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The Queen, The Lady’s Newspaper and Court Chronicle No. 1045

THE INFLUENCE OF WOMEN.
IT HAPPENS TO ALL OF US occasionally “to see ourselves as others see us ;“ and we are bound to confess that the image thus presented to our mental vision, in the majority of cases, is not of a flattering nature. Sometimes we overhear what is not intended for our ears; sometimes a friend is good enough to repeat for our edification what some one else has said, and though the repetition may be intended “for our good,” it is probable that most frequently it might as well have been left unsaid, unless it was intended to produce annoyance and irritation. Once now and then it may occur that we hear ourselves spoken of simply as objects existing for some end in the world, but viewed by the speaker from some proud pre-eminence which removes him or her from immediate sympathy with us.
Our contemporary, the Saturday Review, not unfrequently treats its readers to prelections of the latter sort. From its post of observation it looks round on the world, and allots to all their due description. Women not unfrequently form the subject of its discursive writing; and we ha4e just been furnished with some remarks upon their influence, which we are required to take as embodying the manly view of the womanly character, and of the extent of women’s influence.
In the introduction to the article the writer informs us that all the women of England are sympathising with the Empress Euginie, because she wishes to go to Rome, and the Emperor will not let her.
Parenthetically, we may remark that we think the writer is here a little speaking without book. As our own experience of the matter, we may state that all the women we have heard express an opinion on the subject, have agreed in thinking that, in the present state of affairs, the presence of the Empress at Rome would be an unwise thing, to say the least of it. But we bow to the Saturday’s manly experience, which is of course f more weight than ours.
Then comes the gist of flue matter, to which the little ed’cfr
of the Empress only leadvup. Women, it • is said, must have influence, and do have it ; but the whole result of their efforts amounts only to something like the following. In religious matters women are earnest, but shy of inquiry, and conservative. They are useful, perhaps, in keeping some men from going too rapidly down hill ; but, on the other hand, they impede the progress of others. Women worship good social position. To attain this they scheme and contrive, and when they experience little social triumphs or defeats they are happy or miserable, in a way utterly incomprehensible to men. Nevertheless, men are influenced by women even in this matter ; and after a time they also become degraded into beings who take care for social position. All the good women can do is to communicate “ a respect for the observances of religion and a nervous sensibility to social distinctions.” Women’s intellectual influence is nothing, because they are badly educated; but they have a great deal of tact, and ¶‘ in practice and action are proud of being recognised as useful and sound advisers.” The conclusion of the whole matter is, “it is possibly because the influence possessed by women is so intangible, depending as it does less on the reason than on the sentiment, affection, and convenience of the other sex, that women are so jealous to assert and to protect it.”
It is a curious little picture this to present to women. Probably they will not be much affected by it. It is allowed that they have influence in the matters which they care about; and, if this be granted in the points about which the Saturday Review considers they are interested, it is possible that they may also have it in other things about which that journal considers they do not take any trouble at all.
We doubt much whether women are “jealous to assert and protect” their influence. We are only jealous about a thing which we think there is a possibility of our losing. When we are as sure of anything as women are of their influence, we make very little fuss about asserting cur right. We simply exert it. To our thinking that is what women do, when they have a mind to employ their influence.
Our contemporary allows that women have some influence. He does not say that they might not have more. Evidently his experience has been of a not the most exalted kind of woman. We are rather sorry for him when we consider what the women of his average acquaintance must be. They are apparently very commonplace and narrow. Possibly a large number of women are so; but there are exceptions, and the writer does not seem to know them.
We think that the amount of influence to ho exercised by women depends in great measure on themselves. Women do not undertake to speculate; they undertake to act; and while men are content in the matters of practical life to follow the sensible courses indicated to them by their wives, women will, we think, he content to leave to men the speculative influence, so long as the practical issues of things are left largely in their hands.
A day may also arise when improved “educational systems” may bring women more up to the intellectual level of men. Then their quick insight and ready sympathy may enable them to influence even the far-seeing among the philosophers. The average woman, however, influences the average man more than even the Saturday Review acknowledges. Average men are not so much superior to average women as that journal would have us believe.
After all, while women possess, and we knew that they possess, power to move men to do very much what they like, they will not grumble that the Saturday Review should speak slightingly of their influence. Facts, to the minds of women, are mere impressive than speculations.
>t• .
THE PERFORMANCE OF OBVIOUS DUTIES.
EVE HEAR A GOOD DEAL OF TALK in the present day V V about the mission of women. All sorts of remarkable, not to say conflicting, views are put forth upon the subject. One party assures us vehemently, and not too politely, that the mission of woman is submission. For ourselves we may as well confess that, when we hear this opinion expressed, we instantly conceive a low opinion of the common sense and powers of observation of the speaker; for though women may have large powers of self-devotion—nay, though they may find no higher pleasure than in self-sacrifice—submission pure and simple, without cause evident to them in some way, is not at all in the way of women. Even when the submission is forced, there are a thousand ways in which resistance can and will take place.
Then, again, we are told that women should attend to household affairs; but all women have not houses to regulate. Then, for the large class of the necessarily unemployed, there are always benevolent people who are endeavouring to find work.
The benefit of associated labour is very great in all cases; especially is it great where women are concerned. It is quite true that women like to work together; and, though submission may not be the easiest of virtues, they do work well under direction. Therefore, among the Englishwomen whom the general stir of the day has roused to exertion, there is developing a tendency to the formation of sisterhoods, and to the searching for work lying beyond the bounds of home and home duties. It is good, undoubtedly, that a large number of women should be awakened to the need there is for them to prove themselves of some use in the world. It is but a poor object of existence to care only for that small portion of the race which constitutes one’s own individuality; and all means are good which will shake a woman loose from a habit of indolent self- seeking. But the people who are most easily acted upon by the call to be up and doing, are often those who already are possessed of energy, and who have the will to work at anything that is set before them. Such women as these are often apt to consider that the work which is nearest to them is not sufficient for them to do. They look for a larger and wider sphere in which to act.
We do not condemn those who seek to give full scope to their powers. But, in these days of restlessness and seeking for
new thing, which seems grand because it is distant, we would utter a word of warning. While new work is being sought, perhaps some duty that lies close to home is being neglected.
Lady Herbert of Lea has just given us three short biographies of women who did some work in the world. One of these was a young lady of good position, the joy and comfort of her father and mother, the helper of all the poor around their dwelling, She desired to do more work; she wished to become a Sister of Charity. She asked from her parents permission to fellow this new path. We commend, to those who are looking out for duties apart from their homes, the following extract from her father’s answer to her application:
“I believe that Providence has reserved for you a special mission; that in and around your home there are hundreds of poor and suffering souls to relieve, to cherish, and to support, who, without you, would be left uncared for; that in the houses of the Sisters of Charity such works are being carried on admirably already without ‘your help, but that there is no one to do your work at home, or to take your place. I believe you cat arrive at a higher degree of perfection, and sanctify your soul better, by remaining in the position in which God has placed you, and fulfilling the manifold duties of your station with
simplicity and diligence,”

directly I had looked at them, exclaiming, involuntarily, “Is there no law to punish men for issuing these vicious publications?” By this means I reduced my number of distinct journals to fourteen. In these I find that I have forty-six continuous tales. I began to count the number of murders and suicides, escapes and captures, and curses invoked by parents upon children, but I found this to be a deplorably hopeless task, and gave it up in despair. They are all illustrated. All have as many as two half-page woodcuts, some of them as many as eight or nine distinct pictures. In addition to these continuous stories there are numbers of short ones, little biographies, jottings, scientific clippings, sayings, and doings; varieties, original and select; random readings, diamond dust, poetry, and answers to correspondents. In all, and not reckoning the two publications, which cost twopence, that I burned, I find that I have something like two hundred large printed pages. and nearly the whole of this is fiction. Let me give you a specimen or two of the quality, cut at random from them. Here is one:
“And she has enemies ——?““Yes: rich, powerful, implacable.”
“They pursue her with fiendish vengeance?
“They do.”
“Here in England as in her own land ?“
“Yes: here as everywhere.”
“But do not her wild fears, her groundless suspicions, her horrible paroxysms of terror, magnify the danger ?“
No: they but anticipate it.”
“But Valentine ——“
That is a foretaste of what is to follow. I cut it from the opening chapter of a new tale which happens to be among the numbers I bought. This is how the chapter ends:
That rich, beautiful, but miserable woman, a wanderer under the shadow of a Nameless Terror.
It is the story of this woman—of her wrongs, her sin, her sufferings, and her doom—that we propose to tell in these pages.
This is lucid. I can understand it, and can fancy I see the purchasers—their name is legion—rubbing their hands and chuckling at the prospect here held out for future numbers. But what can be said of the following?— “Why, ‘tis too late.”
“Oh, well, as for that, you see—”
And Ardesoif waved his hand.
“But, in ease——”
“Well, it’s come to that.”
“What then?” asked Oliver.
“The mails pass there.”
“The Royal Post.”
“But the Parliamentarians——”
“Are now the Royalists, you would say.”
“To make the matter brief,” said Oliver, “suppose so.” “Very good.”
“What then?”
“Your steed will take you down the yard.” “The yard?”
“To the stabling.”
“Yes. Well?”
“Then he knows his way?” Itfiesoif laughed.
“I should believe he did. having been there so often.”
“Well, and if he does?”
“If he does?”
“Yes.”
“What then?” continued Oliver.
“Why then——”
“Well?”
“Tap at the window.”
“But if I cannot see one?”
And so on. One could write a column of this as willingly and about as quickly as he would eat a score of natives. How do the readers like it? No one, I hope, will call it “sensational.” The passage is not a solitary one; I could match it with at least half a dozen others from the one week’s instalment of the same fiction. The labyrinths of a well-contrived “maze” are far from equal to it; but then I am lost in admiration when I do get to the end, and that subtle suggestion which follows the instruction to tap at the window. “But of I ccnioct see one?” There is no getting over that; so I will leave it.
But it is the state in which these authors leave their stories and their readers for the week that strikes me as the subtlest stroke of genius. I have cut a few for the benefit of my readers, who will see what kind of corn the one grain that follows all the columns of what I may, in a charitable frame of mind, call the chaff, is. Here is one:
With a movement of offended pride, softened nevertheless by a secret hope born of her love for Roland Herushaw, Amy seized the lamp which her companion carried, opened the door, and rushed into the room.
Then one long, loud, maniacal scream escaped her lips, and she dropped writhing at Gertrude’s feet.
Her eyes had encountered—not the handsome face of Roland Hcrnshaw—but the hollow eyes and grinning teeth of a skull, peering up at her from among the pillows of the couch.
(Tote continued).
What was peering up? The grinning teeth, or the hollow eyes, or the empty sockets? What did she do? How eagerly the reader will seize the next number to get these questions answered. These authors have a keen eye for business. My next cutting is even worse:
She stood gazing at the corpse, her hand bedewed in blood. Five times she had struck him—five times, In spite of the imploring look, the uplifted hand, the faltering voice for mercy; and her first husband rolled a lifeless body at her feet!
(To be continued).
Stories are left in conditions different from these sometimes. Milder forms have been tried simply as experiments; but I am told that “they won’t do, the circulation goes down, and rigour must be introduced.” Accordingly, the next number to one that was all milk and water is all blood, and thunder, and grinning skeletons; and the pictures are almost cruel enough to render the artists amenable to some of the laws of the land. After the above, this is mild:
“Death alone can save you,” said the girl.
“Then welcome death !“ was the stern reply.
(To be continued.)
The next is milder still. It belongs, I should say, to the class “that won’t do.”
Here, child; you look hungry and cold. Take this. My little daughter put it into my pocket as I came out to my “beat” to-night, but you need it more than I. I have little girls; and, God knows, if anything should happen to me, they may need a crust, like thee, which may Heaven forbid!
(To be continued.)
Fancy B 2099 talking after that fashion, and then who will despair of the mortal regeneration of the whole human race? It doesn’t somehow sound quite right, though, and I shan’t wonder if the virtuous “B” turns his coat lxi the course of succeeding chapters, “which, may Heaven forbid !“ as he piously exclaims in such very precise English.
The titles of those tales indicate their character with admirable fidelity. The authors have a passion for alliteration ii their titles; one reads of countless mysterious marriages with maniacs, black bands, midnight marauders, &c., &c., “The Fortune of a Fair Girl who fell among Thieves,” Soc., Soc. Generally speaking, a great deal depends upon a title, which must be one of two things, either very romantic and sentimentally suggestive, or indicative of crime and consequences. “Old Westminster Bridge, or the Trail of Sin,” or “The Daughter of Midnight, or Mysteries of London Life/’ fair specimens of the latter. “ Stella, or too Grave st the Sands,” may be taken as a sample of the fotii’ the same principles regulate the selection of the nas’aes of characters and scenes, and there is an awful wcarisee* In the repeated incidents and the unvarying round of kls and baronets, knights and misers, sinned against aime1 tinning, profligate women, highborn ladies dowcred with Ito hate of hate, hate of a malicious kind, too, and girls who are young and unprotected, and, of course, beautiful. There is usually an underplot, too, which is often worked into the main story with considerable ingenuity That the stones arc exciting cannot be denied ; that is exciting to the classes of readers for whom they are designed, and by whom they arc devoured with an avidity week after week such O is never manifested for other sensation “ literature. Sometimes, but that is rare Vigorous (always marred by strong expletives, notes of admiration, exclamation, &c.) passages arc found, and sometimes there is patko& iut, as a rub, it is by events, and a complication of signs on the part of the character plot, and counterplot, and assassinations, that the interest of the reader is secured, and to this end the weekly instalment usually has an ending of a character which has much in common with the samples I have given above.
I was told o, day or two ago by an author who has written many very popular stories for this kind of publication, that the reign f terror was going out, and a reign of tears coming in, that readers liked to be made to cry, and that, to borrow
forcible expression from the author to whom I have referred, “ an order for a new story was sure to follow the proprietor being informed by some readers that they had ‘ cried their eyes out ‘ over that last chapter.” Everything depends upon those loading stories. The circulation is affected at once by a good or bad one. A single continuous talc has been known in a few weeks to send up the sale many thousands ; a bad one to have a precisely contrary effect.
Miss Braddon, who, by the way, should by this time know something of sensation authors, describes one in the second chapter of the latest novel she has commenced. Hero is the fret appearance of this gentleman, who lived in the dingiest court in the Temple. A friend has just arrived at the foot of the stairs leading up to the room. Having mounted several flights, he “stopped to take breath, and he had scarcely done so when he was terrified by the apparition of a very dirty boy, who slid suddenly down the banister. * * * He ran upstairs again, and placed himself astride upon the slippery balaster, with a view to another descent, when a door above was suddenly opened, and a voice said,
“You know whore Mr Manders, the artist, lives ?“ Yes, sir; Waterloo-road, sir; Montague-terrace, No. 2.”“Then nui round to him, and tell him the subject of the next illustration in the ‘Smuggler’s Bride.’ A man with his knee upon the chest of another man, and a knife in his hand; you can remember that ?“
“Yes, sir.”
“And bring me a proof of chapter fifty-seven.”
“Yes, sir.”
The door was shut, and the boy ran downstairs past George Gilbert as fast as he could go; but the door above was opened again, and the same voice called aloud,
“Tell Mr Manders the man with the knife in his hand must have on top-boots:’
Even a very cursory examination of the woodcuts in my shilling’s-worth of printed paper is sufficient to assure mc that this is the sort of method generally adopted. The top-boots play a wonderfully important part in the picture. What would the ruffian be without them? All the romance would be gone. A brigandish hut would, of course, be understood by the artist. Without the hut and the top-boots the picture would not be worth having.
I pass over the little stories. I forgive the writers for printing execrable lines from their readers under the title of poetry. Nobody will object to their clippings from Punch. Even cuttings from other so-called comic papers are made to shine like good deeds in this naughty world when contrasted with the predominating matter. What could I say more than that?
I have got to the last pages. But here is matter more marvellous than any that has preceded it. My scissors must present to you what I won’t attempt to describe:
Annette, tall, fair, genteel, and just eighteen, would like to corfl respond with the “Architect.”
Little Jenny is a pretty girl, and is sure to get married in due time. She must not be impatient. . -
A. C. wishes to correspond with the “Widow of forty.” He is of that age, aud has four children.
How gratified the “Architect” must be to learn that “Annette” would like to correspond with him, and impatient “Little Jenny !“ What a dotter her halfpennyworth of literature would cause in her bosom. “Pretty girl; sure to get married,” and all for a halfpenny; think of that reader, and never mind the “A. C.” and his four children who wants to correspond with the “Widow of forty.”
An Orphan writes, in answer to C. H. A. :—“ I am eighteen; petite, with light hair, brown eyes, and fair complexion. I have been told that I am pretty, but not handsome; have received a good education, am an orphan, and shall receive £2000 when I come
age, left me by my father. I am considered very affectionate.
this description will suit C. H. A., I shall be happy to correspond and exchange 
carte-de-visites.” It is not every day that a young lady with so many matrimonial qualifications is to be met with; and if C. H. A. be really iu search of a wife, we should counsel him to seek no further, but stop bore, and “rest, and be thankful.”
Of course C. H. A. goes in and wins. But the benevolent editor, having brought the parties together, declines to chronicle results. Who would’nt marry an orphan with £2000, light hair, brown eyes, and a petite figure.
Kate is eighteen, rather above the medium height, golden hair and very deep blue eyes, Grecian nose, slight, elegant figure;
called beautiful; understands domestic arrangements, as she has been her brother Albert’s housekeeper since her parents’ death. Would like to correspond with a well-educated gentleman from twenty to thirty. She is good-tempered, musical, called “aristocratic looking,” and has a fortune of £5000. As this is perfectly genuine, no letter will be noticed not containing carte-de-visite. Communications thus accompanied, and sent within fourteen days, will meet with honourable notice. Address Miss Linden, Post office, Wingbam, Kent.
Oh! do Miss Kate, to insinuate that notices are not all perfectly genuine, ought to be quite beneath a lady who owns a Grecian nose, aristocratic features, and £5000, FIe, I repeat!
Here’s a virtuous servant maid—they have not all £5000 you know—poor, but with principle.
W. E. wants a husband. She is a domestic servant, fair, stout, tall, and rather good-looking. Her age is twenty, and she would prefer an Englishman, but would not marry a man who smoked tobacco, as, from her experience, she is sure that nasty habit leads to idleness and drunkenness.
Perhaps “W. E.” has been under door-step cleaner at Windsor. I hope her principle will meet with its own reward. But she might have waited till a smoker asked her to marry him.
My next—I take them at random—is a deplorable case; and mark how ingeniously the editor throws out the bait to his “male” readers.
Ella and Mariau are eighteen years of age, about five feet two inches in height, with natural curling hair, pretty faces, and soft voices—” an excellent thing in woman.” Ella is a blonde and Marian a brunette, and they both possess small but independent incomes. Living in a quiet country village, they have little society. The squire’s family and the parson’s daughters think themselves entitled to patronise them, while the villagers consider them quite rich ladies. What are they to do ? They are both loveless, and they ask our advice. Can any of our male readers suggest a means of rescuing them from the dullness of a country life?
I have some hundreds of this kind of thing in my shilling’s- worth of printed paper. There are big girls, and little girls, young girls, old girls, and girls of “ about thirty years of age.” Brunettes and blondes, with every conceivable kind of nose, etety’ superlatively good kind of disposition. Every desire for matrimony. Every qualification for wives ornamental, wives domestic, “ wives honest,” and, in short, every possible sort of wife that is’nt a bad sort. Some, with the most charming candour, confess to a “ wart on the right cheek,” and ask in a P.S. how to remove it; or an archlook about the eyes (squint?). Hair—but I can’t do justice to the hair, so I will merely remark that it is generally curly, seldom brown, and nearly always “ golden,” or “ auburn,” and, when neither of these, is usually “ raven-hued.” Lips are of course “ ruby,” sometimes “ full; “ figures arc invariably well-proportioned. Many are “ pious.” Some “ teach in Sunday Schools ;“ others have a ‘, passion for music,” or “ poetry,” or “ flowers.” They all want somebody who can “ offer a loving heart,”“ is fond of home,”“ domesticated,” will be “ all in all to them,” and “ help them on the thorny way of life.” Everybody wants to get everybody else’s carte-de-visite. Some are “ willing to exchange ;“ one says, “ I am not pretty, ‘ but beauty is only skin deep.’“ Philosophic young lady ! The grapes are very sour. Some hope they do not exceed the bounds of “ maidenly modesty “ after declaring themselves as perfect as the Venus do Medicis, and possessed of all the virtues that ever have been combined in a single living being, and some that are in their cases for the first time. These dear creatures generally hope the gentlemen won’t think them “ egotistical ! “ Having seen the description of Robert, a certain Katie says he “ pps. sesses much that I admire and long for, and I cannot but flatter myself that our ultimate acquaintance would be productive of years of mutual happiness.” A certain “ Constance” admits she has rather a partiality for curly black hair, and would not object to carry on a correspondence with the possessor of it.” Some arc “jolly-looking.” Here is one:
Louisa Letitia Morgina would like to enter into the matrimonial state. Is a tall, floe-grown, jolly-looking girl, about eighteen; dark wavy hair, features petite, nose slightly aquiline, small hands and feet ; very ladylike manners, considered to be the belle of the town in which she resides ; very fond of music, dancing, and the languages ; should make a jolly little wife for a nice, steady young man. He should be about twenty, tall, good-looking, and very dark ; should be well acquainted with the languages, very fond of home, loving, and affectionate in his manners—one who would fix his heart on me, and me alone. Address 7, East Bassets, Hayle, Cornwall, enclosing carte ole visits, which will be immediately returned if not approved of, and if approved of will have the lady’s in return. No trifiers need apply.
There ! Trifiers beware of L. L. M., who is the belle of the town, and very sedate, as most belles are, especially belles who are anxious “to enter the matrimonial state.”
Of course, if no gentleman replied this couldn’t go on. But we have gentlemen, “young architects:’ and “surgeons,” and “solicitors,” for the five thousand pounders, and “honest blacksmiths” and wheelwrights, who hate smoking, for the servant girls who are sure tobacco leads to drunkenness and vice. “Rassclas,” and the editor says he “writes sensibly,” considers that the “fair ones”“ place a higher value on mere external appearance than on those inner qualifications of mind, character, and disposition necessary to cement a happy union,” but it unfortunately leaks out that “ Rasselas” is “plain.” Some of the men set forth their offers in a business-like way. Hero is a specimen of the style:
A gentleman, aged forty-three years, good-looking, and energetic in business pursuits, is open to treat with a lady of medium age, with ample means, as wife. Address “B. C.,” Post-office, Leicester.
Is it not charming? No nonsense, no sentiment, but an unmistakeable “open to treat.” Another is certain any lady who corresponds with him “will have no reason to regret it.” Some of these fellows describe themselves as “lively, amiable, quick, affectionate, well-educated, good musician, and private in volunteer corps.” Some of the replies excite disgust. One writing from Derby says he has no cars. In this particular he must be unlike the others, whose I should suspect are rather long. Wm. Burly, who “is so sadly in want of a wife of the middle height, about twenty-one, that he would not object to a small fortune.”
My readers who have come thus far with me will be glad to hear that there are not quite so many poor simpletons among their countrymen these pages would appear to show. It will he some relief to them to know that, though I have treated them as if I believed they were what they pretend to be, the majority, if not all, these hundreds of matrimonial notices are paid for as “copy,” just as any other portion of the journal is, and that, so far from being the production of miscellaneous correspondents, they are, addresses and all, the fabrication of some one engaged for the work, and for whose pen it is a pity there is not some more honest employment.
But there arc graver considerations which force themselves upon all who look into these journals, and who know that they, with some newspapers conducted upon kindred principles, are almost the sole reading of such vast numbers of our countrymen and women, that I dare not attempt to enumerate them. I sea them almost everywhere. I need not have gone into a byway to purchase my copies; they are in the highway shops. You may see boys and girls reading them under lamps and by shop windows in the streets at night. You may find them in homes where you would not expect to see such books. They are the literary food of men, women, and children. And what food, or rather poison, it is! These murders and suicides, and passions of earls for fair girls from the country, and drunken revelries of thieves. This everywhere forced and hideously unnatural representation of events, men, and women. How it drags the people down and down, makes them familiar with crime—in print at least—throws a halo round vice, and exalts, in the place of homely, honest sympathy, maudlin sentiment. I do not mean to say that they apply the principles of the things they read to their own lives, and that warpers refuse to marry weavers in the hope of finding a “melancholy creature with a murder on his mind ;“ but I do say that it a1te the whole tone of their life for all that; that it takes away well nigh all that is imaginative, poetic, and beautiful in their natures; and that the very worst supplement a man or woman can have to a day’s work is a dose of penny or halfpenny periodicals of the character of the fourteen I have before me now. But they are used to them. To wean them is no light task; like the opium, the poison has become necessary to them, or they think so. Their reading is something after the fashion of dram-drinking; both result in self-oblivion, in a dreamy stupor to surrounding events, which leaves them but the wrecks of men and women. With wholesome meat and drink within their reach, they turn aside to the unwholesome banquet. The penny public, as Miss Braddon has very correctly said, “like their literature as they like their tobacco—very strong.” Would it were otherwise!
J. D.C.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND THE LIVERPOOL
GYMNASIUM.
THAT UNIVERSITY OF THE FUTURE, at which, according to Mr Tennyson, there shall be
Prudes for proctors, dowagers for deans,
And fair girl graduates with their golden hair, as yet looms very indistinctly on the horizon. Even in this go-ahead age we have not made our girls more gregarious than the limited accommodation of Minerva House affords. Female colleges, either under high, low, or broad auspices, find but small favour, and Dr Mary Birch has not yet succeeded in enlisting followers in her train. We have not made the acquaintance of any lady who, like Miss Blimber, would have esteemed the acquaintance of Cicero beyond most earthly blessings, and the bes-blea has become a phrase as obsolete as the thing itself. Our women are highly educated, but they do not, except in rare instances, seek to wander out of the beaten paths; and while their mental training has reached a high pitch, the saying of the great poet has been borne in mind:
Be that yon are,
That is a woman; if you be more, you’re none.
But in our physical education, which the old Greeks placed for both man and woman before the mental one, there are symptoms of a herding together of women for educational purposes; an assumption, not of trencher cap and gown, but of the very becoming gymnasium costume—a sketch of which accompanies this article—in their course of study.
This wonderful nineteenth century, with its inventions, its high refinement, its eager thirst after knowledge, is now accused of having neglected physical, in its pursuit of mental, education. We have drawn the bow too tightly: our young men have burnt the midnight oil, and our girls have been finished up to the extremest point of finishing schools, and we have turned out great intellects and (so say the physiologists) weak and listless frames. Our universities have not sought to encourage bodily exercise beyond casting a somewhat cold patronage on boating and cricket, while mild and unsatisfactory “calisthenics” have been the recreation of ladies’ schools. And now the trumpet of physical education is blown with no uncertain sound, and we are told by men of science and learned doctors that we must attend to the culture of our poor bodies if we wish to secure that greatest of earthly blessings—health; that we must not plead that we have gone on all this time very well without that culture, for that Nature, while allowing us to violate her laws for years, is a stern task-mistress when the day of settlement arrives that she visits the sins of the fathers upon the children, and will exact the penalty to the utter- most farthing. The call has been answered. Athletic clubs have sprung up on all sides, cricket has taken a wider range and a firmer hold, our boys get more of that play, without which Jack would indeed be dull; gymnasia have been erected in some of our chief towns, and physical education, for adult as well as juvenile, is decidedly on the move.
And are women to be excluded from the movement? Are country girls to be satisfied with their riding (when they can get it), their constitutional (when they can be induced to take it), archery, and croquet? and our town young ladies with their shopping excursion and their walk “in the square?” Is Minerva House still to retain that formal, not to say awful, procession with which we are all so well acquainted? and, combined with what has been well termed “the ridiculous sham of calisthenics,” is it to be the sole recreation of its “highly finished” students? Are girls to go on believing that helplessness and inactivity are feminine accomplishments, and an amount of physical exertion “not becoming a young woman ?“ To be sure, some of them break out in after life in lines which Minerva House would have been horrified at. They drive .and they huntr— that is all allowable; but it is alleged they are also disciples of the gentle craft, and no mean performers at “ a warm corner” in a battue. Misapplied energy this, we take leave to think. Somewhat forgetful of Angelo’s monition to Isabella, quoted above, are they who follow such physical studies. Is there, however, no via media for women who feel the ills of inactivity? no relief for those poor souls cabined and confined in the atmosphere of modern drawing-rooms—town-bred birds who beat against their cages, gilded or otherwise, and,
Sickening of a vague disease,
sigh for that needful exertion which shall
brace the weak frame and impart tone to the system? The modern gymnasia supply the answer. There, under the superintendence of competent professors of the gymnastic art, women can take that gentle or rigorous exercise, according to their physique, which, in the words of Ruskin, “shall secure for them such physical training and exercise as may confirm their health and perfect their beauty; the highest refinement of that beauty being unattainable without splendour of activity and of delicate strength.”
Is this true? Have we been going astray for the last century, and have we to seek the old paths, and from our children learn the half-forgotten lore? Rather humiliating to this intellectual age to be told we have been bringing up our women like exotic plants in a hot-house atmosphere, with all refinements of culture, and the whole Minerva House system up to boiling pitch, to eventually turn out “ished” specimens who will take cold during somewhat damp croquet, and be used up after a shopping lounge. Have modern accomplishments, calisthenics, and “the use of the globes” eventuated in this? Have they taught nothing else than precise order; have not “plums, prunes, and prism” been too much the texts from which our girls have copied? But there is a good time coming. There is a stirring among the dry bones of a dead system; sinews and flesh and skin are, as in the vision which the Prophet saw in the valley, coming to their aid, and, if the signs of the times are to be trusted, the breath will not be wanting, and “they will stand upon their feet an exceeding great army.”
And Liverpool will lead the van. As the second city in the empire she has not unworthily taken the post of honour. While Clapham boasts a gymnasium highly patronised by women, and most ably conducted, and King’s-cross has a German one, there is, as far as we know, nothing else in London befitting the name. Liverpool is fortunate enough in the director of her athletic school to have secured a gentleman most thoroughly qualified for the post: Mr Hulley has graduated early in his adopted profession, and has been fortunate enough in finding a goodly soil for his labours. The public spirit and enterprise of Liverpool have raised a building there which, it is not too much to say, will be a pattern for the gymnasia of the future. A spacious hall, with every appliance and means for muscular exertion, where each invention of modern gymnastics has ample room and verge enough, and where music is made a great adjunct of the work, is the testimony which she has given to what has been termed “the dignity of muscles.” The inhabitants have well responded to the call. It has already become, in its first year, an institution of which they might well be proud, and while evoking that amount of hostile criticism which most new things—and gymnasia rank among them—call forth, has held on in its course, a success genuine and almost beyond expectation. It is with the ladies’ hare in it we have to do.
Two hundred and thirty-two female members have been admitted during the first year of its existence, and it may be added that they are chiefly taken from the upper stratum of society. Divided into classes averaging from twenty to fifty members in each, they go through, under Mr Hulley’s superintendence, a course of light gymnastics, chiefly based on the system of Dr Lewis, an eminent physician in the United States. The exercises consist of those with the dumbbell (here for both men and women only a pound in weight); the weight-machines, which are termed “pulley-hauley” (we believe Hood first gave the name to something similar in calisthinics) ; the bar-bell, a new invention, consisting of a two-handed dumbbell about three or four feet long; and the rings, the latter simple wooden ones, about two or three inches in diameter, but which are made the media of some of the most graceful feats in the course.
Dress is of course an important point. Our sketch will speak for itself. Of all colours, scarlet, mauve, violet, white, and Rob Roy tartan, the long tunic and Turkish trousers, confined a little above the ankle, a sash round the waist sometimes giving occasion for the display of a little finery in the shape of gold fringe, &c., and thin boots comprise an eminently graceful and, be it added, not in the least unfeminine costume. We say this, because there is an opinion among several very estimable persons, with which we have reason to think Minerva House agrees, that gymnastic studies are identical with “fastness,” are apt to make young ladies at all inclined to be rapid, more so, and while they develop chest and muscles, encourage other developments more masculine than becoming. We have not, as far as our experience goes, seen anything either in dress or work to confirm this. The former, we repeat, is eminently graceful and becoming; the latter need call for no display of any masculine or rollicking proclivities, supposing for one moment that our fairest and dearest possess them. Instances there may be, doubtless, where a girl, fond of exercise and full of health and strength, might become a little too eager to show off and undertake feats more fitted for a man. But a gymnasium properly conducted does not in the least encourage this sort of thing. It should be borne in mind, too, that in these schools of physical education the strong and robust are, as a rule, far in the minority. The gymnasium is for the weak and delicate there to gain strength and tone, not as a rule for the healthy subject; though, if that healthy subject is oppressed by the demon of fat, a course of its work would no doubt be beneficial. There are ladies among the members of the Liverpool gymnasium who, when they first joined, came under the denomination of invalids, or at least were instances of that too common class, “delicate women.” Under medical direction they sought relief in gymnastics, and many would gladly bear testimony to the benefit they have derived. In addition to the regular class work the pupils jump, vault, and run. About 4 feet is the highest jump, but they vault about 5 feet S inches with the aid of a board. The parallel bars are favourite work, but the swings and seesaws have the call. Directly the exercises, properly so called, are over, a rush is made to them, and they are never unoccupied. Then the “ pulley-hanleys “ are brought into requisition, and the firm feet and steady brains ascend what may be termed the rigging
—a mass of rope ladders, both level and on an incline, where they are taught the value of a firm tread and accustom them- selves to look down from heights; in these days of Alpine touring no despicable advantage. Mr Hulley always accompanies them in their climbings, and nothing that may be considered in the least degree dangerous is allowed to be done unless he is present. Scarcely anything can be imagined more interesting or charming than the gymnasium on an afternoon when some fifty or sixty ladies, married women as well as girls, occupy it. The military precision of their movements when in class, the freedom with which they abandon themselves to their favourite exercise when the regular work terminates, the eager rush of pattering feet as some half-dozen seize hold of “the giant stride,” a circular swing suspended from the roof,—the somewhat exciting contest for possession of the favourite seesaw—the energetic attack on the fort, a French invention by which one is taught to climb—while a crush up the spiral iron staircase that leads to the gallery proclaims something special in that direction: it is a sort of hammock suspended between the ropes at a considerable incline, and the task or amusement is to take a seat in the said hammock and pull yourself up by the arms as far as those arms have the power to take you. A window marks the line where comparative easy progress ends and difficulty begins. Some
are content with the half - way house; but there are others who go on to the goal just under the roof, and then how delightful the sensation to let go and slide down with a run! Great is the struggle for a seat in the hammock. We wish we could enumerate half the novel devices that the Liverpool school of physics abounds in, and conv to our readers a tithe of the pleasure the mere looker-on enjoys from the novel sight; but space warns us to bring these remarks to a close.
We confess to feeling great interest in the subject of women taking their part in this gymnastic movement, and should like to get at their true opinion thereon; for to them we must look to decide the question. All the doctors in the world may preach on the subject, as they have preached about tight lacing and “the stone ideal,” and little has the feminine world attended to their sermons. It may be that the very fact of medical men recommending the gymnasium may militate against its usefulness: the sex are led and not driven. But what do they think of it themselves? The Liverpool ladies have spoken out bravely. What say their sisters? Is this movement the mere excitement of the hour? Do they hold it only
Something better than their dog, A little dearer than their horse?
Is it to rank with croquet and play an inferior fiddle to archery? Or is it really to take root in the land, and are our gymnasia of the future to be graced by the winning presence of those who, while themselves imbibing “the vital principle of bliss,” will act as a spur to the exertions of man? There was a law in Sparta that made it necessary for a young woman to pass an examination in gymnastics before she could enter into the state of matrimony. We are far from wishing such a terrible ordeal to be gone through by our rising generation, and, besides, only see what a pull the second city of the empire would have over other localities ? But if physical education helps them in after years better to fulfil the duties of that state of life into which they may be called, if it is true that the training of the gymnasium will make them stronger in body and healthier in mind, some modification of Lycurgus’s law might figure with advantage is our code. That we live in an age of progress is the tritest of axioms. But in our progress we have often to seek the old paths, and this is one. To the present generation is committed, among other things, the solution of the question on which these few remarks have touched. For good or evil it is for them to decide, and they must remember that “the youth of a nation are the trustees of posterity:’
S.C. C.

