The Sun. — London, England, 1850-12-28 00:00:00

- MARKET NEWS.--(THIS DAY.) COVENT-GAnDEN. A large supply of Vegetables was on sale to day, but th e show of Fruit was not large. A few forced luxuries have made of, appearance. Fruits—Pine Apples, 4s Oa to 6s per lb; Hothouse Grapes, 3s Od to 6s; Portugal, 83 to is 03 per lb; Pears, is 03 to 3s Od per dczen; ditto, 6s to 15s per half sieve; Apples, dessert, 3s 6d to 8s per bushel ; cooking ditto, 3s 6d to 6s 03; Oranges, 63 od to 103 Per 100; Lemons, 6s to lOs ;per 100; Pomegranates, 3d to 6d each; Almonds, 6s Od to Os 01 per peck; ditto, Sweet, 2s ed to 3s Od per lb; Walnuts, is 03 to 2s Od Per 100; ditto, 12s Od to 24s Od per bushel; Barcelona Nuts, 20s Od to 22s Od per bushel; Brazil ditto, 12s 03 to 14s od per bushel; Filberts, 60s od to 70s Od per 100 lbs. Vegetables—Brussels Sprouts, Is 6d to 2s Od per half sieve; Savoy Cabbages, 6d to is per dozen; Greens, Is 6d to 2s 6d per dczen bunches; Cauli .flowers, s6d to 4s Od per dozen; Brocoli, 6s 03 to 10i Per dozen bundles; Potatoes, 60s to 1003 per ton ; ditto 3s 03 to 5s Od per cwt; ditto, is 93 to 2s 93 per bushel; Turnips, is Od to 2s 3d per twelve bunches; Cucumbers, 6d to is each; Leeks, Id to 23 p er bunch; Celery, 9d to Is 63 per bundle; Carrots, 2s Od to Ss 03 per dozen bunches; Spinach, 03 93 to is 3d per half sieve; Onions, is 6d to is 9d per half sieve; Spanish ditto, 16 Od to 18s Od per box; Jerusalem Ar tichokes, Is 63 to 23 Od per half sieve; Endive, is 03 to Is 6d per score; Horseradish, is Od to 4s Od per bundle; Red Beet, 6d to is 03 per dozen; Mushrooms, • 12 3d to is 6d per pottle. NEWGATI3 AND I.EAMENBAI.I.. Turkeys, 4s to 123 03; Geese, 4e Od to 8s 03; Ducks, Is 93 to 3is 03; Tame Rabbits, is Od tole 9d; Wild ditto, 8d to Is 03; Pigeons, 6d to 9d; Roasting Pigs, 4s 6d to 8s each; Surrey Fowls, 6s to 10s 03; ditto Chickens, 4s 03 to 6s 03; Barn-door Fowls, 3s 6d to 7e 03 per couple; English Eggs, Ils Od to Os Od; French ditto, lOs 01 to 0, ; and Irish ditto, 9s 3d to Os 03 per 100; Fresh But ter, is to is 2d per lb; Partridges, Is 3d to 2s 03; Hares, 2s Od to 3s Od; Leverets, 2s Od to 3s 3d; Grouse, 2 8 Od to 3s Od; Pheasants, 2s 9d to 4s Od; Teal, 6d to Is; Snipes, 9d to Is; Wild Ducks, Is 6d to 2s 3d; Wid gcoll2, 9d to 2s Od; Plovers, 6 d to ls; Ptarmagau, 12 6d to 2s 6d; and Woodcocks, 2s 6d to 3s each. NEWPORT. ,„ . Beef, from 2s Gd to 3s 8d; Mutton, 2 s 8 d to 3s 10d ; veal, 3s Od to 3s 6d; Pork, 3s Od to 4s Od per 81bs. WIIITECHAPEL. ~.Beef, from 2s 2d to 3 s 43 ; Mutton , 2 s gi to 3s 10d ; Veal, 2s 8d to 3s 6d; Pork, 2s 8d to 4s Od per 81bs. BILLINGSGATE. Turbots, 6s Od to 15s Od; Brills, 6d to is 63; Soles, Sato 21:0d per pair; Haddocks, 10d to Is 6d; Flounders, Gd to 2s Od per dozen; Cod Fish, 3s 03 to 9s Od each; Whitings, 3s Od to 6s Od per 15; Eels, 6d to 10d per lb; Lobsters, 9s Od to 4s Od each; Crabs, is Od to 3s Od each; Herrings, 2s to 4s Od per 100; common Oysters, 6 ,2 to 12s per bushel; Smelts, Is 3 d to 2s 01 p er doz; oelmon, is 63 to 2s Od per ib; Salt Fish, 2s Od to 3s Od Per lb; and • Sprats, is Od to 3s Od per bushel. BR. The prices of Wheaten B EA rea D d in the metropolis are from 7d to 73d; of Household ditto, 5d to 63d per 41b lOaz BIDE MARKET. Market hides, 561 b to 641 b, lid to Od; ditto, 641 b to 7 21 b, lid to 2:1; ditto, 721 b to 801 b, 2 d to 2 3d; ditto, 80 1 b to 881 b, 23d to 3d; ditto, 881 b to 961 b, 3d to 33d; ditto, 961 b to 1041 b, 33d to 4d; ditto, 1041 b to 1121 b, 4 (1 to 41d. Calf Skins, light, is 6d to 3s 03; ditto, 'all. 6s to 03 Od; Horn Hides, 5s 6d to Os Od; Lamb Skins Os Od to Os 03; Polled Sheep , 5s Od to 68 8d; Rents and Half-breds, 4s 4d to 5s 3d; Downs, 3s 2d to 43 03 each. MAT BULIMMTS. SpirrnFlßLD.—Meadow Hay, 218 s to 31151; Clover, al Os to 4/ Os ; and Straw, 11 Os to 11 7s per load. heavy demand, at barely late rates. CUMBERLAND. - Meadow Hay, 21 8s to 31 17s ; Clover, 3/ Os to 4/0s; and Straw, 1/ Is to 1/ 8s per load. Both Hay and Straw moved off slowly, yet prices were Well supported. WHITECHAPEL. Meadow Hay, 2/ 8s to Si 16s; Clover, 3103 to 4125; and Straw, 1/ is to 117 s per load. 4 full average supply, and a sluggish cleaned. CORONER'S IN QUEST. (THIS DAY.) TH E LATE SUICIDE AT THE HOUSE OF DETENTION. "—This forenoon, at eleven o'clock, an iuquest was taken c‘ bY Mr. T. Wakley, M.P., on the body of Christian Schmidt, a German merchant. aged 49, who was con cerned in the robbery of Mr. Marks, silversmith, Shef- Vlld, and who committed suicide by han g in g himself in cell on the morning of Christmas.day last. Isaac Le Broom, w atchman, stated that about s even o'clo c k on Wednesday morning he knocked at the de • ceased' s ce ll, when he found him suspended to the gas Pipe by a shawl, which was tied to a piece of tape, and attached to the gas-pipe. Witness cut him down. There was a chair by his feet, which he had flung down. i The gas was turned off by witness a few minut es be ore nine o'clock the previous night. He was then per fectly calm and collected. He arrived on that day (Tues (lV) from Sheffield. , Sudikadi, interpreter for the deceas ed at the po lice- court , said that deceased described himself as a mer e/111ot, and a Holsteiner, but did not mention the town. Verdict—" That the deceased strangled himself, but there was not sufficient evidence as to the state of his mind when he committed the act." T RIb..—HUNTING ON THE RAILWAY.—On Thurs -4.3. week, a stag turned out by B a ro n de Rothschild, fol • l owed by about thirty couples o f hounds, j um p ed on to the railway near Cheddington, and d ashed alon g the cutting in . ae direction of Tring, at a time when both the up and down laails were due. Our old friend Tom Ball, although dread ing that both the bounds and the stag would be destroyed, .did not lose his p res ence of mind; and , getting on to one of • the bridges, luckily succeeded in calling th e hounds off the • ins prior to either of the trains coming up. The stag, how ever, was unfortunately cut to pieces.—Bucks Chronicle. COTTON SEED.—The vessel Golden Spring, which has arrived in the docks from Bombay, has brought, as a portion of a large general cargo of East India produce, 20 bales of cotton seed, consigned to order for home use. ILLICIT DismwerroN.--Last night, at eight Q eleek, having received information, Mr. Frederick Par • geter and Mr. Benjamin Elmy, officers of the detective branch of the I n l an d Revenue Department, proceeded to a house in Guildford-street, Walworth-road, and having obtained ad • relation by a back room window, they found the house fitted ' as a very complete distillery. The fittings consisted tubs, of a large copper still, set in brickwor k, with worm, pipes, ee and at the time the officers entered the still was quite arm, proving that it had been recently at work. They also found about ten gallons of strong spirits that bad been " shortly before run off, and upwards of '2OO gallons of molasses wash in a state of fermentation to continue the working. No '• • Person was found on the premises, and it was supposed that the owner was out enjoying Ch r istmas. A van being pro vided the seizure was conveyed to the Inland Reve nue-office, in Broad-street. A TALE or MYSTERY. —An extraordinary event • occurred on Tuesday last, at Kidwelly, which has been the theme of much astonishment both in that town and through :. Out the neighbourhood of Carma rthen. On the day in question, Mr. Probett's omnibus arrived at the Pelican Inn, f rom Swansea, with its usual heavy load of passengers, amongst whom was a genteelly d resse d female, who c •rried - an infant, apparently a fortnight old, in her arms. During the time occupied in changing horses, this female proceeded to the Castle Inn, and sat for some minutes before the fire, • assiduously warming the infant. She entered into conversa tion with Mrs. Thomas, and finally asked her to hold the ~. child while she proceeded to fetch her box from the vehicle. Mrs. Thomas readily complied, and held the slumbering babe Probett had started, and until long after the last sound of the bugle of that capital performer, Ed . wards, had " melted into echo " f ar awa y on the Carmar ,: then road. Inquiries were then made for t he child's mother and it was elicited that she had proceeded onwards to Car ' Marthen. At first Mrs. Thomas was somewhat at a nonplus, but at lenghth humanely engaged a nu rse, and a g reed to • Pay 2s. per week towards the future nourishment of the un• s! expected legacy which had been consigned to her. To her astonishment, however, on Christmas -day a box arrived, di rected to " Mrs. Thomas, Castle Inn, Kidwelly," containing • a large quantity of bah linen and twenty sovereigns. Before the wonder excited by this singular arrival had sub aided, a new source of curious speculation developed itself, for yesterday a woman from Carm arthen called upon Mrs. .• Thomas and presented a note which directed her to give up the child and its clothes, which was accordingly done, al though we have not heard whether the 201. was also stir , rendered. At p r esent the whole affair is enveloped in Complete mystery, but it is surmised that the gea teelly dressed female is probably one who has " loved not • wisely but too well " and thus seeks to conceal the evidence of her shame.— Welchman. CALEDONIAN CANAL.—The influx of ships passing and repassing through the Caledonian Canal is t ears back. season, - e believe, more numero us than for a good many • Shipowners and others are daily becoming more convinced o Greatf • the safety as well as quickness of p assin g through the Glen of Scotland, instead of g oin g round the very dangerous and circuitous course of the Pentland Firth and Cape Wrath. On Friday a large barque from Liverpool, laden with salt, V't• passed down through the Canal; an dwe believe that no less 4than forty cargoes of potatoes passed through the Canal " I k . . during the last. two months, all of which were exported from this town and neighbourhood.