The common blackbeetles (_Scarabaeus niger_) which so abundantly infest
the culinary regions of Cockaigne are alleged to be agreeable, although
profuse, in flavour, provided they be delicately larded before crimping,
and then fricasseed or simply fried. Care should specially be taken not
to injure their antennae, which, when crisp with egg and breadcrumbs,
exquisitely tickle the palate of the gourmet, and provoke him to the
liveliest of gastronomic feats. There lurks in vulgar minds a savage
prejudice against these interesting insects, by reason, very likely, of
the popular impression that at times they have been manufactured into
Soy. But this may be assumed to be mere idle superstition, and Soyer,
the great _chef_, wisely set his face against it, remarking, as he did
so, "_Honi Soy qui mal y pense._"
Among the warblers which abound in the vicinity of the metropolis, one
of the most interesting is the little mudlark (_Alauda Greenwichiensis_)
whose plaintive cry may nightly be heard upon the shore of the river,
where these little creatures congregate in flocks, and pick up any grub
which they may chance to meet with.
Doubts have been entertained by sundry Cockney naturalists whether the
pyramids of oyster shells, which in the early part of August used to be
noticed in the streets, should be regarded as a proof of the migratory
habits of the mollusc. That the oyster is a sluggard and objects to
leave his bed seems pretty generally admitted; but that he is endowed
with the power of locomotion has, fortunately for science, been placed
beyond a doubt. Whether oysters shed their shells when they are crossed
in love is a point on which the naturalist is still somewhat in the
dark.
* * * * *
SELF-EVIDENT.--It must have been a cockney who said that St. Bees came
from St. 'Ives.
* * * * *
A DEAD LETTER.--Too often H.
* * * * *
[Illustration: "I say, Bill, 'ere comes two champion doners! Let's kid
'em 'at we're hofficers!"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: EPSOM UP TO DATE.
_'Arry._ "Ain't ye comin' to see the 'orse run for yer money?"
_Cholley._ "Not me! No bloomin' fear! I'm goin' to see this cove don't
run _with_ my money!"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: ROYAL ALBERT HALL