DOMESTIC REMINISCENCES OF HARD WINTERS.

THE YEAR THE EXCHANGE WAS BURNT.
WHY SHOULD IT ALWAYS be brought against the English as a small fault or mannerism that they make the weather a subject of frequent talk? In England, more than in many countries, the wellbeing of the people—at any rate of the poor—often hangs on the sudden and unlooked for changes to which our climate is so liable, and all fair promise of fruit or other crop falls a sacrifice to unseasonable weather. Then what so natural as that all should take especial interest in its changes, watch them with anxiety, and speak of them with interest?
In a leading cross thoroughfare of London there stood a house in 1838, the type of which is fast disappearing from our great metropolis. Each floor projected beyond the one below it, and threw the darkening shade of a verandah, without the advantage of a balcony. Two gables to the front, stouter beams everywhere than are now used in building, and a certain pitch from the horizontal that gave a slight slope to the tables and an inclination to bow forward to tall articles of furniture, bestowed a quaint antiquity on the appearance of the building now almost unknown in London’s houses. On the 6th of January, in the above-named year, a pleasant evening party met in the drawing-room of this antique house, and, of course, the weather was the subject of conversation—the mildness of the winter so far, the moist greasiness of the streets, and the disagreeableness of every journey undertaken before that small party could be got together. A little later the master of the house brought his contribution to the weather conversazione, and declared the state of things hitherto discussed to be suddenly changed to pavements white and bright, hardened roads, and a sharp cleansing frost, and related how the severest winters stored in his fifty years of memory had begun as late as that— some on that very date—and had, in spite of coming so late, proved long and severe; and so it was that year. The frost which began on that twelfth night lasted thirteen weeks, with only one slight break, insufficient to liberate the ice-bound water.
Three nights later, in another old house in the city, four sisters watched the crackling fire, piled high to keep the intense frost from intruding even into that well-warmed room. The clock on the staircase chimed and struck hour after hour; the blaze of the glowing fire flashed up, exaggerated the deep relief of the carving on the chimney-piece, and threw it up to the ceiling in grotesque repetition; the noise of London’s streets grew less and less, and dropped off into silence; the four pair of young eyes became heavier and heavier, and still the watched- for only brother did not come. “How late he is!”” Where can he be ?““Surely I heard some one turn up the court !““Yes, and there is his key in the door, and now he is coming
—coming past the drawing-room—up to us.” And on he came and soon was in the room, and greeting his sisters with a cheery “Where do you think I have been? Smell my clothes.” The room was strong with the smell of smoke, and echoing with clattered questions. “It must have been a great fire! Where was it?”” The Royal Exchange was burnt !““Impossible! You mean to say Aldgate Pump !““ Truth, I assure you. Gentlemen are helping to work the fire engines. I should have helped too, but there were plenty there without me. I saw your shoemaker, N., of Cornhill; be had been hard at werk; his trousers were rolled up, and he told me his legs were bruised with the heavy icicles knocking against them. Parts of the old building, which we have always thought to be of solid stone, turn out to be only wood with stone facings. The old chimes we used to love to listen to, wont to the last, and as the overwhelming flames licked up to the top of the steeple, and it cracked and gave way beneath their power, the chimes were playing ‘There is nae luck about the house.’
All England was as incredulous as the four watching girls when, the next day, this unlooked-for news spread through the country. No one had ever dreamed that fire could molest the Royal Exchange, of all buildings in the world, “that concourse of all the nations,” as Pennant rightly names it, “ arising before us with the full majesty of commerce.” Pennant writes of the building destroyed in 1838: “It was rebuilt, after the fire of London, by the City and the Company of Mercers, at the expense of £80,000, which for a considerable time involved the undertakers in a large debt. It was completed by September 28, 1669, and opened by the Lord Mayor.” When it was burnt the intense frost made the difficulty of getting water very great.
During the frost of thirteen weeks’ continuance an immense quantity of snow fell, and piled itself deep in the streets of London, where the traffic turned its frozen mass to brown. The din of London was silenced, as the carts and carriages moved noiselessly along the yielding surface, and that absence of the usual uproar seemed almost like magic, after the snow, from losing its whiteness, discontinued to put forward an evident reason for the unwonted stillness. Never were thermometers so watched as during that long frost, when, I think, the mercury went down to six below zero, and when men chuckled and felt warm and comfortable if it got nearly up to freezing within doors.
When the frost did go, when the April sun so made itself felt that the long-fettered water broke its bonds of ice, did it not make its presence evident in every house? Drip! drip! drop! drop! from every pipe, gutter, and tank. What times for the plumbers; what mending, and shovelling, and bailing and plugging! Two cottages near the Elephant and Castle unluckily standing under the full jet of a broken main, belonging to the water company, were washed down, and the inmate escaped with difficulty from under the cascade. The Thames was not frozen over below bridge, but fleer London Bridge inc crossed it by only jumping from one lump of ice to another The pool was very difficult to navigate, and the smaller craft got sorely battened with the floating masses of ice.
Spring has seldom seemed so welcome as it did that year, yet it was a chilly, ungenial one, when it at length arrived.
I think it wag later on in the same year that several porpoises came up the Thames, sometimes as far up as between the Tower and the Custom-house. I have often thought the Thames might be the best locality toward which Mr Buckland should direct his attention in his wish to obtain a living porpoise. Off Gravesend, and from there to Greenwich, and now and then higher up still, they may be seen. If one could be caught no further from London than that, the difficulty of transmitting the unwieldy gentleman would be greatly decreased. Is it early or late in the year they are most likely to test the advantages of the Thames as a playground?
EMMA W.

A GOLDEN WEDDING.
THERE ARE FEW PERSONS at all familiar with the writings of our modern novelists who have not read
Frederika Bremer’s scenes of Swedish society, in her story
“The Neighbours,” and who cannot, therefore, recall to mind her description of an ancient couple who had inhabited the same house and the same rooms for half a century, celebrating their golden nuptials. There are still fewer persons
England who have been eye-witnesses of such an interesting celebration. The fiftieth anniversary of a wedding-day is, indeed, one of rare occurrence in most circles of English domestic life; but it is still more rare to find an occasion when such an event is celebrated in the pleasing, heartfelt manner
which I witnessed a golden wedding kept at Leicester on Christmas Eve.
That day fifty years the now aged pair were wedded, and 1866 completed half a century of married life, surrounded by four daughters, whose labour of love it had been for a week previously to prepare for such jubilant commemoration. Invitations issued, the room in which friends were to be received was decorated with all the verdure that Christmas could supply, and presented a blaze of light. In the centre stood, upon
raised stand, a huge wedding-cake, conspicuous for its golden adornments and its fifty lights—typical of Time’s consummation. Conspicuous, also, was an emblazoned inscription recording the special nature of the rejoicing, with the dates “1816” and “1866” on either side; and beneath were the places of honour occupied by the bride and bridegroom of fifty years gone by, who, on entering the room, had been welcomed by Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” played as a duet. Time had dealt so leniently with the lady that, to quote the words of a venerable preacher present, “She might have been led to the altar that very day !“ On one side of the apartment was a table richly laden with “wedding” gifts presented that day by “troops of friends” at home and abroad. They were various and appropriate, useful and beautiful. Pheasants and champagne; Christmas pastry and confectionery; silver cake basket, biscuit box, and set of castors; books (including several volumes of “Matthew Henry’s Commentary”); handkerchiefs, slippers, and smoking cap for the bridegroom, and silks, laces and headdress for the bride. But description of the gifts must here cease, and boat, hostess and friends have their share too. As Robert Bloomfield says, in singing of the happy memories of a long wedded life, so may it be said of the guests on this occasion,
The cordial greetings of the soul,
Were visible in every face;
Affection, void of all control,
Govern’d with a resistless grace.
The giant cake having been cut and banded round with wine to each friend, the congratulatory toast of the day was proposed by the youngest Benedict in the company; his appropriate words being supplemented by some of mingled joy and sublimity from the lips of the reverend gentleman already referred to—words that evidently went to the heart of the old bridegroom, for, as he rose to reply,
A big round drop
Fell, bounding on his ample sleeve;
A witness which he could not stop,
A witness which all hearts believe.
His comely partner, too, “viewed her daughters round :“
Her features spoke what joy she found,
But utterance had made a stand.
It was at this moment that Miss Brenner’s description of
like celebration came vividly to my recollection: “It was cheerful and peaceful in the room, and the patriarchs appeared
the sunny light as if surrounded by a glory, it was the feast of love and truth on the earth.”
Wishes of happiness to the venerable pair having been warmly reciprocated anudst a clamour of loving words and exulting voices, the following “Rhymes” were read by their fair authoress with a piquancy and expression that pleased
hearers:
The spirit of this day fifty years
Walked in at the door as you might do;
What was he like? oh, a kind of goblin,
Or cherub, or something between the two.
His little nose was exceedingly red,
And his little knuckles extremely blue;
The winters were something like you know,
Fifty years ago.
He said he was come for a little chat,
So I asked him politely to take a chair,
And ordered immediately something hot
To keep out the keen December air.
What was it? oh, what does that matter to you;
Perhaps it was gruel, and very good too.
He was so old fashioned, he looked such a guy,
That some rude observation I scarcely could smother.
At last he began to look very sly;
He shut up one eye and he winked with the other. “Oh my, how the bells did ring,” he said,
(The gruel was fast getting into his head)
How jolly the bells did ring, you know
This day fifty years ago!
The bells don’t half rifle now-a-days;
The world’s all upside down, I think.
We had no queer new-fangled ways,
And bless you! how people did eat and drink
In the wonderful olden time!
Such monstrous puddings! such prime roast bef!
They brought at the appetite some relief;
It really was sublime!
“Did they ring the bell awhen they eat roast beef?”
Said I, for I couldn’t make head nor tail
Of his discourse; “ why no,” he said, “to be brief
I’ll just begin at the very old tale
Of Adam and Eve. (You know Adam and Eve ?)““Oh please,” I observed, “might I ask you to leave
Oat the Deluge, and all about Babel at least;
(If he’d gone on like that he would never have ceased)
All that to our ears is exceedingly stale ;“
Be quiet,” he said, “and attend to my tale.”
“Well, Adam and Eve in the garden, you see,
Were married not far from the great apple tree;
(Some modern philosophers say ‘t was a quince,
But that doesn’t matter to you nor to me,)
And weddings have been all the rage ever since.”
I thought to myself, if that is the way
People used to run on, old boy, in your day,
Why give me . . - hot here he stopped suddenly short
And looked hard at nothing, a great way off;
He gave a slight sentimental cough.
There’s something coming now, I thought:
He fumbled and rummaged awhile in his brain,
Then started afresh in a different strain.
“Fifty years ago to-day
- The bells rang merrily
For the wedding of as blithe a pair
As one would wish to see.
“She looked all fresh and blooming then,
As the solemn ‘Yes’ she said;
And he was as fine a man I ween
As ever wooed a maid.
Side by side that day they kneeled
In the little church to pray;
And side by side they wander still
Adown life’s rugged way.
“And I will show them you to-night,
If you will come with me;
I’ll show how in the faithless world
Some faithful beans there be.”
He scarcely gave me time to think
What pretty things he just had spoken,
When bang! one might say in a blink,
I thought my very bones were broken,
I found myself in a blaze of light,
And all around me smiling faces:
I was in one of those happy places
That love in the cold world makes so bright.
What’s this? a wedding? ay, that it is,
The cake, and the presents, and all complete;
But where is the bride? and the bridegroom too?
And what, round the cake foil rich and sweet,
Mean the fifty lights like a temple lit?
Explain, good spirit, ‘tis past my wit.
Then the spirit said, “See that stately dame,
And the hearty old gentleman by her side;
He is the bridegroom, the very same,
And she was the blushing, blooming bride
Fifty years ago, as you heard me say:
So this is their golden wedding day.”
I looked around me and I thought,
For all the radiant light
Of youth has fled, this wedding day,
It is a glorious sight.
Fair as the sunset on a summer’s eve,
Or as the stars the vanished sunbeams leave.
The angels weep when love is not
About the warm and glowing hearth.
Ah! tend with joy this lamp of love
That shineth here and there on earth.
Ye ministers of God’s commands,
Join firmer still these hearts and hands!
I thought, mayhap, the angels wing
Their way to earth for scenes like this
I thought I heard the seraphs sing
A marriage song in realms of bliss!
M. S. CAIaracw.
Then followed congratulations to the poetess, and to the daughters of the house (the “marriage garland”); the inspection of the wedding-gifts, and a general exchange of compliments among the witnesses, young and old, of the ceremonial scene; the happy countenance of both host and hostess, as the ceremony drew to a close, speaking, as it were, the very words of the poet
Through all my days I’ve labour’d hard,
And could of pain and crosses tell;
But this is labour’s great reward,
To meet ye thus, and see ye well.
Heartily did all concur in the solemn wish expressed by the
bridegroom that this golden wedding might prove but a fore. taste of another “ Marriage Feast,” at which all then present might again meet ; and by none could this wish be more fervently entertained than by her whose own silver wedding is
not so far distant—by HONORA Spzflcza.
Dec. 31, 1866.

CAUSERIES DE PARIS.
lFaolls oun srzciAa coanzsnozozzr.l
AT LAST IT IS OVER ! the Jour de l’Asu, of 1867 ! with its toils and its pleasures ; its forced Jtreasses and friendly interchanges of gifts ; its disappointments and its pleasurable surprises ! All is set at rest, and as we for one—perhaps in rather an unthankful spirit—feel inclined to say it, set at rest, thank God ! for another long twelvemonth ! With ourselves, to whom Christmas is the family festival of the year, New Year’s Day comes as a secondary holiday ; little more attention is paid to it, if even as much, as to Twelfth Night ; but here it is all in all to children, servants, workpeople, dependents, of all sorts. In all households it is a delightful moment of anticipation for the younger members, while in many a poor and working dwelling it has been worked for ‘diligently for weeks, as bringing with it the daily bread and fuel of the bard winter months ! Even the little wooden sheds on the boulevards, at which their bigger and more pretentious neighbours grumble as interfering with their claims, and against which the higher orders of promenaders inveigh for obstructing their passage, are for the most part the chief resource of the year to many of those who tenant them during the fifteen days allowed them by the municipality of Paris. There are curious statistics connected with these berequss, which, since 1790, ‘have been sometimes put down by one Government, then restored again, holding their own in opposition to higher powers for a long series of years. Their occupants have also resisted divers attempts, made at various intervals, to establish some sort of uniformity in the construction of these temporary shops ; and as lately as three years back, having to appeal to the Emperor, wore by him authorised to carry out their own contrivances, without let or opposition from the municipal authorities. This accounts for the variety and vagaries of these sheds, which give to the richest and most fashionable boulevards the aspect, for a time, of a country fair. The Title ds Peru, however, has had about a thousand of these bereqaes, constructed for 450 francs a-piece (about £18 sterling), which may be recognised by being painted Over with white and blue stripes, and which it lets out, according to their size, for fifteen or thirty francs. Some vendors hire these, while others either set up their sheds themselves with old deal boards, or, for twenty francs, agree with embejleui-s or packers to build up and carry away the whole concern at the end of the given fortnight. Their number last year amounted to 3136, which is about the average for the last three years. It is by no means easy to obtain the permission to hold these stalls, which is only granted to such as can prove a two years’ residence in the city, and that they are, from one cause or another, incapacitated from active labour. A few stall- holders purchase and retail their own goods; but by far the greater number agree with certain larger tradespeople to give them up a certain amount of merchandise, which is returuecl or accounted for at the termination of the transaction.
This year has been peculiarly favourable to these petty vendors, and the Jeer de I’Aa of ‘67 must be looked upon as a sample one. Everyone who could be out yesterday seemed to be in the streets and on the boulevards, along which there was scarcely any possibility of moving; fortunately the day was dry, and not over cold, and enabled the small fry, who delight in the show of the bereques, and for whose benefit they are specially fitted up, to enjoy them to the full. Oranges and the old-fashioned zucre tie pommes, answering to our barley-sugar, are still favourites there, and compete very successfully with the more highly organised establishments of Gouaclie and Boissier, opposite, which, however, find customers of another order altogether. The new toy of the year at these small shops consisted of what is called a tsupie rebate, or flying top, a small apparatus, costing 29 sous (a shilling and twopence !), which is wound up, and then lot out in the air, in which it continues to revolve, keeping up its rotatory motion on the around until fairly worn out. There is also a new sort of balloon, which is inflated by means of a sort of whistle, combining at once the delights of a ball, and, I will not ssy musical sound, but a noise. A new description of Pharoah’s serpsnl a is also in great demand. But the new year may be said to be the triumph of dolls! Never were such dolls seen or imagined! Moral writers and preachers may say and write what they please, as long as such toys, so dressed up, are set before the eyes of the rising generation. No reform in taste of dress or luxurious habits can be expected of the little ladies who are to be the mammas of such fast-looking playthings. They must later in life desire to emulate the style they have so much admired on their charming wax dolls, or they would scarcely be feminine in their propensities and aspirations. The two wax figures at Siraudin’s, who represent “La Ville de Paris” (not France) and “L’Exposition” (the latter holding a crown in her hand, and bearing on her magnificently embroidered satin skirt the arms and emblazonments of the different nations of the world, the former covered with the golden bees, the emblems of Imperial Government) are both said to be striking likenesses of two very well known ladies in the ssoade and ileusn-sissade of the capital. Before these specimens of the doll kind an ever - changing crowd was stationed all day yesterday, and when, on hearing a sort of murmur of disappointment issuing from some individuals leaving this temple of “sugar and spice, and all that’s nice,” I ventured to inquire the cause, the reply, seriously given, was, “Ii n’y a plus de ‘mignous” (a new beaten), “ii n’y en aura qu’k sept heures!” A dreadful announcement, which soot many an obllvioRa purchaser home disappointed. One of the principal coafiscssrs of the boulevards bad a row of peupóes eaeaei, or dolls in pineapple shapes; whilst another lower down had improved (or deteriorated) the idea by making them into sugar-loaves! Giroux had some charming room aquariums, combined with greenhouses for windows, the smallest of which cost 700fr. (28). Others had a small jardiniere at the top, an aquarium in the middle, and bouquet-holders, capable of containing small but rare plants, on three sides, the whole got up with much tas in bronze deal and bequs de Chine.
The numbers of individuals employed to show off and sell these eijsts of a day must be very great, and one felt rather puzzled to know how the requisite number could be obtained at this particular period, who could not naturally be kept in employment all the year round. The information was supplied me by one of the leading dealers himself. It is the habit, it appears, to levy a regiment of the beat-looking young women employed in large establishments at fine needlework, or other work done at home, about one month before the Jour tie b’An. They are given the run of the shop for three days, by which time several have suffered severely from too free a use of the sweet things under their charge, and are consequently to be trusted in dispensing them. Well paid, well dressed (that is an essential point, always insisted on), these young ladies, chosen for their good looks and good manners, have nothing to do but to make themselves agreeable to the customers and induce them to buy as much as possible, and the object being gained, the first fortnight of January expired, the young ladies return to their homes and usual avocations, with what must be called sweet memories of New Year’s Day, perhaps to be renewed on another occasion.
Your readers have probably heard that the fashion of jet ss to give way for that of amber, which, it is said, will now be worn in the way of ornaments just as much as its predecessor was. Accordingly, at one or two large shop windows amber beads, bracelets, necklaces, and every imaginable adaptation of the material—not bright yellow and transparent, but of the milky species—was exhibited. There will of course be an immense amount of imitation got up, and then the mode will disappear.
The year, not quite thirty-six hours old, has announced itself by the first fall of snow, not only of the season, but of the last two winters. A bright sunshine accompanies the white mantle which has been thrown over the city, and which is hailed as the harbinger of health and wealth and good things for the future, just as our green Christmas had given rise to doleful predictions among the weather-wise.
One of the fashionable occupations (I will not call it pleasures) of the past month has been, among a certain clique of ladies, to hear the lectures called cenfJrences, at Notre Dame, preached by Le Pire Hyacinthe. Seats are retained from six o’clock in the morning, and their eccnpicrs are obliged to take possession of them two or three hours before the commencement of the lecture, or to lose them altogether. I{e is said to be very eloquent and forcible in delivery, and to have the rare art of touching upon the most delicate and intimate subjects without coarseness or offending, In one of his last lectures it appears the Rev. Father enlivened his discourse, as is his wont, by introducing an anecdote of domestic life, of which the foundation had been taken by Alexandre Dousas the younger for his new piece, Les IdeJs de Meclerne Aubrep, which is to he acted shortly at the (lymnase. The anther was not a little surprised to hear his plot enlarged upon before such an audience, having only lately given it up into tho hands of the director of the Gymnase.
Costa’s oratorio is being translated by E. Pacini, though it is not quite known in what locality it will be performed. The hall of the Athente is too small, and it has been suggested that the trial may be made during the Exposition (along with so many other trials), in the theatre or concert-room now erecting there. M. Strauss, the leader of the Ilals Masquds of the Opera, has already very liberally contributed towards the fnnds of the Literary Athenwom I have mentioned to you before, by a donation of 5000 francs (S200), from the proceeds of the first masked ball.
The Emperor and Empress received officially, as usual, on New Year’s Day, yesterday. It was remarked that his Majesty, in answer to the complimentary addresses of the Diplomatic Body, alluded briefly to his desire that peace and union might prevail among nations during the coming year; and that, in replying to the Archbishop of Paris, be laid great stress on the moderation and Christian forbearance displayed on all occasions by that prelate. The visit to Rome has not, it appears, been given up without a few internal marks of annoyance; and some anecdotes are related of the manner in which the project broke down, which, did they not relate to so high a lady, it would be amusing to record. The Emperor and Empress often walk out on the terrace of the Tuileries, and the other day extended their promenade along one side of the Champs Elysdes. Walking exercise being ordered for his Majesty’s health, it has been rumoured that he would for awhile take possession of the Palace of the Elysse, whose larger gardens would better suit his Majesty for that purpose than the confined terrace of the Tuileries.
Baron Brisse, whose menus in the journal Le Liberf 4 I have occasionally given yen, is about to change his system; and, instead of a bill of fare, fit only for dinner parties, and requiring a large fortune, announces that be will give daily the menu of a family meal, consisting of three dishes, with the most approved and easiest mode of arranging these, combined with gastronomic art. In addition to this, the proprietor of La LibertJ, N. Emile de Girardin, offers as a premium to all new or ancient subscribers a work by this celebrated gourmet, contain- lug a whole series of recipes of the most refined order of cookery. What adds to the charm of this promise is, readers are informed that the volume is published at Hacbette’s; no one will be permitted to purchase it, it being reserved for subeeribers alone.
Mile. Thdrfsa, who has long been silent, is to appear again shortly. She has been sparing her voice, being engaged at lfiOOf. a night for the duration of the Exhibition. A new song has been written for her, called “Los Odeurs de Paris.” The title is that of a book by M. Louis Veuillot, a well-known writer, in which she is introduced at length as one of the features of the age. Anyone who knows Thdrfsa’s songs can imagine what this one will be in her band. M. Veulllet, it appears, augurs that it will make the fortune of his book, which has already raised him a best of enemies, from the acrimony and edge of its satire.
Paris, Jan. 2.

