We extract the following useful morceau from the "Practical Gardener," published by Thomas Kelly, Paternoster-row, a work which should be in the possession of every family who take a delight in floricultural pursuits. "THE CAMELIA HOUSE. "This very popular genus has certainly an imposing effect when cultivated in a house entirely devoted to that purpose, either in pots or large boxes, or planted out in borders properly prepared for them in the conservatory manner, Indeed, there are three genera of plants, Camelias, Ericas, and Oranges, which always succeed best when well cultivated; and as each genus has many species and varieties, a considerable degree of interest is expected from such houses during the greatest part of the year. In the construction of a camelia-house, we may observe that, if the intention be to cultivate young or small plants, the same kind of house will be very suitable as that recommended for a green-house; and if planted out permanently in borders, that of the conservatory. Houses having much less glass in their construction, may be used with much propriety; and when the situation will not permit of a southern exposure, that of an eastern or western aspect may answer. In erecting a house expressly for the purpose of cultivating camelias, it is advisable to have it rather lofty, as the plants are seen to the greatest advantage when from six to eight feet in height. While the plants are young or small, they may be elevated sufficiently near the glass, and as they become enlarged, the stage may be gradually lowered, until they are of sufficient size to be placed on the floor. Houses for camelias should be so constructed at first as to exclude a certain portion of sunshine, by being placed with their fronts towards the east or west, as these plants delight in shade, and retain their beautiful blossoms three times as long, when so situated. Camelias, in general, flower early in the season, often in March or April, and retain them for a considerable period, in houses facing south; but when grown in the first degree of excellence, they will flower at least ten months in the year. Those produced during the dark months of winter are in general the best, and always last the longest. Those that flower during the hot months of summer seldom perfect their flowers, and never retain them for any length of time, probably not two days. Fire heat is seldom necessary, excepting to repel frost in winter, when planted in any sheltered situation. When they are about to form their flower buds, a gentle and moist heat is desirable, and may be with advantage continued until their buds until their buds be completely formed, and nearly ready to expand; at which period the temperature of the house should be reduced to that of its natural shape.' New Music. La Douce Pensée. Polka - Mazurka. Par Charles D'Albert. Chappell, 50, New Bond Street.-If ever the harmony of a piece of music was sufficiently exciting to move the most fastidious of all lovers of sweet strains, it will be found in the beautiful passages of the "Douce Pensée Mazurka." The Birdies' Song. Chappell, 50, New Bond Street.-We are great admirers of the Hon. Mrs. Norton's writing generally, but the words of the "Birdies' Song" do not, we think, come up to her usual elegant style. However, the composition is decidedly excellent, and only requires to be heard to be at once appreciated. Le Chant d'Amour, Valse à deux temps. Par Charles D'Albert. Chappell, 50, New Bond Street.-" Le Chant d'Amour" is one of the most brilliant valses of the day-it might be chosen especially as an enlivener to a flagging party, after the various evening pieces have been played. This is saying a great deal, but our friends have only to be fascinated like ourselves with the exquisite passages, and the same idea must be formed. The coloured vignette title is a beautiful specimen of lithography, both in design and execution. The Morning Star Polka, and the Evening Star Polka. Jewell and Letchford, 17, Soho Square.-These polkas lay claim to the patronage of the musical world, through their novel style of composition, which, together with the coloured vignette titles, are new to the public. The Etna Galop. By Charles D'Albert. Chappell, 50, New Bond Street. A very appropriate and readily distinguished red-hot vignette title accompanies this galop, though by no means dangerous, for, although it has the external appearance of burning your fingers at the first touch, it differs from all other bargains of that sort. music corresponds as much as it is possible with the strict meaning of the title, and, in some of the bars, the appearance of flame is distinctly visible. The Sweet Vale of my Childhood. Duff and Hodgson, 65, Oxford Street. We are enchanted with the melody of this highly effective ballad, wedded as it is to some of the most beautiful and soul-stirring lines that have come under our notice. Every mother of a family will grace her music folio with a copy of this ballad. Oh, do not leave thy Native Land. Written and composed by Henry Tendall. London: Jewell and Letchford, 17, Soho Square. -The words are exceedingly pretty, and the music flowing and graceful. We think it has the requisites to become popular. A Happy English Home. Ballad. Written by J. H. Jewell, composed by W. H. Montgomery. London: Jewell and Letchford, 17, Soho Square.-Mr. Jewell has written some pleasing verses in his usual happy style; and the composer has fully comprehended them by adapting to them an exceedingly beautiful melody. The Sunbeam Polka. By C. F. Willey. London: Jewell and Letchford. The composer has produced a pleasing and original polka that must win its way to favour. The Camp Polka. By Charles D'Albert.-Like most of the pieces of this composer, the "Camp Polka" partakes of an originality which amounts to novelty; and this is a grand point in composition. The cornet-a-piston accompaniment works well with the whole, and is altogether gay and sparkling. The coloured vignette title representing the Queen and Prince Albert at Chobham Camp is beautifully executed. Allegro - Scherzo. By Rud. Willmers. Ewer and Co., 390, Oxford Street. In the true sense of the word this may be called a Grand Pianoforte Piece. It is arranged with much science, strictly original, and altogether partakes of a high order, we cannot say without being sufficiently difficult to require a good player. Some of the passages are exquisite, which leave a lasting impression. A Merry Polka. B. Williams.