The Sun.
London, England, 1863-07-25 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

The TVanderer in Western France. By George T.
Loath, Eeq., Author of " The Wanderer in
Arabia." Illustrated by the Hon. Eliot Yorke,

M.P. One vol., pp. 360. Hurst and Blackett.

Mr. Lowth is of opinion that in order fully to
appreciate the peculiar characteristics of a foreign
country, you should approach it from the sea, and sud-
denly find yoarself in an unknown scene. Whereas
in arriving from a land journey, you " approach
your novelties by degrees," after a broken fashion.
" This," he says," is a wrong to your object—and to
your nature, which enjoys surprises?' In pursuance
of which opinion, Mr. Lowth, in visiting Brittany,
proceeds from Jersey direct to St. Malo, and is
delighted to find himself, almost, as it were, at a
leap, in Old France. Nantes, Rennes, Chatillon,
La Vendee, the Boc !g e, and other places of in.
terest in those romantic and picturesque localities,
are visited and described in turn. The style
of the narrative is easy and gossiping,
but we are sorry to notice a disposi-
tion to censure or to ridicule whatever may
be uncongenial to the traveller's views, or perhaps
unfamiliar to his comprehension. Without doing
at Rome as the Romans do, it is most courteous
as well as most charitable to give to strangers and
to strange customs the benefit of the doubt, and not
be ready to condemn or laugh before we inquire or '
understand. With these reservations the traveller's
reminiscences are sufficiently amusing. Here is a
lively specimen—

On reaching the entrance gate again, I was invited to
write my name, and any remark, in the visitors' book.
Looking through this I found two or three amusing things.
One Frenchman had written these words, " J'ai admire la
nature—J'ai reconnue partout "artiste." Signed—" Ad.
Cremieux." M. Cr6mieux was one of the Ministers under
the Republic of 1848. Under the above words were written
these twe lines—

" Plut au ciel que pour to figure
L'artiste eut aide la nature."

Monsieur Cremieux was not handsome,
Then, again, were these two lines in another hand—
" Adieu, bosquets charmans—adieu, sombre castel,
Ott I'on vita l'abri du Constitutiunnel."

Signed—" Veron."
The porter said M. Peron, the well-known editor of the
Constitutionnel, had one day walked over La Garenne, and
on going away had merely written his name in the visitors'
book, without adding any remarks. On a subsequent day
Alfred de Musset paid a visit to La Garenne, and in look-
ing over this book came to this signature, •` Vtron." There
being a blank space above the name, he took the pen and
wrote the two lines quoted, immediately above it. Pleasant
and laughing Allred do Musset I

Two beautifully coloured lithographs, from draw-
ings by the Hon. Eliot Yorke, adorn the volume,
and a map of Brittany, Normandy, and La Vendee,
showing the author's route from St. Malo to La
Rochelle, in one direction, and to L'Orient in
another, adds to the interest of the narrative.

Odd Fellows' Quarterly Magazine.
A more than► usually varied and excellent num-
ber (27) of this clever little quarterly has just made
its appearance. Seeing how very readable it is
throughout, and that its editor, Mr. Charles
Hardwick, has gathered about him a most
able corps of contributors—one wonders more
than ever how for one shilling subscription per
annum, so much entertaining and instructive
literature can be put within reach of the Odd
Fellows, They must be Odd Fellows, indeed, and
unworthy of the name, who fail to support it—seeing
that they can, by supporting it, obtain (quarterly)
5° much that is really worth having, and
looking into, and binding up, when read,
into an annual volume, for preservation upon
their bookshelves, for what Montague Tigg might
well refer to as the ridiculously small amount
of--Fourpence ! Among the more remarkable
contributions to the July number of the Odd-
Fellows Quarterly Magazine are some noble,
thoughtful stanzas by the People's Poetess, Eliza
Cook—original verses, headed " The Infinite."
Numerous other papers of merit lend their interest
to the number, as, for example, the articles respec-
tively entitled " Self Help" and " Success."
SHAKSPEARE CELEBRATION.

