the wild bear and other animals that lived in | the woods. Then onward, onward the stream would glide through dense forests, sometimes tumbling aud foaming over great rocks, and sometimes gliding peacefully along with scarcely a ripple on its bosom. Then it would come to great prairies where the sun looked down all day, and saw neither tree nor shrub-nothing but the tall prairie grass. Here, troops of wild horses would come to the stream and drink, and herds of great, bellowing buffalo would come in the evening, and stand in the water to cool themselves. By-and-by the stream grew so wide and deep that it became a river, and they called it the Missouri; and white men built their homes near it, and made their farms, and raised their cattle; and beautiful children came and played upon its banks, and sometimes even in its waters.

The other boy said he did not like to work very well, but he supposed he would have to, soon; but then he never intended to go to school; he didn't see the use of learning everything; and then, as to being a professor, or a lawyer, they looked too cross and grim to suit him. He thought it would be more fun to be a showman, and go round with the circuses, and see so many fine sights; or else he would live in a city, and keep a nice saloon, and sell all kinds of liquors and confectioneries, and get very rich.

So he spent all his spare time in idling about the streets and in the woods. When he became older, he took to visiting taverns, and learned to drink and swear; and at last he broke his mother's heart by running off with a company of showmen and joining a circus, where he stayed till he became a miserable drunkard, and died, and was buried in a drunkard's grave.

Then the Indian's canoe disappeared, and the white man launched his boat and carried bis furs to the south. Then towns began to be built upon its shores, and many of the old trees of the forest fell beneath the woodman's axe. Farther on, and the towns grew to be cities, and the flat-bottomed boats became steamboats, carrying within them hundreds of men, women, and children. Thus onward and onward it went, until one day it came to another majestic river, but without stopping one instant, it gave a headlong plunge and mingled its waters with The other little boy worked a great deal in the waters of the Mississippi. Then it went on his mother's garden. When they had more and on, and the earth grew warm. The orange fruit and vegetables than they needed for their and the fig-tree grew upon its banks, and rice own use, his mother allowed him to sell them and cotton and sugar-cane grew on the planta- and keep the money for his own. In this way, tions near; and black, woolly-headed negroes and by working a little for other people, he soon would steal out of their cabins and cast stealthy saved money enough to buy all the books be glances at the great moving palaces that floated needed, and to take him to school one term. so peacefully upon the bosom of the broad river. He studied very diligently in school, and still Wider and wider it grew, till after awhile, look- spent his mornings and evenings at work, and, ing before it, it saw the great ocean ready to by the time his first term was out, was able to receive it into its bosom. Then it looked backgo again. By still pursuing this course, by the wards over its long journey through mountain time he was old enough, he was prepared to and plain, through forest and prairie, and enter college, and had saved money enough to through cold and heat. It remembered the old pay his way through, respectably. At last, he rock in the mountain valley, and the little play-graduated with the highest honours, and was mate it had ere it started out on its travels. Then it rushed forward again, and soon became a part of the great ocean, free to roam at will around the whole world.

*

Once there were two little boys who lived close neighbours to each other, their mothers' gardens being separated only by a low, board fence. Their fathers were both dead, and their mothers had to work very hard, and be very saving, in order to support their families. The little boys always had plenty to eat and did not have to go half naked and cold, as many poor little children have to do; but their mothers could not save money enough to buy them books and send them to school.

One afternoon the two little boys sat in the hade of a large elm-tree that grew near the

then prepared to enter the world a wise and useful man. He neglected no opportunity of doing good. He wrote good books, and made good speeches, and travelled about a great deal in finding out ways to help poor little orphan children and others who were in distress. Everybody knew and loved him, and his fame was spread all over the world. He became wealthy too, and built him a beautiful home, to which he took his mother, and they lived in happiness together many years.

Little boys, which would you be like, the stream that dried up at its source, or the one that flowed on and became a great river, and visited many lands, and finally became a part of the great

ocean?

Which will you be, the idle boy that spent all his time foolishly and died a drunkard, or the industrious boy that became a great man?

MEMS OF THE MONT H.

the consequent condition of people's temper, must be considered as something remarkable. The Downs themselves were by no means so crowded as usual, and the itinerant vendors of gingerbread, the setters-up of Aunt-Sallies, and the proprietors of knock-'em-downs must have, indeed, had a bad time of it. During lunchtime our plates were filled with hailstones, but whilst the Derby was being run the weather was perhaps at its best; after that it gradually became worse and worse, till it culminated in a severe snow-storm. Happy the man who, on that occasion, was inside a vehicle. It is true he might be somewhat crowded, and he might be somewhat overwhelmed by voluminous skirts; but eyes were bright and laughter was joyous, and, considering all things, he was not so badly off under the circumstances.

