PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS. "We belong to the unpopular family of Tell-truths, and would not flatter Apollo for his Lyre."-ROB ROY. What is to be done with the Lord Chamberlain? is a thousand times more puzzling than the Palmerstonian difficulty. He does not deserve to be sent to" where the good niggers go." Then as to making him take an active part against the Caffres, that must not be, as the taste of the Cape would make him whine more than ever. Shall he be despatched to St. Albans, on compulsion that he treats the inhabitants of that virtuous borough to their hearts' content? Not so; here is "something more exquisite still." It is moved, seconded, and carried with acclamation, that the unhappy culprit be compelled "to take the round of the theatres" to witness the several Christmas productions that he has so unmercifully endeavoured to deprive of their zest by prohibiting allusions to the most moving topics of the day. Although he will find a mixture of good, bad, and indifferent, yet there is so trifling a degree of the first the punishment will be sufficiently severe. Indeed, he will repent his gagging propensities, and ever regret that he curtailed pantomime of its fair proportions. Only imagine the marvellous blows the director of the late sanguinary events in France has escaped. Louis, Louis, you have not the good graces of the Sporting Review. You are not a sportsman, but a battue-loving slaughterman of humanity. Enough of wicked spirits. 66 The good genius of fairy land is visible at the LYCEUM, where Mr. Planchè gives a pleasing version of the Countess d'Anois' story La Biche au Bois. "The Prince of Happy Land, or the Fawn in the Forest," if not to be named with many of the burlesques from the same gifted source, is vastly superior to The Island of Jewels," King Charming," and "The Queen of the Frogs ;" and there's something in that, as an anti-Burleigh head-shaker would say. Several of the puns, in the second act especially, are original, quaint, and salient; the dialogue throughout is sparkling, particularly the portion which falls to the share of Floretta, a character sustained by Madame Vestris, and it may be naturally supposed, the smart sallies and brilliant repartee fall from the lips of so accomplished an actress like gems of the first water. Although the waiting maid, she is ably assisted by Miss Lanza (a recent addition to the company) and Miss St. George, the former as the Princess, and the latter as the Prince. Miss Lanza will prove an acquisition. In addition to a well modulated voice, she possesses a graceful ease and a quiet self-possession; while infusing a thorough spirit into her performance, she never for a moment oversteps her part. Her father in the extravaganza is the Grand Duke of Vert and Venison, and a most proper personation does he find in Mr. Frank Matthews, who receives in the veriest monarchical manner the several important manifestos made by his Lord Chamberlain. Lord Chamberlains in general would do well to study and observe the profound and dignified air imparted to the character by Mr. Oxberry. As far as scenic splendour is concerned, this is a perfect marvel. Messrs. Beverley, Meadows, and their assistants have wrought wonders; not, as in former 66 works, have their energies and talents been to a degree reserved for the last scene of all," but in this instance there are several scenes of unsurpassed beauty. The opening is strikingly effective-" A Point Lace Chamber in the Tower of Tapers," than which nothing could be more brilliant, except the scene of "Peerless Pool and Pleasure Gardens," which is unquestionably the most striking of all the gorgeous embellishments. The whole arrangement of colour, with the surprising distribution of light and shade, tend to present that which is often-spoken-of, but seldom realized-a perfect picture. Many a perfect picture has Hogarth drawn ; and now he is drawn upon for a subject for the Christmas entertainment at DRURY LANE. His picture of Industry and Idleness furnishes material for a pantomime, under the title