BERLIN
AT last it is officially announced that the officers and men in the late Ilanoverian army have been released from their oath of allegiance te King George. The document granting the wished-for liberty rens thus :—“ Hietzing, Dec. 24, 1866.—I decree herewith that all my officers, army officials, sub-officers, bandsmen, and soldiers, who wish for their discharge, on account of their private affairs, shall receive the same. I desire, therefore, you wlll make known in a suitable manner—L Every officer and army official who sends in a petition for discharge shall receive that discharge from you in my name. 2. Ynu may likewise discharge in my name such sub- officers, corporals, bandsmen, and soldiers as wish for their dismissal. The method I leave to you—I remain, my dear Lient..General, your well affected—GEORGE Rxx. Witness to his Majesty’s signature :—G. DAsisIEns, Celenal and Adjutant-General.” A deputation of officers went to Vienna to his Majesty to solicit this favour, and they returned successful. General Arentchild has been appointed to carry out his Majesty’s wishes. The postal authorities donned the uniform of Prussia on the let inst.
Schleswig-Heletein has now had the last link riveted of the chain that is to bind her to Prussia, for on the 24th hit. King William signed the law for its mcerporation.
It appears now that the return of the Emperor Maximilian is “indefinitely postponed,” as the following paragraph (which I have taken from his Majesty’s proclamation to his en%jec on the let of last month) clearly shows: “In the meantime, M4xicans, counting upon you all, witbeut excluding any political class, we shall continue the work of regeneration with courage and constancy, having been placed in charge of your countrymen.—(Signed) MAXIMILIAN.” But I suppose we shall seen hear again of a projected return, “owing te circumstances ever which he has no control,” and “with the heartfelt eorrow of the people who had unanimously called lum to the threne,” &c., &c.
The death of the wife of the editor of the Vienna Gazette, Mme de Techeuberg, is announced by the Frankfurt Enrepe. The death teok place in a ball-room whilst the deceased was waltzing.
The French Ambassador at Vienna, Dec. de Grammont, has received the Order of the Grand Cross of St. Stephen. I mentioned in one of my late letters that there was a rumour that the duels in which Count Clam.Gallas and Marshal Benedek were to figure had “come off.” This rumour is said to be without foundation, as the adversaries have been reconciled. Prince Metternich was to have left Vienna on the let inst. ; but whether he has done so or not I have net beard. The Emperor of Austria and family have returned from SchOnbrunn to the Hofberg at Vienna, where his Majesty will take up his winter quarters. Oa cut that Prussia is trying to “get hold of “ Hungary, and add the name of that country to the already large list of annexed provinces. It is also asserted that coins bearing the inscription “ Charles I., King of Hungary,” are in circulation, though very limited in number. This, in my opinion, should be taken euni. pruire sails.
The Provincial Cnrrespendenec denies the truth of the statement that Count Biemarck intended going shortly on a visit to Italy. The Count is new said to be hunting with Count Osselbnrg (with whom he is staying) at Hers.
King Louis of Bavaria has followed the example of his regal brothers in giving to his people a proclamation. It is very similar to those that have been issued by the other kings, but as I have given the others I cannot in fairness omit this
“ Hehenschwangan, Dec. 17.
“ In the tour which I have recently made my attention was especially directed to the Franeenian provinces, so severely afflicted, and which, by the sufferings they have borne. by the sacrifices they have made, as well as by the fidelity they have unshakably preserved, had acqaired the first claims en my paternal solicitude. The object I had proposed to myself in this journey has been achieved. I have been enabled to closely examine, and on the very spot, the eitnation of the country, to open my heart to its complaints and wishes, to inform myself as to the wounds caused by the war and the means of caring them, to recompense merit and to sympathise with misfortune, and may it please God to consolidate again and in a durable manner the ties of reciprocity between prince and people which a melancholy catastrophe seemed to have compromised. In seeing with satisfaction these results accomplished by the Divine aid, I must first ef all respond to the touching manifestations of love and fidelity which have reached me from all parts, from the towns and the fields, by the full expression of my warmest and most profound gratitude. In that I see a new and powerful stimulus to make the happiness of my people the object of all my efforts, and to seek in its love my highest recompense en earth—Louis.”
A rumour from Prague reaches me to the effect that early in the present year the Emperor of Austria will set out for that city, where he will be crowned as King of Bohemia. Abdication at present seems all the “ go,” a game at which a number of crowned heads (and those with local coronets) have been playing. Rumour points at Duke Ernest of Gotha, as the last up to the present time, who has intimated a wish to join in the sport. Of course his territory is to be absorbed by that insatiable kingdom,—Prcsaia. I am told that the money of the Detaticn Fund is not to be given in casts to these amongst whom it is to be divided, but it is to be expended in purchasing landed property about Poscn, and the estates thus purchased are to be presented to those whom I have already men- tioned—viz., Count von Bismarck, General von Roen, Meltke, Steinmetz, Von Bettenfeld, and Von Falkenstein.
In conclusion, I give an extract from the Uniesi-sai German Gacefte oil the meetings and greetings of the Kings of Saxony and Prussia, at Grossbceren, that occurred a short time back:
“ The royal train stopped at the right side of a platform arranged for the occasion. Icing William walked quickly forward to meet Icing John, and said, ‘ Welcome, brother-in-la;v t ‘ The latter, holding his plumed hat in one band, and with the other straight down by his side in quite a military attitude, said with a serious and deeply-moved air, to the King, ‘ Yenr Majesty, I ‘—King William did not allow him to finish, but taking bins by both hands, drew him near, exclaiming, ‘No ceremony, brother-in- law!’ and kissed hint on both cheeks. They afterwards entered the royal carriage arm-in-arm, followed by the Prince Royal, Albert, who, with a profound bow, kissed tile hand of the King of Prussia.”

FLORENCE
SIGNOR TONELLO has recently had an interview with the Pope. The audience lasted about half an hour, during which
time His Holiness made no attempt to hide the coldness which he felt towards the envoy who was the bearer of a letter from Victor Emmannel. On reading the first sentence of the letter the Pope said, with much ill-humour, “ It is a lie, I did not bring yen here; it was your Government that sent you.” With reference to the selections of tile bishops, he said, “I will appoint them myself; as I have done in England and America, so will I do in Italy.” The Court of Rome does not. seem inclined to reduce the number of dioceses, but has determined on preserving many of the bishoprics which the Italian Government intend to suppress. The Count de Sartiges had an interview with the Pope en the 19th, and gave lum fresh assurances from the Emperor as to the temporal power. The King and Queen of Naples have been prevailed upon by the Pope to remain in Rome. The bishops who were expelled from their sees by the Italian Government, and who afterwards took up their residence at Rome, have addressed a letter to Baron Ricasoli, who has replied at some length. He closes his remarks by saying:
“The bishops cannot be considered among us as simple pastors of souls, since they are at the same time the instruments and defenders of a power at variance with the national aspirations. The civil power is therefore constrained to impose those measures upon the bishops which are necessary to preserve its tenets and these of the nation -
how is it possible to terminate this deplorable and perilous conflict between the two powers—between Church and State?
Liberty can alone bring us to that happy state of things mvhich your lordships consider so enviable in America. Let us ‘render unto Cnsar the things that are Cstsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s,’ and peace between Church and State will be troubled no more.
I desired to pay deference to these principles in removing the prohibition to the return of the bishops and their residence in their sees. I believe that liberty is good in profession and practice, and, further, that it has the virtue of converting those who are called to enjoy its beneats.
I trust that your lordships, returning to your dioceses with the sincere sentiment of respect for the law expressed in your letter among a people who wish to remain Catholic without relinquishing the rights and aspirations of the nation to which they belong, will bless that liberty which protects them, and upon which the reconciliation of interests hitherto appearing irreconcilable can alone be based.”
The accounts from Rome are so far satisfactory that they show that there is not the slightest likelihood of any disturbance sufficiently great to drive the Pope from the Vatican, The Florence journals state that orders have been given to arm the vessels of war under the command of Commander Ribotti, to support the claims of Italy upon the Turkish Government in the affair of the mail steamer Prince Thomas. The Opiyione, in a letter from Rome, says “France supports the efforts of the Italian Government, which up to the present, however, have remained without result. Counsels arrive from all parts in favour of moderation being shown by the Pope towards Italy. The Pope has declared that he will not abandon Rome.”
r[lie officers of the Pontifical army were presented to the Pope this morning by the Minister-at-Arms, who assured his Holiness that they were all entirely devoted to his cause, and were ready to fight, not against the Romans, for they were the friends of order, but against foreigners who should dare to come and disturb the public peace.
The Pope replied that he did not doubt the sentiments entertained by his soldiers. He urged them to guard themselves from falling into the dangers on which the enemies of the Holy See relied, and to preserve amongst themselves concord, peace, and moderation, “Resist,” said his Holiness, “all sednetive influences, and persevere in the defence of the grant cause to which you have been called by Providence, and which is the cause of justice and religion.”
The projected marriage between Prince Amadeus, the second son of Victor Emmanuel, and the young Princess de la Cisterna, although opposed by Baron Ricasoli for political reasons, is generally looked upon favourably by the people. The princess is highly accomplished, and speaks several languages. the graces and her youth captivated the young prince, who is only twenty-one years of age, at first sight. The King has given his sanction to the marriage.
Tbe ex-President of the Chamber of Deputies, Signor Cassinio, has committed suicide. The event has cast a gloom over the bar of Turin, of which he was a distinguished member; indeed, his less is deplored by all political men, without distinction of party.
lu the Chamber of Deputies, Signor Ferraris was elected fourth Vice-President, and the committee of presidency is new complete.
Signor Man, oa assuming the office of President, delivered a speech, in which he dwelt upon the loss sustained by the House through the death of several members since the last session,.

