OUR WEEKLY GOSSIP ON LITERATURE Sir Walter Scott has arrived in London, and is alarmingly ill. In descending the Rhine, he had another attack of paralysis, and, but for the presence of mind of his servant, who ventured to bleed him on the spot, it would, it is believed, have proved fatal. He has quite lost the use of one side, and but little hopes are entertained of his recovery. We have heard this with more regret than surprise. Letters from Naples and Rome stated many painful circumstances, which we did not make public, because we knew that the constant reference to the sub ject was distressing to the family. At both places, it was observed, that in the midst of his natural gaiety of heart and spirit, he sometimes became suddenly silent, and seemingly forgetful of the subject of conversation. Yet his presence diffused joy wherever he went. At times, and in the social circle, he threw a spell over every one. Among his friends at Naples, was one gentleman well acquainted with all manner of Italian tales and traditions, and who took much pleasure in relating them; Sir Walter listened to the wildest with evident satisfaction, and then met it with a Scotch or English story-and so the evening hours flew on. He there gathered many Sicilian traditions, and much relating to the popular disturbances in that fine island. Wherever he went, the honours paid to him and to Miss Scott, were little short of regal; she was handed out before the ladies of foreign ministers, and he was the only person, besides the king, who was allowed to ride in a carriage through the silent streets of Pompeii. Let us yet hope that he will recover. Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, are now holding jubilee. The King has sanctioned the erection of a splendid structure in Pall Mall East, capable of containing a National Gallery and accommodating the whole establishment of the Royal Academy, including apartments for the Keeper and Secretary, as well as rooms for the exhibition of painting and sculpture. An address from the Academy has been presented to His Majesty respecting it, and a meeting of all the Members is summoned for the 20th, to take the King's gracious speech into consideration. The design, it seems, is already prepared by Mr. Wilkins. Art may be said, from this circumstance, to be reviving.-We have seen an unfinished proof of a portrait of Wordsworth, from a painting by Boxall, which, from its fine mental likeness, we have no doubt will please many. We have also seen a slight sketch of the painting of the Procession of the Flitch of Bacon,' by Stothard, which has pleased us not a little. It is intended as a companion to the farfamed Canterbury Pilgrimage,' and exhibits an equal if not greater variety of action and force of character; the activity of the minstrels who, with instruments of music, lead the procession, the beauty of the maidens who strew the way.with flowers, the modest elegance of the happy pair, whose twelve months' abstinence from hard words or dark looks have won the rustic prize, and the air of gladness and joy which reigns over all, will, we have no doubt, make the engraving, which will shortly be published, a favourite with the public. SCIENTIFIC AND LITERARY GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. We hear that there is some chance of seeing one or two of the ancient Egyptian Obelisks in this country. The Viceroy of Egypt, some dozen years or more ago, offerJune 13.-The concluding meeting of the ed us one then at Alexandria: we calcu- Geological Society for this session, took place lated and doubted till the French stept in, on Wednesday the 13th, at its apartments who neither calculate nor doubt, and obSomerset House, the President, Roderick Imtained what we had delayed to take. We pey Murchison, Esq. in the chair.-The Earl of Munster, and Capt. Robe, R.E., were admitted are now offered two which stand on the as Fellows and took their seats, and the followbanks of the Nile at Karnac, and several enterprising engineers have been consulteding gentlemen were elected Fellows :-Col. Hugh Montgomery, William Henry Egerton, about their removal. It is said, that a certain Esq., Bridgeman Moore, Esq., G. Mercer, Esq., official personage, who never aids any enter- Edward Hawkins, Esq., Thomas Watson, M.D., prise but what originates with himself, has and Henry Hussey, Esq. turned hitherto a cold ear to the proposition, and doubts our ability to remove such stupendous masses. They are nearly fifteen feet sunk in the sand-they are almost a quarter of a mile from water to float them, and there is no timber in the land to make rafts or form platforms :-but what of that? they can be removed, and we hope they will. Those who delight in art should look in today at Mr. Phillips's, in Bond-street, and get a sight of Mr. Emmerson's pictures-they are works of a very high class; among them are two beautiful Ruysdaels, some splendid Cuyps, Rembrandt's Father's Mill, the same mill which occurs in his celebrated etching, and numberless other fine things.We are also glad to find that modern pictures, selected with judgment, are not a bad investment. We all remember the high prices bid for Lord Mulgrave's Wilkies; and at the sale of Mr. Trant's pictures, by Mr. Foster last week, a small Coast Scene by Bonington brought 230 guineas! These things are encouraging to the patrons. Though few works of much promise are announced, yet we can see by the increase of advertisements and certain stirrings in the trade, that literature is looking up a little. Readers are beginning to lay the newspapers sooner aside, and books are now to be found in hands which lately touched only political tracts. There is some talk of the formation of an Academy of Literature; this could be accomplished in a week by a movement among influential men: no one will pretend that the Royal Society of Literature represents the genius of the nation; it contains many members who, except as readers of books, have no connexion with either verse or prose, and it has left out many popular writers-men who are likely to be heard of hereafter. We want a full and complete association of men of genius, and of men of genius only; the number of members should not be limited, as in the Royal Academy of Arts, but all should be admitted who can produce a work marked by original talent, or by great research or deep learning. This week has been unparalleled in English musical history, for the number and variety of musical performances. Three French operas, two Italian, one German, and four benefit concerts, have been given at the King's Theatre alone-all crowded! and yet the English are not a musical people. We are glad that we can quiet the nerves of our fashionable readers, by informing them that permission has been just received from the authorities in Paris, for the French company to remain a fortnight longer at the King's Theatre. 