According to Mr. F. Hopkinson Smith, who parts his name in the middle and therefore ought to know, “Abbey in his art really has done what Wagner has done in music, Tennyson and the poets in verse.” He says so in the current _Scribner’s_. Tennyson “and” the poets is so kind—with accent on the “so.” The author of “Locksley Hall” ought to come back to Lily Dale or somewhere and thank Mr. Hopsmith. * * * * * The style of whiskers formerly called “Dundreary,” is now known as “The Wind in the Clearing.” * * * * * I have received from the Department of Agriculture an envelope labelled “Official Business—Penalty for Private Use $300.” Stamped across the face in red ink is the autograph of Hon. D. N. Lockwood. Inside this envelope was one still smaller which bore this inscription: +----------------------------------------+ | U. S. Department of Agriculture. | | | | FORGET-ME-NOT. | | | | Blue. | | | | A half-hardy perennial. It prefers | | a moist situation, is easily grown and | | blooms early. | +----------------------------------------+ If I remember correctly Mr. Lockwood Ran for something during last fall’s campaign. I wonder what he is going to Run for next that he wishes to be remembered. * * * * * New York rejoices in the possession of a magazine for rich people. It is called _Form_, and it tells all about the first families—Knickerbockers and others—and what they do to be decent. I understand it proposes to offer prizes after the manner of Judge Tourgee’s _Basis_ for the cleverest paraphrase of the second verse in Genesis. The historian of creation declares that on the first day “the earth was without _Form_, and void.” It’s a great “ad.” * * * * * In Praising poetry of William Morris And Stephen Crane Were you poking fun? I hope ’twas so: For You must perceive That those slashed and mangled lines Do no more resemblance bear To true poetry Than hacked and shattered corpse On battle field Bears To a perfect man, Whose form divinely fair Fitly enfolds feelings consummate Against such lines— And in fact ’gainst all your verse, I do Protest. NELSON AYRES. NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 15, ’95. * * * * * [Illustration] At the Publishers’ Convention recently held in San Francisco the delegates were treated to a steamboat ride down the bay where a picnic was held. Police were on hand to see that the delegates did not all rush down a steep place into the sea and perish in the waters.