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objects like a corn-field or a hop-garden. An | in which there is always good entertainment illustration in point of the force of meretricious fancies, is the furore which Mdlle. Schneider has created at the fashionable ST. JAMES'S THEATRE, in "La Grande Duchesse" and "La Belle Helene." The sensuous warmth of the receptions given to the French syren, who plays with such vivacity and cajolery the part of a wanton, indicates the viciousness of fashionable pleasures. But verbum sat!

During the past month two of the principal theatres have been given up to Shakespeare, and amateur Hamlets, Othellos, &c. Mr. Allerton, at the PRINCESS's, has repeatedly essayed to give the world the properest reading of the Danish philosophic prince. There is a "method" in Mr. Allerton's "madness" at any rate and if he is at present not exactly a wellgraced actor, he is young enough, there is time enough, and we believe he has leisure enough to become a creditable tragedian. But if advice can be taken by our amateur, we would suggest that he should adapt his capabilities to the newest forms of the drama rather than to the oldest. (Mr. Vining might have tested his powers in the new drama of "Ruth," produced for Miss Saville). We are not of the late Albert Smith's opinion, that "Shakespeare is slow;" but the immortal dramatist's tragedies have become, by repetition and "d—nable iteration," excessively familiar to the ear. If the Elizabethan plays were well acted, there is always a depth and infinitude of meaning, and a natural power in them to gratify the heart and the intellect of the educated playgoer; but wanting appreciative interpreters, even Shakespeare becomes obscured by the shade of dulness. We hear of a new play, by Boucicault, being underlined at the PRINCESS'S. It is entitled "London After Dark." Reverting to amateurs, we observe that a Mr. Pennington has been playing Othello at the HAYMARKET. Mr. Pennington, we venture to think, is nothing more than “ parotted" in this part. He cannot do more, we are quite satisfied, with the grand passion, than timidly to mimic it. Mr. James Anderson, a veteran actor, who has just returned to the HAYMARKET, has played the same grand character with some degree of force and power. But Mr. Anderson possesses vast experience, and Mr. Pennington possesses none. As there is "balm in Gilead," so there may be a balm in store for Mr. Pennington's wounded vanity. At Mr. Buckstone's benefit, Mr. Buckstone, jun., made his debut as a farce actor. He rather resembles his father in form and feature, manner and style; but of course wants ballast, otherwise experience and practice.

THE NEW QUEEN'S THEATRE has just produced an original drama of strong domestic and melo-dramatic interest in four tableaux, written by Mr. H. J. Byron, and entitled "The Lancashire Lass." We shall have to report on the merits of this production on a future occasion.

THE ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE AND CIRCUS, High Holborn, is a spiritedly-managed theatre,

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literally" for man and horse." Amongst the new features of the entertainment is the appearance of the magnificent Asiatic troupe, the principal performers of which were formerly attached to the court of the King of Oude, and are considered the most wonderful of their class. The daring evolutions with swords are much admired. Tampoo's performance-he walks on a vibrating rope on the tips of buffalo horns-is a caution to gymnasts not to exhibit themselves in that kind of temperament called the "high ropes ;" ergonot to be vain of themselves. The great attraction of the evening, however, is the performances of Onra, whose speciality is for the flying trapeze, which he manipulates à la Leotard; but he far outdoes the efforts of that celebrated artist. His flights on two bars, accompanied by summersaults and pirouettes, take the house quite by storm. The horsemanship and ring "business" generally are remarkably well conducted. There is nothing common-place or vulgar about it; but, on the other hand, much that is elegant and refined.

Apropos of the "Circus," we notice that "ASTLEY'S THEATRE" (re-opens, with a pretentious attempt at resuscitating a longsince " quietly-inurned" play, which was the production of the Right Hon. Benjamin Disraeli's boyish genius. "Alarcus,' "like Lord John Russell's "Don Carlos," was, at the first inkling, nothing more than a mistake. It therefore ought never to have been resuscitated.

