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most interesting of all his Essays) of Mon. Jouy, the French Addison, will be published in the course of a few days. This work was written in the prison of St. Pélagie, where the author with his friend M. Jay was recently confined for a political libel.

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PREPARATORY to the opening of this Theatre, which takes place on the 1st of October, the day of publication of our present number, considerable expense has been bestowed in cleansing and beautifying the interior. The improvements that were presented to the public, during the last season, were gay and handsome, but they had been hastily effected, and the rapidity of the performance prevented them from receiving that finish and stability, which are always most desirable. Since the close, the managers and mechanist have been occupied in enendeavouring to give a general polish to the alterations they so prosperously commenced. Two new water tanks have been placed over the roof, in addition to the two already there, but which were not deemed competent to effectual service. The planking of the ceiling had shrunk considerably from the work being new, or the timber green, and prior even to the close of the season vacuities, which had the appearance of rents, were palpably visible. This has been remedied, the interstices having been filled, and the ceiling fresh coloured and gilded. Additional embellishments have also been inserted in the divisions, at a distance from the centre, consisting of a honeysuckle with a scroll on either side to each partition. The chandelier has been dismounted, and assumes a different shape. The lights are removed considerably closer to the ceiling. The whole of the drops, of which, we believe, there are about 20,000, are to be formed into a kind of bell, having the appearance of a dome inverted; the lights will be inside, so that if well constructed there will not only be a perfect radiation, but the offensive gas

will evaporate without inconveniencing the audience, or tarnishing the embellishments. The corners of the Upper Gallery have been reduced, and the view from that part will consequently be improved. The second circle of Boxes above the dress has undergone considerable changes. Two Private Boxes have been formed on each side, and a species of basket has been added to the backs of the others, bringing the back of that tier to the distance at which it stood from the stage prior to the alterations of last season. To the back of the first circle six Private Boxes have been added, similar to those already known in the Dress Circle. A tier of chandeliers is also to illumine this eircle, and, very judiciously, wax-candles will be in requisition, and not gas. In the Dress Circle we are aware of nothing new indeed no alteration could have improved it in comfort or elegance.The Pit has experienced some slight improvements, which are calculated to facilitate the entrance and exit of the audience. The seats throughout the house are to be fresh covered, and the embellishments retouched. The alterations in the ceiling have been effected by the use of a scaffold extremely neat, convenient, and economical: it confers considerable credit on its ingenious inventor, In the mechanism behind the scenes there is nothing new; two new drop scenes have been painted, one resembling an immense picture in frames; and the flies, wings, and the rest of the scenery have been relieved and strengthened. The Saloon has been fresh painted and ornamented, and we apprehend that the entrances, &c. will undergo the same renovation.

THIS Theatre, during the recess, has undergone very great improvements, and together with its distinguished rival Drury Lane opens its thea trical campaign on the 1st of October.

case has been erected from the lobby of the first circle to the saloon on the second, which has been decorated with considerable elegance. The statues still remain, and the blocks on which they stand have been veined with infinite taste and delicacy. The marble imitation on the pillars stand

and glaring. The embellishments of the lower saloon appear finished, tasty, and in perfect accordance with the principal decorations of the rest of the house: indeed this admirable discretion has been generally observed, and with a few trifling exceptions the effect produced by the fresh arrangements is uninterrupted and unique. The whole of the interior has been re-decorated. The ceiling has assumed an entirely novel appearance. That strange contrivance, or shoot, which had been affixed to it for the purpose of drawing off superabundant gas, has been swept away, the pannelling removed, and the whole surface reduced to a plane. The chandelier resembles many of the thousands which have preceded it, and from its size and richness will have a brilliant effect. A small circle is struck around the centre of the ceiling, which is ornamented with lyres, produced on a dark field colour. The surface within the grand circle represents the sky; the edge of the principal embellishment which encompasses it is ornamented with the thistle and shamrock, while the centre of the embellishment is occupied by the rose. There are other circles of gilding still more distant from the centre, one of which is remarkable for great delicacy and neatness of execution. species of fancy net-work, but its beauties, from their minuteness, are hardly discernable at a distance. The pigeon-holes have been fitted up by a handsome curve of pannelling, formed from the ceiling to the upper part of the slips. This alteration has improved the general appearance, and, if pos

