m 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



or Asa Trenchard, appeared, as in fact when anyone ap- 

 peared, they made the house resound with a hearty wel- 

 come and most judicious approval. Upon the falling of 

 the curtain the reaction behind it was wonderful — the play 

 was a success, and Miss Keene added a new laurel to that 

 already heavy wreath she had won as a good manager. 



Of her struggles and sufferings after she disappeared as 

 a nightly star before a metropolitan audience the public 

 have no desire to know. Suffice it to say that a consump- 

 tion, slow but sure, gradually crushed her body but never 

 her undaunted spirit. Ill success brought her in debt to 

 many people, and they "got satisfaction" by maligning her 

 character and misrepresenting her motives. Strange as it 

 may appear to the unlhinking world, Laura Keene was by 

 nature a woman made to shine in private life. Her affec- 

 tions were paramount even over her ambition. In her last 

 days she toiled, lest she might tax the competency she 

 hoarded for the comfort of her two nieces. She was the 

 most brilliant woman, in the height of her popularity, in 

 New York, in dress, manner, and charms in parlor, and 

 shone resplendently with the most polished social and 

 literary society. 



To her few confidential friends she spoke of the stage 

 with bitterness, as calculated to destroy all that quietness 

 and peace of mind most essential to a woman's happiness. 

 Her last positive declaration was that if she could be re- 

 stored to her yotith and could live over again, she would 

 never speak to the manager of a theatre or witness a play. 



Her towering ambition was the serpent that stung most 

 severely. In her declining days she saw Sothern, Owens, 

 Jefferson, and Booth, and others who were her proteges, vital 

 with health and abundant in wealth and the world's ap- 

 plause, and she fretted and beat helpless against the bars of 

 her imprisonment as a petted eagle deprived of the moun- 

 tain eyrie and the sun in its zenith. 



She now sleeps quietly in the modest cemetery of Mont- 

 clair. One of her last requests was that her funeral should 

 be strictly private, and that no notice of her death should 

 be given to the world until her body rested in the tomb. 



At the Broadwajr Theatre, on Monday evening, was pre- 

 sented for the first time a play entitled "The New Magda- 

 len." We presume, from reading some of the recently 

 produced comments of the press, upon the intimate con- 

 nection of female degradation and hard times, that this 

 "New Magdalen" is the legitimate fruit of the prevailing 

 panic. At any rate, we have Wilkie Collins' certificate 

 that this "perfumed violet" is a genuine, and not a 

 spurious article. Though reined gentlemen among them- 

 selves would, as a rule, refuse to discuss the character of 

 the plot, for want of decent words to give a clear descrip- 

 tion, yet it is put upon the stage, and we can only find ex- 

 cuse for the women who witness it on the ground that they 

 are no philosophers. Miss Leclercq, when we entered the 

 play-house, was sitting on a sofa, dressed splendidly, giving 

 a charm to a parlor set off with the richest furniture, the 

 walls of which were richly frescoed, while the conservatory 

 in the rear witchingly displayed its floral charms through 

 the crystal glass. At her side stood her affianced husband, 

 leaning over her with a degree of "spoon" that was dra- 

 matically effective and complimentary to her charms. The 

 enraptured and successful lover was urging an early day 

 for the prospective nuptials. With all these pleasant sur- 

 roundings Miss Leclercq was not happy. She looked vir- 

 tuous, innocent, and most loveable, and the audience 

 heartily sympathized with the prospect that she had of set- 

 tling down in the domestic circle, with a fair chance of 

 being overloaded with olive branches; yet for all this and 

 these things, she kept continually turning away from the 

 earnest love expressions of her future husband, and inform- 

 ing the audience, in sotto voce, that she was a 

 miserable, unprincipled outcast — an old Magdalen, 

 who had been ruined by want of early ed- 

 ucation, poverty and temptation, frequently calling 

 herself hard names, such names, indeed, as the veriest drab 

 that staggers bawling at midnight through our slums will, if 

 applied to her, resent with becoming indignation. 



The high moral finale of the piece was simply brutal in 

 her vinegary maidenhood, and probably no dramatist ever 

 succeeded more effectively in making virtue despicable 

 Avhen brought in contact with gilded vice. 



The leading commedian is a radical minister. When the 

 affianced husband of the piece has had the "early history" 

 of his future wife told him several hundred times, more or 

 less, and still unbelieving, has a hole made in his head with 

 an augur, through which is shoved a written affidavit that 

 his sweetheart is a wanton of the worst kind, then he gives 

 it up, and slapping his blonde wig over the top where his 

 forehead ought to be, disappears. 



