since at the Club-rooms in the Strand, and it was with no little curiosity as to what sort of entertainment "the Vagrants" might provide that we attended on the occasion. Instead of meeting a lot of doubtful individuals in rags and tatters, we were agreeably surprised by supping in the company of some fifty intelligent gentlemen, who seemed perfectly at home in dress-coats and white ties, and the banquet of which we were invited to partake was anything but a beggarly allowance of "toke" and "skilley." Mr. James Bruton occupied the chair most admirably, and kept the room in a roar of laughter by the wonderful humour of the speeches which, as chairman, he had to make from time to time. The proceedings never for a moment flagged-thanks to the able manner in which the vice-chairman Mr. Sawyer seconded the efforts of his chief. Mons. Alphonse Esquiros, Mr. E. L. Blanchard, and Mr. Damer Cape were amongst those who added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening by their oratorical or vocal powers. The last-named gentleman sang the marvellous "Club-song," written by himself, the music being composed by Mr. W. H. Bayne. The room was decorated with a series of portraits of leading members of the club. These charming drawings were executed by Mons. Sem, and presented in a spirit of the purest "clubability." Whilst on the subject of clubs, we refer with regret to the destruction of the celebrated Mitre Tavern, in Fleet-street-a very quiet hostelrie, and moreover the resort of Dr. Johnson and his contemporaries.

the seats, lolling in balconies, dashing along on horseback-everywhere. The genus jolly girl" is usually inclined to embonpoint: her laugh is musical, albeit sometimes a little loud, and she has the sweetest and most bewitching little dimples in the world: she is enthusiastically fond of boating, and very frequently pulls a capital oar, and in many cases can swim like a fish. The fair sex were not the only people, however, who ran up the University colours. The swells were loyal unto their particular parties, and scarves and rosettes decorated their manly breasts, and depended from their solemn buttonholes. Little ragged urchins, who held horses for a penny, beggars on crutches, and even the very dogs, who knew not where to look for so much as a dry bone, managed to have some bit of blue ribbon on this occasion. We are not romancing, gentle reader! we repeat that we saw one of the thinnest, mangiest, most hungry and disreputable of terriers, prowling about Putney with a piece of ragged blue ribbon around his wretched neck. As for the barmaids, they were perfect marvels of azure haberdashery. Undoubtedly the best spot to see the race is the place we selected-namely, between Barnes Bridge and the White Hart at Mortlake. After the two boats had darted through the bridge, it appeared evident that Oxford was once more to be victorious; indeed we are inclined to think that the dark-blue did not put forth all their strength after all, though they beat their opponents by three clear lengths. The Cambridge crew have wonderfully improved their stroke since last year; and though people who saw the start of the race tell us Oxford pulled very wild at the commencement, we think we never saw a more perfect stroke than when they passed us. On account of the race being so early, people soon cleared away; indeed, we passed down Barnes Terrace about an hour after, and found all the carriages had driven off, and but few It is our melancholy duty to record the loungers were remaining. We glanced, how death of the ex-Queen of France, at an adever, in at certain old-fashioned houses, from vanced age. This event took place at Clarewhich peals of joyous laughter were issuing, and mont, on the morning of the 24th March. Also could see that large parties were assembled in we may refer to the death of Sir Charles Phipps; the dining-rooms, and that gorgeous breakfasts the Rev. Dr. Whewell, Master of Trinity, and were being partaken of. So noisy were they at Dr. Lee: the latter a name well known in the one house, that Your Bohemian was fain to stop scientific world. Mrs. Charles Jones, a very and gaze in at the window, and there he saw one clever actress in the line of "old women," is of the snuggest breakfast-parties it has ever lately dead. Her Mrs. Peachum (which we saw been his good fortune to behold, with one of the some sixteen or seventeen years ago) was a permost charming specimens of dimpled, jolly girl-formance to be remembered. She must have redom presiding at the tea-urn. Why could not "Y. B." breakfast in such company? Why? Because he was not invited; and, even if he were, there were other "Mems" to see to, before he could lay down his pen for the present month.

For some time past we have heard it mysteriously whispered that there existed a literary and artistic society known under the extraordinary title of the "Vagrant Club!" We were graciously favoured with an invitation to the annual supper, which took place a week or two

A testimonial to that veteran artist, George Cruikshank, who is now seventy-six years of age, and who has, for more than half a century, not only amused but instructed by his pencil, will, we are sure, have the thorough co-operation of the public, who will be shortly asked for their subscriptions by a committee, over which Mr. Ruskin will preside.

tired from the stage shortly afterwards (1848?).

Mr. James Bruton is preparing for the press a new comic work, entitled the Comic Idylls of the Kings, which will be issued by subscription.

