covered galleries, and every possible convenience, including apparatus for teaching the principles of swimming without going into the water. This useful and extensive establishment has been in full operation since the 1st of July last. Mons. de la Fitte is also engaged in establishing a similar convenience for the lower orders, and for the troops in garrison at Bourdeaux, so that the art of swimming will be tanght to the French troops upon scientific principles as is the practice in Germany and Denmark; and to this art will be added the other gymnastic exercises taught by Mons. Amoros. The French have made such progress in the manufacture of cashmere shawls, that an article of that, kind, which would have cost one hundred and fifty francs in 1819, is now sold for ninety francs. There is also a great fall in the price of silk gowns; what sold at eighteen francs an ell, four years ago, is now selling at eleven. GREAT BRITAIN. The Eisteddvod, or Congress of Welsh Bards, took place lately at Carmarthen, and was brilliantly attended. Lord Dinevor, President of the Cambrian Society of Dyved, was in the chair, and by his side sat the Bishop of St. David's, the Patron of the Society. The successful candidate for the poems on "St. David's College," and On the recent victories gained by the Greeks over the Turks," was the Rev. David Evans, M.A. Fellow of Jesus College: and the successful candidate for the verses composed on "Sir Gruffydd ab Nicholas," one of the ancestors of Lord Dinevor, was the Rev. John Jones, M.A. of Christ Church. The subscription for establishing two National Schools at Peterborough already amounts to more than 6501. Earl Fitzwilliam, with his usual liberality, has given 2007, and Lord Milton and the Bishop of Peterborough each 50%. · Mr. Bowring has been lately elected Honorary Correspondent of the Royal Institute of the Netherlands. Mission to Africa for the Discovery of the Course of the Niger-We have the greatest satisfaction in announcing that our three enterprising countrymen, Dr. Oudenay, Major Denham, and Lieut. Clapperton, who left Loudon on the above interesting and hazardous expedition, under the authority of Goverument, in 1821, arrived at Bornou, in the centre of the continent of Africa, in February last, and were exceedingly well received by the Sultan of that kingdom. The Doctor is to remain at Bornou as British Vice-Consul, while the other parties pursue their inquiries as to the course of this long sought river. Among the pictures, at Powderham, the late seat of Lord Courtenay, is the much talked of full length of the 'unfortunate Louis XVI. in his corona tion robes; there are also some good pictures by Sir Joshua Reynolds and other masters. Osborne, the bookseller, bought the whole of Lord Oxford's library for 13,000l. His Lordship gave 18,0001. for the binding of only the smaller part of it. Singular Discovery.-Tuesday last some workmen employed in taking down a rained building, near Maidstone, in Kent, found in the wall a large earthern vase, carefully closed at the top with a lid of the same material, overlaid with several folds of leather and linen cloth. In it was found a Bible, of ancient typography, in tolerably good preservation, and having on its blank pages some very old MS. notes, scarcely legible from the effects of damp and mould. Sufficient traces, however, remain to show that they were memoranda made by a gentleman' on his travels through this country about the middie of the 10th century. There were also two coins in very good preservation-one silver, which appears to be Roman, the other copper, of the reign of Queen Anne. They are all in the possession of Henry Markham, Esq., on whose estate they were found, and who purchased the entire treasure for 10s. Our ancestors, in the 15th and 16th centuries, always bound their volumes within covers formed of oak, or other stout wooden materials. On the outside of this wooden binding a coat of leather was usually laid, upon which was impressed a variety of ornaments and devices, according to the skill or fancy of the printer or publisher. It is not uncommon to find many beautiful arabesque borders round some of these embellishments of heads or figures of distinguished characters. In the inner side of the binding, a large oval or square incision was sometimes made, into which was inserted a religious relic, usually a silver crucifix. This was guarded by a little door, which opened or shut at the pleasure of the owner, and thus the book presented at once an object of devotion, and a subject of studious inquiry, A new Monthly Asiatic Journal, will commence on the first of January, entitled the "Oriental Herald and Colonial Advocate;" it will be conducted by Mr. J. S. Buckingham, late Editor of the Calcutta Journal, with a view of affording an opportunity of promoting by enquiry and discussion, the Important Interests, Literary, Political, and Commercial, of the British Empire in both the Indies. We are authorised to state, that the Letters on Society and Manners in Paris and London, which appeared first in various Numbers of this Magazine, are now re-printed; and, with some additional ones, will be published early in November, in 1 vol. 8vo., entitled, "London and Paris, or Comparative Sketches, by the Marquis de Vermont, and Sir Charles Darnley, Bart." Speedily will be published, "Letters to Marianne," by William Comb, Esq. author of Doctor Syntax's Tour in Search of the Picturesque, &c. &c. with a profile portrait. In the press, the Star in the East, with other Poems, by Josiah Conder... Preparing for publication, Short Hand Writing made Easy, Concise and Legible, with fifteen Letters, including the Vowels, upon, the most philosophical principles, and suited to any language. Compiled from the MS. of the late W. Blair, Esq. Preparing for publication, Italian Tales; Tales of Humour, Gallantry, and Romance, in 1 vol. small 8vo, embellished with a series of designs from the pencil of Mr. George Cruikshank.