*.. _ A chapter on the proper mode of carrying sticks and umbrellas would afford most persons material for profitable reflection. We have not space for such a chapter, but shall merely notice, with regard to the matter, a few instructive, but easily forgotten, hints of daily experience. The point, whether of stick or umbrella, figures prominently in the small accidents of every thoroughfare. It is carried or suddenly jerked behind one under an arm, and often painfully near to the persons of passers-by. It is needlessly thrust in front by the arm of a rapid walker, or anon describes a circle, with some careless hand for tho centre. It travels swiftly lib railway stations, performing an aggressive zigzag movement among the crowd of passenger*. It forma the centre of the spread umbrella suddenly opened in the teetli of a stormy wind, and in tho face of wayfarors. Its uncertain level threatens by turns a shin, a back, or a

child's mouth or eye, or the solid frout of portly citizen. "Beg pardon" readily follows if it strikes a mark, but a missing tooth is not so soon restored or a bruiso reduced. In such matters nobody or regulations can give security, but self interest alone might, teach tho careless the duty of watching aiid guiding aright this apparently insignificant but seriously offensive point.—Lancet.
A ROMANCE OF THE OPERA.
