gines no other cause could bring vast quantities of uninjured fish into this predicament. Briefly, then, our author's theory is this gradually exhausted a yearly decreasing supply, the muddy bed, for distances depending on the season, became dry and hard. Vegetation of some sort immediately grew upon this and formed lines of demarcation between the sediments, as flints form the line of These fish dived into the mud as the water left division between the chalky deposits. These thin de- them. The died there and were preserved there. posits, the production of yearly floods, had no fetid They never moved from the spot where they breathed mell; but the great deposit down below answered their last. They did not even find room to move or to exactly to the description of the stratum in which the displace a scale. The position in which each is found fossil fish of Monte Bolca were found except in hardwas the result of the last effort of imprisoned nature ness. This deposit was the result of sediment from striving to find one more inch of mud. But it dried nearly stagnant water for the space of several hundred around them as they strove. Soft and pliant, it reyears, and is a fetid marl of a blue-grey colour. As tained every impression. It dried, hardened, and was none of the sediments here alluded to had been sub- compressed by degrees till all the fishy substance jected to any great pressure, or to the action of fire, vanished into the surrounding matter-their silex, they had become so hard as the fissile rocks of Monte their lime, and their oily nature giving consistency to Bolca." Out of such a dried-up tank Sir Emmerson the slate, the marble, the stone. the marl, or lias, Tennent saw a crocodile crawl, leaving the impression which now exhibit to us, the fossils of those fishes that of his scaly form in the crust of the soft mud, and in once sought a refuge in their bosoms long before they them hosts of fish make their home, and so long as they were turned to stone. find mud to move in and air to circulate in it they exist: -deprived of either "they must die imbedded in the mud, which had been collecting for many years previous to their engagement in it; that in process of time these dead fish would become fossils, with their impressions taken by a soft substance immediately they died; in course of time the fishy substance would decompose and leave the impressions exactly as we find them in the two feet deep strata of Monte Bolca whole and perfect. Fishes so situated it appears descend lower and lower as they find their habitation drying up, hence the quantity of them that would be found in one and the same locality, and our author ima ITALIAN CHURCH REFORMATION.-(Dublin: George Herbert, 117, Grafton-street).— A paper, referring to the efforts of those Italians who are desirous of bringing about some reformation of their national church analogous to that of the Anglican and American reformed episcopal churches. Received, Dr. Watters's "Doctrines of Life," the discussion of which would be more acceptable and appropriate in a medical journal than in ours. THE THEATRES. ago. Mildred Craddock is created out of a heap of materials belonging to the "heroine of domestic drama" school. But Miss Lydia Foote, as Mildred, acts with infinitely more re Mr. Henry. J. Byron, author of the newest samples of the realistic drama, "Blow for Blow," and the "Lancashire Lass," is a dramatist whose theory seems to be that, if you take your old melo-finement, and talks infinitely more intellectually drama and rewrite it from a more intellectual point of view, and with due consideration for the improved taste of the age, the result will be a successful modern acting play. In "Dearer than Life," as in the two pieces above referred to, Mr. Byron took care, while reviving the choicest "situations" to be found in the Coburg repertory of melodrama, to divest the scene of the clap-trap, stilted dialogue, and conventional attributes common to the pieces Miss Vincent and Mr. Osbaldiston produced at the Coburg, or rather (in their time) the Victoria Theatre. We have seen the late Mr. Osbaldiston and Mr. E. F. Saville playing such parts as the John Drummond of" Blow for Blow," over and over again at the Victoria. John Drummond, as the "deus ex machina" of the