Home, and Beauty!"

TWOPENCE PLAIN.—A PENNY COLOURED.

MR. PUNCH, HONOURED SIR,

I have just received a copy of The Almanack, which, if I may say so, is worthy of the approach to the close of "the so-called Nineteenth Century." Not to go further into particulars, I should say that "A Doll's Diary" will be hard to beat in contemporary Christmas literature.

It was, Sir, not with the intention of making this obvious remark that I break in upon your reflections. My purpose was moved by discovering on the front corner of this work of Literature and Art the legend, "Price 6d.; Inland postage, 2d." Looking at the postal cover which lightly bore the treasure o'er land and sea to this ancient town, I discovered, that coming under the "foreign postage rate," 1½d. had served the turn. Whence it appears, that had I, as usual at this season of the year, been at my country address, to be found in Dod, the Almanack would have cost me, or someone else (it is beside the argument), 2d. Whereas, being hundreds of miles away from the placid pastures that surround The Kennel, Berks, the postage is 25 per cent. less in amount. In one case, where the larger sum and the less amount of labour were concerned, the English Post-Office, taking all the money, charge 2d.; in the other, calling in the assistance of Belgium and Germany, and of course sharing with them the plunder, 1½d. is held to be the fair recompense for the immensely extended labour. Isn't this something in the way of reversal of the ordinary trade axiom, as who should say "Twopence Plain; a Penny, Coloured"?

In its immediate application it is a small thing. People privileged to receive Punch's Almanack through the post will not quibble over a half-penny. But it is evident that a system which embodies an arrangement that needs only to be stated to have its absurdity demonstrated, wants looking after.

I beg to give my friend, the new Postmaster-General, notice that, as soon as the House meets, I shall put a question on the subject. In the meanwhile, and always I am, honoured Sir, your obliged and obedient servant,

TOBY, M.P.

Kaiserbad, Aachen, Monday.