'Observations on the London Clay of the Highgate Archway,' by N. T. Wetherell, Esq., F.G.S., having first been read, the remainder of the evening was occupied in the description of certain splendid remains of a Megatherium, collected and brought home by Woodbine Parish, Esq., His Majesty's late Chargé d'Affaires at Buenos Ayres, and found on the Rio Salado, about eighty miles distant from that place. A memoir, explanatory of the bones of this huge edentatous animal, by William Clift, Esq., F.G.S., was then read, in which the author pointed out many parts, particularly the tail, as occurring among these remains, which are wanting in the well-known skeleton at Madrid. In the discussion which followed, the Rev. Dr. Buckland gave a most instructive and spirited exposition of the supposed habits of this giant of many of its limbs far exceeded that of the of the "edentata," showing that while the bulk corresponding parts of the Elephant, the animal, judging from its osteology, was closely related to the Sloth and to the Ant-eater. Numerous specimens of other fossil remains were exhibited, and the most remarkable donation was a cast of the "Plesiosaurus dolicho deirus," presented by Mr. Edward Hawkins, F.G.S., being the most perfect specimen of this species of Saurian which has ever been discovered. In allusion to the zoological subjects which have been brought before the Society, all of which had been so ably expounded by Cuvier, the President took occasion to express the deep sense entertained by all geologists of the irreparable loss they had sustained in the death of that illustrious naturalist. The first Wollaston Gold Medal was exhibited, and it was felt that the execution of the bust of that great philosopher and benefactor to the Geological Society, reflected much credit on the artist Mr. Wyon. The apartments were so crowded, that many persons could not obtain entrance into the meeting-room; and a hope was expressed by Dr. Fitton and others, that more spacious accommodation might be provided before the next Session. Upwards of 160 persons were present, among whom may be enumerated the Marquis of Northampton, Lords Munster, Milton, Cole, &c., Sir P. G. Egerton, Sir Rufane Donkin, Sir Clark, the Dean of Carlisle, &c. Astley Cooper, Sir Thomas Phillips, Sir Charles The Society adjourned till Wednesday November the 7th, 1832. INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, May 8.-Thomas Telford, Esq., President, in the chair.-A paper was read by the Secretary, communicated by Mr. Jenkins, giving a detail of numerous experiments on the strength of cast-iron beams of various forms and dimensions, made at the Horseley Iron Works, in Stafford shire. "The prevention of the congelation of water in pipes,' was brought into discussion, and statements made of several methods which have been tried experimentally for this purpose; one of these consisted in enclosing one pipe within another, leaving an interstice of one inch which was filled up with pounded charcoal; the effect of this was only partial, as the water always froze when the temperature of the atmosphere came down to 20° of Fahrenheit: various other substances, such as common coal ashes, were found as effectual as the charcoal. It is worthy of remark, that the resistance to cold was greatest when the substances were put in loosely or very slightly compressed, agreeing with the observation, that a frost which penetrated only a few inches into loose garden mould and coal ashes, was known to have reached a depth of 30 inches in a hard gravel road. Mr. Field presented a copy of the report of the Committee of the House of Commons on steam-carriages. May 15.-The President in the chair.-Mr. Macneill's paper, on the subject of the Stowe Valley improvement on the Holyhead Road, was read, in which the comparative advantages of four different methods, with regard to original outlay and ultimate benefit to the public were fully discussed. of material, as well as working the steel, is A pamphlet, entitled 'First report of the Mr. Charles Tennant, of Glasgow, was intro- London Phrenological Society Eight, P.M. THURSD. SATUR. Society of Antiquaries.. MEETING OF THE ARCHEOLOGICAL ACADEMY, Rome, 17th of May. OF sumed its sittings on Thursday last, when Vis- The subject of 'The comparative advantages of iron and wood, as materials for the construction of boats and other vessels,' was entered into at some length, and some particulars given of various iron boats which are in present use on the Forth and Clyde, the Ardrossan, and other canals. Several, which were constructed of plate iron, were stated to have been employed of the principal epochs in Chronology, and The Annum ab Urbe condita, which forms one for 15 or 18 years on the Oxford Canal, and are which, according to the vulgar tradition of much approved of by the proprietors. These the Romans, dates from the 21st of April, was boats weigh from 7 to 8 tons each, the total length is 70 feet, width 7 feet, sides inch, and celebrated on that day by the "Accademia bottom inch in thickness; they are capable Sabine Palace, which was tastefully decorated Letteraria." The members assembled in the of carrying a burthen of 30 tons, but usually and illuminated