new play at the "Holborn," employs as his instrument for producing the main action of the piece just such another heroine as the late Miss Vincent would have delighted in a quarter of a century than did any domestic heroine known to the boards of the transpontine drama. There is a veteran comedian now at the Holborn (Mr. W. Howard), playing the line of "old men's" parts, who was the low comedian at the Victoria during Osbaldiston's time. Mr. Howard is like a fossil where he is-so different are all the surroundings of the contemporaneous drama as compared with the régime of three decades ago. The structure of "Blow for Blow" is far superior to that of any piece of the kind latterly produced at the metropolitan theatres. A case of mistaken identity serves as the nucleus of the plot; the action moving round this pivot. In an attorney's office at Portsmouth, Josiah Craddock, a lawyer (Mr. Lunt), quarrels and breaks with one of the clerks, John Drummond (Mr. J. C. Cowper), being urged to extreme anger at the impudence of the latter in soliciting his daughter Mildred's hand in marriage. Stung to the quick at the refusal of the father to give his consent, Drummond's malignant heart shew itself in the threats he makes use of, that | he will divulge a terrible secret-namely, that Josiah Craddock is a forger and a thief, which facts he, Drummond, is alone privy to. With the denouncement of the old lawyer, his being taken off by the police, his daughter being almost ready to promise Drummond her hand in the hope of obtaining her father's release, the interposition of Mildred's lover (Lieut. Linden, R.N.), to prevent Mildred's sacrifice, and a quarrel between the young officer and Drummond-with these matters the first act, or prologue, of the play is brought to a close. The quarrel is the source of the title to the piece, as Drummond is felled to the earth by Lieut. Linden. In the second act the action recommences, after the lapse of five years, at certain miserable lodgings, where Alice Craddock, Mildred's sister, lives in a state of poverty. To her comes John Drummond, the now returned convict; he communicates the death of Mildred, intent upon resorting to stratagem to revenge himself upon Lieut. (now Sir Harry) Linden, for the past. Drummond works upon Alice's feelings by informing her that her twin-sister Mildred had married Lieut. Linden in Australia, but that a long course of ill-treatment had terminated in her death. The returned convict invites Alice to join him in a scheme of revenge on Linden, who is now newly married, and residing in splendour, as Sir Harry Linden, Bart., at his country seat. This Alice agrees to, which closes the act. The succeeding scene is the country-house of Linden. In a splendidlyfurnished drawing-room we see Sir Harry with his young wife, Lady Linden (Miss Jane Rignold), toying and full of affection. Their happiness is soon interrupted by the appearance of the ferocious Drummond and his accomplice Alice. The man makes himself known to Linden, and tells that he is the possessor of a secret, viz., that his supposed dead wife still lives. Alice appears to Lady Linden, succeeds in entering her service, confronts Sir Harry Linden, and then declares herself to be no other than Mildred! Her story is believed by Lady Linden, and, in Sir Harry's confusion, John Drummond finds the revenge he has sought, and now exults in. In the last act Drummond visits Sir Harry, now living by himself, and offers to show that the previous events at the Lindons' were the result of a stratagem of Alice's. If Sir Harry will pay well for it, Drummond declares he will place matters right again, and thus effect the desiderated reconciliation with Lady Linden. While matters are proceeding in this track, another actor suddenly appears upon the scene: it is Josiah Craddock, returned from transportation to confront Drummond, his bitter enemy. Craddock searches out his vile clerk, finding him at last closetted with Sir Harry Linden, in his apartments in London. The interview of Drummond with Sir Harry is this time a most stormy one, and, in fact, is about to end in a personal encounter, for Drummond is preparing to return blow for blow on the devoted head of his rival, Josiah Craddock, however, comes to the rescue at the nick of