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courage, and judgment required peculiarly national; and we fancy the complaisant count or dignified baron would receive a crack on the shin from a shooter with as little real grace or relish as woolly-pated Jumbo himself.

The game, then, is one all our own; yet, notwithstanding the excellence it has now attained as a science, we do confess to some surprise at not having seen it a little more liberally treated of. In the great advance made of late years in nearly all varieties of sporting literature we notice a hiatus here that we still cannot altogether account for. One might picture the rough-and-ready foxhunter a little "bothered" when he tried to plan out a map of his glorious run, for the printer-or understand the cautious turfite dealing at arm's length with the many mysteries of his intricate profession. But cricket-with "the Universities against Lord's," "the Gentlemen against the Players," the annual public-school matches-cricket with boys taught to block and field as methodically as to scan and construe-cricket, one would have argued, must find a host of historians to drop the bat for the pen now and then, and rattle off a work in honour of "the manly game."

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The reverse, however, so far has been the case; cricket wanted an historian, and we were consequently prepared to welcome the work before us in the heartiest terms. We are glad to add, its merits fully warrant us in so doing. The author is in every way worthy of his theme, either as a gentleman" or a player;" and we feel we may with justice address him as either-we are equally obliged to him. We scarcely ever read a more amusing or enticing book; for, setting aside the information and practical knowledge it abounds in, it is studded with a variety of anecdotes, all tending to illustrate and impress the peculiarities of the different eras cricket has lived through. We are so carried on from the days of no pads and low wickets, when the batsman cut away at everything, with the blood breaking through his silk stockings, and his fingers cruelly "quartered"-down to the reign of simple, gentle Mr. Clarke, with his long-pitched "lob," and his artful, teasing plan of coaxing the player into a mistake. We have a portrait of this modern Tantalus in attitude, as well as some very capital diagrams, comparing his system with the more terrific style of little Wisden. Our author, in fact, very judiciously devotes a great deal of consideration to the science of bowling; leaning a little as we take it, but never unfairly so, to the Fabian policy. Of its telling effect there can be no question; and as an "alterative," we readily admit the high rank claimed for it.

Supposing, however, we had for a season nothing but slow bowling, would wickets fall anything like so quickly before it? We are inclined to think not; men then would become used to it, as well as devote more study to what they now too seldom condescend to think much about till "Old Clarke" is upon them. They chance it, and perhaps, naturally enough, despise it after the sharp-shooters they have been facing, and then up comes a long-pitched one at the rate of fourteen miles in fifteen hours, and bowled by Clark," or "caught by Guy," closes the scene and the score.

The idea of reporting the recollections of the old school of cricketers in their own words is very happily worked out, and stands amongst the most amusing portion of a very amusing work. We thus gather the

Kent and Sussex play, with stories of Lord Frederick Beauclerk, Osbaldestone, Mr. Budd, and others of a day past, and, above all, the ingenuous avowal of one entertaining old sinner as to the crosses he had seen or shared in. We hope, as we believe, that now comparatively little money is booked on a match: and so the temptation to playersalmost invariably needy men-is not likely to be offered. It is fearful to contemplate the betting-list roughs getting a taste for the game. Jem Bland, it would seem, once did take a turn at it; while Crockford and other magnates of the ring confessed it a pastime above their comprehension. Long may it continue so !

A portrait of Fuller Pilch represents very worthily the batsman at work; while wood-cuts demonstrate every possible plan of hitting away, at leg, or blocking. The fieldsman's duties are considered at equal length, and with proportionate ability and sound reasoning. The book, in short, is the cricketer's book, just as Colonel Hawker is the shooter's, or Izaak Walton the angler's; and in giving it our warmest recommendation we are only doing our duty to "the sporting world."

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS.

