THE FIELD. 
©ur 
The Fatal Parachute Descent. — The inquest upon 
the body of Monsieur Henri Letour, whose death was occa- 
sioned by injuries sustained in attempting a descent in a para- 
chute, was held on Monday before Mr. Baker, the coroner. 
The inquiry excited much interest. The parachute, which 
was exhibited to the jury, is in the form of a large umbrella, 
constructed of white and blue cotton, bound with rope line, 
and when expanded is about 40 feet in circumference. In 
lieu of a cor is a kind of saddle, with a pair of trcddles for the 
feet to rest upon, and above is some machinery propelling 
three long canvas fans, or wings, intended to guide the para- 
chute in descending. Mr. Adams, tho aeronaut at Crcmorne- 
gnrdcns, deposed that ho was ordered by Mr. Simpson, the 
proprietor, to take tho deceased up in his parachute on the 
evening of tho 27th ult., and ho ascended from the gardens 
ubout 7 p.m. He had taken up dcccuscd onco before, on 
which occusion he (Mr. Adams) liberated the parachute, and 
it fell safely somewhere near Blackhcath. Tho machine was 
attached to the balloon by a rope, and was liberated by a 
trigger iron, which held one of tho ends. Having prepared 
for tho descent, and descended some distance, he looked over 
to see if the parachute had expanded, but saw that it had not, 
and was all twistod, to that it would have been certain death 
to deceased to have liberated it. IIo therefore continued to 
descend, and, when passing over a meadow near Tottenham, 
tho grapnel was caught by some boys, who could not hold it, 
and t ho balloon look a course over some land until the grapnel 
cuught by the side of a ditch, when it was brought up. Before 
then the parachute struck tho ground several times; ho heard 
tho deceased cull out, but lie did not understand wlmt lie 6aid. 
Ho expected that tho deceased would have cut the belt, and 
thus have liberated himself the moment bo touched tho 
ground, but ho did not do so. Assistance come up, and he 
saw tho deceased carried awuy. In answer to tho jury ns to 
why he did not detach tho parachute when so close to the 
ground, and so have given thodeeeused a chnnco of escaping, 
lie said that he did not know but what tho machine had by 
that time got away ; but even had it boon so, ho thought that 
tho grapnel, which wus trailing along, would either have 
pickod it up or tho man. Ho (witness) did not understand 
FroncI), nor did tho deceased understand English. — Mr. Mar- 
shall, of Brook-place, Tottenham, deposed that he saw tho 
parnchuto to which deceased was lashed dragged over the 
ground for about half-a-milo. lie beard the deceased cull 
out, and a young gentleman who was with witness, and who 
understood French, said that lie was calling to those in the 
bulloon to cut him away. — Some other witnesses having been 
examined, including Mr. Green, the aeronaut, who attributed 
tho twisting of tho machine and tho ropo to Its being spun in- 
stead of plaited, tho jury returned a verdict of “Accidental 
death." 
Madame Sontag. — It is with no Bmnll regrot that wo 
rend in tho American papers of tho death of this accomplished 
lady, who, it seems, died of cholera, in Mexico, on tho 10th 
of lust month. Tho world of art can ill afford to lose so 
exquisite a vocalist, who, in lior peculiar sphere, had no 
living equal. Llko Grlsi, tho lapso of years had made no 
inroad either upon her voice or upon her powers of using it. 
Her corly history will bo romombured by every one conver- 
sant with tho progress nnd records of tho lyric drama. It is now 
nearly 'M years sinco sho first sang at Devonshire House, in 
the presence of a large party of connoisseurs, specially invited 
by tho noblo owner to listen to a singer of whoso extraordi- 
nary attributes tho world had hoard so much, and whoso 
pruiscs were sung in Germany with an enthusinsm to which 
there had been no previous parallel. Henrietta Sontag con- 
quered tho dilettante of Great Britain os completely os she 
had done those of her own country, and tho sway sho hold 
hero, until tho period of her marriage with tho Count ltossi, 
was akin to that which wo have seen exercised in later days 
by Jenny Lind. Her return to tho operatic stage, after years 
of retirement, was another epoch iu tho history of her life. 
Time had udded to her excellences instead of deteriorating 
them, and her singing nt her Majesty’s Theatre during the 
hitter rule of Mr. Luniley was marked by a brilliancy and 
finish which none ever surpassed, and which few, very few, 
have been permitted to equal. Hot career in tho Now World, 
as wo have from time to time been informed by the transat- 
lantic papers, lias been but a continuation of tho successes 
which utlendcd her in Europe, and sho was cut off in the full 
possession of thoso gracious gifts, tho exorcise of which had 
boon the sourco of delight and enjoyment to thousands. So 
long and undamaged on experience in tho wear and tear of an 
artistic vocation is wholly without precedent. Tho news of 
the decease of this admirable singer will bo received with but 
one feeling of grief throughout Europe. To talent the most 
striking, she united tho utmost blamolcssness of conduct, 
her cxnmplo iu all tho relations of lifo shed lustre upon a pro- 
fession, which, unfortunately, possesses but too few instances 
of personal purity to rocoinmoud it. Madamo Sontag, how- 
ever, was one of its most exemplary ornaments, and equally 
exemplary was she iu the practice of thoso virtues which en- 
gender social reBpcct, and which alone can sanctify and ennoble 
the memory. 
