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entirely engrossed by the tusker, the noble quarry, who, although prostrate on his side, like a fallen tower, manifested in his dying moments, by sundry portentous noises and uncouth struggles, an inclination to assume an erect position. His destruction was speedily completed; but it was still impossible to leave the spot, from a conviction that the haggart Amhara rabble would not fail to claim the honour and the credit of having slain the prize with their powerless spears, should any perchance find the carcass during the absence of the lawful proprietors-a surmise which was fully confirmed by the appropriation of the tail as a trophy, by the very first man who made his appearance."

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It is while reading the soul-stirring narratives of such a delightful, animated, and vigorous writer as Major Harris, where every page beams with something new, interesting, and extraordinary, that we again wish ourselves amid those scenes which we sought to describe last month. Major Harris, too, had a buffalo-hunt-not amid countless myriads, which are seen in the great western prairie-not with the daring and intrepid red-skin, it is true, but amid influences no less entrancing and moving. Oh, there is an intense, exciting, deep pleasure in the wild and dangerous chase, which, to be comprehended, must be felt! But a truce to our reflections, which can be spared for another opportunity. "At break of day the hunters were in the saddle. Last night's traces of the wanton strength of the giant monarch of the forest were visible among the noble trees. Huge branches, twisted from the stein, lay scattered in various quarters, and the fresh footmarks of the devastators were presently discovered. Several ineffectual attempts had been made to decrease the number of the rabble train, and the disturbance created had the effect, like the tail of the rattle-snake, of warning all of the approach of enemies. Myriads of clamorous guinea-fowl, whirring above the grove, in every direction, spread the alarm far and wide; and the quarry, driven deeper and deeper into the dark recesses, finally took shelter in a sea of tangled bulrushes, which skirted the borders of numerous rivulets of running waters that pour their muddy tribute into the Gasary. During several hours thus fruitlessly passed, the strenuous and unanimous exertions of the retinue were most unremitting to prevent success; but a limited party on foot, with three of the governor's braves, were at length induced to lead the way into the covert. Here the cast of a few hundred yards revealed the tracks of a buffalo, and the trail was carried through thick groves of wild tamarisk, where shady boughs, meeting overhead, formed natural bowers and arcades. The tumult had now ceased. Whilst stealing in Indian file through vast fields of tall flags, and carefully avoiding contact with every projecting twig, the fresh traces of the quarry frequently demonstrated that he was close at hand; and at length a measured splashing of water in the broad channel below gave notice of his actual presence. The leading Adel cast a keen glance through the intervening screen of blue tamarisk, and, turning, pointed to both his eyes. From the brink of the river-bank a noble buffalo was perceived rolling from side to side, as it waded indolently across the stream, which reached above the girth, ever and anon whisking its tasselled tail, to dislodge a host of persecuting flies. Its intention

evidently was to land immediately below the ambush taken; and, as less than fifty yards intervened, each step advanced rendered the target more unfavourable. A two-ounce ball in the point of the shoulder, though it tumbled the unwieldy animal on its haunches, did not sufficiently paralyze its giant strength to bring it fairly down; and, before another rifle could be obtained, it had burst from the eddying water, and plunged into the adjacent thicket. No trace of blood rewarded the closest scrutiny; and, after a few minutes' deliberation, the attendants pronounced the animal unscathed; but finding the party positive as to the spot in which the bullet had taken effect, and firmly resolved not to abandon the quest, several able casts were made among the tail flags that waved over the rivulet. Fifteen minutes passed on without a whisper, when a low whistle from the thicket proclaimed the success of Koerbo, the Adel. He had discovered the wounded beast recumbent in the darkest recesses of the tamarisk grove, its red eyes gleaming through the gloom, saliva streaming in bell-ropes from the mouth, and the breathing hard and husky. A faint charge ensued, but its strength was on the wane, and as it stumbled across a prostrate bough, its demolition was completed." The remainder must be sought for in the Major's delightful volumes, which, despite the gibes of certain interested and ignorant detractors, are, without exception, the most useful, agreeable, and meritorious travels which have appeared for many a season. those who have not the book, let them buy-the money will be well spent.

All

We have nothing to do with aught save the sporting portion, in this place; and if our readers think not that delightful, we pity their

taste.

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS.

"With tongues all loudness, and with eyes all mirth."

LARA.