—lnverness Advertiser. A HAWKER'S MARRIAGE.—The marriage of a Scotch crockery ware hawker would furnish material for a eae„ -. chapter or two by Dickens; and a c urious scene took place at one held recently at Perth. All partie s were assembled in the house of the father of the bride, in the Skinnergate, and the minister arrived, when suddenly the bride's father e sv started from his seat, and to the surprise of the clerical gen tleman, and the rest of the company, thus declared himself. " Jenny, if ye tak —, ye don't get a farthing from me. If - the minister marries you, I'll kick the whole o' ye down the stairs. He's no up to his trade, an' besides he's an ill-loakin' fellow, an' you a bonnie lassie. Mind my words—not a Eltiver." All parties as well as the minister looked aghast at this announcement, with the exception of the bridegroom, who seemed to be no ways much disturbed. After a pause, the latter rose and delivered himself thus :—" Auld man, it widna cost me a thocht to bunle ye not at the window : but I care no a haet. If ye dinna think I'me a match for Janny, and Jenny thinks the same, there's as good fish in the sea ‘,,, as ever cam' out in't, sae I'll awe t o —, as bonnie a lassie as your dochter ony day." And so saying, the wrathful bridegroom donnee his bonnet and out at the door. Jenny, however, was not long in being after him—brought him back •-• got the father pacified—herself married—and all after went ' merry as a marriage bell, and still continues so.—Newcastle Journal. CURIOUS COINCIDENCE. Last Sunday three of the sons of a respectable butcher in Perth had each a child baptised; one in St. Paul's Church, one in the West, and one in Edinburgh. The children were all boys, and all were •;.., named Walter, after their grandfather. THE IRON TRADE.—We understand that the large works of Messrs. Stephenson orders for locomotive, mae, that an d '461 stationary engines, so as to require them to take on new Durham ; Chronicle. .3 • 4, or th e rn diver A GOOD BR E AKTAST.—A great. p , ad shot at-the mouth-of the--Spay one morning lately , w as found I t ; rtl . otn t havean his pouch no fewer ,than nineteen flou nders and a '44 110 7 oaiiiehnon. trout I , A fair 4aorthilg'i work the diver had made. "7"1ti14r2 4 0 an4rie, • ' J Ll4t'il .....XLILt THE SUN, LONDON, SATU4D4 Y y EVENING, DECEMBER 28, lB5O. Henderson, as Clown, and Mr. Rivolti, as Pantaloon, throughout the whole piece kept the audience in continued laughter, while the dEncing of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Harvey, as Harlequin and Columbine, was repeatedly applauded. The urechanical transforma tions were cleverly designed znd skilfully executed, and we cannot give too great praise to the manage ment for the spirit and liberality which has been displayed in the placing of this piece on the stage. Many opportunities were afforded by the plot of introducing Mr. Batty's beautiful stud, and we are convinced that where enjoyment of genuine mirth is the object in view Astley's will be the place first to be chosen by all the sight seers of the season. So the audience seemed to think on Thursday, as was testified by their frequent and long-continued applause. LITERATURE. IMPRESSIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN EUROPE. By TV. E. Baxter. There is something novel and striking about this work, which despite its eccentric: character, or, perhaps, for that very cause, entitles it to the serious consideration of the public, and will, we vt n ture to assert, secure for it a considerable amount of popularity, not only from the variety of topics it touches upon, but from the nature of the events which characterise the time of its appearance, and for which it might almost be said it was intended ; in deed there were periods in history in which such a publication might have been deemed prophetic, but, as regards that point, let the reader judge for himself. Numerous as are books of travels, records of peregri nation, pennings by the way-side, inklings of adven ture, &c., it remained for Mr. W. E. Baxter to prove that another path remained to be opened, that a new view was to be taken of travelling, that a fresh mode of treating such matters was to be .hit upon. The author leaves to others descriptions, and gives us " Impressions," his own and other people's, and run ning Europe through with that rapidity which steam has imparted to modern journeying, he tells us what he thinks of the places he visits, of the men he en counters, of their manners, habits, and, above all, of their religious principles and observances; nor does he omit recording what foreigners think of him and his countrymen. Scarcely a subject, is left untouched by him; and, while visiting with him Central and Southern Europe, we not only learn many interesting particulars concerning places as yet little known to the general reader, but we enter with him upon various dissertations, in which he approves himself the philosopher, the scholar, and the patriot. As for siding at all times with him, that is another question, and he himself cannot but allow the reader that freedom in forming his own conclu sions which he (the author) claims for himself ; for our own part, we have followed him through with attention, and are glad to say, with profit and pleasure to ourselves, and if in the multitude of subjects of which he treats there are occasionally some in which we are somewhat at variance with:him, still we admire the independent spirit which pervades his work, and the moral courage with which he supports his opinion, at times rather exclusive, but evidently always founded on honest conviction. Starting with him, and with a warning (in the shape of a short preface) that he intends treating his subject differently from the generality of professed travellers, we cross rapidly the well-known contigu ous parts of Europe, and launching out into the less explored regions, but never losing sight of his own country, and rejoicing in the comparison of its api situal and moral superiority (we will not cavil at trifles, and do more than notice the favour with which he regards North Britain in this particular), we follow him through Germany, the Tyrol, Italy, Switzer. , land, dwell with him upon all important topics of which he discursively treats as he reaches important localities, and the descriptions he occasionally indulges in, despite of his avowed pur - pose not to describe cities, &c., particularly when the transcendent beauties of nature in her sublimest moods impel his pen ; then all at once we are in England again, o r rather we are off to the Elbe , Haunburgh, Berlin, Vienna, Trieste, Greece, the Dardanelles, Constantinople, Malta, Naples, Rome (at a distance, owing to the war), Genoa, Sardinia, Savoy, Geneva, and last, though not least in the re marks it inspires our author with—France. Thus do we accomplish a tolerably extensive tour, and in our progress gain a valuable insight into men and manners, canvass many controversial points of real in terest, obtain much useful information on commerce, agriculture, political economy, religion, history, and a host more subjects which the writer contrives to summon up as if by magic, and of which he treats with elegance of style, and a felicitous mode of com bining the quaintness of logic with the eloquence of conviction, without ever losing sight of the main point he aimed at, at starting, viz., the attempt at proving the eminent superiority of his creed and country over all others, and the hope, a fruitless one we fear, of carrying his convictions home to the hearts and minds of all his fellow-men. Either as a book of travels, or a series of views on many debateable points, or as a model for rambling, discursive, digres sive, and always instructive and entertaining impres sions, we recommend Mr. W. E. Baxter's to the at tention of our readers. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, FRIDAY. The Queen walked this morning in the Slopes. The Royal Family took walking and pony exercise in the grounds around the Castle. His Royal Highness Prince Albert went out hunting this morning, attended by Lieut.-General Sir Edward Bowater and Colonel Bouverie. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess de Nemours and his Royal Highness the Prince de Join ville.were expected to arrive at the Castle to-day, on a visit to the Queen and the Mince. Her Majesty's private band attended after dinner on Thursday evening in the Castle, and performed the fol lowing selection:— - Overture, " Le Philtre" Auber. Selection, " Alobymist" Spuhr. March, " Colporteur" Canzonetta Choeur et Dense D'Armide ....... Gluck. A deputation from the Metropolitan Sanitary Associ ation had an interview with Lord Seymour yesterday at the office of her Maje3ty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests, in Whitehall-place, on an amendment of the Nuisance Removal and Contagious Diseases Prevention Act. The deputation consisted of the Rev. Charles Hume, M.A., rector of St. Michael, Wood street ; Mr. W. Rogers, barrister-at-law ; Mr. H. P. Roche, bar rister-at- law ;W. H. Brown, M.D. ; and the honorary secretaries—viz., Rev. M. W. Lusignan. M.A. ; Hector Gavin, M.D. ; and Adolphus Barnett, M.B. Mr. Derby attended at the Home-office yesterday to present, through Sir George Grey, an address to her Majesty from the inhabitants of the parish of Horton and Wyrardesbury, in the county of Bucks ; also from the town of Culnbrook and its vicinity, on Papal ag gression. Mr. Thomson Hankey, jun., and Mr. Cottam had an interview with Mr. Hawes yesterday respecting the cho , lera in Jamaica. Mr. James Teague Blakeney and Mr. J. M. Clabon had an interview yesterday with Sir George Grey. The Earl and Countess of Lichfield are receiving a circle of friends at Shugborough Park during the pre sent holidays. REPRESENTATION OF GLABIORGANSHIRE. The anticipated resignation of his seat for this county by the Earl Dunraven has led to many surmises as to the future repre senta Lion of the county, and rumour has put forth the names of several gentlemen as likely to solicit the succession. The only one of these, however, in favour of whom a tangible move has yet been made, is Sir G. Tyler, K.C.8., in favour of whom the Bridgend P r o tectionist Club has just passed a resolution, pledging themselves to support his return in the event of a vacancy. The actual opinions of Sir G. Tyler have as yet not been made known in form, but they may be guessed at from the fact of his receiving the countenance of a Protectionist club. We believe commun,eations have passed between Sir George and the club in question, and that his expectant candidate's replies to questions submitted to him have been satisfactory. Among other gentlemen men tioned as probable candidates is Mr. Vivian, M.P. for Swan sea; but it has been intimated on behalf of that Hon. Mem ber that he does not wish to determine the existing connexion between himself and the borough of Swansea. SWIFT SAILING AND RAPID DISPATCH OF BUSI NESS.