Mr. Moens' work on the Brigands has, we perceive, reached a second edition. "Fun," vol. 2, new series, is now ready; and Mr. Holl's novel, "The White Favour," which we alluded to as in the press, is just published. A volume of poems, by Mr. William Sawyer, will shortly be before the public. writer is so well known by his contributions to

This

zine,"

"Cornhill," " "Temple Bar," "Shilling Maga-
," "London Society," "Good Words," &c.,
that any further comment on his productions is
superfluous. The title of the work will be
"Ten Miles from Town, and other Poems:" it
will consist of an entirely new poem, bearing
the above title, and the volume will be com-
pleted with a selection of the best of the
author's poems from the various magazines
mentioned. Our old friend, Mr. William Reade,
has not been idle, since an article from his pen
has appeared in the "Shilling Magazine," en-
titled "Cheap Chancery," in addition to some
lines in London Society," called "Ides of
March," and a rebuke against railway companies
in the "Church and State Review." We have
been informed that Mr. J. T. Blight, the author
of "A Week at the Land's End," has discovered
rock-markings in the neighbourhood of Pen-
zance, these being the first primeval marks on
rocks that have been discovered in Cornwall.
Mr. Fairholt, the well-known artist and anti-
quary, author of a history of costume, &c., is,
we regret to inform our readers, dangerously ill,
and in a state that causes the deepest anxiety to
his friends.

66

A photograph of the foundering of the "London" is to be seen in the shops. We may, however, be permitted a reasonable doubt as to whether it could have been taken by an eyewitness, as all who escaped in the small boat must have had too great a sense of their extreme peril to be thinking of the scene with an idea of reproducing it in this way, even had they an apparatus on board. But this is one of the tricks of the trade.

The magnanimity of the Tory party has been displayed on the occasion of a fire which recently broke out on the premises of the Daily Telegraph. The employés of the Standard came to the rescue, and the fire was nearly extinguished before the brigade arrived-so it appears according to the account from Shoe-lane." Rumour still says that Mr. Fechter will produce, at some future period, the "Lady of Lyons;" but we are not sure if Sir E. B. Lytton has yet consented to re-write the last act. By the way, we were rather amused some time ago at the loud denunciation of "Monsieur" by a celebrated comedian now retired from the stage, whose strong language we need not repeat. Said the comedian aforesaid, “I have no patience with a foreigner who comes over here thinking he can teach us how to act, and announces that he is "supported by" Soand-so. "Supported by!" reiterated our friend the comedian, with an expression, verbal and facial, sufficiently excusable in an old stager.

Mr. Charles Reade's harrowing drama has at last been withdrawn at the Princess's, in favour of "The Streets of London;" and we hope that Miss Louisa Moore will speedily have an opportunity of showing her talent in a less painful manner than in her performance of the boy in "Never too Late to Mend."

We visited the Olympic the other evening, and saw the last portion of "Henry Dunbar," which we did not greatly admire. Miss Lydia Foote performed the part of the heroine. The absurdity of soliloquizing to slow music was never more apparent, and it seemed to us a great pity that the talent of Messrs. H. Neville and Vincent should be so wasted. The burlesque, which we stayed to see, proved quite as insipid as we had been led to expect.

Mr. Phelps has left us until September: so has Mr. Jefferson. The former actor took his benefit the other night, performing the opposite characters of Werner and Jeremy Diddler. Mr. Jefferson will play in the provinces, and during his absence from the Adelphi, Mr. Webster, Mrs. Alfred Mellon, Mr. Toole, and other old Adelphi favourites, will reign triumphant. "The Dead Heart" will, of course, be revived; and preparation"-which has been the case ever

"La Belle Hélène" is still announced as "in

since Christmas.

A rumour gains ground that Mr. D. D. Home, the well-known "medium," is about to appear on the stage, and has selected the character of Hamlet for his début. It has been further reported that he will call upon some choice spirit to take the part of the Ghost on the occasion.

"Much Ado about Nothing" is to be produced at the St. James's on Easter Monday.

Miss Mason, a very piquant actress, niece of the late Madame Vestris, took her first benefit at the New Royalty, on the 24th instant, when a most attractive programme did not fail to fill the house, in spite of the inducements elsewhere in the shape of Mr. Jefferson's benefit at the Adelphi, and that of Mr. Chatterton at Drurylane. Several eminent artistes most kindly gave their services, and not the least agreeable feature of the evening was the re-appearance of Miss Mason on the stage, in her favourite character Somebody Else,” which she of Minnie, in " played with much vivacity. She afterwards performed, for the first time, the part of Patty As a soubrettePottle, in "The Jacobite." 'singing chambermaid" is, we believe, the technical phrase-Miss Mason has few equals, and would prove a decided acquisition to a theatre.

66

YOUR BOHEMIAN.

THE LADIES' PAGE.

A LADY'S NETTED CAP FOR MOURNING.