on the evenings both of the 21st loaded with from 22 to 24 tons. They are more expensive than timber boats in the proportion of and 22nd. In an opening address, written by 120%. to 90%., but superior in point of durability.fund of argument and learning was employed to Fea, and recited by his friend, Dionisi, a vast Some allusion was incidentally made to the present imperfect condition of the London street pavement in several situations, and an opinion expressed in favour of having the stones considerably narrower on the top; if limited to a breadth not exceeding 5 inches, it would probably be the means of preventing the accidents arising from the slipping of horses' feet, and supersede the necessity of having the stones grooved on the surface, an expensive operation which has been resorted to on Holborn Hill, and other places, for this very purpose. A paper accompanied by a drawing, respecting the Turnpike Road from Norwich to Watton, was communicated by Mr. William Thorold. May 22.-A full account of a steel suspension bridge across the Danube at Vienna, was communicated by Mr. Hawkins; all the steel used in this bridge was manufactured immediately from decarbonated cast iron, in Styria, one of the German states. The span is 234 feet English, and the versed sine or depression of the chain in the middle, 15 feet. M. Ignace Von Mitis, by whom this bridge was constructed, calculates the total weight of steel at less than half the weight of iron which would be necessary, or that a steel bridge of half the weight of an iron one, would be the stronger of the two; and according to experiments made in this country, the cohesive power of cast steel was found to be more than double that of malleable iron. With regard to the comparative merits of iron and steel bridges as applicable to this country, it was thought the small cost of production in Germany, on account of the advantage they possess in the use of wood charcoal for the manufacture of both iron and steel, rendered the adoption of steel bridges more advisable in that country than in England, where the price prove, that, from the very beginning of "the The following evening was celebrated by a Micali is preparing a continuation of his valuable Italia avanti il dominio de' Romani;' and it will be illustrated by an atlas of one hundred and twenty folio plates and upwards, which are now in the hands of Lascinio and other eminent engravers. Pistolesi's admirable work, the Vaticano descritto ed illustrato,' of which twenty numbers are already published, has received an additional stimulus from the munificence of the present pontiff, who has subscribed for two hundred copies. A great improvement is going on at Naples; the Villa Reale has been lengthened and inclosed, and the grounds are now being planted with trees; and I hear, besides, that the villanous houses of the Mergellina are to come down, and thus open a view to the Grotto di Pausilippo. It will then afford one of the finest vistas in the world. FINE ARTS EXHIBITION AT SOMERSET HOUSE. [Fifth Notice.} 387 WE hear, with much concern, that some of the fairest works in the Royal Academy cannot find purchasers; and we have heard this attributed to the ungentle and unjust criticisms published concerning them. We cannot persuade ourselves that this is the case; for paintings, unlike books, require but a single glance to be seen and felt; and the public judgment is too accurate to be swayed into neglect or injustice by rash or ill-natured opinions. We rather attribute it to that sad lethargy which has fallen of late on the sale of all things connected with genius even men in the high places of the land have been known to confess their inability to expend more money on such productions; or some have, on the plea of poverty, offered somelike half price. 333. The Wounded Knight;' PARRIS.-We see that Parris is among the candidates for the degree of Associate of the Academy, vacant by the elevation of Briggs; and this picture proves him to be every way worthy of gaining the step. The subdued anguish of the knight, and the beauty and solicitude of the lady, are much to our liking, not only as recalling a fine image from the pages of romance, but as exhibiting a sweet touch of human nature. 338. 339. 340. 341. W. DANIELL, R.A.The first pair of these are the Birds and Elk of plant and a Hirkarrah Camel of the East Indies. Ceylon; and the other pair a caparisoned EleThese little masterly pictures are all in one frame, and all original in their look and in their handling;-but the Hirkarrah Camel for our money. We like Daniell for leading us to fresh green pastures, where we can see something that we had not seen before. We are acquainted with our own island looks, with the character of its people, and all that it contains; but he gives us the aspect and the air of other lands, and we feel as if we were in the east when in the presence of his works. ་ 342. Portrait of Miss Pearson;' PHILLIPS, R.A. A sweet head,-free, natural, and ladycacy, nay, innocence, of the female character. like. Phillips understands and paints the deli 346. 'Heron and Hawk;' LANDSEER, R.A.This is a wonderful piece of painting, and boldly conceived too, for the artist has brought the contending birds forward, and kept back the "lords and ladies of high degree" who are engaged in the aërial hunt. With all its nature and vividness and beauty, it is wrong: we have no doubt that the hawk never strikes with its head towards the tail of its prey; consequently, the action here is a mistake. The heron, when roused, seeks to escape in flight, and in this its sail broad vans help its heavy body wonderfully forward; the hawk follows, soaring away into the air, and, when some hundred fathoms above, plump down she descends obliquely, like a ray of light, and, as she strikes, the feathers are showered around, and she plies her victim with her beak till resistance is given up. It is contrary, therefore, to the nature of such a fight that the head of the hawk should be to the tail of the heron; in fact, the heron tries to receive the hawk on his long spear-like bill as she descends, and in this he is often successful, and fairly spits the enemy. 