time, rushing in and diverting the purposed combat by bringing Drummond's attack upon himself. The two wrestle with each other in true Cornish style, and Drummond is thrown out of window into the street below. The play is shortly brought to a termination by the discovery that Mildred is certainly dead, and, as for Alice her twin-sister, she is recognized by Josiah Craddock, who testifies to her identity. This proves_perfectly satisfactory to all parties, and Lady Linden is reconciled to Sir Harry. There is an under-plot to the piece, unfolding the adventures of Charley Spraggs (Mr. Honey), a fellow-clerk of Drummond's, in love with Kitty Wobbler (Miss E. Weathersby). The part of the stolid malignant ruffian, John Drummond, could not be played better than by Mr. J. C. Cowper; and the double impersonations of Mildred and Alice are efficiently executed by Miss Lydia Foote. Miss Rignold, who enacted the part of Lady Linden, is new apparently to the London stage; but she is a ladylike young actress, who is an acquisition to the Holborn Theatre. "Blow for Blow" has made quite a hit at this establishment, and we congratulate the manageress, Miss Josephs, on the success. A new tragedian has made his debut at the LYCEUM THEATRE, who is worthy of our attention. Mr. Fairclough, a young American actor, has played at the Lyceum three or four of the great Shakesperian parts with considerable effect. His Richard the Third was not generally liked; but his Hamlet is at least a respectable impersonation, and proves, at any rate, that if Mr. Fairclough cannot strike out a career as a great tragedian in the old country, he may take his place any day as a graceful actor, capable of sustaining the general run of serious parts in the modern drama. Mr. E. T. Smith has brought together a talented company at the Lyceum, including the evergreen Marston, from Sadler's Wells and the Crummles of comedians, and Mr. Addison (whose daughters are as numerous as the sons of the Nevilles, the Farrens, or the Vinings). One of the Misses Addison played Ophelia to Mr. Fairclough's Hamlet admirably on the night of our visit. We hear that a new five-act play by Lord Lytton is about to be produced by the indefatigable impressario of the Lyceum, in which Mr. Fairclough is to enact the leading part. The original title given by the author to the fine poetical play he has now rewritten was, if we recollect aright, "The Sea Captain.' | The Theatre-Royal DRURY LANE opened, on the 26th ult., with a grand drama, founded upon Scott's novel of "The Fortunes of Nigel," and entitled "The King o' Scots." We shall review it in our next feuilleton. Those two elegant little theatres, the PRINCE OF WALES's and the NEW ROYALTY, have just reopened for the autumn-season. At the former Mr. Robertson's clever comedy of "Society" has been revived with an efficient cast, including most of the old and two or three new performers. Mrs. Buckingham White 66 is rather too massive an actress for the little stage, but her brisk and lively style and handsome figure are very agreeable qualifications. Miss Carlotta Addison is also an acquisition to this establishment. But where is Miss Marie Wilton herself? We hope not suffering a relapse as regards her health, which in this excellent actress has too often been failing. An original comedy of modern life, by Mr. Edmund Yates, is underlined in the bills of the Prince of Wales's. A new farce, entitled "Atchie" (sneezing), has been produced here, It is a mere trifle, but well acted and quite successful. The New Royalty reopened with a revival of the popular burlesque of "Black-eyed Susan," in which Miss Oliver is so exquisitely full of chic and versatility of talent. Novelties are in preparation, and meanwhile a new burlesque by Mr. Bernand has been produced on the subject of Shakespeares "Richard the Third." The new Extravaganza has much humour, and has proved quite successful. E. H. MALCOLM. THE TOILET. (Specially from Paris.) FIRST FIGURE.