Page:Once a Week Jul - Dec 1859.pdf/405

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
394
ONCE A WEEK.
November 5, 1859.

from the analogy of mountain mutton, we are inclined to believe them. At all events, like the Welsh sheep, the yak lives and thrives at altitudes and on pastures which will support nothing else but goats; and if the yak will live, and breed, and flourish out of the Himalaya, its acclimatisation in Europe will be a real blessing to all the mountain districts, and probably even to the moorlands, where larger breeds do nothing. In fact, the yak may become the poor man’s best friend, and the efforts which have been made in France ought to stimulate us, who possess far better means of obtaining them, to import a sufficient number to try a similar and simultaneous experiment in Wales, Cumberland, and Scotland. Lord Breadalbane has had a herd of American Bisons for years at Taymouth, and we believe has succeeded in crossing these wild children of the prairie with Ayrshire and other domestic races. In his kingly domain there is ample space and verge enough for this other bovine species from the heart of Asia, and the same good management would have the same good results. It is not likely that the clay land of the Regent’s Park would suit them for any lengthened period; but when the Zoological Society make their next importation of Indian pheasants, they ought to take measures for combining an arrangement for the importation of four or five pairs of yaks. Well exhibited in a large paddock, the yaks would make a far more attractive object than they have ever been in Paris, where, in the small inclosure they inhabit, it is impossible for them to display either the pace or action in which they luxuriate with M. de Morny in Auvergne, at Cantal, and at Barcelonette.

W. W. M.




“SIX OF THE ONE, AND HALF-A-DOZEN OF THE OTHER.”


Now, dearest Fred,” she softly said,
“You must abandon smoking;
It spoils your looks—and then your breath,—
Indeed it’s most provoking.
Did God decree that man should be
A chimney flue regarded?
Then, darling Fred, let it be said,
Tobacco you’ve discarded.”

Haw, well, my dear,” said Fred, “I fear
That will not be so easy;
But, like a man, I’ll try a plan,
And do the best to please ye.
Did God intend that woman’s mind
Such wond’rous things should brew, love,
As Bustles, Bloomers, Crinolines,
Or Hoops-de-dooden-do, love?

But really, if”—whif, whif, whif, whif,—
“And mind you, I’m not joking,—
If you abandon Crinoline,
By Jove! I—I’ll give up smoking.”

J. Roy.