We have scarcely space to notice " HILLS AND HOLLOWS," a most charming novel, and other works of fiction, lately published by Mr. Newby; but the name of this gentleman is always a sufficient guaran tee that every publication emanating from his house is of a superior quality. Of course all cannot be attractive; but this we will venture to assert, that the care given to the reading of the manuscripts, the handsome sums paid for the copyright, and the attention devoted by the publisher in suggesting improvements to the author, if they cannot "command success, they do more-merit it."

"TWO YEARS IN SYRIA." By J. L. Farley. Saunders and Otley. As a book of travel, this is one of the most complete works upon Syria that has been given to the public. For clearness and fulness of information, for the photographic sketches of scenery, men, and manners, for truthfulness of narrative, for the comprehensive range of the subject, it cannot be equalled. The author's aim seems to have been to furnish new and agreeable matter, and in this object he has been preeminently successful.

"RECOLLECTIONS OF A MAIDEN AUNT." Saunders and Otley. We have only one fault to find with this book, and that is, that it is too brief a recollection," extending only to one instead of three volumes. The authoress has a clear and plain force of style, a racy spirit, and a power of given reality to the characters and scene, that at once place her on the highest pinnacle in the temple of writers of fiction. The rich humour, the pathetic tenderness, and admirable tact displayed throughout the volume, renders it one of the pleasantest novels of the season.

POEMS, by William Tatton, and "THE MOTHER," by Bryan York, will be read with the deepest pleasure, by those who can appreciate "pure and holy sentiments," and "simple lays" admirably verified with feeling, pathos, and simplicity worthy of a Hemans.

"THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS." By Scrutator. Hurst and Blackett.

1

This is unquestionably one of the most amusing and clever books we have had under notice for a considerable time. In the three volumes are concentrated all that can be required from an author-interest, anecdote, graphic descriptions, and a thorough knowledge of the subject. From the title of the work, and the sporting illustrations (admirably executed by H. Weir), it might be assumed that none but those devoted to "woodcraft" would take interest in it; but such is not the case it will be read with equal pleasure by all classes, and will be as welcome in the boudoirs of Belgravia and Mayfair, as in the club rooms of Melton.

Scrope, on Deer-stalking; Beckford, on the Noble Science; Walton, on the gentle craft;" Hawker, on Shooting, have proved the excellence to which sporting subjects may be brought; and Scrutator is a striking illustration of an author combining practical knowledge of manly recreations with fanciful imagination worthy of the best writers of fiction. 4

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS.

In the bagman's vernacular, since our last an almost general depression has taken place, the business of most houses having been bad compared to that commented on in our last advices. Although the past month has not been altogether without failures, still there have not been any of sufficiently alarming character to warrant further allusion than is contained in the subjoined. This change, however, it should be observed, is likely to be only of a temporary character, as the season is close at hand when it is reasonable to suppose supply will barely satisfy demand, consequently increased returns may shortly be expected.

Albeit the tremendous rush at the HAYMARKET at the beginning of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews's engagement in some measure abated, yet the attraction may be said to have been kept up until the departure of this favourite actor and his newly wedded spouse. Of the latter it must be acknowledged that she shines more in farce than in comedy, "The Eton Boy," and " My Mother's Maid being more adapted for her abilities than "London Assurance." As for the character sustained by her in the petite comédie of "The Dowager," it may at once be declared there is an absence of dignity so essential to the part. As for Mr. Mathews, although the couple of years in the United States, or as he terms them in "Used Up," the disUnited States, have not increased his buoyancy of spirits, he is still alone in his glory. Where is there a Puff in "The Critic" to approach him? Where is there such another Sir Charles Coldstream? Where such a Dazzle? "Where and oh where?" might be repeated ad infinitum with the same response. There is no rival near his throne; and so let him comfortably go on exulting in his own happy, gleesome and devil-may-care manner, with the assurance that so long as he continues on the stage so long will there always be an appreciative audience. His acting alone saved "The Tale of a Coat," recently brought out, but more recently shelved. However inimitable his impersonations in that new drama and in "Used Up" may be considered, there is no doubt the public verdict lately has been in favour of his Dazzle in "London Assurance." Such has been the profitable result of Mr. and Mrs. Mathews' engagement, that Mr. Buckstone has been induced to re-engage them for a short term after Christmas. Meanwhile, the manager himself will appear with the no trifling addition of Sir W. Don.

Musical taste finds ample amusement, there being just now sufficient variety to meet the desires of those with different views. All inclined to operatic music can easily have their wishes gratified by hearing "The Crown Diamonds," "The Rose of Castile," "The Bohemian Girl," or "The Trovatore" at DRURY LANE. Others, who would rather listen to Sacred music, can just as easily have their craving satisfied by merely stepping into ST. MARTIN'S HALL, which, having undergone extensive alterations lately, is now one of the most comfortable of salles to be met with in the metropolis, The Oratorios are not only judiciously selected, but the singers are generally those who excel in their art; and the Chorus at once satisfactorily shows the excellent training of Mr.