ADELA OF BLOIS;
OR, EIGHT HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
A LL NIGIIT LONG the Lady Matilda, with her becoming to children, knelt before the holy shrine in the old Abbey ef Fesehamp.
Anxiously had they watched through the lingering twilight, for the whitening sails of the Conqueror’s fleet. No sails appeared, add the night fell dark and stormy upon the English Channel. Meet was it that prayer should ascend to him who rules the destiny of nations, for the hopes of all future times were reeked upon that midnight sea. The field of Hastings was won, Harold was slain, England was enbdned, and the ships of William the Conqueror, filled with the flower of Norman chivalry, and followed by the sad remnant of Saxon nobles, were speeding to the Norman coast.
Was it Woden the storm-throned, that thns with relentless fury pursued the Viking’s progeny, despoilers of the Saxon race ? Was it Thor the thunder-voiced, warning the proud Conqueror that the great heart of England still throbbed with the poise of freedom, though the vale of Sangnelac was red with the blood of her bravest sons P Was it the spirit of a milder faith that prevailed ever that night of darkness, spread a calm morning en those troubled waters, and through that all-pervading sunlight scattered blessings countless as the liquid jewels that paved the track of the rescued ships P
The Mona with its splendid convey was in sight, the bells rang ent merrily their matin chimes, and while Matilda lingered to unite in the anthem of thanksgiving and praise, the little Adeha, escaping from the care of the attendants, found her way through the dim aisles to the doer of the church, where she stood the radiant picture of delight, gazing with childish interest upon the scene before her.
The solemn service over, Matilda with her stately train emerged from the Abbey, and encircled by a princely retinne ef knights and ladies, watched the swelling canvass, which under the pressure of a steady breeze, bore the gallant vessels into pert. Impatient of delay, the royal children ran eagerly down the green slope to the water’s edge. “ Now brothers mine,” said the fiery William, “ the fair and goodly land of England to him who, in three stones’ cast, shall twice strike yen fisherman’s buoy.” Seizing a pebble as he spoke, he was about to hurl it towards the destined mark, when Adela thoughtlessly grasped his arm. The stone dropped idly into the wave, sprinkling the short cloaks and embroidered tunics of the little group. A derisive laugh followed this exploit, and Adela, familiar with the effects of William’s anger, fled from his uplifted hand to the protecting care of Richard, who, sheltering her with his arm, exclaimed, “ Robert, imagine you bney a Saxon earl, and try your prowess upon him. I resign all claim to the conquered realm.”
“ Book and bell, latin prayers, and a pilgrimage for my brother Richard,” replied Robert, selecting a smooth pebble and preparing to threw; hut, are the stone left his hand, a well-directed missile from William struck the buoy, and sank it for a mooment beneath the waves. With a look of proud disdain Robert hurled the stone. It fell dimpling the waters far beyond the mark, “ England is mine,” shouted William, as again with unerring aim he dashed the buoy beneath the surface. “ England is mine,” he repeated, pointing exultingly to the Saxon banner grasped in the hand of his own effigy upon the prow of the Mona. Robert smiled contemptuenely, and rejoined his mother.
All eyes were now directed towards the gallant bark which redo proudly into pert, amid the joyous flutter of banners, genfanens, pennons, and streamers, which from every mast, spar, and standard, waved and flapped in the morning breeze,
A glad shout burst from the assembled multitude, and cries of “ Long live the conqueror William ! Long live eur good Duke of Normandy ! “ echoed by the clangor of trumpet and chiming of bells, welcomed the victor en shore. Fondly embracing his lovely wife and children, and graciously receiving the greeting of his rejoicing subjects, he turned to present the noble Saxons, that swelled the pomp of his train.
“My Matilda will welcome Edgar Atheling, in whose veins flows the blood of her sire Alfred the Great. The brave Earls Morcar and Edwin, the noble Walthe of, and his beautiful daughter Maude, are also guests at our court, and must lack no courtesy at our hands.”
While Matilda with high born grace and dignity received her reluctant guests, the little Adela, accustomed to the eight of mail. clad barons and princely array, felt herself irresistibly attracted by the timid girl who clung tremblingly to the arm of Earl Waltheof. Other eyes than hers were fascinated by the appearance of the lovely stranger. A yellow kirtle of the finest wool fell in graceful folds to her feet; ever this was thmrewn a purple robe, which confined at the bodice by a girdle exquisitely wrought, draped without concealing the delicate proportions of a figure cast in nature’s finest mould, A crimson coverchief half hid the jewelled network, from which her fair brown hair, brightening to gold in the sunshine, escaped in rich abundance over a neck of snow. The steady llght of her meek violet eyes fell lovingly on Adela, and the faint tinge upon her cheek deepened into a brilliant blush as the sprightly child, kindly taking her hand, led her forward to receive the kiss of welcome from the Queen Duchess Matilda.
CHAPTER II.
But deth the exile’s heart serenely dwell in sunshine there?
A succeszere of brilllant pageants and knightly entertainments awaited the Conqueror, his nobles and hostages, in their pompous progress through all the towns and cities of Nermandy, from Fescamp to Bayenx.
Robert, already wearing the spurs of knighthood, girt with silver baldrie, and bearing high the lance with its pointed banderol, led the van; gallantly conducting the young Earls Mercar and Edwin, and the royal Athehing; while the aspiring Prince William, attaching himself to a band of his father’s beet trained bowmen, practised en bright winged birds those feats ef archery in which he eubseqoently became so cruelly skilful.
Adela obtained a place near the gentle Maude, and strove by every childish art to charm back the smiles that transiently enlivened the sad conntenance of the Saxon maiden. Net lees aesiduonsly, and net mere successfully did the Duke King, and his haughty consort, employ the fascinations of easy grace and polished wit to beguile the gloomy musings of the captive Waltheef. So passed they en, the cad hearts with the gay. So sat they in the halls of mirth, the one keeping strict lenten fast, the other revellin in trinmphal feasts; one sole thooght embittening the fast, an sweetening the feast—and that thought England.
In a chamber in the palace of Bayeux were assembled the house. hold of the Conqueror, busy in their daily occnpations. Groups of girls, with nimble fingers, wrought silently under the eye of Matilda, the sad epic of England’s fall.
Leave tlmy tangled skeins to these fair maids and the skilful Tureld, and come thou apart with me,” said Wihhiaffi, abruptly entering and drawing his Queen aside within the deep embrasuro of the window, “‘tie of thy glory and mine that I would speak.”
The conference lasted long. The young princes snmmcned the maidens to the mimic tourney in the tiltyard, and waiting clouds prepared the gorgeous couch of sun, beyond the hills of Bretagnc, era the wily statesman had completed the unfoldinge of all his schemes for fixing the Norman. line securely upon the throne of Edward the Confessor. He revealed his apprehensions from the stern character of Waltheof, and his hopes from the fascinations of his niece Judith d’Anmale. From Edgar Athehing he feared little. The boy, reared in a foreign Court, a stranger to Saxon language and manners, had neither desire nor capacity to contend for a dignity unsuited to his years. He was already hand and glove with Robert, and snbject to the imperious will of the young knight.
But Morcar and Edwin were more dangerous fees. Kinsman of the late king, at the least disaffection they might rouse the friends of the famous Earl Siward, vanquisher of Macbeth; the tbegns of Norfolk, Ely, Hnntingdon, and Northnmbria, stretching far to the Scottish border; and the valiant man of Mereia allied to the terrible Welsh,
“The victory at Hastings, my Queen,” said William, with his blandeet ewile1 “does not establish peaceful rule o’er all the bilk and vales of merrie England. Let policy complete what valonr has commenced. Methinks mit pretty Cicely might hind the restive Edwin in the silken toils of love more securely than nnwilling homage or extorted oath.”
“ Cicely, the betrothed of Harold ! “ exclaimed Matilda. “ Couldet thou have seen her agony when tidings of Harold’s death came with news of thy victory, thou woiildst scarcely speak to her of love.” I’ A childish fancy,” impatiently cried William, “ the breath
praise soon dries the tears on a maiden’s cheeks. She must be the Saxon’s bride.”
“ It is impossible,” replied the Queen. “ In Notre-Pame
Bonnes Nouvelles, while my soul was filled with joy for thy safety, did I dedicate thy hrokcn.hearted child to he the bride of Heaven. The holy Lanfranc has already sanctioned the vow.”
William strode hastily np and down the chamber, tying and untying the rich cordon of his cloak in uncontrollable auger and disappointment.
Matilda laid her hand soothingly upon his arm. “ Agatha is fairer than Ciccly—Adcla hath wit beyond her years, and, child as she
will readily comprehend all thy schemes.”
“ Telk not of Adela, she hath a head for intrigue equal to
brother Odo. Wed her to one who might foster her ambition, and ueithcr crown nor throne would be beyond her aspirations.”
“Agatha hath a loving heart,” pleaded Matilda.
“Thou saycst truth, Bien Aimie, ‘tis by the heart woman rules. Agatha shall be the affianced of Edwin before he leaves these shores.”
Thus it was settled. The new Queen received the title of the manor of Gloucester, and condemned the owner, her former lover,
perpetual imprisoumeut. The fair Maude was to dwell in exile
hostage for the fidelity of her father till a fitting opportunity might occur to make her hand the bond of amity between the Conqueror and some disaffected peer. Other hostages with their various possessions were disposed of in a similar manner, and thus the shades of evening stole into that darkened chamber, and brooded like palpable forms over the sacrifices which the new sovereigns covertly laid upon the altar of avarice and ambition.
The cercmouy of betrothal took place on the following evening. There were guests in embroidered garments aud costly jewels; there were lights and music, and more than wonted festivity; yet Maude saw only Edwin, and when takiug the hand of the little princess
pronounced with unhesitating voice, “Thine, and thiue only,” the colour faded from her lip and cheek, as if a mortal woe bad fastened on her heart.
There were gifts and congratulations, and as Edwin presented his bride a miniature shield of silver, saying gallantly, “This shall thy heart from other love defend,” a gleam of triumph on the countenance of William assured Matilda that Edwin was won.
CHAPTER In.
Oh! the joy
Of youug ideas painted on the mind,
In the warm glowing colours fancy spreads
On objects not yet known, when all is new
And all is lovely. HANNAH Moat.
Waxw the spring deepened into summer, Edwin, exulting in the pride of his youthful elegance and princely alliance, returned loaded with honours to his restored domains.
Agatha wept sore at his departure, but no tear trembled on the cheek of Maudc. All external emotions were buried in the grave
hopeless love, and thenceforth in her pale, changeless beauty she looked the ivory shrine, where the ashes of some holy thing were preserved to work the daily miracles upon the restless spirits by which she was surrounded.
In her society the turbulent and self.willed children of the Conqueror became calm and docile. Often in the long still twilight would she bold them a charmed circle, listening with breathless awe to wild tales and ghostly legends of the terrible Vikings, who drove their daring keels into unknown seas, and immured their wailing captives in sunless dungeons of northern ice, or left them naked and shivering upon a barren coast, a prey to the wolfish winds that lifted and tossed them ever on the red and bristling spears of Aurora’s giant demons.
The story of the Babe of Bethlehem—cradled among the beasts of the stall—heralded by angels, and worshipped by the eastern sages, passing, a holy presence that diffused joy and comfort to every heart, through the green vales of Judea—walkiug unsandaled upon the glassy waves of Galilee, and standing in robes white as the light upon the top of Tabor, agonising in Gethsemene, and suffering upon Calvary for the redemption of a ruined race, recited in the mellow tones of Maude, imparted an interest to the scenes of the Saviour’s life and passion which all the sacred relics and saintly effigies of the church bad failed to awaken.
But especially did Robert and Adela delight in tales of the turbaned Paynim. The long caravan winding its spicy track through emerald oases, or glistening sands—the dark-browed Saraccns with spear and cimeter careering in battle on Arab steeds, fleet as the desert wind—terrible Turks from the wilds of Khosser, swifter than leopards, and more fierce than the evening wolves— swarthy Nubians clustering like locusts in the holy places—toil- worn pilgrims scourged and massacred, and Christian children slaughtered to furnish diabolical repasts for Moslem fiends, were themes that never failed to excite the most intense curiosity, and to rouse the direct imprecations of vengeance.
From one of these narrations Robert rose with a determined air, exclaimed—” My grandsirc, Robert lb Diable, say the monks, was carried to heaven on the backs of fiends; but if by the favour of St. Stephen I ever visit the Holy Land it shall be not with pilgrim’s staff, but with sword and lance, to drive those cursed fiends back to their place of torture.”
“It were a holy work,” said Richard, “and one the saints would bless.”
“Were I a knight, or might a woman set lance in rest,” cried Adela, “ those heathen dogs should no longer feed upon the flesh of Christian babes. Shame to the peers of Normandy, that sit quietly in Boucu while the Holy Sepulchre is in the hands of infidels.”
“The peers of Normandy will sit quietly in Roueu only till my father returns from his conference with Laufrauc,” said William. “Last night a small vessel anchored oIl the coast, and a messenger came in breathless haste to the palace. I could not gain speech with him, but I know he brings tidings from FitzOsborne and our uncle Odo. Hugh de Glaville conjectures there is treason in England.”
“My mother dismissed her maidens at an earlier hour than is her wont, aud sent away Turold with a frowu, when he brought her his pattern of the wooden fort,” said Cicely, with a sigh, “my heart misgavc mc then that some peril was impending.”
“Pray God it may not reach Edwin,” said Agatha, with white lips. “Pray God the troubles may continue till my father moves his court to London,” said William, as rising from the mossy bank upon which they had been sitting, the anxious party returned through the pleasance to the great hall, where the evening meal was prepared.
When the silent repast was finished, Maude lcd the weeping Agatha to her own chamber, and lifting the curtain of the oratory, stood with her before an altar covered with a richly embroidered velvet pall. Upon the altar was placed a golden crucifix, before which burned a silver lamp, and iu a niche above, an alabaster image of the Madonna.
“Daughter of the Norman William,” said she, taking Agatha’s hands and kneeling before the altar, “with the holy cross before thee, and the eyes of our blessed lady looking down upon thee, tell me truly, lovcst thou the Saxon Edwin F” and Agatha whispered low, but firmly, “I love the Saxon Edwin.”
“Turn thy eyes to the stars, emblems of unchanging faith, and tell me truly, wilt thou be to Edwin a guardian Pylgia in weal or woe F” and Agatha answered, “I will guard Edwin in weal or woe.”
“Lay thy hand upon this holy shrine,” again said Maude, lifting the purple pall and revealing a jewelled casket, “ and tell me truly, though father, mother, brother, friend, or priest, compel, wilt thou with Edwin keep thy plighted troth F” and Agatha answered, “I will with Edwin keep my plighted troth.””The pure Mary, the sleepless stars, and this holy relic of St. John the divine, aid thee to keep thy vow, Amen.” And Agatha responded solemuly— “ Amen.”
All that night the patient Maude wrought with a magic bodkiu upon the trothgift of Edwin, inscribing thereon a Saxou charm that worn upon the breast of his mistress should shield him from, danger, defeat, and death! the trusting Agatha keeping silent vigils by her side, while from the court-yard below echoed the tramp of steeds, and the heavy tread of mail-clad warriors hastening preparations for departure.
SERIALS FOR JANUARY.
TEMPLE BAR continues Mrs Wood’s story, “ Lady Adelaide’s Oath,”“ The Highlands of Vcnetia,” and “ Adrift in
Antarctic Ocean.” Several other articles on special topics
amusing, or otherwise interesting. “ Servant girls’ sibyls “ are
common nuisance ; but it must bs confessed that the dark-eyed seers are patroniscd by more than servant girls. A “ Bear-hunt in
Himalayas,”“ A few Days in Tabaga,” and “ Straight across Dart- moor “ will supply agreeable information. We may also recommend “ Among the Old Masters,” and “ Ecclesiastical Symbolism.”
Fiaser’s Magazine has several articles ivhiDh do nut come within our ordinary range ; but there arc others which must not be
unnoticed. “ The Marstons “ is continued. “ A Day’s Fishing
the Bush “ is quite to our taste. For historical tastes we recommend “ The Cromwellian Settlement of Ireland,”“ St. Katherine’s Hospital,” and Earl Stauhope “ On the Influence of Arabic Philosophy in MediRval Europe.” For classical tastes we may mention an article upon Ccuiugton’s iEneid ; and for antiquarians, “ Athens and Peutelicus,” and A. K. H. B. “ Among South-Western Cathedrals.” Although quite erudite, the lecture of my Lord Stauhope is to our mind the most finished and masterly thing in a good aumber.
Blerkwcocl’s Edinburgh Mccgczine also has an article about Coning- ton’s translation of Virgil’s “ }Eueid,” of which, we are assured both here and in Frussr, the merit is very great—the merit of the
new version we mean—for, happily, we knew that of the original long ago. The singular and striking story of “ Nina Balatka “
concluded in the new number ; but that which has the most awakened our reflections is a paper about “ Women and Children
America.” After reading it we have wondered whether there
really any “ girls “ in America, for it really looks as if the en,fenf terrible of a Yankee cradle left its berceau for womanhood direct. On a genteel scale, and in a fashionable manner, the American child-feminine has an experience not unlike that of many children in London. But the imaginings to which this whole paper has given occasion are anything save agreeable, and we only hope the picture is a little overdrawn. A new story, under the title of “ Brownlows,” commences in the January number ; and, of course, Cornelius O’Dowd produces his monthly budget.
The Vicferia presents us with no very strikmg topics, except those connected with social and political questions. Thus we have ‘ Some- thing on the Woman’s Question from Germany ;““ Co-operation and Competition ;““ The Three Lady Doctors, Walker, Blackwell, and Garrett ;“ and “ Matrimonial Chances.” The writer of the article last referred to wishes to counteract the argument against “ training young women of the better classes for remunerative occupation,” based upon the fact “ that girls brought up to work run a poor chance of getting a husband.” We do not propose to decide
arduous a problem as this, but we believe it to be one which many parents would be wise to consider.
The Leisure Hour is a good number, and excellently illustrated. Among its many topics it even moralises on dress ; and, inasmuch
many of our readers may like to know the spirit in which this
done, we quote two short passages, one about bonnets, and the other about colour in dress. The article runs over all the noticeable items in a lady’s outfit, and has at least the merit of being outspoken and bent upon giving good advice:
Lanaxa’ B0NNEr5.—Cualikuttlss have long been discarded, though I dare say they will “come in” again some day, but “spoons” have bat very lately been laid aside. What the nickname of the prcssnt bonnet is I do
know: it is too small, perhaps, to carry a name at all; it is not a bonnet but the germ of one; it does nothing to fulfil any conditions of a covering to the head; it does not cover It, it does uot shade tbe eyes, it doss
keep off the heat or the cold, and in many instances it is not even seen. You have to lock twice to kuow whctlisr a lady has a bonnet on or not.
it were not for the ribbons which fasten it on, and the things attached
it, yo,i would not know that it was thsre; it is a mere minute rudiment,
bud of millinery, and not a bonnet at all. A lady of fashion, full dressed, locks as if she had forgotten to finish her toilette, and come out, carelessly, without anything on her head. While she wears an abundance of superfluous fabric which exaggerates the other proportione of her figure, she makes this sxaggsmtiou more conspicuous by reducing her head to
minimum. She is like a capital A with the dot of a little i, or a large church bell with a cannon-ball on the top of it; and this is good tasts! Well, ladies, if you will insist on people taking small account of your heads, perhaps they may think your taste well represented by the small ratio which your brains bear to the rest of your possessions.
And now about
COLOUR IN Dasss.—A good natural figure, and taste in the shape
dress, may be wholly spoilt by inappropriate or ill-harmonised colours, Remember that white increases the apparent size of the wearer, while black diminishes it; semember also that stripes add tu height, while cross-bars lessen it. Large checks are invariably in bad taste, unless a person’s figure
so bad that it is sought to be concealed. Never wear a dress of many colours; and when you have more than one, take care that they are what
called complementary. Thus green and red are complementary. They lmsrmonise well; so do yellow and purple, orange and blue. Blue and green are utterly inadmissible together. Thus, too, these strong colours ought to be chosen with respect to the colour of the complexion. Green gives
rosiness to the face of the wearer, while red tones down the redness of the skin. Blue assists the beauty of a blonde, yellow that of a brunette. White vivifies a bright complexion, black subdues it. Thus a negress can wear
coloured dress which would be intolerable on a white; and an Indian nurse or ayah, however old, is becomingly clothed in suusilu, which is unsuitable to any but a youthful European.
The Art Journal has its usual quantum of illustrations, large and small, but all well executed. The letterpress embodies some pleasant articles, which are, of course, very instructive. The opening paper, by the Rev. E. L. Cutts, is by no means unworthy of its place
the head of the new volume.
The Popular Science Ben etc is a quarterly. Its contents are very diversified, and its management is good. The new part, commencing
volume, contains some well-executed iliustratiois, and scientific articles and notes, from which all classes of readers will be able to cull something. The Review should be in the hands of all who would be acquainted with the march of modern science.
Johnny Jordan and his Dog. By Mrs EIaOART. Illustrated.
London: Geo. Routledge and Sous. This is a book of some 350 pages of matter, containing the personal history and adventures of Master Johnny Jordan. The story is written in a very simple manner, after the style of the more advanced reading lessons that are found in children’s primers. The print is of a good size and very clear, and the illustrations are very fairly drawn and engraved.
would make a suitable present for a little boy of seven or eight years of age.
We have also received the following, most of which we hope to nctico in our next:
Msgazioes.—Macmillan’s Magazine; The Sunday at Home; The Chess- player’s Magazine; The Cottager and Artisan; Chambers’s Journal; The Monthly Packet of Evening Readings for Members of the English Church; Routledge’s Magazine for Boys; The Intellectual Observer; The Last Chronicle of Barset, Parts 2 and 3; Aunt Judy’s Magazine; The Gardener,
Monthly Magazine; The Floral World and Garden Guide; Hardwick’s Science Gossip; Once a Week; Beeton’s Christmas Annual.
Metropolitan Tramways.
British Columbia and Vancouver’s Island.
Infant Orphanages for India.
Claude Spencer. By Mrs F. M. Ward.
The Australian Musical and Dramatic Review, September and October,
LITERARY, ARTISTIC, AND SCIENTIFIC GOSSIP.
Mr N. P. Willis has bad a paralytic stroke, and lies in a very critical condition. He is fifty-eight years of age.
Bryant, the American poet, has recently arrived in this country on his way to the Continent. He is accompanied by Mr Parke Godwin.
Mr Don has sent in his resignation as an Academician engraver
the Royal Academy, thus causing another vacancy in the list of members and another retired R.A..ship.
Professor Pauli is now engaged in writing an historical work at Titbiugeu. It is said that he will settle at Berlin after Easter, to take up the editorship of the Ps-eussiche Jahrbiicher.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has been pleased to accept a copy of the “Child’s Garland of Little Poems,” by Matthias Barr, for the young prince, Albert Victor, and has expressed his best thanks to the author.
The bust of Lord Romiily, which men of letters arc about to plaoe
the new Search Room at the Record Office, is complete. Mr Durham, the sculptor, is said to have given universal satisfaction by his labnnr. The likeness to Lord Rumilly is admirable.—1then’riun.
Harrnviaua will be interested to learn that valuable prizes of £30
year for the encouragement of the study of Modern History and English Literature have recently been founded by John Edward Bourchier, who was bead of the sohool in 1562.3. He died of con- sumptinu at Bournemouth, on the 23rd inst., aged twenty-two years.
One of the two surviving brothers of the late Walter Savags Lauder has just died. Henry Eyrca Landor was the third of four brothers, of whom Walter Savage was the oldest, and for soms years past has been blind. He was nearly eighty-seven at his doath, his more famous brother having lived to the age of ninety.
‘I’he Rcmilwai News says the longest message yet transmitted through the Atlantic Telegraph was a dcspatoh from the United States Government at Washington to the American Minister at Paris. It consisted of more than 4900 ivords. It occupied ten honrs in transmission, and was sent at the average rate of seven words per minute. The cost of the message was over £2000.
The last novelty in the way of locomotion is to be among ths many wonders of the Great Exhibition. According to the Star it consists in a mechanical horse, which trots, gallops, or walks, as may suit the pleasnre of the rider. He oven prances after the most approved style, and neighs when that sound is agreeable to his pea. sessor, and, still more wonderful to relate, can swim perfectly.
It is stated in the American press that the New Tom-k Tribune has engaged Mr Dickens to write a novel for its weekly edition—paying for it 25,000 dollars. Mr Carlyle has also been engaged to contribute a single artiole, to cover a page of the daily edition, for which ho receives the sum of 150 guineas. Mr John Stuart Mill has been secured as a contributor for 1867, and the Tribune will, upon the opening of the now year, be printed on heavy paper.—Leadsa
Review. .
At Uhent (Belgium) there is a Flemish newspaper published, the Gazette van Geud, which, perhaps the oldest in Europe, will have been in existence for the last two centuries on the 1st of January,’ 1567. As a souvenir of this anniversary the subscribers are to receive a copy of the oldest number at present in existence. it bears date the 5th of September, 1567. The copies, which have been made by means of photography, have succeeded so well, that it is difficult to distinguish the copy from the original.
The collected works of Bellaugc are to be exhibited in February in the rooms of the Eoole des Beaux Arts in Paris ; and after the exhibition, the sketches of the artist and such pictures as belong to his family will be sold by public auction. Bellaugd’s last prodne. tion, “ The Guard Dies but never Surrenders,” which the artist touched while on his death bed, but which remains still unfinished, is amongst the relics to be sold. It is a remarkably fine specimen of the painter’s style, in spite of its incomplete condition, and formed a most attractive object at the Paris Salon this year.
The Civil Tribunal of Antwerp has sentenced the editor of the Errant to l000f. damages, and to spend 500f. in advertising the judgment, for defamation of M. Defrie, a member of the Chamber of Representatives. The journal in question, reproaching this deputy with tergivorsation, had accused him “ of being inscribed on the eminently civil list of writers entirely devoted to Government.” Another Antwerp journal, the Prdcurseur, having warmly taken up the cause of M. Dcfrie, the Escaut declared that “ this article could be the production only of a blackguard.” To this the Prdeurseumreplies, in a few lines, “ that it should not reply, as it despised the abuse of the Escaut.”
The Rev. Henry Longueville Mansel, B.D., who has been nominated to the regina professorship of ecclesiastical history in the University of Oxford, rendered vacant by the death of the Rev. Canon Shirley, was educated at St. John’s College, Oxford, where he graduated in 1539, when he took a double first. He was ordained deacon in 1844, and priest in 1545, by the Bishop of Oxford, and be- came fellow and tutor of his college. In 1555 he was elected reader in moral and metaphysical philosophy at Magdalen College. In 1555 he preached the Bampton lecture, his subject being “ The Limits of Religious Thought,” and was the preacher at the eon- sooration of the Bishops of Peterborough, Tasmania, and the Niger, at Canterbury Cathedral, in 1564. He has written several works ea moral and metaphysical philosophy.
i’rnbmier’s A:ae,ietea and Oriental Literary Record says : The Rev. Dr J. Isidor Mombert, reotor of St. James’s Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is engaged as editor upon a work which is much needed. His design is to issue in eighteen large volumes, at the rats of twu volumes per annum, a Theological and Ecclesiastical Bury. rlopedia, which will cover the whole field of theology in all its branches, divisions, and sub-divisions, with its auxiliary sciences,
It will he Christian as opposed to infidelity and rationalism ; Prstestant as opposed to the corruptions and innovations of the Latin Chnrgh ; Catholic as opposed to all sectarian tendencies Every Christian community will be heard [in its pages], and if possible by her own eons.” He has secured the co-operation of all the moat eminent theologians of every orthodox denomination in America; of many prominent English thaological scholars; and of such men as Professor Tischendorf, Dr Haganbach, Dr Van Osterzee, and other well-known continental divines, .j
Readers of history will remember the account given by Tyche Brahc of the appearance of a new star, in which he speaks of observing “with indescribable astonishment a fixed star of a magnitude never before seen, in splendour equal to the planet Venus.” The star, after declining in brightness for seventeen months, then became invisible to the naked eye. Something akin
this, but on a smaller scale, has been observed by astronomers during the year 1866. It was remarked about the middle of May that a star, which, when observed in 1856, by Argelander, was one
the ninth magnitude, and invisible to the naked eye, became suddenly as bright as a star of the second magnitude, and attracted the notice of many persons, both astronomical and amateurs. In the course of a fortnight it diminished in brightness, showing again
a star of the ninth magnitude only, since which time it has not again increased in brightness. By observations made on the spectrum of this star (a branch of astronomical inquiry much cultivated during the last few years, and one that will, in course of time, furnish most interesting results concerning the constitution of distant bodies), it is rendered probable that some convulsion took place by which large quantities of hydrogen and other gases were emitted; that for a time the whole mass of the star was in a state
combustion; and that, as the gas became exhausted, and the phenomena diminished in intensity, the star decreased in brightness.
—Post Magazine Alusanack, 1867.
Most of our readers are aware that some curious distemper pictures were discovered some years back at Arundel, in Sussex, and that they were renovated (too much so, in our opinion) and retained. One of them was a sort of wheel divided into compartments, each appropriated to one of the seven deadly sine. There are many similar drawings in some of the splendid Arundel fragments of English illuminated books in the British Museum. An almost identical example has been discovered at Ingatestone Church, Essex, besides others of an earlier character; among them a St. Christopher. What was additionally curious was that this reta ‘ciciormemn was painted over some earlier example, probably of the same date as the St. Christopher. These have been all plastered over again so that if it had not been for a local antiquary not even
memorial of them would have remained. If the rector of the parish objected to the public exhibition of these curious relies
antiquity, he ought to have had a curtain of some sort put in front of them, or at least given an opportunity of having them taken
the walls and preserved elsewhere. The authorities of South Kensington orbthe Royal Institute of British Architects, in regard
the projected Architectural Museum, would do well if they paid attention to this matter. If no society will take the trouble and find the requisite money, there is no doubt that many private gentlemen would be glad to do it. It is very undesirable that any church work should go into the hands of mere collectors, but at the same time it is far better that they should be so preserved than ruthlessly destroyed by the plasterer. We have been informed of some interesting discoveries of this kind in Buckinghamshire, and fear, from
what we hear, that su;ne have been treated in the same fashion as
those at I;mgatestuno.—Bailding News.
The death of M. Silvestro Camerino at Padua is mentioned in
Italian journals. He leaves a fortune of 42,000,000 francs. More than half of it goos to a nephew hitherto not in good circumstances, and the remainder is bestowed in legacies, bequests
religious institutions, and i;m making provision for his numerous servants. M. Camcrino could scarcely write his name, and, fifty years ago, be was working as a common labourer on the form. ntiou of the postal road between Rovigo and Polasella.

