person spoken of. There is a page, however,, on "The Etiquette of the Studio," which may be useful to those who, like ourselves, are ignorant of it. And ladies about to be presented at Court, as well as others, may find some useful hints on minor matters.

MERRY TALES FOR LITTLE FOLKS Edited by Madame de Chatelain. (London: Lockwood and Co., 7, Stationers' Hall Court.)The name of the Editress of this attractive little volume is a sufficient guarantee for the careful selection of its contents. It is brimful of stories; beginning with such standard rythmical ones as "Little Bo-peep," "Old Mother Hubbard," &c., and gradually including many less well-known ones from the charmed pens of Southey, Anderson, Madame D'Aulnoy, Grimme, Tieck, Arnds, and many other deft writers of uvenile romance. When we say that it contains

no less than forty tales, traditional and modern our young readers may take our word for it that its red jacket (or, rather, binding) is as full of fun and delightful adventures with giants, elves, fairies, and other creatures of the times of eld, as will last its possessor for many a day to come. But this is not all: the embellishments are more numerous than the stories, and many of them exceedingly pretty, while others are equally funny and bizarre. We particularly notice, as coming under the first description, the illustrations of the little fisher-boy (which are very charmingly designed); the boat full of children; of Halden and the little Nix, and of the little transformed Goldhair when threatened with being returned to the sea, are specially graceful. We shall make many a nursery glad by the introduction of this amusing little volume, which appears just in time to take its place amongst juvenile gift-books.

THE NEW THEATRES-THE "GAIETY" AND THE "GLOBE."

We are beginning to recognize the force of So much is a mock pugilistic encounter enjoyed the fact that a revolution has been effected in on the stage. There is nothing very repre"things theatrical." The "old playgoer" has hensible in all this, if we except the occasional become an almost extinct animal, or a petrifac obtrusion of a coarse reality in the form of a retion that society wonders at as a curiosity when volting crime on the scene. The rest is mere it intrudes itself into a western theatre. En-"leather and prunella." The burlesques suffice tirely new classes of playgoers have sprung up, to divert and amuse, and create risibility-voila much less critical than the old, and satisfied tout!-but what shall we say of audiences who with any kind of drama that will divert the eye. can do as well, or better, without poetry, wit, It is by no means indispensable that the mind or satire at the theatre, as with intellectual reshould be addressed by noble thoughts or ele- sources once so popular? We believe the prevated sentiments; but by way of a change, and sent play-going public is, sui generis, a very to satisfy the demand for variety, a "poetical different class to that which of old supported play" may take its turn on the stage, like any theatres. The capital is always thronged other play, only, as a rule, lighter pieces are with foreign and provincial visitors-especially preferred; and people care not to criticise any-Americans, who, since the close of the American thing superior to a set scene," such as a civil war, have come over in shoals. Now bustling railway-station, a murder on the house-holiday-makers are, of course, amusementtops, a suicide on a steamboat-pier, or another seekers, and so "The Play's the thing!" Our on the underground-railway. These practicable American cousins are especially fond of theat"effects" need not be associated with any dra- ricals, without being choice as to the fare. It matic works of art, but may simply constitute is a fact, that, whereas four or five years ago the the piece of the evening associated with a London theatres were neglected and nightly modicum of realistic pantomime and everyday-empty, since then they have completely recovered life dialogue. There is another form of piece which delights its peculiar audience, and that is the "extravaganza," which abounds in music and dancing to coryphees in fancy-dresses, and plenty of horse-play and buffoonery amongst the male characters.

66

A make-believe "set-to with the gloves" at the STRAND theatre, in "Darnley; or, the Field of the Cloth of Gold," has drawn large audiences for more than two hundred successive nights, and is likely to "run" as many more!

their popularity, and there are not new theatres enough. To supply the demand for more theatrical amusement, which exists chiefly we believe among the throngs of strangers to the metropolis, several new theatres have been lately built, and are now open and drawing large audiences.

The HOLBORN, the QUEEN's, and the New AMPHITHEATRE have been some time open, but to these have just been added the new and handsome edifices erected in the Strand, now

THE CHRISTMAS AMUSEMENTS.

It is too early in the month at the commencement of the New Year for us to review the pantomimes of the Christmas season. But we will say, that "Puss in Boots" at DRURY LANE and "Robinson Crusoe" at COVENT GARDEN, are, as usual, magnificent, elaborate, and costly, productions well worth seeing.