355. The three Children and the fiery Furnace;' TURNER, R.A.-We pray to be delivered from the human nature of Turner; he can neither paint man, woman, child, nor any living thing in the heavens above, the earth beneath, or the waters under the earth. His figures are mere clods of the valley-lumps of deformity; nor can he inform them with either passion or feeling, or even breathe into them the breath of life. In fact, they are all Frankenstein sort of nondescripts, and so we dismiss them. But ! the whole kingdom of inanimate nature is his : 358. Portrait of Lord Meadowbank;' DYCE. 360. 'Phædria and Cymochles;' ETTY, R.A. -Spenser is full of living pictures; he is also full of passages which are too quicksilvery and etherial to be painted; and though this is not exactly one of these, still success in embodying it is a matter as much of good fortune as of skill. The knight inclines to the heavy and the vulgar; but the lady is fair and fascinating, and her fairy frigate moves through the enchanted water like a thing of life. Now, though Phædria is a lascivious lady, and Cymochles a lover of that same, there was no need to make him such a Colin Clout; and Spenser nowhere insists, that we remember, on his great weight and "alacrity at sinking." 361. Brian de Bois Guilbert's Escape from the Castle of Torquilstone;' COOPER, R.A.Though this is by no means one of the most successful of this artist's compositions, yet the fierce knight, and his Saracen following, including the fair Rebecca, are delineated with considerable life. The horses are all fire, and seem ready to rush on the spears. 383. Usurpation of Birds' Nests by Cupids ;' STOTHARD, R.A.-This is a singular, fanciful sort of work, and shows that the genius of the artist is still undeclined. The mischievous children of love do their spiriting so gently, that, though the birds have fled from their nests to the branches, and their little bosoms are put into a flutter, still there is an agreeable air of composure shed over the whole. The Cupids make no such stir in the groves as hawks would do; and it seems quite certain that the feathered inhabitants will submit to their gentle fate, and be cheerful. 384. Portrait of Francis Chantrey, R.A.;' SHEE, P.R.A.-We have heard that the extreme likeness of this portrait to the original has been recognized by many-nay, that the little dogs and all, Tray, Blanche, and Sweetheart, have wagged their tails in approbation. There is no doubt that it is cleverly painted, and, to a certain degree, like; it, however, fails in three important points: the eyes are too small-too much shut; the mouth is opened slightly in the wrong place: Chantrey's mouth has a Canning-like curl on the right hand side of the upper lip, and there the expression should be: moreover, it is a little too dark, particularly about the cheeks. When these defects are remedied, the picture will be a fine one. 410. 'Burial of Sir John Moore;' BROCKEDON. | the rising of the curtain, the captives are seen The painter has embodied the words of the fine song on the hero's death: Few and short were the prayers we said, 453. Fingal's Cave, Staffa;' TURNER, R.A. [To be continued.] NEW PUBLICATIONS. The Marquis of Stafford. Drawn on stone by the music abstractedly, yet it has one feature THIS is a good likeness; inclining, perhaps, to The Token of the Covenant. Designed and en- THIS is a daring work; we cannot call it a very Illustrations of Smollett, Fielding, and Goldsmith. An Atlas of Modern Geography. By James THIS, we have no doubt, will be found a very MUSIC KING'S THEATRE. MEYERBEER'S grand opera,' Robert le Diable,' was produced on Monday last, and, notwithstanding the high expectation raised, we are happy to say that its success was complete. Of the plot we need not speak: it has already been discussed in our notice of the English versions at Drury Lane and Covent Garden The atres. Of the music we have much more to say than our limits will permit. 'Robert le Diable,' like 'Il Crociato,' is not preceded by what is generally considered a complete overture: it was the intention of Meyerbeer to have written one, but he felt that the prodigious length of the opera could not be increased with advantage. What is usually termed "Introductory Sinfonia," is generally a mere prelude, in which is embodied the expression and character of the first scene of the opera-or a protracted repetition of the concerted music, as in the Crociato,' where, at executing their laborious task with the sinfonia, racter of the song by Robert, 'L'or est une chi- to The first and second acts may be considered partake of the French school, but in the stamps it at once as Meyerbeer's, without reothers, the original character of the music ference to any school or style. The aria of Isabelle, (Mad. Cinti,) in the second act, though not very strikingly original, is deliciously expressive: the latter part of it rather à l'Espagnole. Cinti sings with exquisite taste and delicate execution. The remainder of this act, particularly_the finale, is, perhaps, the weakest part of the opera. The chorus of demons, in в minor, in the third act, is highly characteristic, and pleases us much; the note F sharp, reiterated in crotchets, by the trebles, tenors and basses as an accompaniment, whilst Bertram executes his air of triumph in D major, produces a novel and fine effect. The air, Robert, toi que j'aime,' in the fourth act, when sung by Cinti, is delightful; indeed, on a rehearing, we are disposed to cite the singing of this air as the perfection of the vocal art; it is precisely the style of music which Cinti can sing better than any other, and she is positively unrivalled. But we are running into detail that would require more space than we can spare, and we must therefore conclude. With the exception of Nourrit and Mons. Damoreau, the talents of all the vocalists are known to the public. These two have high, thin, tenor voices: the latter