The Sun.
London, England, 1859-02-01 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SlR,—The mild weather from the 18th to the 30th Janu-
ary, 1859, being so immediately opposite to my own
predictions, together with those of other meteorologists,
can, in my opinion, only be attributed to some extraordinary
phenomena with which we are at present unacquainted,
and gives reason to suppose another Comet is approaching
our hemisphere.
The inclement testimony from which I judged " severe
weather" during the last ten days of January have all
been neutralised and of no avail, although more numerous
and equally powerful than those of January 1795 and 1814.
I could offer no other predictions were I to predict over
again, and I consider temperature to constitute the prin-
cipal point of weather predictions.
I never waive the question, therefore shall abstain from
offering any prediction upon the month of February.
In my predictions, Nvritten in August, for September,
1857, it was then stated the intense heat experienced so
long in summer of that year was, in my belief, attributable
to the approach of a comet, and the result confirmed that
conclusion.

MR. G. T. '. SMITH'S 'WEATHER PREDICTIONS FOR
SEPTEMBER, 1857.
3rd to the Bth, high temperature and fine, much heat in
this interim, probably thunder; 9th to 13th or 17th, high
temperature, and the average fine ; near 13th and 18th
showery, 18th to 21st or 25th stormy, with declining tem-
perature, bright days intervening; near 26th to 30th rainy
weather and squally, with declining temperature.
It will be remembered my statement written in July was,
that August, 1857 would prove one of the finest harvest
months on record. The result only confirms that judgment.
The intense heat also predicted from the 3d to the Bth,
generated electric excitement, which is generally the con-
sequence, and that gave much increase to the rainy testi-
monies predicted to occur near the 9th of the month ; this
and the fine weather" completes the monthly remarks.
I am still inclined to believe the intense heat experienced
so long, may be attributable to the approximation of a comet.
There is also a conjunction of the superior orbs Jupiter and
llerschell, which is one cause of the dry weather so con-
tinuous : they are near a separation at this period, but
again approach their conjunction during spring of 1858,
when a drought may be expected to prevail. Conceiving
these hints of some utility, they are respectfully submitted
to the public. G. T. F. SMITH.
6, Northfield-terrace, Cheltenham, August, 1857.
P.S.—ln reference to the sth I would premise this kind
oT heat sometimes produces electric dashing showers.
December, 1858, and January, 1859, tend to support
this second opinion of a comet's approximation.
I have given these few remarks in reference to , that
subject, which years of studious application, in addition to
the last six months' correctness, appears to warrant or
require.—l remain, sir, your obed. servt.,

G. T. F. SMITH

Cheltenham, Jan. 31, 1859.

ST. JAMES'S THEATRE. - OPERA
COMIQ UE.

The benefit of Madame Faure, the accomplished prima
donna of the Opera Comique, took place last evening,
and was attended by a full and fashionable audience.
Herold's pretty and favourite opera, "Le Pre aux Clercs,"
was performed, the fair bdn dficiaire sustaining the character
of Isabelle in a manner to leave nothing to be desired, even
by the most fastidious. Her singing throughout
was exquisite, and was remarkable, not only for
the brilliancy and the facility of her execution,
but for the graces and purity of her style. The
beautiful and simple romance, " Souvenirs du jeune age,"
Madame Faure gave with a charming simplicity and feel-
ing, which called forth the warmest and, certainly, well-
merited marks of approbation. In the air " 0 jours d'in-
nocence," Madame Faure was equally successful. It was
delightfully sang, and unanimously and enthusiastically
applauded. Of the acting of Madame Faure we must speak
also in the highest terms of commendation. It was exceed-
ingly clever throughout, and evinced very considerable his-
trionic powers.

At the termination of the opera, the fair be'neficiaire was
twice called forward, and was received with loud and re-
peated demonstrations of applause, from a full, and, at this
theatre at all times, a discriminating audience. It must be
acknowledged she was well supported by Madlle. Celine
Mathieu, M. Berger, M. Emon, M. Montreuil, and M.
Orgeval. Madlle. Celine Mathieu, as Nicette, made a very
pretty and interesting fiancee. She played with great
naiveté, and sang the ronde " A la fleur du bel age," and
other moreeaux admirably. But we really wish this young
lady could be prevailed upon not to sing too flat, as she in-
variably does. It sadly mars the effect in the concerted
pieces. Mons. Berger gave the air, " Oh, ma tendre =le I"
very pleasingly. After the opera there was a concert, in
which variations on the 6' Carnaval de Venise" w exqui-
sitely sang by Madame Faure, who poured forth a perfect
shower of melodious ornament from her lips, and richly
deserved the applause which the audience so liberally be-
stowed. We must, offer our best congratulations to this
accomplished lady on her having established herself so
great a favourite. To M. Remusat the greatest praise is duo
for his indefatigable exertions as entrepreneur and conduc-
tor, by which he has succeeded in bringing his orchestra to
a state of excellence rarely to be met with. We wish him
every success in his undertaking.

THE NAVY ESTIMATES.—We have already stated
that there would be a considerable increase in te navy
estimates for the year 1859-60, and we have now to state
that, although it had been generally believed there would
be no increase in the number of seamen voted for, we have
good foundation for stating that there will be an increase of
3,000 Lou.