-This is a very lively polka, which cannot fail to become popular as it gets known. The Spirit of the Ball Quadrilles. B. Williams.-These quadrilles can hardly fail to become popular, because the composition is open, clear, and easy of execution. Oh! for the Wings of a Beautiful Bird. B. Williams.-A very sweet, plaintive song, set to one of Mr. E, L. Hime's best compositions, in which we find a good deal of feeling and soul in the music. Scotland. National Song. Written by Mr. W. H. Bellamy. Duff and Hodgson, 65, Oxford Street, "A song for thee, auld Scotland, the beautiful, the brave, Where the heather blooms sae sweetly, where the bonnie tartans wave.” Few sons of Scotland but will give this song a hearty welcome. The words are pretty and peculiarly characteristic, set to a sparkling composition by J. W. Hobbs. We anticipate a ready sale for this national morceau. 'Tis a Flower from the Home of my Childhood. Duff and Hodgson, 65, Oxford Street.-There is a freshness about this delightful ballad, as if it sprang from the new world. The melody is flowing, and easy of execution, while the poetry offers a beautiful specimen of a modern writer. Gems of German Song. Ewer and Co., 390, Oxford Street. -Book 25 contains: "Parting in Spring;" "She, of all that's Fair; ""The Ring; " "The Woods; ""The Woods; " and "Come, Come to Me." This portion, No. 25 of "Gems of German Song," contains some de N. S. VOL. XXXV. сс lightful morceaux by Esser, R. Schumann, R. Frantz, and Kuhmstedt, with English and German words. The poetry is exceedingly beautiful, and we need not say a word about the composition when such names as the above composers appear. Tarantella. By Francesco Berger. Ewer and Co., 390, Oxford Street. The chief novelty in this "Tarantella" consists of the light, fantastic style of composition, which becomes elegant from the talented and classical school from whence it has emanated. Don't Say One Thing and Mean Another. Ballad. Written by Charles Swain, composed and inscribed to the "Maids of Merry England" by W. Palmer. London: Z. T. Purday, Holborn.-There is so much naïveté pervades the sentiment this lively effusion of Charles Swain, that we should like to hear the music interpreted in connection with the former, by that favourite vocalist, Miss Poole. Our fair readers shall judge: The little lane--the greenwood lane, Where Mary dwelt was gay with singing; Down vale and moor their notes were flinging. But Mary's heart was deaf to song, No longer she her tears could smother, For she had learned at last 'twas wrong say one thing and mean another. Το "Tis right, 'tis due, when hearts are true, To try if one's the power of grieving. In Mary's heart, and Mary's mind, She loved one youth, and loved no other; But Mary's tongue was oft inclined To say one thing and mean another. Would all might see, how sweet 'twould be, Farmer's Modern Pianoforte Instructor. Williams, 123, Cheapside. So many modern improvements have taken place in the manufacture of pianofortes, that the old instruction books have become comparatively useless, and which have induced many of our music publishers to issue those of more corresponding utility. The one before us is complete, all the rudiments of music being concisely laid down, and the art of fingering, which is of so much importance, rendered less difficult to the young pupil. We strongly recommend this work to all, especially to beginners. Paris Fashions, for November, 1853. (From our own Correspondent.) Rue de Richelieu, à Paris, 27 Oct. MA CHERE AMIE.-Some time since it was not contemplated, but now we find that jacket bodies are much worn for all kinds of dresses, whether of silk, satin or cashmere; the styles are numerous, as will be seen by a glance at our fashion plates, some closing to the throat, others à revers, opening to the waist, or en demi caur: this style of body is suited for cashmeres, merinos, and all woollen materials. The pagoda style of sleeve still predominates; they are generally worn rather short, with deep engageantes of lace or embroidery for in-door costume, while for the promenade large bouillon sleeves, with deep worked ruffles, or the fulness set into a narrow band of embroidery, are preferred. The skirts of plain silks will be worn with flounces, either à disposition, or stamped at the edge; those which are woven in very large plaids, will be mostly seen extremely full. The caracoa or jacket bodies are too useful to be easily abandoned, and are never more so than at the intermediate seasons, when we hesitate to make a sudden change, but require some little addition to the summer dress. Thus, at this moment, they re-appear in full favour. Some have the jacket attached, and terminating in tabs, ornamented with lace or other trimming; but with many the jacket is put on. The large collars now worn rather favour the amazon or tight high bodies, as they require to lie flat to look well, and it is probable that many of the winter dresses will be made with plain bodies. Chapeaux.-Notwithstanding several attempts to modify the very unbecoming style.of chapeaux, no signs yet appear of any rational improvement in the forms, though I think it will be impossible to brave the frost and cold winds with the head exposed, as the fashion now is. I therefore hope soon to announce some novelty on this head. At present, straws are still universally worn, and are not, as formerly, reserved for summer wear, but, by suiting the colours and materials of trimming, are quite as much worn in the winter; and there is now so much variety in straws. The straight or simple is less seen, but every style of fancy, in feston, waved or twisted; and the flowers of autumn, as dahlias, poppies, &c., are used to ornament them. Small wreaths inside are universal for all styles and all ages. Black lace and velvet will be the favourite trimming, as generally indicated. |