Among miscellaneous places of amusements, the ALHAMBRA maintains a distinguished position. At this magnificent theatre the performances partake of the "music hall" specialité, but are conducted with more than ordinary taste and refinement. On a recent visit we saw a genuinely-good ballet performed by many-perhaps too many-agile dancers. The stage is too small for a full ballet; but numbers go for much in the estimation of Alhambra audiences and the shock of revelry, the Comus-like route of the new "Indian ballet" by Milano, supported on the light fantastic toes of somewhere about "two hundred" coryphèes, could not of course fail of success. The Alhambra is reputed to possess the largest and coolest auditorium of any theatre in Europe. When to this we find provided a real waterfall scene which gives us the refreshing effects of a modernized "peerless pool," we feel very well satisfied with our quarters for the evening in Leicester Square. After a day at the Dramatic College Féte in the Crystal Palace-which day was one of the dreariest, in consequence of the stupidity of stale repetitions of would-be funny amusements at the actor's "Vanity Fair"-we were glad to be beguiled by the excellent music and dancing so lavishly and discerningly provided by Mr. Strange, the energetic manager of the Alhambra Palace.

"Evening Ballad Concerts" commenced on Wednesday, the 22nd ultimo, at the CRYSTAL PALACE, when Sims Reeves inaugurated these midsummer night's amusements by singing

half-a-dozen favourite old ballads; and Mes-, art, we think the Messieurs Tussaud might do dames Liebhardt and Vinning assisted.

During the hot season we have found the POLYTECHNIC in the day time no unpleasant deterrent of caloric. Prof. Pepper is a host in himself here, and one who takes the utmost care that the course of amusements shall know nothing of sameness; unflagging activity and variety in the entertainments are the rule at the Polytechnic. Lectures, readings, recitations, the ballet, and the burlesque drama, constitute the chief attractions at the Institution, which is ever well attended.

something in the way of historical costume superior to anything they have yet done. Why not a group of Shakespeare's heroines, in Elizabethan costumes ?

The Christy's at ST. JAMES'S HALL continue en permanence. The entertainment has become an institution among admirers of ballad music, and American comic dancing. Mr. F. Burgess, the manager, ought to be voted a piece of (Abyssinian) plate in return for his energetic efforts to perpetuate the fame of the musical Ethiop.

The close of the month has seen a renewal of novelty at the ROYAL GALLERY OF ILLUSTRATION, where a new entertainment is now flourishing, under the homely title of "Inquire Within," a little farcical extravaganza ripe with

A little farther west, and we reach MADAME TUSSAUD'S EXHIBITION in Baker-street. Here the latest arrival is Lord Napier of Magdala, who joins company with H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh. The murderers in the back-pleasant music, written by Burnand, composed ground in wax serve to remind us of the late attempt at assassinating a Prince of the blood in Australia; but otherwise have no connexion with the princes and heroes who find themselves in such unenviable society. In the interests of

by German Reed, with new scenery by O'Con-
nor. The inquiries within have already become
so excessive, as to establish a block which ren-
ders access difficult, although exciting.
E. H. MALCOLM.

OUR LIBRARY TABLE.

ENGLISHWOMAN'S REVIEW (23, Great Marlborough-street, Regent-street; Trübner & Co., Paternoster-row.) "The Position of Women in India;" "Is there any Specific Distinction between the Male and Female Intellect?" "Public Opinion on Questions concerning Women;" and the "Speech of Mr. Shaw Lefevre, M.P., in the House of Commons." These are the leading topics discussed in the current number of this quarterly, which has just claims to the support and gratitude of the sex whose interests are its peculiar object. The first paper, a compilation from Miss Carpenter's "Six Months in India," by Mrs. Bayle Bernard, contains much interesting matter relative to the present condition and future hopes of the Hindoo women, whose fathers and husbands, at least in the higher ranks, are awakening to the necessity of raising the women of their households to the requisitions of their growing civilization. It is pleasant to read of a native lady's presentation at the Vice-regal Court, and of the same lady's reception of her friends in the English fashion; also that private teaching in Zenanas forms an important feature în female education in Calcutta, and, better still, that in Bombay it is the Hindoos themselves that have originated most improvements.