Long before Your Bohemian attended the, which, considering the state of the weather and Derby, many years before he was a Bohemianwhen his knowledge of racing was confined to unsatisfactory toddles round the nursery, and his acquaintance with the mysterious land of Bohemia was a delicious misty mélange of "Jack the Giant Killer," "Aladdin," and the Forty Thieves"- -a race was run at Epsom during a terrific snowstorm. The winner of this race was a horse named Bloomsbury, and ever since the extraordinary circumstances connected with the Derby of that period, "Bloomsbury's year" has been celebrated. Many a time has Y. B. heard this memorable occurrence talked about by certain middle-aged individuals, and heard the circumstance quoted with reference to weather on Epsom Downs; but he always felt inclined to regard the snowstorm as a somewhat mythical invention, which was pleasant to people of "infinite reminiscence" It is satisfactory to know that the performto talk about. But on the day that Hermitance in aid of the Bennett Fund at the Adelphi carried off the blue ribbon of the turf he was able to realize the weather of the Derby of '39 in all its repulsive details. What a day it was! Despite thick great-coats and voluminous sealskin jackets, umbrellas, and mackintoshes, it was impossible to keep either warm or dry. The wintry blast, the pitiless hail and sleet and snow were something

miserable.

All this had a chilling and depressing effect upon the passengers en route to Epsom and the spectators assembled to see them pass. That most attractive and impudent form of walking advertisement, Miss Demure's Establishment for Young Ladies, located in the sober and decorous groves of chaste Clapham, looked infinitely miserable: they shivered with cold, they shrugged up their shoulders, they dove their hands deep into their muffs or the pockets of their sealskin jackets, and had not even a good-humoured pout, a toss of the head, or an œillade to bestow upon the drag-full of solemn tawny guardsmen, who threw them some Dutch dolls as they passed. Indeed, it may be surmised that they would infinitely rather have been hard at work " practising," or conjugating French verbs, than shivering with cold on the Epsom Road. The young gentlemen, the alumni of Dr. Canem's Classical Academy, did not seem in much better spirits, and used not their pea-shooters and missiles with the same impudence and strength as of yore. Margaret, the cook, attended to her master's dinner, and Jane, the housemaid, vouchsafed not to glance from the drawing-room window, and it was only some young, obscure and inexperienced kitchenmaid, who ventured to wave a furtive duster from a top attic as we passed. At no place on the road was there a block of any magnitude, and I only saw one break-down and two fights,

66

was very successful in a pecuniary point of view: it is said nearly five hundred pounds was realized. To one who has witnessed an infinite number of amateur performances-good, bad, and indifferent the entertainment seemed somewhat heavy; there seemed to be a weariness about the audience which is not usual on such occasions, and which we never observed at the famous "Amateur Pantomime," the "Frozen Deep," by Mr. Charles Dickens and his friends, for the Jerrold Fund, or the various performances of the Savage Club. The fact was, the amateurs gave rather too generous a bill of fare. The Sheep in Wolf's Clothing" might well have been dispensed with; it is a heavy piece at the best of times. If the Moray Minstrels had sung but half the number of their charming glees and choruses they would have been more highly appreciated by the audience. The best things in the programme were Mr. Burnand's "Cox and Box," which was admirably played and sung by Messrs. Blunt and Quintin and Du Maurier. The latter gentleman also greatly distinguished himself, in conjunction with Mr. Harold Power, in Offenbach's musical farce "Les Deux Aveugles." Besides the gentleman already mentioned, Mr. Mark Lemon shone conspicuous as being far in advance of his brethren in histrionic talent: indeed, as everyone knows, he is an old and valued stager on the amateur boards. Miss Kate Terry performed her part charmingly. By-the-way, the playgoing world will learn with regret that this talented young actress will shortly retire from the stage; and will, it is said, before long, be married to Mr. Arthur Lewis.