(From the al themeum.)
Our readers will be glad to hear that every diffi-
culty which appeared to lie in the way of a common
understanding and a common action, on the part ol
those who are interested in an appropriate celebra-
tion of Shakspeare's birthday, in April of next year,
has been removed. The gentlemen of the Urban
Club, who were so honourably busy in the field, the
members of the Dramatic Authors' Society, with
those who had become associated in their labours
under the common title of the Ter-centenary
Shakspeare Monument Committee, have shed their
separate existence, and united themselves to the
National Shakspeare Committee, bringing to
that corporation a large increase of numbers
and of strength. Of the committee which
was said to have had its origin in the
Garrick Club, and to be acting in behalf of the Dra-
matic College, we hear very little now said. The
members of that committee have not been called to-
gether; many of its members are serving on the
National Shakespeare Committee; and we may
safely affirm that it contemplates no kind of rivalry
—much less opposition—to the National Committee.
So far the ground seems to have been made clear.
There is consequently now but one body charged
before the public with the duty of carrying into
visible effect the popular desire that due honour
should be done to literature by a monument to
Shakespeare. That body desires to associate the
whole public in its work ; it appeals to the represen-
tative men of all classes for countenance and help.
If there be any one name in our past annals
under which all men may associate with honour
and consistency, it is surely that of Shakspeare.
The poet is a typical sovereign.— the representative
of all, and one whom all may in some degree repre-
sent. And this is a fact on which the committee
may fairly count—a bond and sign of brotherhood,
in the name of which the most widely separated
classes may be asked to work together. The Na-
tional Shakspeare Committee includes already
within its ranks the bishop and the dramatic
author, the Cabinet Minister and the newspaper
editor, the viceroy and the provincial mayor, the
great peer and the working barrister, the dissenting
minister and the thoughtful poet. If any class or
order of men is still unrepresented on the commit
tee, the secretaries should be instantly informed ol
the fact. The committee are anxious to invite all
those who are willing to give them help.
So far as the organisation has been completed up
to this time, the following facts may be stated. By
the great liberality of a member of the committee,
the use of permanent apartments has been secured
at 120, Pall-mall, which in future may be con-
sidered as the headquarters of the committee. All
public communications should, in future, be sent to
that address. A clerk will be in attendance from
ten to four, of whom the printed papers of the com-
mittee and all necessary information may be ob-
tained by those who seek them. Messrs. Counts
and Co. have been appointed bankers to the com-
mittee. An account has been opened at the bank,
and a book of subscriptions laid on the counter.
To that firm moneys and cheques may now be paid
to account of the National Shakspeare Committee.

ASCENT OF THE FIUSTERAARHORN,—A letter
from Switzerland of the 20th inst. says that Pro-
fessor Studer and three companions, accompanied by a num-
ber of guides, has recently again ascended this mountain.
The same letter also states that two priests from Pontresina
had made the first ascent of the Piz Zupo, the second
highest peak of the Bernina group in the canton of Grisons.
THE BEST BOON TO DRESSMAKERS.—Every lady
who causes a young dressmaker to be duly instructed
in the use of the sewing machine at once gives her testi-
mony in aid of that remedy, and qualifies a workwoman to
command somesort of terms, if not instantly, as soon as theuse
of the implement becomes indispensable. In the first-rate
establishments of our largestprovincial towns,young women
take higher ground than in London, because they are not
so many as to leave all the power in the employers' hands.
They can guard against the long hours which are so fearful
an evil : and, in fact, will not go to work before nine, nor
stay after eight,—except on occasions of mournmg,or some-
thing unusual ; and they require from one to two hours
for dinner when, as they often prefer, they go home for
dinner, as well as to sleep. A well-qualified dressmaker
by machinery,—turning out four limes as much work per
hour as she could as a mere needlewoman,—might, doubt-
less, make her own bagain in much the same way in Lon-
don. lam sure I hope some will be enabled to try,—Once
a Week,

(744,
tiflnt
VarMbr

HER MAJESTY.

OSBORNE, July 24.
The Queen drove out yesterday morning.
Her Grand Ducal Highness Princess Lciningen
gave birth to a princess at a quarter-past 3 o'clock
this morning at Osborne, and, with the infant, is
doing perfectly well.
Her Majesty was with her niece at the time and
daring the greater part of the night.

