THE GATHERER

"I am but a _Gatherer_ and disposer of other men's stuff."--_Wotton_.


The projector of one of the new canals, accompanied by two or three
friends, was superintending the operations of the workmen, and frequently
lamented the loss which the speculation was likely to occasion to him. He
was mounted on horseback at the time, when the animal, suddenly becoming
unruly, plunged, and threw his rider into the water. Being quickly rescued
from his disagreeable situation, and safely landed on the bank, one of his
companions begged to congratulate him on the happy change that had taken
place in his fortune, "for have I not often told you (said the wit) that
the canal would one day _fill your pockets_?"

* * * * *

A cube of gold, of little more than five inches on each side, contains the
value of 10,000_l_. sterling.

* * * * *

"There is a rich rector in Worcestershire," said one of the colonel's
guests, "whose name I cannot now recollect, but who has not preached for
the last twelve months, as he every Sunday requests one of the
neighbouring clergy to officiate for him."--"Oh!" replied Colonel Landleg,
"though you cannot recollect his name, I can; it is England--_England