Music in America.— On tho 2Gtb ult., M. Jullien took 
bis farewell of America, and a concert Mor.stro was given for 
bis benefit nt tho Crystal Palace. As soon ns the benefit was 
announced, the New York Harmonic Society held a meeting 
and resolved unanimously — “ That tho services of this society 
he tendered to M. J alien, to assist at his benefit concert, on 
Monday evening, J une 26, ut the Crystal Palace. ’’ The sacred 
Society of Newark, tho Harmonic Society of Willcmsburg, 
and the sacred Music Society of Brooklyn also assisted ; the 
w hole forming a chorus of 600 voices, who sang tho “ Halle- 
lujah chorus," “The Heavens are tolling," and the prayer 
from Mosc in JEgitto , with very flno effect ; and while the 
members of the musical societies thus did honour to one of 
themselves, the general public lagged not behind. A tremen- 
dous rush to the Crystal Palace from all parts of the city com- 
menced at (5 o’clock, and continued incessantly until 9, by 
which time the amazing number of 42,000 persons had paid 
for admission. Every pluco in the building where standing 
room could be obtained was packed with human beings, and 
the entertainment was well received throughout. The pro- 
gramme consisted of tho usuul variety, and concluded with the 
war marches and national airs of the present belligerent 
nations of Europe, including “ Partunt pour la Syrie,” and 
“tho Marsellaise," “Rule Britanuio,” and “God save 
the Queen,” the “ Muscovite hymn of Peter the Great,” 
and the “ Song of the Cofsncks,” and lastly, the 
“ Turkish war march.” It was to be feared that some- 
thing of jealousy might etill have lingered in tho American 
mind; that the recollections of “Rule Britannia" might 
have awakened old feelings of strife and discord, and that the 
sympathies of Russia openly expressed by Mitchell and other 
renegade Irishmen, might have found some echo in this 
immense assemblage of Americans. But such fears wereat once 
dispelled by the reception given to ‘ Rule Britannia, 
and when the first notes of “ God save the Queen 
were hoard from the orchestra, tho whole of this mighty 
mass roBG as one man, the greater portion standing 
uncovered during the performance, and encoring the 
air with Republican lungs, quite as ardently as tho 
most loyal assembly of England. Many of the audience 
joined in the chorus, and nothing could exceed their enthu- 
siasm. Here was a living proof that the Irish “patriots are 
estimated at their real worth; that tho Anglo-Saxon heart in 
America is a reflex of that of their brethren across the 
Atlantic, and that the public feeling which directs the destinies 
of America is in accord with the allies and the justice of 
their causo. The Russian hymns, notwithstanding their 
musical merit, were received in solemn silence, while 
Turkish war march was vociferously applauded. Before the 
conclusion of the first part of the programme an agreeable 
episode occurred. Mr. Fry, the composer, accompanied by 
Mr. Bristow and other American musicians of note, stepped 
on tho dais, and, after on effective speech, presented Jullien 
with a magnificent gold wreath, in honour of the musical 
congress held under his direction at the Crystal Palace on the 
10th inst. Tho chaplet is of considerable value, aud is in the 
shape of a laurel crown. It was subscribed for by the 
members of nearly all the orchestral societies of America, 
and by other admirers of M. Jullien, including many of the 
bankers and principal citizens of New York. The presentation 
was attended with enormous cheering from an audience which 
was ob large in numbers as the free citizens of ancient Athens 
— tho Stuto of antiquity which had given us the greatest 
models of art. A golden tablet accompanies the memorial, 
on which was an appropriate inscription. 
Blaine's Veterinary Art (6th edition). By Edward Mat- 
hew. Longman, Brown, and Co., London. 
Instead of sixth edition this may justly be termed a new 
work, both in matter, form, and illustration. Every page 
added to our knowledge of the noblest and most useful of 
animals is a boon to society which cannot be too highly appre- 
ciated, especially in a country like this, where the breed is so 
properly cared for, and for which we justly stand unrivalled 
throughout the world. The subject-matter is divided into 
four parts — the history and anatomy of tho liorse, the practice 
of tho veterinary art, and the veterinary Materia Medica ; and 
to the whole is added a copious, clear, and assisting index. 
