ter the public had been fairly gulled into purchase, then to commence the work of gradual, but rapid decadence. That this was a system of swindle and plunder on the one hand, and a severe injury to the fine arts on the other, no one can doubt. The distrust thus generated in the public mind, while it properly had the effect of suppressing such robbery, checked, to a certain extent, the progress of an art which nothing but public patronage can profitably encourage, so that (how often do the innocent suffer for the guilty)-it was made to wither under the very influence of that righteous judgment with which knavery was deservedly visited. How different is the principle of action, and how different the result, now! Men of character, redeeming to the full their first pledges, have commenced and continued works which are more than sustained in their career,-for each last number seems to exceed in merit its immediate predecessor; the public reliance is secured, and glorious art thrives beneath a wholesome and vigorous nourishment. We consider that the publishers of the present work, and-we wish not to be invidious-those of several others we might name, have, by the honour and enterprise exhibited in their conduct of them, done much towards the prosperity of the fine arts, and deserve, were it only for so much, all the encouragement they are receiving. It is hardly possible to believe that there is one subscriber to many of the illustrative publications, now in course of issue, who has fair cause to regret his original subscription,orwho can point out any declension in value of the works, as they have progressively travelled from their first birth into maturity; and we have sound reasons for believing that this bright example of fair dealing will produce an abundance, a rich abundance of good things yet to come, and shame into honesty the roguishly inclined.

are,

The contents of the "Part" of this month

To begin, as in knightly courtesy we are bound, with the fair: Limners are proverbially sad flatterers, and if the enchanting face, and the admirably moulded head here pourtrayed, be in strict accordance with the reality, Lady Caroline Lamb was once indeed a comely and a graceful creature to be hold. Lausanne, in any hands, would have made a sweet picture; but in those of Copley Fielding it is exquisite. So is the Lido by Stanfield; but we are so alarmingly partial to marine subjects, that we have learned to curb our admiration thereanent. There is a delicacy and neatness in the engraving of Cattermole's Campo Santa that we very much admire; Harding's Bologna is pretty and

picturesque ; but we dislike his relief figures they appear incorrect in drawing. The vignette of Athens is inattractive; but that must be the fault of the scene, it cannot be the fault of Stanfield. Turner's Corinth is one of those charming little things which none but himself can get up-" Within that circle none durst walk but he." Upon the whole, this is a most satisfactory number.

A Supplement to the Landscape and Portrait Illustrations of Byron is announced for publication, to contain an account of the subject of the engravings in the first eight parts. (completing the volume,) with extracts and original information by Mr. Brockedon. It will be in good hands.

MEMORIALS OF OXFORD,-No 3.*- This number presents views of the great Quadrangle of Christ Church, and of the staircase and hall, and several clever wood cuts. The work goes on well; but may we breathe a hint ?-Would it not be an improvement if with each number were given a little descriptive letter press upon the architecture of the views? They are so good, that they at least deserve it.

We append some observations on the genealogy of Cardinal Wolsey, which go to shake the impression that this dominating Prelate of the olden days was born of a butcher, of a butcher bred."

"Thomas Wolsey was born at Ipswich in Suffolk, in March 1471. His parents are believed to have been in humble circumstances, but of this nothing is known which can be considered as certain. By the party writers of their own day, few men have been subjected to more numerous or bitter invectives. He is generally reviled as the butcher's son;' and this story has been copied by later historians. Yet whatever might have been the occupation of his father, he could scarcely be considered as moving in the very lowest sphere; since in his will he speaks of the contingency of his son being not merely in holy orders, but a priest,' within a year after his own death, and devises to his wife all his lands and tenements' in one parish, and his free and bond lands' in another. He was, therefore, a person of respectable property."

Ever since the creation of Stanfield as an R.A.E., sundry rumours have been afloat that the painting of any more 'scenes' for the Theatres would be incompatible with the conferred dignity. The truth of the report remained for many days in a well, though the broad absurdity of such an interdict, it made. was apparent from the very first. Stanfield, however, has found it necessary to give to it a public and unqualified denial; and the King's lieges have now the threefold cause for rejoicing: 1. That the Artist has left to him unrestricted sea room for the exercise of his peculiar and unrivalled talents: 2. That a source of delight to gazing multitudes will not thus prematurely be utterly and for ever dried up; and 3. That the Council of the Royal Academy is not so desperately assinine in its behests, as many are generously disposed to give it credit for being.

