game on my estate. As to my keepers, I perceive I have been but too instrumental in their crime, by throwing a constant temptation in their way of committing a breach of trust very difficult of detection. I shall not, therefore, appear against them; and they will soon be liberated. And from this time forth, nor bird nor quadruped, “feræ naturæ," on my estate, shall tempt myself or my neighbours to violate a single law, moral or municipal, please Heaven!

The Kaleidoscope.

water or wind, also applicable to propelling boats, &c.
1st of February.-6 months.

To Ralph Hindmarsh, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, master-
mariner, for an improvement in the construction of cap-
stans and windlasses.-1st of February.-6 months.
deyre, and James Stirling, engineer, of Glasgow, for im-
To Robert Stirling Clerk, minister of Galstor, in Ayr-
provements in air engines for moving of machinery.-1st
of February.-6 months.

the complex combinations of the confectioner. Nine persons in ten cat as much soup and fish as would amply suffice for a meal; and, as far as soup and fish are concerned, would rise from a table not only satisfied but satiated. A new stimulus appears in the form of stewed Westphalia ham, or a pickled tongue, or some analagous beef, or cotelettes à la supreme; then comes a Bayonne or salted but proportionably indigestible dish, and of each of these enough for a single meal. But this is not all-game follows; and to these succeed the sweets, and a quantity of cheese. The whole is crowned with a variety of flatulent sweets and indigestible nick nacks, included under the name of dessert, in which we must not forget to notice a mountain of sponge-cake. Thus then it is that the stomach is made to receive not one full meal, but a succession of To Antoine Adolphe Marcellin Marbot, of No. 38, meals, vying in their miscellaneous and pernicious nature Norfolk-street, Strand, for improved machinery for work- with the ingredients of Macbeth's cauldron. Need the ing or cutting wood into all kinds of mouldings, rebates, philosopher, then, any longer wonder at the increasing cornices, or any sort of fluted work.-3d of February.-number of dyspeptic complaints, with their long train of maladies, amongst the higher classes of society?-Dr. Paris on Dict

To John White, of Southampton, engineer and iron-
founder, for improvements in the construction of pistons
or buckets for pumps.-1st of February.-6 months.
To Samuel Parker, Argyle-place, Argyle-street, West-
minster, bronzist, for improvements in the construction of
lamps.-1st of February.-2 months.

6 months.

Fashions for March.

Miscellanies.

THE GREAT UNKNOWN MADE KNOWN.-We have long been of opinion that Sir Walter Scott was not the author of all the "Scotch Novels," which have been asribed to him, although we thought they had all passed through his hands as editor and reviser. Independently of the plausibility of the supposition that Dr. Greenfield MORNING DRESS.-Dress of jaconet muslin; the corwas the writer of some of those popular works, we sage made to fit the shape, and ornamented on each side with two rouleaux of lavender-colour satin, approximating Voltaire, having lampooned a nobleman, was one night deemed the production of so many volumes too great a at the waist, and spreading like a stomacher towards the on his way home, intercepted by him, and cudgelled for fabour for any individual, especially for one who had other shoulder: bows of the same colour adorn the front of the his licentious wit; on which he applied to the Duke of and most serious professional duties to occupy his atten- dress; two are placed above the ceinture, and six below, Orleans, then regent, and begged him to do him justice. at equal distances. The hem at the bottom of the dress" Sir." replied the regent, smiling, "it has been done don. It is true that these pleasing compositions bear evi- has a broad satin ribbon drawn through it. Tucker of already." dent indications that the author wrote currente calamo; blond, drawn close at the top, and tied behind with narand we have always regretted that works of such in-rouleaux extending from a bow on the shoulder to the row ribbon. The sleeves are en gigot, and have two satin trinsic merit and interest should have been sent prema- wrist, and are intercepted by a second bow at the elbow. turely into the world, "with all their imperfections on The cap, partaking of the turban form, is of tulle, without Gold bracelets, with amethyst clasps, confine the sleeves. their head;" but the circumstance is now in some mea- any border; a band of lavender-colour satin goes round sure explained. In ordinary cases, when we find men the head, and stiffened bands of satin support the tulle, which is open in front, and contains flowers: the strings saying one thing at one time, and denying it at another, are broad, and of lavender-colour gauze ribbon. Barwe should be justified in receiving any of the statements rings of amethysts. Gloves and shoes of lavender-colour of such an individual with extreme caution. It is true that Sir Walter Scott has at length avowed himself the sole and unassisted author of all the works attributed to him; but it is equally true we have his prior written disavowal of that honour. The following was addressed to a' French publisher some time ago:

kid.