Hullah. Another and a larger class, who delight in music of a miscellaneous, character run after M. Jullien, who is looked up to as the chief of conductors of Promenade Concerts. Accordingly the LYCEUM is nightly tenanted by all who not only regard the waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles with favour, but in their noble aspirations long for a selection from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, or some other great composer.

As for novelty during the past month, there is very little to be said, and that little certainly not of a very favourable nature. A brace of farces from the French in both instances, and done by the same hand, cannot by any means be classed amongst the many successful efforts of Mr. Morton. Thirty-Three Next Birthday" at the PRINCESS's is not destined to arrive at a lusty age; and "The Little Savage" at the STRAND is not calculated to win the esteem of civilized beings. The incidents are more than usually improbable, and the interest more than usually slight. This is more than made up for in the sprightly, clever, and telling burlesque of "The Maid and the Magpie," which very properly grows in popularity; indeed, there is no hesitation in pronouncing it to be one of the best burlesques, with the recommendation of some of the best acting, that the stage has had to boast of for a considerable period: Misses M. Wilton, Oliver, M. Ternan, Mr. Bland, and Mr. Clarke do all in their power in giving effect to the exceedingly droll dialogue of the witty author.

Novelty of novelties there has been. This bonne bouche we have reserved purposely. Yes, baronets and ladies of title have appeared on the boards, but now a real live member of the Senate has approached the footlights. Whether it be a fact, as held by some, that every member of the human race is at one time or another insane, is a question too intricate for immediate discussion. But there is no question that there are points on which many a man labours under a monomania, the disease assuming different forms according to the peculiar bent of the patient. At present there is no immediate necessity to particularize the several strange delusions entertained. One only, and that one most striking, need be instanced. This, as the lecturers would have it, is the case of a patient labouring under the idea that he is mentally and physically endowed to adorn the profession of which Garrick, Kemble, Cook, Young, and Siddons were such distinguished members. The name of the individual with such high aspirations is Townsend, that was, or is, but certainly will not be, member for Greenwich. At ASTLEY'S, "King Richard the Third" affords Mr. Townsend the opportunity of displaying his qualifications, or rather the want of them, to represent the histrionic muse. Never were the points of Mr. Holloway's so appreciated, as now the contrast is afforded by the melancholy exhibition made by the stage-struck M.P. By all means let him divest himself of the delusive idea that he is an actor even in embryo. He does not, indeed, possess a single qualification for the stage. He should remember that rant is not passion. To rave, shout, bellow, storm, or shriek is not expected of Richard; neither is it necessary to whine in the snivelling, canting fashion of those tub-thumping individuals who do the tramping business with their yellow ties and complexions, their turned-up eyes and toes, their straight hair and curly teeth. No! the sooner Mr. Townsend adapts himself to some more congenial occupation the better not only for his worldly prospects, but for the

peace of mind of that rather numerous portion of the theatrical community who really admire acting. Mr. Cooke is as great as ever in his stud and the Scenes in the Circle afford demonstration of the thorough training adopted, with its successful results.

STATE OF THE ODDS, &c.

Mr. W. Etwall, who is giving up breeding, has sold Andover's dam, in foal to Fallow Buck, and with her colt by Wild Dayrell, to Mr. W. S. Crawford. Lord Stamford has purchased Vulcan of Count Batthyany, and Londesborough Boarding School Miss. Kelpie has been sold for 250 gs., to go to Australia.

The Newmarket Meetings for 1859 :

Craven Meeting..

First Spring Meeting.

July Meeting.

First October Meeting.

Easter Monday, April 25.

Monday, May 9.

Tuesday, July 5.

Tuesday, Sept. 27.

....Monday, Oct. 24.

Second October Meeting.
Houghton Meeting..

Monday, Oct. 10.

The Epsom Summer Meeting commences on Tuesday, May 31, and Ascot, as usual, on that day fortnight.

Mr. Harvey Coombe died on Monday, the 22nd. As an owner of race-horses, he was a most straightforward sportsman, although never a very lucky one.

One or two indifferent settlings have not tended to increase the business on future events. The chief, or indeed only feature connected with the Derby has been the advance, and reported sale of Gaspard to Lord Portsmouth. The, horse who promises to become a good favourite, has been backed within the month for "money." Rainbow has decidedly the next best of it.

THE DERBY, 1859. November1. November8. November 15. November 22. November 25.

THE CHESTER CUP: 50 to 1 against Ravenstonedale; 1,000 to 15 each against Arsenal and Prioress; and 1,000 to 10 against Aston.

END OF VOL. XXXII.

Printed by Rogerson and Tuxford, 246, Strand, London.

INDEX.

A "Ne Exeat" (illustrative of Dogs, the proposed Exhibition of