popularly adopted by that indefatigable class of caterers for the public taste, itinerant showmen; a body of men, it must be observed, who, in the laudable anxiety to please their patrons, and their zealous efforts to earn an honest penny, entertain no scrupulous objections to provide for the especial edification of the community the greatest monstrosity either of native or foreign growth. Mr. Lavenu's opera of "Loretta" has been produced, and yet, marvellous to mention, DRURY LANE still stands where it did! We should have supposed, from the managerial description of the deafening shouts, of the great enthusiasm, of the vociferous outpourings of delighted spectators, and of the immense applause which attended the production of this wonderful opera, that the walls of Old Drury must have given way! By the meritorious skill of men well versed in architecture, and by the consummate charity evidenced by the Committee of Drury Lane Theatre towards their tenant, a niche is still left wherein Mr. Bunn can continue to play his vagaries. Yet it is far from pleasant that the gratifying statement in the lessee's affiche should be the reverse of general opinion. So it is; for this opera is considered nothing but a decided failure-a grand failure, notwithstanding the assertions contained in managerial puffs to the contrary. Mrs. Bishop is a pleasing singer, without a doubt; but her vocal capabilities would be better exercised in a concert-room than in a vast arena like Drury Lane, which requires, to render proper effect to the music, a voice of great power. Of the other dramatis persone the less said the better; therefore, acting on this admitted humane principle, we will be silent. The prettiest pet of the ballet has been compelled to secede from this theatre from the unpleasant circumstance of the lessee having broken faith with Mademoiselle Flora Fabbri, who is, without the slightest fabri-cation, one of the most gossamer spirits that ever winged flight in aërial regions. It is true. that she has been succeeded by an artiste named Mademoiselle Fuoco, who is not to be compared in any respect to Fabbri. Neither is the present ballet, The Wags of Wapping," to be spoken of in the same breath as its precedessors. It lacks all the attributes of this species of entertainment, and consequently it fails to attract. The tide of prosperity has set in at the HAYMARKET, where Webster continues to cater in his usual spirit of liberality for the gratification of his friends, the public, who nightly muster, in numbers strong, to partake of the good things so amply provided for their especial entertainment. Mr. Lovell's comedy of "Look before you Leap; or, Wooings and Weddings," continues to be received with the same rapturous applause that greeted its first representation. If it be urged that there is wanting in the composition originality of plot, it cannot be denied that smartness of dialogue is apparent throughout the various scenes. The comedy altogether acts glibly, and seldom does the interest flag. The several performers acquit themselves meritoriously, amongst whom we must not omit to mention the Mr. Oddington of Mr. Farren, the Miss Brown (of the public's especial favourite) Mrs. Glover, the Jack Spriggs of Mr. Webster, and the Fauny Hardman of Miss Julia Bennett. Mr. Howe ac quitted himself very creditably as Brandon, which is, in fact, one of the author's best characters. The villanous and despicable lawyer-the stage will not cease to hold up to scorn these pests of society so long as "gentlemen" by Act of Parliament are guilty of bringing a respectable profession into ignominious contempt-was represented very ably by Mr. Rogers; albeit, in toggery taste he was equipped in rather too Father Mathewish a fashion. By the way, touching adornment, why does Mr. Hudson, in genteel comedy, so strenuously persevere in copying the costume of a coffee-house waiter? The laughable farce of "Spring Gardens," which now has seen some half hundred representations, continues to be received with the same hearty demonstrations of public approval that gained its early seal of popular approbation. Buckstone is, beyond all question, in this amusing bagatelle a host in himself. A son of James Wallack-who can forget his Brigand?-under the nomme de guerre of Lester, has lately made his bow to a metropolitan audience at this house. The commencement augurs well for his theatrical career; seldom, indeed, a performer succeeds in creating so favourable an impression. The claims of the "Young Pretender" shall be taken into consideration in our next, when we hope to do justice to the many novelties so liberally provided by the active lessee. We have not yet had an opportunity of witnessing the present representations of the FRENCH PLAYS; but, according to report, our loss in this particular instance has not been a very severe one, for Mr. Mitchell has not thus early brought forward his "bright particulars," but in a short period the St. James's will be the right-royal rendezvous of talent, fashion, and splendour. And what more would you desire? At COVENT GARDEN the promenade concerts, under the able directorship of Jullien, have prospered most amazingly; such has been the attraction of the programmes issued by the zealous conductor, that not only has the theatre been crowded on every occasion of the doors being opened, but numbers have actually been nightly compelled to