BEAUTIFUL HARDY FLOWERS FROM SEED.
(Oonc1udedfron page 479.)
OF ALL THE FLOWERS OF SPRING none surpass in decision of tone and attractiveness the bright yellow and
abundant.flowering Alyssum saxatile, • a plant which every garden should possess a stock of. It is easily raisei from seed without trouble, and the seed is only twopence per packet in Mr Thompson’s catalogue (Ipswich). There is a new variety of the same plant, with a dwarfer habit, and this is also to be raised from seed with equal facility. Then its snowy.white associate, Arabis albida, may be raised as freely as mustard and cress ; and so may the charming blue Aubrietia deltoidea and purpnrea, which are among the very best of all rockwork flowers. The Alyssams, Arabis, and Aubrietias, are the most useful and
telling ornaments of the rockwork.border and spring garden, and it is eurely an advantage that we may raise them in quantity for almost nothing ! Even more valuable, because absolutely unkillable in any soil that I have yet seen it planted in, is the evergreen Iberis sempervirens, which looks a neat little evergreen all through the summer, autumn, and winter, and is a sheet of snowy beauty in spring. Capital, like the preceding kinds, for all sorts of rock and rootwork, for edg’ings of clumps of choice shrubbery, for the mixed border, and the regular spring garden where such a special arrangement exists. It is, however, better to enjoy the beauty of spring flowers in all parts of oue’s garden or pleasure grounds, than to make an isolated arrangement for them, though there is no reason why a special little garden or nursery should not be devoted to the choicer kinds. Among the various flowers used for spring gardening at Cliveden, none is more beautiful or useful than the Honesty (Lunaria biennis), which is much need for the centres of beds or large roses, or back rowe or ribbons. Being a biennial it must be sown every year in early summer, and by autumn the plants will be fit to put in the flower garden, where they will flower finely the following spring. To this valuable spring flowering order also belongs the several varieties of wallflower, all of which may be raised from seed as readily as the common cabbage. So much for the cruciferous tribe, the next in which we find any important hardy perennial plants is the rock.rose tribe. The dwarf little bushy heliauthemums are very pretty and hardy enough to grow slmcst anywhere, though they prefer a chalky soil, and do remark. ably well on such. They produce a dense bloom in summer, and are neat little evergreen bushes, at all times. The pansy may be raised from seed with the greatest ease, and a capital plan it is as the plants raised in this way bloom with great vigour and for a long time. Besides, we may happen to raise pretty or interesting varieties; it is, therefore, most desirable to raise those charming flowers from good seed. In the Dianthus tribe, the Cheddar pink (D. ciesius)—whicb grows so nicely on some of the walls at Oxford, and would do well on any old wall—the mixed kinds of carnation and picotee, the maiden pink (D. deltoides), and, of course, the pretty varieties of sweetwilliam, are among those best worth raising. The Indian pinks are not hardy. The old scarlet lychnis, the charming rose campion (Lycbnis Chalcedonica), L. fulgens (a very fiery dwarf plant), and Saponaria ooymoides (a capital rockwork trailer, flowering brightly in spring), are also well worth raising from seed, as they are all hardy and ornamental. Among the Silence S. scbafta must not he forgotten, as it is a neat, bright, hardy, perennial; while pendula and pendula alba should be raised in quantity for the spring garden, of which they are one of the chief ornaments.
The flax family contains some very, pretty dwarf plants not often seen in gardens, and among the beet, narbonense, a pretty blue; perenne, perenne album, and monogynum, pure white. These are neat and graceful-looking plants, flowering freely and doing well in ordinary garden soil. Of the hardy geraniums I should recommend Endressil, ibericum, and eanguineum, all ornamental, and free and hardy enough to grow in any soil; in fact, they will be perfectly satisfied with a rubbish heap. The Fraxinellas, showy when grown on a warm soil, end interesting from being covered with glands secreting a volatile matter, which have given the plant the reputa. tion of making the air surrounding it inflammable; grow from seed too, but rather slowly. The fine bins Baptisia australie and exaltata, the silvery Anthyllis barba-jovis, the ornamental Aetagalnees, and the pretty Galegas, biloba, orientalle, and pereica, are all firet.rate. These are all plants of the pea tribe, and are in the highest sense hardy, leautif ci, and useful for the cultivator of hardy flowers. Their best use is for %e good mixed border. To the same family belong the everlasting peas, which have no need of praise, though the pure white variety, which is the most beautiful, and lasts the longest in bloom in consequence of not seeding much or at all, is very little grown to what it deserves. I know of no finer plant on ordinary garden soils when allowed to trail over a rockwork, or down a bank, or make an irregular circle on the turf. Its white flowers are most useful for cutting, and attractive in the mass. The species called rotundifolios is of a fiery brick-red, and well worth growing. The blue perennial lupin, too, is a very hardy and useful plant, and its white variety is also worth cultivation for variety sake; and in the same order the valuable spring flowering Orobus vernus and flaccidus are indispensable. 0. vernus is used very successfully for spring gardening at Belvoir Castle, the seat of the Duke of Rutland. There is no finer dwarf border plant, as it is a perfect mass of pretty flowers in spring, and is always of neat habit.
The little red-berried trailer, sometimes called the “Strawberry Plant” (Fragraria iudica)—about which a correspondent recently made inqulries—comes free from seed, and is nice for rock and rootwork, Ac. Many fine Potentillas may be raised from seed that is qoite cheap. They are useful for large rockworks or for central positions in the mixed border, where, however, their habit is somewhat coarse and straggling. In the evening primrose tribe, }Enothera acaolis, Fraserii, Miesouriensis, and riparia, and Zauschneria Californica will be found excellent. Indeed, the first and third are indispensable to the grower of hardy flowers. With them should be raised Lythrum roseum superbum, a grand plant for the border or tall ribbon, quite hardy and strong, and very showy when in flower. Calandrinia umbeiata is a very gem among dwarf hardy things; so good, indeed, that a batch of it should be raised every year for planting out the following season, as young plants bloom more continuously than old ones, and there cannot be a more attractive feature in the garden than some of this plant in a bed of fine peaty or sandy earth. It is of the most vivid magenta, qulte distinct from any other flower we grow; qulte free from seed in the open border on fine sandy and well-drained soil. The pretty dwarf Sedums, too, arc offered, but it is perhaps better to get them as established plants, as they are very cheap and easily increased, but if you should try a few, do not omit I{amtschaticum of a bronzy golden colour, and populifolium which makes a dwarf little shrub. The equally dwarf and eqoaily pretty Saxifragas are also offered, and nothing can be more suitable for embellishing a small or, indeed, any kind of rockwork. If fond of plants of remarkably graceful follage try one of the Ferolas and Meum athamanticnm, both remarkable for their elegantly cot loaves, though their flowers possess no beauty. -
In the Scabious tribe will be found Morina lougifolia, a plant of curious and handsome habit, and flowers both prelty and interesting; and in the composite tribe, Achilea}Egyptiaca, with pretty silvery leaves; Bellis perennis (the double daisy), so useful for spring gardening; Echinops ritro, very curious heads of flower; Gaillardia aristata; Hieracium aurantiacum; Liatris scariosa; Pyrethrom roseum, fi. pleno; and Santol-,ua incana, will be found excellent. Space prevents us from doing more than give a mere enumeration of the very best of the hardy flowers to be raised from seed, but the reader may depend that all named will give much:satisfaction; their heights and colours will be found in the catalogue, and by obtaining these plants any amateur will add much to the beauty and interest of the garden.
The very important Campanula tribe contains not a few good things; the best are Campaunla carpatica and carpatica alba, both most valuable; macrantha, large and showy; nobills, very large and qulte distinct; and the fine and popular old C. pyramidalis, both the white and the blue; Platycodon grandiflorum, and Sympbiandra pendula in the same order, are both first-rate. The (inntians come but very slow and uncertain from seedeveu in the hands of experienced gardeners, and therefore gentian seed is of little use to the amateur; and the seed of -the larger kind of Phloxes scarcely more useful, because good ready-made plants of even the newer kinds may be bought cheap in most nurseries. 
Ancbusa italica, the various kinds of finely marked snapdragon, Linaria alpina, Mimnlns in variety, Pentstemou barbatus, Hartwegii and ovatus are all fine hardy plants, well worthy a place in any garden. The same is true of Veronica incana, Dracocepbalum argunense, Mooarda fistulosa, Physostegia virginiana, Salvia argentea, and Acanthus mollis and spinosns, two large leaved plants. In the Primola tribe the very finest and safest seed that can be sown is that of the mixed kinds of polyauthos, which flower so sweetly iii early spring around shrubbery margins along shady walks, and which are indispensable to a full enjoyment of the spring garden. In the Thrift tribe, Armeria cephalotes will give much satisfaction, its flowers being large and of a lovely rose ; and this ends a brief selection of the best hardy flowers in existence, to most of which, I trust, your readers will give a trial, and thereby much spread their beauties through the British Isles, the climate of which is more fitted for the growth of a great number of hardy flowers
than that of any other country. mrs.
NOTES AND QUERIES ON PLANTS AND FLOWERS.
HORTICULTURE IN PARIS.—The cultivation of flowers and rare plants in Paris has for some years past greatly extended. This is due in a large measure to the municipality of the city of Paris, the gardens and parks of which are wodels of good manage- ment, elegance, and variety in the choice of their ornaments. At the beginning of 1555 the number of gardeners and workmen belong- ing to the municipality was only 3 ; in 1555, 12 ; in 1502, 40 ; in 1864, 60 ; and in 1865, 101. The plants and shrubs have eimilariy increased. In 1855 only 600 could be furnished ; in 1563 there were delivered 1,602,265, of which 1,575,500 were furnished by the florist of La Muette, 23,579 by the nursery of Longobamps, and 3156 by the fir nursery. A comparison of the accounts, from 1855 to 1565 inclusively, shows that the cost of the shrubs and plants got from the city nurseries and distributed during that period was on an average only 13 ceutimes.—Gcrlignani.
ANSWERS.
BULBS—Plant them immediately wherever you intend them to bloom. You should not have kept them so long out of the groond.—En.
MANAGEMENT OF FERNS.—Give th at the top if you can. Do not give much, because the dry air of a room flowing rapidly through the case would do mischief. (2). Ferns should be kept moist at all times ; but at this season very little water suffices to keep them so. We have seen them grown successfully in rooms lighted with gas ; but the eases were ventilated at the top, and the ferns kept in a naturally moist condition by being planted in cocoa fibre, which does not get “sour” or” soddened.”—En. -
TO STOP THE GROWTH OF FLOWERS. — You may readily stop the growth of flowers by clipping them off with gathering scissors or a knife. Perhaps you wish to kuowif they can be preserved in foil beauty. We have seen them preserved with a view to that end by those who make a business of it; but to our minds they arc uglier when eo preserved than badly-made artificial flowers, and these are abominations. With our fertile soil and great gardening resources we should be able to enjoy the “ verities” of the floral worid, and forget all about flowers bruised and dried in hot sand. The everlasting flowers and the grasses are the only kinds that can be preserved in their full beauty.—En.
INDIA-RUBBER PLANT, &c.—Tbe India-rubber plant usually does very well in a warm sitting-room with ordinary attention. We fear many people ruin indoor plants by drying them off. The dry air of a room is apt to quickly dry the soil, and therefore the soil right throngbout the ball should be kept moist. There has been so much nonsense wntten about “keeping plants dry in winter” that thousands of valuable plants have been destroyed in consequence. We have seen amateurs, and practical gardeners too, keeping plants “dry in the winter” till they perished before their very eyes, and they could not see the cause. The fact is that all growing plants require to be kept moist in winter as well as in summer, the only difference being that, in consequence of the slow evaporation, a very few waterings suffice to keep them moist in winter compared to what are required in summer. Doubtless your plant suffered from want of water. The best way is to get a nice young plant with a straight stem. Ask some gardener or nurseryman to give it a potting for you, and keep it in the stove till rooted in the fresh soil. Then place it in a sitting-room, keep the soil moist, and be sure and give a good soaking, or several of them in succession, rather than small driblets, which merely wet the surface of the pot and, perhaps, leave the deep main roots to perish in dry dust. Clean the leaves occasionally with a moist sponge. It should go on very well then for several years without potting. It is one of the most valuable of all plants for “room gardening.” We have seen it thrive in the greenest health in London rooms. (2.) Try Mrs London’s “Lady’s Companion to the Flower Garden.” You are quite right in seeing no beauty in” modern gardening.” Cultivate variety, and in it you will find what you want. Call if you can at Backhouse’s, of York, and see the alpine plants; and also at Henderson’s, at St. John’s Wood, in spring, summer, or autumn. Cultivate lilies, narcissi, hardy spring flowers of all kinds; the finer sorts of hardy perennials (to raise many of these quickly and cheaply consult an article which will shortly appear in Tan QuEEN), carnations, picotees, sednms, saxifrages, and all the good hardy plants you can obtain. See also in due season the subtropical garden at Bat tersea Park, and a few visits of that kind may teach you more than any of the books which attempt to deal with English flower gardeuing.—En.
BEfl $E
DESCRIPTION OF OUR COLOURED PLATE OF PARISIAN FASHIONS.
FIRST TOILETTE.—A light stone satin dress trimmed in vaudykes with the new gimp called Passementerie cascade.
The paletdt is made of the same material as the dress, and has no ornament upon it; the lining is white satin. A white tiny velvet bonnet, with white blonde lappets, arranged to form a Psyche bow. A small plume of white feathers at the side.
SEcoND T0rLETvE.—A black gros grain dress trimmed with two rows of blue satin reuleeier; the sleeves are ornamented to correspond. A blue satin petticoat. A black velvet Marie Antoinette bonnet, with a wreath of bronzed leaves round it, and a row of Venetian point lace faffing on the hair.
THE PARISIAN FASHIONS.
[raou ova own conirnsroNnercr.i
flURING the past week everybody I have come in contact with was busy about New Year’s Day; the most delicate,
fragile-looking women appear to have turned suddenly into commissionaires, for they throng the streets positively laden with packages. Children are the grand preoccupation of the moment, for everyone seems bent on making them presents, and the various shops have certainly of late put forth most enticing wares. Very marvellous toys have been invented for this anniversary of the most universally observed of all festivals in France—Le Jour tie l’An. The prettiest plaything is deoidedly the panier a salade, which consists of a real carriage made of wicker work (exactly as they are made at present), drawn by a pretty horse, which trots by machinery, managed by pressing down with the foot a pedal concealed at the bottom of the carriage. Then there are the new balloons, which realise Nadar’e throne, “heavier than the air;” and, lastly, there are the needle-gnus, which are to be seen everywhere, for both toys and ornaments are now made after the model of this far-famed Prussian weapon. Gold and silver pencil-cases are even produced in the form of needleguns, and are richly ornamented with precious stones.
Fans appear to have been very favourite New Year’s offerings, and most useful will they prove, as we are now entering on the
5eason when the fan plays a very important pnrt in a lady’s toilette The simplest fans for evening are made of coloured silk, mounted with either mother-of-pearl or ebony ; those in white elk, marked with the initials of the owner, are considered in the best taste. The Louis XVI. fans are extremely popular; they are made of ilk which is painted, and the mother-of-pearl sticks or mounts are likewise painted to imitate either garnet or amber. Then there are the very costly painted silk fans, the subjects portrayed being highly artistic, and these are mounted with ivory, which is likewise painted, besides being exquisitely carved. Some affect the Wat-. teau style, representing, for example, lattice work, on which roses are - climbing, or else a basket from which sprays of flowers are escaping : while on others Chinese and Byzantine designs are reproduced. Some fans, which are made of dark silk or of black cr4e, and are adorned with a large spangled butterfly in the centre, are intended for the theatre, and those made of white lace, lined with pale-coloured silk, are to be used chiefly at balls.
We are again entering the most brilliant season of Parisian life ; the Court, the City, and the Ministers are all issuing invitations for balls, dinners, Ac. For the Court receptions on the 2nd of January the most magnificent toilettes have been prepared, and from a large number of Court trains which have come under my notice I will describe two, each differing widely in style from the other.
The first was made of white tulle beuillenni in horizontal lines, on cerise satin ; cross cut bands of cerise satin were sewn between the beuillennJs, and each terminated with a simple bow- without ends ; these bands were arranged like rays on the tulle ; the train was bordered with a flounce of fine point d’Angletea-rs, headed with n pleating of cerise satin. The dress was white tulle without any trimming in front, save a cerise satin pleating round the edge. The head-dress was composed of a tiara of cerise velvet with long diamond aiguillettec falling on the forehead.
The second train consisted of white satin, and was worn over a dress of the same material ; it was bordered all round with a band of costly Russian sable. The dress, which wns cut in the .Princesse form, was trimmed down the front and round the edge of the skirt with sable, and a band of the same fur rep’acel a berthe round the shoulders. An aigrette of diamonds and a. narcissus in white velvet served for heed-dress.
This white dress, enriched with costly fur, was inspired by a toilette in the same style which the Princess Metternich wore during her visit at Compibgne. The Princess’s dress differed from this one, insomuch as it was made of dead white silk, and bad a high bodice. Ball dresses made of silk are much more frequent than at this time last year ; white silk decorated with -white bugles, or, as it is called in Pnris, “ white jet,” will, it is said, be the popular evening toilette this season. A new form of bodice has lately been introduced which serves equally well for morning and evening wear. At the back of this bodice there is a small round basque which terminates with fringe, then at each side there are two wide sash ends cut straight at the bottom. If for evening wear these ends are trimmed with either jet, crystal, or pearl fringe. If the hair is arranged in two long plaits, a l’antique (so fashion— able at the present moment), and which proves very becoming with a low dress, then beads similar to those used for the fringe are entwined with the plaits. If for day wear, the sash ends and the basque are trimmed either with crystal drops or chenille fringe.
As at this present season there is universal paying and receiving visits, I will describe a few pretty teilettes suitable for such social ceremonies. First, for a yonng girl : A blue pros grain dress, plain round the skirt, but with a tailier in front of the same material, bound with velvet, and fastened down at the sides with two rows of pearl buttons, similar buttons being repeated in the centre of the teblier. A çasaque to match the dress, fitting the figure closely, with a peplum basque attached to a blue velvet waistband, fastening the band with three pearl buttons. A white felt tequet, bordered with a long plait of blue velvet, which falls with two ends as low as the edge of the paletSt, and terminates with ornamental jet drops; a sin gle rose at the left side of the tequet. -
Toilette for a youthful married lady: A pearl-grey gres grain. dress, with an immensely long train, a black velvet tunic vandyked round the edge, and ornamented with conical jet buttons. This tunic opens at the sides, and is slashed together again with bars of black braid embroidered with jet beads. It is fastened the entire length of the front with large gimp buttons. To this tunic a black velvet bodice is attached; the sleeves are grey gres grain, and have black velvet rerers on the epauletteg and cuffs. The white cuffs are Venetian guipure of the meusqueteire form; a Dubarry collar, likewise of guipure, with cravat to match. This style of collar is for the present very fashionable; it has short square ends, and a lace cravat in the centre, which is fastened to the collar.
For a reception toilette, which will likewise serve for a dinner dress, a Montespau dress of white satin, with a sapphire blue velvet tunic. This tunic is divided into three parts; the centre portion being cut with a point, the two sides terminating squarely. This tunic forms a low bodice, and above it a white silk guimpe is worn; round the bodice, instead of a bet-the, there are three rows of large jet beads, festooned on the shonlders with jet agrefes. The headdress consists of blue velvet and jet bJaeitens.
For dsmi-teilstfe wear many pretty jackets have been introduced of late, and one of their chief characteristics is that they are cut square in front instead of round us formerly. Many are made after the shape of a small short pelstet-sac, only they are open in front and are fastened together ngaiu with bars of gimp or braid. Others are made without sleeves and are left open, so that the waistband and bodice are plainly visible. Tbese smnll jackets are either made of the same material as the dress or else of light-coloured cashmere, embroidered with silk or various colours, or with geld. The loose sac jackets are made either of velveteen or silk. Violet velvet, trimmed with black gimp, is very popular over a black silk dress. Fringe or lace is new generally added to the edge of jackets. Chenille is agam reappearing, both for embroidery and fringe; likewise for the Auvsrgaete bonnets—the favourites of the season. Almost all full dress bonnets are made of white terry or white velvet, and are trimmed with split feathers and white jet.
The guests at Cempibgue have found much amusement this season in a game which the Empress was the first to introduce, and which to play well requires a certain amount of inventive genius. What is called the “official reception” terminates about ten o’clock; the ladies then retire to their npartmeuts, and many’ilisencumber themselves of their jewels, Ac., and at eleven o’clock those whom the Empress has previously invited repair to her Majesty’s private boudoir to play this new game. The names of all the gentlemen who are staying at the Palace are first written on different slips of paper, and these slips are put into a velvet bag; the bag is banded to the Empress, who draws ont a single slip; the name thereon is read aloud, the gentleman is sent for, and is bound to relate a story which must amuse the company for an hour. Some manage to do this in a most charming and graceful manner ; for example, M. Edmund About excels at this impromptu story-telling, whilst others are most amusingly awkward; but the Empress and her guests appear thoroughly to enjoy the game wkether well or ill
played. - -
EtTANE BE )tUsrsv.

DESCRIPTION OF iLLUSTRATIONS. No. 1. BODICE WITH BAsQUE (WHITE SERGE).
The new fashion of short petticoats necessitates the adoption of fancy bodices of all descriptions; and as the weather is now too chilly for muslin, thicker materials, such as cashuiere, reps, serge, and velveteen, are substituted in its stead. The engraving No. 1 illustrates a bodice of this description; the material is white serge, which is powdered with small jet beads. These beads are not worked all over the bodice, but so as to simulate pointed epaulettes, gauntlet cuffs, and a fir/us. The waistband is lined with stiff white muslin, and the basqne is attached to it. The trimmings at the edge of the basque and sleeves consist of violet silk and black guipure edging. The collar is likewise made of similar materials, and the buttons are violet silk, worked with jet.
No. 2. HIGH BODICE (WHITE CAsHMEHE).
No. 2 represents a bodice without a basque; the material is white cashmere, and the trimmings blue silk, and both black and white Cluny edging. The collar, braces, waistband, and bands on the sleeves are all of blue silk; black guipnre is sewn round the edge of these blue silk ornaments and the white lace upon them, so as to face the opposite way. The bodice is worked with steel spangles, as illustrated in the engraving. Either a blue or black silk skirt can be worn with this bodice.
No. 3. PHOHENADE ToILEvvEs.
No. 3 e. First Teilette. — A brown velvet dress with a peplum to match; the latter is trimmed with gimp and jet fringe. A pale blue velvet bonnet turned up at the back a l’enfcust; shaded blue feathers on the outside, and a small bouquet of rosebuds inside. Linen collar and cuffs. No. 3 b. Secend Toilet ie.—A grey velveteen dress over a petticoat to match. The dress is cut as afeurreeu, vandyked round the edge of the skirt, and every vandyke terminates with a grey silk tassel. A black velvet bonnet turned up at the sides; an aigretts in the centre.

OLLA PODRIDA.
THE cottage table with velvet.covered top, so universally used in the drawing-rooms of the present day, is now covered with morocco in the place of velvet, and with a tasteful design in gilt stamped on it, has a pretty effect. We have seen some in dark green, blue, cerise, and light brown, so that either the tint of the furniture may be consulted in the choice, or a contrast may be selected according to the taste of the purchaser. A convenient portfolio stand of novel design appeared to us a useful article. It was somewhat in the style of a small stand for music, light and elegant in make, in height proportioned to that of the fashionable lounging-chair, and, being open at both ends, it would admit of a portfolio of any size being placed in it. This pretty piece of furniture we saw at Mr Acre’s, Oxford-street. A new ornament for the breakfast-table is the silver marmalade jar, affixed to a stand like the biscuit-box, and with a cover and hinge. This is a most useful substitute for the cut. glass preserve-jar, which is liable to be chipped and injured by use, whereas its silver representative will form an equally acceptable present and at the same time prove a lasting remembrance of the donor.
Amber still continues to be very fashionable in various ways, being used for mixing with flowers in beaddresses, for trimming the edge of bonnets, and also in large beads for bracelets and necklaces. Jet is in high favour also ; it is set with silver, with cameos, with onyx, and we have lately seen it as a mounting to a brooch and earrings of Wedgwood ware, its deep and glossy black forming a pleasing contrast to the delicate white design raised on the peculiar blue ground of that much- esteemed material. The fancy for glittering and gaudy trimmings seems at present to be at its height; gold tissue is used for peplums, berthes, waistbands, and the various accessories to the evening toilette of a lady of fashion; and we have observed wide ribbons of gold material with broad stripes of velvet in very bright colours, suitable for wearing with these dazzling dresses.
Amongst - the numerous articles of luxury and convenience which are invented almost each day for the benefit of the fair sex, we have met with few that deserve more especial notice and praise than the “Royal Victoria Quiuquepartite Travelling Basket,” brought out by H. Cave, of Edwards- street, Portman-square. Into this the traveller may pack linen, bonnets, hats, dresses, collars, and laces, in short, every requisite for dress, with the most marvellous facility and safety. It is so arranged and divided that the lightest and most delicate ball-dress, as well as the most fascinating of catcshsne bonnets, to say nothing of wreaths for the hair, may travel side by side with the heavy winter garments of their owners without receiving the slightest injury; and moreover, when, to all appearance, its capabilities have been taxed to The utmost, and the lady sighs as she thinks of the impossibility of adding one more dress to the already well-filled basket, the cleverly contrived expanding top comes to her rescue, and the desired addition finds in it a commodious resting-place. This convenient travelling companion is very strongly made, is perfectly waterproof, and will bear with impunity the rough handing of railway officials.
NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON DRESS AND FASHION.
WIDTH OF FASHIONABLE SKIRTS—Can anyone tell me how many breadths of silk there should be in one of the fashionable short skirts, and also what should it measure round the edge /— GEORGIE.
SILK LACE—Will any of your readers oblige me with directions how to whiten, or else dye, black (and retain the gloss) silk lace. I have a quantity of various patterns and widths which were once white, but are now yellowish or dusky—N BowsoIn,
CLARISSA HARLOWE DRESSES—I would feel greatly obliged to any of your readers who would inform me how the wide striped fabrics are out in the “Clarissa Harlowe” dresses where there are no pleats round the waist—if both sides of the - breadth are gored to make the stripes match, or only one side—IeNouxszus.
TO STIFFEN A NET-DRESS — Can any reader of THE QUEEN tell me how a net-dress - should be stiffened when washed. No quantity of starch will make it stiff as when new, and I know of no clear starcher—S0AE-sUDs.
ANSWERS.
GLOVE BOXES.—In reply to “Hoity Toity’s” question, I beg to tell her that I have seen a good choice of the expanding glove-boxes she asks for, at S. Reid’s, 161, Oxford-street. They are also to be purchased at Asser and Sherwin’s, in the same street—GAUNTLET.
TOILE CIREE.—I beg to inform “Convolvulus” that the French leather (toile cirde, as it is erroneously called) lur trimming petticoats is to be procured only at Jannings’s, 211, Oxford- street. It is sold by the yard, at 2s. 6th, and, as it measures one yard and a half in width, tbree-quarters will be sufficient for a petticoat. French leather is very preferable to American cloth for the purpose, being much lighter. — MELANIE.
CRINOLINE—In reply to “Crino’s” inquiry, I beg to tell her that “Thomson Frères” in Paris is the same firm as “Thompson” in London. His trade mark here is a crown, and therefore it is used on all the articles manufactured by him for sale in England. The “jnpe cage” simply implies a “skeleton” petticoat. The most convenient form is now the “Pompadour,” which can be slightly raised on one side or the other when walking, thus preventing the inconvenience of the crinoline knocking against the foot of one’s companion. I have seen a good selection of these petticoats at S. Francis’s, 11, Edwards-street, Portman-square— MELANIE.
LARGE PIN M0NEv—In the Court of Chancery, on Friday, the case of “Fletcher v. Moore” was heard in the form of a petition by the Hon. Robert Cotton, which has been long pending, for the discharge of the receiver, and to be let possession
his wife’s settlement, of valuable estates in Cheshire and Lancashire, consisting mainly of collieries. The petitioner’s wife was the granddaughter of Ellis Fletcher, and under his will entitled to large property in the above counties; and on her marriage in June last, when both she and the petitioner were under - age, this property was settled under the Infant Settlement Act, upon trust for the petitioner for life, subject to a term of ninety-nine years, in trustees, to secure the lady the unusually large amount of £4000 a year for pin money, and an additional sum of £2000 for other purposes. The settlement provided for letting the tenant for life into possession of the estates and collieries in due course, and the husband being now of age applied to the court for that purpose. After a short discussion, his Honour made an order that the petitioner should be let into possession, he undertaking to pay the pin money and the £2000 half-yearly.
THE SILH TRADE AT Lyons.—The Belief Public of Lyons says:
“As to the fabrication of silk the year closes under great discouragement, especially for plain goods. A revival in damasked is still spoken of, and the truth is that the taste for resuming this article is more and more decided every day, favoured by the approach of the Exhibition. But damasks being more particularly winter stuffs, it will be necessary to await the spring orders to know if the demand is serious and will be durable. However that may be, the symptoms already manifested cannot be overlooked, and what confirms them i that much greater activity prevails in the dye-bousca which work in colours than in those confined to blacks. The news from the American market continues unfavourable. The gradual lowering of the price of gold nevertheless permits a glimpse of an approaching future under more favourable conditions for the sale of merchandise, which will be by so much relieved. There remain, it is true, the quasi-prohibitive tariffs which fall upon products of importation. The message of President Johnson contains some satisfactory declarations on this subject; he foresees, not far distant, the moment when the prosperous situation of the American Treasury will permit the lowering of their tariffs; but it must not be forgotten that Mr Johnson is a man of the South, and that, in that quality, h& ought to sympathise with the reduction of duties, while Congress, on which in the last resort depends the question of customs’ duties, is. rather disposed to further- increase the existing taxes. However, as the Northern States have no silk manufacture to protect, a new rise- in the imposts will not turn upon that branch of trade. The French commissioners show themselves completely reassured on this head.”

The newly invented chignon bolder enables lathes to form easily, with their own hair, a much prettier and more gracefully shaped chignon than is usually seen. It is made in tortoiseshell, and keeps the upper part of the chignon always close and curved in shape, entirely biding the frizette, and gradually swelling out without destroying that beautiful outline of the bead. When the chignon is formed it cannot get out of order, and if a lady has too little hair, more can be added without fear of detection. It can be sent by post to any part for 45 stamps, with instructions for use by the sole inventors, Stacey and Co., Court Hairdressers, &c., 45, Cranbourn street, London, WC.—{Anrr.]