¡ On the 25th of November, will be published, with the Almanacks, embellished with an emblematical frontispiece, including a medallion portrait of Captain Parry, "Time's Telescope for 1824, or the Astronomer's, Botanist's, Naturalist's, and Historian's Guide for the Year," forming also a complete IIlustration of the Almanack; to which will be prefixed an Introduction, containing the Outlines of Historical and Physical Geography, and an Ode to Flowers, written expressly for the work, by Bernard Barton, Mr. Charles Westmacott is about to publish a humorous work, entitled, Points of Misery, with illustrations, by Cruikshank, the subjects affording fine Eur. Mag. Oct. 1823. scope for the talents of that ingenious artist. An Historical Novel, by a New Unknown, will shortly issue from the Edinburgh press, under the title of "St. Johnstoun, or John Earl of Gourie." It is founded on the Gourie conspiracy in the reign of James VI., and is illustrative of the events of that most interesting period of Scottish History. Mr. Blaquier has in the press, a vol, on the Origin and Progress of the Greek Revolution, together with some account of the Manners and Customs of Greece, Anecdotes of the Military Chiefs, &c. Being the result of materials collected during his recent visit to the Morea and lonian Islands... In the press, Batavian Anthology; or, Specimens of the Dutch Poets; with Remarks on the Poetical Literature and Language of the Netherlands. By John Bowring, and Harry S. Van Dyk. Sir Andrew Halliday has nearly ready for the press, the Lives of the Dukes of Bavaria, Saxony, and Bruns wick; ancestors of the kings of Great Britain, of the Guelphic Dynasty, with portraits of the most illustrious of these Princes, from drawings made from an cient statues and paintings by the old masters, expressly for this work. In a few weeks will be published, in one 8vo. vol. an Introduction to the Study of the Anatomy of the Human Body, particularly designed for the use of painters, sculptors, and artists in general. Translated from the German of J. H. Lavater, and illustrated by twenty-seven lithographie plates,, · Early in November will be published, the Forget me not, for 1824, containing twelve highly finished engravings, and a great variety of Miscellaneous Pieces in prose and verse; forming altogether an acceptable token of remembrance and friendship for the approaching festive season. " 1 Letters between Amelia and her Mother, from the pen of the late Wm. Combe, esq., the author of the Tours of Dr. Syntax, will speedily appear ių one pocket volume. A new Division of the World in Miniature, containing The Netherlands, will be published on the 1st of December, in one vol. with eight coloured engravings, The Private Correspondence of the late William Cowper, esq. in two vols. octavo, now first published from the originals, is in a forward state, and may be expected in the course of the present month. This work will, it is 2 Y presumed, form a valuable addition to his "Life," as throwing a new light upon those parts of his interesting character, which have hitherto been but slightly alluded to. In a few days will be published, in one thick 8vo. volume, a new edition of the late Dr. Vicesmus Knox's Christian Philosophy. In the press, a Treatise on the Section of the Prostrate Gland in Litho tomy: with Anatomical Remarks on the inefficiency of the Gorget, in conducting the operation on the principles of Cheselden; to which is added, an explanation of a new method of performing the operation of Lithotomy, by which its difficulty and danger is diminished; illustrated by engravings, explanatory of the instruments used, and the steps pursued in the operation. By C. Aston Key, Assistant-Surgeon of Guy's Hospital. The New Trial of the Witnesses, or, the Resurrection of Jesus considered, on principles understood and acknow. equally by Jews and Christians, is in the press, and will be published in the beginning of the ensuing month. Preparing for the press, and speedily will be published, a Practical German Grammar, being a new and easy method for acquiring a thorough knowledge of the German Language; for the use of Schools and Private Students. By John Rowbotham, Master of the Classical, Mathematical, and Commercial Academy, at Walworth. Mr. Gamble, author of Sketches in Ireland, and other works, is about to. publish"Charlton; or, Scenes in the North of Ireland," in three vols. Miss Jane Hervey, author of "Sensibility," &c. will