THE CONSCRIPTION IN FRANCE.
[To TIM EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—While strolling this afternoon along the remains of the Via Aurelia, which is still known as " Camin Aurelion," where it passes through the woodland territory of St. Raphael, we encountered three rustics,—the two younger were return- ing from the ceremony of drawing lots for military service They wore, conspicuously pinned to their coats, what at a little distance looked like court-cards representing king, queen, and knave all in one. Addressing them, I expressed the hope that they had drawn lucky numbers. "There are no lucky numbers now ; we have all to go," was the upshot of their reply. On nearer inspection I found the bright coloured design to include the French tricolour flag in one top corner, the Russian double-headed black eagle in the other. In the lower corners were French and Russian soldiers in fraternal attitudes. Thinking it well that England should be included in this friendly alliance, and finding these young natives of Provence as friendly and polite as usual, I could not resist providing them with the means of drinking to the health of the Queen of England, which they were not reluctant to accept.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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