expedition, of this mode of conveyance; but the strongest evidence of public opinion on this subject is the fact, that twice as many persons go by the railway, as were formerly carried in coaches running on the roads between the two places—­and yet, although the expense of travelling is reduced one-half, and the works of the railway cost more than 800,000_l_., the proprietors are in the receipt of a dividend of 9_l_. for a year on their 100_l_. shares!  Enough has been ascertained of the traffic in the districts through which the London and Birmingham Railway will pass, to remove all doubt as to an ample return for the necessary outlay.—­Metropolitan.

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THE GATHERER.

A Dancing Archbishop.—­Dr. King, Archbishop of Dublin, having invited several persons of distinction to dine with him, had, amongst a great variety of dishes, a fine leg of mutton and caper sauce; but the doctor, who was not fond of butter, and remarkable for preferring a trencher to a plate, had some of the abovementioned pickle introduced dry for his use; which, as he was mincing, he called aloud to the company to observe him; “I here present you, my lords and gentlemen,” said he, “with a sight that may henceforward serve you to talk of as something curious, namely, that you saw an Archbishop of Dublin, at fourscore and seven years of age, cut capers upon a trencher.”

T.H.

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Singular Parish.—­In the parish of East Twyford, near Harrow, in the county of Middlesex, there is only one house, and the farmer who occupies it is perpetual churchwarden of a church which has no incumbent, and in which no duty is performed.  The parish has been in this state ever since the time of Queen Elizabeth.

H.S.S.

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Scandal.—­It is as well not to trust to one’s gratitude after dinner.  I have heard many a host libelled by his guests, with his Burgundy yet reeking on their rascally lips.—­Lord Byron.

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A lady with a well plumed head dress, being in deep conversation with a naval officer, one of the company said, “it was strange to see so fine a woman tar’d and feathered.”

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A Scolding Wife.—­Dr. Casin having heard the famous Thomas Fuller repeat some verses on a scolding wife, was so delighted with them, as to request a copy.  “There is no necessity for that,” said Fuller, “as you have got the original.”

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