-Deep mauve or violet silk dress, with two skirts, the first round and halflong, trimmed at the bottom with a cross-piece of the material, finished with two rows of lozenges, one upon the cross-piece and the other above it. Second skirt of a darker shade of the same colour, having a row of satin lozenges at the bottom, with a heavy silk fringe surmounted by a beaded head. The tunic worn with this dress forms a rounded apron in front, and is carried on behind, where it is laid in a broad double plait, which forms a short basque, finished, like the skirts, with a deep fringe and a row of lozenges. As yet, this basque has not been much seen, but it is graceful, and is expected to be greatly worn, as it is not inconvenient like the long dresses, which become mere rags when gathered up behind, as we see them worn at present: it forms three enormous plaits upon the skirt, which replaces the puff, and is much more pleasing to the eye. The high corsage and the tunic are of the same colour as the petticoat. The sleeves are plain. Fanchon bonnet of black lace, entirely covered with linden foliage and flowers. Muslin chemisette, with a triple row of festooned ruches round the neck. Under-sleeves to match Boots of gros-grain silk, of the same colour as the first skirt, stitched, with white Louis XV. heels. Primrose gloves. SECOND FIGURE.-Dress of flame-coloured faille silk, with a plain body; first skirt cut with a train, and trimmed with a deep flounce laid in large plaits, and over it a puffing of the same, with a black lace ruche for a head. High-bodied tunic, without sleeves, of black grenadine, finished at the bottom with a headed flounce of the same, laid in plaits and finished with a cross-piece of black silk. The corsage is ornamented on the shoulders with a plaited grenadine flounce, fastened by a silk cross-piece to match the trimming of the tunic. The waistband is round, fastened by a rosette at the side. The toilet is completed by a turban-hat of black straw, having the turned-up brims covered with velvet. Round the hat a black-lace ruche and a half-diadem of velvet heart'sease of various colours, black-lace barbes hanging behind. Silver-grey gloves. The polonaise, or tunic of black grenadine mentioned above, open, cut square or en cœur, is exceedingly elegant, and may be worn over taffetas of any colour: it may be trimmed at bottom either with a deep-plaited flounce or two or three narrow flounces. It is charmingly pretty, either for dinner, evening dress, or a very fine day. While I am writing, however, I am reminded by the temperature that these are numbered, and find comfort in the fact that striped English flannels are tres comme faut for negligée toilet. Scotch plaids are again in favour for walking and travelling-dresses, and are certainly much brighter and prettier for winter wear than the water-proof suits lately introduced. They will be made short, with two skirts and a chemise-Ruse they will require no trimming, or nothing more than cross-pieces of black silk, and a sash of the same. The M'Farline, Royal Stewart, and Forty-second are expected to be the favourites. People often give grand dinners at this season, and very often a dance follows. The habit of dining decolletie prevails as much in the country as in town little preparation or alteration is necessary. The greater number of young ladies have adopted short robes for bals intimes. They put at the bottom of a silk skirt of a bright colour a flounce of muslin or organdi: they place over it a tunique also bordered with a little flounce, and looped up with a great nœud à la Pompadour. A white low corsage à l'enfant is worn over the taffetas one; if it is cut square it has more of character, and in this case a flower, or a bouquet of small ones, may be fixed at one side. I have seen one of these coquetish toilets composed of embroidered muslin on pearl grey silk, with waistband and knots of black velvet, and the effect was charming. Fringe is much worn to ornament rich fabrics. We put no trimming on the corsage, but bracelets formed of bias-pieces surround the sleeves at the wrist. THE LADIES' PAGE. CROCHET ANTIMACASSAR.-CORAL AND SHELL PATTERN. MATERIALS: For the shells, use Boar's-head crochet cotton of Messrs. Walter Evans and Co., No. 4, and Walker's needle, No. 2. For the coral 2 ounces of scarlet single Berlin wool, and needle, No. 0. All the shell patterns are intended for one colour and white cotton, the extra colour coral being only used as the ground of the design. THE SCALLOP SHELLS. Commence with 13 chain, and make it round by working a single stitch in the 1st chain. 