• Tilt.

Go thou, therefore, on and prosper, O! most excellent C. Stanfield, R.A E.; and avoid thou the waters of indolence, arrogance, and self-conceit as thou lovest an honoured name!

THE BYRON GALLERY. PART 4.—We have already expressed our favourable opinion of this series of illustrations. This number contains a Medora, drawn by Richter, in which that artist has excelled himself. He has done that difficult thing, embodied the loveliest and softest imagin

It is a

ings of the Corsair's Bride. The young Juan and Julia are entirely deficient in sentiment and character, merely dressed stage figures; but the flower of the number is the Countess Guiccioli. sweetly serene and very youthful countenance, with a mild full eye, and a candid brow, not in the least like the ordinary ortraits of Lord Byron's Lady Love which we have seen; and still less like Leigh Hunt's Countess, with her "sleek" golden locks. The original miniature must have been painted before the Countess ever saw or dreamed of Byron. It is beautifully engraved. Jephtha's Daughter is a grace ful picture of a not Hebrew maiden.

COLONEL MURRAY'S ILLUSTRATIONS OF SCOTTISH SCENERY, LITERATURE, & HISTORY."-The fifth part of this naMorison, Perth.

tional work is before us. It relates to a most interesting division of Scottish scenery, history, and antiquities.-St Andrews. The first view, is one of the ruins of the Cathedral, seen through the "Gol

These

den Gate," a ruined but massive arched gateway. We have a still finer view of the Cathedral, of the beautiful monastery. of the Grey Friars, a gem of pure Gothic beth's Castle, more interesting to the anarchitecture; with illustrations of Mactiquary than the lover of art. etchings are faithful and spirited like. nesses, and the illustrative or explanatory letter-press, is all that could be desired. This work, though on a large scale in size, from being confined to outline, is marvellously cheap, even in these days of cheap engraving.

MAJOR'S CABINET GALLERY. No. 5. Of the three subjects of this month, the TENIERS-A Farm Yard is the best in choice, and in execution. It is a charm. ing picture. The Sea-piece has at least the name of VANDERVELDE to give it grace among modern admirers of art. Henrietta, the Queen of Charles I, though a VANDYKE, is a failure in this work Whither has the beauty of this clearcomplexioned, sparkling brunette vanish

ed?

THE Lord Chamberlain's extension of the period of the licenses of the Haymarket Theatre and English Opera House, has been the cause of much rejoicing among play-wrights and actors; and of much dolour to certain other great people pertaining to certain great patented structures, of name needless to tell. Whilst this measure will abridge monopoly in one case, it cannot fail to secure employment to a too numerous class of artificers who, labour in one of the most precarious and vicissive vocations of a trading nation. The tremendous debt, expenses in which the great houses are involved, must needs have exercised a paralysing influence upon the exertions of managers, and the pleasures of theatrical novelty hunters; but what the results will be to the drama, now that a powerful competition is about to be instituted by establishments altogether unencumbered, some folks tremble to conjecture. We may grieve for individual ruin, but the gain of the few must be sacrificed to the advantage of the many. It comes to this at last.

The "Christmas Pantomimes" have been, as by custom established, the chief source of interest among the play-going world during this happy period of the season; and with the exception of Jerrold's "Nell Gwynne,' have excited their usual undivided interest. At COVENT GARDEN, the classic tale of

"Puss in Boots" has afforded a fine op. portunity for the display of the powers of Little Poole, the Great Grieveses, and other distinguished artists, from clown and harle quin downwards. The Adapter (we know him not; but how enviable must have been his feelings, while dramatizing the eventful history) has becomingly confined himself to the great original; and if a mixture of breathless attention and uproarious laughter among pleased and wondering audiences be any criterion of merit deserved, it is unequivocally his.

In matters of such importance as London Pantomimes, six days are quite sufficient time to make known to the outermost parts of the nation every remarkable scene, trick, and incident worthy of inmortal renown, so that we need not detail facts with which every person must be now and necessarily well acquainted. With liberal prodigality we dispense our praise to all concerned; but to dear little Pussy Poole, we would give a score of kindly kisses and a silver-penny keepsake, if we had but the opportunity of doing so generous and grateful an act.