is a very respectable actor and singer;. the former is the best of the French school. The trio in the second act is written for the fullest extent of the powers of each, and its execution exhibits the extraordinary compass of Nourrit, Levasseur, and Mad. de Meric. The German chorus singers executed the music with with vigour and precision, and acted their part their wonted intelligence. Heberle's dancing was most captivating; the grouping of the nuns in the ballet, and the general arrangement of the pageantry, were highly creditable to Albert. The scenery, by Grieves, particularly the 'Abbey' and the Interior of the Cathedral,' we never saw equalled at this theatre. The band, under the able direction of Tulou, executed the music with care, and as well as could be expected for a first performance. The opera of Fidelio,' was given for the fourth time on Thursday, and received with increased enthusiasm by a very crowded audience. 'Macbeth,' an opera seria, will, we understand, be produced next week; also, La Straniera,' if not performed this evening. MAD. STOCKHAUSEN'S CONCERT. CINTI and the principal singers of the German company, with some clever solo performances, and the sweet Swiss airs of Mad. Stockhausen herself, gave great satisfaction to a crowded audience. MR. ELIASON'S CONCERT. THEATRICALS HAYMARKET THEATRE. we THE first new piece for the season, was produced here on Thursday evening. The house played one and scored one. It is a one act trifle, and, like its namesake, though it has much froth, it is not without spirit. The weight, or rather lightness of it, rests on Mr. Farren's shoulders, super humeros Farreni, as a body may say, and super-humorous he is, as every body knows, in everything comic which he undertakes. Not knowing whether 'The Boarder' is of English or foreign extraction, we are sadly puzzled to tell whether we ought to praise the author for his originality, or to be exceedingly indignant against him as a translator. This is a state of darkness, in which we much question whether gentlemen of such penetration as of the Press" ought to be left. Authors must know very well that nothing can escape us, and, therefore, why don't they tell us? It is sheer affectation to keep men who know everything in ignorance. The manager of the Haymarket seems determined to conspire with all other managers, major and minor, to leave to Madame Vestris the exclusive credit of putting forth play-bills without puffs. His puffs, it is true, are much more moderate than those of Drury Lane and Covent Garden, but why use them at all? In speaking of 'The Boarder,' for inGrand Triumphal March. For two Performers on stance, the bill says, that it was received "with the Pianoforte. Chevalier Neukomm. unanimous applause, and will be repeated every THE subject is hardly worthy the talent of the evening." If the last fact had been stated, THIS young professor provided a rich treat for his friends. The principal singers of the German company, the German chorus singers, the four juvenile brothers, Koella, Miss Osborne, Mrs. Anderson, Messrs. Field, Nicholson, Chatterton, and an effective performance of the overture to Leonora,' with a solo executed with great feeling by Mr. Eliason himself, made together one of the pleasantest concerts of the season. composer. NEW PUBLICATIONS. You told me once my smile had power. Words from the Casket.' Music by J. M. Coombs. He comes no more. Poetry and music by G. Linley, Esq. THE first is not remarkable for its melody or style: the harmonies however are prettily varied. The second has the coupe of Barnet's 'Light Guitar' at the commencement, and is tastefully written. Die Caprice. A favourite German ariette, with Accompaniments for Pianoforte or Guitar. By C. Eulenstein. THIS Composition lies well for a mezzo-soprano; is simple, and rather pleasing. Ask not why the pallid Lily. A Canzonet. By A highly-finished morceau of expressive music, bearing throughout the stamp of skilful and judicious workmanship: the modulations are full of beauty. The Song of Joy and the Song of Woe. By T. H. Bayly, Esq. Young Love, a sly urchin, on mischief intent. Words by Mrs. C. R. Huxley. Music by S. Nelson. Mr. Bayly is a pretty song writer, but we would recommend him not to trust to his own musical skill. Mr. Nelson's ballad is simple and lively. The Venetian Boatmen's Evening Hymn. Music arranged from S. Bach, and Words written by E. Taylor. AN acceptable composition for the lovers of sterling vocal music in parts; the coda of each stanza, O sacra, pia Virgina,' for four voices, must have a rich effect. Sicut locutus est. A Trio for a soprano, countertenor, and bass, arranged from the MS. of Fenoglio. By V. Novello. "THIS charming composition," says the editor, "is from the Magnificat' by Fenoglio, whose works are as beautiful as they are rare." think that by being converted into a trio, the composition is more valuable than it could have been in its original state as a duet. We would not the public have naturally inferred the first? We shall see, an end put to this system yet, and shall feel too grateful for the removal of such a stigma from the drama, to be jealous of the example being set by a foreigner, if, as we suspect, the "commencement de la fin" should take place on the opening of Covent Garden next season, under the management of M. Laporte. THEATRICAL CHAT. THE arrangements relative to the letting of Covent Garden Theatre have at length, we understand, been completed, and all parties concerned have signed. All matters touching the internal regulation of a theatre are so much better ordered in France than in England, that we trust M. Laporte will proceed boldly in the work of reform. We do not believe in the assertion of the taste for the Drama having declined; an assertion, with which it has been the custom of the miserable managements we have so long witnessed, to attempt to account for their successive failures; and we will not believe it until we see a theatre, conducted as a theatre ought to be, obliged to close its doors for want of a fair