This, as one would have supposed, not an unnatural query, produced a simultaneous stare of astonishment, mingled with contempt, from both the smokers, as much as to say, “What an ass you must be!” and Dick, slowly removing his cigar once more, and spitting out, answers, “Why, how the devil can you ask such a stupid question--what do you suppose?” _Friend._ Suppose! why hang me if I can guess. Here Tom took hold of his Havannah, and after spitting out on a lady who was passing--but this was only an accident--replied for himself and fellow puffer---- But let us pause a moment. Guess, reader, what it was. Do you give it up? Well, then, here it is, “Why, for the GAG, to be sure!” This was enough for us. Our mind was enlightened by a new idea; and leaving the gentlemen to follow their gaggery, we hurried home to dinner, a wiser if not a better man. AN OLD QUIZZER. * * * * * NOT A FABLE.--A boy three years of age was asked who made him? With his little hand and foot upon the floor, he artlessly replied--“God made me a little baby, so high, and I _grew the rest_.”--_Mirror._ * * * * * PUBLIC.--We have a reading, a talking, and a writing public. _When_ shall we have a _thinking_ public? * * * * * The mind is a field, in which, so sure as man sows not wheat, so sure will the devil be to sow tares.--_Bentham._ THE HERRING. CLUPEA HARENGUS. First Article.