etc. "Don Giovanni," performed as it has been by a company of unprecedented strength, has been the popular favourite; not even in the times of Soutag, Pasta, and Malibran, have its exquisite combinations been heard to more effect than with the Zerlina of Madame Anaide Castellan, and Grisi's Anna, and with the force of Lablache, and Fornasari, and Mario. The ballet of "Rosida" maintained its popularity to the last; as also the divertissement of the "Bal Sous Louis Quatorze," distinguished by the superb dancing of Grahn and Cerito, in the Minuet de la Cour and Gavotte. Cerito, in the pretty ballet of "Ondine," and Lucile Grahn in that of "Eoline," delighted the public by their increased talents to the last. "Alma ou la fille de feu" was also revived with applause on the night of Fornasari's benefit. The chief novelty at the HAYMARKET has been the advent of the celebrated pianiste Leopold de Meyer. His performances are entitled to high praise, although scarcely in keeping with the routine of a theatre. Piano-forte playing is almost too domestic an exhibition for any thing beyond a concert-room, although good music is good every where. Farren continues to be the great gun at this house, especially since the secession of Charles Mathews and Madame Vestris. We have before expressed our opinion of the unadviseableness of such representations as Grandfather Whitehead, even under the management of so excellent an actor as Farren. Drivelling infirmity, loss of memory and hearing, are the more disagreeable to witness, the more truly they are depictured. Pleasant hits at the follies and vices of the day, strokes of humour and satire, lively repartee, and well-turned language-all this is found far more amusing and more instructive, too, than monotonous and round-about plots and domestic villanies. It is true that a tragedy pleases; but it is that it rouses the mind's highest powers, and that it is softened and sustained by the language and imagination of genius; while these prose dramas are but newspaper affairs, addressed to the vulgarest sensations of human nature. "The Irish Attorney, or Galway Practice in 1779," is replete with fun and truth; and "Mrs. Caudle's Curtain Lectures" still keep the initiated in a roar of laughter. We have no space to speak further of the entertainments at this wellordered house. The most taking novelty of the last month at the LYCEUM THEATRE is a little piece entitled "The Governor's Wife." It is well-constructed and full of merriment. A Surinam Governor is ambitious of an English wife. On the eve of her arrival, he determines to try her character, by making his agent, one Hickory Short, assume his dignity. The consequence is delightful, for, by a series of mistakes, one Letty Briggs, a plebeian damsel from Cow-cross, is exalted into the governor's intended bride, receives every honour intended for the latter, and is pleasingly astonished by the brilliancy of her reception. Meanwhile, the real lady succumbs easily to these mistakes, having attached herself to the lieutenant of the vessel in which she came over. His uncle, the captain, however, waxes exceeding wroth at these cross purposes, whence arises a very pretty quarrel. The real the governor comes incog. to see how matters stand, and composes dénouement by generously giving up his fiancée to her lover, and allowing Letty and Hickory to make a match of it. Not only is this piece well acted, but the serious love affair is rendered interesting by the skill of the author, and the comic one is delightfully ludicrous. The dialogue is both pert and pertinent, so that The Governor's Wife" is a real hit. The PRINCESS'S THEATRE has suffered a loss in the retirement of Miss Cushman. Although sharing the common fault of the actors of the United States by the vehemence and clamour of her declamation, she has earnestness, nature, and power, and well suited the character of the audiences before whom she performed. Mr. Wallack continues to enact the Brigand au naturel, and other heroic characters, with signal success. The ADELPHI THEATRE, under the management of Madame Celeste, has gone through its varied repertorio during the last month with every intention, expressed and understood, to be the most comical playhouse in London. Indeed, it would be truly impossible not to laugh at and with the Wright (right) side of the house. His Billy Lackaday is excellently, his Mrs. Caudle surpassingly, farcical. The SURREY THEATRE (and no wonder) has been, notwithstanding the emptiness of the metropolis, filled to overflowing by the united attractions of Charles Mathews and his wife. The influx of strangers, an event which always signalises the metropolis in the autumn of the year, and when even the shopkeepers make and take a brief holiday, is observed to accumulate over Blackfriars' Bridge between the hours of six and seven in the evening. Pleasing operas, anglicised, still, also, continue to be the staple of this crowded theatre. There is always something new at the ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. Mr. Batty is an indefatigable purveyor of novelty to his patrons. Besides the new grand military spectacle of the "Conquest of Scinde," and a gorgeous spectacle it