share of encouragement. We have often known the public patronize bad pieces for reasons which were sometimes obvious, sometimes obscure, sometimes impenetrable: but we never knew them fail to support a really good one, when that good one had justice done to it in the getting up and representation-and there is the principal difficulty under which dramatic writers labour. Intellect must march a great deal further than it has yet, before it can be expected that audiences will go into the question of cause of failure-managers may be too obstinate, too ignorant, or too stingy, to bring out a piece properly. Actors may have too little time allowed them, or, having time sufficient, be too habitually slovenly or lazy to learn their parts properly-yet, who thinks of blaming either the one or the other? Nobody. The poor author is the "Nunky," who pays for all. It is he who suffers, both in pocket and in reputation. We have heard, that M. Laporte has determined to place those who may write for his theatre, in all respects, upon a better footing, and we trust that we have heard the truth. Assuredly, if the talent for high dramatic writing does exist in this country, such will be the only way to bring it out, for under the present system of treatment of authors, by those who are generally their inferiors in point of intellect, none but those who cannot help themselves will become candidates for the horrors of dramatic authorship. The Strand Theatre is endeavouring to entice the public to its Damp Beds,' by throwing in The Best of Husbands,' but we fear even the second will hardly reconcile them to the first. Joking apart-we understand that the house prospers. There is, perhaps, too much appearance of imitation of the Olympic, in all that is done here-and we mention it, because it is not likely to conduce to ultimate advantage: while Madame Vestris retains her powers in their present perfection, which it is highly probable she will do for several years to come, and while she has such powerful supporters as Mr. Liston and Mrs. Glover, it must be the copy and not the original which suffers by comparison. We should like to see every new theatre strike out a line of its own, and keep to it. The Adelphi has taken one-the Olympic another-both have proceeded in their parallel lines; and both have, consequently, prospered, without either interfering with the other. Why then should not The Strand try a third? Originality is always more meritorious than imitation, as a good shilling is intrinsically worth more than a bad guinea. MISCELLANEA Gresham Prize Medal.-The first prize gold medal, awarded for the best original composition in Sacred Vocal Music, will be delivered to the successful candidate at the lecture-room this day. The Moravians. According to a late statement of the Moravians, the total number of the brethren scattered over the whole earth, amounts to no more than about 16,000; nevertheless, they keep up 127 missionary establishments among the heathens, at an expense of more than 90007. per annum. A strange Harvesting.-The American papers make mention, that since the stranding of the brig Java, on Cape Cod, cod fish have been more abundant than ever; and that from the fish caught by one small row-boat in a single day, nearly half a bushel of nutmegs, besides a quantity of coffee, was taken. Liberality. A rich Jew at Copenhagen has lately left the large sum of 35,000 thalers to different schools and other charitable foundations, without regard to any religious persuasion, and for the benefit equally of Jews and Christians. Dispersion of the Jews.-The Jews are seldom found in poor countries. The Russian government, from a desire, we presume, still farther to has gradually removed 304 Jewish families, enforce the scriptural curse against this people, consisting of 2002 individuals, to the wilds of Siberia; thus compelling them to spread themselves in regions which have no temptation to voluntary settlers. Aphorism, by F. Philippi.-The one thing needful, is charity and reciprocal forbearance. No one is absolutely good, or absolutely bad. A giant is only twice the size of a dwarf, and a dwarf is half a giant. But if you must hate something-and hate is the spice of life, from which it receives its relish-hate what ultras and liberals will agree is worthy of it-falsehood, tyranny, and selfishness. Extraordinary block of Granite.-The Emperor Nicholas is about to erect a monument in honour of his brother Alexander. For this purpose, a single block of granite has been procured, which is to be shaped into a column of 12 feet in dia meter, and 84 in height. The block is said to weigh nearly 250 tons, and for two years 600 people have been employed in detaching it from the quarry, and preparing it for removal, and a vessel has been built solely for the purpose of transporting it. Magnetic Rocks.-The magnetic influence of certain rocks on the compass, is a phenomenon well known to navigators. At Cape Horn, a remarkable instance of this was found by Capt. It King, in his late survey of South America. is stated by this officer, that on Maxwell Island, near this Cape, when he was making some observations with the compass, he had occasion to place it on a piece of rock, and found to his astonishment, that the influence of the rock reversed the poles of the needle. On examination, the rock was found to be composed of quartz, with large and numerous crystals of hornblende. The block was preserved by Capt. King, and is now lodged in the Museum of the Geological Society. METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL Days of Thermom. Barometer. Noon. Winds. S.W. to S. S.W. 51 29.50 S.W. S.W. Weather. Rain. Ditto. Rain, P.M. Cloudy. Rain, A. M. Rain. ADVERTISEMENTS HOOKER AND GREVILLE'S ICONES FILICUM. Just completed, in 2 vols. folio, with 240 Plates, price, plain, 15l.; or half bound in russia extra, 16. 16s.; coloured, 251.45.; or half-bound in russia extra, 277. FIGURES IGURES and DESCRIPTIONS of FERNS, Regius Professor of Botany in the University of Glasgow, and Author of the Frugal Housewife, The Girl's Own Book,' &c. Testimonies in favour of this excellent book. "Of all the books on education, this is unquestionably the best."