254 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



\tt und Mmtm. 



THE Academy of Music on Saturday last presented a 

 scene of excitement that has had no equal in the way 

 of a magnificent audience and genuine enthusiasm since 

 the days of La Grange. The occasion was the presentation 

 of Meyerbeer's grand opera of "Les Huguenots." Many 

 things combined for the creation of a genuine sensation. 

 The difficulty of bringing together the numbers of first 

 rate artists that are demanded is almost an insuperable diffi- 

 culty; this was very satisfactorily overcome on Saturday. 

 There is also a sort of religious influence in the air, called 

 forth by the recent meeting in this city of the Christian Alli- 

 ance, the revival of the pilgrimages to the shrines in 

 France, the quarrels in Germany and Italy regarding eccle- 

 siastical interference with the civil authorities, and in our 

 own country those elements of serious thought that affect 

 almost every one, found some food for illustrative senti- 

 ments in the story of the Huguenots, and the refined 

 circles of fashion had a new kind of stimulus added to 

 the charms of the grandest music. 



The ladies crowded the parquette and the boxes, decked 

 out in the grave but fascinating colors of the fall styles. 

 There was something massive in the prevailing tone, for 

 there was nothing "loud" or harsh to mar the general 

 effect, while the waving ostrich plumes gave queenly grace 

 and lightness that was unusually delicate and attractive. 



As the opera proceeded the pleasure of the audience was 

 first evinced by flashing eyes; then white gloved and tiny 

 hands dared to affect the motions of applause. The noise 

 of approval was of course a myth, but the softly expressed 

 encouragement evidently cheered on the Italians and grad- 

 ually added fire to their semi-tropical temperaments, until 

 they began to swell and grow animated, and at last, in the 

 temporary triumphs of the moment, they became in feel- 

 ing and spirit the realization of the characters they had 

 assumed. 



On Nilsson the trembling atmosphere worked wonders. 

 The lassitude and indifference that have characterized so 

 many of her later performances entirely disappeared, and 

 she rose to a pitch of grandeur that partook of the days 

 when she earned her first triumphs. 



The action and reaction on the musicians and the audi- 

 ence was to us more fascinating than even the musical har- 

 monies. It is a great thing to see the charming women of 

 our best society gradually breaking away from the stiff 

 conventionalities of fashion and ignorance, if you please, 

 of their just rights, and abandoning themselves for the 

 moment to the enjoyment of intellectual pleasure. In this 

 excellent work the heavenly strains of the Huguenots were 

 an unusual success. By the time the second act was end- 

 ed the tongues of the.ladies broke loose, and their pent up 

 feelings either had to find veibal expression or end in epi- 

 lepsy. They preferred to talk and keep their senses rather 

 than be unconscious and spoil their complexions, so, without 

 waiting for introductions or any ceremonies whatever, they 

 became universal, and gave expression to their enthusiastic 

 admiration by rapturous exclamations of "divine," "charm- 

 ing," "wonderful," "heavenly." 



Then came the spontaneous proposition that the success- 

 ful artists should come before the curtain; and such plaud- 

 its, such patting of kid gloves, such smiles of approval, 

 such delicately flushed faces, and such glorious abandon 

 that some of the really earnest beauties exhibited, were 

 enough to place the grand opera ahead of all other dra- 

 matic institutions, and make last Saturday's matinee an 

 event that will be memorable until something more excit- 

 ing displaces it from recollection. 



It would be invidious on this occasion to make compari- 

 sons, a general enthusiasm prevailing that seemed to unite 

 Nilsson, Maresi, Cary, Campanini, Maurel, Del Puente, 

 and Nanneti into a unity of representation. Minor faults 

 for the moment disappeared in the general perfection, and 

 when the several artists were, between the acts, called be- 

 fore the curtain, each had an ovation; but Nilsson, it must 

 be said, was, in the matter of answering a complimentary 

 call, more charming than usual. Strange as it may appear, 

 one half of this great triumph arose from the fact that the 

 audience ceased to be cold and formal, and spontaneously 

 agreed to be pleased. In all audiences not English or 

 American this state of mind always makes the opera a ne- 

 cessity, not a fashion. 



—The Maretzek Opera Company has gone to pieces. The 

 season has been most unpropitious, and because the man- 

 ager was under the necessity of reducing the salaries of 

 Mme. Lucca and Mme. Murska they refused to sing. One 

 or two important performances will not take place, and the 

 money for tickets sold will be refunded. 



—The "Wicked World," at the Union Square Theatre, 

 is a decided success. 



On Saturday "The Liar" was brought out at Wallack's. 



The name is the most offensive for a play that' could possi- 

 bly be used. The performance was greeted by a fashion- 

 able and crowded house. The management promises a 

 succession of novelties. 