Miss Leclercq — we beg pardon, we mean Mercy Merrick — 

 having been abandoned by Horace Homecroft, she turns to 

 the radical minister, and as if never tired of speaking of 

 her early shameful life— while the audience and no one on 

 the stage has even thrown it in her face — she commences 

 again reviewing her shameles conduct, and seems to be 

 desirous of making an impression on his pure mind by de- 

 grading herself to the lowest pit of infamy. The radical 

 minister drinks in the impure words and dwells with seem- 

 ing delight upon the pictures of revolting vice that are sug- 

 gested to his imagination ; at last overcome with radical 

 clerical enthusiasm, he seizes the interesting heroine rap- 

 turously in his arms, presses her form to his precious per- 

 son, and after the manner of Stiggins, announces, with a 

 defiant voice, that her early education and trials implies 

 that her subsequent systematic fraud have jointly and sev- 

 erally prepared her for a minister's wife, and at last the 

 "New Magdalen'* announces that she is happy. 



Such is the dainty dish set before a New York audience 

 by Wilkie Collins. ' 



On Monday the favorite coniedjr of "Ours" was returned 

 to Wallack's. There is so much in the play in the way of 

 pleasam scenic effects, the completeness of the plot, and 

 unexceptionable dialogue, that it seems never to tire a re- 

 fined and appreciative audience, 



At Booth's, the romantic drama of "Richelieu.'' As is 

 too often the case at this theatre, one excellent actor is sur- 

 rounded by indifferent players; the consequence is that 

 much is seen that is incomplete and unsatisfactory. 



At the Union Square the "Geneva Cross" is still in the 

 ascendancy. The managers announce that on the 17th 

 inst. it will give way to "The Wicked World," in which 

 Miss Clara Morris will appear. 



On the evening of the 21st instant the testimoni al of Mr. 

 William N. Griffith, commemorative of his entering upon 

 the professional stage, will be given at the Academy in 

 Brooklyn. This will be a fine performance. In addition 

 to some of the best known and most popular amateurs, 

 Messrs. E. Lamb, Owen Marlowe, Mrs. Fanny Foster, and 

 Mrs. Charles Gaylor will appear in the dramas. Mr. J. N. 

 Patterson, the pianist, and Mr. John Clark, the basso, will 

 appear between the plays. "Buy Bias" and a farce will be 

 on the bill. 



The new Park Theatre, of Brooklyn, maintains its un- 

 rivalled popularity ; it is one of our best theatres for unex- 

 ceptionable family entertainments. 



-#♦». 



Cincinnati, November 7, 1873. 

 pike's opera house. 

 We have been enjoying a treat this week in the shape of 

 the Kellogg Opera Company. During the week they have 

 sung "Lucia de Lammemoor," "Martha," and "Faust." 

 Saturday afternoon, "Bohemian Girl;" in the evening, 

 "FraDiavolo." 



wood's theatre. 

 At this place the Maffit and Bartholomew Pantomime 

 Troupe have appeared in "Flick and Flock." Business 

 fair. November 10th — Lawrence Barrett. 



ROBINSON'S OPERA HOUSE. 



Miss Kate Putnam has been drawing not over large audi- 

 ences in her plays of "Little Nell," "Fanchon, " and "Blade 

 o' Grass." Her "Little Nell" is poor compared to Lotta's. 

 November 1 0th — Lydia Thompson Burlesque Troupe. 



W, L.4 



Jfew j§nblicnticm8. 



4 



[Publications sent to this office, treating upon subjects that come within 

 the scope of the paper, will receive special attention. The receipt of all 

 books delivered at our Editorial Rooms will be priymptly acknowledged 

 in the next issue. Publishers will confer a favor by promptly advising 

 us of any omission, in this remecl. Prices of books inserted wlien 

 desired .1 



Truffle Nephews. A. Collection of Stories; From the 

 pen of Rev. P. Power: N. Y,: Robert Carter & Bros. 

 This is one of those attractive books that one reads through for pleasant 

 style and its good, round letterpress. These stories, aside from their 

 attractiveness as well written tales of everyday life, exhibit important 

 and truthful practical lessons for the encouragement and direction of all 

 who would live in this world not an idle life. The nobler impulses of 

 the good are strengthened: The evil disposed and selfish are kindly 

 warned to let the past suffice, to turn over a "new leaf" in the journal of 

 life; in short, to reform their lives. From "We" versus "I. 1 * we give the 

 following extract by way of illustration: 



"Neighbor Solus," said the Quaker, "betwixt thy name and ours there 

 are but two letters difference; thou art called 'Solus" and we are 'Silas;' 

 and in two letters lieth the secret of our success over thiue. Thou stand- 

 est alone, though thou hast a wife. Solus is the Latin for 'alone;' and 

 as is thy name so is thy nature; with thee it is always T;' with us it is 

 always 'We.' Thou and thy wife do not everything together as ye should; 

 thou pullest. one way^at times, and she another; and as ye are yoked to 

 the same pole the coach under such circumstances cannot go on. Thou 

 art a drag on her, and she is a drag on thee; and dragging and drawing 

 two different things." 



