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And luck to the yacht so gallantly mann'd!
And luck to the hands she's with!

And health to the chief of her little band-
The valiant Commodore Smith!

And a health to all the Club can own

To vanquished as victor knight-
Whom honour and heartiness prompt alone
To join in the friendly fight!

LITERATURE.

SUPPLEMENT TO THE STEEPLE-CHASE CALENDAR; containing the Sport in Great Britain, Ireland, and France, from January, 1845, to the close of the Season, 1846; the whole properly arranged, with Copious Index, List of Winning Horses, &c., &c. By Henry Corbet. London: Henry Wright, 51, Haymarket.

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Of the merits and demerits of steeple-chasing we will not now stop to inquire into, whether it be a "barbarous practice, "excessive cruelty to a poor dumb animal," or, on the other hand, if it be an "exhilarating sport," or a "healthy pastime." Sufficient be it in these presents to treat of the contents of the compendium now before us. For years it had been a matter of serious complaint, that the particular sport of steeple-chasing should be without its own peculiar organ of reference, and manifold were the instances of inconvenience arising from the non-existence of a work bearing the same affinity to steeplechasing as the Racing Calendar to the Turf, or the Yachtsman's Manual to the aquatic world. To fill up this long void to the perfect satisfaction of the patrons of steeple-chasing was the accomplishment of the editor of the present work. A capital "start" was effected in the début of the Steeple-Chace Calendar; and indeed it has "run on" so dexterously, that its numerous backers require to " book" a second performance, which is accordingly now given in a "two-yearold form." We may observe en passant that the rules and regulations contained in the Steeple-Chace Calendar have been stamped with the hearty approval of "the powers that be." The last meeting at Windsor may be instanced: the stewards there and then having decided an objection to the winner of the Grand Handicap, by one of the rules laid down in the Calendar. The supplement faithfully chronicles the whole of the sport which has transpired since the publication of the first volume, together with an index in full, and a complete list of the winning horses, the whole being exceedingly well compiled by Mr. Henry Corbet, a gentleman whose contributions to the pages of our magazine entitle him to rank as a sporting writer; moreover, we may aver he is to the matter born, springing as he does from a sporting stock. On turning over the pages of the Racing Calendar we at once perceive that "his sire won that" and something more. Altogether we have no hesitation in declaring that the part performed by the editor could not have been undertaken by any one more competent, or by him who would enter into

his subject more con amore. For this brochure we may confidently augur an extensive sale: its general merits render it indispensable to the library of the gentleman sportsman; whilst to stewards of meetings, and to all those in any way interested in the sport of steeple-chasing, it will be found an invaluable vade mecum.

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS.

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The help of mine own eyes."

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.

Many and varied, of late, have been the transitions in the dramatic world. With many the period just elapsed has dawned upon the opening of their campaign; with others it has set upon their theatric course. The Brussels Operatic Company have commenced a brief season at one of the patent houses; whilst at the other Monsieur Jullien has just brought his musical displays to a termination. In treating of the movements of the disciples of Apollo, we must not altogether neglect the changes incidental to the Terpsichorean monde. In its gayest regions there has been exhibited an exuberance of gladness in welcoming the advent of Taglioni. Her sister in the choregraphic art, Carlotta Grisi, being, according to Mr. Bunn's managerial edict," the most eminent living danseuse, we would fain be enlightened touching the euphonious appellation by which to glorify the re-appearance of a spirit of air so renowned as Taglioni!

The ITALIAN OPERA has been more productive in matters appertaining to ballet than in doings musical. Amongst the latter we have been treated to "I Puritani," which has been beautifully rendered by the several artistes engaged in its performance. The most astonishing part of the exhibition has been the appearance of Perrot in this opera, warbling in his loveliest voice, and with admirable expression." We give this lyrical morceau, on the authority of a weekly journal devoted to the fine arts, the conductor of which prides himself upon being "nothing if not critical." Let us not dwell upon a subject involving so much astonishment; but direct our theme to saltatory events. "Le Jugement de Paris," the title of the latest divertissement, is a most exquisite vehicle for the aërial boundings of those delectable sylphides, Taglioni, Cerito, and Grahn-a graceful trio, most assuredly. There be those who murmur at that first-mentioned gossamerish spirit, once more winging her flight from her shady retreat to exhibit her timeshaken powers before the foot-lights. Out upon all such grovellers, for admitting that we miss a little of that pristine pliancy of limb! yet surely, of Taglioni we cannot declare "superfluous lags the veteran on thes tage." Cerito and Lucille Grahn also share the general admiration of the spectators of this pleasing composition of Perrot. The several poses were given alike by the prominent danseuses in the most

fascinating and charming style. Bouquets shower down nightly so plentifully, that a sure indication may be gathered that ere the season arrive at its ultimatum, the supply of these floricultural offerings will not be sufficiently abundant to meet the demand.

