Most interesting is a short paper on “The Green Room of the Comedie Francaise,” in the English Illustrated Magazine for this month, pleasantly written by Mr. FREDERICK HAWKINS,—­HAWKINS with an aspirate, not “’ENERY ’AWKINS” at present associated with “A CHEVALIER” in London.  Mr. HAWKINS tells many amusing anecdotes, and gives a capital sketch of M. RENE MOLE.  But the article would be damaged by extracts.  Therefore, “Tolle, lege,” says yours and everybody’s, very truly,

THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  “SAFE BIND, SAFE FIND!”

SERGENT-DE-VILLE.  “HA, M’SIEU!—­YOU HAVE YOUR DYNAMITERS UNDER LOCK
AND KEY!  TRES BIEN! KEEP THEM!!”]

* * * * *

[Illustration:  WHAT ABOUT GLASS HOUSES?

First Jovial Cabby (to Second Ditto).  “HI SAY, BILL, DID YER HEVER SEE SICH GUYS AS THESE ’ERE GIRLS MAKES OF THEIRSELVES?  NOW, YE’D NIVER SEE A MAN GO AND MAKE SUCH A RIDIK’LOUS HOBJICK OF ’ISSELF!!”]

* * * * *

A PUFF OF SMOKE.

(What the heart of the young Vocalist said to the Anti-Tobacconist, after reading Mr. Charles Santley’s sage observations on Singing and Smoking, in his new book “Student and Singer.")

    ["Smoking is an art; it may be made useful or otherwise,
    according as it is exercised.”—­Mr. SANTLEY.]

  Tell me not, ye mournful croakers,
    Smoking is a dirty habit. 
  Brainless are ye, sour non-smokers,
    As a vivisected rabbit.

  “Smoking is an Art,” says SANTLEY;
    There is Beauty in the bowl. 
  They who doubt it must be scantly
    Blest with sense, or dowered with soul.

  As an Art it claims attention;
    Study is the only way. 
  Smoking skill, not smoke-prevention,
    Is the thing we want to-day.

  Art is long and smoke is fleeting;
    But puff on until you learn
  Good tobacco’s not for eating! 
    Pipe-bowls are not meant to burn!

  Smoke without expectorating,
    Do not sputter, do not chew;
  Puff not as though emulating
    Some foul factory’s sooty flue

  Let not oily dark defilement
    Sting your lips; there is no need. 
  Joy and care need reconcilement
    For enjoyment of the weed.

  Trust no “Germans,” buy no “British,”
    Sound Havanas only smoke! 
  “Lady Nicotine” is skittish,
    Penny Pickwicks are no joke.

  Smoke no strong shag, no rank “stinger,”
    Pick your baccy, puff with skill,
  And—­although you are a singer,
    You may smoke, and not feel ill.

  Let us then be up and smoking,
    An an Art the thing pursue;
  As great SANTLEY, who’s not joking,
    Says he does, and all may do!