The great winter festival just passed away was celebrated with the same joyous vociferations and happy smiling looks that never yet failed to invest byegone anniversaries with associations most blythe and gladsome. Christmas cheer has been amply provided by managers of theatres and exhibitions, and the fare has been liberally discussed by those who give themselves up to the amusements of the season. Pretty prolific of novelty the playhouses must be, if reliance could be placed in those veritable authorities-the playbills. By the way, by pinning implicit faith to the announcements of managers, some little confusion must be safe to follow; especially so just now, when it is positively declared by every lessee who performs pantomime, in letters as huge as his goblins' nasal developments, that at his house is to be seen "The best pantomime in London."

Mr. Webster has produced one of the fairy tales of the Arabian

Nights, a little altered and modernised by the brothers Brough. "Čamaralzaman and Badoura; or, the Prince and the Peri," is a happy hit. The young authors deserve no inconsiderable meed of praise for having so well seasoned, spiced, and flavoured the Christmas dish of the HAYMARKET. Keeley and his wife are, beyond all question, irresistibly droll, quaint, odd, and amusing. Miss P. Horton, as the Prince, whether in her daddy's palace or roving abroad, is quite at home. So easy, graceful, and piquant in her action and style, and so pleasing in her utterance, is this favourite actress, that no surprise can be felt that the parodies given with so much effect should be vehemently redemanded. Miss Reynolds, as the Daughter of the Emperor of China, looks and moves like a princess. As for the King of Burlesque and Emperor of China, Bland he's suited to a T. No slo leaves about him; in short, he is, as his wont, very great in the glorious pomp and high and mighty dignity of majesty.

"Your Life's in Danger" serves as an excellent vehicle for the humour of Keeley, who literally convulses the house by detailing the grievances imposed upon him by all sorts of people mistaking him for some great man. Mr. and Mrs. Kean draw excellent houses at fullprice, and the burlesque brings bumpers at half-price. A desirable result of which Mr. Webster is richly deserving.

About the middle of the month we are promised French opera on a grand and extensive scale at the ST. JAMES'S THEATRE, where at present Dunbolton's Serenaders are hitting off the eccentricities of Nigger life by a comical display of vocal and instrumental oddities. If this entertainment should not partake of the popularity which attended it two years ago, who can marvel? Since the period of the Ethiopians first "coming out," it must be borne in mind that the public has been over-dosed with sable serenaders in all shapes and forms, bearing all manner of long-sounding titles, and wearing every kind of "damnable faces." Now it may not be unfairly urged

"Superfluous lags the nigger on the stage."

"To err is human." We ventured to express an opinion when Robert Houdin was amongst us last season that it was a moral impossibility for the necromatic art to be carried beyond the limits then pursued by that adroit magician. We now candidly confess our mistake in hazarding such a conjecture. We are induced to offer this expiation after witnessing the wondrous feats which at these presents are being enacted by the same dexterous hand. Whatever Houdin performed last year, he surpasses this; and that's a fact which "nobody can deny." Those (if such there be) who have not seen the astonishing deeds of cabalistic character performed by this skilful and expert prestidigatteur should lose not a moment in hastening to the ST. JAMES'S. Robert Houdin of a verity is not to be excelled

"None but himself could be his parallel."

The success of the LYCEUM Christmas piece is as immense as its merits unquestionably entitle it to be crowned with. "The King of the Peacocks" reflects a vast amount of credit on Planché the author, Madame Vestris the producer, and Beverley the scene-painter. Planché has contrived to construct a most attractive, pleasing, and withal elegant entertainment out of materials that would undoubtedly in

other hands have proved too tame and purposeless for the stage. The
parodies are mostly on modern composition, perhaps partaking of a class
not sufficiently known by the general audience to be properly appre-
ciated; for instance, the selections from the " Huguenots" and
"Haydée," albeit excellently rendered, fall flatly from the cause alluded
to; on the other hand, "The Jolly Young Waterman,'
"There's a
good time coming, boys," and "The Groves of Blarney," are readily
caught up and applauded. The parody on " Il segreto per esser felice"
is a gem deliciously given by Madame Vestris; but the hit of the piece
is the parody on Lord Lovell-" King Florizel stood at the Old World's
End," chanted by John Reeve in most humorous strain. In the
getting up of this Christmas entertainment, Madame Vestris has-
credat Judæus !-surpassed her previous brilliant achievements in this
peculiar department. The King of the Peacocks" is decidedly the
most magnificent, brilliant, and superb spectacle ever brought out. The
dresses are gorgeous, rich, and imposing to a degree never hitherto
gazed upon by mortal eye. The appointments are in good keeping,
and the general stage arrangement loudly bespeak the excellent taste of
the fair manager. Mr. Beverley is entitled to great praise for the
splendid scenery he has provided. The concluding scene is the triumph
of decorative art combined with mechanical skill of a high order. Ma-
dame Vestris, Miss Fitzwilliam, Miss Howard, Harley, and John Reeve
sustain the principal characters in this very clever and exceedingly ele-
gant production of Mr. Planché's with that talent for which they are
individually and collectively so renowned.

