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AN ACORN NOW AND THEN. BY JOHN COLLINS. Smith talks with ease on what you please, And argues with a vim; And as for wit, he will admit Few lawyers equal him. Yet very rare the cases where The court sustains his view; His Honor looks up law in hooks, Which Smith ne'er has to do. once lu- struck a streak of luck; The Court was on his side. And then he spoke, half in a joke, But with a touch of pride: "Tho' in my mind the Court's inclined To take me for a dunce, I'm glad that he has wit to see That I am right for once." "Yes," said the Court, with quick retort, "Chance often favors men; The sow that's blind is sure to find An acorn now and then."

THE LAW AS TO THE BOYCOTT. BY BRUCE WYMAN. ABOUT the year 1880, one Captain Boy cott was a farmer of Lough Mark in the district of Connemara. This Boycott was also agent of the principal landlord. Lord Earne; and in his capacity as agent in that year had served notice upon several of the tenants. The result is a matter of history. The popu lation of the region for miles around resolved to have nothing to do with him, and, as far as they could prevent it, not to allow anyone else to have anything to do with him. His laborers fled from him, and none would come

in their places. No one would supply him with food; he was cut off from every near base of supplies. No one vould speak with him, he was excommunicated from all inter course with his fellows. Then at last came laborers, and merchants, and friends from L'lster to his rescue. A small civil war was impending; but the Government sent a force of soldiers to Lough Mark, and under their protection the Boycotts returned to their po sition as citizens in a civilized community. Thus the episode closed.