is, we have had Mr. T. Thompson's pantomimic efforts as "The Dumb Man of Manchester," the admirable French equestrianism, and a variety of other successful novelties running through the month. Mr. Batty closely treads in the steps of his celebrated predecessor, and may challenge Europe to compete with his unrivalled stud, duly considering the purposes of its training. The POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION has been lately exhibiting a curious chemical experiment that has attracted much notice, viz., the act of freezing water in a red hot crucible. Dr. Ryan's lectures on the subject, and those of Professor Backhoffner on the atmospheric railway, with a number of most interesting models and exhibitions, have rendered this institution one of the first resorts of every scientific or information-seeking stranger. We desire to see this gallery much more extensively patronised, however, than it is already, especially by the juvenile world, whose minds it must so judiciously awaken to some comprehension of the marvellous powers of nature. VAUXHALL GARDENS, as the most reasonable of autumnal entertainments in the metropolis, has been any thing but neglected by the public; indeed, were it but for the excellence of its band, it well deserved its patronage. Mr. Green's balloon ascents have, however, proved its greatest attraction, accompanied as they have been with fine pyrotechnic displays. LITERATURE. THE LONDON MEDICAL DIRECTORY FOR 1845. Churchill, Princes Street, Soho.-This is the "first appearance" of a little work which appears to us, as far as we have consulted it, to be got up with great care and attention to the "correct thing"-the very alpha and omega of a faithful guide. At one glance we gather all the particulars of each nomination; time of entry, qualification, habitation, and performances, the favourite subjects, and full titles; so that one may give a tolerably good notion of where and what's to be cured, and in many instances "what's to pay." Just at this period, when the rights and privileges of the medical profession are exciting such general attention, this Directory comes doubly acceptable; while we should say, with the editors, that it will work on into annual, which it will be the interest of the profession and the convenience of the public to support: at any rate, it deserves to be, STATE OF THE ODDS, &c. EPSOM RACES.-There are few grand sights in this country which of late years have involved both spectators and actors in more confusion, trouble, and danger than the saddling and start for the Derby. The preparations, as they were enacted in the Warren, afforded a mighty pretty scene, very prettily arranged; by many of us, indeed, perhaps considered the best, as it was decidedly the most comfortable part of the whole business. Here, as long as it lasted, was undoubtedly a fair cause for drawing the throng away from the ropes or the stands, even though they might, as they invariably did, risk their lives by attempting the Hibernian bird-piece of legerdemain, of "being in two places at once"-staying for the start, and then rushing over each other to be in time for the finish. With, however, the withdrawal of the Warren, experience has proved this wild, inconvenient, and at present altogether unparalleled system of setting-to should have ceased, as at length-better late than never-it would appear from the following new regulations for next year, the powers that be bave determined it now shall. "The course to be thoroughly and effectually cleared at least a quarter of an hour previous to the bell ringing for saddling. The horses to be brought on to the course from the place appointed for that purpose at the pull-up by the trainer. The jockeys to mount and canter away to the starting place; on arriving at which, the whole might turn round and come away directly. "The Grand Stand is to be completely enclosed, and the lawn in front and at the sides of the building railed, sloped, and enlarged to the extent of one acre, as at Goodwood, for the accommodation of the ring and other spectators. The rooms not appropriated as refreshment rooms in the basement will be used for a weighing room, retiring and dressing room for jockeys, judge's and clerk of the course's office, together with ample accommodation for the gentlemen of the press.' "The flight of stone steps in front of the stand will be taken entirely away, and placed at the back of the building, where will be the grand entrance leading to a vestibule or paying place, and from thence to the spacious hall, which it is intended to use as a betting-room in case of cold or wet weather. "A large and handsome apartment on this floor will be kept quite private for the stewards and Jockey Club, and another for the bench of magistrates. The rest of the building will be thrown open to the public. "The charge for admission will be for the week £1, for the Derby-day 10s., and 58. for each of the other days. The tickets are to be sold under the Goodwood conditions as regards defaulters. "The drawing-room or saloon, which is more than 120 feet long, on the first floor, will have several rows of covered benches erected in front of the windows for the accommodation of