"Romping."
astronomers have reaped through the dead James Nasmyth, and the living Sir Henry Bessemer, having used their leisure hours in the construction of telescopes. Nasmyth invented one which was far in advance of anything previously produced, and Sir Henry Bessemer is perfecting one which is to eclipse everything yet invented. But there is also another phase to be noticed in "Celebrities at Play," and that is the case of those who adopt some recreative employment or study which, while entirely distinct from their ordinary avocation, nevertheless becomes of utility. For this reason, apparently, Mr. Blackmore, the novelist, and author of "Lorna Doone," who is not only a novelist, but a barrister, has adopted market-gardening and fruit-growing as the occupation of his leisure hours. He is to be met with several times a week with his wagon-load of market produce en route for Covent Garden, where, as an enthusiastic amateur, he is scarcely distinguishable from the crowd of country professionals. His gardens and farm are at Teddington, and he is a well-known character there. Something akin to this picture of a favourite author amusing himself with growing cabbages and apples is that of our Poet Laureate in the milk trade. In his "Northern Farmer" and other of his poems, he displays a very acute knowledge of agricultural matters, but not many would have suspected him of being a dairy farmer in real earnest. This, however, is a fact, and on the west side of the Isle of Wight, where he passes most of his time, milk-carts are to be constantly met bearing the name and title, "Alfred, Lord Tennyson." Some of our ladies, too, show a practical turn of mind. Not only do they go in for gardening, but they are starting an association in London, with a depot in Lower Sloane-street. Employment will be found for needy ladies in taking charge of conservatories, window boxes, balconies, and small gardens. Here we have an illustration of the recreation of the rich providing charitable assistance for the needy.
"At Hatfield."
Harking back for a moment to "play" as confined to games, one remembers that Dr. Forbes Winslow has a real enthusiasm for lawn-tennis, Major Marindin is devoted to football, and that the amateur tennis championship is held by a knight—Sir E. Gray; while Lord Harris's fame as a cricketer is world-wide. It may, however, not be so well known that Lady Harris also shares her husband's love of the national game—even to the extent of playing it in the tropics. Only a few weeks ago at the hill station of Mahabuleshwar—the seat of the Bom-