The Visit of the Prince and Princess of

Wales to Halifax.

The arrangements for this visit are now completed,
and were agreed upon at a meeting of the Halifax
Town. Council, held onThursday evening last. Their
royal highnesses and suite will arrive at the Hali-
fax station about 3 o'clock on Monday, August 3.
The Mayor, Mr. Crossley, attended by the alder-
men and councillors, will meet the royal party at
the station, from which, under an escort of cavalry,
their royal highnesses will proceed at once to the
mayor's residence, Manor Heath, where they will
pass the night. At 11 o'clock the next day (Tues-
day) their royal highnesses will leave Manor Heath
for the purpose of opening the new Town Hall.
The procession will take the route marked out, and,
on reaching the gates of the People's Park (the gift
to the town of Sir F. Crossley, Bart., M.P.), the
ropal party will alight from their carriages and
walk through the grounds. All Souls' Church,
which is on the line of route, and which was built
by Mr. E. Akroyd, from designs by Mr. George
Gilbert Scott, will also be honoured by a visit from
their royal highnesses. Among those expected to
take part in the procession are the borough officials,
the deputy lieutenants, the Bishop of Ripon, Lieut.
General Sir George Wetherell, Sir Charles Wood,
Sir S. W. Ramsden, M.P., Sir F. Crossley,
M.P., Mr. Stansfield, M.P., the magistracy, &c.
In the Piece Hall, through which the Prince and
Princess will pass, will be gathered 16,000 scholars,
a band 300 strong, and 10,000 spectators. Here
the scholars and band will perform " God bless the
Prince of -Wales," the National Anthem, and the
" Hallelujah chorus." The ceremony in the Town
Hall will consist of the singing and playing of the
English and Danish National Anthems. Prayers
will also be offered, and addresses will be presented
to their royal highnesses. The Prince will then
declare the hall opened. Their royal highnesses
will afterwards partake of luncheon in the council
chamber, at the close of which they will leave the
town for Studley Park, the seat of Earl de Grey
and Ripon, on their way north. Great prepara-
tions are being made at Halifax in honour of the
royal visit.

THE HEALTH OF THE KING OF THE BEL..
GIANS—A few days since the Duke of Brabant,
while addressing a musical society—of which his royal
highness is president—at Namur, announced that his
august father was then enjoying perfectly good health.
The Duchess of Buccleuch, accompanied by the
Ladies Scott, have arrived at the Hotel Bristol, from Lon-
don, on their way to Carlsbad.

The Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Lady
Caroline Gordon Lennox have left town for Goodwood,
where they will receive a large party during the race week.
The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland,
owing to the improved health of the duke, intend to pro-
long their stay at Sion House, Isleworth, and will shortly
entertain a succession of their intimate friends at that beau
tiiul suburban residence,

The Duchess (Dowager) of Sutherland leaves
Chiswick to-day, for her residence, Cliefden, near Maiden-
head, and towards the end of next week will depart for
the Continent.

His Excellency the Marquis d'Azeglio enter-
tained a select party at dinner on Wednesday evening, at
the residence of the Italian Legation.
The :Earl and Countess Amherst and Lady Con-
stance Amherst and family have left town for Montreal
Park, near Sevenoaks, Kent.

The Earl of Dudley returns to town early in the
ensuing week from Scotland.

The Countess Cowper is entertaining at Wrest
Park this week the Marquis of Abercorn and Lady Georgiana
Hamilton, the Earl of Shrewsbury and the Ladies Talbot,
Viscountess Jocelyn and the Hon. Misses Jocelyn, Lady
Victoria Ashley, Viscount and Viscountess Sydney, the
Hon. Captain Edgcumbe, &c.
The Countess of Haddington and the Hoe.
Henry Hamilton have arrived at Wallace's Hotel, St.
George's-place, Hyde-park-corner, from Carlsbad.
The Count de Montecupo, attended by Mr.
Gabriele Ussani and Mr. Stefano Chirico, has arrived at
the Clarendon Hotel from Brussels,
The Count and Countess de Gabriac have arrived
at Wallace's Hotel, St. George's. place, Hyde-park-corner,
from Paris.

