"This is business," quoth the Baron, "and _Peter_ who passed so much
of his life asleep seems, when not dreaming, to be uncommonly wide
awake."

A dainty book indeed for a Christmas present is _The Vision of Sir
Launfal_, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, published by GAY AND BIRD--lively
names these--but ought to have been GAY AND LARK. There is an
interesting portrait of the Author as he was in 1842.

"My 'CO.,'" quoth the Baron, "deponeth thusly, as to Calendars
generally,--not, however, including the one-eyed Kalendar of the
Arabian Nights,--that MARCUS WARD, mark us well, comes out uncommonly
strong, specially in the 'Boudoir' and also in the 'Shakspeare'
Calendar, which latter hath for every day in the year 'a motto for
every man.' Methinks this pretty well wipes off the Christmas score,
which includes New Year gifts.

"Now as to books,"--continues the Baron, "here let me say that my
favourite pocket-books, not specially for Christmas, but for all times
and seasons, are those excellent travelling companions provided by
CASSELL's _National Library_, BRADBURY AND AGNEW's _Handy Volume
Scott_ and _Shakspeare_, and ROUTLEDGE's _Pocket Library_, all really
portable, and printed in the clearest type. These be welcome presents
to 'constant readers.'" The Baron presents his "many grateful thanks,"
to quote our worthy ROBSON ROOSTUM PASHA, to a kind friend, poet,
scholar and judicious critic, who, from the North, sends the Baron a
seasonable present of a small volume of poems, published by HOLDEN, of
St. Andrew's, N.B. (Quoth Mr. WAGG, "quite a new 'un, published by a
_h_old 'un"--_passons_), entitled _The Scarlet Gown_, written by Mr.
R.F. MURRAY. His verses are in the Calverley vein, the rhyming and