EVENING DRESS.-Dress of white crepe lisse, over a a lavender-colour Turkish satin slip; the corsage is full, and the waist long; the sleeves are in the Chinese taste, and are formed of four divisions, with projecting points half way, edged with lavender-colour satin, and terminating round the arm with a broad satin band, edged with narrow blond; tucker of the same. The skirt is decorated with three rows of the same material as the dress, or

"S12,-I am favoured with your letter, which proceeds on namented with small lavender colour satin roleaux, en car-
af erroneous supposition, that I am the author of Waverley reaux, and large roses of emarginate satin leaves, with crepe
aid "the other novels and tales which you have translated lisse centres; beneath is a roleaux of satin. Sicilian gauze
scarf; lavender-colour sash, tied behind, in short bows and
to French. But as this proceeds on a mistake, though a very long ends. The hair is dressed in large curls, and the
gtagal one, I have no title whatever either to become a head-dress composed of a wreath of roses and large bows
party to any arrangement in which that author or his works
may be concerned, or to accept the very handsome compli-ear-rings, and necklace with a cameo locket. Gold brace

Tent which you design for him.

"I am, Sir, your very obedient Servant,

* Edinburgh, April 15, 1825.”

"WALTER SCOTT.

white kid. White satin shoes.

Courtiers. Tacitus says, that Caligula was enticed by Marco himself to make love to his wife." If Marco did this (says Bayle) he acted a part which is very common among Courtiers, and generally among those who have a

mind to make their fortunes.

Flatterers. Bayle says, there are no greater flatterers of princes than clergymen. Their sermons, their prayers, their speeches, their epistles dedicatory, are so full of extravagant eulogies, that the condition they put an honest hearer or reader in cannot be better represented than by the proverb, "date mihi palvim."

A

The Grand Duchess of Tuscany was lately delivered of a third daughter, not having yet had a son, which oc casoned an impromptu from an Italian improvisatoreThat as the Graces had appeared, Cupid would not be long behind. J

robbing a Mr. Trotter, of Russell-street, Bloomsbury. At Bow-street, a man called Jumper was charged with Trotter being too drunk to walk, Jumper was accused of trotting off with his watch. The watch, unlike its master, went, and the case stands over,

of lavender colour Italian crape; embossed gold pagodation was one day attracted on the Canal de la Villette,
Skating. During the late frosty weather, general atten-
at Paris, by the appearance of a lady who was skating
lets, with cameo clasps, outside the gloves, which are of with equal grace and confidence. She was habited in a
WALKING COSTUME. This dress, though apparently with three rows of hauts volans; a rose-coloured bonnet,
black dress of gros de Naples, rather short, ornamented
second, or fancy-mourning, is still in high favour, and is
and black buskins: a gentleman accompanied her, occa-
the last novelty we may look for in the pelisse departmentsionally giving her his hand, and displayed also much cle-
till the approaching spring. It is of French gray gros de
Naples, fancifully trimmed round the border and down gance in his motions. They were both natives of Holland.
each side of the front in diamonds and zig-zags of black The eyes of all the amateurs were upon them, and the fair
foreigner, especially, by her graceful and easy manner,
velvet; a double-row of these ornaments is carried down excited the admiration of all, and merited the encomiums
each side of the bust, in the Anglo-Greek style. The
sleeves are only moderately full, with a double row of an-
generally bestowed on her.--Le Furet.
tique points at the wrists, edged round with narrow black
velvet. The pelisse is without a collar, and is finished at
the throat by a triple ruff of fine lace. The bonnet worn
with this dress is of a correspondent colour: it is of gros
de Naples, and trimmed with large bows and puffs of the
same, with broad strings of ribbon in shaded stripes, float-
ing loose. Black kid slippers, white doe-skin gloves.
Round the neck is worn a gold chain, with an eye-glass.

The Housewife.

Modern Dinners.The stomach being distended with soup,-the digestion of which, from the nature of the operations which are necessary for its completion, would in itself be a sufficient labour for that organ,-is next tempted with fish, rendered indigestible from its sauces; then with flesh and fowl; the vegetable world, as an intelligent reviewer has observed, is ransacked with the cryptogamia upwards; and to this miscellaneous aggregate is added the pernicious pasticcios of the pastry-cook, and

Early Rising. Early rising contributes as surely to personal beauty as the dawn does to the beauty of the from the sense of having performed a duty, the pleasure world. Shape, complexion, expression, the dignity arising arising from cheerful blood, and from being prepared to give pleasure to others, all contribute to make the charmer more charming-New Monthly Magazine.

1

HERE WE THREE HAVE MET AGAIN.

THE MUSIC (INTENDED FOR THE KALEIDOSCOPE) COMPOSED FOR ONE, TWO, OR THREE VOICES, BY MR. MOLINEUX.

T

Men and Manners.

THEATRICAL FUND DINNER.

