this country. "There is," as the immortal bard beautifully expresses it,
"a reason in roasting eggs;" and if there is a _rationale_ of
eating, why should there not be a system of drinking? The red wines
should _always_ precede the white, except in the case of a French
dinner, when the oysters should have a libation of Chablis, or Sauterne.
I do not approve of white Hermitage with oysters. The Burgundies should
follow--the purple Chambertin or odorous Romanee. A single glass of
Champagne or Hock, or any other white wine, may then intervene between
the Cote Rotie and Hermitage; and last, not least in our dear love,
should come the cool and sweet-scented Claret. With the creams and the
ices should come the Malaga, Rivesaltes, or Grenache; nor with these
will Sherry or Madeira harmonize ill. Last of all, should Champagne boil
up in argent foam, and be sanctified by an offering of Tokay, poured
from a glass so small, that you might fancy it formed of diamond.

_Literary Pocket-Book._

* * * * *


STRATFORD-ON-AVON.

I was detained at Stratford nearly two hours, and endeavoured to see
whatever I could, in so short a time, relative to Shakspeare. The clean,
quiet, _uncommercial_ appearance of the town pleased me; but I was
interested beyond expression on seeing the great poet's house. When I
entered the untenanted room where he first drew the breath of this
world, I took off my hat with, I hope, an unaffected sentiment of
homage. The walls and ceiling of this chamber are covered with names and
votive inscriptions, among which I saw the signatures of Sir Walter