— The City of Calcutta, Captain Brown, left the Clyde on the 28th April last, was off Ailsa Craig on the evening of the 29th, and arrived at the Sand Heads, in the Hooghly, on the ISt of August, being ninety-four days from the Clyde. She left Calcutta on the 13th of September, passed Sangor Island on the 15th, left the Sand Heads on the 16th, was o ff Cape Clear the 16th December (exactly three months from the Hooghly), and anchored off Greenock on the 20th, being ninety-five days. We believe the passage has never been made in the south-west monsoon in so short a time, certainly not with a deeply-laden ship. She made the voyage to Cal cutta and back to the Clyde in seven months and twenty one days, forty-six days of that period having been spent in the Hooghly. She had full cargo both out and home, coo sequently her aptitude for swift s ailin g was greatly im peded. Captain Brown, formerly of the City of Glasgow, now of the City of Calcutta, has made two full voyages to the Hooghly and back, with these two ships, in a period short by one slay of seventeen months ; having thus traversed 60,000 miles, and carried upwards of 3,€00 tons of cargo, Both ships were built by Messrs. R. Barclay and Curle, and register about 500 tons o. m. They are owned by Messrs. Smith and Sons, of this city, who have established a re gular monthly line of packets between this port and Cal cutta. The Oriental, American ship, lately the subject of a leader in a London paper, is upwards of 1,003 tons register, and had on board, the voyage referred to, little more than the same amount of cargo • while these ships had from 60 . to 80 per cent. more than their respective registers.— Glasgow Daily Mail. CARRIAGE ACCIDENT. — Last night an inquest was held by Mr. W. Payne, in St. Thomas's Hospital, on the body of Henry Banks, aged 39. The deceased was coachman to Mr. Sheppard, the fly owner, of Carshalton ; and a few evenings since, as he was driving a clarence, in which a gentleman named Davis, of Beddington, his wife, and five children were, a flash of lightning struck the deceased as he was sitting on the box, and for a second or so deprived bina of sight. At the same time the wind blew the reins a little on one side, and before the driver could recover himself the carriage was overturned into a ditch. Had it fallen on the opposite side of the road the family must have been drowned, as there were five or six feet of water in that ditch. The driver was pitched under the carriage, and could not be rescued until the parties were taken out of the vehicle. It was then found that the unfortunate man's right leg had re ceived a compound fracture. Surgical aid was obtained, and the injuries attended to, and the next day the deceased was removed to the above hospital, where he died on Christmas day. The whole of the witnesses described the spot where the accident occurred, which was a cross road, as being ex ceedingly dangerous, and one that ought to be protected by some sort of fence or railing. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and requeste d the coroner to write to Mr. Bourne, the surveyor of the pari sh, and draw his attention to 1 the great danger of the place, and the necessity of having the road properly protected. The coroner said he would undertake to do so. [ADVERTISEMENT.]—THE EARL OF ALDBOROUGD AND MALOWAT'S Pmts.—Au astounding cure by this miraculous medieine, arter every other means had failed. See extract from hie Lordship's latter, dated .. Villa Messina, Leghorn, Feb. 21, 1845. Professor Holloway—Sir : I beg to acquaint you that your pills have ef fectcd_d cure of a disorder in my liver and stomach which all the moat eminent of the faculty, at home and all over the continent, had not been `alle to' effect nay, not even the waters of Carlsbad or Ma rieliblii• (SiPed) '' Atanosouon." These wonderful pills will cure any diresse of the liver or stomach.—Sold (also Holloway's Ointment) at Professor Holloway's Establishment, 244, StlAll , lsAnd 1)7'0 Mediate vendors throughout the ctvilisod world. . HOLIDAY AMUSEMENTS SURREY THEATRE. The Surrey Theatre was besieged on Thursday by an enormous crowd, who, we might say, took possession of it when the doors were opened ; for the throng was so great as to be quite beyond the control of the officers of the establishment, however efficient and judicious—and we have not a word to say against them. But it was as geodhumoured a crowd as ever assembled in her Majesty's dominions, although the temper of some must have been sorely tried. It took nearly two hours of squeezing, and pushing, and manoeuvring, to get the people finally into position; and when we saw men struggling for all that time, and now and then missing a head that had fallen in the struggle, observed its place supplied by a pair of waving highlows, and as the face was fished up by some sympathizing friends it presented a good honest broad grin, we could not help thinking there must be some virtue in Christmas and Boxing. day. The most spiteful thing that was done must be laid to the charge of those who, as far as the box- office was con cerned, were supposed to be in the boxes, but who, seeing litle chance of really reaching them, certainly did more than once or twice conspire in the lobby to shape their complaint in song, such a: prevented any sound from the stage being heard while they were proclaiming, that if the audience hoped for their sub mitting quietly to exclusion and departing to their homes, it was a movement which would not occur " till morning." However, these troubles were gra dually got under by good management and good packing, while the first piece, which nobody came to see, was being played; and all the inconvenience sus tained was abundantly recompensed when the cur tain rose for the pantomime— The Merry Wives of Windsor; or, Harlequin and Sir John Falstaff, and the Demon Hunter of the Enchanted Dell. The title tells the story of " the opening" at once ; it is, of course, a burlesque, founded on Shakspere. The adventures of Falstaff with the merry wives are supposed to be contrived by faries in order to punish Ford and Page for thwarting the true love of Fenton' 'and " sweet Anne Page ; the aid of Herne the Hunter is invoked by the maiden's father, but the Demon Hunter seeks her for his own bride. It will easily be seen that here is matter for all sorts of " spiriting ;" and it is very well done. Falstaff's chief misfortunes—the hiding in the buck-basket and ducking in the water not omitted —form good subjects for burlesque; but, alas, that we should have lived to see Mrs. Page and Mrs. Ford of purpose turned into wretched crones that might scare the birds from a field. So it is, how ever. The whole of the introductory part is admi rably put upon the stage, and the chief parts—Fal staff (Mr. J. W. Collier), and the Queen of the Fairies and Puck (the Misses Coveney)—were well sustained. All these scenes went off satisfactorily ; but when, at their conclusion, the various characters, mortal and supernatural, were gathered in a pavilion illuminated by variegated fires, and emblazoned with coloured crests of fairy heraldly, the splendour of the spectacle secured the triumph of the piece beyond all risk. In presence of this scene, one of the richest and sweetest we have looked upon for a long time, the transformations take place, and Fenton and Anne Page, as Harlequin and Columbine, are to be pursued by the Hunter's attendant Sprite, and by Falstaff as Pantaloon, and Ford as Clown—characters which fall to M. Lupino, Mademoiselle Beaufort, Herr Deani, Signor Bradbury, and Mr. G. Anderson. The re mainder of the pantomime is occupied with practical and mechanic wit of the usual order, but selected and arranged with care and skill ; as in all these cases, it will be advisable to prune a little, and bring the matter together, but there is good ground to work upon. It would spoil the humour to be transfer ring some of the jokes to paper; extracts of that kind lose their essence and force ; but we may mention, for the guidance of our young friends— though not the young alone—that they will do well to watch the contortions of the Sprite. They are wonderful, and there is no suspicion of danger to himself while he is performing—which, in this department, is a great matter. We advise them to observe " the fast man," and try if they can make out how it is that he is here, and there, and every where —and here and not here—almost at the same moment. We recommend them to keep a sharp eye upon the tea-garden scene, and find out, if they can, how Pantaloon's tea and shrimps, that he does not pay _ _ _ or, suddenly fly to the table of a better customer. But, without trying to particularize further, we will say that this pantomime is well got up and well per formed, and is decidedly above the average. There