[From the Caledonian Mercury of February 24.] Yesterday, the first annual dinner of the Edinburgh Theatrical Fund was given in the Assembly Rooms, and was attended by upwards of three hundred gentlemen. Sir Walter Scott, of Abbotsford, Baronet, in the Chair.About six o'clock Sir Walter entered the room, followed by the Earl of Fife, Lord Meadowbank, and several other gentlemen, who were greeted by the assembled company with distinguished applause. The Chairman was supported on the right by the Earl of Fife, and on the left by Lord Meadowbank. To the right of the Earl of Fife were Sir John Hope, of Pinkie, Admiral Adam, and several of the officers of the 7th Hussars; and to the left of the Chair, Baron Clerk Rattray, Gilbert Innes, Esq. of Stow, James Walker, Esq. of Dairy, and several hussar officers. Patrick Robertson. Esq. advocate, Croupier.

Upon the cloth being removed, Non Nobis Domine was sung by Messrs. Thorne, Templeton, Collier, Murray, and Hathorn.

2

66

THE KALEIDOSCOPE.

were particularly entitled to the support and regard of up a form of laws for its government, procured, at his on those who had partaken of their amusements; they were expense, the passing of an act of Parliament for its con particularly entitled to such support, because their art was firination, bequeathed to it a handsome legacy, and th of a delicate and precarious description; it was one to became the father of the Drury-lane Fund. So consi which a very long apprenticeship was necessary; it was very long before even the first geniuses acquired a proper chose to grace the close of the brightest theatrical life was his attachment to this infant establishment, that h knowledge of the business of the stage; and they have record, by the last display of his transcendent talent on th lic and careful management, they may provide in some ever since has gone by the name of the Garrick Fund measure for future wants; but even that time comes but a short time, too, in which, by the favour of the pub- occasion of a benefit for this child of his adoption, whic the features fail them, the limbs fail them, and they are remained for Mrs. Henry Siddons and Mr. Willi left dependent. He admitted that the public was liberal Murray to become the founders of the first Theatrol Time, that spares no man, makes equal havoc on them; blished in several provincial theatres in England; bu some eve imitation of his noble example, funds had been est to those who deserve their protection; but it was a sad Fund in Scotland. This fund commenced under the m thing to be dependent on the caprice of the public. He favourable auspices; it was liberally supported was not surprised that, among so many persons in the management, and highly patronized by the public. Ne profession, some were charged with improvidence: that withstanding, it fell short in the accomplishment of in there should be instances of opportunities neglected, of intentions. What those intentions were, he (Mr. Mackay) sums wasted, which might have been saved; but let every need not recapitulate, but they failed; and he did gentleman look to his own bosom, and think of all the hesitate to confess that a want of energy on the part of softer feelings of his nature, plunged into misery at the the performers was the probable cause. A new close of life. He had hitherto yet been speaking of those rules and regulations were lately drawn up, submitted out whom the business of the theatre could not go on. It the theatre; and accordingly the Fund was re-modelled who are called stars;" but there was another class, with- and approved of at a general meeting of the member was very well known, that, as the seaman's phrase went, the 1st of January last. And here he thought he did The Chairman then gave The King, with all the honours-Air, "King's Anthem." let, and there must be also a Rosencrantz and Guilden- for the aid given, and the warm interest they had alla every man could not be a boatswain ;" there must be echo the feelings of his brethren, by publicly acknowbig others for inferior stations; every one could not act Ham-ing the obligations they were under to the management The Duke of Clarence, and the rest of the Royal Family stern. It was not for the generals, not for the colonels, taken in the welfare of the Fund. The nature and obje -Air, "Of a noble race was Shenkin." The Chairman requested that the next toast might be Inot for the subalterns they were to look, but where were of the profession had been so well treated of by the Plen branch of the Royal Family which we had lately lost. that, though one for which they were not naturally com- the actor boasts the slenderest claim of all; the sport driven to the profession by necessity, others had chosen offspring of science and genius that court precarious fam Every individual present would anticipate without his petent. They could contrive what to make of an inferior fortune, the creatures of fashion, and the victims of a naming the late illustrious personage, that he meant to artist or a poor poet; the artist might be made to paint a price; they are seen, heard, and admired, but to be forget drink to the memory of the Duke of York. He would not sign-board, or the poet become a scribe; but they could ten; they leave no trace, no memorial of their existence; dwell on the military talents of that illustrious individual; do nothing of that kind with a player; they could not they come like shadows, so depart." Yet humble thong these had been told in the senate and repeated in the cot-say to him, "If you are unfit to play Hamlet, you may their pretensions be, there was no profession, tra tage, and where an English soldier was, his name would play Rosencrantz or Guildenstern." never be forgotten. What he now mentioned the name with this man? They could not condemn him to an in-and bodily, were indispensible. In all others the of his Royal Highness for was, because he was the patron ferior situation; they could not cast him off like an old pal may practice after he has been visited by the What could they do calling, where such a combination of requisites, of all charitable institutions; that on every occasion he hinge, or a piece of useless machinery; that would be un-hand of Providence; some by the loss of limb, some dedicated a portion of his time, giving up his own leisure kind, ungrateful, and unchristian. His want is not of voice, and many, when the faculty of the mind is on the and amusement, and was always ready to attend meetings his own making, but arises from sicknesss or old age, wane, may be assisted by dutiful children, or depud a for such purposes as that for which they were now assem- which he cannot prevent. These were a class of sufferers vants. bied. It was for this reason that he requested them to drink, for whom nothing could provide, and having once put his possess, or sink dejected to a mournful home on the present occasion, his memory in solemn silence. The Memory of the Duke of York-Tune, "Dead death relieves him. He was afraid all they could do ever possess the means of hoarding, in their March in Saul." hand to the plough, he must continue toiling at it till they are toiling for ephemeral theatric fame, h Not so the actor; he must retain all be ever und as to render that want more tolerable. They must not be prospect dawned upon them, and to the succ disheartened if they could not do a great deal; but they infant establishment, they looked up with would not relieve from want; but they might relieve so which would give bread in old age. But would do something, and any thing they could do, they comfortable and peaceful home in their were aware it would tend to relieve sorrow, and they would Such being their real, such the laudable sleep the better, when conscious of having been the means intention, every lover of the drama mus of giving sleep to others. It was hard to think that those its success. When he beheld so many who had contributed to their amusemement should be warm interest displayed on this occasion, augures consigned to hard lodgings. They could not think of favourably for its ultimate prosperity, and belt no re letting poor Falstaff go to bed without his cup of sack, or doubt, that with proper management and attention, feed on bones as marrowless as those of Banquo. The continuation of support from the public, it would Chairman concluded by giving "Prosperity to the Edin-answer the end proposed. He had, he was afride burgh Theatrical Fund."

