English Sketches From Life 2

A scientist in Paris claims to have discovered a sugar-secreted germ which he calls a "glycobacter" and which, he says, if introduced in the colon, will destroy the old-age germ and prolong life. It is to be hoped that the glycobacter will prove practicable, but one should be cautious about monkeying with his colon, lest he come to a full stop.

Here is some descriptive evidence of personal peculiarities:

• "A fellow was arrested with short hair."
• "I saw a man digging a well with a Roman nose."
• "A house was built by a mason of brown stone."
• "Wanted—A room by two gentlemen thirty feet long and twenty feet wide."
• "A man from Africa called to pay his compliments tall and dark-complexioned."
• "I perceived that it had been scoured with half an eye."

Here is a curious evidence of philanthropy: "A wealthy gentleman will adopt a little boy with a small family."

In an account of travels we are assured that "a pearl was found by a sailor in a shell."

A store-keeper assures his customers that "the longest time and easiest terms are given by any other house in the city."