are one or two political allusions near the end, with regard to which we are a little disposed to doubt whether the public be so unanimous upon the subjects referred to as to justify their introduction, except , in cases where they are brought in with a certain sin gular felicity, which is at once felt to be a sufficient warrant. ASTLEY'S AMPHITHEATRE. In the present days of a declining drama, when the good old Christmas pantomime appears to be giving place to the fairy extravaganza, and the splen dour of scenic effects and magnificent costumes are supplanting the ancient harlequinade, it is not un pleasant to find a house where our old friends, clowns and pantaloons, run through the course of practical jokes and petty larcenies, at which we laughed so heartily in the days of our youth, and an audience whose appreciation of their drolleries remains undiminished by the re finements of modern days. It would not be too much to say that boxing night could not present an audience merrier or more thoroughly amused than that which on Thursday filled the walls of Astley's Amphitheatre to overflowing. The performance com menced with the equestrian spectacle of Kenilworth, followed by the Scenes of the Circle, in which several novelties were brought forward. Among these was M. Plige whose feat of walking on a small beer-barrel from the circle to the top of the stage, on a tram-road erected for the purpose, was viewed with mingled astonishment and trepidation. M. Ghelia also made his first appearance, introduc ing his two steeds, whose performances showed the high stage of training to which they had been brought. There was also a new grand entrée, called The Festival of Flowers, and Miss A. Bridges, the equestrian Taglioni, concluded the Scenes in the Circle, by going through the Cracovienne and Ca chuca on horseback, with as much accuracy as though she had been dancing on terra firma. The subject selected for the Christmas pantomine is the Irish Legend of O'Donoghue, who, according to tradition, on a May morning, rides on a milk-white steed across the Luke of Killarney. The scene opens with the Hag of Mischief brooding over an illicit still, from which, after due incantation, springs forth the Spirit of Whiskey, the evil genius of Ireland, whom she sends forth in the shape of a recruiting sergeant, bottle in hand, to work ruin and desolation over the country, but more particularly on the favourites of O'Donoghue, who is the representative of the water drinkers. The second scene is the Lake of Killar ney, which was beautifully managed. The nymphs and fairies of the lake are seen to glide over its I bosom, followed by the enchanted Prince O'Do noghue on his white steed, who after informing them that he is in want of a pair of true lovers to end his enchantment, disguises himself as an ancient beggar and dismisses his train, who by well contrived scenic effect, which was loudly applauded, are seen to sink down into the bosom of the lake to their coral bowers below, leading the steed with them. The Prince then becomes witness of the love making of Dermot Astore, the young landlord of the Queen's Head, and Kathleen, daughter of Lord Bullfrog; and, being relieved by the young lady, in his capacity of a beggar, promises his aid to the young couple. Their loves are, however, interrupted by the return of Lord Bullfrog and his motley train from hunting ; and he, to get rid of his plague of a daughter, puts her up as the prize of a steeplechase to be run next day, and " may the best horse win." Dermot, being the possessor of an unrivalled steed, feels assured of victory, but in an unlucky moment he meets with the Spirit of Whiskey who tempts him to take a drop too much, and in this predicament swindles him out of money, steed, and all. In desperation he is about to try the cold water cure, and drown himself in the lake, but is interrupted by O'Donoghue, who leads him to his coral stable of a thousand steeds at the bottom of the lake, and parades his stud before him, and gives him his pick of the lot for the morrow's race. Dermot chooses a beautiful cream-colour, with which he vanquishes all opposition, but when he is about to claim his prize the Spirit of Whiskey, by a dexterous coup de main, seizes both steed and maiden and elopes with them. Chase is given, but on approaching the banks of the lake the magic steed plunges in to reach his well-known stable, and while Dermot arrives just in time to rescue Kathleen, the Spirit of Whiskey is left to be submerged in the uncongenial element. The transformation then takes place and the bar lequinade commences. This of course is of the usual description, full of fun and frolic, and abound. ing with many excellent hit s, verbal and mechanical, at the passing topics of the day. The Exhibition of 1851, with the Clown's unprecedented contributions to it, the Swedish Nightingale, with the rival mana gers putting salt on her tail, General Haynau and the draymen, were among the number; and altoge ther, making the usual allowance for the first night of performance, the pantomime passed off with great success. The opening part is by Mr. Rodwell, the author of the successful pantomime of King .Hal. The scenery and dresses are magnificent ; and we cannot forbear particularising the coral stable, with its long range of stalled steeds stretching for ward into the distance as far as the eye could reach, attended by legions of fairy grooms and stable helpers. The Lake of Killarney we have already mentioned, and there were seve ral scenes in the harle quinade deserving of the highest praise. Mr. T. CITY OF LONDON THEXTRE. On Thursday, at this newly-decorated theatre, which is under the management of that chief of panto mimists, Mc. Nelson Lee, there was an overwhelm • ing audience. Five minutes after the time an nounced for opening the doors, the whole of the house was filled, so that those who were not punctual had to suffer from the absence of that convenience which is always the handmaid of comfort upon such occasions, notwithstanding the fact that the spirited proprietor had, by his recent arrangements, furnished additional accommodation in the boxes for 130 per sons seated, with a large extra amount of standing room. The drama of Giralda having been most efficiently performed and excellently received, even by the tumultuous "gallery gods," the main feature of attraction—the pantomime —was produced. It was entitled Knife, Fork, and Spoon; or, Harlequin Breakfast, Dinner, Tea, and Supper, a comic repre sentation, the production of Mr. Lee himself, the whole of the working being superintended by the author. In " plate the first" is represented the magic balls of " Knives, Forks, and Spoons," where the cooks con nected with the " gastronomic retreat" are attending to their several duties. In the " Golden Grove of Prosperity," in Fairyland, the Queen of the Fairies (Mrs. Richard Barnett) opens the fairy court by summoning the fairies, and the revelry commenced. A grand ballet was then performed, at the conclusion of which the Queen (Plenty) arrived in her magic cornucopia, being assisted from the same by Mirth. A solo by the Fairy Queen having been introduced (which is a good parody upon the well-known convi vial song, " For he's a jolly good fellow,") and heartily encored by the audience, the banquet was proposed, to which the whole of the fairy court, of course, consented, they being, specially willing to assist the Queen in her novel idea. Breakfast, afterwards Columbine (Miss Slater), Dinner (Mr. W. Milbourne), Dame Tea (Mr. Coreno), and Supper, afterwards Dandy Lover (Mr. W. Stevens), are then introduced, when the scene changes to the " Council Chamber at the Guildhall," where Turtle (Mr. Harmer), Gourmond (Mr. Wilson), and Blowout (Mr. Green), are seen assembled in great consternation, finding that Dinner had bolted with Breakfast. A council was thereupon held, and the swordbearer summoned to capture the Dinner. A troop of " infantine" beef-eaters were consequently summoned by the S word-bearer, who started on his mission, the Aldermen swearing by " Gog and Magog to furnish him with supplies." After singing the fol lowing song in chorus To eat and drink is our delight, We luxuriate from morn till night; The city feasts will bear the belle, Our Corporation a tale will tell, Thanks to the Roast Beef of Old England, Oh the Old English Roast Beet" — Aldermen depart, and the scene changes to the Halls of Plenty and Good Cheer. Dinner arrives with his Bride (Miss Ross) Breakfast, and the whole of the meals of the day succeed in honour of the event. After this Dinnerchanges to Harlequin, Breakfast to Colum bine, and Supper to Clown (Mr. George Parry.) A view of the Great Industrial Exhibition for 1851, is admir ably given, as are also those of the several shops : these, we believe, are by Mr. Morelli, who has ad mirably done his part, as : has also Beaumont, the painter of the scenery. Walker, the furnisher of the masks and decorations, and. Mr--Wilson and Mr. Her ring, the inventors and preparers of the many and very various dresses used throughout the pantomime, seve ral of which are very splendid, and all of them of a most modest chareieter. Of the entire performance, it is only necessary to say, that it was well received throughout, and if the pantomime reflects additional credit upon the ingenuity of the talented pantomimist who has produced it—which it does—its worth is rendered greater by the very excellent, spirited, and careful manner in which all parties assisted in laying it before the public. To judge from the exhibition of Thursday on the part of the audience, a long run, with bumper houses, is certain. The illuminated finale was received with the most rapturous applause, the curtain falling just before twelve o'clock. POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION. The galleries and lecture-rooms of this establish ment were crowded on Thursday for many hours