It is a

sible, added to the effect of the pros cenium, which has so often attracted unqualified admiration. The hollow of the proscenium, in accordance with the ceiling, is an imitation of sky; the embellishments are rich but chaste; and from the art of the painter, added to the exquisite taste and finish of the architect, the entire has a most beautiful appearance. The second and first tiers of boxes remain in form and size as last season; they have been repainted and newly lined. The dress cirle has been reduced in depth, and brought to convenient dimensions; backs also have been added to the seats; chairs would have been more convenient and more enticing. The fronts of the boxes have been altogether newly ornamented; the field colour is bright yellow, the embellishments of the upper circles consist of masks, circles, mouldings, &c. and, in those of the lower circle, the three national emblems are the most striking objects. The effect is light, rich, and varied. Backs have been given to the alternate seats of the pit, which are covered in uniformity with the general colour of the backs of the boxes, &c. which is, as it was before, red. The stage doors have been removed. If we may judge of the future from the judgment and liberality displayed in what has already been done, it may be confidently expected that no slight negligence will be allowed to mar the general effect, or to raise a doubt of the supreme excellence of Covent-garden in all that appertains to "scenery, machinery, and decoration."

THE managers of this Theatre, before the appearance of our present number, will almost have brought their labours to a close for the present season, and we cannot help expressing our most decided approbation of the liberal and judicious manner in which they have catered for the public amusement, and their exertions, we are also happy to add, must have been most productive to their treasury.

Amongst the various revivals of esteemed dramas, the managers have produced, during the past month, two new pieces, The Great Unknown, and Fish out of Water; the former not having been approved by the public we shall pass over, that we may more fully describe the latter, which has been eminently successful. The chief merit of Fish out of Water, which is a

translation, or rather an adaptation from the French by Mr. Lunn, author of Family Jars, consists in its situations, which, though they cannot boast of much variety, are exceedingly comic. Charles Gayfare (Mr. Vining), the son of a London Alderman, is in love with Ellen Courtly (Miss Love), the daughter of a Baronet, who is appointed ambassador to Denmark. The lovers are of course in despair at their approaching separation, but as Cupid never deserts his votaries, especially in plays or novels, he suggests an ex-. pedient to the enamoured pair. Sir Charles Courtly is in want of a Secretary, and Charles resolves to apply for the situation. But Sir Charles is also in want of a cook, and from this circumstance arises the humour of the scene. Samuel Savoury (Mr. Liston),

a professed cook, applies for the latter office, but through the mistake of the Steward, who is authorised to make both engagements, he is invested with the more dignified post of Secretary. Shortly after, the young gentleman arrives, and rather than be separated from the mistress of his affections, he accepts the only vacant situation, which is that of cook. The two no vices are soon brought into action, Charles is ordered to prepare some chocolate for breakfast, and Savoury to write a diplomatic dispatch. They are equally awkward and incompetent in the performance of their respective duties, but by changing parts for a moment the difficulty is overcome. Unhappily for poor Savoury, his letter is much approved of, and the manner in which he receives the Baronet's compliments on the occasion, affords a high comic treat. But this state of ttrings could not last long; Savoury's ignorance is discovered by his bad spelling in another letter dictated by

his master, and the young folks are married to the satisfaction of all parties. Mr. Liston's part is the most prominent, and his exertions were crowned with the most decided success. His terror ou proceeding to the fatal effort of penmanship, by which he is discovered, was truly ridiculous, and his agony on being attacked with a pain in the jaw, when commanded to write a word of three syllables, threw the whole House into a roar. Mr. Vining displayed a good deal of vivacity. Mr. Williams, as the Steward, acquitted himself as he always does, with judgment and humour; and Miss Love, who had little else to do than sing a few charming airs, sang them in a style which reflects credit on her talents. Upon the whole, we have seldom seen an afterpiece more powerfully supported, or more agreeably written. The dialogue is easy and unpretending, and the characters, though not remarkable for novelty, are well contrasted.

THE managers of this pretty little theatre have been indefatigable during the last month in providing variety if not novelty to procure the public favour; and we are happy in being able to state our belief, that the close of their season is as beneficial to their treasury, as their unwearied endeavours to please the public taste amply merit. Among the numerous revivals of dramas curtailed into one or two acts, we cannot omit mentioning the following, which the excellent acting of Matthews, Miss Kelly, Rayner, &c. rendered very attractive, and compensated for the remorseless severity of the pruning knife. Mrs. Centlivre's Comedy of Marplot in Spain, the sequel to the Busy Body, has been curtailed into a two act operatic entertainment, called Too Curious by Half. That Lady's Bold Stroke for a Wife has also been metamorphosed into a two act opera, entitled Guardians Outwitted, in order to afford the managers an advantageous opportunity of displaying the versatile talents of Mr. Matthews in the character of Colonel Fainwell.-Killing no Murder has also been cut down to a one act piece, under the title of A Day at an Inn. Among the revivals we must notice the Wags of Windsor, the Highland Reel, and Hit or Miss with the character of Dick Cypher by that unequalled comic actor Matthews.