1st row. Work 2 plain in the foundation round, then (3 chain and 2 plain in the round, 4 times), and (1 chain and 1 long stitch 8 times), all in the foundation round; 1 chain, 1 plain on the 1st plain stitch; turn back so as to work on the long stitches. 2nd. (3 chain, miss 1 and 1 plain in the 1 chain of the last row, 9 times); one single on the 2 plain, turn back. 3rd. Work 1 plain on the single stitch, then turn the last row down in front under the left thumb, as this row is to be worked on the top of the long stitches in the 1st row, which are at the back; then work 2 chain 1 treble on the next long stitch, taking both edges to make it firm. Repeat, working 2 chain and 1 treble on each long stitch, until there are 9 treble stitches in all; then 1 single, and turn back. 4th. Work (3 chain, miss 2 and 1 plain in the 2 chain of last row, 9 times); then i single on the 1 plain and turn back. The work is not intended to lie flat, but each row is to make it slightly concave. The single stitches are to keep the edges very tight. 5th. Work 1 single on the last stitch, turn the last row down as before, and work (2 chain and 2 treble, both on the top of each treble stitch, 9 times in all); then 1 single, turn back. 6th. (4 chain, miss 3 and 1 plain in the 2 chain, 9 times); 1 single on the 1 single, turn back. 7th. Repeat as the 5th row, working the 2 treble stitches on the previous 2 treble. 8th. As the 6th row. 9th. As the 5th row, working the 2 treble on the previous 2 treble. 10th (3 chain, miss 3 and 2 plain in the 2 chain, 9 times); turn back. 11th. Miss 2, and in the next 3 chain, work 1 plain, 2 chain, 3 treble, in the same 3 chain, then 2 chain, 1 plain in the same 3 chain; repeat, in each 3 chain, in all 9 divisions; then i single, and fasten off. THE FIRST BRANCH OF CORAL. Take one of the shells, and commence on the first treble stitch of the last or 9th division of it. Make 22 chain, turn, miss the last 2 chain and work 2 plain, join to the centre of the 8th divisions; then on the chain, 2 plain and 1 single. Make 4 chain, join to the 7th division, miss 1 and 3 plain on the 4 chain; then 1 plain and 1 single on the 15 chain, which leaves 13 chain for the centre stem. Make 9 chain, join to the 6th division, 3 chain, turn, miss 2 and 1 plain; then 2 plain and 1 single on the 9 chain, leaving 6 chain. Make 9 chain, join to the 5th division, miss 1, 2 plain, and 1 single. Make 8 chain, turn, miss 2 and 1 plain; join to the last treble of the 4th division, 1 plain and 1 single, leaving 3 chain. Make 9 chain, join to the first treble of the 4th division, miss 1, and 2 plain. Make 5 chain, join to the 3rd division, miss 1 and 4 plain; then 1 single on the 6 chain. Make 10 chain, turn, miss 2, 1 plain and 1 single, leaving 6 chain. Make 7 chain, join to the 2nd division; miss 1, 3 plain, and 1 single. Make 5 chain [in repeating this pattern, take the 3rd shell, and join to the previous branch at the 4th stitch, counting from the 1st loop at the lower part of the shell], then on the 5 chain, miss 1 and 4 plain; then 2 plain on the 2 chain, and 3 plain on the 6 chain. Make 7 chain, turn, miss 2 and one plain. Take a second shell and join to the left side of it, at the end of the 3rd row; then 2 plain and 1 single, leaving 1 chain. Make 4 chain, join to the 9th row of the shell, miss 1, 3 plain; then in the 1 chain work 2 plain both in one, and on the next 3 chain work 2 plain and 2 plain in one; then 3 plain on the 5 chain. Make 9 chain, turn, miss 2 and 2 plain; join to the last treble stitch of the shell; 2 plain and 1 single. Make 7 chain, turn, miss 2 and 5 plain; then 2 plain on the 2 chain, 2 plain on the next 2 chain, 3 plain on the 3 chain, and 1 plain on the 5 chain. Make 8 chain, miss the last 10 plain and join to the 11th stitch, miss 1, 2 plain, and 1 single. Make 9 chain, turn, miss 2, 2 plain. Make 5 chain. Take a 3rd shell, and keeping the narrow part at the top, join to the centre of the 2nd division of it; then miss 1 and 4 plain on the 5 chain, and on the next 5 chain work 2 plain, miss 1 and 2 plain; then on the 4 chain work 3 plain. Make 4 chain, join to the 1st division of the shell, miss 1 and 3 plain; then 2 plain both in the 1 chain, and 3 plain on the next 4 chain. Make 7 