with visitors anxious to inspect the numerous models of in genious inventions, and to hear the lectures on chemistry and - natural philosophy delivered by Pro fessors Bachhoffner and Pepper. The former of these gentlemen explained the nature of voltaic electricity, and the latter lectured on fire and its antagonists. These lectures were illustrated by experiments, and were well adapted to a popular audience. A lecture, in which appropriate ballads were introduced, was given by Mr. G. Barker, entitled an " English Christmas." The great variety of models of railway carriages, machines used in the fabrication of various articles of commerce, and the numerous contributions of ingenious cox.trivances and inventions, render this institution amongst the best of the public institu tions of the metropolis. The arrangements at this time are remarkably good : everything is numbered and placed in its respective class, so that by reference to the catalogue the visitor can comprehend and profit by what he sees. In addition to these things, there were for the amusement of the younger branches an exhibition of dissolving views, and a vast number of amusing recreations connected with science. MADAME TUSSAUD'S. A more than usually large co ncourse of persons visited the curiosities of this exhibition on Thursday ; indeed, the place was so well filled that the company and the wax figures formed at intervals a perfect mob of the living and the effigies of those who were once alive. The great room has been made much more extensive than it originally was ; indeed, it is now so large that it is amongst the largest rooms in the kingdcm. In the alterations and additions good taste has been consulted; the great room is admirably pro portioned and gorgeously decorated ; the decorations are, however, in proper keeping with the character of the edifice, and are neither fantastic nor barbarous. A judicious alteration has been made in the situation of the rooms in which the " Horrors," the relics of Na poleon, and the detached portions of the collection are placed. What is called the " Hall of Kings" is a noble room, and, in addition to the numerous figures of monarchs, has a collection of full-length paintings of many crowned heads and royal personages. The effect of the whole is very magnificent, the coup dad being very imp ,sing. There has been a completely new arrangement of the figures, and anew outfit of costumes, robes, lace, jewel s , and the glittering para phernalia of Courts. THE COLOSSEUM. The proprietors of this place made, as usual, proper preparations for the amusement of their Christmas visitors, and were honoured during the day with a cor responding amount of public patronage. The interior of the immense building presented a noble appearance, and contained, in addition to the galleries of sculpture, the panorama of Lisbon, and a list of other things worth being seen, a new view, painted by Messrs. Danson, in their best manner, of the Lake of Thun and the scenery of the adjacent country. This view occupies the place in which were formerly exhibited the views of London and Paris, and is on the same large scale of pictorial illustration. The view is taken from an eminence to the northward of the town of Thun, which is represented in the foreground, and the peculiar buildings of which contrast well with the rugged scenery of the mountains in the distance. The reputation of Messrs. Danson in painting pano ramic views is well established, but it will be in creased by this, their most recent work. The view is very correct as a representation of the lake, the town, and the environs, it is well relieved by the introduc tion of various groups of figures, and the tone of colouring is subdued and natural. This great work elicited the praise of the numerous spectators by whom it was seen. MR. BURFORD'S PANORAMAS. The attendance of visitors to this very old and very meritorious place of exhibition was on Thursday both numerous and respectable, and it is plain the place has lost none of its original attractions, though surrounded with rival exhibitions of a somewhat similar character. The novelty for the occasion was a very beautiful view of the lake and tower of Lu cerne, with the adjacent landscapes backed by the Alpine range. This view has afforded the artist, Mr. Robert Burford, an opportunity of exhibiting his knowledge of his art in the various points in which he most excels, and he has availed himself of them in his usual excellent manner. The water of the lake is beautifully transparent, and reflects the objects around precisely as in nature. The magnificent scenery in the background is made to contrast effec tively with the trimness of the landscape in the fore ground, and the almost grotesque buildings of the town relieve the eye which has been gazing on the summit of Mount Pilate and its kindred bills. The whole is painted with great care and pains, and a closeness to truth is the result. Groups of figurer, boats, &c., are introduced, and enliven the general scene. he tone of colouring is good ; there is a fine sunny effect, and a brilliaucy without glare, CUMMINGS'S SOUTH AFRICAN - TION. Guided by the intrepid Major Gordon Cummings's Bushman Tracker, the spectator here roams among the most remarkable collection of sporting trophies that ever fell to the rifle of a daring huntsman in their native wilds. The "Lion Hunting" Major's volume is before the public, detailing his five years' adventures, and here we have ocular demonstration of his prowess in the remains of lions, elephants, rhino ceroses, hippopotami, and the like. The student, the zoologist, and the idler may here well occupy an hour. THE NILE. Pleasant timesthese, when you may pop into Picca dilly and have a peep at the pyramids fur a short cab fare. This well •known and patronised picture of Egyptian, Nubian, and Ethiopian scenery, enfolding the grandeur of a perished people, and their departed civilization, still vindicates its claim to attention, and the Egyptian Hall was well frequented. As the moving scene rolls slowly by, desert, ruined city, palm-grove, temple, palace, pyramid, and obelisk, and rock-hewn tomb, speak with the solemn voice of hoar antiquity, and tell of a negro empire 4,000 years away in the dim dis tance of the world's young history, whose fame, fondly trusted to sculptured granite, marble, and porphyry, has passed away, and of whos annals the very key of interpretation has been lost. IV 'importe, at Christmastide we will leave these matters to Champollion, Young, and the savans, and, with a smile at the vanity of the royal founder of the first pyramid, say,— Let not a monument give you or me hopes, Since not a pinch of dust remains of Cheops." THE GANGES. Diverging from Piccadilly to the north, we come upon another majestic river deity, the not less sacred "Gimp of the lotus-crown," who courteously invites us to a view of its wonders. Again are we struck with the agremens of modern travelling in town. Five minutes since we were in Egypt, here— Far off from sunburnt Meroe, From falling Nilus to the sea That beats upon the Egyptian shore— by the waters of the ro Ding Ganges, as its mighty flood rolls by the " holy city of Benares," we " See, with adventurous oar and ready sail, The dusky people drive before the gale; Or on frail floats to neighbouring cities ride, Which rise and glitter o'er the ambient tide." The views of Calcutta, the Hooghly, and Orissa, are remarkably clear and picturesque. The moonlight view of the Black Pagoda, and of the Temple of Jug gernaut, its idols and world-notorious car of immola tion, are very spirited. The procession is contrived by a multitude of moving figures, which add much to its animation and vraisemblance. Where is the Eng- lishman who would not feel pride in gazing on this gorgeous country, its palaces, rivers, and towns, and reflecting that this little island in whose capital he stands, by the energy and enterprise of its sons, bad possessed and ruled, and let us hope will yet civilise and Christianise, her debased millions. THE INDIA MAIL. Another brief stroll south, and we start from South ampton, and in an hour have quitted " the Wight," rolled through the Bay of Biscay, seen, afar off— " The cork-trees hoar, on Cintra's craggy height." telescoped the Tagus, Parifa, and Trafalgar, and got inside " the Pillars of Hercules." This is pretty sharp work, but better remains behind. Southward we sight Algiers, then make Malta, and form a personal acquaintance with all between Alexandria, Cairo, .and Suez ; the Red Sea, Aden, Ceylon, and Calcutta are made familiar to our eyes, and thus we drink in more knowledge by our optic nerve in two brief hours, than our fathers could have attained by a careful study, or yet more painful travel, in two long years. The Over land Route is, to our taste, the most usefully instruc tive of these monster pictures. BREES'S NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, AND BENGAL. The empire rising in the Pacific, there planted by English enterprise, is one of those phenomena which never fail in attracting the eye of the inquirer, and fixing the attention of the philanthropist. The pre sent state of the vast island of New Zealand, of Van Diemen's Land, and the continent of Australasia (for its magnitude deserves the title of a main land), are here picturesquely, and, as we are told, most accu rately, pencilled by the late surveyor•general. THE APOLLONICON. This wonderful combination of musical and mecha nical skill, so long at its builders' premises, is now open near the Lowther Arcade. Some improvements have been effected, and in its present form, none who would wish to hear the finest music adequately ren dered, should miss a visit to the Apollonicon, just to regale their sense of hearing after the fatigue of sight- see in g. GALLERY OF ART, ADELAIDE GALLERY. The automaton bellringers, gorgeous pearl-eaters, mechanical figures, golden singing birds, jewelled trees, and the like, here Bet children of a larger growth, as well as juveniles, agape at their elaborate wonders. THE BRITISH MUSEUM. On Thursday, from ten o'clock in'the forenoon to four o'clock in the afternoon, which is the time of admis sion in the winter season, there was a continued stream of visitors to the British Museum, the galleries of which were thronged throughout the day. The number of visitors, inserted in the book, amounted to 17,035, which is above the average. Another gallery, near the sculpture room on the ground floor is almost completed, and which is also intended for the exhibi tion of sculpture. A new gallery has been constructed for the antiquities from Nineveh, the relics from which, where in pieces, will be joined together. Seven teen policemen of the A division, under Sergeant Neale, did duty in the various galleries. From four o'clock to about a quarter of an hour after above 2,000 persons left the Museum. DIMINUTION OF PAUPERISM IN LEEDS.