It is all very proper to say that a baby Might be found nearer home, if we sought for a pet, And that in the back courts of St. Giles's, it may be, Hordes of young savages there we could get: But, they've no fancy dresses to set off their figures, And nothing is thought of an every-day sight; And "UNCLE TOM"'s roused such a _penchant_ for niggers, That dark skins must now take precedence of white. That little dark baby could never have vices Like those which degrade us in civilised life; And though he may p'raps chop his father in slices, His country has customs that legalise strife. But, really--what humbugs call--Civilisation, Seems spreading everywhere under the skies, That soon, I suppose, we shall not have a nation To furnish a savage to gladden our eyes. * * * * * A BENEFICE IN THE MARKET. In moving, on Wednesday, the second reading of the Simony Law Amendment Bill--deferred, to the delight no doubt of certain prelates, to that day three months--VISCOUNT GODERICH is reported to have asked:-- "What was it which the right of presentation conferred? It was a right to select a man who, as a Minister of the Church of England, was to be intrusted with the spiritual affairs of a certain place." Yes, indeed, of a certain place--and, one would think, when the right of presentation is simoniacally purchased, of a certain place (not to be mentioned to ears polite) where the cure of souls would be a farce. * * * * * STRENGTH APPARENTLY ACCOUNTED FOR. Notwithstanding the small size of the Aztec children, they are exceedingly strong. An incurable punster says they doubtlessly derived this strength from Gymn-aztecs, from whom it probably descended in a straight line. * * * * * HIBERNIAN TACTICS. The military ability evinced by the Irish Brigade is of a peculiar kind. It is chiefly conspicuous in besieging; for almost the only talent in the whole party has been displayed in taking places. * * * * * MILITARY INTELLIGENCE. [Illustration: T] The excitement caused by GENERAL PUNCH'S reviews has by no means abated. That gallant and distinguished officer seems determined that the troops in his district shall not be much, if at all, behind those who, at Chobham or elsewhere, have more favourable opportunities of attaining perfection in discipline. The Chamomile Scrubs--the scene of the reviews--are daily thronged with numerous spectators, who, though they generally arrive when there is nothing to see, and go back again in the wet, never appear to be disappointed, but, on the contrary, return in perfect good humour.