" —It is promised that the new Fifth Avenue Theatre will 

 be opened on the evening of December 3d, with an open- 

 ing address from the pen of Olliver Wendell Holmes. 



On Friday, the 21st inst., occurred the Griffith benefit at 

 the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Mr. Griffith, a gentleman 

 well known in social circles, having adopted the theatrical 

 profession. The plays of the evening were Victor Hugo's 

 tragedy of "Ruy Bias," and the farce of "A Kiss in the 

 Dark." In the latter piece Mr. Ed. Lamb convulsed the 

 audience with his inimitable personation of Pettibone, his 



make-up being unusually effective. A vocal interlude in- 

 troduced Mr. John Clarke in two of his best songs. 



— Mrs. Maria Jourdan Westmoreland gave a reading on 

 Saturday last at the theatre of the Union League Club, en- 

 titled "Social Myths." She has intellectual ability, a fine 

 personal appearance, and that ease and grace of manner 

 that promise great success. The audience was large and 



select. 



» — — 



Cincinnati, November 22, 1873. 

 robinson's opera house. 



— The Lydia- Thompson Burlesque Troupe have been 

 drawing fine house all this week. They gave on Monday 

 and Tuesday, "Sinbad;" Wednesday, "Blue Beard;" 

 Thursday and Saturday, "Kenil worth;" Friday, "Aladdin" 

 and "Sinbad." Monday, November 24, E. A. Sothern as 

 "Dundreary." 



wood's theatre. 



— Lawrence Barrett has been meeting with much better 

 success this week. He appeared on Monday, Tuesday, 

 Wednesday, and Saturday in "Julius Csesar." The rest of 

 the week he gave to fine houses "Rosedale." Monday, No- 

 vember 24, Furbish's Fifth Avenue Company. Manager 

 Macruley, of Wood's, played Brutus to Mr. Barrett's Cas- 

 sius. W. L. 



M ew Hitthliwtions. 



[Publication* 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 Booms will be promptly acknowledged 

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

 us of any omission in this resvect. Prices of books inserted when 

 desired. \ 



BOOKS. 



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



D.; 12 mo. 314 pp. New York: Dodd & Mead. 



This is a work of a religious character, and as such will find many 

 readers. First to recommend it to the religious community is the subject 

 matter of the work. If any man at the present day is capable of giving 

 an instructive, readable work upon the character of the great Apostle, 

 that man is the Dean Hawson. Eminently fitted for his pleasing task, 

 he brings an earnest, devout heart to the work before him. T! e deep 

 Christian faith, added to the thorough scholarship of the author, will not 

 fail to lead the "blind by a way they know not." All Christian men can- 

 not fail to be impressed with the purity and kindly leadings of this emi- 

 nently good book. The themes spoken of in this work are St. Paul as 

 living a Christian life in the world, and being not an anchorite, or acetic, 

 sour professor of a dead gospel. He speaks of his tact and presence of 

 mind, as two remarkable characteristics of the Apostle's success among 

 his fellow men. Again, he notices with much plainness his tenderness 

 and sympathetic heart, helping so many around him to bear with humil- 

 ity the burdens of life. Then of his great conscientiousness, his high- 

 toned integrity, his thanksgiving, his prayerful spirit, his Christian cour- 

 age, daring "to do all things for Christ," and lastly, his perseverance 

 in his Divine Master's service, even to the close of his life, makes this 

 work deeply interesting to every Christian who would improve his own 

 .spiritual condition . We can only say of this work, it commends itself to 

 every reader by Its truthfulness and practical power. 



Hale Hours with the Microscope. By Edwin Lank- 

 ester, M.D., F.R.S. Illustrated by 250 drawings from Nature. 12mo., 

 cloth, $1. §5. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. 

 A complete manual of a very large collection of objects for the micro- 

 scope. The story is told in a clear and conversational and practical talk 

 with the young amateur. This work is very plain and easily to be un- 

 derstood. The subject of microscopic examination of minute objects, 

 both in-doors and out-doors, in the field, and by the side of the streamlet 

 has given us, personally, much real knowledge, valuable as a reference 

 in after times, and always amusing. Speaking from practical experience 

 with the microscope, we pronounce this "Half hour's talk" as an indis- 

 pensable accompaniment to every one who would "look from nature 

 up to nature's God." 



The Modern Babes tn the Woods. By H. Perry Smith 

 and E. R. Wallace. Illustrated. Columbian Book Company: Han- 

 ford, and Watson Gill, Syracuse. 



