The Sun.
London, England, 1826-01-16 00:00:00

THE SERPENTINE DIVER.

Ilyde;park presented yesterday a singular scene
at 3 p.m. The moving bodies, on foot, by the six foot-paths
namely, the Cumberland, Grosvenor, Stanhope, Piccadilly,
and Kensington gates—and the avenue through the horse-bar-
racks at Knightsbridge; the north carriage-road presented a
line of equipages, two deep, as far as the eye could reach.—
But if these objects astonished, what must have been the exec
produced by 100,000 persons, at the very least computation,
upon the ice—the busy hum of such an assembled multitude
reached the ear before the sight was gratified. The whole south-
ern bank resembled a fair; booths, at equi-distances, stretch-
ing along the whole length of the river, occupied by the water-
men from the Thames with skate for hire: as to the vend-
ers of " gin and gingerbread," they were scattered all
over the icy surface. Hundreds of elegantly dressed and fa-
shionable females fearlessly promenaded up and down the
centre, under the protection of their attendant beaux, whilst
kdiss of an inferior class boldly engaged in the affilta which
intersected every space, and whilst the men were tumbling
around, they maintained their erect position, thus preserving
the prerogative of the sex. \Ve saw but few, very few, good
performers, and among them was our St. Peteraburgh friend,
Mr. Atkinson—he was decidedly the best skater seen that day.
The amazing facility of execution in every figure evinced by
that Gentleman excited both delight and surprise. A set of
quadrilles were attempted, but the frequent interruptions by
the ignorant, breaking in upon their circles, produced much
confusion and many falls. Altogether there might be half a
dozen men of great science, but beyond that the display was
miserable indeed. In the carriage circle the list was great.—
The day was of a very sombre cast; every object in nature re.
minded us of a winter in Siberia ; it was intensely cold till
half-halt three, and then a dense fog cleared offend showed a
brilliant sun. The Ladies were covered with sables en com-
pletely, that their bright eyes were the only object*, and they
were killing indeed ! The only new object in the carriage
costume, is Madame Deleroix's bonnet, an article quite new
in device, and rich in execution.
ST. JAMES'S PA nx.—The Canal was, if possible, still more
covered than the Serpentine River; so thickly were the pc:pue
lace assembled on the ice, that the skaters had no room for the
display of their dexterity.

Yesterday morning Mr. Secretary Canning, accompanied by
the Marquis of Clanricarde, left town for Windsor.
On Saturday the Duke of Sussex 'visited the Duke of York,
at his house in South Audley.street.

The Duke of Somerset, his Grace's daughter, the Duke of
St. Albans, Viscount Alelville, the Hon. John Tollernache,
and the Hanse-Towns Alinister, were among the promenaders
on the banks of the Serpentine on Saturday.
The domestics of the Russian Ambassador all appear In deep
mourning for the late Emperor Alexander."
The Marchioness of Hastings, the four Ladies Hastings,
their daughters, and Colonel 111`Cren Military Secretary, will
arrive at Portsmouth on Tuesday next, to embark in his 3frt-
jetty's yacht the Herald, Captain Leeke, for Malta. The
Herald goes out of harbour to-morrow (yesterday ).—(Liarnpshire
Telegraph.)

11r. Greatorex is to conduct,. and 111 r. Cramer Is to lead, the
ensuing Choral Fund Concert at the English Opera•house.

Music.--Our Readers will, we have no doubt,
be glad to hear that Signor Puzzt, the celebrated
horn player, has just returne►!, entirely recovered
from the severe indisposition which compelled
hint to seek the more genial clime of Italy. lie
has for some time been forbidden the use of his
instrument, but 1133 devoted himself entirely to
study, ti►e result of which is several fantasias,
which are very favourably mentioned in the trim-
tied world. We congratulate the lovers of har-
mony on the restoration to the musical circles of
this metropolis of so distinguished a performer as
Signor Puzzt, whose temporary retirement has
been so much regretted.

Letters have been received from Italy, which
state that Mr. WILIEts; is almost completely re.
stored to health.

Yesterday► the Loan MAToa, the Sheriffs, and
the great civic officers, at►ended divine service at
St. Sepulchre's church, where the Lord Bishop of
London preached an excellent sermon in aid of
the funds of the newly established Female Cha.
rity School in that parish. The Right. Reverend
Prelate descanted at great length on the benefits
necessarily resulting from a suitable education
being given to the children of the poor. His
Lordship in conclusion wade a forcible appeal to
the liberality of his audience, and a handsome
collection was made on the occasion.

The Whigs, to ma►►ifest and crown their chill.
ratter, for consistency, mean, it is said, at the
ensuing Cambridge election, to vote in a body
for the most decided Tory of all the candidates.
It is supposed that one of the first matters that
will occupy the attention of the House of Corn.
moue, is the share which some of its own Mem.
hers have had in some of the late bubble specu•
lotions,

Messrs. 411-vra and. Co. (Commercial Bank)
Ilinckley resumed business on the 7th instant
Omit. notes, which were payable at Sir. PlitTElt
POLa and COS, are now payable at Messrs.STS-
TX:4O9l4 and S4LTII, Lornbard.street),.Londou..