fering him one thing after the other, I so far gained his confidence as to get near him, although it was very much in the same manner that one would approach a sulky mastiff; but, as luck would have it, the article that settled the business, and gained us the whole tribe's good will in a fixity of tenure, was the brass regimental whistle and chain which the Malay-a corporal in the Ceylon Rifles-had luckily brought with him.

"No sooner did the patriarchal Veddah understand how to make it send forth a squeak, than his delight became unbounded; he grinned demoniacal gratification, and the chief difficulty now seemed to consist in ever getting him to leave off.

"The others, gaining courage, 'one by one began to gather round him, and, remaining at some little distance, I had a chance of thoroughly observing this singular and outcast tribe of people, of whom there were present four men and two women.

"Whether it was the overpowering melody of the screeching brass, or my own very amicable and assuring demeanour, that imparted fresh courage, I cannot say; but in a very short space of time the remaining five were all cringing round, and pawing us, no doubt expressing their ardent desire to be straightway put in possession of a whistle apiece.

"Now to let them off unsatisfied, particularly as I wanted to make use of their services, was not the policy to be pursued; so one fellow was presented with my powder-flask (first securing its contents myself), which he forthwith commenced trying to whistle through, and is no doubt trying it on still.

6

my pocket

"One of the fair sex' had my neckerchief, and the other handkerchief, which, being of very bright pattens, no doubt enthroned me in their hearts for ever.

"This was paying rather dearly, however, for our whistle.'

"One fellow, more importunate than the others, finished the brandy flask, and got as drunk as an owl; and so after having received the most friendly assurances from these foreign powers, I proceeded to obtain all the information to be got out of them relative to the locality of the elephants.

"Pointing to the tracks of these animals, which every here and there were fresh, and then lost among the grass and underwood, I made them understand what I wanted; and although I was more than once nearly led into a personal quarrel with the old gentleman, owing to whether the whistle should be blown or not during our search for the animals, they accompanied or rather guided-us so far, that a crash of breaking branches gave notice that we were close on our game; and the next moment our cicerones had scampered pell-mell up into the nearest tree, where the old brute immediately began whistling as loud as his lungs would allow him, by which means I certainly lost a first-rate chance of flooring a splendid tusk elephant.

By a chance shot, however, I sent a ball into the temple of the last of the fugitive beasts as he trotted past, and without a struggle or a groan the monster sank down silently, dead upon the grass, with an ounce bullet in his brain.

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It was some minutes before I could see any signs of my new acquaintances, the Veddahs; the contiguity of the elephants, and the report of the gun, no doubt kept them silent; but when they espied the prostrate carcass, and the Malay and myself seated upon it, they came

forward with the most frantic yelling and grotesque dances imaginable; in short, I would not have given sixpence for Buddha's chance of notice, had he put in a sudden appearance, so intense was their adoration of us.

"This was getting by degrees too enthusiastic to be pleasant; consequently, as soon as we conveniently could, we made our exit, leaving the Veddahs to the dead elephant and their own excited imaginations.'

FINE ARTS.

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From month to month it is our gratifying office to announce some sterling contribution to the national Fine Arts by the Messrs. Fores of Piccadilly. The last, and surely not the least, is now before us, which we will venture to call Winter in an English Farm-yard." It is painted by J. F. Herring, sen., and engraved by H. T. Davy, in the softest and most exquisite mezzotint that ever eyes were laid on. It is the time of a deep snow-and such snow! bright and fresh as the chaplet that crowns "the first glass of champagne." In the foreground, garnished with the sleekest of swine, poultry worthy Apicius, and pigeons of which Venus would have been proud, stand two horses, beside the lee of a spacious barn, discussing a supply of sweet cloverhay. There is no mistaking the quality: you test it in the content which characterizes the feast. Around are other samples of picturesque pork; and under a shed, hard by the farm-house, whose gable and graceful smoke are visible in the back-ground, are riding-nags and Shetland ponies, and corn-stacks, and all the et cetera of comfort which denote the home of the substantial English yeoman.

Admirable as Mr. Herring's rural subjects always are, he has produced nothing more true to nature than this. In elaborate finish and perfection of detail, nothing that modern engraving has effected can rival it.

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS.

"There he did see that pleased much his sight,
That even he himself his eyes envyed."

SPENSER.