Viscount and Viscountess Stratford de Redcliffe
received a select party at dinner on Thursday evening, at
their residence in Grosvenor square.
Lord and Lady Camoys and the Hon. Miss
Stonor will return to town for the marriage of Lord Alex-
ander Gordon-Lennox and Miss Townley, daughter of
Colonel and Lady Caroline Townley.
The Baron and Baroness Rottermond and family
have taken their departure from the Brunswick, Jermyn-
street for the Continent,

Sir John and Lady Bowring have passed through
Paris, from Luchon, on their way to London.
THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON is living now in great
seclusion at Vichy. At eight o'clock in the morn-
ing he takes a bath and douche, and then walks in the
park, returning to breakfast. After that, he reads his dis-
patches and attends to business until three in the afternoon,
then takes another walk, drinks the waters at the Source
de l'HOpital, or at the Source des Mesdames, and returns to
dine at five. His Majesty's evenings are generally passed
in reading or writing, but he occasionally visits the Theatre
de la Rotonde.

THE EMPRESS EUGENIE AND THE DUKE OF
HAMILTON'S LATE MELANCHOLY DEATH.—If an-
other proof were wanting to the many instances already in
everyone's memory, of the kindness of heart and genial
sympathy testified by the amiable Empress Eugenie to-
wards every form of suffering, we should have it, says the
Queen, in the present occasion, when her Majesty, from the
first announcement of the accident which terminated so
fatally, not only evinced the deepest feeling, but herself re •
pairing near the lonely sufferer, directed in the most judi-
cious manner the various means employed for his recovery;
and did all which the tenderest sister or mother could have
suggested for his relief. When all these had proved ineffec-
tual, and death had closed the long protracted agony of
three days' duration, during which the duke never recovered
consciousness, her Majesty s solicitude turned to the be-
reaved widow and her young daughter, who accompanied
her back to St. Cloud, where they have remained ever
since.

SKAIFE'S ENAMELLED PISTOLGRAM is a very
curious and beautiful production, the portrait
having all the appearance of being embedded in a precious
stone. Before the picture is enclosed in glass it is first
touched with water-colour, which colour is fixed on the
photograph by the crystallizing cement. Instead of the
ordinary purple a piece of crystal glass, or rock crystal, is
cemented on the surface, then both sides are ground and
polished equally as a bi-convex lens. The crystal is then
dropped into a capsule of pure virgin gold, filled with some
enamelling composition heated to a high temperature. In a
few minutes the crystal assumes permanently the colour
and brilliancy of a fine ruby. The ruby is not, however,
the or ly gem which the inventor has succeeded in imitating'
in these enamelled likenesses. Specimens have also been
produced of sapphire, carbuncle, emerald, and the oriental
sapphire, the last-named, unlike the others, being pro*
duced in a capsule of silver.

WASTE OF HUMAN LIFE IN WAR.—From the
statistics collected by the sanitary commission, it
appears that in spite of the high average health of our men
as compared with that of European armies, to keep a force
of 500,000 men up to its full strength in the field, it must
receive a reinforcement of 123,000 men every year. In
other words, without any ordinary reverses or disasters,
without cholera, or crushing defeats, half a million of the
healthiest troops in the world, engaged in active operations,
will, if not recruited, in two years dwindle down to half
that number, and in four years will totally disappear from
the field.—Kew York Times.

WARLIKE PREPARATIONS OF DENMARK.—Den-
mark appears to be preparing energetically for the
war with which Germany threatens her on the question of
the duchies. Royal decrees are renewing the arrangements
with regard to military quarterings, " because circum-
stances: might render the application of them necessary ;
and the Minister of Marine invites the captains of merchant
vessels to enter the naval service of the state as lieutenants.

ANGULAR ASSAULT BY A RAM—On Sunday last,
while a young woman named Margaret Johnston, residing
rat Toxside Hill, was proceeding to church, she was at-
tacked on the road by a ram, and so seriously injured that
she had to be carried home. On exhmination it was dis-
covered that her right leg was broken, and her left leg se-
riously dislooated,—Edinburgh Courant.

I

P