We perfectly agree with some other old-fashioned critic, that the title 

 of this book is a singularly unfortunate one, for it designates in no man- 

 ner whatsoever the character of the contents or the object of the work t 

 which is in reality the most complete guide to the Adirondacks, by long 

 odds, that has ever been published. It gives the minutest details of 

 routes, distances, localities, shooting grounds, hotels, expenses, and in 

 other respects "does" the wilderness so thoroughly and intelligibly, that 

 we see no need of any ambitious person attempting anything more com- 

 prehensive or complete, until time has wrought such changes as to render 

 a revised edition necessary. We speak in this matter from a large per- 

 sonal knowledge of the Adirondack region, and, as in all other matters 

 which concern the interest and comfort of sportsmen, are very much in 

 earnest. The book is a fit companion for "Hallock's Fishing Tourist," 

 and resembles it in the care and accuracy of its preparation. "Babes in the 

 Woods," indeed! Why, this book is intended for sturdy, full grown 

 men. It is published only by subscription, and can be obtained as above 

 or by personal application to E. R. Wallace, the author, at Syracuse. 

 Price $2.50. 



Science: op Health; November No. New York: S. R. 



Wells. 



"Sickly Country Girls," is the heading of an article by Elizabeth Dud- 

 ley. She not only talks like a "book" upon this subject of the future 

 development of the healthy mothers of our Republic, but understands 

 the whole theory of what constitutes delicate girls, of whom so much is 

 written and spoken, but who are very seldom seen. Our lady friends 

 should read carefully this healthy article in Wells' Monthly, and after 

 reading endeavor to make themselves felt in the world by acting up to 

 its wise suggestions. How many of our weak and sickly girls like those 

 pictured in the above article will lay aside the silken robe, rise early in 

 the morning, and by way of a change help mamma to do the accustomed 

 duties of the family? We fear very few, if any, will feal the necessity 

 for such a beneficial change. The contents of the number before us are 

 as usual varied and instructive. Disease and its treatment, piano pnm 

 meling and many other timely topics make up the sum total of this valu- 

 able vade mecum. 



Edmund Dawn; Or Ever Forgive. By Ravenswood. G. 



W. Carleton & Co. Publishers. New York: 1873. 



This is a most fascinating book of home life, some of the scenes laid in 

 New York,and written in a plain and easy style. The reader is carried In one 

 portion of the book to Washington in times before the war, where one of 

 the heroes enters political life, and incidents in tbe old regime of fifteen 

 years ago are cleverly handled . The motto "Ever Forgive" is the leading 

 action in the book, and the denouement shows both ingenuity and fa- 

 miliarity in romance writing. Here and there there is something of sad* 

 ness about Edmund Dawn which but contrasts with the pleasant ending. 

 It is an interesting book, and no doubt will be received with favor. 



:Dead Sin, And other Stories. By Edward Garett 

 ;hor of "Occupations of a Retired Life." New York: Dodd * 



Dodd & 



The! 

 author of "Occupations 

 Mead, pp. 444. 



Why such a singular title should bs selected by our author for this 

 work we cannot conceive. We fail to see its appropriateness. But then 

 we do not pretend to know everything. Suffice it to say the author hag 

 notwithstanding the name, given us a half dozen very readable, improv- 

 ing stories of the higher class of fiction. These stories are decidedly 

 good, and should have a place in every Sunday-school library. This will 

 do good, encourage the practice of many virtues that have been for a 

 long time barren of good. We expected much from the perusal of this 

 work; we are not disappointed; this popular book will have a large sale. 



The Poetical Works op Edmund Clarence Stedmak. 



Boston: James R. Osgood & Co. 



Every lover of grateful, flowing, polished verse; every one who loves 

 poetry, will welcome, as a valuable and elegant addition to our American 

 peetical works, this new contestant for public favor. Beautiful as it 

 comes to us from the publishers, in outer embellishment, it is one of the 

 few books of poetry in which we are not afraid to look within. Some of 

 these pieces have appeared before the public, and were then favorably 

 received. Our many readers will recollect the "Blameless Prince" and 

 "Alice of Monmouth" as among their old friends. Well, here they ap 

 pear again, with many other shorter poems. Very familiar with most of 

 the current every day topics of the out-door world, he gilds as with a 

 fire of light every subject upon which he treats. We can recommend 

 these poems as a fitting, chaste and elegant present for the coming hol- 

 idays. 



The Story of Goethe's Life. By George Henry Lewis. 



With portrait; 1 vol., 16 mo. Boston: J. R. Osgood & Co. 



As a biography we fiave never seen it excelled. In style it is unexcep- 

 tionably the best ever published of this world-renowned poet. Complete 

 as a whole, the necessary omissions have not lessened the value of the 

 same. We can conscientiously recommend to all desirous of reading the 

 life of the great German poet (and who does not wish to follow him 

 through his works) to buy this one. It is by far the best in print. There 

 is a remarkable vein of candor and truthful speaking pervading this work 

 that at once gives one the idea that he who speaks of Goethe as a great 

 poet, esteems him no less as a great and good man. We think Mr. 

