STANLEY'S _Darkest Africa_ (SAMPSON LOW) swamps all other books just now, except, of course, the Other STANLEY book, called _A Light on the Keep-it-Quite-the-Darkest Africa_ (TRISCHLER & Co.) which follows closely at its heels. The real STANLEY narrative is most interesting and exciting; it is a book that will make everyone "sit up"--at night to read it. The centre of attraction is in the answer to the question, "How did I find EMIN?" Which is, "Quite well, thank you." My faithful "Co." reports that he has been doing his duty nobly as a novel-reader. He has already devoured Vol. III. of the _Man with a Secret_. He would attack Vols. I. and II. if he had not had (so he says) quite enough of the Man _and_ his Secret. _Innocent Victims_ is written in the temperance interest. "Co." has every sympathy with the cause of undiluted water, but fears that this "story of London Life and Labour" may end in drink. He found it himself a little dry, and was not cheered by the name of the author, HUGH DOWNE, which seemed to suggest he could not get up again. He is eagerly waiting for more fiction, as "_Expiation_" by OCTAVE THANET has scarcely satisfied his craving for the weird and the horrible. In the meanwhile, he has found a cheerful interlude in _Sanity and Insanity_, a text-book (written in a popular yet scientific strain) of the maladies of the mind. He says, that Dr. MERCIER, the author, is to be congratulated on having treated a rather "jumpy" subject in a manner that can offend no one. "Co." had no idea up to now, that "t'other was so like unto which." All the Magazines for July are in, but the Baron has been unable to open them, and "Co." has cut them. BARON DE BOOK-WORMS & Co. * * * * * ADVICE TO GIRL GRADUATES. (_AFTER CHARLES KINGSLEY--AT A RESPECTFUL DISTANCE._) Dress well, sweet Maid, and let who will be _clever._ Dance, flirt, and sing! Don't study all day long. Or else you'll find, When other girls get married, You'll sing a different song! * * * * * SAD NEWS FROM ETON.--"Bever" is dead. Sorrowing boys followed the bier. The Bever-age has ceased to exist. What next? Will the characteristic Etonian top-hat follow the Bever? * * * * * [Illustration: HIS FIRST ACHE. "OH, MAMMY! I'VE GOT SUCH A PAIN IN FRONT OF ME!"] * * * * * BEFORE BISLEY. SCENE--_Office of the Commanding Commander-in-Chief. The C.C.-in-Chief discovered. To him enter H.R.H. GEORGE RANGER._ _H.R.H.G.R._ You sent for me, _Mr. Punch_. I beg pardon, I should say, your Excellency? _C.C.-in-C._ (_severely_). Be careful, Sir, and remember in whose presence you are! I believe about a month ago you asked for subscriptions in aid of the National Rifle Association? _H.R.H.G.R._. Yes, _Mr. P_.--I should say, your Excellency.