We have not yet visited any one of the minor houses, but a certain authority on minor theatricals" (our friend "Diggles"), who acts as fugleman in the gallery, and is the oracle of that region, reports well of the LYCEUM pantomime, "Humpty Dumpty," and also of the SURREY annual, "Harlequin Jack and Gill." Diggles has written a burlesque of his own, on the career of an east-end Nero, which is replete with smart rhyme and clever songs, such as the "gods" love, and mortals sigh after.

flourishing under the names of the GLOBE and the GAIETY. The style of these establishments, and the nature of their entertainments are of that continental character to convince us that they are adapted more to the tastes of foreigners than to English audiences, pure and simple. The Gaiety (situated near Catherine-street, Strand) is like one of the newest Parisian houses-partly a play-house, partly a restaurant. The pieces produced, namely, the vaudeville of "The Two Harlequins;" a new melodrama, entitled, "On the Cards;" and a new extravaganza, on the opera of "Robert le Diable," are peculiarly French. The style of acting is also imitated from the Parisian stage, and there are one or two actual French actors performing in the newly-imported pieces. We have nothing to find fault with in these French wares, they are light elegant, and amusing productions, well acted, with the most artistic and lively surroundings. Mr. Alfred Wigan is the principal artist, and performs the scambling, vagabond-like character of a French mountebank, in the new melodrama, admirably. He is well supported by Mr. Stuart (from the Paris theatres), Miss Madge Robertson, Miss E. Farren, Miss Loseby, &c. The vaudeville of "The Two Harlequins" introduced an agreeable singing actor in Mr. Lyall, and an equally pleasant singing actress in Miss Constance Loseby. In the extravaganza Miss E. Farren (from the Olympic) plays one of her characteristic "tunic" parts, and is magnificently attired. The piece abounds in ballet dances, and there is plenty of SOUND.-As a ship was sailing along the coast of light music, "patter songs," and minstrel Brazil, about 100 miles from land, the persons walkserenading to delight the ears of the admirersing on deck heard most distinctly the sound of bells of such pieces.

The GLOBE THEATRE, which opened last month, is situated in Wych-street. The drama produced (written by H. J. Byron) is entitled "Cyril's Success," and is a very excellent little comedy of the French school, if we may be allowed the definition. We mean, rather, by it, that the piece is put upon the stage after the manner of a Parisian comedy. "Cyril's Success" is performed by a smart English Company, amongst whom we recognize Mr. David Fisher, Mr. J. Clarke, Miss Clara Thorne, Miss Henrade, &c,, &c.; and there are several debutantes, including Mr. W. H. Vernon, who is likely to become a permanent London actor in the jeune première line of roles. The drama of the evening is in accordance with the present custom, commencing near upon 8 o'clock, being preceded and followed by a light vaudeville and farce. Visitors will discover in the Globe a remarkably handsome theatre, furnished with every regard to personal comfort and convenience.

We consider, therefore, as we have already said, that Diggles should be heard in Burlesque, Extravaganza, and Pantomine lore. * His "Cat" chorus is sung on all Boxing Nights in the galleries of theatres; and we have heard it in society of an equally clubbable, but of more refined tastes. E. H. MALCOLM.

varying as in human rejoicings. The phenomenon was mysterious and inexplicable, until some days afterwards it was ascertained that at the time of observation, the cathedral bells of St. Salvador had been ringing on the occasion of a festival. The sound favoured by a gentle breeze had travelled over 100 miles of smooth water, and striking the wide-spreading sail of the ship, rendered concave by the wind, had been brought to a focus and rendered perceptible.

THE LADIES' PAGE.

COLLAR IN FLORAL CROCHET.

MATERIALS:-Penelope Crochet Hook, No. 44, and Boar's-head Crochet Cotton, No. 24, of Messrs. Evans and Co., Derby.

This little collar is intended to tack inside the top of the dress, and the leaves and flowers to stand up.