Despite the confused state of the times, significant of demagogues' demonstrations, sovereigns' abdications, pikemen's confederations, specials' organizations, and Cuffay's confabulations, the present anniversary of Easter cannot be said to suffer in comparison with its predecessors in point of amusement. The weather not having favoured out-of-door entertainments, holiday people have been more liberal than usual in "assisting" at the several scenic representations given at the principal theatres at this particular season. Of the novelties brought forward it may be fairly stated that a more than average

success has attended their development. Of those that have witnessed the performances, it can be said of more than one

"There he did see that pleased much his sight,
That even he himself his eyes envyed."

The subscribers of HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE have to this period received very sorry treatment. Novelty there has been none, save and except the opera of " Attila," which was a thorough failure. A single ballet has been produced; and however clever and agile Marie Taglioni and Rosati may be, an audience cannot fail to be tired of a ballet so "long drawn out." The announcement of the arrival of Jenny Lind has been made in the fullest, worst, and most disgusting style of puffery. The nonsense anent her departure from Stockholm amid the bewailings of an excited populace; and the furore created by the sale by auction of tickets for her last engagement, cannot fail of being viewed in the light of nauseous tomfoolery by every sensible being, amongst whom, perhaps, Mr. Lumley is not ambitious of being classed.

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Alboni is herself again. "La Donna del Lago" has afforded this charming cantatrice an opportunity of regaining her former pre-eminent position. Her admirers ("their name is Legion") rejoice to hear once more within the walls of THE ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA the delicious sounds of that most exquisitely sweet voice. Puritani,” and “ Il Don Giovanni,” have been given in that perfect manner peculiar to this house. The latter opera, as rendered by this company, is unquestionably one of the richest treats ever bestowed upon a musical auditory. The "Il mio tesoro" of Mario, is in itself a glorious repast. Under the eminent directorship of M. Costa, the orchestra is marvellously correct; indeed, Mozart never had such justice awarded him as at this house. So manifest is the perfectability and completeness of the general arrangements, that unanimous congratulation to the management follows as a matter of course.

"Lola Montes," a sketch not altogether without vulgarity, is redolent of fun. Mrs. Keeley, as the renowned heroine, contrives to extract from the many visitors of the HAYMARKET loud and continuous peals of laughter. This actress's manner of dancing the Cachuca, with his highness Prince Greenasgrass, is irresistibly droll. Keeley, as the Court Barber, and Tilbury, as the representative of the electrified monarch, are amusingly comic and divertingly original, in their several delineations of laughable jealousies and absurd infatuation. Yet, with all the success that attends this bagatelle, we cannot help thinking that the subject is not exactly "fair game" for the pen of the farceur.

What would Horace Walpole say, could he revisit earth and witness Keeley's impersonation of Manfred, in the "Castle of Otranto"? This little moving agent of fun, in all its various shapes and forms, comes out excessively strong in his present character. His address to his "specials" is characterized by a decision of character, interwoven with a dash of the truly comical brave and daring, that cannot fail to rivet the attention of every dazzled beholder. Miss Horton and Miss Reynolds, as Theodore and Isabella, sing some parodies of favourite airs in an arch and winning manner. As for the Marquis Vincenza, when it is mentioned that he is represented by James Bland, it is sufficient guarantee that the character is invested with all the true dignity and pompous state of burlesque. The scenery, dresses, and decorations, deserve especial mention.

"Classic" and "Correct" is the extravaganza of the LYCEUM. "Theseus and Ariadne" are here both well treated. How indeed could it be otherwise, when Planche took them in hand? The accuracy with which the author has adhered to the original is remarkable. Pointed and pungent is the dialogue, overflowing with playful puns, prose poetry, popular parodies, abounding in clever allusions, made in easy, polished, and pliant verse. In acting, there is

everything worthy of commendation. Madame Vestris, as the naughty Theseus, not only looks the hero, but plays with a spirit and determination thoroughly appreciated by the audience. Ariadne finds a charming representation in Miss Fitzwilliam, who bears the slights and cruel conduct of her ungrateful swain in a most meek and gracious manner. Her singing richly merits the applause bestowed; indeed, the feeling she exhibits is enliveningly refreshing. Charles Mathews' Dedalus is amusing, vivacious, and quite artistic. Admirably he chants the drolleries that fall to his share as the choragus. His description of his dream convulses the house; again and again is it demanded and given. But, for all this, we rather incline to his "Jack Robinson," a ditty that (with the potations) completely overpowers Bacchus. Mr. Hall sustains the part of the jolly god in a very spirited way. The scenery is quite beyond all the former efforts of Mr. Beverley. More cannot be said. The properties, dresses, and general appointments, all prominently indicate the good taste and excellent judgment of Madame Vestris.

