ground ourselves, we can safely aver that truth is not sacrificed to effect, nor is there that flippant, exaggerated style, which seems to be the fashion now among those who favour us with their views on men and manners; the work is a favourable specimen of a "first book," and a very pleasant reminder to fading memories of sunny lands. We cannot but feel the remarks upon the Roman Catholic religion must be very unpleasant to those who amongst ourselves seem to forget that the Church of England should be independent of all that Rome can offer in rites, ceremonies, and devotional tone. The theory of the Church of Rome is all very fine when viewed at the distance of some hundred miles from England. The faults of the Church of England are chiefly those for which the power of the State over her has to answer. At Dijon, the authoress tells us of "a chapel turned into a cavalrystable" (p. 21). At Avignon, a chapel, with beautiful frescoes at the altar, a soldier's bedroom!" The powers that be, it seems, too, now and then, have an eye to money, when it can be obtained under a fair pretext. At Nice, "I am afraid," said a Roman Catholic lady to me, "the Bishopric will be vacant some time, as the Government takes the revenue during the interval."

How faithless! I have often felt over like sorrows in England.

On December 6th we went over the monastery of Mount Cimies. The monks were very busy, putting everything in order for the great fete of the "Immaculate Conception." They were hanging numberless tin (!!) hearts round a canopy, containing a picture of the blessed Virgin; there they were knocking away and hammering, while their cemetery was a wilderness of untidiness and dirt. At our inndoor stood one of them, begging food!

Our authoress seems partial to Americans, and generally contrived to elicit some pleasant "talk and traits" from them; as, for instance, at the table-d'hôte at Florence, speaking of the Grand

Duke's ball:

"Did you go, ma'am?"

"No, I have not yet been introduced at Court in England."

"Oh, my!" was the rejoinder; "I guess we shouldn't stand that. We make our bankers introduce us!"

The consequences of which an American deplores, in that he was unhappy enough to behold some terrible behaviour on the part of his countrywomen, "carried from the presence of the Grand Duchess, tipsy!" Easter Eye at Florence is very well described:

I went very early to the cathedral, to see "the dove," which is even more attractive than visiting the sepulchre," inasmuch as all the Contadini come down from the hills in crowds. A cart, highly ornamented, filled with fireworks, stands outside the cathedral-door, connected by a thin rope with a tall post placed close to the high altar; and, fixed on the rope, is a white dove. After some prayers, mass is begun; then, at the Gloria in Excelsis, a priest comes forward, and sets fire to a train of gunpowder, which fills a tube in the pole connected with the dove. This was a moment of intense excitement. Every eye was fixed on the dove. Whiz-crack— whirr! Off it flies on its fiery errand, filling the nave with a shower of sparks. You forgot rope, post, and everything, and only saw that dove of light and beauty: fizz it went at the cart, pecked at it, and back again through the nave to its old resting-place. If the dove fails, the harvest fails if it succeeds, the harvest does also. Well, well, do not let us boast, after the late "witchcraft revelations" in the papers. But we are further informed that "if the little bird failed in its mission, the ouvrier spent some time in prison!!" We could linger yet longer with our clever countrywoman—and particularly when she chats of pictures and art, for which she has a genuine love; but we may safely recommend her book to all our readers, as the production of an earnest mind in serious things, and a welljudging mind in trifling things. What more can we say, but wish her to write another?

THE CONNEXION OF HEALTH AND BEAUTY. By Robert Dick, M.D. (John Chapman, King William-street, Strand.)-This is really a useful little work for the toilet-table, and contains some suggestive remarks on the relation between facial expression and physical, intellectual, and moral regulation. The following passage is worth consideration:

An intelligent, a lively, a graceful, a refined, an agreeable expression of countenance, often makes ordinary features pass. The converse of the proposition is much more rarely true. It is not to be denied that a fine expression, whether of temper or mind, incalculably enhances regularity of features, and abates the disadvantageous effect of ordinary facial contour. These facts, with those already stated, are sufficient to warrant us in entering on an inquiry into those parts of female education and employment of the present day, by which, as in all preceding ages, the appearance and manners of ladies are moulded and coloured. A taste for pure and refined literature, a regular system of study, reading, or of the practice and cultivation of some beautiful and pleasing art or employment, is, in this respect, signally useful to females-that from the agreeable and profitable exercise and activity of mind caused and kept up by such pursuits, they may go into society much more lively in their thoughts and tempers, much more gay and amusing in their discourse, and consequently much more engaging, both in their persons and manners, than if they followed no such domestic pursuits. We by no means agree with the author's sweeping denunciation of the study of fossils and geology as "trash," nor do we think that such occupations arise from our unsatisfactory social intercourse; but from the thirst of our spiritual

THE PRINCESS's.