—What ever free :trade may have done for other towns, it has cer tainly done much for the commerce of Leeds, which was never in a more sound and flourishing state than at present. In nothing is this more markedly shown than in the gradual diminution of pauperism, as proved by the last two or three half-yearly accounts of the poor-law guardians. The last half-yearly statement, which has just been published, is audited by the district auditors. It contains an account of the whole expenditure up to Michaelmas-day. The in-door maintenance amounts to about the same for the last as it did in the preceding half-year; the inmates being mostly old or infirm people, their number does not vary with the state of ,he times, and therefore the cost of maintenance remains pretty stationary. The relief given to the out-do.,r poor affords the best test of their state, as the amount of relief given varies according to the want of employment in the various branches of trade. The accounts just published con tain the expenditure for the half-year ending 29th September last, as approvee by the district auditor; and from these ac counts it appears that the amount expended in out-door relief was 7,2081. 6s. 5d., whilst for the corresponding year of 1849 the amount was 11,320/. 7.. 9d.; and for the half year ending 25th March last it was 10,7571. 12s. The reduction, therefore, amounts to 3,5491. ss. 7d., as compared with the previous half-year, and to 4,11 1. ls. 4d., as compared with the corresponding half-year of 1849. A judicious silence is always better than truth spoken without charity. —Eliza Cook's Journal. A BARBER OUTGENERALLED.—In a private latter from Lyons an anecdote of an amusing kind is related of General Castellan. which any one acquainted with the bold and somewhat eccentric character of that distinguished officer will not find much difficulty in believing. A few days since a barber and hairdresser of that city, well known for his Socialist opinions, was in the act of operating on a" friend and brother." While holding between his thumb and fore finger the nasal organ of his Socialist customer, and passing his razor over his chin, he cried out, "What would I not give to have at this moment the head of General Castellan as I have yours ! I should soon settle his business !" The next morning, at an early hour, to the great amazement of the perruquier, who should be seen but General Castellan himself approaching his door, followed as usual by a mounted or derly I The General never appears but in full dress, and de corated with all his orders; and this is so invariably the case, that the same story was told of him when he commanded in Perpignan, that was related of the Laird of Dumbiedikes and his laced cocked hat—namely, that he goes to bed with them. Be that as it may, the General dismounted from his horse, entered the shop, and sat down in the chair set apart for customers. " I understand, my good friend," said he to the gaping barber, " that you have expressed a wish to have•my head between your hands. Be so good as to shave me." The affright of the artiste and the sang froid of the General may be more easily conceived than described. He said not a word, but set himself mechanically to prepare his imple ments. The general remained fixed like a statue, though the trembling of the barber's hand might have unwittingly executed the patriotic threat he had uttered the day before. The general, however, escaped without accident. He washed 1 1 and dried his face : put a five franc piece into the hand of the dismayed and speechless scraper of chins, and looking him straight in the face, said " Mon cher and, I was anxious I to prove to you that I am not the man to be frightened by threats of any kind. Be so good as to be convinced of the fact, and to mention the same, with my compliments, to your friends. Bonjour !" The general then bowed very po litely, quitted the shop, and remounted his horse. OUTRAGE AT BARNARDCASTLE.—A. disgraceful outrage took place at the Bridge-end, Barnardcastle, on Christmas Eve. On the Yorkshire side of the river, at the west end of the bridge over the Tees, there is a public-house, the Swan Inn, where Mr. Thomas Donald, cattle doctor, met with a party of drunken youths, from thirteen to sixteen years of age. The landlord and his wife, being unable to restrain the yoaths, who were outrageous, Donald gave them some money to induce them to be quiet. During the row, several of them seized Donald, and took him along the pas sage to the back door, which opens on a balcony, below which is a buttress supporting an outhouse; and at the dis tance of twenty-four feet or upwards from the top of the railing lies a gravel-bed, which at the time was partly co vered by the river. When the youths got him there, Donald says that one of them attempted to pick his pocket, which he resisted; they threw him over, however, and he fell from the buttress to the gravel-bed, his thigh being broken by the fall, and other parts of his body muck bruised. He is sup posed to have lain there from a little after ten o'clock until between twelve and one, in the cold and rain, when his cries were heard by a drover, who found him with his legs in the river, and quite conscious, but suffering extremely. Steps are being taken to have the matter investigated.— Sunderland !Jerald. 1 'MELANCHOLY DEATH. On Thursday Mr. Bedford, the coroner, received in formation of tho death by fire of two maiden ladies__ Miss Brooks, aged 85, and Miss Anna Storey, her niece, who is about 30 years of age, which took place under the following melancholy circumstances:—They were resid ing a., No. 3, Allington-street, Pimlico, where they had been living in independent circumstances for twenty years past. Last Monday morning, about ten o'clock, the neighbours on the opposite side of the street were alarmed by seeing flames in the front parlour. Mr. Nottidge, who occupied an adjoining house, jumped over his garden wall and entered the room, which was full of smoke, and the carpet in flames. Another neighbour followed, when, upon the fire being extinguished, the younger lady was found crouched in a corner of the room, having bad all her clothes burnt off her body, though she had contrived to get a piece of calico which partly covered her. She was enabled to in timate that her aunt was in the adj _Ailing room. Upon going there, she teas found upon the floor in great agony, and her clothes were also parti ally burnt. Mr. \Voolmer, surgeon, Victoria-square, was sent for, who promptly attended, and he, upon examining the unfortunate ladies, discovered that Miss Brooks had suffered a dislocation of her left hip and of her right wrist. She was put to bed, but, in cons«pence of her great age, the medical gentleman thought from the shock to the system, and her severe injuries from the burns, she would not live many hours. Miss Storey was speedily attended to, after which she was conveyed in a cab to St. George's Hospital, where she died about six o'clock the following morning; her aunt died about six hours previously. Thu niece stated that she was sitting before the fire isi the parlour, when she put some paper on the coals, arid it was almost immediately lighted and blown by the wind that came down the chimney into her lap. Her clothes were quickly on fire, which she tried to extinguish, but was unable to do so, and she was soon enveloped in flames. In that state she rushed into the room where her aunt was in bed, who got out to assist her, but in her haste fell down. At that moment her aunt's clothes caught fire. Upon fall ing, she exclaimed that she: had hurt her hip, The deceased ladies were much respected in the neighbour hood, and were very charitable to the poor. They had purchased their stock of fruit for Christmas-day, which was found in the parlour cupboard. MR. SLOANFS RECEPTION by the MOB. After the conclusion of the examination yesterday, Mr. Sloane endeavoured to leave the court unperceived, but failed in his object, and was saluted with a yell of execration from a densely crowded but highly respectable audience. Mr. Alderman HUMPHERY said that the same bail would be sufficient if they were all ready. Mr. Philips (defendant's solicitor) said that one of the sureties was at Bristol, and unable to come forward, but that he would be in town in a few days. Mr. Alderman HUMPHERY—Under these circum stances, it will be my duty to commit Mr. Sloane to Newgate, to await his trial, or until the required bail is forthcoming. In the course of yesterday afternoon, the depositions having been signed by those witnesses who were present at the examination, the Alderman was about formally to commit Mr. Sloane to Newgate, when, in accordance with that gentleman's request, the worthy Alderman said he would remand him to the Compter, in order that he might be brought up next week, and the case perfected in every respect, as well as to afford the defendant an opportunity of giving bail for