[The carrier-pigeon is a bird. It should not be confounded with the elephant or hippopotamus, and only the most ignorant persons would suppose any connection between them. It flies through the air, as birds generally do, and though not lazy it lays. The eggs of this bird are valuable. When properly hatched they produce young pigeons, which often grow up and go into the express business like their parents. The carrier-pigeon is not a modern invention, but was made simultaneously with other ornithological curiosities.] TOURS, December 14.--GEORGE FRANCIS TRAIN has been arrested by the Government and committed to prison as a nuisance. [GEORGE FRANCIS TRAIN is a native of Boston, U.S. He is one of the most celebrated men living. He celebrates himself everywhere he goes, and he goes to a great many places. He has an inspired confidence that in the course of a few years all the people of his native country will become idiots, and that they will then make him their ruler. The _civis Americanus sum_ of his existence is talk about GEORGE FRANCIS TRAIN. The American Government does not at present propose to declare war against France for arresting him, but perhaps he will do so himself.] VIENNA, December 14.--Diplomatic circles are more confident, and it is believed the Black Sea question will be settled. [The Black Sea is in Europe. It is bounded all round and contains an immense quantity of water, which, being black, is useful for writing. The trouble about the Black Sea is owing altogether to its location, and could be removed forever by filling up the place and laying it out in building-lots. If it were in New Jersey this would be done, but the effete despotisms and bloated aristocracies of the Old World haven't enough enterprise to try it.] * * * * * [Illustration: TOM'S CHRISTMAS JOKE. _Master Tom_. "O, GRAN'MA, GRAN'MA! THE PONY HAS GOT A FIT!--RUN TO THE WINDOW AND LOOK!" AND THE OLD LADY RUSHED TO THE WINDOW, BUT THE ONLY "FIT" THE PONY HAD WAS THE NEW SIDE-SADDLE SENT AT CHRISTMAS BY UNCLE TOM, WHO, NOT KNOWING MUCH ABOUT PONIES, FANCIED THAT THIS ONE MUST HAVE GROWN TO A HORSE SINCE HE PRESENTED IT LAST YEAR.] * * * * * POEMS OF THE CRADLE. CANTO XV. Sing a song of sixpence, a pocketfull of rye, Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie. When the pie was opened the birds began to sing; Wasn't that a dainty dish to set before the king?