leave without gaining admission. In addition to the usual ochestra, arrangements were entered into for the augmentation of four military bands. The new quadrille, entitled "The British Army," was rapturously received. The "American Polka" infused no little mirth; whilst the sweet notes of Miss Birch inspired her auditors with admiration. The "Night Dancers" is being performed just now at several of the minors. The treasuries, we should imagine, will not materially increase their stores therefrom. Such is our impression after witnessing the version at the PRINCESS's. This opera contains some very fair music, which is well given by Allen and Madame Albertazzi; Leffler and Miss Sarah Flower contribute their harmonious quota ; but the remaining representations of opera acquit themselves, in point of time and execution, ten thousand times worse than itinerant musicians, who perpetrate bagpipes and bacchanalian sentimentalities. The action of the foresters is lamentably ludicrous and absurdly ridiculous. The manager should liberably expend a few more shillings a week in the drilling of his particularly awkward squad, and thus kindly extricate "a band of fierce" supers from a most pitiable state of thorough thraldom. "Keeping a Place" is not very likely to realize its title by remaining on these boards, or any other for a lengthened period. The author evidently has a sincere veneration for antiquity, from the respectful selections he industriously makes from Joe Miller. "The Quaker" is played occasionally-a musical afterpiece that can scarcely be surpassed. And the gratification of listening to Dibdin's music would be considerably enhanced if the band did not execute the music quite so much-if Mr. Leffler (we congratulate him on being " Steady" so many consecutive nights) would not persist in omitting the second verse in "The Lads of the Village," and if Mr. Barker, as Lubin, generally supposed to be an English peasant, would consent to strip his upper lip of that incipient appendage which at present appears-like a captive cock-sparrow-to be struggling for freedom. The LYCEUM is devoted to Promenade Concerts, under the able superintendence of Mr. Allcroft, who has every reason to be satisfied with the success which has so far attended the speculation. The airs of the Distin family are quite distingué; the quintette performed by them on Sax Horns is a musical gem of no ordinary description. Russell and Sinclair contribute their vocal energies to the unbounded delight of all true devotees of Apollo. ASTLEY'S is passing rich in equestrian spectacle, the novelty of the night being The Demon Horse; or, the Twelve Wishes and the Charmed Bit." This is a translation of "Le Cheval du Diable" very well rendered. In this production we are treated most liberally to incidents of a startling character, to bold and chivalric bearing, to scenic splendour, and, to crown all, to pyrotechnic displays which go off like blazes. Satisfaction beams upon the countenances of the numerous beholders of these attractions. The Scenes in the Circle are varied by the introduction of several novelties. The POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION is daily and nightly resorted to by the lovers of the scientific. Dr. Ryan's Lecture on Professor Schoenbern's Gun-cotton is listened to attentively by crowded auditories. Mr. C. Smith's Dissolving Views also claim their fair share of public approbation. 66 The ADELAIDE GALLERY is no longer devoted to science, but is styled "Laurent's Casino;" and now the light fantastic toe" takes the place of the electric eel; thus establishing the ascendancy of the polka over fire. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. The Chase. Mr. Colville, it is reported, resigns the management of the Atherstone at the end of the present season. Derry, the huntsman, has already left; and Davis, his former prime minister, now" reigns in his stead." The present Lord Yarborough, we are happy to hear, keeps on the Brocklesby; a pack so long associated with the family honours of his lordship's house. Lord Granville, the knight of the golden couples, begins by trying his 'prentice hand with the buck-hounds over the far-famed vale of Aylesbury. This probationary proceeding is hardly so inviting just at present as we remember it a few years back; for "the Baron" has really made head enough to endanger the most " odorous comparisons." The following horses, the property of Lord Howth, and well known in Leicestershire, were sold by Messrs. Tattersall on Monday, November 9: Albert, by Recovery out of Crim Con, by Sir Hercules Dahlia, by New Fashion out of sis. to Thump. The Abbot, by Y. Sir Hercules Liverman, by Liverpool out of Mandane, by Sultan ... Oliver, by Ishmael out of Gipsy (Wait-a-while's dam) The Prince, by Tyrant out of Albert's dam 710 Gs. 161 155 125 60 50 33 32 Albert, the pick of the basket, goes into Lord Strathmore's stable, as "another yet" to his lordship's steeple-chase string. The following recipe for providing against "a blank" is from The Wexford Independent. It is evidently intended for something severely sarcastic, thougn, no names being mentioned, it may, to those not in the secret, read comparatively tame. Still the "glorious confusion" has something peculiarly "Irish, and less nice" about the sound of it; and indeed the whole scheme has quite a Harry Lorrequer look : "Fox HUNTING EXTRAORDINARY.