lowed by usage, to endeavour to perform all auties, and especially to strive to promote female education and enlightenment,

With such societies within itself, the "Position of Women in India" may almost be left to work out its own transformation and regeneration. It is a great point towards this end that polygamy is no longer popular amongst the upper classes, though an instance is quoted of a low-class man who married thirty wives, as the cheapest mode of obtaining labour to cultivate some land which he had purchased. Talking of the low-class natives, by the way, has set us thinking of the low-class women in our Midland and mining districts, and wondering if the admirable lady, who has travelled so far to win over Hindoo and Parsee fathers and husbands to her practical plans for the education of their women, and who draws so sad a picture of the hard lives of low caste women in India, has ever visited Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, or their neighbourhoods, and acquainted herself with the condition of her countrywomen in these districts. Are the women who cart and carry coal through the town of Shrewsbury, who feed the furnaces, pick penny-stones on the banks, and coals at the pit's mouth, and load and unload barges by the sides of the Dudley canal, less But the most zealous promoters of improvements unsexed, uncared for, and to be pitied, in their are to be found among those natives, who, refusing the laborious and unwomanly lives, than the Hindoo doctrines of Christianity, yet revere its precepts and women, for whose sake our philanthropical and adopt its worship of one God; and, while preferring clever countrywoman crossed the ocean, and to keep such native customs as are not immoral, bind used to good purpose her sound sense and perthemselves solemnly to avoid all vice, however hal-suasively eloquent arguments? Is it good to

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and special interests of Odd-Fellowship. well-thought-out and sensibly-written paper, entitled " English Caste," by Miss Meteyard (author of "The Life of Wedgwood"), Mrs. Linnæus G. Banks' "Lodges in the Wilderness," and Mr. John Ingram's "Talk about be-Trees," are in themselves enough to constitute a good and readable number. Amongst other pleasant sylvan gossip the author of the latter paper, writing of the longevity of the yew-tree, observes that

give the children's bread to strangers? are we
borne out in doing so, before they at least are
fed? It appears, curiously enough, the delight
of English missionaries and philanthropists to
extend the scope and scenes of their labours
beyond seas, while their work at home remains
unfinished-nay, in many instances, scarce
gun! And, looking at the tens of thousands
whose condition at home cries with an exceeding
bitter cry for amelioration and enlightenment,
we feel jealous of this sympathy for the suffer-
ings of the low-class women of India, while with
little trouble we could find a pendent to them
at home. The second paper, by Miss Lydia
Becker, is well and closely argued, and will
repay perusal. Just at this time, when its recon-
sideration in Parliament is simply postponed for
want of time for its proper and complete dis-
cussion, the subject of the speech of Mr. Shaw
Lefevre in the House of Commons has a large
share of interest for both sexes. The condition
of married women under the common law
is so flagrantly hard, that

No man of wealth or position ever permits his daughter to marry under its simple conditions. No matter how favourable appearances may be, he very properly insists upon a marriage-settlement, to ensure her against the husband's misfortune or neglect.

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At

At Ankerwyke House, near Staines, is one of those venerable ancients which was in existence at the time when the English barons met on Runnymede, and compelled King John to grant Magna Charta. Queenwood, in Hampshire, there is a magnificent avenue of yews, forming a complete arch across the roadway, and extending nearly a mile in length. The trees are of uniform size, and each one of them is known to have lived several hundred years. The solemn avenue of these funereal trees, at Guy's Cliff, Warwick, beneath which Mrs. Siddons, who lived there for some time in her youth, may have nursed her tragic aspirations, appears to have escaped our author, who goes

on to note

The yew-trees at Fountains Abbey, in Yorkshire, If the lady be wealthy, a portion of her fortune is which are known to have sheltered the monks during generally settled on her, to her separate use,

the erection of the building, which has long since
fallen to decay; but those noble trees still retain their
vigour, and the lowest age that can be assigned to
them is twelve centuries, although in all probability
they are much older. Leo Grindon, in his beautiful
suggestive work "On the Nature, Variety, and Phe-
to attain the enormous age of 3,200 years.
nomena of Life," states that the yew has been known

