The Masher

"Is he a rare bird?" 'He is thafc. The species v g 0 e so plenty that every city had them by the scove, but of late yejs the FooiKiller has gots in his wark sa well that only abOEt a dozen Mp.síirscan now be found in the whole TJaited States " "113 haa a sweet look." "Certainly ; he has stood before the glass for hours to practico on that look. When he parts his hair in the centre, waxes his little monstache and takes' his dear little cane in hand for a walk on the street, he calculates that sweet ook will knock down every second ady he meets." "His pluaaage is vry fine."' "Oh! yes. The masher always gets he best because he beats his tailor and eaves his wash-woman to singior her money." "Is he a valuable bird?" "Ilis carcasa is valued at from Lwo to five cents per pound, accordiag to, the prico of soap." "Then the species will soon become extinct?" "Yes; in a few short years the Mashr will be kno wn on the earth no more. 'he Instituto and tvvo or three medici colleges will have specimens preserved in Alcohol and Skeletons on exhibition, and old gray-headed men will have a dim recollection of having once seen the animáis promenading the earth." "Is your cough any easier?" asked one of poor Hood's acquaintances, oa calling to see how he was. "It shoald be," said the wit, from his pillow; "l have been practicing all night."