Little Kaven: By Madame Sophie Schwartz. From the 

 original MSS. by Selina Borg and Maria A. Brown: Hartford, Con- 

 necticut. Published by R. W. Bliss. 



There is nothing wearisome, dull or monotonous in "Little Kaven," 

 but a lively, healthy, sparkling story, told in a pleasant mood. In fact, 

 we never find any of the productions from the pen of this ready w r riter 

 other than improving. Her most trivial utterances have a meaning; al 

 her sentences even have a mission. Some have charged her with a "mas- 

 culinity" of style, somewhat too intense. We differ from them; Ma- 

 dame Schwartz never allows her fine imagination to lead her into foolish 

 sentimental ism. She has no tears to shed over imaginary objects such as 

 are often found in fashionable novels. We love that true boldness that 

 clearly defines the reigning thought of the mind; that, independence 

 which dares assert a great moral truth, so well dilineated in the character 

 of "Kaven," the noble-hearted, impulsive and generous maiden. This 

 character is truthful, strongly portrayed, and is as truly a delineation of 

 real life as is her sister Lisbeth, with all her good qualities, and a pardon- 

 able share of vanity and self-love. 



Popular Science Monthly, for November. New York: 



D. Appleton&Co. 



The first paper is a strongly written, concise article upon what may 

 well constitute the requirements of a liberal education. Professor Atkin- 

 son covers the whole ground in a most admirable manner. That he is in 

 real downright earnest, every attentive reader (and may there be many) 

 will at once admit. The Professor says in his opening sentence: "The 

 collapse of the classical system of liberal education which has held almost 

 undisputed sway since the [revival of learning in the sixteenth century, 

 and the now generally recognized insufficiency of the theory which makes 

 the study of the languages of Greece and Rome the sole foundation of 

 the higher education, are leading, as all familiar with the educational 

 systems of the present day are aware, to the greatest variety of specula- 

 tions as to the system which is destined to succeed it." The discussion 

 of this subject comes in just the right time— the great question of so much 

 interest to the future welfare of our Republic, makes everything bearing 

 upon or developing new ideas upon universal education very desirable, 

 and the whole people are thinking, as they should do, upon the educational 

 system as applied to the schools of the American Republic. 

 A Simpleton, A Story of the day: By Charles Reade. 



New York: Harper & Bro. 



Mr. Read, in this work, has taken up the pen to redress minor wrongs, 

 or to expose minor evils. We notice none of the sturdy blows usually 

 aimed at wrong doing in his principal characters. Why is this ? Haa the 



world grown more virtuous, and is there a less need of rebuke? He dis- 

 courses tritely upon the mysteries of the toilet, and gives us the manner 

 in which many young and interesting ladies are "made up," and 

 its effects upon health. He says; "A woman with her stays bisectin" 

 her almost, and lacerating her skin, can yet for one moment make ho£ 

 self seem slack to deceive a juvenile physician." We think the physician 

 who would thus be deceived must be very juvenile. 



The mysteries and trickeries of London auction sales, house agents, 

 and the like, are made very plain to us poor unenlightened readers; ami 

 even the petty peccadilloes of the discharged house maid, made quite 

 spicy in itself. This may be necessary to the development of the story, 

 but truly we can see little good resulting from a history, composition 

 and use of London poisons, even if they are. used three times a day in 

 the form of strong tea by "aristocratic English ladies." Many other 

 abuses are spoken of, which are truly abuses, and would be better 

 abandoned than continued. Every one knew before Mr. Reade told us 

 that "invisible perspiration is a process of nature necessary to health and 

 life." 



Mr. Reade wil pardon us if we disagree with him in the use of sundry 

 expressions found in his book, indicating a lack of carefully chosen 

 words. We notice in describing the mispronunciation of Lady Cicely, 

 he says: "As for the letter 'r' she could say it if she made a hearty effort, 

 but was generally too lazy to throw her leg over it." Then he tells us 

 when she walked, "her elastic foot slapped the pavement as she spanked 

 along." These, thougli minor faults, which may be. tolerated in a popu- 

 lar author, are nevertheless sins against good taste. Lady Frehem is the 

 best character of the work, the most skillfnlly sketched, but a peculiar 

 compound of diverse elements. 



While this novel would be pronounced by many as very readable and 

 pleasant, we think it aoes not do the author credit, for he has given us 

 many better stories, and therefore we look for a better book than this 

 from Charles Reade. 



In our last week's review of books, the names of Messrs. Wilbur & 

 Hastings, No. 40 Fulton street, New Tork, were omitted, as having for 

 sale the three following books: "The Buyers' Guide of the Manufactur- 

 ing Towns and Manufacturers of Great Britain;" "A complete Guide to 

 the Leading Hotels, Places of Amusement, Objects of Interest, Parks, 

 Clubs. Markets, Docks, &c, of London," and "The Hotels of Europe." 

 j -♦♦♦ 



MAGAZINES. 