ladies, and adjoining to which will be two elegantly furnished and carpeted retiring rooms, with respectable female servants in waiting. "The enclosed space at the back of the stand will be appropriated to the use of jockeys' and trainers' hacks. "Mr. Henry Dorling, the clerk of the course, and who has lately become the lessee of the Grand Stand, has placed at the disposal of the stewards for 1846, and for future years, an extra sum of £300 to be run for, in consideration for the benefit he expects to derive from the horses in every race being saddled in front of his property. "It is expected that the judge's chair will be removed from its present position to the upper or opposite side of the course, and by this arrangement the whole of the business of the meeting will be brought on one side, and will prevent the necessity which now exists for crossing and recrossing the course while the racing is going on." To Lord George Bentinck," that excellent reformer of turf abuses," is, we believe, the chief credit due for this much-needed reformation; more than a hint of which it is not, we trust, impertinent to say, his lordship may have received from the gentleman who writes to us as under. At all events, we know Mr. Cooper has good claim for having ventured the first public opinion on this important subject; and we feel no doubt but the proprietors of the periodical of which he is pleased to speak in such high terms will be proud to share any credit that may be allowed them or theirs, with the talented artist and experienced sportsman who has gained it for them. "SIR,-It must be a subject of congratulation to all lovers of the turf, and the public generally, that it is at length in contemplation to saddle the horses in front of the Grant Stand at Epsom. I am the more interested in this circumstance in consequence of having been the first person who suggested this desirable object in the pages of that excellent work, the New Sporting Magazine for August, 1840, having previously named it to two or three of the members of the Jockey Club, and particularly to that excellent reformer of turf abuses, Lord George Bentinck. I therefore think that great credit is due to the Proprietors of the above-named periodical for having given publicity to this plan, which, if carried into effect, will gratify all who attend this omnium gatherum of the sporting world. "Sir, I have the honour to be, The nearer the event approaches, the greater do the changes become in the St. Leger betting. Goodwood and York have both had their consequences upon it; the latter, though contrary to expectation and promise, by far the more serious in its effects. The Goodwood running alone would, in fact, have by this time nearly set the prices and positions "as you were," Weatherbit having regained his five to one, and the Merry Monarch having since his defeat figured within a point or two of what he stood at before that unlooked-for performance from the winner of a Derby. Both these nags, however, to our eye, are good market-horses, and little more: the sums that have been sent in to support Weatherbit, and the heavy stakes that have been laid out right against him, of themselves sound "prodigious." Had he, as it is reported John Day strongly advised, never shown for the Goodwood cup, there is little doubt but by this he would have been quoted at something under two to one; but the inconvenient deductions drawn from what he did with Miss Elis, and what Miss Sarah did with her, must tell for a time, although we think it more than probable he will yet head the mare by the day of running. Still this, we repeat, must be worked out with money rather than merit. Taking the latter as the criterion, either the new favourite, Mentor, or Old England, ought to continue at the top; the last of these three, despite a little lukewarmness just at present, the horse Mr. Gully will have to fall back on, and with which we even now fancy the stable really mean mischief. Yet, far be it from us to limit the reader or his reckonings to one or two whose "names are up." The Doncaster St. Leger, for years remarkable as a confined race both in the number of book and running horses, has never for a very long period looked so much like an open one as it does just now. Here we are within a fortnight of its decision, with above twenty nominations all spiritedly backed; of which, in addition to the from five to twelve to one class we have already mentioned, Pantasa, The Baron (in strong demand since joining Scott's Lot), Ould Ireland (the Old England or second hope of Forth's stable), Wood-pigeon, Duc an Durras, Red Robin (Major Yarburgh's "second horse"), Connaught Ranger, and the Pasha, have either the most or fondest friends. To their respective good guardianship do we now leave one and all for the next few days, merely caution. ing those in the secret not to be too sanguine our Irish friends may take this to themselves if they will-and looking directly to the outsiders should the mare not prove the better horse. On the Derby we have little to say beyond Sting's Goodwood running having very deservedly established him as the crack for it, and Mr. Gill having well laid out his capital in the thousand he paid |