BY MLLE. RIEGO BE LA B1LANCHARDIERE, 2, Old Quebec-street,
Oxford-street, W.,
Br APPOINTMENT TO H.R.H. TEE PRINCEss OF WALES.
No. 1. TRICOT VESTE FOR A LITTLE GIRL.
• ATERIALS, for the Centre, 4oz. of mauve, claret, or
I light blue, 3 ply fleecy, a long tricot needle, the stem
of which measures No. 7 bell guage. For the Border one skein
of white fleecy and two skeins of partridge wool, Walker’s
crochet needle No. 1, and one dozen of buttons.
This veste is commenced at the back of the waist and increased at both sides to the shoulders, working in the ordinary tricot stitch.
THE CENTRE.
Commence with the coloured fleecy, and make a chain of 0 stitches.
1st row—Miss the last chain, , put the needle into the next stitch, and bring the wool through in a loop on the needle; repeat from * until there are six loops on the needle. And to “work back,” take the wool on the needle and bring it through tbe last ioop of the 6; then take up the wool and bring it through two of the loops at a time, until there is only one left on the needle.
2nd row—Keep the loop on the needle, and put the needle into the upright loop or rib next the one which forms the edge; bring the wool through in a ioop, when there will be 2 loops on the needlet put the needle into the next upright loop, and bring the wool through; repeat from * until there are 6 loops, then work back, as in the first row.
3rd row—Take up the wool and bring it through the last loop on the needle, to form an ordinary chain stitch; then put the needle into the first upright loop or nh of the second row and bring the wool through, when there will be 2 loops on the needle , put the needle into the next upright stitch, bring the wool through and repeat from , until there arc 6 loops on the needle, then to increase a stitch put the needle into the wool between the two last stitches, and bring the wool through as before; then put the needle into the last stitch and bring the wool through. Work back as in the 1st row.
Repeat the second and third rows—that is, increasing 2 stitches every alternate row until 20 rows in all are worked.
Then work 14 rows as the third row—that is, increasing every row.
To SHAPE THE RIGHT SHounnEa.
1st row—Work on the last row, and raise 21 loops as in the second row, then work back.
2nd row—Work as the last, but at end of the row take the
2 inst stitches of the 21 together and work them as one stitch, so as to decrease it for the ueck.
Work 4 rows more, decreasing at the end of each.
Work 3 rows without shaping, then raise the ioops as before. Take a piece of wool and make 6 chain stitches with it, then raise these 0 stitches so as to add them to the last row of the neck; work back; and to form the front of the veste, work 34 rows of the same stitch, decreasing one stitch at the beginning of every 0th row. This finishes the right front.
To SHAPE THE LEFT SHoULDER.
Commence in the 11th stitch of those left at the back, and raise the remaining 21 loops. Work back. Work 5 vows, decreasing a stitch at the beginning of each row; then 3 rows without shaping, and at the end of the last row make 6 chain, raise 6 loops on it, and continue the row as nsnai.
For the left front work 34 rows, decreasing a stitch at the end of every 6th row.
THE BoRDER.
1st row—Use the white wool, and work a row of plain crochet all round the outer side of the veste, putting the needle into the second stitch from the edge of the work, so as to leave a seivedge at the back.
2nd row—Use the partridge wool, and work a plain row on the selvedge of the veste, keeping the white row in the front.
3rd row—With partridge wool work a plain row on the last row.
4th row—Use the same colour as the veste; for the points, make 4 chain, and in the first stitch of these 4 chain work 4 treble; then on the third row, miss 1 and work 1 plain; repeat these points.
5th row—White wool; 1 chain and 1 plain on each point.
6th row—Partridge wool; 3 chain, miss 1, and 1 plain; repeat. Work this border on the inner side of the veste.
THE BAND.
With the white wool make a chain the size of the waist, and work a row of treble crotchet; then work a plain round on both 
sides with the partridge wool, then, with the same colour as the veste, work a round of 3 chain, miss 1, and 1 plain.
THE POCKET.
Use the same colour as the veste. Make 14 chain, and work in the tricot stitch a strip of seven inches, then 7 rows, decreasing a stitch at the beginning and end of each row. Fold this in the shape, and join the sides together.
Work the border round the edge, make two straps the same as the waistband, and attach them to it and to the pocket. Sew the fronts and back of the veste to the waistband, leaving the edge row in the front.
RYE. L.
No. 2. IMITATION GUIPURE INSERTION.
Simple insertions are in frequent request for tuckers, borders for jackets, caps, collars, fin., or for any other article where a centre is required to which a double row of lace can be sewn,
the centre or insertion being lined with ribbon. Our design exactly meets this demand. It is to be worked on muslin, so that it will be found stronger than the purl edge used for similar purposes. First trace out two straight lines, enclosing the width required for the insertion; take French embroidery cotton No. 30, and form long cross stitches as illustrated in the engra’ing; work over the lines which form the border with I buttonhole stitch; and, lastly, loop the crosses together in the
No. 2. IMITATION GUIPURE INSERTION.
centre, by passing the cotton round the needle. The manner of doing this is very clearly drawn with the needle in position for working. When the embroidery is completed, cut tb muslin from the back and introduce either a coloured ribbon or black ribbon velvet of the exact width of the open work.
No. 3. TRIMMING FOR A WHITE PETTICOAT.
Since sewing machines came into vogue, petticoats are lavishly ornamented with tucks. The trimming represented in engraving No. 3 consists of tucks and embroidery in black silk, and it is intended for a fine long cloth petticoat. The ornamentation commences with two straight tucks and a hem, each measuring one inch wide. To this is sewn a straight horder with perpendicular tucks, measuring haif an inch in width. The tucks form Vandykes, and on the top of the Vandykes faring upwards there is another border embroidered in ingrain black silk, the edges being done in button-hole stitch, and the stars in the centre in point leacJ. Two tucks one inch wide, and a deep hem terminate the petticoat. This trimming will answer equally weli for a little girl’s white frock.
No. 4. BORDER FOR CURTAINS, ANTIMACASSARS, &c. (NETTING).
This border may be used for a variety of purposes, either for an entire curtain, for simply the border of a curtain, for a piano front, and for an autimacassar. The materiais required are Strutt’s knitting cotton, No. S for the plain netting, and soft, untwisted French cotton for the darned pattern and for the fancy netting; two meshes, one the eighth of an inch in diameter, the other a flat mesh, measuring half an inch across. Commence with the round mesh and Strutt’s knitting cotton, and net 16 rows plain; then take the flat mesh and the untwisted cotton and net a plain row, taking up in regular succession every loop of the preceding row. The next row ia produced by simply crossing the loops thus: Leave the first loop and net the second one, then take up the first loop, net the fourth loop, and then the third, and so on to the end, crossing the loops, which gives the fancy pattern illustrated in our engraving. This completes the 18th row. 19th, 20th, and 21st rows are netted plain with the round mesh and knitting cotton. The borders terminates with the two broad rows in fancy netting, aiternating with three rows of plain stitches. Before darning the pattern, wash, stiffen, and stretch the netted foundation.
WORK-TABLE NOTES AND QUERIES.
GAUGE FOR KNITTING.—Cau any subscriber to THE QUEEN inform me where I can procure a scale for knitting different sized socks and stockings, and what number pins suited to the Angola wool ?—ELIzA.
PASTEL PAINTING—I should be much obliged if any reader of THE QUEEN would kindly tell me of a good but inexpensive book on pastel painting? Any hints for a beginner would be most gratefully received.—LITTLE OWL.
MOULDS FROM CLAY MODELS—Will one of your correspondents kindly give me some plain directions on taking moulds from clay models. I model figures in clay myself, but have no idea how to take casts of them in plaster of Paris. I should be glad if I could hear of some book on modeling, and should be very grateful if any of your correspondents could help me in my difficulty.— ANSWERS.
RAISED BORDER—KNITTING AND CROCHET.—I beg to tell “Zaida” that she will find directions in Mile. Riego’s “Winter Book” (1862) for a very pretty ermine border iu knitting for a baby’s polka jacket; and in a later “Winter Book” is a good recipe foc a crochet border for the same purpose.—THIc0TEU5E.
CIRCULAR CAPE FOR A BABY.—I should strongly recommend “Beatrice” to make a knitted or crochet shawl for her baby instead of the circular cape, which is now so very old-fashioned. She will find a good recipe for a crochet shawl in Mile. Riego’s “La Mode Winter Book,” and for a knitted one in “The Useful Knitting Book.”—A MOTHER.
EIDER DOWN QUILT.—As “A Chilly Mortal” wishes to have an inexpensive quilt, I am glad to inform her that I have found grey goose down answer very well for filing a duvet. I made several which have been in use three years, and seem as light and warm as at first. The grey goose down can be procured at Heal and Son’s, Tottenham-court-road. I make the cases of twilled cotton, and the down has never come through; it will require 2tib. to fill the size she mentions.—MATEHFAHILIA5.
HOW TO CLEAN WHITE SILK SCREENS. — I am sure “Jager” will find it a very difficult matter to clean her white silk screens without injuring the paintings on them. Bread would be the only safe thing to try; it must be well rubbed over the silk, and the process repeated several times. I have no doubt that Farey’a lavender spirit would clean them, but it would require the utmost care and delicacy to prevent the liquid spoiling the paintings. To that part of the white silk nearest the design the liquid must be applied with a camel’s hair brush, so as to follow the outline withont touching the colours, and it must be rnbbed off with a dry brush of the same kind. If the screens be so dirty as to be nnusable, I should decidedly recommend this plan being tried, as failure would in that case not be of much consequence.—S. T. B.
ARTIFICIAL WATER.—I have seen an artificial sea made of light green silk or sarsenet, stretched quite loosely across the top of a small box without a cover, and I think this would perhaps answer “ Annie’s “ purpose, as the paper boats could be lightly gummed to it ; and if air be introduced into tbe box, either by means of bellows or by blowing with the mouth, the silk, not being tight, will undulate so as to imitate the motion of the sea.—JAcK
TAR.
TO MOUNT OSTRICH EGGS.—There are many ways in which ostrich eggs may be mounted with great effect. On silver stands, with a rim of the same material, they make handsome goblets, the top being cut off and turned downwards with a silver bordering4o form the foot. Mounted in a tripod setting, the top being made into a cover, and surmounted with a small silver ostrich as a handle, they look well when placed as ornaments on a dining-room chimney- piece of black marble. They may also be arranged as inkstands in mountings of silver, or as ladies’ work-boxes ; and if set in the gilded rustic style they are pretty flower-vases, the top, of course, being removed. I should advise “ Jeanne “ to intrust the mounting of her ostrich eggs to Mr Pyke, New Bond-street, who has great taste in such matters, and will,, I feel sure, execute her order to her satisfaction.—S’reeuvlilo CAMErAs.
— I notice in your last publication a request made by a correspondent that some one would suggest a use for an ostrich eggshell. I have seen very handsome sugar basins made of the same, mounted on a silver tripod elegantly chased, with a fretwork of silver round the edge of that end which has been cut off to form the basin, a delicately formed handle made in the oval form to match; and a pair of. antique silver sugar-tongs make the whole a complete and pretty set.—S. A.
THE PARIS ExirlBrviow.—Besides the well known articles the Parts, in all their tasteful variety, elegance, and ever-changing designs, a new and very delicate product of industry will be shown in basket-work, carried to such a point of perfection as to imitate lace; and this species of manufacture has attained to so important a place in decorative art as to be an object of special admiration and research.—Merrving Pest.
RID IN (1.
LADY EQUITATION.
JUST READ in THE QUEEN the communication from “Diana” respecting the breaking in of a young colt by a lady
Australia. I do not think that this was necessarily an extra. ordinary feat, as some colts, even when first mounted, will go off quietly, though this is not a common occurrence; aud I have known one or two ladies do this with success, but I have never tried it myself, as there is always some danger, and it is exceedingly hard work. I, however, frequently take a colt after it has been ridden for two or three days by the breaker, and complete the training myself, aud by this means obtain plenty of riding horses. “Diana” speaks of the exquisite pleasure she would derive from breaking in a wild colt. I can assure her that even training a colt is not all pleasure, for what pleasure can a lady derive from whipping and spurring a sulky animal that perhaps when some miles from home refuses to move, and only responds by a grunt to the sharp ‘strokes
the rider’s heel; and any feelmg of triumph at the ultimate success is completely removed when on dismounting you see the marks of the whip and the blood-stained side. This happened to me not long ago, when a young horse that I had ridden for several weeks suddenly took a sulky fit. We were a long distance from home, the sun was nearly setting, and though I tried to coax the horse to move it was of no use, he would not stir. I wished to try and tire him out, but my brother said he would not wait, and told me to give him the spur, which I did; but it was only after punishing the horse for a long time that I strted him with the aid of my brother, who came behind and used his whip, and I confess I felt quite ashamed when on dismounting I saw the horse’s sides; but the next morning there was not the slightest trace of the spur, though the marks of the whip remained for a day or two, and I therefore think that the actual pain of the spur is far less than that of the whip, except perhaps just at the momeut of application.
We had a large riding party and picnic a short time ago, and as we were riding home some of us were trying the speed of our horses, and it was proposed that we should have a regular race on the following day. We had no objection, as only our own friends would be there to see it, and it was arranged that five of us should have a race for a gold-mounted whip. There was a nice piece of ground about a mile from our house, on which the course was to be marked out. - We were occupied the greater part of the morning in arranging our equipments, and in fitting out two of the ladies who had not brought their habits with them, and to whom I had to lend the only two spurs I had, and it was with some difficulty that I borrowed for myself one of those trumpery llttle things with one point and a sheath, of which my horse took advantage, and nearly lost me the race. Whilst we were arranging, one of the ladies, who had an exceedingly handsome thorough-bred mare, was lecturing us on the cruelty of wearing a spur, and declared nothing would induce her to do so. At the appointed time we were all ready, the lady with the thorough-bred, and most beautiful they looked; the lady was a splendid figure, such a tiny waist, and she sat her horse, which was dancing about and champiug the bit, admirably. This mare had been a racer, but was turned into a lady’s horse beoause she could never be depended upon at the last. I had my favourite grey, there was a ehesnut, and the other two ladies were provided with two of the station horses, whioh were very fast. We took our places, and at the signal started, the mare taking the lead, and the rest of us close up to her. A short distance from the winning post the mare began to fall back, though the pleasing little whip was used freely, and I won the first round without having touched my horse with either whip or spur. Whilst we were waiting to start for the second round, the young lady on the mare said we ought to take our spurs off, as she had none; we declined, and then she asked for one, but none was forthcoming until just as we were starting, a lady on a young horse, and who was well known as one of the best riders in all the country round, cantered up, and hearing what was required, offered hers; the offer was gladly accepted, and the young lady was provided with a heavy whip and a spur with a most formidable looking rowel, set horizontally, and with a caution from the lender to use it gently, as it was very severe. She took her place, and again we started, and kept nearly the same order as before, until towards the end, when both the mare and my grey began
drop behind, and though I used the spur the horse took no notice whatever of the useless thing; on looking back at the mare I saw her give a tremendous bound, and she came up, passed the whole of us, and won the second round easily—thanks to the spur, as the lady confessed, and with the effect of which she was much pleased.
now appeared certain that the thorough bred mare would take the race, and on starting the third time she took the lead’ and kept
for half way round, when she asid my grey again fell back, and we were quite unable to force our horses on, though we used every effort, and the third round was won by one of the station horses. It was then decided that only the three who had won a round each should start again, and I was therefore able to change spurs with the lady to whom I had lent the cue I generally used, and we all three were determined to do our best to win. -We started again, the mare took the lead (I was second), and again both horses began
fail back; but my horse soon found out the difference in the spurs, and sprang on at each touch, closely followed by the station horse; we kept this position until the end. I won the race, the station horse second, and the thorough- bred mare a long way behind; but this was not the fault of the rider, as the mare’s sides bore unmistakable marks that the young lady’s ideas of cruelty, which we had heard so much of in the morning, had not prevented the severe application of both whip and spur, whilst the other horses were apparently almost untouched. Of ese we spoke of her cruelty, but she replied that she was convinced and should always use a spur in future. Two of the ladies remained to stay with me (one being the. owner of thqrnre),-and having three different kinds of spurs—one the sheath spur, one with the rowel, set in the usual manner, and the other with the large horizontal rowel ; we changed horses and spurs every day to try each kind, and we all decided in favour of the horizontally-rowelled spur with no neck, as being by far the best. The rowel should have not more than six points (five are sufficient), which should be very sharp and thin, and much longer than in the other kind. As a lady has only one spur it shonld be severe, and I find that the more severe the spur is the less occasion there is to use it often, and that, whilst increasing the length of the points appears to increase the sting just at the moment of application ; it does not mark the horse’s side more, or make it bleed more easily, than the shorter pointä ; and I therefore have mine very long, yet scarcely ever, even after a long ride, could anyone tell by looking at the horse’s side that Irode with a spur which I never hesitate to use when necessary. It is very easy to learn to touch the horse with the inside of the heel, and when the horse knows the spur is near he will generally attend to the heel without rendering the prick of the points necessary, whilst, by turumg the toe out by degrees, you can, with the horizontal rowel, prick the horse as gently or as severely as you wish. And I feel sure that any lady who tries one of these spurs, and uses it in this way, wiil prefer it to any other ; and with the habit looped up on the inside (which we generally do in order to prevent it being frayed or rubbed into a bole by the spur, although in the park we wear the habits very short), the touch of the inside of the heel will frequently be found enough ; and my favourite grey, who is very troublesome and lazy until he has felt the spur, goes nicely, and carries himself well, on merely feeling the side of my heel, after one or two sharp touches of the steel, just to let him know that I am ready for him if be plays any tricks. And even at the risk of being thought cruel, I must confess that I like to feel my horse bounding and prancing, as he generally does of his own accord when first mounted. I nuder- took to teach the mare I have mentioned to jump, and I do not know that I ever enjoyed riding any horse so much, as the action was so different. She was troublesome at first, and unless she was going fast would kick at the spur ; and once she regularly back- jumped, but I kept my seat,- and at every plunge I gave her the spur, so she soon gave in, and from that time we have agreed very well, and she understands the touch of the spur, and will carry herself in beautiful style during the whole of the ride. There is to be a very large kangaroo hunt soon ; if I can go I will try to scud a short account of it. You cannot think what a favour you would confer on your readers out here if you would publish some articles on riding for ladies, and the trim- ming and equipment of their horses, and the fashions for ladies in riding gear. I believe there were some articles in THE QUEEN some years ago, but I have never been able to see them. I have had several useful hints from THE QUEEN, particularly as to the spur, and shall be glad of many more ; but it is very difficult to write the particular question you wish answered. There are no riding masters here, and not many ladies who have been taught riding in a riding school, and we have, therefore, to find out by experience many of those things which in a school would be taught as a matter of course ; and having no means of obtaining the information here, we shall be very glad of the assistance- of TNE QUEEN, for there are many things, small in themselves, but which make an immense alteration in riding ; for instance, I should never hate thought it possible, unless I had tried it, that a spur would prove so great a comfort to the rider, and give such a feeling of complete mastery over the horse; whilst, in my opinion, as it is concealed, it is a far more ladylike instrument than the whip, which I seldom carry now, and it was the information in THE QUEER which led to my using it, and explained the difficulties
had met with when I tried a small gentleman’s spur a few years before and had found it nearly useless. Riding is one of our principal amusements, and in many parts of the country almost the only means we have of getting about, and we therefore of course take a very great interest in everything connected with it, and are always glad of any hint, howevertrifling,that will add to ourcomfortor convenience or the improvement of our steeds. I ride a great deal, and I do not know, and indeed it is difficult to imagine, anything more exquisitely delightful thau,when the early rains have caused the whole country to become green as if by magic, on a fine April day, “when a southerly wind and a cloudless sky proclaim an Austraiiaumorning,” and all nature seems alive, you mount your horse and gather up the reins, and then touching him with a spur he bounds off at a gallop, and as you rush through the air, the exhilarating effects of which appears to be shared by your horse, who takes fallen timber, small creeks, tic., in his stride, you feel a sensation of pleasure which it is impossible to describe, and which I have heard many persons say they never experienced in England, and which must be felt to be understood. Is it true that in England ladies’ horses are generally trained by females? I see that Mrs Clark, in “ The Habit and the Horse,” nbjects to this, as she says that female trainers are disposed to punish their horses too severely; but I should think it far better that a lady’s hnrse should be ridden by a female from the very
beginning. Gri’sv.
Melbourne, Oct. 25, 1866.
- THE HABIT AND THE HORSE.
I ADOP’r for my motto the title of a most excellent work on female equestrianism, which appeared some years ago, but which did not meet with the success it deserves. I perfectly agree with you in thinking that “very few ladies have any idea of what weight they are when on horseback.” Indeed, I am inclined to go a step further, and say that very few, certainly of London ladies, have any idea that weight has anything to do with the question at all. For the most part they seem to think that the horse is a kind of carrying machine, endowed with inexhaustible powers of endurance, instead of his being, as he is, extremely delicate. Sorry should I be, most truly, to impute any want of feeling to any of our fair friends. I can, on the contrary, bear testimony to numerous instances where ladies, remorseless riders on the road or in the field, make great pets of their horses in the stable or paddock, never dreaming
That evil is wrcnght
Thro’ want of thought
As mush as thro’ want nf heart.
And I cannot help thinking that the stumpy action, which you rightly cnmplain of, is as much due to joints shaken by cnnstant hammering on hard gronnd as to original faulty construction in the animals. SnclM’Adamising as anyone may see in any fashionable place would cripple Gladiateur himself in a couple of years, particularly if he were trained, as most ladies’ horses are, to canter always on the same leg. Wbat I have said as to joints applies with equal force to throat and lungs, “She shall have music wherever she goes,” is all very well in the nnsscry song, but is out of place in Rotten-row or on Brighton Downs. But now let me come to the question of shape; and here I beg most respectfully to differ from you. I cannot plead guilty for myself or sex to any indifference to the safety of our wives and sisters, daughters or sweethearts. Bat then you must know that man proposes, and fashion dispeses. No man likes to see much daylight nuder a horse, but, then, fashion has decreed that the skirt of the habit shall be of inordinate length, and, to keep this well off the ground, the horse’s legs must be of inordinate length too; end upright shoulders, weak loins, drooping quarters, small ribs, straight hocks, and a score of other defects are almost the invariable concomitants of lanky legs. Ladies, I venture to assert, would add much to their comfort and safety if they would adopt a costume more adaptable to its proper purpose. I saw, by the way, in a recent number of TNE QUEEN a drawing of a habit said to be fashionable in France. I can only say
that I should be very sorry for any friend of mine to wear it in the saddle for an hour. A dismounted dragoon has been compared to a swan on dry land. To what shall I compare a dismounted Amazon encumbered with excessive draperies? To au angel, of course; but to an awkwardly waddling and distorted one, of the Paganistic style of beauty.
It seems to me, also, that fashion has decreed that ladies should have their horses of the pattern displayed on the frontispiece of some ballad of the “Give me but my Arab steed” school, very much more resembling some sort of a spider or daddy longlegs than the genuine animal, and that their minds, corrupted by the contemplation of this false type, have become incapable of comprehending the structure and points of a really good horse; and, to bring the living creature into some kind of likeness to the ideal monster, they must put a sharp bit into his month to make him carry his head high, and then stick on all sorts of tackle to keep it low enough, and then they mistake his cramped and painful gait for fine action, regardless of the danger which must arise from constrained, unnatural move- meat. No, sir; the faults of ladies’ horses are not fairly to be laid at our door. If we could but be heard we would soon alter all that, but fashion condemns us to silence. AN Oun Top-Boor.
P.S. I put hunting lathes out of the question, since for the most part they know better.
NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON PASTIMES.
CARTE.—Wiil any of the kind contributors to THE QUEEN oblige by sending some instructions for playing the game of dcarti?
—JANE.
SCHOOL TREAT.—Can anyone suggest an amusement for a day-school treat—not a Christmas tree, as the children had that last year, but something of the same kind, and inexpensive ?—PRIMEOSE.

NOTES AND QUERIES.
AUTHOR OF BOOKS—Can anyone tell me who is the author of the books “Faith Garteny’s Girlhood” and the “Gayworthys,” and what other books has the same author written ?—GE0RGIE.
REREDOS.—Can any of your readers kindly give me the derivation and right pronunciation of “reredos?” [Reredos, denoting the ornamental work at the back of an altar table, is derived from the French arriire tics; but as the word is Anglicised it is pro-nounced as if written “rear-doss,” in two syllables.—Erx]
COCK AND BULL STORY.—I should feel obliked to any reader of THE QUEEN giving me information about the common saying, “cock and a bull story.” From what saying is the story derived ?—JUHI5DIOri0N. [This answers to the French “Faire un conte do ma mere l’oie,” which of course means any story fit for children, and at once ladicrons and incredible, as well as spun out. We do not know the true origin of this ancient saying.—Eu.]
ANSWERS.
RESIDENCE IN GERMANY.—It is with pleasure I can assure “E. P. P.” that no phice on the Continent for those who desire quiet enjoyment can equal Dresden. The climate is delightful, though for some persnns July and August may be too warm, in which case Schandan, an hour’s journey from the town,forms a desirable change. The walks and drives around it are unequalled. It is not advisable to take English servants (with the exception of the children’s nnrse); they never understand the stoves or how to market, and one German domestic easily does the work of two English ones, at wages from 9s. to lSs. per month. Furnished apartments (a flat, as in Edinburgh) for the family “E. P. P.” describes would probably be £9 or £10. lOs. per month in one of the best situations. They are let by the half year. For a shorter time it is beet to go to a boardinghouse; at an excellent one the terms are £5. lOs. or £6 per month, and frequently the presiding lady speaks English. The Opera, if net the first on the Continent, is of the highest class, and the gallery one of the best in Europe. Dresden is, besides, a very healthy town; the walks around are beautiful. For educational purposes the best masters there, at 4s. Gd. and Ge. per hour, rank with the best in London. March is a most agreeable mouth to commence a residence. There is an English church and an English club in Dresden.
—K. D. __________________
CHILDREN TEE’rHING.—MRs WrNsnow’s S00rNING SniDE for children teething has gained a greater reputatio&in America during the last fifteen years than any remedy of the kind ever known. It is pleasant to take, and safe in all cases; it soothes the child and gives it rest; it softens the gums and allays all pain or irritation; it regulates the bowels, cures wind, cholic, or dysentery, and diarrhcea, whether arising from teething or other causes. It is highly recommended by medical men, and is sold by all medicine dealers at le. led. per bottle. Full directions on the bottles. London Depot, 205, High Holborn.—[Anvr.1
We understand that Morison’s Ointment is the beet application for all cases of wounds, bruises, sores, tic., and is fast superseding all others. Morison’s Pills purify the blood and flulds.—[ADv’r.]
TABLE CE0QUEv.—Parkins and Gotto, sole agents for Cavendish’s patent. This is by far the best and cheapest out; will suit any table, as the field may be made any size. Prices 12e. Gd., 15s., and lSs. Gd. (No.3 recommended) ; sets for presents, 27s. Gd., and upwards. Carriage paid to any railway station in England, on receipt of post- office order. Laws of the Game, by “Cavendish,” Gd., by poet 7d.
—Parkins and Gotto, 27 and 28, Oxford.etreet, London, W.—[ADAr.j Fon Counne, Conus, AND SORE THH0Ar.—” BHOWN’s BNONCHIAL
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MUSICAL DOINGS.
TlIE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES and burlesque attractions jubilee
have not prevented the performance of an oratorio this week, 1866,
the National Chcral Society having given Haydn’s “ Creation “ on
the 3rd inst., with Miss Louisa Pyne as soprano, Mr Leigh Wilson
tener, and Mr Santley bass, the conductor being Mr J. W. Martin,
and the organist Mr J. C. Boardntan.
The Sacred Harmonic Society will perform, under Costa’s direc.
ticn, Handel’s “ Israel in Egypt “ on the 15th. Mr Sims Reeves,
whose welcnme retnrn to sing in the “ Messiah,” after a six months’
absence from London, has been bailed as an event in the musical
circles, resnming the tenor part. Mnie. Sainton-Dolby will sing the
contralto mnsic, and Mr Weiss and Mr Foley (Signor Foli) will be
the basses. The soprano singer has not been specified in the
arrangements.
A concert is annonnced for charitable purposes (rather vagnc, by
the way) for this day (the 5th) by Mr Henry Leslie, who promises of
Mme. 0mmcns.Shcrrington, lilme. Sainton.Dolhy, Messrs Cnm-
mihgs, Lyall, Chaplin Henry, Santley, M. Sainton, N. Lemmens, Ac.
The Monday Popular Concerts will be recommenced on the 14th,
when Herr Joachim returns, and Miss Louisa Pyne will sing. The
morning performances on Satnrdays will begin on the 26th ikst.
For the relief of the sufferers by the recent colliery accidents, the
Civil Service Mosical Society will give an evening concert on the
8th inst., under the patronage of the Prince of Wales, the Duchess
of Cambridge, the Princess Mary of Teck the Duchesses of Montrose
and Sutherland, the Marchionesses of 1$ownshirc and Townshend,
the Countesses Derby, Caruarvon, Fitzwilliam, Fife, the Ladies
Chslmsford, John Manners, Isabella Schuster, Head, Pakington,
Palk, Lngard, and the Lady Mayoress.
Mr Benedict’s “ St. Cecilia “ will be produced by the Sacred
Harmonic Society within a short period.
Mr Costa will leave town for Paris at the end of the month, to
superintend the production of the French adaptation of his last
oratorio, “ Naaman, at the new Athcmcnm Hall.
A series of Popular Orchestral Concerts ivill be commenced on
the 12th, at Her Majesty’s Theatre, conducted by Signor Arditi.
The performances are to be three times in the week only, Tuesdays,
Thursdays, and Saturdays, the first and last micellaneons, the
second classical exclusively. The band, it is stated, will be selected
from the orchestras of the Roysl Italian Opera and Her Majesty’s
Theatre.
The pupils of the Royal Academy of Music who have just won
exhibitions and scholarships are Miss M. E. Christian, the West-
morlaud Scholarship (the Misses Ryall and Severn being specially I
commended) - Miss C. Tovey and Mr Wm. Shakespeare, the King’s
Scholarship (Messrs Green and Rock, and Mr W. Townsend specially
commended) - Miss Emma Bner, the Cipriani Potter Exhibition
(Misses Gibbons, Grecnaway, and Mcmmou specially commended).
The other students who received commendations were the Misses
Hayward, Sheppard, and Hast, and Mr Thomas Pettit. The
examiners were the principal (Professor Stcrndale Bennett) and vice-
principal (Herr Otto Goldschmidt). To these were added as
examiners, three professors unconnected with the executive depart-
ment of the academy—viz., Herr Wilhclmj, the newly-discovered
violin prodigy ; Signor Campaua, a professor of singing ; and Mr
John Thomas, the harpist. The removal of the institution to Ken-
eiugtou will take place this year, but as to the progress of the
movement made by the Society of Arts to extend the operations of
the Royal Academy there is little meutiou. The petitiou of
the five hundred musicians (singers and players) against the
resuscitation of the academy, and for the formation of a
National Conservatory, proves at all events that the Committee
of the Society of Arts have utterly failed to conciliate the profession
at large, and enlist its sympathies fur the old institution. There
was too much of the spirit of cliqneism in the selection of names for
the committee, and the inquiry was too restricted in the search for
evidence. When the questioncomesnndcr Parliamentary considera.
tion, before any larger grant is made to the academy, there will be
no doubt a more searching inquiry amongst artists and amateurs as
to the future anoilus epcra;ali. If a National Opera House could be
associated with a National Conservatory, some real good might be
achieved ; but of what nse is the production of vocal and instrumental
talent if there be no large market for its employment and expansion.
Cathedrals and churches may suffice for the students of sacred
music, hot for the development of secular music the stage is
imperatively necessary to impart the dramatic style, without which
concert singers are nonentities.
—
CONTINENTAL MUSIC.
Tas Emperor and Empress of the French visited the Salle Yenta-
door to hear Adelina Patti in the “ Elisir d’Amore.” The pnpn-
larity of the gifted artiste remains undiminished in Paris. When
she sings the house is filled to overflow. The off-nights, with the
clever Lagrna are badly attended. M. Bagier proposes to bring
out an opera baffa by Signor Loigi Bordex, who has long resided in
Paris. The work is entitled “ Gclsomina,” and has, like “ Don Pae-
quale,” only four characters ; and the composer (who produced “ I
Quindice “ at the San Carlo in Naples in 1541, with Signora Haller,
Fraschini, and Cobni, the baritone), is naturally anxious to haye
Patti as his prima donna, as Gelsomina, the Florentine flower girl ;
hot the Diva hesitates, fearfnl of giving offence to a host of other
composers who want to bring ont their new operas. Mention is
made of a Mlle, Mono as a superior dramatic soprano. She made
her ddbtlf last winter in Milan, and is engaged at Berlin, as also
for London ; but for which opera-house is not stated.
THE QUEEN was the flyst to announce the engagement of Mile.
Nileson, the Swedish singer, for Her Majesty’s Theatre. Her loss
will be sensibly felt at the Lyrique, where she divided the leading
parts with Mme. Miolan.Carvalho. It is stated that M. Bagier is
essaying to secure her. Signor Delle Sedie is instructing her in the
Italian rdperfeire. “Deborah,” by MM. Plonvier and Devin-
Dnvivier, in which Mme. Telvo-Bordogni was to sing, was announced
fur last Monday. Silence is preserved as to Gonnod’s “Romeo and
Juliet,” the right of representation of which as we stated some time
since, has been purchased by Mr Gye for th’c Royal Italian Opera,
who has been equally fortunate in acquiring Verdi’s “Don Carlos,”
the rehearsals for which, nnder the composer’s direction, arc so far
advanced that the work is expected to pass some night before the
month is expired. We hope to be present at the first representation,
as also at the first execution of Costa’s “Naaman,” at the Athenie.
Rossini’s health finctuates, but at the time we write he had
recovered from his last attack. His house was besieged during his
illness with inquiries from royalty, rank, and artistic celebrities.
Anber, who is his senior, continues remarkably well, and is hard at
work on his new opera f or the Opéra Comique.
The name of Herr Abert, of Stuttgardt, has been freqnentlv
mentioned in onr columns, which indeed was the first English
journal to call attention to the extraordinary ability of the young
composer, a double-bass player in the orchestra of Ihe Stuttgardt
Opera-house, of which Ekert is conductor. His last opera,
“Astorga,” which has met with such decided success in some of
the leading theatres in Germany, will be produced by M. Carvalho
at the Lyrique in Paris, and this perhaps stands a chance of adapta-
tion in London. The leading part is expressly calcnlated for the
powers of a Csrvalho or a Patti.
Herr Max has produced in Berlin a one-act operetta, “Franz
Schubert,” some of whose melodies have been arranged by Herr
Snppe.
Mr Ella, the director of the Musical Union, has been cordially
received in Vienna, and was present at the Berlioz banquet.
The San Carlo at Naples has had an operatic success iu the pro-
ductiou of “La Dechessa di Guisa.” The composer was called for
fifteen times. Ths leading artistes were Mme. Palmieri (of the
Royal English opera), Stigelli, and Montebello. Pacini, the Nestor
of composers, has left Naples to produ2e at the Fenice, in Venice, a
new opera, “Don Diego di Mendoza.”
Señor Don Hilsnon Eslava, a distinguished Spanish composer,
has been appointed director of the Madrid Conservatory of Music,
Joachim was playing at the Athende in Paris on the 7th, 9th, and
11 th ult., prior to his departure for London. Sivori is in Paris, whore
1ff. Leonard is now a resident. The talent of a girl violinist, Tberhse
Liebe, is bruited as likely to make a sensation. Bottesini, the contra-
basso, has been playing at the Athenie.
M. Fitis is organising a series of musical festivals for Belgium,
to be held alternately in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Liege.

