Mr. John Langdon Heaton, who writes good poetry (and bad), suggests that the use of the fig leaf in these notes is “indelicate.” * * * * * Backed by the sanity of keen observation and good sense, the stories of “Octave Thanet” come out of the West like young Lochinvar. Recently from Miss French came a note of commendation enclosing the first stanza of a Philistine Hymn. Hearing that great things are in the air, I hasten to print these lines lest they be grabbed by greedy publishers: I’m glad I am a Philistine, I wouldn’t be no other, For half the Art that poses now Is nerves and mud and Bother! I like a clean and decent tale About a friend and brother. Neurotic dames and wandering flames If I can skip, I ’druther. I’m glad, etc., etc. * * * * * The esteemed _Whims_ of New York begins a new series. It will be followed rapidly by _Jims_, _Skims_, _Limbs_ and _Pims_. We already have had _Chips_, _Dips_, _Skips_ and _Pips_. I learn that Grandmother _Chip-Munk_ is exceedingly proud of her interesting brood and is still laying eggs. * * * * * And the flood continues. I wonder what the definite aim of all the periodicals may be? At any rate I wish them all success, and hope they may “try to do which,” as the French say, “is that which it is that which it is what.” High aims are good things, we are told, and doubtless, like the mariners, we should steer our courses by the stars. Still there is good game which lies close to the earth if we knew how to hunt for it—and there’s the fun of hunting anyway, game or not. * * * * * Colonel Frank L. Stanton, able poet, of Atlanta, Georgia, is whirling his wheels too rapidly. Seventeen yards of poetry a day, seven days in the week, is too much for all concerned. The Colonel started with foam, and already is running to emptyings, namely: Sleep, my little curl-head, sleep! Here beside your nest I keep. Mother’s hung your Christmas stocking, Mother’s hand your cradle’s rocking— Sleep, my little curl-head, sleep! The office boy can rhyme you in that style till the cows come home. Little Journeys SERIES FOR 1896 Little Journeys to the Homes of American Authors. The papers below specified were, with the exception of that contributed by the editor, Mr. Hubbard, originally issued by the late G. P. Putnam, in 1853, in a book entitled _Homes of American Authors_. It is now nearly half a century since this series (which won for itself at the time a very noteworthy prestige) was brought before the public; and the present publishers feel that no apology is needed in presenting to a new generation of American readers papers of such distinctive biographical interest and literary value.