for thirteen, or were getting six oysters and a half--the half be
demm'd--for sixpence. Long time is it since we paid 1s. 3d. for Real
Royal Natives. They may have left Whitstable at that price, but they
never came to our Wits' Table at anything like that figure. Still,
to the truly Christian mind it is pleasant, if not consoling, to know
that some of our fellow-creatures, not generally so well-favoured
as ourselves, should have been able to take advantage of the most
favoured Native clause in the Oyster Season of 1889.

*** By the way, in answer to a Correspondent, who signs himself "AN
ARTFUL DREDGER, WHO WISHES TO LIVE OUT OF TOWN," we beg to inform him
that "Beds" is _not_ a county specially celebrated for oysters.

* * * * *

BREAKING A _RECORD_ ON A WHEEL!

Break, break, break!
On thy "Safety" swift, oh, "crack!"
And I would that my tongue could utter
My thoughts on the cyclist's track.

Oh, well for MECREDY, the "bhoy,"
That "records" for him won't stay;
And well for OSMOND and WOOD
That they break them every day.

And the "Safeties" still improve,
And their riders develope more skill;
And it's oh! for the records of yesterday!