The advent of "a bright particular star" of the magnitude of Alboni, is an event worthy of especial commemoration. To hear once again the delicious tones of that well-remembered voice, to dwell upon notes "sweet as the love that meets return," to listen to mellifluous strains that enchant the ear and take the senses captive, is a realization perfectly Elysian. No wonder that the reappearance of this favourite at HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE has been distinguished by enthusiasm, which greets those alone whose great talents entitle them to so worthy a reception. Such a welcome she has fairly and honourably won. Her voice, if possible, is heard to greater advantage than last season; and the perfect knowledge which this gifted singer has of the vocal art is strikingly exhibited in the operas of "Cenerentola," "La Gazza Ladra," and "Zerlina." The last is certainly one of Auber's weakest compositions, and is not destined to add to the fame of the composer of "Fra Diavolo." The management has placed this opera upon the stage in the most satisfactory style; the scenery is strikingly effective, and the incidental divertissement gives rise to no small excitement-some of the audience leaning towards a novel Chinese dance, whilst others vehemently persevere in proclaiming their objection. Surely it is contra bonos mores to make the Opera House the scene of strife and commotion! With regard to enlisting the powers of the many other stars of the Haymarket hemisphere, Mr. Lumley is determined not to pause in his exertions to furnish his subscribers with all that is possible in the shape of novelty and variety. Accordingly, Thalberg's new opera of " Florinda" is given, in addition to " Norma,' Fidelio," and " Linda" for Mademoiselle Cruvelli, and Nozze" for Sontag, Fiorentini, and Colletti. Then " Masaniello" for Fiorentini, Monti, and Duprez. Besides an entertainment of surpassing richness for the ear, the manager makes attraction doubly sure, by captivating the eye with sylphide forms that flit across the stage

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in the most marvellous manner. Such aërial movements were never witnessed by human eye; such "poetry of motion ;" and, ye Gods! such twinkling feet! Where is the philosopher, indeed, that would not even submit to be kicked by one of these! He is not to be found amongst the illuminati (!) of the Omnibus Box-that may be safely said. Never was the ballet in such perfection. Think of Ferraris, Rosati, and Marie Taglioni in conjunction! What a phalanx! "Les Graces" they are, there is no denying. The fawn-like bounding of Ferraris, the graceful case of Rosati, and the à plomb of Taglioni, must be appreciated by all who view evolutions abounding in grace and elasticity.

Mr. Gye cannot complain of the attendance at THE ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, where Madame Viardot has appeared as Adina, in "L'Elisir d'Amore," a character she sustained last season, but one which she is by no means fitted for. With her it is art, and art alone. Now, with Madame Castellan it is very different; for she at once identifies herself as the village coquette. A débût has been made by Signor Ciaffei as Nemorino, but his fitness for the part has yet to be shown Ronconi's

Dulcamare is quite as amusing as ever; and the Belcore of Tamburini is both vocally and dramatically a wonderful performance. Grisi has appeared in Norma ;" and certainly time has not withered one single beauty of her well-known charming impersonation: voice and gesture remain the same.

Mademoiselle Rachel has approached the end of her engagement at THE ST. JAMES'S THEATRE, to the regret of very many who have experienced emotions of the most agreeable nature in witnessing the performances of this gifted woman. Such an occasion is suggestive of the immense risk and the very heavy responsibilities undertaken by Mr. Mitchell; who, it is but fair to hope, has been adequately compensated for his great exertions in administering to a cultivated taste. To him also is due the merit of having introduced Mrs. Fanny Kemble to the public in a new character, as the exponent of Shakspeare; a character, it is to be hoped, she has not altogether abandoned.

The attempt to restore the national drama at DRURY LANE, it appears from recent disclosures, has proved to be sorry, sad, and unsuccessful; indeed

"Othello's occupation's gone,"

and Mr. Anderson may with some truth use the Moor's words

"I know not where is that Promethean heat
That can thy light relumine."

The late company is succeeded by a troupe of American and French Equestrians; but with the exception of Madame Caroline and a Mr. McCollom, there is nothing worthy of note. If the directors seriously entertain any hope of their speculation being crowned with success, they must, in addition to infusing novelty and spirit, substitute proficiency for inefficiency; grace, order, and dexterity, for awkwardness, disorder, and stolidity.

It is a very different order of things at the HIPPODROME at Kensington, and the result clearly proves the wisdom of providing proper entertainment. Amongst the various members, both biped and quadruped, that daily perform, perhaps those that are productive of the greatest amount

of amusement are the Ostriches; the running adventures of these singular birds always engrossing attention from some peculiarity arising out of the moment.

Balloon ascents are being made at CREMORNE GARDENS, when the intrepidity of the aëronaut and the curiosity of the gazers are exercised alike. From the immense influx of visitors, foreign and domestic, there is every reason to suppose that the undertaking of Mr. Simpson is beginning to repay him for former losses: he certainly richly merits support for the strenuous exertions he has used in providing, not only abundance, but novelty of entertainment. Besides, commendation must not be withheld for the very moderate tariff he has established, and what is more, the catables and drinkables are really excellent.