Mrs. C. A. White's serial-story ends in the pre-
sent part. If it should convey to a single
homestead the moral which the author has had
at heart, she will not have written it in vain.
What this moral is will be seen in the paragraphs
that follow:

But where no such precautions are taken to secure the wife, or when the woman's earnings are her only wealth, then her husband, be he good or bad, has absolute and entire right to them, and may ill-use, neglect, dishonour-nay, as in various instances he has done, starve her; while he spends in dissipation the money she has brought, or may earn for him. The hon. member, in the course of his speech adduced some instances of the cruel injustice of the law, as it now stands, with regard to the property of married women, and which could not fail to have weight with his colleagues; but there evidently exists a fear (even in the face of the precautions taken by the higher and wealthier classes for the safety of their own daughters) to relieve married women generally from a condition "more unfavourable to them in England, than in any other civilized country in the world." This fear is rendered evident by the fact that years have been allowed to pass since "Not to-night," said George. "I came out, as the first presentation of the Bill, and that it is you say, partly on account of the cleaning, and partly" again put aside till a more convenient opportu--he hesitated a moment, and then with the straightnity for its discussion. The number contains forward frankuess of his boyhood when the little several other interesting papers and notices; woman had been his school-dame, he added, "because and we see, with pleasure, that the "Society for Sally and I had a word." A look of sad regret shathe Employment of Women" have introduced dowed Mrs. Peach's kind face, and he continued : "That is not the worst-it was all my fault. hair-dressing as a proper business for their angry that tea was not set, and Sally, poor thing, clients a calling which we long since sug- ready to come out with me, and I forgot that she gested in these pages as a legitimate employ-had had no time all the week for cleaning, and I spoke ment for women.

ODD-FELLOWS' QUARTERLY. (Manchester.) -A less varied, but not on that account less useful, number than usual, the larger portion of it being devoted to the business-proceedings

"I thought of going in to see your wife, George," she said, after their mutual salutations ended; "but I know, poor thing, how busy she must be on Saturday evenings. She can have no other time to clean and put things straight that's why you came out, I suppose-men and cats hate wet floors. Are you walking on to your mother's ?"

and acted like a fool!”

I was

"Well," said Mrs. Peach, "that is not a pleasant thing for a man to own himself to his wife, but it is another to say you are sorry for being unreasonable. Take my advice, George, and go home and

make it up with her as soon as possible. I bet you she has had a good cry by this time, and is sorry enough for her part in the business."

“I will, I will,” said George, eagerly; "but," he inquired, "is there no way of managing the housework without her being worried with it just when a fellow has an hour or two, when he'd like to have his wife out with him? I cannot but think that she might manage differently."

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What, by putting the housework off, as the most of her neighbours do, till to-morrow!" said Mrs. Peach, gravely, "and turning the Sabbath-day into the most hardworking and burdensome of all the

week!"

"God forbid !" said George.

"Then," said Mrs. Peach, "will you show me how a woman is to be out of her home all week-days, and do her duties in it too? It seems to me, George, that factory life and home-life were never meant to go together. Factory life is all very well for widows without families, and single women. But home is no home without the constant presence of the wife or mother in it-and that you must soon find out." "I find it already," said George, moodily. "Our meals are never comfortable-everything is just as it happens to be when we start off for the works;

and there is no comfort when we come home till the

room is put to rights. Then I can't bear any more than Sally to see washing about on Saturday nights; and when she puts it out it comes to a deal more money than you would think: and I did say she should have a woman once-a-week to clean; but then Sally says she should have to stay at home to see her do the work, and mind that nothing was stolen. But, if we go on as we are going on, by Jove there will not be much left to steal! for we shall have little left to

wear; for of course, poor lass, she has no time for mending or making.'