Macready, prior to his trip to the United States, has been playing his round of characters at the PRINCESS's, assisted by the most useful company in the world-performers whose talents are so varied and various, that they are enabled, by the excessive kindness of the manager, to display their Protean pretensions in every form of entertainment. One night these valuable auxiliaries take characters in tragedy, and afterwards do duty in farce. Another evening they assume operatic parts, concluding with a dash of comedy. Certes the defunct Richardson could not have turned his troupe to better account at the metropolitan carnival of St. Bartholomew, or at any of the suburban fairs. The bills of this house make mention of "Mammon and Gammon" as a novelty. Surely this is a mistake, for we err not in making the positive declaration that Mr. Maddox has for a long period made his excessive familiarity with "Mammon" and "Gammon" painfully apparent. The former he has worshipped unceasingly, and the latter he has been most liberal in bestowing on those unfortunate individuals who have been in any way associated with him.

"A Mission to Borneo" is not likely to draw many to the OLYMPIC to explore the mysteries to be unravelled. A more inane, unintelligible, ridiculously absurd production never was and never could be brought forward. In addition to an utter ignorance of their parts, the company, with one or two-and only one or two-exceptions, betray a most distressing imbecility, that at once annihilates the slightest claim to skill in the dramatic art.

The Lions draw crowded audiences to ASTLEY'S. Van Amburgh performs his wonted feats with the beasts under his command in the same daring, bold, and courageous style that have hitherto distinguished his zoological achievments. At the time of our going to press the head of this renowned beast tamer was occupying the position it has ever enjoyed. How long such a felicitous state of things will endure, Providence and the animals alone know.

The SURREY is opened under rather favourable auspices. Mr. Kerschener has collected a tolerable company already, and holds out promise of a better Ballet will be attempted on "a grand scale.”

one.

The WALHALLA, The PALLADIUM, and The CASINO receive their holiday friends with the most winning welcomes.

The reopening of The POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION has been signalized by the attendance of numerous auditors. The enlargement of the building, and the construction of a new theatre, are agents of increasing the pecuniary resources of the indefatigable directors of this excellent repository of science, art, and invention.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

The Grand French Steeple Chase will not take place this year, though regularly announced some time since, "the reason why" being of course the unsettled state in which the capital continues. After the very fraternal manner in which the oi polloi of Paris have behaved to English grooms and trainers, it might require a double allowance of nerve in our crack riders to exhibit before so amiable an audience. Rome, however, keeps up the game in grand form, the chase just decided appearing to have gone off with more éclât than anything of the kind previously attempted. Prince Adeschalchi "named the winner."

Mr. Vever's celebrated steeple-chase horse, Charity, was destroyed at Dormington Court, on Friday, the 3rd of March, the anniversary of his winning the Grand Liverpool. He was an awkward opponent for many seasons, and won twenty-four races and chases.

A TAX ON SPORTING FIRE-ARMS.-The following letter, addressed to the daily papers, is said to be the production of that high authority, Colonel Hawker :-"Sir: May I be allowed to suggest a new tax that might bring in a good revenue, and rid us, in a great degree, of a dangerous nuisance? What I have to propose is, that every person using a gun (except on his own ground) should be obliged to pay for a license, similar to a French porte d'armes. There are thousands of decent persons who would readily pay ten or twenty shillings a year for using a gun if they could be rid of those armed vagabonds that sally forth from pothouses, and idle about with fire-arms, to the annoyance, and even danger, of the lives of her Majesty's subjects, instead of trying to support their families by honest industry. There are many fishermen on the coast who get a part of their livelihood by winter shooting, and these are the very men who are most anxious to pay a small duty rather than be constantly interrupted by those quasi-shooters, who without doing good to themselves, destroy the profit of others. A tax of this kind would, moreover, become a registration of arms, and, therefore, a considerable, though not unconstitutional, protection from fellows of bad character. Persons who pay for a game certificate might be exonerated from this tax or not as may be thought best by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.-H. March 21."

ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB.-Lord Alfred Paget has been unanimously re-elected commodore, Captain Barwell vice-commodore, Captain Wheeler treasurer, Mr. Cook cup-bearer, and Captain Durand secretary. The Duc de Stackpoole's name has been erased from the list of members in consequence of putting in a plea of "Guilty" in the smuggling affair. Lord Mulgrave has been elected a member by accla

mation.

The Henley-on-Thames Annual Regatta has been fixed for the 6th and 7th of July, somewhat later than usual. The Thames Grand Regatta has also been fixed for the two same days-the 6th and 7th of July—a clash that must be injurious to both, but which it appears it was impossible to avoid.

The Licensed Victuallers of the metropolis have passed, and extensively advertised, the following resolutions in expression of their gratitude for