And now old Time is fast a-flying, so one must think of taking leave; but I cannot, without great discourtesy, omit a mention of one of the most important characters on the establishment. This is “Toby,” a tiny white bantam cock with a beautiful rose-coloured comb. Throughout the morning he has carefully followed his master’s footsteps, seemingly under the idea that his protection was necessary from the evil designs of journalists and photographers. Too near an approach to the beloved governor was at once resented, while when a halt was called for descriptive purposes, he would stand patiently by with head on one side, crooning his satisfaction with the explanation, and anon darting a sharp look at the man with the note-book as though he would say, “Now, have you got that down?” So satisfied with our attention is he that at his master’s desire he proceeds to show us a small specimen of his talents. Standing on the ground, with Hammond’s hands linked together before him, a short run is taken and the hands are neatly jumped five or six times in succession. Other tricks were to follow, but unfortunately Toby’s father just then appeared from behind a coop, followed by a numerous harem. Something cynical with regard to frivolous amusements was evidently said by the newcomers, for without the slightest warning Toby at once proceeded to assault the man with the camera, and, as the bird must weigh a pound and a half, whereas the artist is not more than thirteen stone, we deemed it prudent to say good-bye, and beat a hasty retreat, followed by triumphant crowing from Toby and his sire, who, by the by, gives himself airs on the strength of being a prize-winner at one of the great Norwich shows. HOUSEHOLD HINTS. THE oven door of a kitchen range should be left open at night to air the oven, unless a cat is left in the kitchen. Cats sometimes get into the oven for warmth if it is left open, and that is not advisable. CARE should be taken when giving fruit to children to remove any pips or core, which might prove dangerous if swallowed. THE hall door of a house should now and then be set wide open to air the passages thoroughly, someone being at hand to see that no one enters unbidden. A TABLESPOONFUL of washing-powder in the hot water in which china and silver are washed is of great value; but the water should be very hot. IN arranging a new house, it is rather a good plan to have distinctive names for the bedrooms, and it is a pretty idea to name them after jewels or flowers, and have the rooms decorated with colours and designs to match, so that there might be the Emerald, Ruby, Turquoise, and Amber rooms, or the Forget-me-not, Rose, and Primrose rooms. The hand-candlesticks, match-box cases, and hot-water cans should be painted to suit each room.