Wo entirely coincide with tho editor that tho knowledge of 
this art until lately was positively disgraceful ; and even now 
pig-headed ignorance grunts at the inroad of science, and is 
still allowed to torture man’s best assistant in sport and 
lubour, from sheer ignorance of its anatomy and physiology. 
These farrier quacks will not learn that the gangrenous state 
of the lungs is not a chronic disease ; that there is an im- 
portant distinction between spasmodic and flatulent colic; that 
many bowel complaints are the effect of strangulation, 
introsuscoption, and hernial displacements; that molten grease 
is a dysenteric attack on tho mucous surface of the intestines ; 
that the shoulder is not. the sent of almost every lameness 
which occurs ; that a horse may be relieved from navicular 
disease by neurotomy ; and that we no longer need to cruelly 
deprive the horso of his sight for ophthalmia ; and they yet are 
allowed to carry on their malpractices both in town and 
country to a fearful extent, when the Jives of horses and the 
money of their owners might be saved by timely consulting 
the skilled practitioner of the Veterinary College. It is the 
same with humanity ; they dabble on with the apothecary, 
who is often, in remote towns and villages, the grocer, baker, 
butcher, linendraper, and innkeeper also, and when all hope is 
passed, apply to the eminent physician or surgeon, who, if 
first applied to, might have saved life, untold pain, and 
means. It is in the hands of the possessors of these valuable 
animals to remedy this abuse of a valuable art. Employ 
nono but those who have authority to practise, and the evil 
will be at an end. This book is well worthy the studious 
attention ofevory gentleman owning a horse, and every coach- 
man, groom, and farrier would find it invaluable, giving him 
an insight into tho construction, diseases, and remedies of the 
animal rarely met with. Neat cattle and sheep are also 
subordinate^ cared for, and the illustrations, by Messrs. Bagg 
and Adlard, all that could be wished. 
The Angler’s Guide. By the Rev. James Martin. 
Cox, London. 
To “ The United Sons of Walton aud Cotton,” and all other 
lovers of the piscatory art, is this concise and instructive little 
hook properly dedicated. Our author is hearty in his com- 
mendations of the sport, considers it healthful and innocent, 
and a necessary recreation both for body and mind. By the 
water side his meditations have furnished him with many a 
goodly homily, and he has felt that wisdom may be found in 
stones and running brooks. Roach fishing claims his first 
attention, and every information, even to the cooking and 
eating them, is furnished, with a song on its excellence after- 
wards ; and 
“ The roach of the Lea 
Are tho finest you see. 
In tile whole of fair England's bright rivers." 
Tlion jack has his turn, and the author spins a few verses to 
his praise. Barbel, dace, chub, gudgeon, perch, eels, tench, 
carp, bream, aud, “ last though not least in our dear love,” 
the trout, have each their due place and rhymes, with 
useful romarks on tho rivers Thames and Lea, the docks, &e. 
A capital story w inds up, with stanzas to ladies ou angliug, a 
very excellent and amusing guide. 
The Life of Cardinal JRichelieu. By William Robson. 
Routledge aud Co., London. 
This Macliiavol of tho 17th century has found on able but 
stern biographer in Mr. Robson. Taking Leclerc as his Inst 
authority, he has stripped the monkey-tiger of much of the 
romance and fascination with which ho was surrounded by 
him ; but his great powers of diplomacy tower above all 
others of bis time. Richelieu, with the most weak and 
vacillating right-divine kings, contrived not only to keep the 
state in a dignified position, but to shield the throno with the 
iegis of his mighty mind from contempt and destruction. The 
evident research and the impartiality with which this work is 
written 6how ajust appreciation of necessities of the history. It 
is well got up, and is a valuable addition to the truth of those 
unscrupulous times. 
The Cabin by the Wayside— A Tale for the Young. By 
Lady Campbell. Routledge and Co. 
The gifted authoress of this delightful little book, in her 
preface, says : “ I write for the young. My chief aim is to 
make those among them who aro blessed with this world's 
good acquainted with the trials, the sufferings, the pleasures, 
aud consolation which their less fortunate follow-creatures 
experience. ‘The poor ye have always with you ’ is a broad, 
dark shadow in all lands — a sad contrast by the side of bright 
prosperity ! Let us not ca6t away the blessing we ought to 
6eek in all God’s providences, but rather learn to love tho 
poor, that we may understand how to 6orve them best. ‘ Pity, 
like mercy, is twice blessed ; blessing those that give aud 
those that take.’ Ours will then become a well-informed 
charity, a loving kindness, teaching us to deny ourselves and 
to do good indeed. Should I succeed in awaking such sym- 
pathies in the hearts of the young, I shall feel I have not 
written in vain.” Aud well indeed has sho carried out her 
“ heaven-born ” task. Hard must be tho heart, old or young, 
that is not softened by sympathy for the trials of Michael, 
Katty, and Tommy. The book is full of charming episodes, 
such a6 can only be found among the good of the poor Irish — 
creatures all heart and soul. Vie cordially recommend it to 
all ; not only the youDg, for whom it is specially written, but 
the old. There are few indeed who cannot take a lesson from 
such a book. 
