Springfield Globe Republic

READER.
Delights of American Life.

There is a host in New York who is fond of the national game of the United States—poker—and who gives little poker parties preceded by an appropriate dinner. As it happens, poker can best be played by either six or five—whence its occasional nickname, "Five-handed Whist."

The host seats his five guests about a round table. Before every man is a plate with a dozen oysters. Behind every man is an ice-packed bottle of the dry champagne he affects. The oysters are succeeded by terrapin. Then a canvas-back is put before each guest, and one or two more are held in reserve for any man with an appetite. Afterward comes a mayonnaise of celery; then the sable waiter serves a little fruit and cheese; finally, there is a cup of coffee, after which the table is cleared for action, and the search for four aces follows the tasting of terrapin and the carving of canvas-backs.

To an American of proper views nothing could be better than the entertainment here offered: terrapin, canvas-backs and poker; these are the highest of sublunary delights.—Saturday Review.