Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering, Architecture, Exhibitions, Government, Patronage, Zoological Gardens, Ornithology, Cruelty, Crime, Providence, Environmentalism, Agriculture

    Noting the prevalence of engineering work being undertaken for the London, Dover, and Chatham Railway, laments the fact that the railway will block the view of St Paul's Cathedral and ironically suggests that 'in these days' such ancient buildings should not stand in the way of railway projects. Later reports on Acton S Ayrton's 'profane proposition to put an end to the Commissioners of the 1851 Exhibition'. Goes on to note Ayrton's attack on the International Exhibition and its commissioners. Notes the position taken by Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) on the exhibition and on fortifications. Later notices the House of Commons debate on Henry Paull's bill to prevent the murder of 'small birds'. Punch wholeheartedly supports the bill, believing that 'Nothing but the law, and a good kick' can persuade the bird killers 'that Providence did not send birds to do no good'. (22) The illustration (23) shows a disgruntled farmer standing in a field infested by giant insects. The caption reveals that this is the 'Splendid crop after a course of poisoned wheat'.