Angling; or, How to Angle, and Where to Go. By Robert 
Blakey. G. Routledge and Co. 
One of the best books ever published on the subject, con- 
taining more practical information than dozens of its pre- 
tentious rivals. 
How to Angle comprises every necessary information on 
tackle, the various kinds of fish, and the laws and regulations 
for taking them. 
Where to Go describes the rivers of England and Wales, 
Scotland, Ireland, and the Continental States. We can only 
6ay, as an angler, that if any of our piscatorial brethren enjoy 
a portion of what is here described, they are happy Wal- 
tonians ; and if they do not provide themselves with this 
shilling volume, they deserve never to catch a roach above 
two ounces in weight. 
The Last of the Barons. By Sir Edward Bui/wer 
Lytton. G. Routledge and Co. 
Another boon conferred upon the public by these spirited 
publishers, and perhaps the greatest work of the author. 
Well may this series be called “ The Railway Library,” for 
it can only be in these days of railway progress that such a 
work could be published for two shillings. 
The Flitch of Bacon ; or, the Custom of Dunmmo. By W* 
H. Ainsworth. G. Routledge and Co. 
The latest and one of the mo6t charming works of this 
popular author, who has contrived to weave a delightfully in- 
teresting story out of a most popular legend. It is beautifully 
illustrated by John Gilbert. 
Lewell Pastures. By the Author of “Sir Frederick Der- 
went,” &c., &c. G. Routledge and Co. 2 vols. 
A book not only to be read, but remembered. The author 
is evidently well acquainted with human nature, and writos 
with a purpose ; and the farmer on the Pastures relates his 
story in a manner at onco interesting, simple, and truthful. 
In Erskino, Sir Jaspar, Malvern — in fact, all the characters — 
it is easy to recognise types of many around us. Again wo 
say, the book is written with a purpose. There are many 
most powerfully written scenes, some of which wo would 
gladly have placed before our readers, had we space. 
Transmutation ; or, The Lord and the Lout. By N. or M 
Chapman and Hall. 
“ There's a divinity that shapes our endB, 
Rough-hew them how we will;” 
And, lo prove this, ihe author repeats an old story, children 
changed in their cradle, and who, to the end of the chapter, 
remaining in ignorance of their real parentage, retain tho 
peculiar feelings of their races. The lout, educated as a 
nobleman, retains wliat bis titled mamma thinks a “ love for 
low society,” but which is evidently the author’s ideal of a real 
country gentleman, whose heart boats in sympathy alike for 
poor and rich. The poor transmuted noble infant does not 
pass through lifo so satisfactorily. He is above his station. 
Nature intended him for a statesman; but, taken out of his 
proper sphero, ho becomes a vagabond and murderor. De- 
prived of all adventitious distinctions, be, being predestined to 
purple and fine linen, aud entitled to be encased in crimson 
velvet, and laid in the stately mausoleum at Rycot Castle, 
now awaited the experiments of tho dissecting surgeon attached 
to a penal settlement ! The phrenologist, meanwhile, exa- 
mined his cranium almost with consternation, so completely 
were its developments at variance with the principles of 
science. “ This youth ought not to have been a robber or an 
assassin,” said he. “ If born of the higher classes, he would 
have become a great diplomatist; if of the lower, a swindler. 
Nature has been circumvented. He 6eems to have missed his 
vocation !” Still, although not agreeing entirely with the 
author on the necessity of such a result, we are bound to 
acknowledge he has written a most interesting 6tory. “ Poor 
Bessy !” is a beautiful creation, and few who commence read- 
ing the book will be able to lay it down till finished. 
Jemingham — A Story. 2 vols. Chapman and Hall. 
This is a well-written tale, abounding in variety of sceno 
and character. The transition from England to France, and 
vice versa, give great freshness to the details, and keep ll>® 
senses alive to the incidents, which are numerous and full of 
effect. Ayesha, the Queen of tlie Gipsies, is finely drawn. 
Singular Accident.— While some boys were engaged a fe^ 
days ago in taking a bird’s nest from a tree on the premises of 
Mr. Cooper, tanner, at Milton, one of them, named Gowen, thru-' 
his hand so resolutely down the hollow in which the nest w«- 
situated, that he was unable to extricate it, aud it was foiui - 
necessary to saw the tree asunder, in order to liberate him-— 
South Eastet'n Gazette. 