The "Wild Goose," which was produced at the end of last month at the Haymarket, still holds its place in the bills, and continues to form the pièce de resistance of the house, in

spite of the condemnation of the drama by the majority of the press. It is, to tell the truth, decidedly more adapted to the "Surrey-side" than the legitimate business of the Haymarket. It is to be regretted that Mr. Buckstone should have issued such an ill-advised advertisement with regard to the piece; for it is in vain to think that the British public will consent to swallow anything the manager may put before them in the present day. A more healthy tone is obtaining, and we have heard many undisguised sibillations at objectionable points in the theatrical representations lately, from which we argue well.

At the Princess's "Antony and Cleopatra" has been produced, in which Miss Glyn plays Cleopatra, with her usual force and care.

No one should omit visiting the Olympic, to see Mr. Charles Mathews in "Patter versus Clatter." He is as voluble, versatile, and vivacious as ever: in fact, as amusing as Charles Mathews, and he alone, can be.

The Lyceum has closed, and so has Astley's. Various rumours are afloat with regard to the future management of these houses; but I believe nothing is definitely settled at present.

At the Adelphi "Henry Dunbar" has been revived, in which, during some of its latter representations, Mrs. Watts played the part in consequence of her sister's (Miss Kate Terry's) indisposition.

Mr. Charles Reade's sensational, unpleasant drama, "It is Never too Late to Mend," has been transferred to the boards of the Surrey. Mr. Calham sustains his original part of Jacky with great effect.

66

most incomprehensible affair altogether-it was below contempt. It was most unequivocally goosed on its first representation, and has not, I believe, been announced for repetition since. It is difficult to know what our accomplished dramatist has been about, as one of our most skilful critics remarks"Uncertain as to the share each has had in the authorship, we can only account for the failure by supposing that Mr. Oxenford undertook to supply the optical effects, whilst Professor Pepper made his first experiment as a farce-writer."

Mr. John Parry has just produced at the Gallery of Illustration another of his marvellous songs-or rather one of his little domestic dramas, introducing songs, incidents, and characters, the whole of the dramatis personæ being supported by Mr. John Parry and his piano. It is called "Merrymaking," and it is indescribable, but such an entertainment as no one should omit going to see: it is sui generis, being purely "Parryesque" in its conception and execution.

Messrs. Routledge's new sixpenny magazine, The Broadway, will, it is said, be published in September. Mr. Edmund Routledge, who is the editor, has already engaged a large and efficient staff, including some of the best pens of the light literature of the day. A new publication, which seems to be a cross between two titles of gossip-columns of our weekly "illustrateds," and called the Echoes of the Clubs, has made its appearance. It is well printed, and light in tone, but scarcely seems to have the element of extreme longevity about it; and, if its seeming intention is carried out, one will certainly be afraid to open one's mouth at one's club on any subject, however trivial. I hear a rumour, and trust it is not true, of another new comic paper about to appear-the Illustrated Comic News. For my part I think we have un

be facetious contemporaries, and tremble at a fifth making its appearance in the field.

It seemed quite like a renewal of my youth when present at the opening of the New Amphitheatre, Holborn, on Saturday evening last; and old recollections of Astley's crowded on my mind as the fiery untamed steeds" rushed round the circle, and the clown perpetrated some of the most ancient of fossil jokes. It is a charm-doubtedly enough, and to spare, of these woulding little amphitheatre: it is well ventilated and tastefully decorated, and the seats are comfortable. The grand-balcony is well adapted It is with deep regret that I allude to the for seeing the scenes in the circle or on the death of William M'Connell, an artist whose stage, and for having a comprehensive view of name is familiar to all acquainted with the ilnearly every part of the house. One is rather lustrated literature of this country. He had doubtful as to being able to get quickly out of already attained a high position as an artist and the house in case of fire, as some of the pas- a humorist, as his contributions to the Illussages seem to be very narrow and cramped. trated News, Illustrated Times, London SoThe equestrian performances were varied, and [ciety, Punch, Diogenes, Fun, &c., &c., and his for the most part well performed. M. Fillis went illustrations to Mr. Sala's "Twice Round the through some marvellous evolutions with his Clock," amply testify; and, had he been spared "fire-horse," Tamor. The grotesque perform-longer, would, I doubt not, have achieved a ance, "Les Nains," by Messrs. Delvevanti and higher position as an artist, though he could Felix, was one of the funniest things I have never have been more highly esteemed by those seen for a long while; and Capt. Austen's who knew his independent spirit and genial "Lightning Zouave Drill," as a specimen of worth. Two veterans in art have been called marvellous rapidity and dexterous manipulative home within the last month-Clarkson Stanskill, was a marvel to behold. The five clowns field and Edward Hodges Bailey-both well are by no means successful. There are rather too stricken in years, but with well-earned fresh many of them, with not sufficient wit, humour, laurels at their brows. and " clownery" for half this number. The farce, "Grim Griffin Hotel," by Mr. Oxenford and Professor Pepper, was a