1st Leaf: Make a chain of 17, turn, miss 5, and work 1 single in the 6th stitch, then 2 chain, miss 2, and 1 treble twice, 2 chain, miss 2, and 1 double, leaving 2 chain for the stem; cross the stem, and through each of the 1st 3 loops 2 chain, work 1 double, 1 chain, 5 treble, 1 chain, and 1 double; through the 6 chain at the point, work 1 double, 1 chain, 4 treble, 1 chain, and I double, and through each of the 3 loops of 2 chain, work 1 double, 1 chain, 5 treble, 1 chain, and 1 double, then 2 single on the 2 chain for the stem.

*. 1st Spray of Flowers.-1st Flower: 20 chain, turn, miss 5, and work 1 single in the 6th stitch to make it round, leaving a chain of 14 for the stem, cross the stem, work 2 chain, and through the round loop, 1 double, 5 chain, 1 double twice, 2 chain, join to the centre of the last 5 treble but one of the leaf, 3 chain, 1 double through the loop, then 5 chain, and 1 double twice, and 2 single on the stem.

2nd Flower: 12 chain, turn, miss 5, and work 1 single in the 6th stitch, cross the stem of 6, and through the round loop work 1 double, 2 chain join to the last 5 chain of the 1st flower, 3 chain, and 1 double, then 5 chain, and 1 double 4 times through the round loop, and 5 single down the stem, leaving 1 chain.

3rd Flower: 8 chain, turn, miss 5, and work 1 single in the 6th stitch, cross the stem, and through the round loop work 1 double, 2 chain join to the last loop of 5 chain of the 2nd flower, 3 chain, 1 double through the loop, then 5 chain, and 1 double 4 times through the loop, and 2 single on the stem, and on the main stem work 5 single, leaving 7 chain, then 24 chain for the 2nd leaf, turn, miss 5, and work 1 double in the 6th stitch, then 2 chain, miss 2, and 1 treble twice, 2 chain, miss 2, and 1 double; cross the stem, and through the 1st loop of 2 chain work 1 double, 1 chain, 5 treble, 1 chain, and 1 double; through the next loop of 2 chain, work 1 double, 1 chain, 2 treble join to the centre 5 chain of the last flower, and through the same loop of 2 chain work 3 treble, 1 chain, and 1 double; through the next loop of 2 chain work 1 double, 1 chain, 5 treble, 1 chain, and 1 double, and through the 6 chain at the point work, 1 double, 1 chain, 4 treble, 1 chain, and 1 double, and down the side, work through each of the 3 loops of 2 chain, 1 double, 1 chain, 5 treble, 1 chain, and 1 double, then 2 single on the chain for the stem. Repeat from * 11 or 12 times more, just according to the size required, and finish with a double row along the chain, and then a treble row, which will from the band. In black silk and beads this would form a pretty trimming.

KNITTED CUFF.
MATERIALS:-One ounce of scarlet double Berlin Wool.

The cuff is very easy to make; it is knitted in rounds in brioche knitting with scarlet wool. 1st round. Throw the wool forward, slip 1, as if you were going to purl it, knit 1; repeat from *.

2nd. * Purl together the stitch formed in the preceding round by throwing the wool forward and the next stitch, throw the wool forward, slip 1, repeat from *.

These two rounds are constantly repeated. Cast on 50 stitches, divide them upon 4 needles, and knit 20 rounds in brioche stitches as before

described, then 12 rounds alternately, 1 round knitted, 1 round purled, and then again 64 rounds of brioche knitting, 12 rounds alternately, 1 knitted, 1 purled, and finally 20 rounds brioche knitting. The lower edge of the cuff is formed by a round of black scallops in crochet. This is worked by taking together, in the last knitted round before casting off the stitches, the slipped stitch, the stitch formed by throwing the wool forward, and the knitted stitch, with 1 double stitch in crochet, and working 5 chain stitches between.

TRELLIS EDGING.

MATERIALS:-Tatting Shuttle and Tatting Cotton, of Messrs. Walter Evans and Co., Derby.

Commence by filling the shuttle, but do not cut the thread off the reel, as it will be required for a straight thread.

1st Circle: Use the shuttle, leaving the reel to the left. Commence a loop, work three

double stitches, then one pearl and six double; then one pearl and three double; draw close. Reverse the work, turning the circle down under the left thumb.

