The Sun.
London, England, 1847-06-16 00:00:00

ASTLEY'S AMPHITHEATRE.

The once most favourite tragedy, Pizarro, has long
lain among the almost totally neglected portions of our
dramatic literature ; but Mr. Batty, of " Astley's," has
brought it once again into public notice by making it
the foundation of "a splendid Peruvian spectacle," in
which the object, it is stated, has been "to realise the
beauties of the author " by the varied resources of this
well-managed establishment. The idea was excellent,
as the incidents introduce admirable opportunities for
processions, combats, grand pageants, and all the efft.c-
tive displays that are sure to gratify the spectators at
this theatre, and are equally sure to be excellently and
efficiently arranged. So fur as the different require-
ments of the plot would allow on the present occasion,
the original English text of Sheridan was followed ;
and in the more striking passages (especially the
well known address of Rolla), Mr. William West
(who has been expressly engaged for this
drama) was spirited and energetic. The spec-
tacle has been produced in the most liberal and
lavish style. The scenery is very good; and the cos-
tumes, properties, and appointments equally deserving
of eulogy. The result was complete success: and we
trust that a portion at least of the immense popularity
that attended the original tragedy will be awarded to
this spectacle, so cleverly founded thereon. Several
novelties also were introduced iu the " Olympic Circus,"
commencing with the surprising performances of "Ls
petite Davison," who is described as " the youngest
equestrian in the world;" but who, however, in the
novel and extraordinary teats on a single horse, showed
that, young as she may be, she has lived long enough
to be as much at her ease on the back of a horse at full

gallop as other people are on terra firma. The per-
formances concluded with a capital magical spectacle,
entitled The Charmed Horse; or, the Black Valley, in
which the amusing plot and the scenic and magical in-
cidents most intet estingly and effectively closed an even-
ing's entertainments, long enough, varied enough, and
good enough, to satisfy even those who are usually the
hardest to please.

CALEDONIAN BALL.—We have authority to state
that the Grand Duke Constantine has signified his intention
of honouring this assembly with his presence the Duke
and Duchess of Saxe Weimar, and Prince Lowenstein, ac-
companied by their suite, will also be present.
ASIIBURTON.—On Saturday and Sunday, in this
part of Devon, we had fine showers of rain fall, and on Mon-
day it cleared off, with a bright sunny sky. The wheat and
barley fields present a most exhilarating appearance. The
potato crops around this town and neighbourhood never
looked more promising, and the swarthy appearance of the
stalks indicate not the smallest sign of disease. A much
larger breadth of land has been sown with potatoes during
the last spring than in the two former years, and great at-
tention is being paid to the potatoes. We trust the crops
will repay those persons who use their utmost energies in
endeavouring to procure this useful vegetable, as in former
years, before the disease presented itself.
EXCHEQUER-DILLS.---On Monday notice was issued
at the Exchequer-bill Office, Whitehall, that Exchequer-
bills bearing an interest of 3d. per centum per diem would
be issued this day, the 15th inst., in whole or part payment
of the principal and interest of the bills issued under the 9th
Vic., c. 15, per 18,380,2001., dated June, 1846, and that the
Exchequer-bills now outstanding, issued under the Bth Vic.,
c. 23, per 9,379,001., in 1845, and Bth Vic., c. 129, per
9,024,9001., in 1845, and dated March, 1847, will bear an in-
terest of 3d. per centum per diem on and after the 16th inst.
THE HENLEY GRAND REGATTA. This grand
affair takes place on the 17th and 18th of June; and from
the following entrances, which have been made, most in-
teresting and spirited competition is anticipated :—For the
Grand Challenge Cup—London—The Thames Club (the
Holders). Cambridge—University Boat Club. Oxford—
University Boat Club. For the Challenge Plate—Cam-
bridge—The First Trinity (the Holders). London—The,
Thames Club. Oxford—The Childe of Dale (B. N. Coll.)
llenglleegeCculp—ub.OxFtoorrdt—heChsrillsvt:ier
C—lNl.ll)l:leorrcrrhietCsh—leutb
F:a
rtned"p:NirVrdo' caerCss t)he—ra E
P. Wolstenholme and S.
Vincent, Trinity College, Cambridge; Pollock and Fellows,
Cambridge Subscription Rooms, Leander Club, London;
H. S. Polehampton and J. Polehampton, Pembroke College,
Oxford; W. S. Falls and W. Coulthard, St. George's Club,
London. For the Diamond Sculls—W. Maule, Trinity Col-
lege, Cambridge ; E. G. Moon, Magdalen College, Oxford ;
S. D. Dobson, Gateshead-upon-Tyne; J. R. Lambert (J. R.
L. W.), London; S. Wallace, Amateur Scullers, Club,
London. For the Town Challenge Cup—Henley, the
Dreadnought Cutter Club. For the Silver Wherry (for
Scullers)—H. Sergeant, Henley; J. Stevens, Shiplake; H.
Farley, Henley ;A. lye, Henley ; D. Lasham, Henley. For
the New Four-oared Challenge Cup the entrances are open
till the 16th.

