Their grace and delicacy must make amends for their moral shortcomings : "We, the Fairies, blithe and antic, Though the moonshine mostly keeps us, THALBERG has left us, and La Grange is flown. The Opera House is silent and melancholy. At night, how changed! The floods of light, the broken gushes of music, the crash of carriages, the busy tramp of well-dressed hosts, enliven Irving Place no more. The vast pile looks grim and frowningly upon you, and casts an awful shadow npon your path. But the delightful Pynes, in the English Opera, are at Niblo's; and, strange to say, three of the best commediennes of the age, are at the present moment delighting our citizens. There is Laura Keene, at her own theatre, Mrs. Barrow (Julia Bennett), at Burton's, and Mrs. Julia Wood at Wallack's. These ladies, though widely different in style, are all successful representations of high-bred, vivacious women; each is charming and agreeable in her own way-all are masters of their art, and universally popular with the public. It is a luxury not attainable at all seasons, even in New York, and hopeless elsewhere, to have on the boards, at the same time, three such agreeable performers. John Brougham has been bringing out "King John" in grand style, and with an announcement so gradiloquently crammed with big words, that, at the first reading, we were left breathless and exhausted with the effort. "The great heart of the people," said Mr. Brougham in our hearing, "beats for Shakspeare." It was well said-and truly said. There are certain of us who sneer at the Bowery side, at Bowery dramas and Bowery acting. Let us hide our heads in the face of facts. While Shakspeare has been driven from the west side-abandoned for Italian quavers, French ballets, and French comedies, Shakspeare has still lived in the hearts of the multitude. An examination of the books of the Bowery Theatre for the last three years, shows that the Shakspeare nights have been the best attended-and if the examination had continued back, the same result undoubtedly would have appeared. In the face of blue fire, monstrous melo-dramas, crammed with show and noise, low wit in low comedies, and the fascinations of spectacle-they have still adhered to Shakspeare, and loved him best of all. There is something gratifying in this—much that is philosophical and suggestive, if we are wise enough to find it out. The acting in "King John" is good. Mr. Davenport as the King, evinces that close study and intelligent grasp of character which characterize all his renditions. Mrs. Davenport as Constance, is almost equal to Mrs. Kean in this part and that is saying a great deal. Our old Philadelphia favorite, Mr. Wheatley, as the dashing, brilliant Falconbridge, is excellent. The Broadway, grim and desolate so long, is at last opened. They announce Mr. Forrest, and when this is read, he will probably be in the midst of one of his brilliant engagements. At present they are sandwiching the German Opera between the Lady of Lyons, Hamlet, and such novelties. 66 A SON of Thomas Hood has published in London a volume of miscellany and sketches, which he calls, Pen and Pencil Pictures." 66 By his poetry and his prose," says the Athenæum, "he distinctly announces himself to be his father's son. His music has a note here and there from the old household lullabies to which his cradle was rocked. ** But his song is not wholly the song of a mocking bird: his sentiment can flow in channels of his own, and his speculations have a touch, taste and flavor which indicate that Thomas Hood's father's son may ripen and rise into one of those original and individual authors who brighten the times in which they write and gladden the hearts of those among whom their lot is cast." Are there not with us admirers enough of Tom Hood the first, to warrant the republication in this country of this volume by Tom Hood the second? We hope so. As an instance of the freshness and grace of his style, we quote, of the sexes is what they clamor for and demand. They | Of course the man who wrote it was in love with some are too modest by half. What woman with a soul in her feminine little package of humanity, and was arguing the bosom, would consent to stand upon an equality with these case over with every beat of his heart. We, ladies, find miserable, weak, attenuated caricatures, called men? consolation in the thought that there exists a taste for every What woman does not feel her own superiority above that style of female beauty, and even of female ugliness-else, of her husband, brothers, father? What woman, broad- how would so many plain women get married? For our visioned, and large souled, does not feel the vast pre-emin- part, we hardly think it of consequence whether a woman is ence of her sex. Do any doubt this? Are there any dis- plump or lean, tall or short, so long as Cupid finds the posed to question their natural superiority? Who ever saw glasses through which she is seen. a man, for instance, that could thread a needle? When one can be found capable of performing this dexterious mystery it will be time enough to talk of equality. -AT one of the Parisian theatres recently, a comedy was offered, with the title, "Fermé pour cause de Deces," ("Closed on account of a Death,") and accepted. But, unthought of at the beginning, a serious difficulty arose. If the manager made such an announcement in front of his theatre, wouldn't the public take it too literally, and stay away under the impression that the house was closed? The perplexed manager made this a sufficient reason for abandoning the production of the play; and the exceedingly vexed author had nothing to do but forego the anticipated profit and pleasure of the performance. HERE is a poetical tribute to little women, which some of our fair and petite readers will thank us for presenting. But if a little woman is so precious, what must a larger specimen of female loveliness be in the eyes of her adorer. In a little precious stone what splendor meets the eyes! A pepper corn is very small, but seasons every dinner, As within the little rose you find the richest dyes, The Skylark and the Nightingale, though