his appearance at the trial. Great difficulty was experienced as to how Mr. Sloane should be removed in safety, as the mob seemed rather to be increasing, with the desire to see a man who had rendered himself so singularly notorious. Various ex pedients were suggested, and a person was dispatched to obtain a cab in some part remote) from Guildhall, and to drive round by Moorgate-street and Fore-street into Basinghall-street, and then wait at the church, and in the mean time it was arranged that several policemen were to guard the magistrates' entrance and to keep back the crowd from the hall, while Mr. Sloane made a rush into the hall and effected his escape by the back way to where the cab was waiting for him. The cab was kept waiting at the church for a short time, and then Alderman Humphery thought it advisable to have the cab brought close up to the door, which was accordingly done. An officer was sent down to the Compter with instructions to the governor to have the door open, and every thing prepared to afford defendant a ready recep tion on arriving there. The cab door was opened, and Mr. Sloane (who had only about three yards to go), ac companied by Springate, the gaoler, suddenly rushed out, and was endeavouring to tome his way into the cab, when the mob closed upon him, and had it not been for the able exertions of Mr. Superintendent Hodg son, Mr. Roe, and about a dozen constables, Mr. Sloane would have been torn to pieces by the exasperated mob. One old woman we noticed in particular was making most furious lunges at him with an immense umbrella. With great difficulty Mr. Sloane managed to get into the cab, but the crowd all pressed forward, and with such violence, that both the windows of the vehicle were smashed to atoms, and mud, spittle, and all kinds of filth were showered upon him through both windows, so that in less than two minutes he was so bespattered that it was next to impossible to discover which was the gaoler and which Mr. Sloane. About 20 constables sur rounded the cab, and the driver lashed his horse to try and escape the rabble, but they impeded his way so much that he was unable to proceed at any but a rapid walking pace. Two policemen endeavoured to block up the windows by standing on the steps of the cab, but in spite of their exertions the gaoler received a smart blow on the face which was intended for Mr. Sloane. Through some mistake thevehiclo was directed to the Old Bailey, where a crowd of some thousands awaited its coming, and, by the time the cab arrived opposite the Compter in Giltspur-street, the road and every place where standing-room was to be obtained was crowded with oce vast mass of human heads. The policemen were so be spattered with filth that they looked like so many mud lark°. They were oblig.d t., uuo their stover very freely on stopping at the door of the prison; and Mr. Sloane, as soon as the cab door was opened, made one bound on to the pavement, three more took him to the middle of the lobby, and the gate closed behind him, much to the disappointment of the people outside, who seemed to relish the proceedings. Shouts, yells, groans, and every imaginable expression of disgust and horror were reiterated by the crowd on the way from the court to the Compter; and even when Sloane was safely in side, they lingered outside, hissing and hooting, and calling upon the turnkeys to turn Sloane out among them, and they would give him what he deserved. Six policemen remained in front of the door for some time, as it was feared that it would not be safe to leave the front door guarded only by the gaoler. Up to a late hour last night the people were still assembled outside the Comp ter, in knots of threes and fours, eloquently discussing the subject among themselves. As Mr. Superintendent Hodgson was leaving the pri son he was shouted at by the crowd, and some of the following expressions addressed to him:—" Oh a you are the sweep that took Sloane from us;" "You took away the man who starved the girl;" " Give him back to us, and we'll teach the wretch what it is to be tormented;" " Where's that infernal monster?" and a host of others, more vulgar in their language, but not loss intense in meaning. BURGLARS AND THE POLICE. Sir,—ln your paper of this day, under the head of " Clerkenwell," there is an account of a man seized by a constable, between two and three o'clock in the morn ing, and on whore person was found the most complete set of instruments used by thieves ever seen, and near the spot where ho was captured two life-preservers (query, life destroyers?) and some gags. The above man was captured atter a desperate struggle, in which he nearly choked the constable. The result statt d is, that he was committed to prison for three months only. May I, as one of the public, inquire why the man re ferred to could not have been committed for trial for at tempting to murder the police-constable; and then, pro bably, he would have been transported; whereas now he wilt be let loose on the public in three months' time. Is it not better to get rid of such a fellow before robbery or murder ensues, or must the public again wait until a robbery or murder is effected? And, again, is it likely the police will continue to risk their lives in securing these fellows when they see such results as the above? Won't they say themselves. " On, let them break in first, else they will get hardly any punishment?" And who of us would like these burglars w break in first (and perhaps gag or strangle us before the police can aid), in order that they may get the re quired punishment? I have omitted to mention in the above account that the fellow referred to was recognised by the police as being the companion of the ruffians recently transported for the burglary at Mr. Holford's, in the Regent's Park I am, Sir, yours respectfully, Monday, Dec. 23. IL F. A man of the name of Wooles, who kept the Blue Bowl Tavern, Totterdown, Bristol, was accidentally killed on the evening of Christmas-day, under very distressing cir cumstances (a brief account appeared in our paper of yester day). Tie had had a trifling quarrel with his wife, and in his anger inflicted a blow on her mouth; one of his sons in terfered, when the deceased seized a stick to chastise him; unfortunately, however, the young man took up a fowling piece to defend himself, not knowing that it was loaded, ap parently with no other intention than to use it as he might use a bludgeon or any similar means of defence; but the gun went off, and wounded the old man in the groin, an injury which soon terminated in death. The evidence on the in ' quest went to show that the unfortunate youth did not lire at the deceased, and never had any intention of doing so, or any knowledge that the gun was loaded, or any recent quar rel with his father. That such was the opinion of the de ceased himself is evident from the fact that in his will, made after he received the wound, he bequeathed the residue of his property, amounting to about 4,000/., in equal portions to his sons, of whom the unhappy cause of his death was one. The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of " Accidental death." ORMSKIRK.—On the occasion of the assembling of the people of Ormskirk, on Wednesday last, to celebrate the establishment of a Literary and Scientific Institution in the town, the chairman of the assembly (➢lr. Rosson, of Moor house, Ormskirk) said, that it a circle of six or seven miles in diameter were drawn round Ormskirk, it would enclose a space richer and more productive in agriculture than any other part of England. This is a fact not generally known. It seems that the land in the neighbourhood of Ormskirk is let for agricultural purposes, at rents ranging very high, • some cases as high as 3/. per acre. As an agricultural dis trict Ormskirk stands in a first position. The population of the town is now on the increase, having reached 7,000, while a few years ago, before the establishment of the railway, it numbered not more than 5,000 inhabitants. NORTH COUNTRY HERRING FISRING.—We under stand that the herring fishing at the port of Burntisland is progressing favourably at this early season, and some boats have already been very successful. The herring-boat Father and Sons, Mr. Robert Paterson master, left this: port on Tuesday morning, 24th inst., with his crew, for the Burn t island fishing. this is the first boat that ever went from this port to the north country herring fishing, and we wish them every success,—Berwick Warder. MINING INTELLIGENCE. (From the Mining Jcna nal of this day.) Notwithstanding the holidays, a considerably amount of business has been transacted, without, however, any marked rise iu dividend and other sound mines. De c:d:dly more is doing in speculative concerns, there being still a large section of capitalists inclined to operate for immediate profits. What effect the Bank measure of yesterday, intended wholly to check the export of bul lion, will have upon these securities remains to be seen. Its influence may prove salutary. In the Metal Market, Iron wears its improved appear ance. Welsh bars have an upward tendency, and a good business has been done in Scotch pigs at adva ncin g rates. Lead and Tin are very firm; Copper and Spelter without alteration. Silver continues to advance in price, and on Friday the quotation for bar silver was 55. 14d., being an ad vance (f 1., aid dollars at 4s. 11 1. At Paris the price of gold is at par, being 1 . 173 per cent. dearer in that capital than in London. At New York, the present rate of interest for bills at 60 days' sight leaves a sal profit on the importation of gold from the United States. In another page of the journal will to found a gen era l review cf mining transactions for the pact year, to which a e direct the attention of our readers. Its tenor, we are sure, will be highly satisfactory, inasmuch as in the resume! there given the vast progress of mining in public estimation will be at enco perceived. The list of divi dend-paying mines is, in this respect, very instructive, as showing not only the increased value, but the solid nature of such investments, whilst the amount of dividends paid by the various mines must be deemed a no less decisive test of the profit derivable thereform. Aa compared with 1849, there is an increase on the dividends paid during the present year of 27,829/, and compared with 1848, of 84,5461.