Liberally, as heretofore, does Mr. Webster continue to cater for the public at the little theatre in the Haymarket. The Cushmans, after delighting numerous auditories by the degree of talent they unquestionably evinced, have taken their departure. Madame Thillon has appeared in a new entertainment-an operatic extravaganza-yclept "The Wonderful Water Cure." The lively music of Grisar is charmingly rendered by this popular cantatrice, whose naïveté wins upon the audience of a theatre so suitable to the development of the vocal abilities of this favourite artist. Opera has not been paramount here, the lessee having produced an original comedietta, and revived some of the old comedies. The former bearing the name of "Borough Politics" is a smart affair, to which Webster, Buckstone, Farren, and Mrs. Glover contribute their united talent. Strange, indeed, if success did not await upon a production including such a combination! In this instance the piece in question bears the impress of no unaccomplished hand in its construction. The dialogue is sparkling, and the acting good: more cannot be desired to effect a success as desirable as its attractions entitle it to. A lady, whose nomenclature the public has not yet been made acquainted with, has appeared in the comedies of "The Way to keep him," and "The Provoked Husband." The reception has been of that satisfactory character that her versatile abilities richly merit. This lady's impersonation of the Widow Belmour and of Lady Townley deservedly entitle her to rank as an actress in that line of comedy so popular on the metropolitan stage. By these our presents our readers will observe that the HAYMARKET offers sufficient variety of entertainment to please even the most fastidious of mortals.

It

It is proverbial that from the time a manager hurries as a dernier ressort to the puffing system, from that period may be dated the commencement of his first step down the road. Futile are the attempts of unfortunate lessees to convince the play-going fraternity, by way of their affiches, that they are wrong. If the particular entertainments of a house be not approved of by the public, all managerial nostrums in the world will not entice them within the walls of the establishment. is in vain the community is enlightened that "an immense hit" has been made. This language is perfectly understood to be purely figurative, unless, indeed, it may occur some unfortunate actor affords ocular demonstration of the reality of the announcement, by appearing with a shady visual and a proboscis of a sanguinary hue the lamentable result of "an immense hit" from some missile hurled at his damaged frontispiece by his vexed and courageous manager. The course we have above attempted to pourtray is, we regret to aver, the injudicious one now being pursued by the manager of the PRINCESS's. None of us can help misfortune in monetary concerns at any time overtaking us; but Heaven knows it is the extreme of folly, when being perfectly conscious of our descent, to allow the last kick to come from ourselves. With the manager of the Princess's Theatre the cause of public disfavour solely originates with himself. To achieve success in any particular department, it is absolutely necessary to possess a concentration

of strength. If tragedy be performed, one bright particular star is not sufficient to give effect to the productions of a master mind like Shakspeare's. If comedy be essayed, there are other performers needed besides Madame Vestris and Charles Mathews, clever personifiers of character though they be. We sincerely regret this gross mismanagement; for from the favourable commencement of this lessee's reign we augured a more prosperous career.

Amusements al fresco are just now in high form. In proof of this, good reader, disport yourself to VAUXHALL or CREMORNE GARDENS. At the latter we have had a Public Breakfast, partaken of by visitors in costume, similar to that which adorned the race that flourished in the days of Ranelagh. Some of the cavaliers, it must be admitted, did not "shew off" to advantage by exchange of their every-day apparel, Nature forsooth having formed the supporters of their anatomy more with an eye to the long corduroy than to the satin shorts.

VAUXHALL GARDENS are nightly resorted to by all the nobles of the land. This patronage is well merited by the spirited proprietor, who essays all he can to deserve success. The scenes in the circle have undergone a change, and the novelty appears to impart general satisfaction. Certain do we feel that any one of our country friends paying these gardens a visit, he would experience no lack of amusement-in display of horsemanship, in display of music, in display of provender, and, lastly, in display of fireworks-ere he himself went off.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

Aquatics.

ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON.

The following gentlemen have lately been elected members :-T. D. P. Ashley, Esq., Antelope cutter, 90 tons; and R. C. Naylor, Esq., Sultana cutter, 100 tons.

His Royal Highness Prince Albert has intimated his intention of presenting to the club a piece of plate, to be sailed for by all yachts of the squadron (time for tonnage, by Mr. Acker's scale) on the 19th of August.

ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB.

Last match of the season.

