THE HEN IfEVER. 321 



To- this repast, -with thankful hearts, a company of five- 

 and-twenty sat down, and, as nearly as my recollection now 

 serves me, the friends did ample justice to my Shanghae 

 dinner. After two 'hours over the varied dishes (varied in 

 size and style of cooking only), the cloth was removed, and 

 the intellectual treat commenced with a song, written "ex- 

 pressly for this occasion," by the Young 'Un, which was 

 delivered with admirable effect by "one who had been 

 there," and in the chorus of which the guests unitedly 

 joined, with surprising harmony and unison. The follow- 

 ing toasts were then submitted : 



By the Man in the Black Coat. — The Memory of the 

 defunct Booster we have this day devoured : Peace to his 

 manes ! (Drank standing, in silence.) 



By a Successful Breeder. — The health, long life, and 

 prosperity, of our absent cash customers,- — -at home and 

 abroad. 



By an Amateur. — Honor to the discoverer of the exact 

 difference between a "Shanghae" and a "Cochin-China" 

 fowl, if he shall ever turn up ! 



By the "■Confidence" Man. — The Continuity of the 

 beautifully-elongated Chinese fowls : May their shadows 

 never be less ! 



By a Victim. — The Bother' em Wot-yer-call-'ems : 

 Dammum ! (Nine cheers for Doctors Bennett and Mi- 

 ner.) 



