One of the results of the arrival of the Cuckoo is the prevalence of notices, for those that have eyes to see, drawing attention to the ineligible character of nests.  These take a variety of forms—­such as “All the discomforts of home,” “Beware of mumps,” “We have lost our worm cards,” “Serious lining-shortage”—­but the purpose of each is to discourage the Cuckoo from depositing an egg where it is not wanted.

* * * * *

From all parts of the country information reaches us as to the odd nesting-places of wrens and robins.  A curious feature is the number of cases where letter-boxes have been chosen, thus preventing the delivery of letters, and in consequence explaining why so many letters have not been answered.  Even the biggest dilatory correspondent is not ashamed to take advantage of the smallest bird.

* * * * *

The difficulty of obtaining muzzles is very general and many dog-owners have been hard put to it to comply with the regulation.  From these, however, must be excepted those who possess wire-haired terriers, from whose coats an admirable muzzle can be extracted in a few minutes.

* * * * *

The statement of a telephone operator, that “everything gives way to trunks,” is said to have caused great satisfaction in the elephant house at the Zoo.

* * * * *

PLEASE.

  Please be careful where you tread,
    The fairies are about;
  Last night, when I had gone to bed,
    I heard them creeping out. 
  And wouldn’t it be a dreadful thing
    To do a fairy harm? 
  To crush a little delicate wing
    Or bruise a tiny arm? 
  They ’re all about the place, I know,
  So do be careful where you go.

  Please be careful what you say,
    They’re often very near,
  And though they turn their heads away
    They cannot help but hear. 
  And think how terribly you would mind
    If, even for a joke,
  You said a thing that seemed unkind
    To the dear little fairy folk. 
  I’m sure they’re simply everywhere,
  So promise me that you’ll take care.

  R.F.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  Harold (after a violent display of affection)._ “’TISN’T ’COS I LOVE YOU—­IT’S ’COS YOU SMELL SO NICE.”]

* * * * *

OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.

(By Mr. Punch’s Staff of Learned Clerks.)

The Great Man is, I suppose, among the most difficult themes to treat convincingly in fiction.  To name but one handicap, the author has in such cases to postulate at least some degree of acquaintance on the part of the reader with his celebrated subject.  “Everyone is now familiar,” he will observe, “with the sensational triumph achieved by the work of X——­;” whereat the reader,