tion that now menaces it on every side. What may be the secret presentiments of those who still direct its destinies as to the result we know not, but we applaud their practical good sense in making the most of the short period of monopoly left them. During the brief recess of four weeks the theatre has undergone a restorative process it stood sadly in need of, and though it has gained little in decorative richness, at all events it gives pleasant assurances of cleanliness, and the hunter after theatrical fancies can, at least, indulge his taste without the risk of his illusions being destroyed by dirty seats and dubious smells. The first attraction of the season was a foreign star of no ordinary magnitude in the person of an English artist, Mad. Anna Bishop. This lady's reputation had preceded her, and her success more or less marked in Italy and England, prepared our native cognoscenti for an operatic treat of no ordinary excellence. Mad. Bishop made her debut in Donizetti's opera of Linda de Chamouni, anglicised for the occasion. The role is a very unpretending one, calling for no great exertions of dramatic or vocal talent, and we inferred at once that Mad. Bishop set but a modest estimate upon her powers which she was reluctart to task by bolder efforts. We think it unnecessary at this late moment to enter upon a criticism, for public opinion is finally settled upon the merits of the debutante. Her singing gave very general satisfaction, though her voice was considered deficient in power. She managed it, however, with great skill and taste, and her vocalization was, consequently, easy, finished, and often brilliant. Her engagement was singularly short, but highly successful, and, doubtless, will be renewed before she goes south. We are bound in common justice to Mad. Bishop to say, that her success is all the more flattering to her individual attraction since the support given her was of the most lamentable description. But this is chiefly her own fault. She must have been well informed that there was no adequate musical talent here to sustain her, and, therefore, she should have brought it along with her. Whatever might have been the additional expense, she would have found her account in the increased attraction and profit. Unless Mad. Bishop make a decided change in her entomage, she will we fear derive little satisfaction, or gain from her transatlantic venture. Why does not Mad. Pico, that popular singer and lovely woman, associate herself with Mad. Bishop in a series of Italian operas, translated for the purpose? Their different powers are admirably adapted to each other, and their joint effect in such an opera, for instance, as the Semiramide, would fill every hearer with astonishment and delight. With a good English tenor and bass to support them, they would make a theatrical campaign in the United States that in renown and profit would stand without a parallel. We recommend our suggestion to the attention of the friends of these distinguished artistes. Mr. Anderson, the English actor, already well-known in this country,' has followed Mad. Bishop, at the Park. His merits, in characters of secondary importance, are unquestionable, and have been abundantly tested by his previous success; but his ambition far outstrips his judgment when he mounts to Shaksperian representations. His Othello, Macbeth, &c., are as intolerable as his Claude Melnotte and Elder Brother are really excellent. If Mr. Anderson would take the pains to add to his range of characters such as are within his scope, his attraction would last, and his pocket be considerably benefitted. We are gratified to learn that Mr. Forrest will appear on the 30th inst. The management have done well not to allow his valuable services to go into opposition, at the same time the Directors of the Broadway Theatre have began with an egregious error in letting Mr. Forrest slip through their fingers. If the new Theatre had opened with our great tragedian, and the engagement of Mr. Placide, some token, at least, would have been given of a sincere desire to conciliate New-York play-goers, whose unabated admiration of the grand tragic impersonations of the one, and the inimitable comic humor of the other, is as flattering to the rare powers of these great actors, as it is an abundant proof of the discerning taste and judgment of the public. We regret to hear that Mr. Forrest takes his farewell of the Southern stage this season; but we trust no such irreparable loss will befall us at the North for years to come.Whatever may be the fortune of our successful actor, or his desire for the tranquil enjoyments of leisure-life, yet we must protest against the wrong done the public, and his noble art, by his premature withdrawal from the stage, just when his marvellous powers have reached their climax. The histrionic like other arts seems capable of infinite development, and to genius like his no precise bounds can be set. His acting which some ten years ago was thought incomparable in many parts has gone steadily on improving, and every engagement reveals some new and striking proof of maturer study and riper taste. In the present degenerate state of the drama both in Europe and here, we should look upon Mr. Forrest's retirement as a death-blow to Shakspeare. He is now the only actor living, whose matchless skill lends a declining prestige to the legitimate stage. When he throws down the sceptre of Macbeth and Lear, alas, the day! the throne will be vacant, and the tragic crown even without a pretender. Sooner or later this event must come, and then a long farewell to the sublime creations of the immortal bard; for from the present aspect of things, the stage which once witnessed the subtle workings of Othello's desperate love, the fitful anguish of Lear's riven heart, and the bold ambition of the unscrupulous Richard, will be entirely given up to the soft warblings of the seductive opera, and the dazzling gyrations of the voluptuous dance. CASTLE GARDEN.