—the number of mines paying dividends bring four more for this year than for 1849, and 26 more than in 1848. The large amount of dividends paid in 1845 attributable to the discoveries made in Devon Great Consols in that year. The greatly enhanced value of shares in several mines is a striking feature, of which Alfred Consols, Condurrow, East Pool, South Tolgns, South Basset, West Buller, among others, afford ample evi dence. The advance, likewise, apparent in many new shares which have come into the field of mining speculation for the first time this year will not be lost sight of, and of which East Leisure, Trannack, and Bosence, Wheal Venton, and others, are marked instances. The other changes noticed are well worthy of attention, being such as afford gratifying indications not merely of the profits derived from past operations, but of the good prospects which await the prudent capitalist and speculator in mining property. . . The dividends during the present month have been as Per Share. Amount. S. Wheal Basset £lo £•2560 0 0 South Tolgus 24 Lewis i 5OO 0 0 Cwmystwith Wheal Margaret Levant Wheal Tremayne 768 0 0 Wheal Golden General Mining Company for Ireland, 10 per cent., 6501. The dividends paid on 10 mines in October amounted to 9,9931., and in November on 17 mines to 43,608/. The sale of copper ore at Hedruth, on Thursday, amounted to 2,398 toms, producing 10,732/. Is. 6d. Ths East Wheal Rose sold 50 tons of lead ore, at 14/. 2s. 6d. per ton. and 65 tons at 14/. per ton. The Wheal Trelawny sold 100 tons of lead ore, which realised the high price of 9 / 1 - -S, per ton. The Newtonarda Mine sold 60 tons of lead ore, at 114 15s : per ton. Wheal Golden sold 60 tons of silver-lead ore, at 121. Os. 6d. per ton, delivered on the mine. The South Speed Mine sampled 25 tons of copper ore on Monday. At Wheal Russell, last week, 38 tons of copper ore were sampled. The monthly sampling of copper for Alfred Consols was 209 tons, being rather less than that of last month. The report still gives evidence of the value of the mine, one lode being stated at 1201. to 1401., and another from 130/. to 1501. per fathom, being nearly all solid ore. The profitable working of Merllyn Lead Mine, in North Wales, was originally owing to the perseverance of a few poor men, who obtained 13,000/. worth of lead ore in twelve months, the extent of their operations being only 70 yards in length, and 30 yards in depth. It is now held by a company under a lease of twenty one years, and it is calculated there will be a profit on the first month's working. The lode in East Wheal Leisure, in the adit level, is still producing 5 tons of ore per fathom ; the western end about 3 tons per fathom. Some good stones of lead, rich in silver, has been ob tained from Wheal Bawden within the last few days. A favourable report is given of the capabilities of Nap Down Consols Mine, at which operations have lately been recommenced—rich specimens of ore having been raised, of extraordinary size and weight, and apparently justifying the highest anticipations of future success. It is stated that six well-defined lodes have been already discovered, from one of which 1,1001. worth of silver ore has been already returned. At Wheal renhale a stone has been hauled to surface from the winze, of little else than solid ore, weighing 2481b5., principally lead. The operations at Lamerhooe Wheal Maria and seve ral other mines have been, in some degree, impeded, owing to the surface water being greatly increased by the heavy floods. The Cook's Kitchen Mine accounts show—Balance to the end of June, 1,5201. 105. I Id.; July cost and mer chants' bills, 9581. 3s. 7d.; August ditto, 1,0071. 18s. 4d.; September, 815/. 3s. ltd.; October, 1,0531. 4s. 9d.; Lord's dues, 52/. 4J. 10d...5,407/. Cs. 4d.—Sales of tin, 1,5671. 10.5. 4d.; copper ore, 131/. 125. 6d.; arrears of calls, 42/. 105.=1,7411. Its. 10d.—leaving book in debt, 3,665/. 13s. 6d., which, at a meeting held at the mine, on the 18th inst., was divided rateably over the shares and collected. The 47 cross-cut, south of now south lode, is to be cleared, with a view to ascertain what lodes or branches may have been intersected in driving such cross-cut. The Trehane accounts show-Balance in hand last account, 551. 9s. 4d.; ore sold in Oct., 1,1771. 12s. 6d.; Nov., 235/. 9s. 3d.....-1,468/. 11s. ld.-Mine cost, July and August, including sundries, 1,308/. 1 ls. ld.-leaving balance in hand, 1591. 16s. 6d. Tho report states the lode in the 88 fathom level south to be worth 31. per fm.; in the 78 north, worth 9/.; the stopes in back of this level, worth 71.; in the 68, 81.; in the 55, 91. The parcel of ore sold, 55 tons, at 231. 3i. 6d. per ton. Tregordan accounts show a balance against the com pany of 2481. 9s. 4d.-liabilities, including Nov. cost, 586/. 9s. 2d. A call of 2/. per share was made. The report states, from present prospects it is hoped the re turns will be increased in future. The Wheal Golden accounts showed a balance in fa vour of adventurers of 1,244/. 7s. sd. The sale of ores, since October, amounted to 1,343/. 1 le. A dividend of 53. per share (1,0001.) was declared-the chairman ex pressing his opinion that a dividend might be anticipated at their succeeding hi-monthly meetings. There are 40 tons of ore yet unsold; and the agent's report stated that " the mine never looked so well as at present." At the Wheal Crebor meeting, the report of the ma naging committee stated that a satisfactory arrangement had been made for a mineral lease of the Earl of Devon's land for twenty-one years, at 1.15 th dues, and a premium of 50/.: a letter of license for searching for minerals in Mr. Rice's land had also been obtained. Some delay had been consequent on these negotiations, but in future the works would proceed without interruption. The ore sold in November, which was taken from the ground left open by the former adventurers, produced 3/. 9s. per ton, but the ore raised by the present company is ex pected to be of richer quality. Reports from the resident agent and monthly inspector were read, from which it appeared that an improvement had taken place at the western part of the mines, for the development of which operations are actively in progress. Captain James Richards is of opinion that the ground now laid open will, in a very short time, yield about 25 tons of ore every two months. The cost for the last two months was 3351. 14s. 2d.; total expenditure, to 21st inst., 1,588/. 2s. 63.; total receipts, 1,728/. 2s. 2d.-leaving balance in favour of company, 139/. 19a. Bd. The balance of assets over liabilities amounted to 48/. 4s. 83. Fur the carrying on further operations at the mine, a call of 10s. per share was made. The Bosence Mine accounts for four months, ending S"ptember, show—Materials. 1,3601.; merchants' bills. 3451. 19r. I Id.; wages, 379/ 12s. 10d. = 2,585/. 12s. 9d. By calls, 1,200/.; materials, 301.; leaving balance against adventurers, 1,355/. 12s. 9d. A call of 10/. per share was made to meet the loss, leaving a balance of 155/. 12s. 9d. against the adventurers, to be carried to next account. At the Penzsnoe Consols meeting, a report on the mine was read, stating that a great improvement was observable in each lode—the 24 fin. level on the north lode; being worth 12/. per fm. From 551. to 60/. worth of tin is stated to have been raised from it during the past month. Three months, it is estimated, will suffice for laying open the tin ground; after which a profit may be expected by the adventurers. At the Wheal Arthur meeting, it was resolved, on ac count of the satisfactory prospect of the mine, that a de posit of 11. per share only should be taken on the shares not yet disposed of—those shareholders who had paid more having an additional number, equal to an equiva lent amount. It is fully expected that the remaining shares will be quickly taken up. Among the shares which have changed hands during the week are—Devon Great Consols, East Wheal Lei sure, Tremayne, Bedford United, West Alfred, West Providence, Merllyn, Trelawny, Venton, East Tolgus, Kirkcudbright, Trebarvab, Wheal Arthur, East Wheal Reeth, Praed Consols, West Nant-y-Mwyn, Mill Pool, North Tolgus, Cefa Bruno, Condurrow, Bodosin Moor Consols, Cook's Kitchen, East W heal Frances, Gustavus, liolmbush, Lansherooe, North Buller, Bendarves Con sols, St. Aubyn and (irylls South plain Wood, Trap deck and Bosence, Treviskey, West Caradon, Wiest Frances, Mining Wheal Mary heal Mary Ann, Wheal Vent on , Com pany of Ireland, Stray Park, East Tywarnbayle , La narth, South Wheal Frances, and W he a l Prudence. W IntrFaonrseaiegtnionMeinhaesvi,nthgertse taken n s b p e l e a n ce b . ut u li n tt i l td little alteration, few are now quoted 5 i t o s i , and, Copiapo and Santiago at a slight advance on last weeks prices. FORGED BANK NOTES.—A forgery has been com mitted upon the 51. notes of the Nottingham and Notting. hamshire Banking Company. Some of these notes were offered at Derby last night, and two parties are there is custody. All persons should be careful not to take these notes of strangers. The note appears to have been litho graphed, therefore the writing appears to be good, but the paper is very inferior, and persons in the habit of taking notes may easily detect the forgery. At present no notes have been seen which have been issued at the branch banks. The forged note bears the signatures of T. H. Smith and W. 11. Wilcockson, issued at the head office,--Notts Guardian.