Chardonnet. The choir of this sanctuary re- | sembles that of St. Peter's at Rome; so the good "curé" of St. Nicholas has had it cleaned and ornamented exactly as St. Peter's was for the canonization of the Japanese martyrs; and would you believe that we cannot see that inoffensive manner of spending money and of amusing the faithful's eye without criticizing it? Nor yet the indefatigable calls of Monseigneur the Archbishop of Tours, who, in spite of the undeniable proofs of the burning of St. Martin, has found his bones in a private vault, and who wants to build a church to receive them. But the necessary is slow in coming in. Monseigneur perseveres, and orders neuvaines and processions out of number. A very splendid procession has just been performed. There were little boys dressed as John the Baptist, as the infant Jesus carrying his cross, &c., &c., and little girls personating the virgin, &c., &c. And a certain party must find fault with that. Oh perversity of the nineteenth century! However, we have at least something to applaud, for there is joy amongst the students in medicine, or rather amongst those who are aspiring to the title of Doctor. No more discussions in Latin, as formerly, where the Judges were often as puzzled as the candidates, and where Virgil or Horace would have been the most puzzled of the lot. A ministerial decree has just been issued, which annuls the efficacy of Latin in rendering a remedy more or less good; and let us hope we shall not be sent quicker into the next world for that, or that our doctors will be less good Christians for not taking the former oath of defending the church "ad effusionem sanguinis"-to the shedding of blood, which the facetious unbeliever translated "Jusqu'à la saignée" to bleeding. But these concessions on the part of the minister towards the students seem very much to be accorded with an interested view, to enable him to encroach the better on the rights of the professors: thus, from time immemorial, the "doyen" (the head master in the "Ecole de Médecine") has ever been selected from among the professors themselves; and the other day the minister named a man, an entire stranger to their corps, which not only galled the professors themselves, but also exasperated the students, who were determined to show their indignation; so, at the opening lecture, a few days ago, the hall was crowded, Monsieur Rayer, the new doyen," mounted gravely into the pulpit, when such an explosion of hissing, thumping, and screaming greeted him that the poor man looked aghast; in vain he tried to speak, louder and louder became the hubbub. The police came to his Amidst the uproar the statue of Napoleon III., placed behind the "doyen," was onthe point of falling, Monsieur Rayer caught hold of it. "A bas le soutien de l'Empire!" (down with the supporters of the Empire!) screamed the students from all sides. A few were arrested, but they all declared afterwards that it was capital fun. succour. 66 We gave almost as uproarious a reception to our professor, Mr. Laboulaye, the other day, at the Collége de France, but in quite a different spirit-ours proceeded from enthusiasm at his opening lecture this winter. But do you know what the Collége de France is? It is a building in which there are several public lecture-rooms, both for sciences and letters, founded by Francis I., on the Mount St. Geneviève, near the antique palace built by Julian the apostate, and where he resided when in Paris. This palace is now called the Musée de Cluny; but it is the Collége de France of which I would speak now. Hither, from December to June, amateurs, both male and female, may daily repair and listen to the cleverest men in France on different subjects; or, if they prefer (as some do) a quiet doze in a snug corner, warmed at the expense of the institution, they can have that also (for all is gratis here), and I have espied two or three old ladies and gentlemen, who are always in good time, and choose the warmest seats, and on whom the professor's voice exercises the most lulling charms. But peace be to them, they don't often snore out too loud. Mr. Laboulaye is a professor of law and an eminent writer, one of the most truly liberal Frenchmen I have ever seen, one who goes to the source for everything, and judges with the most sincere impartiality. He last winter commenced the study