A new symphony by Herr Reimberger is praised by the Munich
press.
Franlein Murska is to appear as Catherine in Meyerbeer’s “ Etoile
du N” at Vienna.
The Boloana “ Academia Filarmonica “ celebrated its second
jubilee on th 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of December. It was founded in
1866, and amongst its members were Mozart and 0-retry. A
trumpet concerto, by a Signor Leoncsi, was one of the prominent
attractions in the programme.
Mmc. Arabdlla Goddard has been staying at Donlogne, but will
retnrn to London to play on the 15th in St. James’s Rail.
The Danish violoncellist, Kcllcrmann, who visited London some
years since, recently died at Copenhagen.
NEW MUSIC’.
t TOCAL MUSIC.—F’xi, Far Awe’,’. Song. By Alexander B. V.
/ Kennedy. (T. T. Lemairej—Thc followin” versos from an
nnknown pen, are extracted from Good Words, and form the subject
of the song under notice:
Far away the flowers ere rowing,
And the sweet June breezcs blowing;
Rich, warm light on hay-delds glowing,
Sleepy cattle homeward going,
the leafy licdgcrows lowing;
Lights and shadows waver o’er,
Lovingly the unknown shore—
Ear fsr away.
Moonlight on the waters sleeping,
Sun to golden glory steeping;
Stars, your watch above us keeping,
Waves shoot us rolling, leaping,
Winds, those liquid mouiitams heaping,
Light ns, roll us, bear us o’er
To that other unknown shore—
Far, far away.
Mr Kennedy’s intention, if not his execution, is worthy the pretty
and uncommon lines he has chosen for music. His rhythm is
decidedly original, and his song has the merit of aspiring to satisfy
nice ears, even if it succeed but moderately.
Spiced f/vu sifver wings, cil Dove I Song. By Alexander B. W.
Kennedy. (T. T. Lemaire.)—Mr Kennedy has laid the thoughtful
muse of the late lamented Adelaide Procter nuder coutribation for
this song ; and, as ho has given us a real pleasure in the re-perusal
of the beautiful lines commencing—
Spread, spread thy silver wings, oh dove I
And seek for rest by la-ui aoe sea,
Aud bring the tidings back to me,
For thee, and me, and those t love.
we will spare him and our readers allusion to any sins of omission
and commission.
jj Lees, Its is late. Song. By Alexander B. W. Kennedy.
(T. T. Lemaire.)—Thc first song in this day’s review, simply pleased
s not ; the second, displeased us ; the third, that now nuder notice,
we regret to say, positively offends us. Such glaring grammatical
faults as the consecutive fifths at bar I, line 2, page 1, between
bass and tenor (repeated frequently), the consecutive octaves in the
very next bar, between bass and melody ; the upward resolution of
the chord of the seventh, in the next line (bar 2), in defiance of law
and custom - the same contempt of rule, exhibited In bar 2 of page 2,
and many ohcrs, to say nothing of ntter want of melody, design, or
feelin, are not to ho excused on the ground of association ivitli
Miss Sean Iugelo;v’s charming verses from her celebrated “ Songs of
Seven.”
p’j Piig;-int’s Rome. By E. H. Thorue. (Novello and Co.)—We
should be disposed to rank this four-part movement higher than its
author, who, with praiseworthy modesty, announces it simply as a
“ hymn.” Surely a piece of music which extends over seven closely-
printed pages, and consists of a great variety of matter, not always
in the strict rhythmical form prescribed by hymnody—passages of
imitation, modulations more or less elaborate, may fairly aspire to
a more suggestive description than that accorded in the instance
before ns. Mr Thorno’s “ anthem,” then, if such we may be per-
mitted to call it, words by the Rev. Charles lilackie, has much to
recommend it ; nice feeling for harmony (too freely indolged in,
perhaps), melody, and a knowledge of the voice. A disposition to
be singular rather than original, must not. however, be included
among its merits.
A Meininq, Cenununien, and Evsnieg Service in Bflet. By S.
Baptiste Calkin. (Novello and Coj—Tiie Meynificef and the Acne
Di;niffis, herein comprised, arc not new to us, they having been
already reviewed in Tisx QUEEN, and their performance at the
special Sunday evening services under the dome of St. Paul’s, re-
corded. We have now to announce the completion of the whole service, and to congratulate Mr Calkin upon the great stride he has
recently made in his art, and upon that which does not always so
immediately follow, the rapid advance he has lately accomplished in
popular estimation.
The service counts nine numbers, of which P’s Dens Laudemus
is, of course, the first. Here, amidst much fresh. free, healthy
writing, there occur minor details that move us not so ao’reeably.
The brief very brief, transition to the key of F minor tiast bar,
page 1) taices os too far from the original key ; and the subsequent
unexpected close in F major induces, to our sense of hearing, the effect
of false relation. Again, Mr Calkin’s very frequent usc of the
chord of the extreme sharp sixth inverted, impairs the effect of this
exceptional harmony, when rarely employed, for ghastly, nnearthly,
diabolical illustration. To explain : this is a chord which many
musicians are agreed should not be used in its inversion at all,
and its use here and there by competent authority, for exceptional
purposes, does not afford sanction to the contrary. Mr Calkin
revels in this chord ; and if it be conceded that its use at the
passage, “ When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death,’‘ is
undoubtedly exceptional, the same argument may not be used, when
it appears in such passages as, “0 Lord, save thy people and bless
thine heritage,” as “Vouchsafe, 0 Lord.” A progression, between
the alto and bass voices, at this very point, to the syllables
“end” and “vouch,” is one, although made hcrc by contrary
motion, usually understood to be moro honoured in -the breach than
in the observance. On the other hand, we wouldiot fail to point
out certain especially favourable 1nstances of Mr Calkin’s reading
of the text, besides that evident fluency which proceeds from the
constant habit of making music. The first subject itself, is broad
and majestic- the setting of “The glorious company,” and all that
comes after, down to the solo, “When tlion tookest,” is bold and
characteristic, and the resumption of this theme with the pedal
obbligato, “Thou didst open” excellent and original. The effect of
the staccato pedal part, a little further on, “We therefore pray
thee,” is very striking and impressive.
We have expended so many words on the fitst and most important
number of Mr Calkin’s service, that we can but briefly allnde to the
others. The Jubifals pleases us much, and, but for the somewhat
overstrained modulation to D major, “Speak good of his name,”
calls for unqualified praise. The K’yris, of which there are two
versions, is in the first instance unexceptionable; in the second, less
satisfactory as regards its modulation to the distant key, from the
origiual, of C minor.
The Nicene Creed is solid and vigorous, and, taken “all in all,”
perhaps the most entirely irreproachable of the whole ecries of
movements.
The Offsrfo;-ij, “Whoso bath this world’s good, and seeth his
brother have need and shutteth up his compassion, how dwelleth
the love of God in him ?“for solo, tenor, and quartet, is an extremely
elegant, tepder, and expressivo piece of music—fully delightful,
indeed; but hardly in the styip of the other portion of the service,
which is, more or less, that of the English school. We will not,
however, quarrel with Mr Calkin, because lie has given us a beautiful
piece of music, but only suggest that his “Offertory” would be more
appropriate in a Romish, than in a Protestasit place of worship.
The Sanctus is simple, for the most part, and in keeping with the
sacred words. The exception to its simplicity is the passage “The
majesty of thy glory,” which, though decidedly not at all simple, is
very beautiful.
The Gler-ia is in many respects very successful, and bears all the
impression of having been produced spontaneously. It is large in
style—witness the admirable readin” of the words, “1\T0 praise
Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee.” It is
effectively voiced, and its word-painting, if sometimes theatrical—as
at the passago, “Thou sittcst at the right hand of God the Father”
j —is always designed with a purpose, and thoroughly carried out.
The two canticles for evening service before alluded to, and which,
it may be here repeated, arc eminently melodious and popular in
and
this
of character, complete what must be regarded as a highly successful
admirable work. If, in justice to ourselves, we have frankly stated onr opinion on some points of detail in Mr Calkin’s Service,
freedom of criticism, will not detract from the favourable opinion we entertain of the work in its entirety, but rather, we hope, give satisfactory evidence of our perfect sincerity. The merits
the composition before us arc so conspicuous, and its importance
manifest, as to have demanded at our hands this careful con- sidcration. To conclude, Mr S. Baptiste Calkin, by his earnest, conscientious work, has done something for the most beautiful art, music ; and his service in B fiat, is a very valuable additiou to the repertory of Church of England Services.
MUSIC RECEIVED FOR REVIEW.
ovehlo’s Parish Choir Book. Nes, 31 and 32.
NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON MUSIC.
HAND-BOOK FOR ORGAN—Will some one hindly tell me whore I can procure a good hand-book or tutor for the organ P It must be very elementary, as it is for quite a boginner.—LUcTA.
OLD SONG-—I shall be much obliged to anyone who will tell me
is the composer and the publisher of an old song, named
Mary, I believed thee true,” words, I think, by Tom Moore.— BELLA.
LA CARITA.—Will some mnsice,l reader recommend me a pretty arrangement of “ La Carita,” by Roesini, for the pianoforte P I have that piece by Rudolf Nordmann, and shall be glad of auothcr with prettier variatiuns.—TzTalotrsE.
ANSWERS.
SPANISH SONGS, &c.—I am sorry to tell “ Carlo Dolce “ that there are but few Spanish songs to be procured in London, as they
but seldom inquired for, and still more difficult is it to get them
a contralto voice. Amongst the “ Chansous Havanaises,” by Yradier, however, there are some which are characteristic and pretty
Ay Chiqoita,”“ La Rosa Spagnuola,’‘“ El Areglito,” and ‘‘ Maria Dolores.’‘ These all have Spanish and French words, and “ ày Chiquita “ can be had for contralto or soprano ; therefore, in ordering
it would be desirable to specify for which voice it is required.
Come into the garden, Maud,” is well arranged for the pianoforte
Brinley Richards, but I do not think that either “ Ruth “ or
Resignation “ have been done at all. The words “ Break, break,” have been beautifully set to music by Mrs Robert Cartwright,
amateur ; iudced, hers is the most favourite arrangement.— BAaCELONA. ___________________
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2.—PAYMENT REQUIRED.
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BY A LOUNGER.
THE PROJECTED ROYAL ITALIAN MARETAGE.
(From the Ftorence Correspondent of the ProMo.)
THE marriage of Prince Amadeus, second son of Victor Emmanuel,
- with the young Princess do la Cisterna, is at present nothing more than a Court intrigue. I have a dislike to entering political antechambers where secondary personages play the chief parts, but the fault is not mine if the State business is displaced and its action removed from the proper diplomatic spheres. Prince Amadeus is in his 22nd year. At that age it is possible to have been wounded t the head of a regiment of cavalry in battle, and yet not be what c he called a man. He is a mild prince, full of excellent qualities, and rather sentimental, hut still as yet a mere child. The Princess speaks numerous languages, and is perfectly accomplished. Her graces and her youth do not, however, prevent her from possessing a certain authoritative and imperious manner. Prince Amadeus fell in love with her at first sight. The courtiers around the King appear to have seconded this romantic passion to such a point as to wring from the King his royal promise. As may he imagined, politics played a great part in this affair ; a sort of conspiracy was formed against the Ministry, and the old Piedmontese party used all its efforts to place one of its princesses near the throne. Baron Ricasoli opposes this marriage as far as he can. His pnncipal reason, and the best, is that Prince Rumbert is not yet married, and that Prince Amadeus is only twenty.one years of age. But the King has given his word. How is that difficulty to be got over?
AUSTRIAN DANCE MUSIC.
(Front the Cornhill Magazine fer January.)
Iv may not be denied that the dance music of Vienna, both in form and execution, is altogether swi generis, and well worth the notice of an educated ear. Some of the greatest musicians who have resided in the imperial city have stooped to this branch of composition. Hummel and Schubert did not disdain to play waltzes and quadrilles while their friends danced; Liszt is never more unapproachable than in his impromptu waltzes and polkas. The first string orchestra for dance music is that of the younger Strauss, who knows how to wield the baton, plays well on the violin, and is a versatile though unequal composer. English waltzes and polkas, when not stolen from foreign sources, seem to be written less to accompany flying feet than to tempt feeble fingers, and success in art does not often follow a road like this. The Austrian composer seldom thinks of the piano. His pieces will generally be well scored, daintily instrumented, besides being admirably suited to their special vocation. If Strauss is not always will inspired, and seldom hits the original rhythms, the intense and sustained melodies which flow from the pen of his rival of St. Petersburgb and Peterhoff, the Polish Gnngl, yet in his happiest moments be abounds in graceful and sparkling themes. True Viennese as be is, he expresses that polished vivacity and healthy animalism breathed by the atmosphere of the Danubian Capua. Never mind if bis sentiment is mostly skin deep, if he discourses not deep passion, but sugary seduction. As soon as his bow glides over the strings you would like to dance with Salian vigonr, and yon say with the rest, nenic psde fibre pulsanda tellus. Terpsicbore seems to be the greatest of the sacred nine when you are listening to an orchestra which is as notable for smooth and mellow tone, distinct accentuation, and swan.like steadiness of movement, as that of Strauss.
THE LATE MRS. GILBERT, TilE POETESS.
(From tbe Athenwuet.)
THE lastof the “Taylors of Ongar” has gone to her rest. On the 20th ult. died at Nottiugbam, in her 85th year, the above.mentioned lady, the widow of the late Rev. Joseph Gilbert, but who was better known in literature as Anne Taylor of Ongar. Anne Taylor was a member of an essentially literary family. She was daughter of the Rev. Isaac Taylor, of Ongar, whose wife was the author of works that were popular in the last century. Her uncle, Charles Taylor, was the learned editor of Calinet. Her brother Isaac was the well. known author of the “Natural History of Enthusiasm,” and nnmerous other philosophical and religious works. Her setond brother, Jeffrey, was tbc author of many anonymous productions, the cbief perhaps of wbich was “The Apostolic Age in Britain.” Her sister Jane sbs,red with her in the authorship of s. very celebrated little work, older than the century in which it still lives, “Original Poems for Infant Minds.” One peculiarity respecting tbis work is, that while poetry much more pretentious, but once popular, has pcrisbcd, these original poems continue to be republisbed. From the period of their first appearance down to the present year they oontributed a handsome annuity to the authors—of late years to the survivor of the two. This work was among the first on which Anne Taylor was engaged; and her last labonr was devoted, as the readers of the Athenae:n will remember, to the emendation of a verse in the most popular poem of the whole collection, “My Mother.” Annie Taylor married, in 1813, the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, author of “The Christian Atonement: its Basis, Nature, and Bearings,” and member of a Lincolnshire family that contributed two officers to Captain Cook’s expeditions, one of whom has left in manuscript his account of the voyage of the Resolution and Discovery (1776.1780) iu search of a north.west passage. Although the Taylors of Ongar have now all passed away, the literary spirit of the family survives. Mrs Gilbert’s son Josiah is, with Mr W. Churchill, the author of the work on the Dolomite Mountains, of which we had recently to.speak with much commendation. Another son, Dr Henry Gilbert, is known by his “Elncidations of Agricultural Chemistry ;“ and her nephew, the Rev. Isaac Taylor, has taken literary rank by his “ Words and Places.” Few whole families have so completely belonged to literature as that of the aged lady of whose death we make record. The daytime of her life was one of varied and useful labour; with labour, rest, and recreation heartily enjoyed, and an exercise of abounding hospitality in as pious and gay a home as ever illustrated the bright cheerfulness of a religious and intellec. tual life. The evening of such a life was most appropriately a calm evening of a long day of sunshine and of shade, blending so quietly with the night that it was hardly possible to say when the one ended or the other began. In the loving memories of her family and friends Anna Taylor will not die.
SLEEPLESSNESS.
(From the Spectator.)
Iv used to be believed that the cause of sleep, or rather the proximate cause, was the turgidity of the blood.vessels of the brain. They pressed on something too hard and the man went to sleep. Alcohol, it was said, made them turgid, visibly flushing the face, and alcohol, it was clear, produced sleep. Unfortunately for the theory, physiologists, when they came to examine the matter with their clean minds and sceptical criticism, doubted if the facts corresponded to it, found that it was exactly the reverse of the facts. A woman got her head broken conveniently and was watched, animals’ heads were opened remorselessly, and it was ascertained that the probable cause of sleep was low circulation in the arteries of the brain. They got pallid in perfect sleep, and flushed in imperfect or dreamy sleep. “ The principal evidence as to the state of the human brain in sleep is derived from the observation of a woman at Montpellier, a case well known and often quoted. She had lost a portion of the skull.cap, and the brain and its membranes were exposed. ‘When she was in deep or sound sleep, the brain lay in the skull almost motionless: when she was dreaming it became elevated, and when her dreams, which she related on waking, were vivid or interesting, the brain was protruded through the cranial aperture.’ This condition has also been experimentally brought about and observed in animals, and the same result has been seen, namely, that in sleep the surface of the brain and its membranes became pale, the veins ceased to be distended, and only a few small vessels containing arterial blood were discern. able. When the animal was roused, a blush spread over the brain, which rose through the opening of the bone. The surface became bright red; innumerable vessels, unseen before, were now every. where discernible, and the blood seemed to be coursing through them very rapidly. The veins, like the arteries, were full and distended, but their difference of colour rendered them clearly distinguishable When the animal was fed and again allowed to sink into repose, the blood.vessels gradually resumed their former dimensions and appearance, and the surface of the brain became pale as before. The contrast between the appearances of the brain during its period of functional activity and during its state of repose or sleep was most remarkable.” Anything, then, that emptied the capillaries would help to produce sleep, and a false theory being out of the way, the facts were seen to bear out the new conclusion. Excite- ment, particularly the excitement of great mental toil or of an active exercise of the imagination, fills the arteries, and is, we all know, fatal to sleep. Let anybody work hard immediately after dinner, a very frequent practice with the literary class, and unless he works for hours, unless, that is, he fairly fatigues himself, or after working gives his brain an hour’s rest in chat, or silence, or that reading which is not reading, but the most soothing of all mental occupations, an equivalent with many men for day.dreaming, he will toss for an hour before he sleeps. So he will also if he has become really interested at a theatre, thongh we admit that possibiity is at present so rare as to be almost beyond the range of scientific experiment. His head, he says, “ feels hot,” or his “ temples throb,” or his eyes are dull and full of blood. Ice, again, applied to the head has in many cases produced deep and apparently dreamless sleep, and a spirit like eau de Cologne rubbed on the head has in a minor degree the same effect. But alcohol ? Well, alcohol dues not, people’s eyes notwithstanding, fill the arteries of the brain. Practical physiologists are inclined to say that on the contrary it empties them, irritating the sympathetic nerves till they contract the large arteries, and the capillaries or little ones get no supply worth mentioning. We do not say—we arc quite incompetent to say—that the question is settled, but we are entitled to say that a balance of scientific opinion and a larger balance of circumstantial evidence suggests the belief that the cardinal condition of natural sleep is a reduction of the arterial activity in the brain. There are other conditions dependent originally on the nervons system of which far less is known. Morphia, for example, must act first of all on the nerves, but the main condition is this; and if this be it, then it must be witbin the range of possibility f or science to discover modes of inducing sleep v,ithout resort to drugs, none of which act precisely alike upon all constitutions.
People have been trying to discover this secret empirically for ages with wonderful little success, there being perhaps no subject on which the evidence of individual experimenters differs so greatly or is comparatively so useless. Nine-tenths of mankind believe that fatigue yields sleep as a sort of inevitable consequence, and so to most men it does, but there are constitntions in which fatigue involves sleeplessness, to which sleep until they have rested is absolutely impossible. Some men appear to have a control over sleep almost as absolute as they have over their limbs, to be able, so to speak, to compel the faculties to go to bed whenever it is convenient. The present writer can very nearly do that, can, that is, unless under strong mental emotion, rely on going to sleep in five minutes in almost any attitude, at any hour of the day, and under almost any conditions, a sermon being perhaps the one most decidedly favourable. Some men, again, seem to have almost an incapacity of sleep, cannot get it except in a perfect silence quite unattainable in London, or perfect darkness, or at some fixed time, or in some peculiar attitude after a long period of bodily quiescence. They are “ bad sleepers,” and sleeplessness is, we suspect, one of the most freqnent and must annoying concomitants of civilised life. One nian of this kind tries to sleep by repeating the multiplication table, to “ fatignc the brain into sleep,” says the Ccrnhill essayist; but, as we should think, to refresh the brain by giving it work to do which requires no exertion at all. Instinct is almost always true, and the man who tries this trick, instinctively repeats bits, say, of well-knowu poetry, not of poetry which he remembers only by mental effort. A great missionary troubled with sleeplessness used to say that he always repeated the Lord’s Prayer till Satan sent him to sleep to get rid of it, and he never found the receipt fail. He rested the brain by a repetition which excluded thought and did not tax the memory, the Lord’s Prayer being with most Englishmen, like the multiplication table, one of the very few things recalled without mental effort, or which often survive the decay of memory. This device operates, however, with very few, and a much better one, day-dreaming fur five minutes, with still fewer. Some men find relief in waslnng, and that is sensible enough, the rough trituration of a towel, or still better of the flesh brush, directing an extra supply of blood to the skin, to the great relief of the brain. The air bath, once so strongly believed in, depends on the same principle. All Anglo-Indians assert that a cool head is the great condition of ready sleep, and if this is so, which is almost certain, a water pillow ought to induce it, an experiment, we believe, scarcely tried. The Anglo- Indians use pillows covered with a singularly fine cane, the glace on which never heats, but the pillow itself should be cool. We suspect that the particularly nasty Western contrivance, tbe feather or down pillow, which beats the head, and which no amount of clean covers will keep really clean, is one cause at least of sleegiessness. Hindoos, the mass of whom use no pillow at all, but either lie prone or sleep on the arm, seem to command sleep almost at will, repudiate most emphatically the Western idea that a man was meant to sleep seven hours out of the twenty.funr. Of all empirical remedies, however, the most certain is food. Au idea has become current in England fur years, originating, we believe, entirely in a social change as to the hour of meals, that eating is nnfavourable to sleep, bnt the idea, as the Cernhill points out, is opposed not oaly to analogy, but to experience. All animals, all children, all savages, and all races which take no wine sleep immediately after eating. Who does not feel sleepy immediately after lunch, if he is stupid enough to eat a meal invented in order that by eating without enjoyment one may lose a little of one’s capacity for work? Half the sleeplessness of great cities is due to the absurd hours we select for food. A savage eats and sleeps as a dog does; a Hinduo, fortunately for himself, is compelled by his creed to eat just before he sleeps, being prohibited from cooking twice in the same sun; but a civiised man eats, then while digestion ought to be going on does half the work of his life, and then, just as the body becomes wakeful again, settles himself into a bed specially constructed to bring the blood to his head. Ot cuurse feediug.time will not be altered for, the sake of sound sleep, nur fashion yield to hygiene; but it is possible to eat something at bed-time, if unj’ a crust; and if men who take wine would take it then, instead of after dinner—a villanously unsocial suggestion— they would find half their difficulty disappear. Still even with this fact clear, much more is still required which science alone can afford. It must be possible to reduce the flow of blood to the brain and to still excitable nerves without drugs, and if we could do it the diminution of misery would be enormous. Any system which really increased the average capacity fur sleep would benefit nervous disease, increase the babitableness of great cities, and probably diminish perceptibly the average of lunacy. There are physiologists working among us painfully eudeavonring to ascertain the laws which connect mind and matter; will nut some one of them at once utilise his knowledge and earn an enduring reputation by a successful attack on the great foe of great cities—the habit of sleeplessness ______________________________________
DstEssisAzccwa RENntaEn EA5Y.—New styles for January—Life- size trimmed models (with flat patterns), of single and double skirt robes for evening and ordinary wear, 4s. Gd.; low bodices, 2s.; ditto with basque, 3s. Gd.; peplum uapeline (hood and cape), 2s.; new train gored skirt, 2s.—Mrs Buown, 16, Christie-road, South Hackney, London .—[Anvv.]
LAssivunx, Dxnzatvv, FAlansmt HEAavit.—When weakness and a feeling of ill-health set in, so often the commencement of consumption, the daugeruns symptoms should be arrested at once by the use of “The Blood Purifier,” Old Dr Jacob Townsend’s Sarsaparilla, which will give new tone to the system, arrest the progress ef disease, and restore the wasted strength and flesh.—Cautiou:
Get the veil and blue wrappers with the elcl Docter’s heed in the centre. Sold by all druggists.—[Anvv.]
The Perfumed and Illuminated Almauaak just published by Mr Rimmel at 96, Strand, 128, Regent-street, and 24, Curnhill, is one of the mast charming of the long series of these favourite annuals. It is almost an indispensable requisite for every lady’s pocket-book, card-case, or desk, and its price (Gd., by post for seven stamps), places it within the reach of all classes. Mr Rimmel has also just produced a series of very elegant and original cards fur writing the names of guests at a dinner party, which need only be seen to become appreciated by all persons giving fashionable entertain ments. The price of these cards is 3s. per dozen, and they can be Eent by post for an extra stamp—[ADYT.j
NuTz.—The Eilitar of this column of Tar QUEEN will be obliged by appropriate contributions to it train any stores its readers muay passess; the object being to make a complete collection of really good things.]
THE SISTER SCIENCES ; on, BOTANY AND HORTICULTURE. By Dr. BuLGARnO, L.S.D.,
Treasurer of several Learned Societies, and Professor of Asparagus at the University of Battersea.
BOTANY.
To MARY, wine A BUNCH OF FLOWERS.
Nay ! say not fadcd—’tis despair
Has thus subdued them, for they see
That in themselves, however fair,
They ne’er can hope to equal thee l
The ruse’s joyous blush has fled,
With which no other lip could vie;
The heartsease turns aside its head,
Fearing to meet thy deep-blue eye,
More sad the myrtle’s hue appears,
The jasmine’s silver star is dim;
Surpass’d by thee, thou seest the tears
That tremble on the harebell’s brim.
The woodland’s lily’s silver cup
Was never seen to droop as now,
It dares not lift its fluwercts up
To gaze upon thy gentle bruw.
lIow canet thou look thus calmly on,
And watch them slowly die the while?
Rccal them yet, crc life be gone,
Euuhantress, with thy sunny smile;
HORTICULTURE.
TO MOLLY, W5TH A BASKET OF FRUIT AND vEGETAnLE5.
Nay say not shrivell’d—’tis despair
Has thus subdued them, fur they see
That in themselves, however fair,
They’ll ne’er be relish’d, love, like thee l
A deeper blush the raspberry paints,
Pale is the ruddy beetroot’s lip
And ecu the red-cheek’d apple faints,
As though it suffer’d from the pip.
Severely frown the baking pears;
The artichoke’s bold crest is down;
The awe.struck medlar wildly stares
To see thy cheek a swarthier brown.
The icy cucumber is hot,
The freckled cauliflower ws.n;
The mushroom has no longer gut
A single leg to stand upon l
See how the rich, round.shuulder’d figs
Bow to thy figure’s graceful swell;
The sobbing orange bursts its pigs
To find thee such a nonpareil l
Cruikshank’s O,msmiibus.
A COLLECTION OF GOOD EPIGRAMS.
[Coutrtbutieus by collectors are requested.]
75. Tnux Wjv.
True wit is like the brilliant stone
Dug from Golconda’s mine;
Which boasts two various powers in one,
To cut as well as shine.
Genius, like that, if pulish’d right,
With the same gifts abounds;
Appears at once both keen and bright,
And sparkles wlnle it wounds.
70. FROM THE PERSIAN OF HAFIz.
Two ears, and but a single tongue, By Nature’s laws to man belong; The lesson she would teach is clear, “Repeat but half of what you hear.”
77. TMx PONY FoInEn.
To win the maid the poet tries,
And sonnets writes to Julia’s eyes ;— She likes a verse—but, cruel whim,
She still appears a-vem’se to him.
78. WhenMariaTreeleftthestage,thefollowingcouplet was written
the green-room, by G. Colman
You bloom and charm us, yet thu bosom grieves
When Trees of your description take their leaees.
79. BREvITY OF Lzyx. Man’s life’s a vapour,
And full of woes;
He cuts a caper,
And down he goes l
SO. EFITAI’R.
Hers I lie bereft of breath
Because a cough
Carried me off— Then a coffin
They carried me off iu.
—Ness York Evening Pest.
81. SINuULAR EnTAils.
In Plumstead churchyard was copied tIme followiug siimgolar epitaph, from a tombstone which stands on the right hand side of the path
Weep not for me, my parents dear
There is no witness wanted hera
The hammer of Death was give to mc
For eating the Cherris off the tree
Next morning Death was to me so sweet,
My bused Jesus for to meet,
He did ease me of my pain,
And I did join his holy train
The cruel one his death can’t shun
For he must go when his glass is run.
LIMITED KNOWLEDON.—A western print msutious a class of persons who don’t rise till nine o’clock in the morning, foariug, if they get up earlier, their knowledge will not last them through the day.
A BAsHFuL LOvER—A Green Mountain boy fell in love with a very pretty girl, and determined to court her. To that end he dressed himself in his Snnday-go.to.meetings, went to her father’s house, and found her alone. “How d’ye do?” said Jonathan. “I’m nicely—take a cheer, Jonathan,” says the giri. Jonathan took a chair, and seated himself in the farthest corner of tho room, as though the beauty was a thing to be feared rather than loved. “Aiot you cold? Hadn’t you better sit op by the fire?” says Sally, suppossag he would of course, if he meant to make luve at all, do so in a proper manner. “No, I thankee, I reckon I’m comfortable,” returned Jonathan. “How is your mann?” said Sally. “Well, she’s oomplainin a leetle,” said Jonathan. Here a pause of ten minutes ensued, during which time Jonathan amused himself by whittling a stick. “There’s nothing new op your way, is there?” said Sally, which Jonathan might understand as applying to his present situation, or to his father’s domicile. “Here ?—oh—yis, you meant t:i hum, well no, that is his—our spotted cow’s gut a calf,” said Jonathan. Sally would undoubtedly have laughed at this queer piece of information, only she was too much vexed at the bashfulness of the speaker. At length, after another protracted silence, Sally got up a small edition of a scream, and in a loud voice exclaimed, “Let me alone I”“Why,” says Jonathan, dropping his knife and stick in astonishment, “why, I ain’t a touohia’ on ye.”“Well,” says Sally, in a voice which might have been indicative of fear, but sounded very like request—” Well, aint you going tv?’ Jonathan thought a moment of this equivocal reply, and then, after placing his knife in his pocket and blowing his nose, he drew his chair by the side of pretty Sally, and—the next week they wete saurriecl,