of " Harlequin Hogarth; or, the Two London 'Prentices." The scenery is, in most instances, excellent, and many of the changes are well arranged; but as for humour and downright fun, i suffers sadly in comparison with "Harlequin and Good Queen Bess," brought out during Mr. Anderson's management. Neither can the present pantomimists be considered to approach those of bygone years, although, in the case of Mr. H. Marshall, the Clown, it is fair to mention that his performance stands out in bold relief, whatever conjecture there may be as to his imitation of Bottesini being a base exception." On the whole," Harlequin Hogarth" is a singular pantomime, not that it possesses a solitary joke-it does contain one-but because the most amusing portion is that in which it gives Payne. Nevertheless, the bright hopes, the fond desires, and many aspirations of the manager, as detailed by him in his opening address, may yet be fulfilled. If the public will only continue to supply the wind, he himself will be amply satisfied to persevere in the part of Jeremy Diddler. A good subject, a gentleman and a scholar to treat it, and a real original burlesque company to play it, are the characteristics of the Christmas piece at the ADELPHI. At the twin establishment Mr. Benjamin Webster, lessee, has been almost equally happy in his selection of a Winter's Tale; while the Siamese youths employed by him to work it up have relied more on the polish of their blade than the mere cut and thrust with which they have been wont so long to wield it. We miss the pewter pot and the yard of clay; and we think a HAYMARKET audience, at any rate, ought to be able to pass an evening without them. The PRINCESS'S would appear to think that the gentle public cannot have too much of a good thing; so we are treated again to Mr. Flexmore's pantomime, Mr. Flexmore's imitations, and Mr. Flexmore's especial conception of the genus Clown, as we have been accustomed now for some seasons to receive and approve them. The OLYMPIC, on the other hand, breaks fresh ground; and some strong touches of originality and humour well support what may be wanting in the shape of experience and mere conventialism. The weak point in your modern framer of pantomime is the "line and rule” he so severely adheres to. In a yet more refined class of the amusements of the season we have the POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION, with a judicious re-engagement of Mr. Barker and his national ballads: the PANORAMA OF THE HOLY LAND, ably recommended by the names of those gentlemen whose associated genius had previously done so much for the scenery of "The Nile." STATE OF THE ODDS, &c. THE SALE OF BLOOD STOCK during the past month has been confined chiefly to Mr. Carew's horses; though Lord Strathmore's are to go as unreservedly on the first Monday in January. The prices fetched by the former gentleman's hunters will be found in another part of the magazine. On the 15th his racing stud, and such of the steeple-chasers as had not previously been disposed of by private contract, were knocked down by Mr. Tattersall as follows: Guineas. 300 265 Agis, 6 yrs., 185 ... Bay Colt, 2 yrs., by Touchstone out of Camp-follower (Fugleman's 160 A Bay Yearling Colt, by War Eagle out of Rigolette, by Jerry 150 130 115 A Bay Filly, 2 yrs. (half-bred), by The Counsellor out of Newport's A Bay Gelding A Bay Gelding Pantomime, a yearling colt, by Lanercost out of Burlesque, by Valentine, by Ratcatcher out of Oatmeal, by Wedge Grape-shot, a yearling colt, by Alarm out of Volley (sister to Vol. A Chesnut Colt, 2 yrs., by Drayton out of a half-bred mare A Bay Yearling Colt by St. Martin out of Madelina, by The Mole.. A Chesnut Yearling Filly by Theon out of Aliena, by Touchstone ......... 14 .... 