Year: 1859



 MR. R. H. JOHNSON: Your known cal iantry of character is such, I feel no hesi- 'a'ioh m asking you to publish the follow Ing notice of the exhibition of the .'Flower Queen as performed by the pupils of Mrs. Richards Young Ladies Institute on Friday evening last. The weather being extremely warm we had half concluded to enjoy tbe otium cum dignitati at home ouietIv en- toying our cigar. But friend havine call ed upon us so insisted on our attendance that we accompanied him and were amply repaid for our visit. It has seldom fallen to our lot to enjoy such rare and delici-N ous treat of youth, beauty and song, as was had that evening.

 The platform or space allotted for the performance, was decorated with the most exquisite taste. Many a fair and delicate hand looped these garlands, and tied those charming wreath ;whie the sl1ilful arrange ment of the forest boughs, reminded one of the chosen retreat of the fabled Pan himself, Before we proceed further, we will premise, for the information of those unacquainted with the nature of the ner- iormance, that it is a composition of a hlgh order. designed expressly for the young ladies Of school, and the main argument lS' "that the flowers meet in a secluded forest dell to choose a Queen; morbid recluse has retired to the same place in dis gust and disappointment from the world. She hears the flowers tell of love, and in- nocence and duty, and resolves to return to society to fill the station assigned her by providence and to be happy" Having thus given an idea of the character of the piece itself we will now speak of the se- veral performers in it. You sir, may we'll be proud that Arkansas can boast of daugh- ters so lovely and so accomplished, and that we have teachers among us so we'll calculated to carry out the great purposes of education in its utility and perfection.

 The part of the recluse was acted by Miss Fannie Woodruff, and her soft, sweet voice was exactly suited to the character. There was something in those plaintive tones that went directly to the heart l The modest beauty of the Rose, Miss Cecilia Thbault, subsequently, crowned Queen, is disputed by no one. Indeed, sitting there on her little fairy throne, she looked every inch worthy of a regal crown. But where all were excellent, it would be invidious to particularize. The sunfower, the dahlia, the lily, the violet, the dande- lion, were all well represented, and indeed every other part of the performance was carried out with spirit and truth and beauty.

 The poppy scene was exceedingly well done, and the coronation under those arches of fragrant beauty was scene of rare ele- sance executed with truth and correctness.

 So also was the sound of the heather bells, where the little girls marched in pro- cession, gracefully waving their beautiful wreaths. The music on the piano was ex- ecuted by Nr. Ives, whose name alone is sure guaranty that all was well done and the part of the nightingale, requiring flute, was performed by AIr. Henry Ashley with true spirit and taste. But the guid- ing genius of the whole performance, we are at no loss to discern. That clear and cultivated voice could belong to no other than the accomplished principal of the h. stitute.

 The excessive throng prevented many ladies and gentlemen from enjoying the performance as they otherwise would have done.

 After this charming scene was over, the young ladies engaged in dialogues with infinite grace and spirit

 The country cousin was particularly well done, and the speeches and manner of the two little ladies who slyly alluded to the per diem men. The big gingercake Pine Bluff, etc., was really inimitable.

 The closing dialogue, although delivered amidst much noise, was one of the most beautiful compositions we ever heard, and the young ladies, speaking it did so with an earneStness and eloquence truly admira- ble

 The closing scene wherein the senior class, composed of eight young ladies, came forward, and presented Mrs. Richard with a- a-handsome writing desk, took every one by surprise, and filled every heart with emotion. We have seldom heard anything more touchingly beautiful than the few words which were addressed to her on the presentation of the desk; and her response to the class was full of gratitude and true reciprocal sympathy and affection.

 We are sure every one left well pleased with the evening" entertainment, and none more so than A. P. Q.