In an interesting description (that appeared in the _Times_ for
Saturday, February 27) of the working of the "Jacquard Card-Preparing
Machine," which is, it appears, "a machine for superseding the human
brain, eye, and hand"--(so that soon all who can afford it will be
fitted up with these machines, and keep their brains, eyes, and hands
in reserve for very special occasions)--it was stated that "the blank
cards are automatically fed to the punches." That punches should be
spelt without the capital P is of course a Printer's error, deserving
capital punishment. _Mr. P._ thinks it right to state in answer to
numerous inquiries, that all his _Punches_ speak by the card. But
as to even the smallest of the _Punch_ family being "fed" on cards,
or getting his or her living by cards, the statement is utterly at
variance with the facts. _Mr. P._ is quite sure that the "Jacquard
Automatic Reading and Punching Syndicate" will at once retract
the injurious statement, or the youthful, vigorous and pugnacious
_Punches_ will be inquiring of _Mr. P._, as _Sam Weller_ did of _Mr.
Pickwick_ when that gentleman's great name was apparently taken in
vain, "Ain't nobody to be whopped for takin' this here liberty?" that
is, adapting the question to the present occasion, "Ain't nobody's
head to be Punch'd for this mis-use of an ancient and honourable
name?"
* * * * *
THE NAIL-MAKERS' STRIKE.--They refuse to work unless higher wages are
paid "down on the nail."
* * * * *
[Illustration: A "HUNTING FIXTURE."