9 A Bay Yearling Filly by Weatherbit out of Azora, by Voltaire The Heriot and the War Eagle colt go into Lumley's stable, the colt out of Camp-follower (now called "The Sutler "), Florence, and the Counsellor filly (now "Recommendation") into Stebbing's. On the Monday following the brood mares, &c., were brought up, Burlesque fetching 86 gs., Conflict 65 gs., Eva 37 gs., Azora 120 gs., Growl 41 gs., and Cytherea 22 gs. A bay colt foal by Weatherbit out of Azora was sold for 54 gs., a bay filly foal by John o'Gaunt out of Cytherea 27 gs., and a bay filly foal by Lanercost out of Burlesque 20 gs. Some half-bred mares and foals, and several sporting dogs, were also sold, but at very low prices. Some sensation has been created in the neighbourhood of Carmarthen by the death of John Edwards, better known as "Pigeon," a trainer and jockey employed for some years on the Welsh turf. A rumour got abroad that the man died from poison, administered just previous to riding one of his last races; but the evidence of a surgeon proved that a long course of intemperance might have induced symptoms with which poison had no connection whatever. A jury called in gave a verdict of Natural Death." 66 John Scott relinquishes Pigburn, and the probability appears to be that it will be ploughed up. Should it ever be so converted from the thorough-bred to the plough-team, the quantum mutatus ab illo might furnish a fine theme for the muse of some of our Olympic bards. Lord John Scott has given the name of "The Reiver" to his bay yearling colt, brother to Hobbie Noble, and that of "Pug Orrock" to his bay yearling colt by Pantaloon out of Testy. His Lordship has also changed the name of Lily, by Picaroon, 4 yrs., to "Kilmeney." The Derby betting continues flat, and without much interest, although it will be observed a good many horses have been touched on during the past month. Of these the feeling has been decidedly against The crack and Claverhouse; the latter undoubtedly driven back, and Mr. Merry's horse not looking by any means so well as he has done. On the other hand, Augur, King of Trumps, Orelio, Womersley, and Lord Ribblesdale's two have the promise of being yet better favourites. Vortex, too, who is to join John Day's lot, has a rising look, while the times do not say so much for the Chief Baron, Elcot, or the Goodwood stable. The Chester Cup betting is just now remarkable for a run on The High Sheriff; while the Metropolitan, with the weights out, found a first favourite at home in Don Pedro, whose autumn performance made him many friends. The last Monday in the month, however, brought a rumour that he would be scratched, and he is now out of the betting. We do not extend the prices on this race beyond the publication of the handicap. CHESTER CUP (Run May 5).-35 to 1 against High Sheriff; 40 to 1 each against Ringleader and Knook Knoll; 45 to 1 cach against Grand Duke and Black Doctor; 50 to 1 each against Nancy, Grosvenor, Cardinal Wiseman, and Merry Bird,; 66 to 1 each against Lady Evelyn, Cossack, Grey Tommy, Redmoud O'Hanlon, Trickstress, Neasham, Mark Tapley, Le Juif, Russborough, and Mountain Deer; 100 to 1 each against Knavesmere, Bardolph, Pelopidas, and Paquetta; and 1,000 to 8 against Goldfinder. METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (Run April 1).-40 to 1 each against Hesse Homberg, 4 yrs., 7st. 3lb.; Kate (by Auckland), 3 yrs., 4st. 121b.; Achyranthes, 5 yrs., 6at. 7lb.; and Elthiron, 6 yrs., 8st. 71b.; and 50 to 1 against The Ban, 4 yrs., 8st. 5lb. THE 2,000 GUINEAS STAKES (Run April 27).-10 to 1 each against Filius and HomeBrewed. 40 1 40 1 1000.. 20 40 1000.. 20 1000.. 15 1000 25 EMBELLISHMENTS. NANCY: WINNER OF THE CHESTER AND GOODWOOD CUPS, 1851. ENGRAVED BY E. HACKER, FROM A PAINTING BY HARRY HALL. PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS IN RACING AFFAIRS.- -BY CECIL 99 FEATHERS AND FLAX-NO. II.-BY DIOGENES TURF PENCILLINGS-STUD STATISTICS-FOALS OF 1851- PRINCIPAL BREEDERS-LIST OF STALLION WINNINGS- NANCY AND THE FOUR-YEAR-OLDS-CRACK RIDING- LILLIPUTIANS THE THREE-YEAR-OLDS.-BY THE DRUID. 129 OUR LEICESTERSHIRE BUDGET-THE WEATHER-RUN FROM ELLA'S GORSE-MEET AT WYMESWOLD-SIR RICHARD SUTTON'S MORNING RIDE FROM NORFOLK TO COVER- RUN FROM WEDMERPOOL-THE BELVOIR HUNT AND BELVOIR FESTIVITIES-MEET AT CROXTON PARK-LORD SEVERN-CHEAM-EGLINTON RACING CLUB-WALSALL- KET FIRST OCTOBER MEETING-MONMOUTH--CHESTER- |