of the American Constitution, and continues it amidst the applauses of a crowded audience of almost every nation. It is the greatest treat in Paris for me; for he is not only very instructive in a historical point of view, but very amusing. I would defy anyone to doze, with anything like comfort, at his lectures. The honourable Academy of France is just now occupied with a very grave affair-Voltaire's heart, that, once upon a time, many a fair one would almost have died to call her own, can find no place of rest now, and runs a great risk of being sold to the highest bidder. It was formerly in the possession of the Marquis de Villette, whose heirs, at the end of a lawsuit just terminated, wishing to recompense their advocate (Mr. Léon Duval) sent the precious relic to him, wrapped up in fifty bank-notes of a thousand francs each. The eminent lawyer, who is no amateur of relics, it appears, immediately made it a present to the French Academy-after loosing it from its wrapper, no doubt, which of course diminished its value, and the French Academy has yet to discuss the question of whether they can accept the precious gift or not. I say, bury it comfortably in Père La chaise, or in its former owner's tomb in the Pantheon; but I suppose that Monsieur le curé of St. Geneviève (the Pantheon) would put his veto on the last-mentioned place, annoyed, as he was, in being obliged to leave Voltaire's and Rosseau's body in sacred ground. This Pantheon was built to receive the mortal remains of celebrated men; but when Napoleon III. was proclaimed Chief of the French State, he gave it to the clergy, who immediately consecrated it, under the title of St. FIRST FIGURE. THE TOILET. (Specially from Paris.) Dinner dress, of moire than through the past season. Ladies are happily becoming wearied of these high and pointed specimens, capable of containing sunflowers, dahlias, &c.; and we believe, though some few models in the extreme of this fashion have appeared, that a happy medium will be adopted. One of the most recherché bonnets I have seen is composed of black silk, covered with puffings of black lisse. On the front are laid very short ostrich feathers, tipped with white, one of which falls over the front, giving it a Marie Stuart appearance. The inside decorations are rich scarlet pomegranates and white lace: the strings black ribbon edged with white. Another very lady-like bonnet is of brown silk, cased and trimmed with different tints of brown velvet, shading to vesuve, and ornamented inside with vesuve flowers. A very pretty model bonnet for a young lady is of quilted white silk, bound and trimmed with azuline blue velvet; inside a full blonde cap, with blue loops along the top. This bonnet is of medium size, very pretty and becoming. Whalebone feathers of every colour will be much worn; and amongst flowers chrysanthemums of every shade, roses with velvet leaves, and branches of the trumpetflower, asters, &c. antique; the skirt trimmed tunic fashion, with a band of silk of a darker shade than the dress, scolloped at the edges, and bordered by a narrow black lace, while along it runs a wreath of foliage in very light Spanish point. The body is pointed and ornamented round the top by a band, similar to that on the skirt, and a row of black buttons extends from the throat to the hem. Sleeves in the medieval style, lined with white silk and finished with a white satin ruche near the edge. A band with a Spanish point ornament goes round the end of the sleeve. Tight under-sleeves of moire, the same as the dress. Guipure collar and cuffs. On the hair a bow and ends of Chantilly lace. SECOND FIGURE.-Visiting toilet: black silk dress ornamented with rich fancy trimmings in Spanish point on each of the widths at the side of the skirt. Body pointed, trimmed at the sides with a Spanish point rosette, and terminated behind by a short postilion skirt similarly decorated. Sleeves surmounted by a jockey, with the same ornament, and smaller ones are put at the end, which is slit up and fastened by cords and tassels. Collar and under-sleeves of muslin, trimmed with Valenciennes. Bonnet with a front made of brown silk, draped in several bias pieces, and having on the top of the head flat bows of blue velvet, from which descends a bunch of flowers with brown foliage. The crown and curtain are blue velvet, inside flowers