-One the new mode of ensuring a hunt when you have no covert of your own to draw, first ascertain the day and the covert a neighbouring pack of hounds purpose drawing. Then all you have to do is to take up a position on some point of the line which foxes usually run from the covert drawn by the other pack. Presently you will hear them find, and then watch the opportunity of bringing your hounds on their hunted fox-you will then have the gratification of creating a glorious confusion, and marring the sport of other sportsmen." In England, however, we do it on a much more artful plan. When the other pack are not coming near, pick out a safe and sure cover of theirs any where handy your own outskirts, and make a meet of some double-hedgerow, turnpike-gate, or young plantation that you have an undisputed right to. Throw in four or five couple of useful ones, ready to hunt anything from a gale of wind to a shepherd's dog, and “ view holloa" 'em out again almost before they are in. According to the field it is " very quick find," and with a long cast, and a leetle capping to it, you make him out into the other people's stronghold; and, once there, of course you are landed. We have seen this done; but, like our Wexford friend, we have too keen a sense of the independent about us to mention names. Mr. Horlock, we hear, is again "in committee” touching the country he is to hunt. Aquatics. THE LATE LORD YARBOROUGH. "Amongst the many estimable, kind-hearted, and patriotić noblemen included in the British peerage, none were more conspicuous for integrity of principle and national feeling than the late Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron-the Earl of Yarborough. Exemplary in the exercise of private virtues, and strict yet liberal in the performance of his public duties, he has descended to the grave beloved and regretted, and respected by all who had the pleasure and advantage of his acquaintance. To perpetuate the memory and the merits of such a man is a laudable endeavour, and deserving the support of every true-hearted member of the community, but especially of those individuals connected with the naval branch of our service, for the prosperity and advancement of which his lordship was a sincere, a consistent, and a generous advocate. We therefore feel bound, by a sense of duty as well as by personal esteem for his character, to direct the attention of our readers to a subscription now in progress for the erection of a monument in honour of this excellent and high-minded nobleman, in the locality where he was best known, and which is the most appropriate site for such a testimonial."- United Service Gazette. The committee of the Royal Yacht Squadron has already received upwards of £400 towards the "nautical monument, or sea-mark," alluded to. The following notice of motion has also been given at the Royal Thames Yacht Club: "That the sum of £50 from the club funds be subscribed towards the memorial to be erected to the late Earl of Yarborough." Lord Exmouth has lately been elected a member of the Royal Thames, and Lord Suffield of the United Yacht Club. NEW SOUTH WALES HORSES.-The East India Company have had for some time an establishment near to Sydney, for the purchase of cavalry, artillery, and other horses, for service in the presidencies; and at a recent race-dinner, Captain Apperley, son of the celebrated "Nimrod," the officer entrusted with their selection, paid a high compliment to their breeding, as well as to the settlers with whom he had dealt. He stated the amount which he had laid out in horses in the colony was £40,000. The average price of the animals selected may be taken at less than £20; and for that price good well-bred upstanding horses were obtainable. As we like to hear of a colony advancing in horseflesh, it would be to be regretted that the establishment of the hon. company were to be abrogated, as, under the encouragement of such a son of Nimrod" as Captain Apperley, breeding would be sure to be kept up. The Paris steeple-chase is to be continued. The last, certainly, created far more interest among the natives than all their grand attempts at flat-racing, The directing hand, however, may be wanting this season; though, with the way once cleared, it ought to be easy to follow. We shall see what we shall see; and if Monsieur can only persuade a real English lord to swish at his raspers, the attraction of such a star must, of itself, tend far again to secure a crowded audience. GOLDEN EAGLES.-A very beautiful golden eagle, of large size and splendid plumage, was shot lately with ball, seventy yards distant, from a double gun, by Mr. Macpherson, gamekeeper, on the shootings of Sir H. Meux, Bart., at Dundriggan. The eagle measured three feet in length, and the extended wings seven feet six inches. The talons, when stretched to their extent, could take in a grasp larger than the space of a man's hand. This bird is the fourth of his species within a circuit of thirty miles taken this year. Charles Holmes, so well-known and respected on the Oxford road, has at length left his seat on the "Blenheim," and retired into private life, after being thirty years at work on it. He is one of the last and best patterns of a good coachman; courteous and quiet in the performance of his duty, without a particle of that swagger and slang which has too often distinguished his fellows" out and in" to the university. |