We are in receipt of "The Rural Carolinian," for November. Risan 

 excellent periodical, containing an unusual amount of practical reading 

 matter for agriculturists and the home circle. The Rural Carolinian has 

 just commenced a new volume, the November number being the second 

 issue of the fifth volume. The publishers are Walker, Evans, & Cogs • 

 well, Charleston, S. C. Subscription price to the Magazine. %1 per an 

 num, with liberal club rates. 



-*-♦♦► 



IN PRESS. 



Randolph & Co. have in press, and will soon issue, a new volume on 

 Continental Travel, by Dr. S. I Prime, under the attractive title of "The 

 Alhambra and the Kremlin;" "The South and North of Europe." Also. 

 "Literary Life;" by Francis Jaeox, 



The above works will contain much valuable information upon litem 

 ture and literary matters never before placed before the public. 



ANNOUNCEMENTS. 



Geological Stories; In form of a pleasant autobiography. 

 Story of a "Piece of Granite;" Story of a "Piece of Quartz." New- 

 York: G. P. Putnam s Sons. 



Fourteen Weeks in Chemistry : By .T. Dorman Steele. 



New York: A. S. Barnes & Co. 



Against the Stream. By the author of the "Schonberg- 

 Cotta Family." New York: Dodd & Mead. 



Hester Morley's Promise. By Hesba Streton, author of 



the "Dr.'s Dilemma:" &c. New York: Dodd & Mead. 

 Crooked Places; A Stoiy of Struggles and Hopes. By 



Edward Garnett,*author of "Occupations of a Retired Life." New York: 



Dodd & Mead. 

 The Dead Sea : And Other Stories. By Edward Garrett. 



New York: Dodd & Mead. 

 The Cross of Berny; Or Irene's Lovers. By Madame 



"Emile de Girardin, M. M. Theopile Gautier, Jules Landeau, and Mere. 

 Philadelphia: Porter & Coates. 



What She Can Do; A Romance from the pen of RevM 

 E. P. Roe, author of "Barriers Burned Away," &c. New York: Dodd 

 & Mead. 



Leates from the Tree of Life. By Rev. Richard New- 

 ton, D. D. New York: Robert Carter & Bro. 



New Magdalen. By Wilkie Collins. Library Edition, 

 with illustrations by C. S. Reinhardt. 



Miss Dorothy's Charge; A Novel. By Frank Lee Bene- 

 dict. 8vo . , 195 pages. New York : Harper & Bros. 



By and By; A Historical Romance of the Future. By Ed- 

 ward Mai tland. 12mo., 460 pages. New York: G, P. Putnam's Sons. 



The Dead Marquise. By Leonard Kip. 12mo., 356 

 pages. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. 



Bellehood and Bondage. By Mrs. Ann S. Stephens. 

 12mo., 458 pages. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson & Bros. 



Miriam* Montfort, By the author of the "The House- 

 hold of Bouverie." 12mo., 556 pages, New York: D. Appleton & Co. 



The Character of St. Paul. By J. S. Howson, D. D. 

 12mo., 314 pages. New York: Dodd & Mead. 



His Marriage Vow. By Mrs. Caroline F. Corbin. Bos- 

 ton: Lee & Shepard. 



Fun and Work. By the author of "Little Kitty's Li- 

 brary." 178 pages. 



The Silver Keys: A Tale. By A. L. 0. E. 264 pages. 

 New York : Robert Carter & Bros. 



Out of Sweet Solitude. By Elenor C. Donnelly. Phila- 

 delphia; J. P. Lippmcott & Co. 



White Rose and Red; A Love Story. By the author of 

 "St. Abe." Boston: James R. Osgood & Co. 242 pages. 



The Poetical Works of Edmund Clarence Stedman. 

 Complete and splendid edition. Boston: James R. Osgood & Co. 343 

 pages. Price $2,50. 



Lost Gip. By the author of "Jessica's Prayer," etc. New 



York: Dodd &Mead. 

 The Rose of Disentis. By Heinrich Zschokke. Translated 



from the German by James I. D. Trenor. New York: Sheldon & Co. 



1873. 

 Miss Forester. A novel. By Mrs. Edwards. New York : 



Sheldon & Co. 1873. 



The long evenings are now coming, and the children should have 

 good games to help pass them pleasantly. Avilude, with its birds and 

 their descriptions, is the best ever published. Sold by all booksellers and 

 toy dealers, or sent post paid, ou receipt of seventy-five cents, by West & 

 Lee, Worcester, Mass. 



"From its meritous character deserves the widest circulation,"— Bar* 

 ner qf Light. 



