An American resident in London bargained for a house, and the lease had to be transferred. Now in any country where a common school exists almost anybody can assign a lease, but not so here. A solicitor had to be employed, and afterward a contract long enough to cover a sheet of legal paper had to be drawn up. It was a very plain matter--forty words would have been sufficient. But a solicitor must be employed nevertheless. How much do you suppose it cost Mr. Foote to have this trifle of work done? As a matter of instruction to the American people and for the benefit of American lawyers, who are too modest in their charges, and I am now convinced that the majority of them are, I make a partial copy of the solicitor's bill, as it is a more interesting document than anything that I can write. Here it is: [Sidenote: THE SOLICITOR'S BILL.] W. M. FOOTE, ESQ., _To_ BLANK, BLANK, SOLICITOR. _Re_ STAR OF THE WEST. PRIOR TO YOURSELF. Clerk attending at Messrs. Ingram's (Vendor's Solicitors), for £. s. p. draft proposed contract 6 8 Procuring and considering and found same objectionable 6 8 Instructions for contract 6 8 Drawing same, folios twenty 1 11 1 Engrossing in two parts 1 3 Writing Messrs. Ingram with one part 3 6 Writing Mr. Challer for schedule of fixtures to answer to contract 3 6 Same as to appointment for Monday 3 6 Drawing telegram and attending to forward and paid 7 8 Attending you, and then at Messrs. Ingram, engaged a considerable time going through deed and documents, etc., and settling contracts and signing 3 0 Writing your hereon, fully 6 8 Instructions for registration on title 6 8 Drawing same 12 0 Engrossing 4 0 Attending to deliver 6 8 Replying to your letter 3 6 Attending appointing conference 6 8 Engrossing papers, leases and covenants 1 10 0 Attending Dr. Thomson therewith 6 8 Fee to him and clerk 1 3 6 Paid conference fee 1 6 0 Attending conference and cab hire 13 4 Perusing his opinion 1 0 0 Writing you with copy Dr.