MATERIALS. Two reels of No. 36, one reel No. 20 Boar's Head crochet cotton, of Messrs. Walter Evans and Co., Derby; two meshes, No. 8 and No. 16; 14 yards violet sarcenet ribbon, for strings.

the sewing of 1st border, round the ears and slightly under the fold of 1st border, which turns over. Double the crown, not exactly in half, but so that one shell shall fall above the

other; sew this by the double part on to the back of the cap. In washing this cap it must not be starched.

FLOWER VASE MAT IN CRYSTAL AND BLUE BEADS.

MATERIALS.-Two bunches of small blue beads; one bunch of white crystal; five yards white ribbon wire; two yards white blind-cord; one-half ounce shaded apricot 8-thread Berlin wool. No. 1 Penelope hook. Work 14 dc, on the end of cord, double, and unite by working into 1st stitch; work 2 de in every stitch in this and next row, then 1 into every alternate stitch, then a row without ncrease, then 1 in every alternate loop; work over 8 rows of cord, increasing as may be required; then fasten off. Cut the riband wire into lengths of 10 nails; draw out the wire, by cutting through the linen part; double these lengths of wire in half, and insert one in every 4th or 5th stitch; when 3 or 4 are inserted make the border of blue beads thus: Thread on the left-hand wire 3 heads, on the right-hand wire 2 beads, hold the 1st wire down over the finger, pass the 2nd wire upwards, through the 1st bead on 1st wire, and pull it very tight, one wire in one hand, and the 2nd wire in the other; continue working the same till 7 rows are complete, when

THE WORTH OF WOMANLY CHEERFULNESS. We come in contact (says the author of the "Gentle Life) with a most singular fact, which at first is not easy of analysis, that people are intent on playing the miserable, as if there were a virtue in it. The real solution is that it is an exhibition of selfishness, for no one is habitually cheerful who does not think more of others than himself. Multitudes appear to be studious of something which makes them unhappy; for unhappiness excites attention, and attention is supposed to inspire interest, and interest compassion. You have seen a person of very robust and corpulent habits, so robust that it ought to excite perpetual gratitude for joyous health, sometimes putting on the airs of an invalid, for no reason in the world but to draw out towards him some expression of affectionate concern, and so gratify his self-conceit. That very mood, which in children is called being "naughty," for which they are whipped and sent to bed, in young people is dignified with the name of "low spirits," for which they are to be petted and pitied; whilst in elderly people it is known as "nervousness," for which it is expected they should be humoured to the full tension of moral patience.

If we speak of the foibles of good and pious men, what shall we say by way of commending that sweet cheerfulness by which a good and sensible woman diffuses the oil of gladness in the proper sphere of home? The best specimens of heroism in the world were never gazetted. They play their role in common life; and their reward is not in the admiration of spectators, but in the deep joy of their own conscious thoughts. It is easy for a housewife to make

the border is finished. At every point or diamond there will be 2 wires; thread 2 white beads on left-hand wire, one bead on right hand; pass the right-hand wire up the 1st bead of left wire, and pull tightly. Continue this on the same two wires till there are 8 centre beads on the wires, then twist the ends of the latter very tightly, cut them off to within half an inch of the end, bend the ends down, close to last bead on the right side of the mat; now proceed with every two wires the same. When finished, bend these up towards the first wool row; with needle and doubled cotton fasten into first row of mat nearest the border; pass the needle through the bead and through the mat, exactly over the first half-diamond nearest the row of mat; let the stitch be made very firm. This crystal border must be raised up with the fingers.

arrangements for an occasional feast; but let me tell you what is greater and better. Amid the weariness and cares of life-the troubles, real and imaginary, of a family-the many thoughts and toils which are requisite to make the family home one of thrift, order, and comfort-the varieties of temper and cross-lines of taste and inclination which are to be found in a large household-to maintain a heart full of goodnature, and a face always bright with cheerfulness: this is a perpetual festivity. We do not mean a mere superficial simper, which has no more character in it than the flow of a brook, but that exhaustless patience, and self-control, and kindness and tact, which spring from good sense and brave purposes. Neither is it the mere reflection of prosperity, for cheerfulness then is no virtue. Its best exhibition is in the dark background of real adversity. Affairs assume a gloomy aspect, poverty is hovering about the door, sickness has already entered, days of hardship and nights of watching go slowly by, and now you see the triumph of which we speak. When the strong man has bowed himself, and his brow is knit and creased, you will see how the whole life of a household seems to hang on the frailer form, which, with solicitudes of her own-passing, it may be, under the "sacred animal sorrow" of her sexhas an eye and an ear for everyone but herself, suggestive of expedients, hopeful in extremities; helpful in kind words and affectionate smiles, morning, noon, and night, the medicine, the light, the heart of a whole household. "God bless that bright, sunny face!" says many a heart before me, as he recalls that one, of mother, wife, sister, daughter, which has been to him all that my words have described.