to match. Swedish gloves. Bonnets, since my last letter, have undergone a decided change: they are now generally made lower on the top, more rounding, and smaller Zouaves and all kinds of fancy jackets will be worn, and chemises, or vestes-Russes promise to be popular with young ladies. Made of cachemire or merino, richly braided, they are extremely pretty. Waistbands are more fashionable and costly than ever. They are generally made of black velvet, and are often embroidered or trimmed with tiny gilt or steel buttons, placed just along the cording. Some are pointed before and behind; some are made with three points; others are furnished with a jockey behind; and others again are pointed only in front, and are merely a band at the back, where they fasten with a bow and long ends. flowers forming a crown, accompanied by long barbes. Ermine and swans-down are favorite trimmings for opera cloaks. For ball dresses for young people tarlatane continues in the ascendant; and, prettily trimmed, few materials are Dress ornaments and trimmings are very va- equal to it in elegance and effect, combined with rious. Guipure, braid, velvet, and leather, with economy in price. Wreaths, with traling sprays steel, jet, and gilt buttons are all popular. The to fall upon the shoulders, is a favourite coiffure application of leather as a dress trimming by no young ladies. The form of corsage for toimeans meets with general favour: here, how-lettes de ville never alters. The waistcoat front ever, where whatever is novel is sure to find par- is most in vogue. The gigot sleeves, very large tizans, not only dress trimmings, but bonnets and full at top, but almost tight at the bottom, and muffs made of leather are worn. are much worn; and gauntlet cuffs should be worn with them. The most fashionable coiffures for evening dress are composed of a mixture of tulle and for LADIES' PAGE. CROCHET TIDY OR BERCEAUNETTE COVER. MATERIALS.-The Boar's Head Crochet Cotton of Messrs. Walter Evans and Co., Derby. No. 12 or No. 14 should be used for a tidy, and No. 18 for a berceaunette cover. This pattern is composed of rosettes, which are worked separately, and joined to one another in crocheting the last round. The design is light and effective, and there is very little work in it, so that either a tidy or berceaunette cover would be very quickly made. Should the space be considered too large between the rosettes, a diamond-shaped piece of crochet may be inserted, or a few rows of chain looped across would answer the purpose. We may here mention that in crocheting the rosette every row must be complete in itself, to make the pattern, when finished, perfectly round. It is commenced in the following manner: make a chain of nine stitches, and join round. 1st row.-Work into the ring 9 loops of 5 chains each. 2nd.-3 single stitches to bring the cotton to the top of the loop of the preceding row*. 7 chain, 1 single into the centre chain of loop, repeat 7 times from*. 3rd. The same as second, but working nine chain instead of seven to form a larger loop. 4th.-Single stitches to the top of the loop, 1 treble; 11 chain, 1 treble into the eentre of loop; repeat to the end of the row. 5th.-1 chain, miss 1, 1 treble; repeat. 6th.-2 treble into 1 stitch, 5 chain, miss 3; repeat. 7th.-Work 3 single stitches to bring the cotton to the centre of the 5 chain; 1 treble*, 5 chain, 1 single on the top of treble, 5 chain, 1 single in the same stitch, 5 chain, 1 single in the same stitch, 6 chain, 1 treble in the centre of 5 chain of preceding row; repeat from*. In working this last row the rosettes should be joined by catching in the centre stitch of the centre loop. The tidy requires neither fringe nor lace, as the rosettes in themselves form a pretty finish to the edge. The berceaunette cover should be lined with sky-blue or pink silk, with a silk tassel at the two bottom corners to match the colour of the lining. THE KNITTED WINTER SPENCER. MATERIALS.