _Cats'-meats_ have appeared to the carousing watchers strangely blended together. Speaking for myself, if I have seen one I have seen half-a-dozen--nay, more--with hills to match! And those who do not believe me can continue the journey I once commenced, and (after I have wished them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year) proceed to--Bath! * * * * * CHRISTMAS "CRACKERS." Plum-pudding never disagrees with me, _however much I take of it_. No more do mince-pies, _no matter how many I eat_. Steaming hot-and-strong gin-punch is _the most wholesome beverage_; so, also, is brandy-punch. It can't harm anybody who, on the Pickwickian principle, "takes enough of it." Both beverages go admirably with cigars and pipes. If you have anything like a headache on Boxing-day morning, depend upon it, it comes from abstemiousness in drinking, eating, and smoking. * * * * * [Illustration: SUGGESTION FOR PICTORIAL DIRECTORY. "Hide Pa Corner." Eatin' Plaice.] * * * * * LITERARY AND DRAMATIC.--It is now generally known, and, if not, it is high time it should be, that _A Million of Money_, advertised as original, is only an instance of genuine "translation" from Old Drury Lane to Covent Garden, where it ought to continue its previous success. * * * * * SHAKSPEARE AT YULETIDE.--Excellent arrangements at the Lyceum for Christmas. Genial _Ravenswood_ is to be performed only on a Friday. For the rest,--no not "the rest" where so much work is involved,--for "the remainder" of the week, the Master of the Shakespearian Revels gives us _Much Ado About Nothing_, with our ELLEN and HENRY as _Beatrice_ and _Benedick_, and with all its memorable glory of costume and scenery,--a Shakspearian revival well worthy to be reckoned as among the foremost of all the attractions offered by the theatres this Christmas. * * * * * [Illustration: CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE MOATED GRANGE. _Emily_ (_in the midst of Aunt Marianna's blood-curdling Ghost Story_). "HUSH! LISTEN! THERE'S A DOOR BANGING SOMEWHERE DOWNSTAIRS!--AND YET THE SERVANTS HAVE GONE TO BED. GEORGE, DO JUST RUN DOWN AND SEE WHAT IT CAN BE!" [_George wishes himself back at Charterhouse._]] * * * * * "KEEP THE POT A-BOILING!" (_A SEASONABLE SUGGESTION._)