We regret that from the time at which we go to press it will not be in our power to notice this month, the new Shakesperian revival which Mr. Kean is about to produce: somewhat, we confess, to our regret, for King Richard II. is still at the high tide of its popularity, and the ladie's dresses are fresh as ever, and the baron's armour as bright, and, as yet, the bit of Old London has lost no particle of its picturesque quaintness, nor the seething crowd its expectancy and animation; much less has the joyous clamour of the festive bells dulled upon our ears. The first outburst of these buoyant chimes still brings all the people in the boxes to the front, and attracts, if not so motley and tumultuous a crowd before the stage as occupy it, certainly as eager and excited a one; and for many a night to come (despite the dog-days) would, we have no doubt, have continued to attract unwearying audiences. When these pages are in the hands of our readers King Richard II. will be really dead to us; but who will forget the scenic beauty, the medieval crowds-the grief of the poor Queen, poignant in its bitter truthfulness-the inimitable pathos of common suffering made kingly! the dignity of humility, which Mr. Kean so artistically depicted in the character of Richard II.; or the knightly bearing of the stalwart Bolingbroke? It is almost impossible to believe that anything can approach the general perfection of this exquisite revival; but Mr. Kean has already proved to us that his inventive genius is amongst the facts of the day, of which it is as well not to limit our judgment or our faith.

THE ADELPHI,

A new drama has been produced at this house, which we notice because, though withdrawn at present to enable the principal actors to keep their provincial engagements, is likely, from its merits, to come before us at a future time. The new piece (by the author of "Janet Pride") is entitled " George Darville," and is justly advertised as a drama of "great interest." The story is rather intricate, and the development slow, George Darville (Mr. Webster), a culptor of considerable genius and strong af

fections, is by some means-by no means clear to us-in the service of Mr. Grant (Mr. Gordon), and in love with his daughter Marion (Madame Celeste); but this gentleman, who has risen from an errand-boy to the rank of a magistrate, has a great aversion to so humble a match for his child, and repulses the artistlover. By a very natural infatuation the young man lingers outside the house on a night when the magistrate sees company and gives a ball, when, by a singular circumstance, not wholly impossible however, £10,000, the moiety of a robbery, comes into his possession; and when about to restore it, the voice of Marion singing drives away the impulse till too late. He is, however, arrested, and is only saved by being taken off by the opportune appearance of Mr. Grant, who gives his word, as a gentleman and magistrate, that George is incapable of an act of felony. Subsequently we find him married to Marion, having announced himself the recipient of a legacy of £10,000; her father's objections are removed, but retribution begins almost as soon as the bridal procession sets forward. Then comes an interval of ten years: Darville has become a wealthy banker, having succeeded to his father-in-law's fortune. In the meanwhile Marion discovers that the favourite clerk, Edgar (Mr. Bellington) is the son of a poor fellow, who, having been robbed of £20,000, belonging to his employer, destroyed himself; and, moreover she discovers half the sum in the identical notes and pocket-book in her husband's escritoire. Her health gives way under the influence of this discovery; while her interest in Edgar induces her husband to doubt her faithfulness. He leaves her, and is absent for days. Eventually he returns to find his wife at the point of death; she, however, has sufficient strength left to combat his attempt to commit suicide, but dies in his arms, declaring that her anguish and death are not so much the result of her knowledge of his guilt, as of the want of trust he has exhibited to her. The effect of such situations, in the hands of Madame Celeste and Mr. Webster, could not be otherwise than powerful. The play is carefully written, the scenery excellent, and, without have recourse to hulk or gibbet, justice is made to fall on the secret offender against honesty, truth, and principle, with a force that is recognizable from the first