The police records are continually furnishing illustrations of depraved and abandoned characters, decked out in all the tawdry trappings appertaining to the store of some Israelitish dealer in rags, cast-off togas, and other venerable theatrical habiliments. In all instances the scene of the exploits of these poor ignorant creatures is the same-VAUXHALL GARDENS-where licentiousness is constantly being practised under the guise of masquerade, which appears to be construed by the participators to signify profligacy, deplorable drunkenness, disgusting debauchery, and unmitigated blackguardism.

STATE OF THE ODDS, &c.

SALE OF BLOOD STOCK.

By Messrs. Lucas, at Liverpool, on Thursday, the 10th.
The property of Lord Eglinton.

Shagram, own brother to Mr. Martin, by Lanercost, 2 years..
Themistocles, by Fancy Boy, out of Themis, 2 years

Urania, sister to Pandemus, by Idle Boy, out of Venus, 2 years.
Anchises, by Fancy Boy, dam by Physician, 2 years

The property of Mr. J. Moore.

......

A Bay Colt, by the Ugly Buck, out of Maria Day, 2 years
A Bay Filly, by The Ugly Buck, out of Annaline, 2 years
A Bay Filly, by The Ugly Buck, out of Roscius's dam, 2 years

....

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By Messrs. Tattersall, at Hyde Park Corner, on Monday, the 21st.
Yearlings, the property of Lord Clifden.

250

160

100

66

61

42

25

25

Hybla, b. f., by Bay Middleton, out of Beeswax
Psaltery, ch. f., by Ithuriel, out of Concertina
Estrella, b. f., by Bay Middleton, out of Plenary.

A Brown Filly, by Ion, out of Prussic Acid, by Voltaire.
Altitude, b. f., by Cotherstone, out of Latitude....

A Bay Filly, by Bay Middleton, out of Blue Devils

A Bay Filly, by Cotherstone, out of H.R.IJ.

A Bay Filly, by Ithuriel, out of Snowdrop, by Dr. Syntax

Lord Lurgan has bought Polonaise and Tightwaist of Mr. T. Dawson; Lord Eglinton, the yearling Sir Walter, by Faugh-a-Ballagh; and Lord Waterford has re-sold Chatterbox (purchased of Mr. Watts for £800) to Captain Cunningham for £1,000.

Annual meeting of the Jockey Club, held at Newmarket, on Wednesday, July 2nd, 1851, present -Lord Glasgow, in the chair; Col.

Anson, Mr. S. R. Batson, Lord Clifden, Lord Enfield, Capt. Lowther, Mr. Payne, Lord W. Powlett, and Mr. Francis Villiers. The accounts for the year were presented and passed. Captain Lowther was appointed a steward of the Jockey Club in the place of Lord Stanley, who retires by rotation. The Duke of Rutland was appointed a member of the Bentinck Fund Committee, in the place of Viscount Enfield, who retires by rotation. The committee for the ensuing year consists of the Earl of Glasgow, Col. Peel, and Capt. Lowther, stewards of the Jockey Club; the Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Eglinton, the Earl of Zetland, and the Duke of Rutland.

Colonel Peel has announced his determination of at once retiring from the turf, and his stud, including stallions, brood mares, and horses in training, will be put up at Hyde Park Corner, on Monday, the 18th, and Monday, the 25th, of August; not, perhaps, the very best time for selling such a stud, but the Colonel has evidently made up his mind. As one of the very best sportsmen we have, with a true relish for the turf, and ample judgment to keep his place on it were he so inclined, we need scarcely echo how severely this withdrawal will be felt.

Mr. Drinkald has discharged Rodney (according to advertisement) for "gross misconduct," and a couple of the Goodwood lads have been proclaimed traitors in the same fashion.

The Derby for 1853 has closed with 200 subscribers, and the Oaks with 146.

The many merry meetings of the past month-Newmarket, Liverpool, Nottingham, and, last but not least, Goodwood, just now at a white heat-have quite taken the sting out of the two races still in prospectu. The most remarkable feature, perhaps, in the Derby being the name at length found by Lord John Scott for the brother to Elthiron, now written Hobby Noble," Hob. Nob., or per syncope Nobler, as no doubt the legs will get it. He did all in his Newmarket race his friends could require, and has had a good time since, but does not show at Goodwood, where the result of the week may bring one of the home-stable a little closer on his quarter.

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For the St. Leger Hernandez has become again first favourite, and both he and Miserima have been in very good repute for some time; the outlay or enquiry for others having been but occasional. Indeed, like the Scotch gentleman's marriage, the Leger has altogether been verra flat" lately, but Goodwood may give it an impetus. We may mention, amongst others of the newly christened, an outsider for this race, Mr. Waller's Enterprise colt, to be known henceforth as Ephesus.

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