W.V. H-RC-RT.

* * * * *

THE FÊTE OF FLORA.

[Illustration: First Prize--Love among the Roses.]

Were it not that the salutation were infelicitous, we should have
said, "Hail, all hail!" to the _Fête_ at the Botanical Gardens,
Regent's Park, last Wednesday. Besides, they have always an Aquarius
of the name of WATERER on the premises, whose Rhododendrons are
magnificent. So we didn't say "All hail!" and there was not a single
drop, of rain, or in the attendance, to damage a charming show which
has so often been spoilt by the drop too much that has floored many a
_Fête_ of Flora. Nothing could have been prettier. Flowers of speech
are inadequate to describe the scene. "Simply lovely!" is the best
epitome of praise.

* * * * *

LADY GAY'S SELECTIONS.

_The Look-out, Sheepsdoor, Kent_.

DEAR MR. PUNCH,

Ascot has been too much for me! What with the excitement of racing all
day, and bézique half the night--(another sign of the times; women no