The San Francisco call., 1898-02-10

in particular illustrates the affection that existed between the aged composer and his wife. Giuseppe Verdi and Mme. Verdi were entertaining a few friends, includ- ing the writer of the anecdote, at their villa of Sant' Agata, when it was decided to take a row upon the lake that Verdi had had dug in part of the grounds. In stepping into the boat Mime. Verdi slipped and fell into the water, overturning the boat above her head. In the twinkling of an eye the old master dashed into the water and swam ashore with her. Every one present was touched by the remark able energy and tenderness shown by the old composer. No one outside the villa heard of the accident at the time, for Verdi, who has horror of publicity, begged his guests to say nothing about the involuntary ducking.
 On the occasion of the new year M. Gallo, the new Minister of Public Instruc- tion in the kingdom of Italy, sent a tele- gram to Verdi, in which he expressed his congratulations and a hope that he might still offer to his country another work of his genius. To this telegram Verdi re- piled in a dispatch couched in these terms: ssThe courteous words of your Excellency awake in my soul a sentiment of profound gratitude. I only wish still had the power to fulfill the hope they express, but my S4 years do not youth still smiles the most fervent feli- citations"
 Ysaye and Pugno, at present in the East, always go about in pairs with ac- compartment of Jean Gerardy. Both are weird in the matter of shirt fronts, and both leave the bounds of reason far be- hind when it comes to waistcoats and neckties. Their white dress ties are things fearful and wonderful to be- of linen more or less mussed, four inches broad and tied in huge Haunting bows at the joining of their low-necked collars.
 Music in Australia is a curious thing, according to the Sydney Bulletin. That newspaper gravely announces: ..The other night at Sydney they gave, in the vice-regal presence, a cantata. There was a chorus and orchestra of 300 performers and 8. descriptive chorus, Australia in which the howl of the dingo, the scream of the cockatoo, the kookaburra's s laugh, the hop of the kangaroo and a native corroboree were introduced. During this performance Sam Poole, the well-known comedian, cleverly disguised in red shirt, white ducks, woolly wig and blackened face, introduced weird native dance"
 Verdi, who has been for several days in Milan, is said to be seriously occupy ing himself with the publication of diff ferent religious compositions which he has left hitherto unedited. Among these compositions are found several psalms, and even, 1t is believed, 8 grand ora torio. The publication will be at an early date. In spite of his recent be- reavement and the sorrow which he has evidently greatly felt. the old master is in good health.
 On Tuesday evening. the 18th inst. an attractive concert will be given by Mrs. Carmichael Carr at Sherman & Claws Hall, Sutter street, for the benefit of tho Seamen's Institute. especially to procure money to buy a piano. Mrs. McGavin. Miss Hulda Anderson, Signor Michelena and several others will assist, and 6 double quartet from the Loring Club will render some part songs.
 Emma Nevada, whose successes at the