trial, the Parnell Commission; here and there you have reminders of Bradlaugh’s fight to get into Parliament without taking the oath; of the days when London was agitated by the Fenian scare and valorous householders were sworn in as special constables, and again when everybody passing into the law courts had to open his bag that the policeman on duty might be assured that he was not carrying a bomb inside it.

The reading matter is particularly apt and good; not a little of it was written by barristers in the intervals of waiting for briefs, and the writers were thus intimately acquainted with the grievances they ventilated, and were often suffering the hardships of the briefless themselves when they sat down to make fun of them.

MR. PUNCH IN WIG AND GOWN

OUR LEGAL CORRESPONDENCE

Novice.—(a) Don’t, unless you want penal servitude for life. (b) Any respectable burglar. (c) We do not answer questions on chiropody in this column.

Hard Up.—Brougham on Conveyances will explain whether your contract to purchase the motor-car is binding or not.

Farmer.—It is either an “escrow” or a scarecrow; impossible to state definitely without further information.

B. and S.—There is no reduction (of the fine) in taking a quantity—generally the reverse.

Traveller.—By travelling in the manner you describe, viz., under the seat, you render yourself liable to “stoppage in transitu,” and to completing the rest of your journey on foot “in custodia legis.” The authorities on this point are very clear. See Constable’s Reports, P.C. X. Y. Z., Vol. XIV., pages 72-85.

Justice.—If the defendant lost, you, being plaintiff would win, and vice versâ. Consult a solicitor.

Student.—Can only spare space for half your questions. “Aggravated assault” explains itself, an assault which aggravates or annoys you. “Damage fesant,” a badly shot pheasant. “Simple larceny,” taking an empty purse out of a pocket in which a sovereign is lying loose. “Misdemeanour” is of course the demeanour of an unmarried woman, or in plainer language, the airs she gives herself.

“Gentlemen, I am ready to admit that his career in the past has not been free from blemish——”

A Brief Existence.—A barrister’s.

The Letter of the Law.—The “letter of the law” must be x. It expresses a quantity that is unknown.

A Law Suit.—Wig, gown, and bands.

How to make use of “the Block in the Law Courts.”—Try wigs on it.

Good Legal Securities.—De-Benchers of Lincoln’s Inn.

“WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY”——

Mr. Blazer, K.C., returns unexpectedly to his chambers in