gentlemen attached to the forthcoming work. We believe we are authorized in stating that the extent of its circulation has been almost unprecedented; and as it is not merely a book for the day, we anticipate with much pleasure its being a lasting source of pecuniary benefit to both parties concerned in it, and as lasting a memorial of the talent and practical knowledge evinced by its author. We give, in another part of this number, some most dispassionate remarks on the extent to which the teeth should be relied on by racing men. PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS. "He that will make a good use of any part of his life, must allow a large portion of it to recreation."-LoCKE. Our busy metropolis is at the present writing the very centre of all that is lively and brilliant, abounding in every kind of gaiety appertaining to the season. As places of public resort, the Operas, it is reasonable to surmise, claim their share of fashionable support. There is no denying that these establishments succeed in gaining a certain prestige, if they fail in achieving aught else more substantial. The latest musical event that claims especial attention is the rivalry between the twain houses in the representation of " Don Giovanni.' There can be no question of doubt of the effect of the different casts, the superiority of the ensemble at the ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA over that of HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE being so perfectly obvious. The Zerlina of Persiani ranks far above the vocal and lyric interpretation given to it by Alboni. The Ottavio of Mario and the Ottavio of Gardoni are two different creations; indeed, without entertaining the slightest ill will to the latter, we must respectfully decline the pleasure of again listening to his highly commendable efforts in this character while there is a possibility of hearing the former in the same part. Grisi's Donna Anna it would be difficult to compete with; as this cannot be disproved, it is only charitable to pass over the attempt of Mademoiselle Parodi, whose impersonations of Norma and Semiramide entitle her to rank as an artist of high pretensions. There is no disputing that Coletti is a singer of eminent qualifications, but no one can concede to his Giovanni being in any respect equal to the highly characteristic embodiment of the Don by Tamburini. With the solitary exception of Lablache's Leporello, the performance of Mozart's masterpiece, as a magnificent work of art at Covent Garden, is infinitely superior to the Haymarket version. Mr. and Mrs. Kean have returned from their provincial engagements to the HAYMARKET, where they have been performing with that success which at all times attends their admirable delineations. "Macbeth," with entirely new appointments, is announced; the production of this tragedy in commendable style is an earnest proof of the zealous exertions of Mr. Webster in presenting the public with the works of Shakspeare in a manner befitting their high merits. "The Wonderful Woman" is to be seen nightly at the LYCEUM, exercising all that witchery over an audience that invariably distinguishes the embodiments of Madame Vestris. The general abilities of the talented company have been brought into full play by the revival of the very entertaining burletta of "Kill or Cure," the witnessing of which is calculated to effect the most wonderful cure in those cases where the "blues" predominate. Mademoiselle Charton is as great a favourite as ever at the FRENCH PLAYS, and it must be admitted that it would be difficult indeed to discover an audience that could not properly appreciate her qualifications and attractions. Her quiet, easy, graceful, and agreeable manner cannot fail to win upon her auditors, none of whom are slow to become ardent admirers. It is generally supposed that the theatrical term consists in two seasons in the year, a summer season and a winter season; but by Mr. Maddox's arrangements such appears to be altogether a popular fallacy. It really is not unreasonable to imagine that in cramming seasons into a limited space he surpasses Thompson, whose " Seasons" are for all time. With the manager of the PRINCESS's, a plan is pursued, which if not altogether compatible with the comfort of those serving under his banner, is certainly more agreeable to the individual arrangements of the lessee if he be at all desirous of diminishing his dramatis personæ, all he has to do is merely to put up a notice in the green-room that" the present season will terminate in two days." By adopting this summary mode of eviction, he saves his salaries if he gains no name. This short, sharp, and decisive mode of thinning a company is resorted to so frequently in Oxford Street, that we should take it as no easy work this warm weather to be compelled to enumerate the number of "seasons" that constitute a winter or summer campaign at the Princess's. The praiseworthy exertions of Mr. Shepherd to exalt the SURREY cannot be too highly spoken of, especially when it is remembered the class of entertainments that was served up, in days not long since departed, by managers that stooped to the worst of tastes. The present active lessee spares no expense to present the inhabitants of St. George's in the Fields with novelties of a pleasing character. Mrs. Warner and Mr. Anderson have no sooner closed their engagements than Mrs. Nisbett and her sister enter upon theirs. The Love Chase," with Mrs. Nisbett as Constance, treating the audience to her spirited description of the leap, is well worth a journey to a transpontine district at any season. 66 VAUXHALL GARDENS will in a day or two follow the example set by CREMORNE, and open for the summer season of 'forty-nine; and let those who remember Vauxhall in the olden time bless their lucky stars that the innovation of gas is not on any account to be allowed. By this conservative arrangement the frequenters will be dazzled, as in years past, by the amazing brilliancy and splendour of-it is impossible to say how many-" extra lamps" on gala and on other nights not especially dedicated to commemorate any glorious event. The aquatics at CREMORNE are likely to make, it is whispered-rather loudly by the way-a splash in the world. Certain it is, since last season improvements of no ordinary kind have been effected through the excessive liberality of Mr. Ellis. STATE OF THE ODDS, &c. Contrary to general expectation, the Epsom settling on Tuesday went off or on very smoothly. To be sure there was some little begging for time, but nothing, at least so far, like a hopeless case or a dead man reported. This is the more to be commended, when we come to consider that never perhaps had the book-makers a more awkward horse to stand against than the Flying Dutchman-helped out as they were by another first favourite winning the Oaks. Money, however, was plentiful; in proof of which it is told that one gentleman paid away a thousand for a ten pound note. He shortly afterwards discovered his mistake, but at this writing his less observant creditor has not noticed it. The business of the afternoon, which was tolerably good, brought in a strongish favourite for the Derby of 'Fifty, as well as confirming Chanticleer's claim as premier for the Emperor's Vase. Of course, nothing but the Dutchman can win the Leger, especially now Surplice has broken the Champion charm. Printed by Joseph Rogerson, 24, Norfolk-street, Strand, London, INDEX. Albrighton Hounds-by a Salopian | Country Practice- by Gelert- -424 "All but Bagged"-by Oxonian -182 Amusements, Public, of the Me- Angler, an Eccentric-by the au Auld Lang Syne-by the author Bear Skalls, &c.-by L. Lloyd- 59, 89, 167, 243, 371, 440 Ephemeris-by the Editor-82 Epsom Downs; a sketch - by Zeno-449 FINE ARTS:- King Cobb-299 Portraits of Lord George The British Stud: Crucifix Brought down at Bay-by Oxonian Fox-hunting in the South of -293 Captain Pigskin's Visit to the Bath and Bristol Steeple Chases-by France-44 Grouse Shooting in Scotland-by Gun, the, and how to use it-by Hints for a "Crack" Cup Handi- Hounds, the Property of the late Knapsack Wanderings-by a Bri- Lays, by Colonel Chasse :-Don- LITERATURE :- A Tour in Sutherlandshire- Exmoor; or, the Footsteps Lameness in the Horse-297 Stewart's Stable Economy- The Age, the Foot, and the Muscles of the Horse-296 Newmarket, a Four Days' Visit New Year, the-by Craven-1 Notes of the Chase-by Cecil- Pike-fishing-by an Epicure-128 Racing, as it was, and as it is— Sketches from a Sportsman's Port- - author of Sketches from. the Cape of Good Sketches from the "Heythrop Sporting Incidents at Home and Sporting Intelligence-72 Stallions for the Season-300 State of the Odds-73, 151, 229, Steeple Chases, by Castor-115, Steeple-chasing, Winning Horses St. Lawrence, Winner of the |