THE TOIL E T.
(Specially from Paris.)

FIRST FIGURE.-Light Havanna silk dress, made with two skirts. Cambric under-body, with linen collar and cuffs: this is made with fixed plaits, behind and before. Bonnet of puffed crape and tulle, alternating with a silk tress. Behind, two silk tresses fall on the hair. At the edge of the front, a narrow black lace: on the top, a cluster of small feathers, matching the colour of the bonnet. Tight-fitting jacket of the same material as the dress.

SECOND FIGURE.-Robe of green pou de soie, ornamented at the bottom of the skirt by three bias-pieces. Tight body, with a short round tail behind. Close-fitting sleeves. Collar, and cuffs of under-sleeves formed of bars of linen, embroidered in satin-stitch. Puffed white tulle bonnet. Inside, a snow of tulle, placed between two rolls of velvet. Long tulle

veil at the side. An Indian Cashmere shawl completes this dress.

Many other intermediate toilets offer themselves for the season. I have seen one of violet-coloured pou de soie, with two skirts, the one looped up with trimming above the other. The body is made with lappets, of quite twelve inches in depth, and is ornamented in front with broad velvet facings. Tulle bonnet, presenting puffings separated by cordons of violets. Inside, a velvet bandeau, ornamented with pearl stars. This is an exceedingly elegant toilet.

sleeves to match. Deep waistband of gros-grain blue silk.

In bonnets the form Empire is still worn; but the last shape is the Pamela, which is bordered all round by a cordon of violets. Another is of white tulle, spotted with black, and ornamented at the summit of the crown by a little coronet of black velvet daisies, with grass blades of jet-in fact we do not know what to invent or adopt by way of ornamentation. A lovely little Fanchon bonnet, for the theatre lies before me, composed of white tulle, garnished with chainettes of gold, retaining a medallion of fine pearls. In the interior, foliage of emerald-green velvet, and a bandeau of imperial white velvet, covered with gold chainettes fastening three pearl medallions. This model falls back very much from the head.

Robes are cut more than ever near the form of a basquin, altogether plain, and without plaits in front. On some of them a passementerie, embroidery, or other ornament, traces the contour of a tunic. Beginning at the back, it is carried over the shoulders, down each side of the corsage to the skirt, where it descends en tabliere, and is carried round the bottom.

Upon other robes the same sort of trimming commences at the waist, and often consists of a similar material to the dress, but of a brighter shade of colour. When (as is sometimes the case) the whole front breadth, or apron, is of a more trenchant shade than the dress, the sleeves should be of the same tint, and the high body should be accompanied by a corslet, cut square before, of the same bright shade.

Foulards are of course in vogue. I have remarked one made in the Princess style. The body and sleeves, which are tight, are trimmed with lozanges of blue silk: the latter with one at top and bottom. Linen collar, and under-favourite Spring Confections.

Short paletots, with large buttons, are the

ANSWERS

TO

CORRESPONDENTS.

S. B., senior. No article in reference to the Royal
Academy of Music has appeared in our pages.
POETRY accepted, with thanks.—"Stanzas ;" "Dead
Love;" The Waves;" "A Kindly Word."
Declined, with thanks. "By the Wayside;" "To
an early Cowslip ;"
"" Mirth." "My Heart is like
a Faded Wreath" we have already seen in print.
PROSE accepted, with thanks.-"A Few Words on
Acquaintances;" "How the Howe Family rose and
fell;" "Our Summer Desserts;" "Undine." "Not
Wisely, but Too Well" will require some alteration
for the press.
"From Oxford to London, a Sum-
mer Ramble"-we forgot, in writing to the author
of this paper, to state that the eleventh page is
wanting.

PROSE declined, with thanks." My Daughter" (the

story is capable of improvement, and might be cut down to half its present size with great advantage to the style and interest of the story); "The Heiress of the Grange" (unsuited to our pages); "The Belle of Butler's-town;" "Six Years in

China" must be re-written: the author has plenty to tell of, but the manner in which it is told renders it impossible for us to avail ourselves of the offered manuscript.

Once more we must impress upon our contributors that we can only make use of their articles in the order in which we receive them.

We have recently received some very rude remon stranceson the subject of rejected contributions, although a little thought would convince the writers that it would be against our own interest to refuse anything which would be of value to the magazine. Young writers appear to think that no apprenticeship is necessary to the art of composition-that it is perfected without experience or hard study, and that the first crude attempts at writing, in the shape of versicles or prose, are deserving of insertion we beg to undeceive them. At the same time we have no wish to dishearten young writers: even their rejected articles are of use to themselves as exercises in the art of composition.

London: Printed by Rogerson and Tuxford, 246, Strand,