Varnum S. Mills, of this city, tells a story illustrative of the simplicity of Virginia niggers. He was visiting a friend in the Old Dominion, who owns many slaves, among whom were two, named Sambo and Cuffee, who seemed to be mortal enemies. Sambo was a favourite with the master, who one day said to him: "Sambo, you have always been a good nigger, and when you die you shall have a funeral. My family will all attend, and all the niggers shall be present, and Cuffee shall be a pall-bearer." The darkey looked his master in the face with the simplicity of a soft clam when dug out of the mud at low tide, and indignantly responded: "Massa, if Cuffee comes to de funeril, I won't go to the grabe." It apparently did not occur to Sambo that he should be "conveyed" thither. AN ODE ON GAS.--147. A country town having been recently lighted with gas, the local editor electrifies the community with an ode: "Luminous blaze! I never seen the like in all my born days! Tallow candles ain't no mor'n tar When you're about; And spirit lamps is no whar, Bein clean dun out. "Sparkling lite! I think I never seen anything half so brite; Everything is amazing clear; The hidjus glume Is defunct; and every cheer Is apparient in the rume! "Gloryous halo! Your skintelashuns make a surprising display; You don't need no snuffers, But you are just scrude out; When you are squenched by puffers, Ojus fumes aryse. "Brillyant flame! The nites was next to darkness when you came; But candles has vanisht Before you, and lard oil gone to grass; Every greasy nuisance has been banisht-- Hurraw for Gass!" CURIOSITIES OF AMERICAN SPEECH.--148.