-Seven skeins of dark fleecy four-thread; one skein each of grey fleecy, four shades; No 8 pins; No. 1 Penelope Crochet-hook. Stitch Brioche, thread forward, slip 1, knit 2 together, the same backwards and forwards. Cast on 141 stitches, knit 2 plain rows. Knit 40 rows. Knit 4 ribs besides the outside half-rib. In crease; do this by picking up two of the back stitches with the right hand needle, placing them on the left, wool forward, slip 1, knit 1, knit 39 ribs, increase as before, knit 4 ribs. Knit 10 rows. that is, 1 rib at the beginning of each row; there will be 8 ribs, and 7 ribs on the top of the neck. Knit a plain row, cast off. Take up the front, knit 7 ribs, increase, knit Knit 5 ribs, increase, knit 39 ribs, increase, 7 ribs. knit 5 ribs. Knit 10 rows. Knit 6 ribs, increase, knit 39 ribs, increase, knit 6 ribs. Knit 10 rows. Knit 7 ribs, increase, knit 7 ribs, cast off 2 ribs, knit 21 ribs, cast off 2 ribs, knit 7 ribs, increase, knit 7 ribs. Pass off the fronts on to a thread, knit 44 rows for the back, increase a rib on each side nearest the shoulder. Knit 10 rows. Knit 10 rows. Knit 8 ribs, increase, knit 7 ribs. Increase a rib the side nearest the shoulder. Cast off 3 ribs, then decrease every row equally till to a point. FOR THE SLEEVES.-Cast on 81 stitches, knit 22 rows. Increase a rib, knit 60 rows, decrease a rib, knit 22 rows, cast off. Work 4 rows of long stitches in crochet all Decrease by casting off 1 rib eight times-round with the four shades of grey fleecy. AMUSEMENTS OF THE MONTH. Pantomime and extravaganza are in the heyday of their annual career; and, though the subjects are terribly familiar, originality of treatment renders them Christmas after Christmas almost as good as new. Thus, at the NEW ADELPHI, Mr. Byron's version of "George Barnwell," in the hands of Miss Wolgar, Mr. Toole, and the evergeen Paul Bedford, has an air of genuine novelty. The scenery helps the illusion, and the incidents re-woven, follow each other smoothly and cleverly. A view of the famous Ranelegh Gardens, exquisitely illuminated, and wonderfully real, gives occasion to Miss Woolgar, the naughty Millwood of the story, for donning a costume of the last century, and appearing, like one of Harrison Ainsworth's heroines in the days of Queen Anne, in a superb sacque, and hoop five yards in circumference. Messrs. Beverley and Lloyd produce some really elegant scenery, especially in the " Enchanted Wood" and "Lake of Lilies," which are the most remarkable of the scenic beauties of the piece. THE HAYMARKET Also indulges in burlesque, and under the title of the " Happy Valley" rejoices in a travestie of Rasselas," from the pen of Mr. Brough, whose audacious humour has gone the length of introducing the great "Cham of Literature" himself in the person of Mr. Tilbury, as a kind of Chorus, explaining the action of such parts of the story as take place out of view of the audience. Here, again, we have some master-pieces of pictorial effect: in the opening scene, for instance, where all the enchanting accessories of the "Happy Valley" are brought out before us; and, again, in the views of the Pyramids, Fortress, and gardens of the Arab Chief outside the city gates. The make up of Mr. Tilbury as the Doctor is wonderfully clever, and the performance of Miss Louise Keely, and Messrs. Compton and Chippendale, admirable of their kind. This lady's duet with Paul Bedford, "Nix my Dolly," and her dance with George de Barnwell (Mr. Toole) in the gardens, are amongst the most popular incidents of the piece. The transformation scene, in what is called (vide the gratis bill), "The Dryad's Home in Fairy Elfin's Forest," brings down, deservedly, a storm of applause. In this scene some new and beautiful effects are introduced, particularly that THE of glittering water. The Harlequinade introduces us to the interior of the Islington Agricultural Hall, and two new Clowns-Arthur and Bertrand whose wonderful gymnastic feats have been acquired in France. At the PRINCESS'S Mr. Blanchard's " Riquet with the Tuft" delights the audience with smart dialogue, while GEORGE CRUIKSHANK GALLERY, EXETER HALL. The name of George Cruikshank is a household word in England. In every home, at some period or another, his clever illustrations have produced interest and amusement. We remember his name as an artist as long as we have known books, and remember it always agreeably; but the public, though acquainted with vast numbers of his works, can have no notion how numerous they are till it has seen them collectively. It is possible to make a great picture without being a great painter; and thus, while we give Mr. Cruikshank all due praise for the overwhelming number of figures, and variety of objects and incidents brought