PUBLIC 446 AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS. "I belong to the unpopular family of Telltruths, and would not flatter Apollo for his lyre."-Rob Roy. Novelty and November are not generally associated, but 'fifty-three may be cited as an exception. The genial atmosphere during the early part of the month was a novelty! but, the fog, enough of that. Novelties at most of the theatres-and, greatest of all novelties, the audiences in most instances have been numerous-what more could be desired? Foremost of those introduced stands "A Bachelor of Arts," who is indeed a most consummate Master of Arts in the hands of Mr. Charles Mathews, who not only shines with his usual brilliancy in the scenes where gaiety abounds, but in the serious portion he imparts a pathos which, from the natural ease and quiet repose, at once stamps him as one of the first actors on this or any stage. Mr. Frank Matthews imparts an interest by a good, albeit a little exaggerated, picture of an usurer; and Miss Frances Hughes, a débutante, as the beloved of the Master of Arts, gives promise. With the exception of a little incongruity, this novelty may be pronounced in every way calculated to rival in popularity "Used Up," and "The Game of Speculation"-two trump cards of the LYCEUM. Next upon the scene is "A Pretty Piece of Business;" mixed up in which are Miss Reynolds, Mrs. Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Buckingham, Mr. Buckstone, and Mr. Howe. What with the mistakes of one and the other, the bewilderment, the wonder, the fear, and anxiety, it is "A Pretty Piece of Business." Only conceive some one being told he is somebody else, and that other she! and Buckstone too. The result may be easily guessed: laughter on all sides and from all sides crowns this "Pretty Piece of Business" at the HAYMARKET. This novelty is to be immediately followed by another, by Mr. Coyne, to be called "The Hope of the Family," in which Messrs. Buckstone and Compton have characters. With the exception of his Dogberry (not to be surpassed), sufficient use has not been made of the abilities of the latter. Although late in the season, "Whitebait at Greenwich" is not destitute of flavour as served up by Mr. Keeley at the ADELPHI. "The Lancers" at the PRINCESS's is well put upon the stage, and serves to introduce a fresh candidate for metropolitan honours in the person of Mr. Fisher. This translation by Captain Vernon of the "Fils de Famille," is preferable to the version played at the Adelphi under the title of "The Discarded Son," which, by the way, is stated in the bills, with more pertinacity than veracity, to be by Mr. Webster. The latest novelties at "The Temple of Drama," as the present lessee so grandiloquently terms DRURY LANE, are various and many, chiefly consisting of dogs, monkeys, and clowns. With regard to the other performances, much of the equestrianism is good, but it is old--the same feats have been attempted over and over again. So with the athletic portion of entertainment: if there be any anxiety on the part of fondlyloving gymnastic youth to witness the prodigious exertions of humanity in balancing basins, or in throwing tubs from antipodean member to antipodean member, surely such muscular playfulness may be viewed without the outlay which a visit to the national theatre imposes, simply by making one of the crowd which generally attends similar performances of gentlemen in brickdust-coloured pantaloons in the streets of this sight-abounding metropolis. Taken altogether, the present proceedings at Drury Lane have an unpleasant effect by recalling the scene of the triumphs of FRANCONI's troupe a few years ago. Then there was an elegance that invested the circle, which the eye now seeks in vain. It is astonishing the wonders to be worked by a little French polish. Batty being dethroned, the sceptre of ASTLEY's is now wielded by Mr. Cooke, whose reign is being immortalised by the extraordinary exertions of his faithful troops to extirpate the Russians. "The Invasion of Russia" holds up a terrible example to the Turks, who, as Mussulmen, should emulate these men of muscle and prowess. Look at the Astleyan soldiers, and admire their cool courage, undaunted bravery, and valorous energy. If a city is to be burned, there is no hesitation about the matter. The burning of Moscow powerfully attests this. At such an inflammable catastrophe there is no lack of fire-red, or blue. Novelty at the OLYMPIC, the new lessee can be in no hurry to bring forward, during the prosperous career of his present performances. "Plot and Passion,' "The Camp at the Olympic," and "The Wandering Minstrel," no doubt will enable Mr. Wigan to carry on the campaign until Christmas, for which important festival preparations are already being made in all directions. Amongst other exhibitions, there is much in store at the POLYTECHNIC, which has been going through its usual course of lectures-diver and diving bell, dissolving views, wonderful machinery, and powerful electrifying machines-to the intense edification of town and country. Apropos, we heard of a man having a free admission to this exhibition, who visited it twice a day whilst lectures were being delivered on "preserved meats ;" and he afterwards confessed to a friend that he dined and supped five days out of the seven on the specimens handed round for the audience to taste. That's novelty with a vengeance! STATE OF THE ODDS, &c. SALE OF BLOOD STOCK. By Messrs. Tattersall, on Monday, November 21st: MR. G. S. FORD'S STUD. Gs. Hermit, by Bay Middleton, out of Jenny Lind, by Touchstone; engaged in the 600 88 72 70 A Bay Marc, by Don John, out of My Dear, 2 yrs.. A Bay Colt Foal, by Don John, out of Fringe.. Image, by Langar, out of Tuft, by Whisker; covered by Birdcatcher Miss Betsy, by Plenipo, dam by Whisker, out of Castrella; covered by Cæsar.. 63 54 ...... 51 31 Pollard, by Bay Middleton, out of Meal, 2 yrs.; engaged in the Derby, 1854.. 27 A Chesnut Yearling Colt, by Faugh-a-Ballagh, out of Fringe .... A Chesnut Colt Foal, by Birdcatcher, out of Epaminondas's dam.. 23 18 Mr. Morris has bought The Knight of St. George (engaged in the Derby and St. Leger, 1854); Gamekeeper (also engaged in the Derby), Mercy, 2 yrs. old, and a yearling, by Portrait, out of Circe, by Skylark, from Mr Disney; Mr. Groves, of Plumpton Hall, Harrowgate, the stallion Windhound, brother to Hobbie Noble and The Reiver, of Lord John Scott. Minotaur, the sire of Theseus, has been purchased by Count d'Hedouville, for France. The sale of Red Lion has been contradicted by Mr. Cooke. A memorial to Lord Palmerston has resulted in the release of Mr. Ignatius Coyle. How the country magistrates could ever have decided on a conviction with the evidence before them, is still the wonder of every reasoning man. But give a dog a bad name," and do what you like with him. A still lengthy list of Derby horses-that is, for the season of the year -closes with the two favourites and Lord Derby's trio, Dervish, Acrobat, and Boiardo, all in some force-the crack and Dervish with, on the whole, the best of it. Beyond these, the almost only noticeable feature is the return of Ruby, whose friends appear to have taken fresh heart over him. The occasional enquiries after others are all duly registered, and to these we at once refer they evince no great anxiety either way. THE CHESTER CUP.-50 to 1 agst. Muscovite, and 66 to 1 each agst. Little Harry, Newminster, Trifle, Mr. Sykes, Heapy, and Defiance; 100 to 1 each agst. Leopold and King Pepin. END OF VOL. XXIX. Printed by Rogerson and Tuxford, 248, Strand, London. INDEX. A few Words from the Mountains A few more Words from Scribble A Glance at the Doncaster A New Hand at an Old Game- A Peep at the Cesarewitch and Autumn Gleanings-(illustrative A Week with the Tiverton Fox- Catherine Hayes, Winner of the Oaks, 1853, Pedigree and Per- |