The only real "sensation" during the last month has been the capture of the sturgeon at Westminster Bridge, I called to see the won

der as I was passing Mr. Groves' shop the other day. Mr. Sturgeon seemed to be very uncomfortable: he was in a shallow tank, with his dorsal fin high out of the water, suffering from a severe boat-hook wound in the back, and breathing hard, and snorting, in a spasmodic manner. The boy who exhibited him informed me that the fish "was goin' to the Geological Gardens to-morrow, where he would be all-right"!

I thought to myself that, reposing with one's
stomach on a slate-slab was as near an ap-
proach to a geological garden as might be: it
afterwards occurred to me that perhaps the
gentle youth meant zoological. I shall be at
the "Zoo" next Sunday, and amongst the
most anxious inquirers after the health of Mr.
Sturgeon will be
YOUR BOHEMIAN,

THE TOILET.
(Specially from Paris.)

Toilets of two tints are much worn: they consist of two skirts; the first of a deep tint for the under-skirt; the second, or upper one, is of a lighter shade of the same colour. The bottom of the under-skirt is trimmed with bias bands of the lighter colour, sown with jet pearls, and finished above with soutache of the lighter shade. There are, on the model I have seen, five bias-pieces, on which, from place to place, lozenges of Chantilly lace are adjusted. The second skirt of the lighter tint describes, at the lower part of the front, a rounded halfcircle, bordered by a bias of the deeper colour; behind it is cut in a very large half-circle: at the sides, between these half-circles, which make a long, sharp point, is placed an ornament with great pearls at the extremities: above this point little double bars remount nearly to the waist, on which are two similar lozenges to those on the skirt, and which reappear on the ceinture. The corsage is also of two tints; the first is of the deepest colour, garnished with five rows of bias-pieces very straightly disposed en collier, each bias being finished with a heading of beaded soutache.

SECOND FIGURE.-Dress of violet or grey faye silk, made with two gored skirts, the first ornamented with a row of black Chantilly lace laid on flat, and surmounted by two bias-pieces of the material, decorated with jet. The second skirt is cut in two deep scollops at the bottom, and trimmed in front, apron-fashion, by means of beaded bias-pieces running up to the waist. Round waistband with long ends behind. Plain corsage. Sleeves semi-tight. On each side of the first skirt, in the vacancy left by the indentation made by forming the front and back scollop in the second, an ornament made with beaded bias-pieces. Linen collar, and cuffs to under-sleeves. Plateau bonnet of crape, fringed all round with crystal, and trimmed with a tea-rose at the side. Crape-strings edged with white blond, and fastened at the throat with a flower to match that on the bon-openings tulle bars of the deeper shade. Sleeves, nearly tight, of the darkest colour, ornamented tween a double bias. at the sides by a suite of lozenges traced be

net.

The spring modes are coquettish and elegant, as fresh and gracious as the season-we may specially say this of the bonnets. Here are my remembrances of some of the most notable of them: The Chapeau Mignon is of white crape, with two long ends falling at the back: a little tuft of roses at the left side gives piquancy to the physiognomy. The Chapeau Duchesse is also white, with an ornamentation of satin pearls falling on the front and over the chignon, These bonnets show how marvellously an artistic milliner can idealise a face by the aid of a lace, a flower, or a ribbon.

A very low corselet, of the lighter shade, fore and behind; and we find between these worn upon the high body, is slightly open be

Paletot assorted of the material and colour of the first skirt, cut at the bottom in seven points, bordered by three rows of biases. Sleeves ornamented with similate biases, tracing a lozenge in the middle, at the bottom, and top. With this toilet a bonnet of Belgian straw, surrounded by a cordon of straw-coloured lilies of the valley, with foliage of the same tint. This bonnet is pointillé with black pearls. Brides of Mais taffetas (very wide) are also scattered over with black pointillé.

THE LADIES' PAGE,

KNITTED BORDER FOR A BED-QUILT.

MATERIALS.-Boar's-head knitting cotton, No. 12, of Messrs. Walter Evans and Co., Derby.

A BASKET FOR DRYING SALAD.

MATERIALS.-Strong grey thread; packthread of a medium size; cast on 7 stitches.