An original operetta called A-Duna-Day has been produced, and it has experienced considerable success.

We are sorry we cannot find room for the plot of this new piece as usual, for it is one of the liveliest pieces which we have seen at this lively theatre. It pretends not to wit; but, in comicality of situation, and constancy of pun, it excels. The character of Plush is very amusingly drawnillustrations from the shop-board are laughable, and Bartley took care not a single point should be lost. His dress, somewhat à la Liston, had a good effect, and his " full round belly, with good cabbage lined,” bespoke him the jolliest of tailors. The scene in which he appears as Old Rakely, and endeavours to put on the gentleman, as he would put on an ill-fitting coat, was highly comic; and his last scene, where all his hopes of remuneration are destroyed, was equally good. Baker played Young Rakely with more ease and animation than he usually exhibits. The part of Shirk was supported in a very pleasant manner by Mr. W. Chapman. Mrs. J. Weippert was a very pert and a very agreeable fille de chambre. Her lightness of motion and volubility of tongue formed an amusing contrast to the modest, staid, and sober demeanour of Miss Carr, who appeared as Caroline.

THE affairs of Europe and of America have assumed, during the last month, an aspect highly interesting to the speculative politician. In Spain, the Bourbon troops have had an uninterrupted course of success, except in Catalonia, but their successes appear to have no effect upon the ultimate result of the struggle, which, it would seem, has more relation to the public feeling of the country than to military operation. Corunna and Pampeluna have been taken by the French, the whole of the patriot forces in Galicia have surrendered, and the fort and Peninsula opposite Cadiz, known by the name of the Trocadero, have been taken by a brilliant coup-de-main. Ballasteros continues at the head of his army in the North-east of Castile, without the submission to the enemy that his reported treason had led us to anticipate; but, at the same time, without attempting any military operations in favour of his country. In Catalonia, the French are evidently reduced to defensive operations. After various petty successes over the French forces, Milans has fought one great battle with Moncey in person; the forces on each side were estimated at about ten thousand men, and the issue of the contest was the defeat of the enemy by a simultaneous charge of the bayonet along the whole line, the French losing about 1700 men, and the Spaniards acknowledging a loss of about 600. This battle is of immense importance, as it establishes the fact, that the Spaniards have at length brought their armies to a state of discipline and confidence which enables them to fight in large bodies, and to practice manœuvres on an extended field of battle. If the Spanish troops in the other provinces could be brought to an equal state of discipline, the war would assume a totally different aspect. Negociations have been carrying on between the Duke d'Angouleme and the government of Cadiz, but without leading to any pacific result, and the enemy purpose an attack upon the Isla and Citidel; which, however, there is every reason to believe, they will not commence unless they previously succeed in seducing some of the Spanish Commanders from their duty by means of bribery. The views of the Spanish Regency, and the ultra party in Spain are evidently diametrically opposite to

those of the Cabinet of Paris; the French ministers feeling convinced of the necessity of moderating arbitary principles to the more liberal spirit of the times, whilst the desire of the Spanish royalists is to establish the extremes of political tyranny and of religious intolerence. This contradiction of views may lead to important results, but it would be useless to speculate upon the future destinies of Spain, when, in all probability, one month more will put the public in possession of more certain and extensive data for reflection.

It is known to our readers that Mr. Blaquiere, the patriotic and intelligent author of a History of the Spanish Revolution, had been despatched by the Greek Committee to the Morea, for the purpose of ascertaining the real state of affairs in Greece. That gentleman, having returned from his mission, has published two reports which put the public in possession of much useful information respecting the war between the Greeks and Turks. The Greek Constitution is now settled upon the representative principles of those of England and North America. Five of the representatives form the executive government, with the addition of a minister for foreign affairs. The whole male population of the Morea is drilled for the purpose of defence against the Turks, but such is the want of arms and of money, that not above one-third of these brave people can be rendered efficient in the field. The patriotic soldiers serve without pay and merely for their subsistence; they have been often destitute of shoes, of clothing, and almost of food, and yet these brave men, inspired by their love of freedom, have sometimes marched forty miles a day, have successfully fought against the most formidable armies of the Turks, and have inflicted on those armies a loss of about 100,000 men; finally rescuing from their oppressors the whole of the Morea or Peleponnesus, the whole of Attica, Boetia, Phocis, Doris, Locris, a part of Epirus, and most of the larger islands of Greece. M. Blaquiere represents the navy to consist of 20,000 excellent seamen, and to be in a condition to maintain a supremacy at sea, but that its operations are often delayed or frustrated for want of adequate funds. The finances of the Greeks are