_Constant Reader_.--What is the meaning of the word "Herc"?

_Answer_.--It is the popular name of one of our Assurance Companies,
only known to its intimate friends. The other name is the "_Hercules_."

_Erie_.--You have been misinformed. Mr. FISK neither appeared as an
Admiral, nor as one of the "Twelve Temptations," at the Reception of the
Ninth Regiment.

_Inquirer_.--The free translation of the legend, "_Ratione aut vi_," on
the Ninth Regiment Badge, is "Strong in rations."

_Wall Street_ asks, "Who are interested in PUNCHINELLO?" Though the
question is not very business-like, we reply, "Every one;" and we are
receiving fresh acquisitions daily.

_Bergh_.--Was the English nightingale ever introduced into this country?

_Answer_.--We cannot say. You had better go to FLORENCE for information
on the subject.

_R.G. White_.--It was a happy thought of yours to apply to PUNCHINELLO
for information regarding Shaksperean readings. To your first question,
"Was SHAKSPEARE'S RICHARD III a gourmand?" we reply: undoubtedly he
was. By adopting what is obviously the correct reading of the
passage--"Shadows to-night," etc., it will be seen that "DICKON" was
occasionally a sufferer from heavy suppers:

----"Shad-roes to-night
Have struck more terror to the soul of RICHARD."