-Scots Times. "We tend our hearty commendations to the publishers."Literary Gazette. "We conscientiously and warmly recommend The Mother's Book' to all who have the superintendence of young children." Athenæum. Many more testimonials equally favourable might be quoted in commendation of this most valuable werk; the Publisher trusts the above will be sufficient to induce every mother who really loves her offspring to purchase the work and protit by its maxims. London: Printed for Thomas Tegg, No. 73, Cheapside; N Hailes, Piccadilly; Bowdery and Kirby, Oxford-street; and sold by all Booksellers in the Kingdom. In a few days will be published, in a neat pocket volume, cloth boards, Cumulus, Nimbus, Cirro-ALPHABET of INSECTS, for the Use of Nights fair, except Thursday, Saturday, Monday. Mornings for the greater part, rainy. Much thunder and lightning on Thursday and Saturday, P.M. Mean temperature of the week, 65° Day increased on Wednesday, 8h. 46 min. No night; the sun not descending far enough below the horizon to cause darkness. NOVELTIES IN LITERATURE AND ARTS. Forthcoming.-The Second Volume of The Family Topographer, containing Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hants, and the Isle of Wight, Somerset, and Wilts. An Essay on the Ministry of Local or Lay Preachers, by William Robinson. A Fac-Simile of the celebrated Hymn,' From Greenland's Icy Mountains,' by the late Bishop Heber. The Devotional Letters and Sacramental Meditations of Dr. Philip Doddridge. A Weekly Miscellany, to be conducted by Mr. Pinnock. The Weekly Cabinet of Antiquarian Literature. Fifteen Months' Pilgrimage through untrodden tracts of Khuzistan and Persia, in a journey from India through Turkish Arabia, Persia, Armenia, Russia, Old Poland, &c., by J. H. Stocqueler, Esq. A History of the Nonconformist Churches and Ministers in Yorkshire, by the Rev. Thomas Scales. The second Volume of Professor Schlegel's Edition of the Ramayana will appear with the first of the Latin Translation, which is nearly ready. The First Part of Walton and Cotton's Complete Angler, with Original Memoirs, by Sir Harris Nicholas, and Illustrations by T. Stothard, R.A. and James Inskipp, Esq. Just published.-The Doomed, 3 vols. 17. 7s.Mayer on Atonement, 3 vols. 8vo. 17. 14s. 6d. - Practical Hints on Landscape Gardening, by W. S. Gilpin, Svo. 1.-David's Turkish Grammar, 4to. 1. 8s.Fitzgeorge, 3 vols. 17. 11s. 6d.-Popular Zoology, 18mo. 7s. 6d. Selections from the Speeches and Writings of Lord Brougham, with Sketch of his Life, 8vo. 7s. 6d. -An Argument against the Gold Standard, by D. G. Liebe, 5s.-English Songs, by Barry Cornwall, 68. 6d. Hind's Manual of the Veterinary Art, 5s.-Dailey's Return of the Victors, 8vo. 6s.-Beauties of Crabbe, 8vo. 4s. 6d. Gough's Poems, 5s. Whewell on the Free Motion of Points, First Part of Dynamics, Svo. 10s. 6d.Hansard's Debates, 2nd series, Vol. 8, 5th of the Session 1831, 14. 4s.-Bewick's British Birds, 2 vols. 8vo. 17. 16s. -Slaney on British Birds, 12mo. 4s. 6d.-La Belle Assemblée, 15 vols. 7. 17s. 6d.-Flowers of all Hues, 32mo. 3s. 6d. TO CORRESPONDENTS Thanks to B.-S.-A. T. " Il Penseroso' we decline, with thanks. The Numismatic Annual was noticed on its first pub. lication. We have received the first number of the North Devon Advertiser. Our correspondent, we presume, intended some courtesy, but the writing is unintel ligible, and we cannot comprehend his intention. The sketch under our notice especially refers to that part of early British history in which Caractacus and his brave Cambrian band courageously, but unsuccessfully, resisted the invasion of the Roman hordes under Ostorius Scapula; and extends to the humiliating scene which presents the captive British prince, in manacles, with his wife and children, before the imperial throne of Cæsar. "The sketch presents a variety of scenes, in which the vigour and fancy of the poet, and the elegance of the scholar," are forcibly exhibited."-Manchester Chronicle. "These specimens are sufficient to prove the author of these pages to be a poet with sense and feeling of no ordinary quality." -Literary Guardian. "There is a force and stern vigour, and withal a smoothness, in the lines, which at once seize on the reader's imagination, and carry lum on to the end. One cannot read Caractacus' without becoming deeply imbued with the spirit of the author, and according him the tribute of having a vivid and powerfully poetic mind under the control of a correct and cultivated judgment. There are passages not inferior to many in the Odyssey of Pope -combining great strength with much sweetness."-Staffordshire Gazette. William Kidd, 228, Regent-street. Opinions of the Press. "The Messiah' is, in our judgment, equal to any of Mr. Montgomery's productions, and a lasting monument to his fame, To soothe and elevate the soul is the least of the commendations we can bestow upon it; for there is not a page that can fail to purify the heart, and raise the spirits beyond the vicissitudes of mortal life."-Literary Gazette. "The Messiah' of Robert Montgomery may be called a blank verse chronicle of Christ, in which the crimes and atrocities which rendered his coming needful are fully set forth, together with the characters of the chief prophets who preceded his ap pearance; but the poet chiefly lays out his strength in delineating the meek spirit-the god-like humility-the remarkable endurance -and final atonement of the Saviour; and it cannot be denied, that he has retained the sentiments, and caught, on many occa sions, the spirit of the olden days."-Athenæum. JohnTurrill, British Magazine Office, 250, Regent-street, London. THE LADIES' CABINET. Just published, the first volume of HE LADIES' CABINET of FASHION, THMUSIC, Pd ROMANCE, which may be had in Six Monthly Numbers, price SIXPENCE each Number; or neatly bound up in the Byron style, price 35. 