shortly publish Montalyth, a Cumberland Tale. A new Poem, entitled a " a Midsummer Day's Dream," will speedily appear, from the pen of Mr. Atherstone, author of "The Last Days of Herculaneum." Admiral Ekins has in the press, a work on Naval Tactics, entitled "Naval Battles from 1744 to the peace in 1814, critically revised and illustrated. Dr. Henderson's History of ancient and modern Wines, is nearly ready for publication. A new work entitled "Fatal Errors and Fundamental Truths," illustrated in a series of Narratives and Essays, is in the press. Mr. Riddle, master of the Mathematical School, Royal Naval Asylum, is preparing a "Treatise on Navigation Land Nautical Astronomy," adapted to practice and to the purposes of Elementary Instruction. Dr. Prout is preparing a volume of Observations on the Functions of the Digestive Organs, especially those of the Stomach and Liver. A Translation from the German of "Morning Communings with God, for every Day in the Year." By Sturm, the author of the "Reflections," is in the press. Mr Jefferys Taylor, author of Osop in Rhyme, &c. is printing "The Young Historians, being a New Chronicle of the affairs of England." By Louis and Paul. Mr. Pursglove, sen. has nearly ready for publication, "A Guide to Practical Farriery; containing Hints on the Diseases of Horses and Neat Cattle, with many valuable and original Recipes, from the practice of an eminent Veterinary Surgeon. The following Works are in the press, and will be published in the course of next month : Travels in the Interior of Southern Africa. By William J. Burchell, esq. With numerous coloured engravings, vignettes, &c. from the author's original drawings. The Second Volume, In 4to. which completes the work. The English Flora. By Sir J. Ë. Smith, President of the Linnæan Society, &c. &c. In 8vo. An original Work, in which the language is attempted to be reduced to a correct standard, the genera reformed, and the species defined, from practical obser vation. Duke Christian of Luneburg; or, Traditions from the Hartz. By Miss Jane Porter. Dedicated by the most gracious Permission, to his Majesty. In 3 vols. 12mo. Journal of a Ten Month's Residence in New Zealand. By Richard Cruise, esq., Captain of the 84th Regiment. In 8vo. A Geognostical Essay on the Superposition of Rocks in both Hemispheres. By M. De Humboldt. And translated into English under his immediate Inspection. In 1 vol. 8vo. The Painter and his Wife. By Mrs. Opie. In 2 vols. 12mo. First Steps to Botany, intended as Popular Illustrations of the Science leading to its Study as a Branch of general Education. By James L. Drummond, M. D. Surgeon, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology in the Belfast Academical Institution. With 100 wood-cuts, comprising upwards of 200 figures. One vol. 12mo. PREPARATORY to the opening of this splendid national theatre, on the 1st of October, an invitation was given to the friends of the establishment to inspect the recent decorations which we fully described in our last number; a very numerous and elegant company assembled on the occasion. Imme diately on the opening of the doors a full military band, which was stationed in the entrance, struck up the anthem of God save the King,' which had a thundering effect on the ears of those who were ascending the staircase, but in the body of the house itself was softened into a fine expression. The refreshments provided for the company were furnished with the same elegance and hospitality which we have been accustomed to witness at Drury-lane. Mr. Elliston, Mr. Winston and Mr. Robins were present during the whole evening, and paid the utmost attention to their visitors. After the company had gratified their curiosity in visiting all parts of the house, they retired to the Saloon, where they commenced quadrilles. The dancing was not very general, but it was very good. A great deal of notice was taken of the celebrated little Clara Fisher, who appeared with her father and sister in the Saloon. The elegant dancing of the Miss Ellistons, daughters of the manager, attracted universal approbation. On the first night of performance the attendance was more numerous than could be fairly expected, considering the unfavourable state of the weather. The play was Sheridan's exquisite comedy of The Rivals. Nothing could be more appropriate than the ushering in a new season with one of the dis : tinguished productions of that great man. In this play Miss Lydia Kelly was again introduced to a London audience after an absence of several years, and was greeted with warm applause as we shall have frequent opportunities of remarking on this lady's acting, we will now only observe, that she seems to have employed this long interval to advantage. A new comic sketch, entitled Stella and Leatherlungs or a Star and a Stroller, which rumour has attributed to the pen of Mr. Colman, followed the comedy. This trifle has been produced for the professed purpose of developing the extraordinary talents of Miss Clara Fisher, who, in the progress of the piece, appears in the characters of Dr. Panglos, Shylock, Falstaff, Young Norval, and Little Pickle, and performs a scene from each of the plays to which these characters