FINE ARTS.

THE PYTCHLEY MEET AT CRICK.

Since Mr. Grant opened the ball, some years since, with the meet of the buck-hounds on Ascot Heath, we have had many a painter and publisher anxious enough to follow him. And this is not to be wondered at either, for the Royal Hunt was a picture calculated to be eminently successful. It was well treated in every way-the likenesses excellent, the difficulties of arrangement most judiciously disposed of, while the subject itself went far to make it, as it turned out to be, a capital speculation.

Amongst those gentlemen who have followed us with other popular hunts, the brothers Barraud, deservedly enough, stand conspicuous. They began well, taking perhaps the next popular show meet after Ascot; viz., that of his Grace the Duke of Beaufort's hounds at Badminton. The work evinced forcibly enough the sufficiency of their strength, but it unfortunately suffered in the graver's hands, and, as a print, never attained that popularity the care and ability spent upon its original composition ought to have ensured it.

Nothing deterred, however, the Brothers made another good cast when they declared for the Pytchley at Crick-that Crick our friend Scribble gets so excited over, and those clippers whose doings he jots down with so much hearty relish. Here they all are- -Mr. Payne giving a wrinkle to the, alas! late Master, Lord Alford; while all the other good men-Mr. Villiers, Lord Cardigan, Lord Bateman, Mr. Isham, Lord Henley, the Duke of Buccleuch, and some thirty or forty more-sit all ready for the start. In addition to these, the Pytchley meets have enabled the artists to introduce, with much advantage to their picture, the pony phaetons of the ladies Elizabeth Villiers and Marianne Alford. With two such fair objects of attraction, the grouping of the work was necessarily much facilitated, and there is scarcely a figure in the picture which gives one the idea of being "postured" for a portrait. As a painting, the Messrs. Barraud did everything for their subject, although justice compels us to add that we have seen Mr. Davey's handiwork in better keeping with his copy. The print, however, cannot fail to be popular, though just now it is associated with more than one painful recollection. The noble Master, Lord Alford, and the chief workman engaged on it, poor William Barraud, have both left us since the "Meet at Crick" was commenced.

THE FAMILY PICTURES.

MR. EDITOR,-A list of well-authenticated portraits of the celebrated horses of the last century could hardly fail to prove interesting to your readers. We already know of many, such as The Godolphin Arabian, at Gog-Magog; Marske, at Mr. Hulton's; Whistlejacket, by Stubbs, at

Name.

Colour. Age.

No. of

Principal Performance. winners

Sire of

Standing at

Apply to

out by.

17 by St. Patrick, out of Surprise, by Scud started 49, won 28 won the Ascot Cup..... 15 by Skylark or Lapwing, out of Helen, by Black-started 58, won 28 won the Chester Cup lock

started 5, won 2 ran well in steeple-chases
12 by Sheet Anchor, out of Nanette, by Partisan. started 5......

Puta

8 won £325 at Newmarket
2 won Chester 2 yrs. S....
started 2, won 16 won St. Leger
started 24,won Iwon Audley End S. untried.
..started 15, won won St. Leger
wen Portland Handicap 101 Alarm
won £74 at Reading

Wood-Pigeon
The Dey of Algiers covered one season in Holland; and Birdcatcher and Launcelot
Groom's Fee varies from half-a-crown to a guinea; it is occasionally but not often included.
have covered, if not still, in Ireland: we may have not placed all the winners out by to that part of the kingdom to their credit.

FINE ARTS.

THE PYTCHLEY MEET AT CRICK.

Since Mr. Grant opened the ball, some years since, with the meet of the buck-hounds on Ascot Heath, we have had many a painter and publisher anxious enough to follow him. And this is not to be wondered at either, for the Royal Hunt was a picture calculated to be eminently successful. It was well treated in every way-the likenesses excellent, the difficulties of arrangement most judiciously disposed of, while the subject itself went far to make it, as it turned out to be, a capital speculation.

Amongst those gentlemen who have followed us with other popular hunts, the brothers Barraud, deservedly enough, stand conspicuous. They began well, taking perhaps the next popular show meet after Ascot; viz., that of his Grace the Duke of Beaufort's hounds at Badminton. The work evinced forcibly enough the sufficiency of their strength, but it unfortunately suffered in the graver's hands, and, as a print, never attained that popularity the care and ability spent upon its original composition ought to have ensured it.

Nothing deterred, however, the Brothers made another good cast when they declared for the Pytchley at Crick-that Crick our friend Scribble gets so excited over, and those clippers whose doings he jots down with so much hearty relish. Here they all are-Mr. Payne giving a wrinkle to the, alas! late Master, Lord Alford; while all the other good men-Mr. Villiers, Lord Cardigan, Lord Bateman, Mr. Isham, Lord Henley, the Duke of Buccleuch, and some thirty or forty more-sit all ready for the start. In addition to these, the Pytchley meets have enabled the artists to introduce, with much advantage to their picture, the pony phaetons of the ladies Elizabeth Villiers and Marianne Alford. With two such fair objects of attraction, the grouping of the work was necessarily much facilitated, and there is scarcely a figure in the picture which gives one the idea of being "postured' for a portrait. As a painting, the Messrs. Barraud did everything for their subject, although justice compels us to add that we have seen Mr. Davey's handiwork in better keeping with his copy. The print, however, cannot fail to be popular, though just now it is associated with more than one painful recollection. The noble Master, Lord Alford, and the chief workman engaged on it, poor William Barraud, have both left us since the "Meet at Crick" was commenced.