 Lewis, by his treatment of what might in some instances be called imper- 

 fections in his character or conduct,shows only amiable weaknesses. He is 

 quite severe, however, upon some of his theories, viz.: See his tilt against 

 the Newtonian Theory of Light. Did we not know we were turning the 

 leaves of an eventful life-history, we should think we were revelling in 

 some charming romance. How truly is his first love affair sketched— the 

 boy-lover of fifteen years— although its ending was not such as he would 

 have had it, was nevertheless disciplinary of good. Gretchen is also the 

 Gretchen of his early love, and much as he thought he loved her, he soon 

 found solace in the affections of another maid. 



Elements of Physical Manipulations. By E. C. Pick- 

 ering, Thayer Professor in Physics in the Massachusetts Institute of 

 Technology. New York: Hurd & Houghton, Riverside press. 

 The preface to this work truly states "The object of all Physical In- 

 vestigation as to determine the object of certain natural forces, such as 

 gravity, cohesion, heat, light, and electricity." The work proceeds to 

 elaborate by quite a number of experiments, interesting and familiar, the 

 necessity of a work of this kind being almost a sine qua non. The whole 

 course of experiments here presented by the Professor can be carried 

 out at a comparatively small expense in any of our colleges, and a large 

 amount of information given and received. Having carefully read this 

 work, and having some previous knowledge of the subjects treated in 

 the work, we pronounce the same, if carefully studied, just the book the 

 student is in pursuit of. One that will give him not only a concise theo- 

 retical text, but a thorough understanding of the principles of all the 

 science named within. The rules whereby one is to perfect himself , by the 

 right modes and investigations in all the sciences, are clearly, concisely, 

 and practically given in a manner so plain, that he who studies can learn 

 and learn well what is herein written. We thank the author for placing 

 before us the four years of hard study, and the publisher for the substan- 

 tial style of the "Physical Manipulations. 



What Can She Do? By Eev. E. P. Roe. Author of 

 "Bamen Burned Away," Play and Profit In My Garden." New York: 

 Dodd & Mead; pp. 509. 



Every one who has read "Bamen's Burned Away" will with pleasure 

 turn to the perusal of "What Can She Do?" expecting something very 

 interesting and exciting. We think, however, they will not find this 

 work quite up to the literary or graphic standard of Mr. Roe's first book. 

 This work has by no means the artistic or literary merit of "Bamen 

 Burned Away." Still, we cannot in justice call it commonplace. We 

 have, after a careful reading, come to the conclusion that, although it at- 

 tempts to solve in a satisfactory manner one of the gravest problems of 

 our American social life, it fails in the attempt. A slight analysis of the 

 book give us a millionaire of to-day, surrounded with all that gold in 

 profusion can give to him, high in social position on account of his 

 wealth; to-morrow bankrupt, fallen from his high estate. False educa- 

 tion has made his daughters fit companions only for men of great wealth. 

 In his present state of absolute bankruptcy, for what situation are his 

 daughters fitted? For the wives of poor men, honest, noble-souled, in- 

 dustrious men, whom they in the days of their affluence shunned? Cer- 

 tainly not, for such sensible men would not seek them now. No wonder 

 that their elegant Dundreary suitors drop off one by one; no wonder 

 that Tom Fleming, the exquisite, after a profound strain through his eye- 

 glass at the "old man," should ignore him altogether and pass him on 

 the other side. "O no,'- says he, "it will not do for a man of my expen- 

 sive tastes to marry with a poor girl." So what shall our girls do? We 

 refer them to Mr. Roe's book for the solution, a work although not up to 

 the standard we expected from the author, is a good story, taken as a 

 whole, and its readers can get good from a perusal of the same. 

 *m* , 



ANNOUNCEMENTS. 



Tratty's Wedding Tour and Story Book. By Eliza- 

 beth Stuart Phelps. Illustrated. 12mo. Boston: James R. Osgood 

 &Co. 



Historic Fields and Mansions of Middlesex. By S. A. 

 Drake. Illustrated with heliotypes and wood cuts. 8vo. An elegant 

 and valuable work. Boston: James E. Osgood & Co. 



The Land of Moab. The results of travels and researches 

 on the east side of the Dead Sea and Jordan. By H. B. Nostram, M- 

 A.,L.L.D. New York: Harper & Brothers. 

 Porter & Coates of Philadelphia make the following an- 

 nouncements: 

 Bec's Bed-time. By Mrs. C. C. Hallowell. 12mo. 



The Heroes of the Seven Hills. By the author of the 

 "Kings of the Seven Hills." 12mo. 



The Young Artist. A series of copies of outlines of 

 water color painting. In three parts. 



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

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

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

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

 Lee, Worcester, Mass. 



"From its meritorious character deserves the widest circulation."— 

 Banner of Light. 



, «.» 1 



— Did you ever see a fish as big as the one that got away 



with your hook? Monster, wasn't he? 