chain, join to the side of the 10th row of the shell, miss 1, 4 plain. Make 4 chain, join to the side of the 2nd row of the shell, miss 1, 3 plain; then 2 plain on the 2 chain, and 2 plain both in the 1 chain; then 4 plain on the 6 chain. Make 4 chain, join to the last loop of 3 chain of the shell, miss 1 and 3 plain; then 2 plain on the 2 chain, and 4 plain on the 13 chain. Make 7 chain, join to the next loop of the shell, miss 1 and 3 plain. Make 5 chain, join to the next loop but 1 of the shell, miss 1, 2 plain, 2 plain in one, 1 plain; then on the 3 chain work 2 plain, and 2 plain in one; then 2 plain on the 9 chain. Make 3 chain, miss 2 and 1 plain; then 7 plain, which finishes the branch. | 3 plain, then 2 plain on the 18 chain; 10 chain, Leave half a yard of wool, which will be required in joining. miss 2, 2 plain; 10 chain, miss 2, 4 plain; 9 chain, miss 2, 3 plain; 9 chain, miss 2, 2 plain, For the second branch of coral, commence on then 5 chain. Take one of the shells at the à 4th shell and work as before, repeating the right side, and joining to the 2nd division of it, branch until 11 or 13 shells are joined, accord-repeat from the 3rd shell in the coral branch to ing to the width of the antimacassar; this will the end. Fasten off. form 2 rows of shells, the top one having the greater number. For the third row of shells, commence on a shell as before, and repeat the branch of coral until directed to take a 2nd shell, Then as this is to form the right side of the antimacassar, omit all the joinings until directed to take a third shell, then join to the 1st shell in the 2nd row, and finish the branch as before. Join the rest of the row, by repeating the 1st branch, except that in the one at the left side the joinings to the 3rd shell are omitted, to make it correspond with the other side. Repeat the same until all the shells are joined. Thread a needle with the wool left at the end of the branches, and attach the 4th stitch of the 7 plain to the point of the nearest branch not joined. Miss 7 stitches of the stem and attach the little point to the stitch which was missed in the previous branch. Fasten off. To finish the top row of shells, repeat the branch, omitting all the joinings after those on the 1st shell. To finish the last row of shells, commence with 15 chain instead of 22, and repeat the branch of coral, omitting all the joinings until the 2nd shell is required; then continue the pattern, attaching it to the last row of shells. Coral to finish the right side, commence with 18 chain, turn, miss 2, 5 plain; 5 chain, miss 2, Coral to finish the left side, commence with 12 chain, turn, miss 2, 4 plain; 10 chain, turn, miss 2, 2 plain; 8 chain, turn, miss 2, 4 plain; 5 chain, join the coral under one of the shells at the left side, and repeat to the end of the foundation chain. THE BORDER, Commence with the white cotton on a point of coral at one of the corners. 1st round. 5 chain and 1 plain in each point of the coral, all round the four sides, excepting that between the scallops two points are taken together; this will make 9 loops of chain for each scallop. 2nd. In the 5 chain work (1 plain, 2 chain, 2 treble, 4 chain, 2 treble, 2 chain, and 1 plain); repeat in each 5 chain. 3rd. Make 20 chain, and work 1 plain in every alternate 4 chain of the last row. 4th. Scarlet wool. Make 18 chain, and work 1 plain in the alternate 4 chain of last row; then 18 chair again, 1 plain in the alternate 4 chain, working this stitch at the back, so as to cross the white loop, and continue alternately working the plain stitch at the front and back. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENT S. cation, will soon pass away, and which in many instances is so expressive and poetical, as to make its doing so a source of regret? Oakley Square, W:-We are much obliged by the offer, but have no present need of a continuous tale. Short, sketchy papers, or stories, will be carefully read, and, if suitable, gratefully accepted. We have the pleasure to announce the early appearance of some original letters of LORD BYRON'S, and a few hitherto unpublished poems. Music, books for review, &c., &c., must be sent in by the 10th of each month to receive notice in the next number. 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