A CHAPTER ON FROGS,

Linnæus imagined that nature, which had endowed all other animals in so wonderful a manner, had not been so liberal with the reptiles. If beauty were the only or even the highest law in the formations of nature, there might be something in this reflection. But some Amphibia, when studied impartially, cease to be repelling or ugly, and become even attractive. This is principally the case with the Batrachians, the most numerous of the amphibious animals, and to which the toad and salamander belong. A single toad lays over a thousand eggs; a frog, five hundred, at least. They may become a scourge in the land. When Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt," the frogs came up and covered the land," filling the houses, bed-chambers, the ovens and kneading-troughs. Other historians beside Moses have related how whole tribes of people were compelled to leave their residence on account of the immense increase of these animals. In nearly every zone they are to be found. In the tropical forest the bull-frog sends forth at night-fall his hollow bellowing, while a Lapland summer is not destitute of its eroaking, marshy chorus. Eighty species of the frog tribe are now known, from the Bellower of Louisiana, nearly twelve inches long, to our common little tree-frog (Rana arborea) of an inch and a-half. We need not mention those monsters which once peopled the slime of our earth, when it arose from the waters. The ancient Rabbis, whose views of nature sometimes degenerated into grotesque monstrosities, speak of a frog as large as sixty houses!

show how inexhaustible the subject was. Thus has this race of animals obtained a place in poetry, beginning with fable and riddles and running the whole round of song.

The frog's dress is a genuine hunter's coslives, changing its hue according to season and tume, green as the grasses among which he darker, the little tree-frog alters his colour-even circumstances. With the foliage paler and every three or four weeks-so that he passes the summer and autumn. Several times a year his time unobserved among the leaves during his garb is entirely changed, and his vest so thin, if received on a sheet of paper, it hardly leaves behind a mark like that of a lead-pencil, still it is generally eaten by the frogs themselves.

the animal creation, from his resemblance to We class the frogs among the comic types of

man.

Who has not seen men with frog-like with bald pates, short-necked heads, obtuselycountenances? Such are generally beardless, shaped faces, partly flattened nose, with a wide mouth, receding chin, prominent eyes and puffed-out cheeks. Join such a physiognomy to a fair, round-bellied, abbot-like stature, and not a single feature will be wanting to perfect cheeks serve mainly to produce the likeness. the resemblance. The eyes as well as the Look at his eyes! They are unmistakably imrounded by lids, their colour varying from deep portant, large, round, and in some species, surblack to a flaming yellow; and to this fact a Greek author refers when he says the frog is an animal void of shame, and never blushes, save Our chapter will be concerning the water- beautiful, really playing in its golden colouring. in his eyes The iris of the toad's eye is most frog, (Rana Esculenta,) the most widely-spread Like that of a cat, the owl and other nocturnal and interesting of all the race; he is, in fact, a animals, it exercises the electric power. It is character, often playing no unimportant part known that men who have endeavoured to within popular stories and fairy-tales, and sometimes stand the gaze of a toad's eye have almost sunk with the poets. Who does not remember the myth of the frogs of Latona; and also the fainting to the ground, overcome by its piercing fable of their election of a king? power. It is brilliant and intelligent, but harmWhen Pisistratus had usurped the Government, Æsop less. Sir Joseph Banks states: "I have from related it to the Athenians; the middle ages remy childhood been in the constant habit of peated this fable from the Latin authors, and taking toads in my hand, holding them there hardly a poet but has used it; and in our day it some time, and applying them to my face and has been worked into a political drama. Two this very frequently, is to inculcate the opinion nose, as it may happen. My motive for doing thousand years ago Aristophanes brought the frog people on the stage; two thousand years animal." It is a vulgar error, and an act of inI have held, that the toad is actually a harmless after it furnished a welcome subject for one of the greatest German satirists, Fischart's " Fros-humanity to treat such a reptile with disgust or Another poem, in the Homerian cruelty. Place one in a damp case, lined with heroic style, sings the battle between the frogs and the toad will live happily and become an mat, feeding it once a day with worms or flies, and mice. It has a long name, 66 Batrachomyomachia," and, appearing toward the end of object of amusement and instruction, instead of the sixteenth century, was long a favourite book disgust. with Protestant Germany. When the Prussian troops marched into insurrectionary Holland, in 1787, another "Frochiade" appeared, as if to Ovid, metam. vi. 315.

chosch."

In the frog's head, the mouth is most conspicuous-it is an "Os magna sonans;" but, having no iips, properly so called, it seems closed in silence, and is sometimes marked only by a coloured line, and the under part of the