-There can be no longer a question of Signor Vellerino's admirable managerial tact. The conversion by him of the magnificent salle of the Castle Garden into an opera house, just at a season of the year when the confinement of an ordinary theatre is close and oppressive, is one of those happy displays of savoir faire, (knowing how to do it,) which places him beyond dispute, amongst that very select few who make use of their abilities to their own advantage, and to the satisfaction of every body else. But there is another feature in this operatic manœuvre that we applaud with all our heart, and that is plainly, the diminution of the standard sum of one dollar for admission to that of fifty cents; for this change of price will be an irresistible temptation to thousands of prudent people to go out of curiosity to hear them singers," who never would have been induced to part with double the amount. Enterprise is its own reward; and verily, Signor Vellerino gets it nightly; but we suspect a deeper purpose lies at the bottom of this adroit innovation. Vellerino knows that aristocratic patronage is limited, and always uncertain. Caprice makes it, and pique takes it away; and the manager who counts on "Prince's favors," runs a certain risk of sharing the luckless Cardinal's fate. But Vellerino is not the man to put his fortunes on so slender a stake, nor court the hazard of any die. His calculations are far more sure as they are truly just. He knows that if he succeeds once in spreading the contagious infection of Italian opera amongst the bone and sinew of our people, his fortune is made. He has only, then, to serve up new operas, and engage a troupe of the rare merit of Tedesco to cram his house, no matter how big, every night, and empty his overflowing pockets for safe investment every morning. If we had the space, we should love to dwell on the vast moral benefit to be derived in every community from the cultivation of a refined musical taste; but sufficient to the day is the good thereof. The seed is planting that is destined to bring forth goodly fruits. Be it our tender care to watch over and foster its fair growth. BOWERY THEATRE.-That universal favorite, Mrs. Shaw, has made her appearance at this popular resort, which is to say, of course, that not a spare seat is to be had in any part of this spacions edifice. Her acting gains, if possible, in sweetness and force, whilst her striking beauty remains unimpaired to delight the spectators, and enhance the charm of her touching and truthful impersonations. Mrs. Shaw has not for years looked so well, and never played better than during this engagement. We do not wonder, then, at the increased enthusiasm of her legion of admirers. ON DIT.-There is some talk of a great theatrical combination getting up between Signor Vellerino and one of the most respectable of our American managers. It is proposed to retain the control of the leading theatres of four of our principal cities, and to give, at regular intervals, every season a splendid performance of opera and ballet, on a scale that has never before been attempted. We hear that some of our most distinguished amateurs, having taken in hand a project so captivating and so feasible, are about opening in each town a subscription list to carry out the enterprize. With such men as Vellerino and his proposed associate, its success is certain. NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. Reminiscences of Samuel Taylor and Robert Southey. By JOSEPH COTTLE. Wiley & Putnam. THE name of this author in such a connection, reminds one irresistibly of the origin of the oft quoted passage of Byron, "If commerce fills the purse, she clogs the brain, In him an author's luckless lot behold, Condemned to make the books which once he sold. To fill the speaking trump of future fame!" Lord Byron tells us in a note that, "I saw some letters of this fellow (Joseph Cottle) to an unfortunate poetess, whose productions, which the poor woman by no means thought vainly of, he attacked so roughly and bitterly, that I could hardly resist assaulting him even were it unjust, which it is not-for verily he is an ass." This same Joseph Cottle "makes the books which once he sold," and informs us in his preface, that it is a "singular fact" that those brief memorials should be written by "the same individual who, mcre than half a century before, contributed his humble efforts to assist and encourage them on their first entrance into life;" an announcement which certainly confirms the opinion that Byron had formed of him. He modestly puts himself forward as patron of the great men of the day. The "Reminiscences" of Southey are in the same view which induced the poet to abandon his liberal political principle and turn court fool and "lick spittle." He endeavours to apologize for "Wat Tyler," but says marvellously little of the "Vision of Judgment." There is a good deal of agreeable gossip in the volume; but one cannot entertain high opinions of any of the parties as private persons. Those who prostitute their talents at the shrine of court favor for fees and pensions, must be content with the consequences, after the corrupt atmosphere in which they have thriven has passed away. Sparks' American Biography; Second series, No. XIV. Little & Brown, Boston.] The present volume of this exceedingly valuable series, is occupied with the life of John Ledyard the American traveller, a name equal to that of Mungo Park for adventures daring in the prosecution of discoveries. The narrative is of intense interest. The Journals of Major Samuel Shaw, the first American Consul at Canton, with a life of the author. By JOSIAH QUINCY. Wm. Crosby & H. P. Nichols, 111 Washingtonstreet, Boston. Major Shaw obtained from General Washington in 1775, a commission as Lieutenant in the American army, in which he served through the war of Independence with honor, and was disbanded in 1784. The letters of Major Shaw to his friends during that ever memorable period, which gave birth to a giant nation, are full of intense interest; and written at every crisis in the war, with the ardent feelings of a young enthusiast. After the war he embarked in the India trade, and his journals are full of practical information upon the growth of trade with the Chinese. It is a work of high interest and admirably got up. The Shakspeare Novels. "The Youth of Shakspeare." By the author of Shakspeare and his Friends. 