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"Just so," said Mrs. Peach; "there is no serving two masters: and what, after all, does a man gain by his wife's wages? The home neglected, the absence of all those small comforts and economies by which a domestic useful woman helps her household, and which are of far more real value to her husband than the few shillings her weekly wages amount to-not to mention when a family comes, the social and moral ruin her absence frequently entails on it. I have seen a great deal of the system, lived amongst mills all my life, and I say it is a bad and an unnatural system, eating out the very heart of womanhood in our young girls, leaving them ignorant and helpless, without knowledge or practice of nice neat, homely ways, without which t is impossible that a woman can conduct her house or train up a family decently."

| habits tends to debase and brutalize them. The system of discharging seamen on their arrival in an English port, and shipping fresh crews at the moment of sailing, appears a natural cause for the want of sympathy between the owner, and also the master and the men. The former little for the comfort or even safety of those who insures his vessel well, and concerns himself but sail her. There is also the general bad accommodation, tending to make the crew indifferent to their duties and dissatisfied with their employer; and, lastly, the evil associations which beset the sailor on shore. It is time, indeed, that something should be done to improve "poor Jack," morally and socially; and we trust that the paper before us may have some weight in calling public attention to his condition and the means of raising it. The number contains also a pleasing paper on "The Services of French Life-boats," all the more pleasing that their services have been suggested by those of our own Institution, which has been the model of the "Société Centrale de Sauvetage des Naufrages." The services of the boats of the National Life-boat Institution are patent, as they ever are; and donations and annual subscriptions are earnestly requested to maintain the boats and stations in an efficient state, as well as to add to their numbers. During the past six months, 358 lives have been saved by the boats of the Institution; and during the last year, the grand total of lives saved amounted to 783!

Contributions, bequests, &c., will be thankfully received, on behalf of the Institution, by all bankers in town and country, and by the Secretary, RICHARD LEWIS, Esq.,

14, John-street, Adelphi, London.

TELESCOPIC FAN.

With the maximum temperature at 101 deg. in the shade (vide Times of July 22nd), the fan has become not a mere accessory of dress, but an absolute and necessary part of it. In railway carriages, in the parks, on the promenade, there is really no breathing long without it; and we should not be at all surprised to find gentlemen who have already taken to white sunTHE LIFE-BOAT. No. 69. The July num- shades again resorting to its use-we say again; ber contains, amongst much interesting matter for, that they were at one time as natural to in connection with the National Life-boat In- English as Chinamen is an established historistitution, an important and interesting paper on cal fact. Sir Edward Coke rode circuit with a "The Deterioration of our Merchant Seamen," fan attached to a handle half a yard in length; which the writer traces first to the abolition of and Dugdale has recorded that he saw the Earl the system of compulsory apprenticeship, when of Manchester use such a one. No Jonas every merchant-vessel was compelled to carry Hanway had as yet arisen; and these fans were one or more apprentices, who were bound to very probably used as a shade from the sun, as serve seven years, and brought up under a sys- well as for the purpose of giving air. Long tem of discipline, and taught their professional handles would, however, be very much in the duties. The want of an early and suitable edu- way at present, and so indeed are fans without cation is another drawback amongst the classes handles as usually constructed-except on from which merchant-seamen are collected; dress occasions. A fan depending from the while the prevalence of demoralizing drinking-wrist, or carried in the hand, looks out of place,

save in a room. Worn at the waist it is not easily resorted to; while a fan consigned to the pocket is a fan condemned to destruction, since in that position it is almost certain to be sat upon or pushed against, and fractured or broken. But in the case of the Telescopic Fan we have lightness, utility, and portability combined. It consists of a tube not much longer than an ordinary pencil-case, and about twice as large in circumference (of course the size can be enlarged). A little silk tassel at one end enables the person using it to draw out a circular fan, which lies hidden within till wanted; and a longer cord, with tassel at the other end, draws the apparatus back into the tube. Though the principle is not new, the resuscitation of it at this particular period is a real service to the