belong. It is a very astonishing effort. Her Shylock and her Young Norval are particularly excellent. The entertainments concluded with a new allegorical ballet, denominated Cupid and Folly or The Court of Love, which, aided by some good scenery aud tolerable dancing, has been well received. Shakspeare's first part of King Henry the Fourth has been performed, and was the medium of introducing to a London audience Mr. Archer, who lately figured at the Bath and Birmingham theatres. The person of this new candidate for scenic honours is pleasing, his face petite but the features well defined and expressive. His voice is deep and of an excellent quality, but, like most provincial actors, he appears more anxious to display the ex, tent of his voice, than to show that he has attended to its proper modulation. The reception of Mr. Archer was in every respect encouraging. Perhaps the most interesting event that has occurred at this theatre, during the present season, is the appearance of Mr. Macready, who has left Covent, Garden for a more beneficial engagement at Drury. The merits of this actor are too universally acknowledged to admit of doubt; but on the degree of those merits there is certainly a difference of opinion, as there will always be on subjects that are not at the very highest point of attainable excellence. Mr. Macready very judiciously selected the tragedy of Virginius, and performed the character of that name with all his accustomed excellence, and most assuredly that charac ter is at present peculiarly his own, as it has not as yet been attempted by Mr. Kean. It is not, we are sure, the character of Virginius, however admirably performed, that will raise an actor to the highest pinnacle of theatrical fame, and entitle him to be ranked among the first tragedians. The plays of Shakspeare alone can entitle a performer to be numbered among the deathless names of Garrick, Kemble, Cooke, and Kean. We shall, we hope, have frequent opportunities of remarking on Mr. Macready's performances of many of these characters, and we shall be pleasingly disappointed if we are enabled to pay him an equal tribute of applause as that which is unquestionably due to his Virginius, which we never see without the warmest approbation. COVENT GARDEŃ THEATRE. THE proprietors of this theatre favoured their friends with a private view of the alterations which it has undergone during the recess. The com pany was numerous; and we believe the general feeling was, that the ornaments of the theatre combine purity of taste with splendour of effect. The proscenium, which is exquisitely designed, attracted in an especial degree the attention of the visitors. The good taste of the managers was exhibited in the selection of the play with which the theatrical campaign at this house was opened; Shakspeare's comedy of Much Ado about Nothing was received throughout with considerable applause. This drama is too well known to admit now of criticism from us. Nearly all the parts were sustained by persons whom the public has frequently seen in them with pleasure. Mr. Charles Kemble was admirable in Benedick. Miss Chester performed Beatrice, and was arch and lively. In the afterpiece, Miss Tree appeared as Rosina, and was welcomed with especial marks of esteem, which she repaid by singing in her best and simplest style. Miss Love played Phobe, and would have been more successful if she had not attempted to make the humour broader even than it is in the original. The part of William was most absurdly given to Miss Hallande, as the character does not afford the slightest pretext for the disgusting and ridiculous exhibition of a woman iu the dress and with the language of a man, Duruset, who has often performed this character, should be substituted for Mr. Miss Hallande, in order to remove this ridiculous as well as disgusting theatrical solecism. Mr. Connor obtained much approbation in the character of Patrick. Miss Hammersley, from Liverpool, made her first appearance on this stage as Adriana in the musical play founded on Shakspeare's Comedy of Errors. She went through the whole business of the scene with an ease and self-possession which bespoke confidence in her own powers and experience in ber art. She does not, however, act so well as our best female singers. Mr. Young made his appearance at this theatre, for the first time these two years, in the character of Hamlet. His powers in the part are well known. They have been so often the theme of panegyric, and are so well appreciated by the publie in general, as to forbid any detailed notice on the present occasion. Mis M. Tree was a most interesting Ophelia, and in the singing was every thing that could be wished. Mr. Fawcett, as the First Grave Digger, relieved the passion of Tragedy, by some broad and well acted Comedy. This house has received a great acquisition to its present company in the person of Mr. Rayner, the gentleman who first made his appearance before a London audience, at the English In the characters of Opera House. Robert Tyke, in the School of Reform," and Giles in the "Miller's Maid" he has evinced acknowédged talent, and never fails to receive the unbiased applause of a judicious and numerous audience. |