66 The Secret Passion;" by the author of the Youth of Shakspeare. Burgess, Stringer & Co., 222 Broadway. This highly popular series of novels has been produced by the enterprising publishers in a very creditable manner, of uniform appearance and at a surprisingly cheap rate. The Complete Angler, or the Contemplative Man's recreation. By ISAAC WALTON; and Instructions how to angle for a trout or grayling in a clear stream. By CHARLES COTTON. with biographical preface and copious notes, by the American editor; in two parts. Wiley & Putnam. This is a very full and admirable edition of a work that belongs to the literature of England, and is deservedly held in high estimation. The American editor seems to have taken great pride as well as pains in preparing a work, complete with every addition of literary information, which extensive means for collection and thorough knowledge of his authors, as well as practical acquaintance with the art of which he treats, would enable him to do. Hints to Young Architects; calculated to facilitate their practical operations. By GEO. WIGHTWICK, Architect, author of the "Palace of Architecture," with additional notes, and hints to persons about building in the country. By A. J. DOWNING, author of "Designs of Cottage Residences," &c. &c. Wiley & Putnam. In the progress of rural architecture in this country. the subject has become interesting to the many, as well as important to the builders. The present treatise is one of great value, from its practical nature and the clear and spirited style of its execution, accompanied with cuts and diagrams. By W. Germania and Agricola of Caius Cornelius Tacitus; with notes for colleges. The author of this beautiful school edition informs us, that in his endeavor to bring down the literature of Tacitus to the present time, he has embodied the most valuable results of the labors of the most recent German editors, adhering in the main to the text of Walther. The result is an exceedingly useful edition, peculiarly adapted to the wants generally felt by teachers and pupils in American colleges. The good Genius that turned Everything into Gold; or the Queen Bee and Magic Dress; a Christmas Fairy tale. Harper Brothers, New-York. This is a number of the beautiful fireside library published by the Messrs. Harpers, being a series of instructions and moral stories. The present one is illustrative of the wonder working powers of industry. Guardian Spirits, a case of vision into the spiritual world, translated from the German of H. Werner, with parallels by Emanuel Swedenborg. By A. E. FORD. John Allen, 139 Nassau-st. The author of this singular story professes to have been an unbeliever in animal magnetism, until he encountered a somnambulist in the person of a girl 14 years of age, whose wonderful experiences converted him to the peculiar belief he entertains, and the translator has used the facts in support of the views of Swedenborg. It contains matter of much interest to a large class. Goethe's Autobiography. Poetry and truth from life, from the German of Goethe. By PARKE GODWIN. Parts III and IV. Wiley & Putnam, In our January number, on the appearance of parts I. and II. of this admired work, we had an extended notice. The attention that the first portion of the work produced excited an interest for the remaining portion which is now issued from the press, and well maintains the The Spirit of "76, engraved on Steel, by H. S. SADD. From the painting by T. H. Matteson, This is an admirable mezzotint, of good size, 22 by 19, representing one of those scenes Fresh Gleanings; or a New Sheaf from the Old Fields of Continental Europe. B 0 Ge1 τε ito This is a collection of very pleasantly written and graphic sketches of scenes and thir Europe, by an author whose letters from our watering places and summer resorts are gi the public in the columns of the New-York Courier. The Monk's Revenge, or the Secret Enemy. A Tale of the earlier Crusades. By S As a writer of eastern romances Mr. Spring is favorably known to the public, and the novel detracts nothing from his deserved reputation as a popular writer. It is full of intere and presents a faithful picture of the times during the great mania which seized upon Eurg in the middle ages, and produced the "age of chivalry" as one of its results. 1. Jessie Linden; or the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy. Edward Dunigan, New-York. 6 Of all the works on the French Revolution, perhaps this will be found the most instructiv well as interesting. We are here brought into intimate acquaintance with the individuals their social and political, the private as well as public character. The man is presented to in his individuality, and the epoch which brings him before the public, clearly and accurate sketched, and his proceedings under the circumstances of the epoch vividly displayed. Duellists and Duelling in the South West. By CHARLES SUMMERFIELD, of Texas. |