A LIVING PAPER KNIFE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 5997, 5 February 1881, Page 7

A LIVING PAPER KNIFE.

' Ax Indian Rajah, who was pleasantly disposed toward the English, and had learned their language after a fashion, frequently visited, some years ago (so the storv runs) the Viceroy of Calcutta, and on one occasion borrowed of the latter a copy of the Edinburgh Review, which he happened to see lying on the table. When he returned the magazine, the Viceroy asked him if he had fouml anything interesting in it. "Oh, yes," he replied, "many beautiful things, but also many disconnected articles." "How so?" asked the Viceroy. 'See here," answered the Rajah, "this begins with 'Hunting the Ourang Outa'icr,' does it not ? And now turn over the page, ami here you have the ' History of Mary Stuart'." The Viceroy laughed. He perceived that the Rajah hail attempted to read the book without euttiii" the leaves. He accordingly took from liis table a beautiful, ivory paper-cutter, explained its use to his visitor, and made him

a present of it. The Rajah was puzzled as to how the leaves of the book could be printed before they were cut open, but this was also explained to him. About a year after this occurrence, the Viceroy saw a gay company entering the Court, and in the centre of it the Rajah seated on a young elephant. Xo sooner did he see the Viceroy than he cried, "Do you happen to have :tn uncut copy of the Edinburgh Review? If so please toss it tome." The Viceroy throw out the magazine. It was caught by the elephant, who placed it between his tusks, which had been wrought into elegant paper-cutters, even including cawed handles, and quickly cut open the leaves, after which the knowing animal passed the Review- back to tho surprised V iceroy. Tne Rajah then dismounted and said to the Viceroy, as lie pointed to the elephant, "He is yours; I return you your paper-cutter alive."—Paper World.