sex; while the cheapness of the paper ones brings them within every one's reach who looks upon the possession of one as a necessary comfort. Others more costly of the same form are to be had, and we are glad to see this ingeniously contrived little article in many of the shop-windows of this and other neighbourhoods. We may suggest that in materials, size, and colouring, the Telescopic Fan is capable of much improvement. Its cooling properties are curious in comparison with its size; the handle, a second tube within the case, affording a leverage of considerable power. As a pocket appendage, few ladies who have once tried it are likely to relinquish it while our present temperature holds. WESTBOURNIA.

OUR PARIS CORRESPONDENT.

MY DEAR C

With an empty Paris, as we have now, how am I to find you any news? All our theatres of note have long been closed. Who, in fact, could venture into a hothouse, when our only thought is to find a cool corner to breathe in? though I fear such a corner is nowhere to be found, in our burning capital. London I know is almost as bad, but your trees have still green leaves on their branches, or had a short time since, while our public gardens present the appearance of the month of October; and yet, strange to say, how many of your countrymen flock to our burning asphalt, and brave the melting sun to see Paris! Their habitual hotels are full. One would think how much more agreeable a tour northward would be, to a southward excursion; but to behold Paris, there is nothing they do not seem capable of supporting. Fontainebleau has been the great seat of attraction during July. The frequent excursions of their Majesties into the forest, joined to the delightful shades there to be found, had made many hie thither before going to the seaside. The Empress has also given several pic-nics and dinner parties to the great, during the last month. It is a pretty sight an imperial pic-nic, under the majestic old children of the forest, in the picturesque valleys with which the forest of Fontainebleau abounds. The gay dresses of ladies and lackeys, and the merry sounds that echo through those solitary old haunts of the stag and the deer, form a pleasant antithesis to the tourist, as he gazes, at a respectful distance, on the rural pleasures of Majesty. As the Emperor was driving the other day in the forest, a poor old woman was jogging along with her donkey and cart loaded with vegetables, which by some ill luck or other turned over. The poor old woman screamed lustily under the load that almost buried her. His Majesty stopped his

horses, and alighted, and with the aid of the gentlemen with him, extricated the poor woman from her perilous situation. "Alas! alas! thank you, good gentleman, for your kindness," said she, with tears; "but my poor donkey; what shall I do? see how he is hurt; and he and this cart are all I possess." Napoleon, whom the poor old lady had not recognized, calmed her tears by putting a hundred francs into her cart, after having aided to reload it. "Sure," said she, looking at him, "you must be the Emperor himself, to give me so much money." Majesty smiling, nodded his head in an affirmative manner, while he remounted his carriage, and drove off, leaving the bewildered old dame with mouth and eyes open in astonishment.

His

Muzzles may be put on dogs during the canicular days; but what is to protect those whom etiquette compels to rest bareheaded in the sun at that time? A superior "employé" at Fontainebleau died the other day from a sun-stroke, received while talking to their Majesties. On dit that the Empress intends visiting Iceland after she leaves Fontainebleau. She has ordered the yacht "La Reine Hortense" to be ready; and the ladies-in-waiting, who are not good sailors, tremble at the prospect of what is in store for them. Prince Napoleon is expected to join the Emperor at Plombières. Apropos of the Prince, it is wondered why he undertook his recent journey. At Constantinople a Polish deputation presented a petition, to which he replied very graciously, and gave a sum of one hundred thousand francs. Slanderous tongues say there was a more just way to bestow his money, as he seems to have more than he wants just now, which is not often the case. His political ideas appear also to be changed respecting Austria, and Prussia has all his sympathy. He almost promised French protection to Turkey.

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