Mr. Warner once wrote a particularly good article wherein he says, “What is wanted in this era of literature, is not writers but discriminating readers.” Mr. Warner wrote a long preachment in order to make the matter plain. Now if I were at all given to sarkastical remarks I might say something just here. As it is I’ll only hint that no one wishes Mr. Warner to cease bookmaking and become a book buyer; but if Mr. Warner should cease to write and begin to read, why then I hope he’ll buy and read my books—no one need prove they are good, I acknowledge it myself. Catalogue on application. * * * * * After all, there surely are too many people writing. I think I will draw up a list, the first rainy day, of the fellows who I think should quit. I’ll publish the names and if the rogues don’t stop perhaps there is a way to make ’em; there used to be. * * * * * No mistake, Chimmie played a good game of ball. Then he could shout, too. I believe he is the only man who ever thoroughly rattled the Scranton pitcher. For this and other things his salary was raised; fame came to him and invitations, dainty and perfumed, fluttered his way by every mail. He was even invited to a Progressive Euchre at the Smythe’s on the Avenue. Now every one knows that Miss Mame Smythe is not only artistic but bookish, besides she elocutes beautiful. “And did you accept the invitation?” I asked Chimmie, who was telling me the tale. “Did I go? Well dats wot I did—see!” “And I suppose you had a good time?” “I didn’t say dat. Miss Mame she sent ’em in too hot. I couldn’t ezackly get on to her curves—see?” “What did she say to you?” “Well, one thing she said was, ‘Mister Fadden, which do you prefer, art or letters?’” “Yes; and what did you say?” “Wot t’ell could I say?” * * * * * Literary aspirants in want of Homeric laurel trees (_laurus nobilis_) should apply at the Philistine Nurseries, East Aurora, N. Y. * * * * * “What is your religious creed?” asked the interviewer of Miss Amy Leslie. “I believe in the Nebular Hypothesis and a Tariff for Revenue only,” was the somewhat ambiguous reply. * * * * *