together to illustrate "The Worship of Bacchus,' we can only do so on the score of its cleverness, and leave out the matter of composition and handling. All "the ills that flesh is heir to;" all the crimes that drunkenness can and does produce; are brought together on this really wonderful canvas, and form a whole to crown the reputation of an exceedingly clever and versatile artist. The gallery is open at half-price during the evening-a characteristic act on the part of Mr. Cruikshank, who aims higher than fame in this elaboration of cause and effect in his great picture. We advise everyone who is desirous of a most amusing eye-feast to visit this gallery. The hundreds of clever etchings and sketches are inimitable in their way. 66 which, in our opinion, he allowed to escape him. He possesses at once power and sweetness; but something more exquisite still" is wanting. While the hall fills as it has done on the occasions of these concerts through December, it is probable their projector will continue them. The return of Mr. Benedict to his office of conductor told with evident effect upon the choir, who kept together admirably, and gave Bishop's "Sleep, Lady, sleep" "The Minstrel Boy," and, lastly, the prayer from "Mose in Egitto," with delightful effect. state that a grand concert of national melodies Since writing the above we are authorized to will take place at St. James's Hall, on the evening of the 8th instant, at which Mr. SIMS REEVES, Madame LOUISA VINING, Miss PALMER, and Mr. T. LAWLER will assist. On this occasion Mr. SIMS REEVES will sing "The Death of Nelson," and his equally popular "Good-bye, Sweetheart." The programme for the occasion is an overflowing one, and contains, amongst other gems, the sweet ballads, "John Anderson," "Kathleen Mavourneen, "Huntingtower," and Purcell's "Mad Tom." Amongst the harpists are the names of Frederick Chatterton and Aptommas. Mr. Benedict will conduct. دو ST. JAMES'S HALL. The concerts of national melodies, with harp accompaniments, continue to attract large audiences. There is a novelty in hearing solos sung as part-songs, with hundreds of voices joining in the sentiment and melody intended originally by poet and composer to be breathed by one, and, though we repeat what we have before written, that some of the songs are admirably harmonized, it seems a desecration of the exquisite lyrics, the "Last rose of summer," and "Believe me, of all those endearing young charms," to hear them sung by a full choir, 400 strong. The meaning of the poetry is lost, being uttered by a crowd, and therefore we would suggest a more critical selection of the songs, in which sense as well as sound should be regarded. The playing of Mr. Aptommas called forth, as usual, a furore of deserved applause. The glittering, pictorial effect of the orchestra, the flying hands, and rapt enthusiasm of the performer (who seems simply to throw off the notes from the strings, which yield, under his touch, effects unknown in this imperfect instrument before), approached as nearly to the sensational as a musical audience could desire. Mr. Henry Haigh, who was in excellent voice, sang the ballad of "Black-eyed Susan;" but in spite of the well-known adage touching comparisons, a friend whispered, with a sigh of remembrance, how well he remembered the elder Braham's singing of it. "Oft in the stilly night" afforded the artist a fine opportunity, ROYAL POLYTECHNIC, Under the management of Professor Pepper, presents, this Christmas, a more than ordinarily rich programme. And while his own "STRANGE LECTURE," in which he introduces Mr. Rose's "Photodrone," and Mr. Dirck's illusion in illustration of Charles Dickens's "Haunted Man," delights his adult visitors. The new optical pantomime, "Harlequin and Cinderella," charms the younger portion of the audience. Mr. Buckland supplies the place of the ancient chorus; and all the optical resources of the Polytechnic are brought into requisition for the illustrations. Lastly, a gigantic Christmas tree scatters its fruit periodically, gratis, and the first fall takes place to-day. WINTER EXHIBITION OF THE SOCIETY OF PAINTERS IN WATERCOLOURS, 5, PALL MALL EAST. We beg to draw the attention of our readers to this pleasantly-devised and very charming exhibition. We regret that our space this month will not admit of our individualizing its many |