Hark! the sound of horses! Yes, DRURY LANE is again the refuge of the quadruped. M. Dejean now succeeds Jullien, and the tramp and the neighing of the steed is heard. where erst the flourish of trumpets and the beating of the big drum (and it was a monster!) were wont to greet the auricular organs. The troupe of the Cirque National, under the able direction of M. Dejean, is to be seen in full force within the walls of Old Drury. Palmyre Anato is as great as ever, and she is a creature-the very personification of grace. The ease, the finish, and the interesting self-possession, that are so remarkable in this agile and pleasing performer, are conspicuously displayed in the scene where she achieves the most extraordinary leaps over seven scarfs. The "Haute Ecole," by Madlle. Caroline, is a performance invested with all that polish and elegance of style for which this excellent equestrian artiste is so celebrated. The clowns are as amusing as ever: the Auriols, Mohamet Ben Said, and Leclair, contrive to keep the audience in a state of hilarious convulsion, by uttering the most quaint drolleries and by playing pranks of the most diverting character. Take it altogether, we can safely say our sporting friends will not regret a visit to the bipeds and quadrupeds of Drury Lane.

"William the Conqueror, or Harlequin Harold and the Sack of the Saxons," is the title of the pantomime at the OLYMPIC. Abounding in tricks and stinging allusions as this seasonable novelty does, it must be mentioned that amongst the "hits" the notice of the iniquitous Palace Court cannot miss fire. The pantomimists, chiefly from the United States, already appear to be established favourites with the audience. Barnes, the Clown, and Madlle. Vallee, the Columbine, are looked upon as particularly adapted to sustain these prominent parts in pantomime.

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Crowded houses nightly at ASTLEY'S AMPHITHEATRE. plainly indicates the bill of fare provided by Mr. Batty for his holiday visitors is considered to be of the right stamp. The new grand spectacle of "The Wars of the Jews, or the Fall of Jerusalem," is wonderfully got up. More we are not in condition to say; for the majority of the audience being disinclined to listen to the dialogue, appeared determined that all should share and share alike. Consequently, the unruly members of the house alluded to keep up such a continual and running fire of noisy words until the pantomime is put upon the stage, that to attempt an analysis of the plot would be as hopeless as to expect fair play in the Palace Court. The pantomime of "Bold Robin Hood, or the Pretty White Horse and the Enchanted Princess of Sherwood Forest," must be seen by all juveniles, as it stands on the top of the list of the pantomimes of '48-9.

Professor Anderson, having returned from his long continental tour, has commenced giving his Soirées Mysterieuses at the STRAND THEATRE, greatly to the delight and amazement of the numerous lovers of the wonderful who form his audience. It should be observed that Professor Anderson bears certificates from all the Potentates of Europe, which undeniably attest his extraordinary powers and vast cabalistic skill.

Banvard's Panorama of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, now in course of exhibition at the EGYPTIAN HALL, is a magnificent instance of artistic skill, embodying the chief characteristics of the Father of Waters. This is unquestionably the leviathan painting of the day: it certainly combines the useful and instructing.

THE POLYTECHNIC is thronged daily and nightly with visitors all agog for the scientific and amusing, displayed in the Electric Light, Dissolving Views, and novelties of various kinds so amply provided by the indefatigable directors of this admirable institution.

Christmas has been a season of harvest to the Terpsichorean temples of the metropolis. Both LAURENT'S CASINO and the SALLE DE VAlenTINO have received their full share of public support. The excellent band at the former, including the exquisite taste and skill displayed by Arban on the cornet-à-piston, and the novel and able direction of Musard the younger at the latter, have had their exhilarating effect those addicted to polkas.

upon

FINE ARTS.

A PORTRAIT OF LORD GEORGE BENTINOK. London: Fores's Sporting Repository, Piccadilly." And much enriched with fame, when useless worldly store," sang James Thomson in days of yore. How applicable in these days, when busts and engravings innumerable of the late Lord George Bentinck are being made public! Of these it may be said that some are remarkable for fidelity of likeness, whilst others are but indifferent, both in regard to general expression and execution. The portrait which most forcibly presents the man in form and being as he was wont to move, is the one just issued by the Messrs. Fores, and we have no hesitation in pronouncing this to be the best likeness in every respect, as it is unquestionably the most characteristic.

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