DEATH OF SIR RICHARD PLASKET, K.C.M.G.—
This gentleman, whose name has for many years been fa-
miliar in the history of our colonial empire, died on the 11th
instant, at Hampson House, Torquay, Devon, aged 65. In
early life he formed one of the staff at the Colonial-office,
and subsequently held appointments in Malta, Ceylon, and,
at the Cape of Good Hope; his career in such respect ex-
tending over a period of nearly thirty years. He usually
acted as public and private secretary to ths home Govern-
ment, and generally gave much satisfaction to all parties.
In consideration of his valuable services he received the order
of St. Michael and St. George on its first institution.
DR. CHALMERS'S BRAIN.— l'he cause of Dr. Chal-
mers's death was generally understood to be apoplexy, but
the autopsy has shown it to have been disease of the heart,
that organ having to a considerable extent been converted
into fatty matter, and so becoming incapable of muscular
action. The other parts of the body were decidedly healthy,
Phrenology is rather at fault respecting Dr. Chalmers. From
oos theste s:erinna encephalon p ahi
na largeloDnuhpaubs:taridisabused
brain
the largeness of his bead externally, and the peculiarity of
his mental temperament, the leading craniologists have long
spoken but
w a
dsetoa.f.hei
Trmtielanuass
,oinspection
itgyhotpf
theo hisp,
64 oz. ; in Cuvier, 63, in Abercrombie, 63, in Chalmers 53
the average weight in persons from 50 to 60 '
years of age
being 50 oz. 2 dr. O'Connell was also spoken of
ing a brain of extraordinary dimensions, and it as
possess.
would be in-
teresting to know if dissection threw any light upon this.
The removal of his heart necessarily involved the use of the
scalpel, and doubtless it would have been used in the cranial
as well as in the thoracic regions.
THE WATERLOO BANQUET —The cards of invita-
tion for this annual entertainme it at the Duke of welling-
ton's were issued at the close of last week. Above 90 offi-
cers, who were present at that glorious engagement, have bees
invited by the Noble and Gallant Duke.
DISPATCHES FOR n-
PORTUGAL.—Fore.g
dis-
patches for Sir G. H British
H. Seymour, the ; office
Ambas Ambassador at
Lisbon, and with Admiralty dispatches for `ice Admiral Sir
W. Parker, the Commander-in-Chief in the Tagus, were sent
from London on Sunday night, by the mail train of the Lon-
don and Southampton (.To
ailway. On their arrival at the Royal
Clarence Victualling-yard,
~ sport, a boat in waiting tools
them te Spithead,
and put them on board the Polyphemus
steam-sloop, P
Commander M'Cleverty, which vessel bad bee
strain up ready to start, and on receiving them slipped her
moorings, and departed immediately for the Tagus. The dis-
patches from Lisbon and Oporto are hourly expected to ar-
rive in the Bulldog steam-sloop.
The Marquis of Anglesey intends to give a grand
banquet to his Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Constan-
tine of Russia, on Thursday next, at Uxbridge House. The
Noble and Gallant Marquis has invited a distinguished circle
to meet the illustrious Grand Duke.
The prospects of the forthcoming harvest in the
vicinity of Brussels are magnificent. The most satisfactory
acoounts continue to be received from all parts of France.

THEATRE ROYAL, !DELPHI.
Under the direction of Madame Celeste.
THIS EVENING

Will be performed the original Drama, called THE FLOWERS
(I' THE FOREST ; a Gipsy Story. Cheap John, Mr. Wright ;
ishmael, Mr. 0. Smith ; the Kinchin, Mr. P. Bedford; Leybourne,
Mr. Worrell ; Cynthia, Madame Celeste ; Lemuel, Miss Woolgar;
,tarlight Bess, Mrs. Fitzwilliam ; Lady Agnes, Miss Harding.
After which an entirely new Petite Comedy, entitled
FLYING COLOURS; or, Crossing the Frontier. Captain Sans-
?ougi, Mr. Webster ; Margaret, Miss Woolgar ; Helen de Montereau,
Madame Celeste ; Justine, Miss Ellen Chaplin.
To be followed by the Opera B•sffa Sketch, called JENNY LIND.
Principal characters by Messrs. Wright, Paul Redford, Lambert,
Cullenford, and Miss Woolgar.

FRENCH PLAYS.—ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
Lessee. Mr. John Mitchell.
THIS EVENING
Sec end appearance of Monsieur Bouffe,
Will be presented a new vaudeville, entitled LES FLEUR'',
A NIMERS. ;haracters by MM. Pascal, Tourrillon, PriStoll, 3ldlles.
Duverger, Vallee, Leyder, &c.
After which the comedic of LE PERE TURLUTUTU. Rigaud,
BoutTe, Rose, Ildame Grassau ; Adele, Mdlle. Vallee.
To conclude with LE G 8.311 N DE PARIS. ",Joseph, M. Bouffe ;
.Amede, M. Rtiozevii; Eliza, Mdlle. Vallee.
loses, 6s. ; Pit, 3s. 6d. ; Amphitheatre, 3,. ; Gallery, 29.
Ttl.xe; and Stalls may be engaged at Mr. Mitchell's Royal Library,
?g, Bend-street; and at the Box-office of the Theatre, which is open
;
laity front Eleven till Five.