THE FAMILY PICTURES.

MR. EDITOR,-A list of well-authenticated portraits of the celebrated horses of the last century could hardly fail to prove interesting to your readers. We already know of many, such as The Godolphin Arabian, at Gog-Magog; Marske, at Mr. Hulton's; Whistlejacket, by Stubbs, at

Wentworth; Pontac, at Aske; Bay Bolton, at Camp Hill; Astridge Ball, at Tarham, &c. There must be many in different country homes, and elsewhere; and if the possessors, or others, would have the kindness to furnish you with the information by letter, it would greatly facilitate the completion of the list. Trusting we may get it complete on this asking, I am yours truly,

C. E. L.

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS.

We belong to the unpopular family of Tell truths, and would not flatter Apollo for his lyre."-ROB ROY.

With rather a late commencement, Mr. Lumley is at these presents about to celebrate the opening of HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE, and if he sets before his subscribers only a portion of the good things promised in the programme, they will fare sumptuously. A rich entertainment must be derived where a Sontag reigns, and satellites with the brilliancy of Fiorentini, Cruvelli, Gardoni, Calzolari, Belletti, and Lablache abound: when to these is added a star of the magnitude of Mdlle. Wagner, radiant hope brightens forth a dazzling epoch in the realms of song. Nor will the poetry of motion be lost sight of, as will be perceived by the announcement that the ballet boasts of the magical names of Cerito, Guy Stephan, Fleury, and Rosati; and especial mention is made that efficient spirits will preside over the French and English schools of choregraphy, affording an excellent opportunity for the spectator to arrive at his own conclusions of the superiority of the sober English or the volatile French school.

The latter is conspicuous at the ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA; and from the agile and graceful movements of the pupils, it is but fair to record an enthusiastic admiration for the French school. It could not be otherwise in this instance; for, in addition to fairy-like evolutions and aerial flights particularly suggestive of gossamer, there are pretty looks and sylphide forms that-but suffice it to say that such a troupe of coryphées never was marshalled; and that Mademoiselle Robert and Brussi, as principal dancers, afford sufficient evidence of their qualifications. The opera in which the divertissement is introduced is not one of Donizetti's best compositions; and considering its general heaviness, it is not to be wondered at that "Maria di Rohan" should not be a favourite opera at any time. The most conspicuous of the present representation is the Enrico of Signor Ronconi, which, as a dramatic and vocal exhibition, has never been surpassed. The debût of Mademoiselle Seguin may be considered one of promise as a contralto. Madame Castellan and Signor Tamberlik, as Maria and Ricardo, give great effect to many of the scenes. The new tenor, Herr Ander, is announced as Arnoldo, in "Guglielmo Tell."

The clever impersonations of Frederic Lemaitre and Mademoiselle Clarisse are fast drawing to a close. The acting of the twain in " Pal

liasse" and "Don Cæsar de Bazan" must be pronounced as surpassing any representation of the kind; and to say that the impression created by these matchless portraitures could be effaced, would be tantamount to conceiving it possible that the field where the sower had been should be entirely barren. On the principle of never standing still, Mr. Mitchell provides for the especial delectation of the patrons of THE FRENCH PLAYS a continual succession of novelties. With this excellent plan in view, the engagement of Rose Cherry will follow that of Frederick Lemaitre and Mademoiselle Clarisse.

STATE OF THE ODDS, &c.

SPORTING OBITUARY.-Colonel Cradock, at an advanced age; the Colonel was well known on the northern turf as the owner of Pagan, and other good horses. At Kenilworth, after a long and severe illness, Mr. T. Pettifer, clerk of the course at Coventry, and connected with other meetings as a managing man and turf reporter; in the discharge of these duties, Mr. Pettifer was much and deservedly respected.

The three-year-old Norham, out of Beeswing, and Mr. Reeve's (late Mr. Carew's) Eva, also died during the month past.

The stallion, Malton, a Chester Cup winner, has been sold to go to France, and Mr. Lily's Stamp bought into the Royal Stud for 170 gs. Mr. Kimberley has purchased the two-year-old colt by Iago, out of Daughter of Toscar, of Mr. W. Ewbank; and Flatman has sold his yearling filly, by Ion, out of Nathan's dam, to Mr. Perren.

With the Spring Meetings in full swing, we have very little to report on the standing dishes before us. Even the Metropolitan, until within this day or two, has been a dead letter: the Wryneck Colt, however, now comes with a rush as "Stilton," and has been backed to win a very heavy stake. Rumour says he cannot lose. Miss Anne, Kate, and one or two more, have also come just at last, but too late for any commentary from us. The quondam crack, Hesse Homburgh, after keeping the glass at "changeable" for some little time, was struck out with Landgrave on the twenty-second, being now specially meant for Chester. Business here again has been so languid that we feel inclined to let the odds table speak for itself. Of what there has been doing Scarecrow and the formidable pair. Nancy and High Sheriff, have had by far the best of it; either of the three, until this day or two, being quite good enough to win. The mare now, however, is all but out of the market. The Confessor, again, has not fulfilled the promise he made when we last wrote: he has had a very off time of it. In the et cætera we would just note John Day's lot, one of which at least may make a sensation before it is over.

For the Derby Hobbie Noble is scarcely so good a horse as he has been, but another reaction comes late in the month, and we do not expect to see the feeling against him much on the increase. He divides the house on a very simple question-one strong party being quite sure