We regret to state, that in consequence of a late discovery by one
BÉCHAMP, of living things in chalk (he has actually seen 'em wriggle!)
we are no longer at liberty to say, "As different as Chalk and Cheese."
The difference is gone! If it is not, we would ask, where is it?
It is true, chalk is not in so general use, as an article of diet, as
cheese, except in boarding-schools; but the difference is plainly one of
degree rather than of kind. We have heard of "prepared chalk." It has
been whispered that gentle spinsters use it for a beautifyer. We rather
incline to the belief that it is prepared for the inside rather than the
outside of humanity.
At any rate, the two articles now agree in their most prominent
characteristics--which they did not, till M. BÉCHAMP looked into the
matter with his microscope.
'Tis thus, alas! our cherished similes are going. One by one are they
Bé-champ-ed (or chawed up) by the voracious creatures who hunger and
thirst after novelty. Why, we expect to be told, ere long,--and have it
proved to us,--that the Moon after all is actually and truly made of
Green Cheese. And there will go another fond comparison! Nay,
more;--perhaps Cheese itself is but Chalk, in its incipient stages of
development,--with the tenantry already secured, however, that make it
so lively inside.--_Si sic Omnes_.
* * * * *
To Our Youthful Friends.
We wish to do all in our power to keep the world cheerful. If there is a
youth of our acquaintance who despairs of ever raising a fine moustache,
we would remind him of that comforting apothegm of the Spanish: "Un
cabello haze sombra"--"The least hair makes a shadow." Courage, lad! and
do not cast that shadow from thy lip. If there is a single hair already
there, it is a manly and noble thing!
* * * * *
"Done Brown."
"TOM BROWN" is not looked upon as a sheepish person, and yet, the
English of his name is ewes ('ughes).
* * * * *
[Illustration: REAL HARDSHIP.
"HERE'S A GO!--STRASBOURG IN RUINS--TRADE DESTROYED--O DEAR! DEAR!
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO FOR OUR PATTY DEE FOY GRASS NOW!"]
* * * * *