small and light of wing LITERARY. The Forum; or, Forty Years' Full Practice at the Bar, by David Paul Brown, has just been published, in two volumes, 8vo. The name of DAVID PAUL BROWN is prominent in the history of the jurisprudence of the country, familiar as household words throughout its length and breadth, and confers a distinction of which his native State may well be proud. These volumes contain the result of ripened observation, during a long series of years, enriched by stores of legal learning, a knowledge of general literature, and penetrative acumen in intercourse with other minds. They will prove a most valuable acquisition, not only to the law student, but to the general reader able to enjoy a rare intellectual feast. The body of the work is preceded by a memoir of Mr. Brown, taken chiefly from Livingston's Biographies. This distinguished gentleman is a native of Philadelphia. Trained carefully in childhood by a judicious mother, and enjoying every advantage of education-the boy's devotion to study became so intense as seriously to impair his health. He entered upon the study of medicine, under Dr. Benjamin Rush, but the death of that eminent physician changed his career, and he became a law student with the late celebrated William Rawle. Mr. Brown was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-one. A passage quoted from his diary, gives a most interesting description of the difficulties and anxieties of his first cause, the brilliant success of which brought crowds of clients to his office. From year to year, popular favor accumulated upon him, and in 1824, he made the able and triumphant defence of Judge Porter, in which he encountered and overcame so many difficulties. Some curious anecdotes of it are given in the first volume. In the midst of his professional labors, Mr. Brown found time for literary enterprises, and, besides contributions to the Quarterly Reviews, wrote several poetical tragedies, two of which were represented and afterwards published. Letters were his recreation and solace in the midst of graver duties. The character of Mr Brown's eloquence is peculiar, and exhibits the great power and scope of his intellect. In force and fervor it is unsurpassed; it is fluent, sweeping, irresistible; while he preserves a rare self-possession in the very torrent and whirlwind of powerful oratory. This quality is remarkable in his conversation, which is deliberate, antithetical, pointed and brilliant-full of polished wit, and graceful in manner, with a most felicitous command of language. The uniform courtesy and equanimity of his bearing, and his clear enunciation add greatly to the effect of this rare gift. His high literary attainments do not preclude the most unwearied industry; indeed, without this, his varied labors could not be performed. He always speaks without notes, relying on memory for the evidence of a case. His liberal sympathies, disinterested course, and kindness to those who need good offices, are well known to all his acquaintance. In the first volume are given twenty golden rules for the examination of witnesses, and many amusing descriptions of persons and incidents are introduced. There is also a comprehensive sketch of ancient and modern Forensic Eloquence, with illustrative notices, and a review of the practice of law before the Revolution, with accounts of the several judges and members of the bar. These are followed by a gallery of portraits from that time, of illustrious persons who adorned the judgment seat of the State and the Union, and of prominent lawyers. The second volume opens with a treatise, rich in illustra 100 LITERARY. tion, on Forensic ethics and etiquette. It contains, also, a | equal to his master; and he even sometimes rivals and The book is written in a clear and forcible style, remark- Faca, an Army Memoir, is a new novel by the author of the tale of "West Point" zine. The story is in a new field, and presents life in an now publishing in this magaunfamiliar aspect. It is embraced principally in a voyage of troops from Governor's Island to Texas. women of the transport is one fair, refined, beautiful creaAmong the ture, Faca by name, the reputed daughter of Seargeant Trainor-thrown into uncongenial scenes, and among coarse natures-in cultivation and instincts above her station. She becomes the courted of many; the object of honorable love to some; of unholy desire to others; and of base design and conspiracy. Around her revolve the incidents of the story-which include a mutiny, successfully thwarted and spiritedly described. The book is a gallery of fine characters, sharply drawn, strongly colored-Major June, the simple-hearted and genial: Clincher, with his astounding stories; the Duenna, cloud-like and mysterious; Wil liam, the lover and the poet; Old Sol, the Father of Lieutenants. The sea pictures are admirable bits of naval painting. The style is sharp and clear; it abounds in felicitous turns and happy touches of humor and pathos. That portion of the book which describes the Crevasse at Fort Mississippi, the birth of little Faca amid the horrors of surrounding disease and death, the death of Francesca, are perfect pictures in dramatic management-and are, we think, the most interesting chapters of the story. author is a young lieutenant of the army. His first book was "Shoepac Recollections," an exquisite domestic the scene laid upon the Canadian frontiers. The second is story, this work of "Faca ;" the third we are presenting the readers of this magazine. A fine genius, a long study of his art, a love of the simplicity and truth of nature, a keen observation, will combine to render him one of the literary giants of the country. (Boston: French & Co.) The expression. He has transferred the masterpiece of Goethe into the English language, in a manner which renders any after attempts unnecessary and useless; which supplies the wants of the English reader more satisfactorily and comof either the German or Italian poets. pletely than, perhaps, is the case with any other translation (Ticknor & Fields.) the title of a very agreeable volume of travels, by Walter -A