[Captain H. R. HOWARD, who was reputed to have been JOHN
LEECH'S "only pupil," and who, in the Fifties and Sixties,
contributed many pictorial drolleries (mostly signed with a trident) to
_Mr. Punch's_ pages, died on Aug. 31 last, in his 81st year.]
Friend of old days, when LEECH'S pencil charmed
Each heart that grace allured and humour warmed,
How fast the years have fled
Since that irreparable loss! And how
It stirs old memories to learn that now
His pupil, too, lies dead!
A lesser light, but linked with the great time,
Three decades since, when in his glorious prime
LEECH left us, in full fame.
And _Punch_, who makes old friends his constant care,
Upon his page of honour space must spare
For humorous HOWARD'S name.
* * * * *
"OH! THE DAYS OF THE (SOUTH) KERRY DANCING."--The latest
figure introduced into that diverting _danse excentrique_, the
Hibernian Can-Can, is known as "the Irish 'split.'"
* * * * *
"THE PILLER OF THE HOUSE."--The family doctor.
* * * * *