THE HAYMARKET

Here "The Husband of an Hour" continues to attract. Mr. E. Falkoner-author of a considerable Lyceum success, "The Cagot"-is responsible for this play-the subject of which, by the way, is announced as new and original." But we will briefly describe it. First period: A marriage is to take place between the youthful Countess de Clairville (Miss Reynolds) and the Marquis de Crevecœur (Mr. W. Farren)-when a lawyer announces that the countess's gardener, Robert (Mr. Buckstone), is her cousin, and lawful owner of the title and estates. Robert says, "Nonsense, I don't want them"-whilst all the time he is in love with his mistress. The Marquis says some things, and makes some disgraceful proposal to Julie, which shall not be repeated. Julie instantly marries Robert, on condition of immediate revenge on the Marquis. The revenge-as "Honour" calls it-consists in Robert being run through and through. He is the "Husband of an Hour." Second period, Paris: Julie, now countess in her own right, is in despair, having reproached herself for three years with having caused her fond husband's death, merely to gratify feminine revenge. She will scarcely receive any attentions, and is threatening conventual seclusion, when a fat and fascinating Englishman, Lord Thorneley, carries all before him. He beats all the Louis XVI. gallants in address and manners, and, above all, disarms the Marquis de Crèvecœur, who is again on the scene professing love and sorrow in re Julie. She is exceedingly touched with the lord; but he must leave her. He does so. Then enters Robert, not dead and never was. His wife is delighted to hear it, but he is so coarse and clownish that he is also entreated to leave. Then re-enters Lord Thorneley, and to the dismay and delight of all parties, Robert and the lord are announced to be identical. His three years have been devoted to better purpose than Crichton could have dreamed of. These slight elements in the principal subject of the drama will be found very interesting, despite the fact that the play-bill reveals all. The great point is, that each character is good (without being at all great), and that each is exceedingly well performed. Everybody sympathises with Buckstone at all times-and here he is sentimental! One of the best passages in the play is that in which he describes the contradictions in love, which are summed up in the style of Cowley or of Donne, but without their exaggeration, or their quaintness of diction. For the general dialogue, it is appropriate, seldom running into poetry; but in the under, or servant's plot, constantly displaying humour. Throughout, the passions, fortunes, and misfortunes, of the principal characters, are closely parodied by their attendants, and thus the moistened eyes of

be called the cambric and bandanna of Mrs. E. Fitzwilliam, Mr. Compton, and Mr. Clark. But there are one or two points which may be mentioned in mitigation of the highest praise. In three years a rustic Frenchman has learnt to surpass in conduct and gallantry the nobility of Louis XVI., and, together with the clownish servant, has learnt the English language so perfectly that he passes himself for an English peer, which no French gentleman ought to do. Then, a mere change of dress and modulation of a somewhat remarkable voice, renders him unknown to his friends of the previous five minutes. But these are trifling faults after all, and none of Mr. Falkoner's brethren will be inclined to cast the first stone. The piece is a far better one than "The Cagot," which was rather repulsive; and Mr. Falkoner may be assured that his success is as great as any of recent times.

MISS CHATTERTON'S CONCERT.

The past month has proved an especially busy one in the matter of concert-giving; and amongst the most charming of these entertainments we may rank Miss Chatterton's (the well-known harpist), which took place at Willis's Rooms, on the evening of the 3rd of June, and was, we rejoice to say, most fully attended by an appreciating and delighted audience. On this occasion, in addition to the generous list of professional talent which graced the varied and wellselected programme, Miss Binckes (why do not the public more frequently hear of this pianiste?) proved a valuable addition. The precision, firmness, and at the same time delicacy of her touch, rendered the "Grand Coronation duet" (for harp and piano-forte) one of the most attractive performances of the evening. Of Miss Chatterton's facile execution on the former instrument it is impossible to say too much in the way of praise; her graceful, clear fingering, and ingenious effects evince her mastery of this elegant instrument. Madame Frodsham was in charming voice, and rained down her florid notes con amore; while few will forget Madame F. Lablache's "Huntingtower," or the exquisite pathos and expression which characterized her singing of it. Miss Poole sang with her accustomed carefulness; and we have seldom heard Messrs. Braham and Irving to greater advantage.

SOCIETY OF FEMALE ARTISTS.

FIRST EXHIBITION.

We recognize in this new society a movement in the right path-not to place woman as a rival of man; but to give her a fair opportunity of earning an honourable maintenance by placing before the public her works. For many years past, talented lady-artists have made vain attempts to get elected as members of our two water-colour societies; and these bodies, when

In the Oil Paintings, Mrs. M'Tam is the head of the department. Her "Highland Emigrant" is a touching episode of lowly life, which needs no voice of praise to make it understood by the spectator.