Physician's Vacation; or, a Summer in Europe, is arduous and incessant, he determined to put "a whole ocean Channing. Mr. Channing is a distinguished physician of Boston. Panting for a brief period of respite from labors between him and work-to feel as free as in his earliest days veller. He sees with eyes, heart, and judgment. When of conscious liberty "-and went abroad. He is a fine trafirst time unveiled to you—what he talks about is all preyou read you feel as if the world of Europe were for the sented so freshly. Old and travel-beaten as his road is, he makes it new to you; presents old acquaintances in an unfamiliar light; manages, in fact, to get a new stand-point for his views of men and things. He writes in an easy, familiar way; he touches every subject with a light, graceful pen; and is graphic, and not unfrequently humorous, in his descriptions. He is intelligent, observes accurately, and relates without affectation or pretension. We have found his book an uncommonly interesting one. Fields.) (Ticknor & holiday juveniles too late for notice in the Christmas number. They consist of "The Fairy Spectacles," and "Worth and Wealth," two uniform volumes, neatly printed, well illustrated, and written in a captivating style; "Bright Pictures from Child Life," a collection of stories translated from the German, illustrated with brilliantly colored engravings, and very attractively gotten up. The stories are good, and laughable, unique affair, well calculated to set the nursery in entertaining. "Red Beard's Stories for Children," is a and "Kobboltozo," a sequel to the Last of the Huggermug"The Last of the Huggermuggers," a giant story; gers, are two richly amusing volumes; quaint, fantastic, incidents. They are copiously illustrated. These juvenile crowded with odd adventures, delicious mishaps, and funny volumes are all of more than ordinary interest. -PHILLIPS, SAMPSON & Co., of Boston, sent in a batch of a roar. delicate, fanciful, and fresh as the poet's more ambitious -THE Rev. Charles T. Brooks has given us a new trans- gotten up, and uniform with their pocket edition of Tenny- Illustrations supplied by Frank Leslie, proprietor of "Leslie's Gazette of the Fashions," and taken from Articles of Actual Costume, selected at the Various Establishments, giren as Authority by the Editor of this Magazine. form of a pelerine cape. A full and gracefully formed flowing sleeve renders the garment as comfortable as it is becoming. A lining of glossy silk quilted in diamonds forms a finish to the garment. THE two cloaks we illustrate are from Bell's, 58 Canal | cloth adorns the neck, and extends down the front in the Street; No. 1 is called the "Muscovite." The style and material of this garment are unusually rich and elegant; it is composed of heavy fawn colored beaver cloth, arranged in the form of a talma, which is rather more than a yard in depth in the back. A border of "Russian sable cloth," ten inches wide, surrounds the entire garment, and forms a trimming at once rich and elegant. A deep collar of sable No. 2 is a graceful Opera cloak, to which Mr. Bell has given the name of the "Medici." The material is fine white merino; the style being that of a talma, forming a are graceful flowing sleeve. The decorations composed of blue moire antique and moss fringe; the bottom of the garment is finished by a border of this trimming, ten inches deep, headed by a blue and white moss trimming; a berthe cape of blue moire antique forms a pretty ornament to the shoulders. The heading consists of moss trimming and blue drop buttons. From the lower edge descends a fall of rich blue daisy fringe, six inches deep. The neck is finished with a small collar composed of moire antique, and edged with moss trimming. The lining is of blue silk, quilted in a double diamond pattern. For the style of dressing the hair, we are indebted to Mr. Barker, 439 Broadway. Douglass and Sherwood, 343 Broadway, have favored us with an illustration of a superior style of steel spring skirt, the first manufactured in this country. The material is fine white cloth, cut in a circular shape. The upper portion forms an adjustable Tournour. It is arranged on three small steel springs which extend round the back of the skirt, leaving a front of plain cloth. At the end of each spring are two eyelets, into which a lacing is introduced, enabling the wearer to increase or diminish the size, according to fancy. Three narrow steel springs, with a heavy cord at the edge, give the necessary stiffness to the bottom of the skirt. The tape is gathered into an inch wide band, neatly stitched. No. 2 is an illustration of an India muslin cape from Genin's, 513 Broadway. In form it is nearly round; the open front is finished with a narrow, pointed edging. The edge is adorned by a double border of exquisite needlework 1. wrought in an open pat tern of grape leaves; each leaf forming a scallop at the edge. Long streamers of pink ribbon are attached to the tabs which are worn crossed, as seen in our engraving. We give an illustra tion of a stylish bonnet of black velvet, from the show-rooms of Mrs. Cripps, 310, late 63, Canal St. The material is laid on the foundation plain. A deep deep fall of thread lace forms a rich finish to the front, and is thrown back upon the bonnet, over a novel and pretty trimming, composed of a bias velvet, two inches wide, bound with a narrow fold of green plush taffeta. This band is form ed in a knot on the top of the head, and serves as a connecting link between the side trimming, which consists of full clusters of black and green ostrich plumes. The crown is ornamented by three rows of velvet trimming, with taffeta, and arranged in knots, which are placed at the back of the crown, with short ends falling at each side. The curtain is of velvet; a narrow border of plush taffeta and thread lace adorns the edge. The face trimmings consist of a full cap of black blonde with a large scarlet velvet lily, and leaves on the right side, while the left is enriched by a scarlet ostrich plume, mingled with velvet berries. Broad, green strings, edged with green and black velvet stripes. 3. |