On the 4th of last month, the following first and second-class yachts awaited the commodore's commands at Erith :

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The almost dead calm in which this match was sailed was agreeably relieved by the very splendid tactics displayed by nearly all engaged in the mimic fight; the Ino, Secret, Ranger, and Enchantress more especially meriting the applause of the audience. From the start to Cliff Creek, a little beyond Gravesend, where the commodore gave his signal for “back again,” the race was most exciting, and the changes, like the competitors themselves, anything but "few and far between." To the turn, however, the beautiful Ino contrived to preserve a decided lead, which was here wrested from her by the Secret, and the two ran a rattling race home, eventually determined in favour of the Secret, which arrived at Greenwich in 6 h. 45 m. 30 s., the Ino in 6 h. 55 m. 30 s., the Belvidere in 7 h. 0 m. 55 s., the Ranger in 7 h. 15 m. 20 s., and the Prima Donna 7 h. 24 m. 20 s. The three prizes went, consequently, to the Secret, Ino, and Ranger as the best of the second-class boats.

Four of the above yachts met again, on the 8th, at Ostend, for the prize of 1,500 fr., which was eventually won by the Ino, beating the Secret, the Belvidere, and the Prima Donna. On the second day, the Royal Vase, given by the King of the Belgians, was won by the Secret.

Cricket.

The annual match between the M.C.C. and Sussex was played at Lord's on the 29th and 30th of last month, the county, as the score shows, winning in a canter. Sussex :-Dean, 31 and 0; Picknell, 1 and 9; Box, 48 and 79; Bushby, 32 and 41; Mr. C. Taylor, 1 and 12; Hammond, 14 and 6; Mr. E. Napper, 11 and 9; Mr. G. W. King, 3 and 0; Mr. G. Barton, o and 2; Sopp, 1 and (not out) 4; Wisden (not out), 4 and 5: byes, &c., 35: total, 348. M.C.C.:-Lillywhite, 10 and (not out) 6; Hillyer, 6 and (not out) 2; Dorrington, 0 and 3; Sewell, 6 and 0; Mr. A. Mynn, 34 and 0; Captain Lautour, 2 and 11; Hon. C. Lyon, 1 and 8; Mr. L. H. Bayley, O and absent; Mr. E. Hartop, 0 and 4; Sir F. Bathurst, 0 and 6; Mr. A. K. George, 7 and 8: byes, &c., 7: total, 121.

On the Thursday following, the M.C.C. travelled to Eton to teach the juveniles a trick or two, and just succeeded in saving their credit, after as even as ever was played. M.C.C. :-Mr. Micklewaite, 13 and 7; Mr. L. H. Bayley, 0 and 10; Mr. R. Keate, 2 and 4; Mr. R. Kynaston, 11 and 15; Sir F. Bathurst, 7 and 0; Mr. C. Yonge, 15 and 2; Hon. C. Neville, O and 0; Mr. P. Stone, 1 and 19; Hon. H. Neville, 11 and 2; Mr. C. Pattison, (not out), 10 and 6; Lord Hill, 5 and (not out) 6: byes, &c., 18: total, 164. Eton :-Mr. Chitty, 2 and 11; Mr. Collings, 13 and 15; Mr. F. Coleridge, O and 9; Mr. Streatfield, 1 and 14; Mr. I. Aitkin, 0 and 4; Mr. Whymper, 5 and 0; Mr. Deacon (not out), 33 and 20; Mr. Antrobus, 0 and 0; Mr. Blore, 4 and 1; Mr. Earle, 2 and (not out) 0; Mr. Aitken, minor, 0 and 1: byes, &c., 27: total, 162.

On the same day (Thursday, the 2nd), the first meeting this season of those two great cricket shires, Sussex and Kent, took place on Box's ground at Brighton. Kent :-Mr. W. Mynn, 26 and 17; Hinckley, 9 and (not out) 12; Adams, 74 and 4; Pilch, 27 and 9; Mr. N. Felix, 9 and 45; Dorrington, 0 and 4; Mr. A. Mynn, 12 and 37; W. Pilch, 2 and 0; Mr. Whittaker, 4 and 3; Hillyer, 3 and 1; Martin (not out), 15 and 4: byes, &c., 14: total, 331. Sussex:-Mr. E. King, 8 and 1; Dean, 11 and 0; Bushby, 9 and 6; G. Picknell, 27 and 2; Box, 5 and 41; Mr. Taylor, 12 and 4; Mr. Barton 1 and (not out) 5; Mr. Napper, 1 and 0; Hammond, 5 and 13; Sopp, 6 and 3; Wisden (not out), 4 and 8: byes, &c., 10: total, 187: Kent winning by something more than a clear hundred.

On Monday, the 6th, Kent dropped the laurels, fresh upon them, to All England, at Lord's, but fought it out manfully to the following tune :Kent-Hillyer, 3 and 0; Mr. Whittaker, 4 and 4; Mr. A. Mynn, 21 and 17; Mr. N. Felix, 3 and 1; Pilch, 1 and 27; Adams, 1 and 2; Dorrington,

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