CONTINENTAL ENGLISH.
ITo THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sni,—I have lately been favoured by several catalogues and circulars from enterprising foreign firms that Were caught my attention through the remarkable " Continental English " in which they are written. I give two specimens—one from Dutch bulb grower and one from a Paris furniture store:— '
" Dear Sir, or Madam,—We beg to inform that we have still in stock 500,000 beautiful double tulips Murillo, which we offer you in postparcels, containing 250, just enough to plant a beautiful large garden bed. Wie offer this postparcel for only 155. carriage paid to your door. Murillo is without doubt the most beautiful bedder and will enjoy you in spring. . . . Bulbs can be paid after safe receipt. We shall deem it a favour if you will make good use of this little offer. All bulbs can be plandet till Januar.—I am, dear Sir or Midas°, Your most obedient Servant.
" For a smart young lady this natural dining oak and 'amboine furniture carved in full wood will be the smartest set. The sideboard, the shepherd's food bag, the table and six chairs. . . . 6.600fr."
Can it be that the astute foreigner well knows that such gems are treasured and quoted—even collected—and that the great Paris firms employ high-salaried bi-linguists to concoct their English advertisements in the best Babooese? In my case, it has certainly preserved a number of lists from the waste-paper basket. Besides, one might suddenly want a shepherd's food bag when one had discovered what on earth it was. Perhaps
someone can tell me?—I am, Sir, &c., A COLLECTOR.
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