"passed" their swimming examination, venture to go on the "river", are
in danger of the "rod."

* * * * *

MRS. RAM was told that Mr. JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN is a giant in intellect.
She said, "I don't know much about intellect, but he must be a very
big giant to carry an orchard in his buttonhole."

* * * * *

ODONT.!

(_AN ODE TO THE MODERN FLORA._)

Oh, Flora, fair Goddess of Flowers, skies brighten, the gardens
are glowing,
And lo! 'tis the season of Flower Shows, when everything seems
"All-a-blowing!"
And what the dickens you've been up to with the dictionary, I'm
dashed if there's any possibility of knowing.

Talk about "Volapück." Why, it isn't a circumstance compared with
the floral goddess's crack-jaw.
I've been trying to read the account of a Flower Show to my wife.
Now, at patter-songs I've a slick tongue and slack jaw.
I can do "_John Wellington Wells_" pretty patly; but to read
through a horticultural article
Would give an alligator instantaneous tetanus; and of _meaning_
the words seem to have no particle.