ON SALUTES-CIVIL, NOT MILITARY. MORE difficult task does not exist than running the gauntlet of an introduc- When a king is to be crowned, or condescends to dine with my Lord Mayor, how much ceremony is gone through at the rehearsal, never to be played when the farce is produced. Most aldermen have a greater zest for Kitchener than for Chesterfield; but we have heard a sporting publisher declare the two works might be backed at even odds (an anachronism even more odd than the fact itself), for at least six weeks previous to the civic festival. Our modern Chesterfields (not those who ensconce themselves in wrappers of that ilk, for "their name is legion,") salute with a grace we invoke the pencil to express. Ordinary people salute you simply with a nod or wink. Proud people invariably return your recognition by one of marked indifference. An intelligent person never recognises a friend whom he meets in company with a lady, unless a previous introduction to her has taken place. The man who wears a wig never raises his hat when saluting a friend: such politeness might be followed by very awkward and embarassing disclosures. CAD There are some persons who never recognise one another: each equally vain, and considering himself the superior, passes the other as though he did not, or rather, would not, see him. If an ignoramus meets you ten times within the hour, he will not fail to salute you upon each occasion. Some recognitions end drolly. Two persons meet each other, stare at each other, and smile at each other. They then bow each to the other, and seize each other by the hand; "Ah! how d'ye do?" is the simultaneous inquiry; Pretty well, thank ye," the mutual reply. Then, with widely-opened mouths, they gaze, and, begging a brace of pardons, finish in chorus with "I really thought I knew you!" In some introductions the warmth of reception differs as much as the three degrees of comparison; for, although a person may not even please at first sight, Persons who despise one another, salute with mock respect; persons who fear one another, with mock affection. Rivals salute by knitting brows and biting lips; creditors with embarassment; debtors with indifference. Friendship proffers the hand; love watches the expression, the index to the heart. THE BALLET. The figure to the left is the chrysalis state of the fairy butterfly on the right, which change is supposed to take place from the warmth of the gas-lights. The little basket contains some of the splendid ornaments of spangles, flowers, or silk stockings, &c., which she finds (finds is a good word, for how she ever buys them out of her salary, or reward of merit as it is jocosely termed, is a mystery most deep). Fame speaks most slightingly and unjustly of her in her arduous and dangerous position, but we could safely aver, that she and her sisters might be weighed in the balance and not found wanting, with any equal quantity of young ladies who have never been placed in a situation so full of temptations and privations. THE SUPERNUMERARY Is a hard-working creature during the day, employed in the docks or other large warehouses, and very frequently a |