Mrs. J. M. Ward's "May Queen" (which is being engraved) is another subject which touches a chord in the heart; for we know that the young girl, in all the pride of youth, will soon be laid low in the grave.

Margaret Whitcomb, in "The shortest way to the Village" (which in light and shade bids fair to rival Lee's loveliest scenes), has certainly found the shortest way to Fame.

In Frances Stodart's "Glen Mark, Forfarshire," is great depth of colouring.

Alice Holmes is equally successful; but in her "Fruit and Flowers" the scarlet of the cactus is not sufficiently vivid.

"The Mountain Mist" and "The Welsh Stream," by Mrs. J. W. Brown, are cool and delicious, reminding us of the atmosphere J. D. Harding gives to his scenery.

"A Christian Woman of Nazareth," by Mrs. Robertson Blaine, is painted fearlessly, and with brilliant effect.

Sophia Sennett paints "A Family engaged in reading a List of Killed and Wounded;" but the eyes of all the group are too dilated to express anxiety and grief. A little more variation would have made the picture perfect.

In the Water-colour department, Mrs. Elizabeth Murray shines pre-eminent; as Mrs. Thornycroft does in Sculpture. The former lady exhibits a host. Portraits (one a full-length-by command-of King Otho, in Greek costume); Spanish and Moorish peasants, in picturesque dresses of scarlet and green, with all their national adjuncts; views of "Teneriffe," where the grand peak rises above the clouds, and the city slopes down to the sea; Funchal," in Madeira, basking in sunshine-are alike portrayed with a facility and boldness that astonish the spectator. No woman has ever before handled a pencil so freely and so successfully.

There are two charming pictures by Mrs. Backhouse-"Look, Mamma!" and a study of a girl's head, which in purity of flesh-tints resembles one of our favourite old mastersGreuze.

Marianne Stone has sent several specimens of her style. Her flowers are somewhat too gorgeous; but experience will tone them down. A little picture called "New-laid Eggs" is perfect every admirer of Nature will discover its merits. The straw upon which these eggs are placed is a marvel of reality.

Florence Peel is another promising contributor; and had she painted only "The Blackbird's Nest in the Primrose Bank," she would have been an honour to the society. The want of space pre

Miss Blake, an amateur, long known to the artistic world, has sent in "The Kremlin at Moscow" and "Schloss Elz;" both harmonious and in keeping with the subject.

The same may be said of Lady Belcher's fine studies of Trees, and "A view of Tancarville Castle, on the Seine."

Mrs. Valentine Bartholomew exhibits two pictures-one" Fruit;" the other "The Cottage Door," where an Italian boy is showing his guinea-pigs to a child. Both subjects are in this well-known artist's best style.

Mrs. Harrison and Mrs. Withers have also some very clever studies of Roses, and other flowers; as well as Miss Gillett, Miss Hull, and Miss Fry.

To numerous young exhibitors, as yet unknown to Fame, we say, "Go on and prosper!" Art is a goddess that must not be slightly wooed to be won. This institution, begun under such favourable auspices, will stand or fall by the merits the contributors display next season. On this first trial the press has been most courteous-NEXT YEAR it will be a severer judge and the public, when the novelty has passed, will not pay their shillings unless they have something worth looking at. Les hommages aux dames will henceforth depend upon their own merit. They have come before the world as a body; they must now fight their own fight, and fair-play is before them! The committee has just selected fifteen members from the con

:

tributors; fifteen more will be chosen from the exhibition of 1858.

THE LATE MAJOR CALDER CAMPBELL.

The friends and admirers of this gentleman will be happy to learn that a striking photographic likeness, by Mrs. Valentine Bartholomew, is now ready; and that a medallion has been executed by Mr. Halse (5, St. Ann's Villas, Notting-hill), of the merits of which we shall be better able to inform our readers next month. In the meantime we congratulate them and ourself that the kindly lineaments of one so long known and affectionately regarded are thus preserved to us.

A HINT TO THE NURSERY.-Our attention has been drawn to an elastic zone, or infant's belt, invented by a lady, as a substitute for the cumbrous roller and stays-or, better still, a counteractant of the injurious custom which some nurses are endeavouring to establish, of discarding all support whatever. The specimen before us, from its simplicity of construction and facility of putting on, seems to us a great improvement on the usual dress of infants. It is recommended by many medical men, among whom Dr. Conquest stands pre-eminent, and is calculated to prove a boon to both mother and infant.