6d. MEADOWS'S FRENCH PRONOUNCING DICTIONARY. Beautifully printed, price 78. in cloth, or 7s. 6d. bound, a New FRENCH Basis RENCH and ENGLISH PRONOUNCParts-1. French and English; 2. English and French; with the New Words in general use, Principles of French Pronunciation, and an abridged Grammar. The volume contains upwards of foar hundred pages of mis. cellaneous matter, consisting of Original Romantic Tales, Dramatic Fragments, Poetry, Sketches of Society, of Natural History, of the Scenery and Manners of Foreign Countries, Table Talk, Notices of the Theatres and New Books, and accurate descriptions of the London and Parisian Fashions for each month. The Ilustrations are, a beautiful Vignette Title page; six Steel Engravings, executed in a superior style, and representing favourite landscapes and scenes of still life; six excellent Wood-cuts; twenty-four elegantly-coloured Plates of the Fashions which have prevailed during the last half year; and twenty-three pages of Original Music, adapted to songs written expressly for this work. Or a volume thus composed and embellished, the Publisher may be allowed to say, that, even in these days of cheap literature, it is the cheapest work that has been yet produced. To the Fair, for whose instruction and amusement it is principally intended, he returns his most grateful thanks for the very extensive patronage which it has already received. Illustrations fully equal to those in some of the best of the Annuals, are already in the engraver's hands, for the succeeding Numbers, which may be bad of all Booksellers, on the first of each month, or bound up in a volume at the end of the year, as the subscribers may prefer. London: G, Henderson, 2, Old Bailey, Ludgate-hill; and all Booksellers. By F. C. MEADOWS, M.A, of the University of Paris. "Mr. Meadows's performance does him infinite credit, and is an honour to Glasgow and its University. Simple and able in every respect, the student of the French language cannot consult a better oracle."-Literary Gazette. Glasgow: Printed at the University Press, for Thomas Tegg, Cheapside, London; R. Griffin and Co. Glasgow; and W. F. Wakeman, Dublin. HE FRUGAL HOUSEWIFE. Dedicated Author of The Mother's Book,' The Little Girl's Book,' &c. "Economy is the poor man's revenue-extravagance the rich man's ruin." The eighth edition, newly arranged by the author. To which is now added, Hints to Persons of Moderate Fortune, &c. This little work is reprinted and published at the suggestion of a highly distinguished member of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. London: Printed for Thomas Tegg, Cheapside; N. Hailes, Piccadilly; Bowdery and Kirby, Oxford-street; R. Grittin and Co. Glasgow; and W. F. Wakeman, Dublin. Just published, the 4th edition, considerably enlarged, 11s. bound, THE SCOTTISH TOURIST and ITINERARY; or, a Guide to the Scenery and Antiquities of Scotland and the Western Islands, with a Description of the Principal Steam Boat Tours, Illustrated with numerous Plates and Maps. Published by Stirling and Kenny, Edinburgh; and Whittaker, Treacher, and Co., and J. Duncan, London. The Publishers beg leave to submit the following Testimonials (amongst others) in favour of this edition: One great advantage lies in its accuracy, and the evident stamp it has of being, in most instances, the offspring of personal observation: we therefore can recommend it with perfect cond dence as a travelling companion on which the tourist may rely, and also as an excellent book for the parlour table."-Edinburgh Observer. -"No part of the scenery of Scotland is overlooked, but, on the contrary, an accurate account is given of all its most romantic regions, whether belonging to the Highlands or Lowlands. There is no land like our own land, and there is not a more de lightful guide-book in any language than the Scottish Tourist and Itinerary.'"-Edinburgh Literary Journal. "The far-famed Mr. North, whose opinion is a host of itself, alluding to the third edition of the Scottish Tourist,' says it is manifestly compiled by an intelligent editor.' This must be looked upon as a powerful expression of Maga's approbation." "We do not hesitate to recommend the Scottish Tourist,' thus improved, as the most useful book of the kind with which we are acquainted."--Caledonian Mercury. Where also may be had, just published, 1. A Map of the Picturesque Scenery of Scotland. Price 2s. 6d. neatly done up; or coloured, and in a case, 3s. 6d. 2. A New Travelling Map of Scotland. Price 2s. 6d. neatly done up; or coloured, and in a case, 35. 6d. 3. Routes illustrative of the Scottish Tourist, constructed and engraved on a new plan, expressly for that work. Price 18. HAMBERS' EDINBURGH JOURNAL, England, Scotland, and Ireland, price Three Haifpence. This work was commenced on the 4th of February last, and from that date its success has been such as to astonish the most sanguine persons connected with it,-the impression for Scotiand alone being now Thirty-five Thousand; while such has been the interest the work has excited in England, that it was found necessary to reprint in London, in order to meet the daily-increasing demands from all parts of the country;-in the short space of Four Weeks, this Edition has risen from Three to Twenty Thon sand copies, with every prospect of increasing to double that number, when it becomes more generally known in England and Ireland. One grand impediment in the way of success, has been the difficulty of procuring early numbers of the Journal. To obriate this, arrangements have been made for reprinting, and the publishers have the satisfaction of announcing, that the first five numbers of the re-issue are now ready for delivery, and will be followed by another every week, until the whole are republished. The number published this week contains, General Invitations -Popular Information on Science, No. 2-The Rapids, a TaleEmigration-Constantinople in 1831-Scenery around Jerusalem -a Column for Young Women-and various other Articles of Popular Interest. London: William Ort, Paternoster-row; and sold by all Books sellers, Newsmen, &c. |