A GASTRONOMIAC.
BARON BRISSE again ! The .Figare announces that this nobleman is about to publish 365 menus, and, besides a menu per day, a thousand recipes borrowed from the best practitioners of the old school. Remark, I pray you, that the menus given for 1867 by this inexhaustible man are not the same as those of 1566. This gastronomical treasure is to be brought out by Plon on the 31st inst., and will form a very handsome volume, which will not be sold at any price. The Libei-td has monopolised it for itsnew subscribers! Has not N. Emile de Girardin a curious and cunning way of forcing his jearnal down our throats P If we would dine as Baron Brisse prescribes, we must also peruse Emile’s quaint ideas on different
situations. __________
THE MARRIAGE SEASON IN NEW YORK.
Wine the opening of ths fashionable season an epidemic of marriage has set in. The extraordinary activity observable in the great jeivellery %tores on Broadway, the fancy goods establishments in Maiden-laue, at the milliners’ and mantua-makers’ shops, and in the dry goods trade, is accounted for by the happy conductors of these places on the grouud that matrimonial contracts and costly wedding gifts are the prevailing fashions of the fall. The clergy have their hands full; the church sextons are in a pitiable state of agitation and anxiety; the fashionable organists are bringing out the most famqus wedding marches ; society is furnished with abundant gossip, and money circulates freely.
LADIES’ MEDICAL COLLEGE.
Tens new school recommences its lectures on Monday next. During the present session twenty-five ladies have entered as new students. In socisl position, education, and intelligence, these ladies are quite on a level with the students at the men’s medical colleges, while their assiduous attention and propriety of conduct has been unexceptions ble. Several of the stodents who commenced at this college three years ago have recently begun practice as lady mid. wives, and are doing exceedingly well. Among the most promising are Mrs Thorne, of 78, Charles.street, Grosveuor.square; Mrs Menetrey, of 52, George-street, Portmau-square; Miss Bauermau, of 22, Acre-lane, Erixton; and Miss Fletcher, of 1, Woburu-plaoe, Hackney; and the addresses of othors may be obtaijied of the lady secretary at the Female Medical Society’s offices, 4, Fitzroy-square, London. This new order of practitioners claim to place themselves on a level in midwifery with medical men; but they will abstain from makiug peel-moe fern examinations, and from attending to fever patients or other cases from which infection might be conveyed into the lying-in room. This new college for ladies was instituted by the Female Medical Society, and is intended to be self-supporting; but at present the society are much in need of funds to provide the students with a museum and other requisites to promote the general objects of the society. —— WHICH GOES FIRST?
Tax amusing correspondent who writes the Sf ceisdarci “Echoes from the Continent” sends the following:
“I hope that Echo is not perpetrating a lice-dlbjeefd in repeating an Imperial judgment recently delivered at Compiègne, and which would have done honour to Solomon. The question to solve was very knotty and delicate—it was abont precedence. The Priu. cess — contended that she was to have is pus of the Duchess —, because her husband was the oldest priuce of the two empires. ‘Apply in the case,’ said a high person consulted in the matter, ‘the rule inveuted by the Sovereigns—consult the age; neither of them will walk on first.’
“On tilt that more than one lady shoots at Compiègue. There is no novelty in the fact. The Empress of Austria bagged many hares in the preserves of Luxembourg during the Congress of Vienna ; and one may see in the arsenal of Stockholm a long rifle, which was charged with a grain of lead, and with which Queen Christian killed time by shooting at flies in her bed-room, and she missed none.”
THE WOMEN OF HOLLAND
Tees women in many parts of Holland appear jost now to be possessed by a strauge spirit of fanaticism. They profess to be apprehensive that the wickedness of the country is about to call down upon it terrible calamities. Stimulated by the preachers, the women are greatly distressed at the prevalence of liberal opinions, which they identify with atheism and Antichrist; and many of them—even ladies of the highest rank—are being re-baptised—(in an oddly primitive manner, it is said, and by no means consistent with modem notions of propriety)—by way of purgiug themselves of the national sin. Oar correspondent at the Hagne sends us one of the addresses by women to the King, as an illustration of their carious state of mind. “Your hauduiaideus,” they say,” approach the throne to beseech your Majesty to have a care for onr children, cattle, and goods. Oar distress is great, greater than is generally believed; but how can it be otherwise when the Word of God—the foundation of Church and State—is taken away from us? False aad horrible political principles prevail. Oar nation is the’dupe of all the revolutionary and irreligious dogmas spread bythe newspapers, and your Mejesty’s downfall will be the result if we do not call upon the Lord for help. Oar children are no longer taught trne religion ‘and the good old principles of Dutchmen in the schools. Our cattle are irrationally slaughtered as a sacrifice to the fictions and delusions of so-called science. And a revolutionary party is rampant in the laud. Oar children are taught to disavow the Word of God, and there is a general undermining of Church and State. Informer days the Lord has done great things by women; and we now entreat year Majesty to take pity on us and on our children, to listen to our prayers, and to ordain that we shall be deprived of no more of our beloved rights, that our cattle maybe spared, and that the word of God may be restored to the schools. We pray that the mcu of Holland may elect houest, God-fearing deputies, attached to the old principles, and that your Majesty may be placed safely above the
scnm of the people.” _________
FEMALES.
A NEW crime has just been invented in France which suggests sundry serious reflections. Everybody knows, or at least ought to know, that by our English law it is an offeuce to kiss a woman
against her will, but it has been reserved for French jurisprudence to determine that it is a criminal act to call a woman a “female.” The Imperial Court of Riom, in the Pny-de-Ddme, has decided that tlus epithet applied to a woman constitntes nu insult, and is to be punished accordingly. As the information which supplies this important intelligence does not supply the actual French word which is thus held to be insulting to the modesty of women, we are unable to decide whether it precisely corresponds to its English equivalent, and must ho content to remain in the dark as to the social or jnridical animus which has thus added one more to the already long list of forbidden things in Prance. Here in England we do not suppose that the application of any similar word can ever snbjeot an injudicious talker to a legal penalty; and, indeed, if our memory serves us, it is only within a recent date that the application of the kiss to an unwilling matron or maid has been decided to constitute an assault. It is only before ths tribunal of good taste that the propriety of applying the word “female “to an Englishwoman can be seriously argued. And that it does deserve to be thus argued will be denied by nobody who is familiar with that style of writing and conversation which may best be described as essentially second-rate, and who appreciates that style at its true merits.
There are, indeed, few more trustworthy tests of sound cultivation, and of a good style in talk and in writing, than the manner in which women are described. Let anybody run over in his mind the varions turns of phrase which are now prevalent, and he viil feel at once that it is by no means an easy thing for the uncultured author or talker to steer clear of something very like vulgarity in the choice of them. “The sex,” “the fair sex,’ “the gentler sex,” “the female sex,” “females,” “ladies,”‘.‘ the ladies,” “women,” “woman,” a man’s “good lady,” his “better half ,“—here is a rich variety of words of which it is no exaggsrathu to say that almost each of them may be employed in snob a manner as to suggest that the person who thus employs it is not a gentleman but a gent; or that if be is not altogether and a
on all occasions a gent, he is by no means free from such an amount & the gentish element as will be certain to break out now and theu in its unmistakable ugliness. One kuows almost instinctively the classes of men with whom the objectionable use of most’ of these terms is most common. Of course, almost all of them may be and are continually used without suggesting the faintest odour of ill.breeding or ignorance of the rules of good taste. It is only such atrocities as tim calling one’s wife “ my good lady,’‘ or “ my better half,” except in open irony or jest, which are absolute impossibilities from the lip of a gentleman. Bat at the same time every one of the others may be used in such a manner as to cause more or less unpleasant sensations in the reader or hearer. Even the very simplest of all, the mere word “woman,” is heard with associations by no means of the refined order. In the days of toasts and sentiments—and they are not yet quite cxtinot—” woman,” either with or without some flattering adjective, was a standing favourite with convivial geutry of a well-known type; especially when what they used to call the “cup” or “the flowing bowl” had cirenlated pretty freely, and the company were beginning to “cultivate good fellowship” to an extent which made them unpreseutable to the “females” in whose pretended honour they drank their “goblets of rosy wine.” Nowadays we have nearly ceased to be convivial” to this extent, at least in cultivated life; and instead of toasting “woman, lovely woman,” we console ourselves with drinking “the ladies” at almost every pubbc dinner—a ceremony wisely postponed till the very end of the proceedings, doubtless for the judicious reason that even the most practised or hardened after-dinner speaker feels that until he has imbibed a certain amount of exhilarating wine he conld not bring himself to utter the barefaced humbug which is expected on such occasions. Lord Palmerston himself, who could give “the ladies” with as little vulgarity as any man of his day, would not have found it possible to deliver himself of thi orthodox claptrap at an early hour of the evening.
Of the rest of the words which are -made to do duty for the simple word “women,” they are the delight of everybody *ho wishes to talk fine, and to appear what he or she considers to be “genteel.” Where well-bred men or women would speak of their companions as “men and women,” the gentish mind prefers to speak of “gentlemen and ladies. These words are often, too,-the delight of that particularly odious sort of men who look down upon women as a kind of inferior animal, to be flattered to their faces as simpletous unable to enter into rational couversation, nod to be classed together in an indiscriminate lump as “the sex,” or “ the female sex,” born to play a part antagonistic to that of the worthier race who are detestably described as their “ lords.” As to the one word the correlative of which is now branded as forbidden in France, it is the very type and representative of the wlole class, and may perhaps be taken as expressing the spirit of gentishness itself. The gent divides the human race, with the exception of the artisan and labouring class, into two sections, gents and females. And it seems not at all unlikely that, as it would be unquestionably en affronting and insulting thing to tell one who is really a gentleman that be is only a gent, so the more refined sensibilities of a French judge may have detected in the term “female” something as affronting to the self-respect of all women, simply as women, as is the imputation of gentishuess to an Englishman, simply as a man. It is true it is not yet penal to call a man a gent in England, but then France is not England. At any rate, it is to be feared that the enforcement of a correct and refined diction will find no place in any probable codification of English statute law, and th it it is only before the bar of social criticism that it will ever be nsade an indictable offence to call a woman a female.—Pnhf Moff Gazelle.
NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON NATURAL RISTORY.
TURTLE DOVES.—There is now in the aviary at Knoweley (says the Liverpcol Aff’ion) a turtle dove wbich hatchcd two young ones in a tree in the open ground on Christmas Day morning. The same pair of doves hatched on Christmas Day last year in the same tree, and on New Year’s Day the year before.
SIGNS OF WINTER—On Tnesday several very large flights of wild ducks, widgeon, and other wildfowl passed over the metropolis, and for some time hovered over the Thames between Battersea and Kingston, and ultimately made off in the direction of the south coast. The appearance of these feathered visitors at this season of the year indicates the approach of hard weather in the north.
VILLAGE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES — “In most places there is at least one person who takes an interest in Nature’s works. Very probably he is in humble circnmstamsces; in all likelihood be is considered harmlessly insane by his compeers, or, as they would phrase it, ‘a button short I ‘ There crc also usually two or three more who use their eyes and know something of the habits of birds, insects, or plants. If these three or four would meet together and talk the matter over they could arrange affairs according to their own convenience; and, all being straightforward, we may suppose them to agree in inviting as many people as they think likely to come to attend at such a place on such a night. In villages it is always easy to hire a room for snob a purpose at

trifling cost; and in them, as in towns, ens or more of the parties interested will, in all probability, be able to lend a room or rooms, en one occasion at least. Where practicable, the sociability of tho evening is much enhanced by having tea or coffee handed round before the real proceedings begin. The conversation which then arises serves to place at their ease those ;vbn might otherwise be prevented by shyness from taking part in the bnsinoss of the evening. Indeed our experience leads us to beliove that naturalists seldom find any difficulty in conversing with one another when once the ice is broken ; and the pursuit of Nature is so truly Catholic that Churchmen and Dissenter, Papist and Protestant, can alike join in it withent any fear of treading npou one another’s (mental) corns. The humanising influence of ns.tnral lnstnry is certainly not the least of its many charms; and it is pleasant to notice how the instinctive good-feeling which all true naturalists p9ssess enables them to avoid topics which are likely to be in any way distasteful
those with whom they are temporarily associated.’‘—Hard-wick’s Seienee.Gossip.
‘V hjO RI fl n5f1r /ll £ £LtL a(JVr 1
ALEXANDRINE.
AlDEN of proud Grecian blood,
Thy flashing oye and maiden tresses, Have sped the dart, in wanton mood,
Which, rankling deep, my soul distresses.
Look on my cheeks so pallid uo’r,
And on my lip—and on this token,
Of many a warmly uttered vow,
Predestined only to be broken.
Yet, fondly, spite this cruel feat,
I love thee, and cculcl love thee ever, Did not thy smile, so deadly sweet,
Declare too plainly we must sever.
Go, then, false, dusky, thorn-clad roso I Thy flashing eye and raven tresses,
And beanty-flusbing cheek, will toss, Ere long, the charm which each possesses I.
Cs-sAunas C. MAca nay.
CmectrsvscAs IN ‘nez HosprvAns.—Tbe sick in the London hospitals have not been forgotten dnring the Christmas season; they have been mado to feel, so far as it has been possible, something
its festivity and all its religions import. The wards of many hoepitals are gaily decorated, not only with holly and mistletoe, but with every variety of bonquets and floral devices, and some present a singularly gay and pleasing aspect. Snob change in their fare as ran be permitted has occasionally been made. The chaplains and lady visitors are ohiefly to be thanked for this seasonable labour
love.—flrifisls 2usd ieof Jeim”ool.
NOTICE.
ContarTons of all kinds have constant occasion to exchange duplicates of articles with other collectors.
Tax QUEEN has been long adeptsd as the medium for effecting exchanges ef stamps, crests, monegrams, and such like.
This has been found so useful that we have resolved to extend the accomnmodation to books, music, coins, specimens of natural history, and all other articles for which exchanges may be desired, and to devote a distinct department of Tns Qusmeci to that purpose.
EsectaTmoNs.
1. All communications mnst be post-paid, and have the name and fnl address of the sender.
2. ‘ hree postage stamps must ha inclomed for the transmission of ans 5. -
3. Exchangers of etamps, menegrame, aud crests must inclose, with lists of from one to tsvelve, one penny stamp m with lists of thirteen to twenty-four, two stsmps m and so on in the same proportion.
The Exrnamsomi will admit the m
Amyrooaapns. EsmaAvmmmos. PnoroomsA rue.
Boox Paarzs. INsECTs. I’osranz SrAamm’s.
Eooxs. Mvssr. PArrsamis.
Comas. MoaooaAnms. Sarats.
Cemsars. Mcaseats. Sraairs.
- Cussosmrmss. NArUmSAL llmsrommv. WATER Manss.
DaAwmaoa Ptaars ANO SEEDs.
And all other Collections of NATOEAL Iimsronv, Aar, Cmxnmosmrr, and
Yxaru. ——
l\ONOGRAMS.—I have some entirely new, beantifnh, eccentric mommograms to exchauge for others equally gocd.—Pcecccuosx.
POULTRY.—I have a fine young game cock which I wish to exchange for two Sebright bantam hens ; or, if this should not be considered fair, I would take one bantam ben in cxchange.—X.Y. Z.
MOTHS.—I can exchange the puss moth (C. vimmscia) orthe death’s head moth (A. atropos) for the emperor (S. pavona minor).—R. C., QUSSN office, 346, Strand.
CRESTS.—I have a packet pf twenty-three coloured and named crests and monograms which I should like to exchange with any subsermber for an equal number. I have also a great number of foreign postage-stamps, ovhhch I fear are too common for exohange ; can anyone tell me what to do with them ?—Twxa.
POINT LACE BOOKS IN EXCHANGE FOR BOOKS ON ILLUMINATING—I have both Riego’s Point Lace books, and would give them in exchange for “ Suggestions for Illuminating,” by Rammdle Harrison ; or I shonld be glad to boar from anyone who will offer anything else in cxchange.—MancLr.
BOOKS.—I wish to exchange
Cumming’s “ Readings on the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles,” 5 vols., for other books, and would taPe auy three of the following volnnmee : “ The Rectory and Mammor; “‘ Working and Waitingm ““ Sunday Echoes ,“ by Mrs Carey Brock ; “ The Draytuns amid Davenants ; ““ Obristian Life in England,” by “ Schomberg-Cotta,” suthurees ; Wordsworth’s Pocmne ‘, I’assages from the Life of a Daughter at Home.” Or I would take volume for volnme.—Ssm.v-anc.p.
SEALS.—I have abont three dozen good named seals (fourteen of which are coronets) to exchange for good coloured monograms named. I wommhd give coronet for coronets, amid tsvo seals for each illumimmated regimental badge, or illuminated coronet, or one seal for two good colonred monograms. I havc also a number of coloured addresses to exchange, good ones ; also white crests and monograms.
—SrANnmrn.
CRESTS AND MONOGRAMS. — I have a dozen good clean coloured and named crests, also a dozen of good monograms (not named), which I shall ho happy to exchange for eighteen clean coloured and named crests.—FnouA.
— I have six coloured crests and monograms, which I shall be glad to exchange for any oqmsal number of stamps, not common ones. Also, I have aim Indian receipt stamp (6 annas) which is considered rather rare, for which I shall require three good seals. I have also an autograph of Agnes Strickland, for which I should like a Royal one. Packets sent to me to choose from must have the name and address of the sender inclosed.—Cncscoo.
POSTAGE STAMPS—I should be glad to exchange any of the following stamps:
British gulaum, orange 2c., blue 4c., pink Sc., green 24c. ; Barbados, greemm, blue, black is. ; Trim,td:sd, red ; Brunswick, red 1g., yellow is.; Jielginmn, grey Sc. (ne,v issue) ; South Australia, green Sd., orange Cd., blue Sd., violet Sd., orange Cd., yellow is. ; Sweden, blue 4s. m Jamaice, blue td. ; Queensland, oram’ge id. , tine Cd., green Cd. I should be glad of stamps semmt for me to cloose from. Amommgst others, i am ii, want of Tlergsdorf, Lubeck, Poland, Finland, Sicily, ilomagna, Chili, Mexico, Ac.— Baca-nanu.
— I wish to exchange the following stamps:
Hong Kemmg, 2c. and ORe. : St. Vincent, id. and Is. ; ‘Western Australia, 4d. bluo oct. ; Naples, C gr. ; Prussia, S sub. groech.; India, S pice, ammd 1 anna and 2 ammmmas yellow, all obliterated. Also I lmave a packet of ii good coloured crests snd monograms, all named, to exchange f or st:smps. I wilL give one stamp or crest for each stamp ne’v to mns; and anyone wishimmg to exclsange must send name and address, and list, to—Lu Lu.
MUSIC—I wish to exchange the following songs and pieces:
“I cannot bear to say farewell,” music by Franz Abt m “The Old Church Chimes,”” The Old Village Mill,”“Coming of the Flowers,” by V.Waliace “There’s Light behind time Cloud,”“What Bells are thuse so soft and clear,”“Alice Lee,” ballad; “TIse Old House by the Lindens,”“Fantaeie cur nu Theme Allemsud” by J. Leybaeh; “La Captive d’Amonc,” Nocturne; “Bonny Jean,” by Brinley Richards; “La R”iseea’m,” Etude do Salon: “La Kermesse,”“Scrne from ‘Faust,’” by Ocunod; “Illnstrations Opdratiqoes,”“I Lombardi,”“Fautaisie on ‘Sataneiha,’” by Kulse; “La C”ss:ade du Roses.” I will give any five of these for one of the follow- log books: “Leila no the Island,”“Leila at Rome,”“The Settlers 5t Home,” by Miss Martinea,s.—Txs’rv,
—— “Deuce Peussie,” Henri Ravina; “I would thst my love” (Mendelssohn), Briolsy Richards; “Valide des Roses,” Mazurka, Henri Runbier;
Gnirlaode de Pence,” P. de Vos; “Lieder Ohne Worte,” No. Sj Book I., Mendelssohn; Sonata in B flat, Mozart; Soosta in D major, Mozart; Sonata in A major, Mocart; “La Dove Preode,” Thalberg; “Study,” No.1 lu A minor, Thalbsrg; “Impromptu Polka,” Seh:slhod’; “Where the bes s’meks,” Benedict; “Presto Scherzando,” Pauer. Songs: “L’Echair,” Helsiry; “Ritorna I Me,” Gnglielmc; “Ii Messagero,” Gnglielmo; “ Ii ilallo,” Goglielmo; “ Santa Lucia,” Cottean; “Sweet Spirit, bear my Prmyer,” V. Wmlieee ; “All hail to tIme grecnwos’d,” trio, Donicetti; “La Voinbile,” Bcvignsni; “Tra, is, Ia,” Gordigiani. I will give threo of any of the above pieces or songs for one of the following: “Grand Galop Chromatique,” Liszt; “Lee Lotins,” Scherzo, Prudent; “Faotaieie cur Sonnambuls,” Prudent; “Senate Pathsltique,” Beethoven; “Les Ailes,” Blumenthal; “Lied,” No. 2 in E major, Heller; “Restless Nights,” No. 11, Heller.—E, II. M.
— I have the following pianoforte pieces I wish to exchange—.
viz.: -
“Fantaisie from ‘Oberun,’” Favarger; “Iilnstratiuns du Prophets,” Liszt; “Fanfare Militaire,” Aecher; “Robert Ic Diable,” E. Pr:sdeut; “L’s 11usd e dn Soir,” Knhe; Mendelssolsn’s “Pilgrim’s March” from the fourth symphony (tlsis last as a pianoforte dsset). All in excellent condition. For any one or two of these, I shonld like any of Muzart’s, Beethoven’s, or Spohr’a symphoniea, arranged as pianoforte duets.—GmooAssrswsa (Leeds).
—— I should be glad to exchangs the following duets. They are perfectly new:
Beethoven’s “ Overture to Fidehirs” (air), by Hummel; “Marche Cortdge de l’Opdra Irene,” by Gonnod ; “Marcls from ‘Tanuhailser,’” It. Wagner; “TIse itsd Cross Knight,” Cailcett. I should like, in exchange, the “Guards Waltz,” the “iliida Waltzes,” tlss “Mabel Waltz,” and the “ Faust Waltz,” if possible, arranged as dnets.—Murs’tscaos-.
—— I aus anxious to get the following songs, and’ would not object to legible MS. copies: -
Seeoa and aria, “Ah perfido sperginro,” Beethoven; “Qol la voce sna suave,” from “I i’oritaui ;““L’estasie,” Arditi; soprano srs:nae from “Der Freischiltz” and “ Oberon ;““It is the time for singing,” Gounod; “Trust me in all or trust me not at all,” G. A. Marfarrems. In exchasge I wosild give any of the follo:eing songs and pieces: So:ss: “La bolla Mom,” from the opens of “Niccolo de’ Lapi ;““The Baliringer,” Vincent Wallace; “The Murmuring Sea,” Gaoz; “Mary, don’t forget moe.” ilalfe; “The haughty sleods are m:eiglnng,” C. Gunned; “A holy calmn,” Vincent Wallace; “The Waves’ Reproof” (part song), Smnsrt. JNaasfss’fe Mssie: Books 1 mmd I of S. Heiler’s “Sisepless Nights ;““Scherzo,” from Beethoven’s Symphony in A, transcribed by 0. A. Macfarren. My music, though not now, is in fair condition, and I will give a liberal exchange for any of the songs named, I have a grewt nanny pretty songs bound up, of which I would osake a list for anyone wishing to exchange MS. copies who would send their address through the Editor of Tax QUEEN, svho has mine. If “Trinka” has not yet met with “The Laud o’ the Leel,” I shall be happy to copy It in exchange for one of Schumann’s songs. Will she exchange a list of her songs with me ?—BELLA.