"Nell Gwynne" has ranged through all the gradations from praise to censure in the scale of the critical thermometer. In truth, it is a happy failure. Plot there is none; it is made up of disjointed incident. Had Mr

Jerrold contrived to impart to it a little general animation and a spirited denouement, the drama would have survived many others by which it will soon be supplanted. The dialogue is generally good, often pointed, sometimes sparkling. The acting is excel lent. The performance of Miss Taylor as Nelly, and of Blanchard as the doating but crafty old Crow's Foot, is exceedingly clever. Little Keeley in the part of Orange Moll, has signally immortalized himself;-it is one of the richest representations of character on the stage. The Ballet of Masaniello continues still attractive.

The Pantomime at DRURY LANE bears the name of Harlequin Traveller. A splendid Panorama by Stanfield (who, by the way, has made Panoramas a necessary constituent of Pantomimes) adds to the attraction which fun, trick, tumbling, and glitter, in all their infinite varieties, have for a risible and a thinking people. "The Way to get Married" was got up for the purpose of introducing Mr W. Dowton in the part of Tangent. He is evidently well acquainted with the business part of his profession," and performs with great discrimination and abundance of animal spirit. The debut seemed satisfactory

to the audience, and very much so to him. self.

Mr Dowton, pere, in the cleverly drawn character of Caustic, displayed his usual addiction to that best of instructresses-Nature. Farren gloried in Tobby Allspice, and played admirably. The other parts of the comedy were well sustained, and we have not seen it since.

The MINORS have shone forth this Christmas with unusual lustre in their pantomimes, In the two all-important points of scenery and harlequinade, each rivals the other; and they all are well-nigh running abreast with the majors. SADLERS WELLS has for years and years back been the very hot-bed for the rearing and cultivation of Harlequins, Columbines, and Clowns; and he who knows not the holyday pantomine of "the Wells," argues of course himself unknown. We particularly notice this little Theatre for a very spirited attempt to introduce a noticeable Panorama within the walls of a minor. A Mr Cocks (he cannot remain long unknown) has painted a picture of the marine scenery, from Portsmouth Harbour to Antwerp Citadel, in a style of surprising excellence, creditable alike to his own skill and the manager's enterprise.

The

SINCE our last publication, there have appeared in Edinburgh two Musical Periodicals THE MONTHLY MUSICAL ALBUM, comprising Quadrilles, Waltzes, Gallopades, &c. for the PianoForte; and THE MUSICAL SCRAP-BOOK, containing original and selected Songs, Ballads, &c. for the voice, and Quadrilles, Waltzes, &c. for the Piano-Forte. Scrap Book is edited by Mr. Finlay Dun, an accomplished musician, a successful teacher of singing, and a gentleman of considerable literary attainments. The regular contributors to The Musical Album are announced to be the same Mr. Dun, with Mr. Alexander Murray, Mr. Muller, and Mr. Spindler, three Edinburgh professional musicians and teachers of the most respectable order. Both works are well conducted, and published by music-sellers of extensive connection. But what is wanted is a Musical Periodical adapted for the many. Fourfifths of such a work should consist of simple airs, simply accompanied — the remaining fifth being devoted to music of a higher kind. The staid professional

musician would have small relish for such a work; and the mongrel sort of musicians, called amateurs, would express still higher contempt for it than their

professional brethren; but a musical periodical, conducted on that plan, would give pleasure to thousands. Above all, it would sell; and that, we suppose, is one of the principal purposes for which The Musical Album and Musical ScrapBook are intended. We wish to see a sort of Chambers' Journal in music, rather than a Scientific Journal, although bearing names in the musical world equal those of Brewster and Jameson in the world of science.

There have been a number of Concerts in Edinburgh during last month. Mrs. Wood has shewn us how much the human voice, and Mr. Bochsa how little the harp can do, to entrance the soul in musical delight. Miss Eliza Paton is, as yet, far inferior to her sister, Mrs. Wood; but has the natural gifts of a first rate singer, and is likely to take that rank in due time. Mr. Sapio, whom we have now got in Edinburgh, appears to us, among English singers, second only to Braham.

The Leith Philharmonic Society, a large and flourishing association of amateurs, give their friends, generally once a month, a concert of a particularly agreeable description. The Edinburgh Professional Society is dormant.