drank in solemn silence. It was to the memory of private soldiers to support themselves? Some had been dent, that he would say nothing-but of the numerous

a

cluded by tendering to the meeting, in the the brethren and sisters, their unfeigned thanks for the lib them for the attention they had paid to him. He passed too long on the time of the meeting and support, and begged to propose the health of the Pat of the Edinburgh Theatrical Fund. **

The Chairman now requested a particular bumper, while he endeavoured to attempt to say a few words on the subject which had brought them together. It was perfectly unnecessary for him to say much, for they all came to support a particular opinion that the love of representations of one kind or other seemed to be implanted in human nature. It was the first enjoyment of a child under the schoolmaster; and, in short, it was the enjoyment natural to litimanity; and we could not suppose but that it was implanted in us by nature for the best of reasons, and that from it we should derive pleasure. The theatrical art had always kept pace with letters, and the refinement of human nature; in proportion as the love of the drama increased, in like proportion we had seen those their thanks for the toast just drank. When he looked works improve which rendered the stage more refined, around on the large assembly, met for the benevolent purMr. Mackay rose on behalf of his brethren, to return and stranger as he was to its history, he knew that its first pose of aiding them in their intention of providing for the promoter was he who led the Athenian troops to battle; comfort of their aged brothers and sisters, he feared he was the next who succeeded him were men of consequence in their country-men who shook the senate by their dis- this was courses, as much as their works shook the theatre itself at the first Theatrical Fund dinner in his native land, the anxiety all of them had evinced for the objet ef to express in proper terms his feelings. To him In the days of Louis the XIV. and in the golden reign of to address so brilliant an assemblage of the rank and talent institution in behalf of which they had assembled. e proudest day of his life, to have the honour, he could answer, as he did for himself from his heart, Lord Meadowbank returned thanks. For the patron Queen Elizabeth, England began to mingle deeply in the of his native city and inspired with confidence, he ex- the earliest period of their lives, down to their deck politics of Europe. It was then she became an indepen. ulted and rejoiced that he was born between the Cross and years, they derived amusement from those for whem dent state--that she would receive laws from none, but the Luckenbooths. Many of the gentlemen present, he were now contributing, and these were the happiest made laws for others, and vindicated the rights of man. said, were perhaps not fully acquainted with the nature ments for all whose hearts were in their right, places. There were times when the drama was in disrepute, in and intention of the Institution, and it might not be amiss happened at the time when this institution was found which its professors had been stigmatized by laws less dis- to enter into some explanation on the subject. With he filled a most important situation in the country. honourable to themselves than to the times in which they whomsoever the idea of a Theatrical Fund might have was happy in then having it in his power to were adopted, and equally dishonourable to the statesmen originated, (and it had been disputed by the surviving the institution. As a small testimony of the feelings who proposed them as to the legislators who passed them relatives of two or three individuals) certain it was, that which he now rose, he begged to propose a health into laws. At that time the natural duties of mari were the first legally constituted Theatrical Fund owed its ori- in an assembly called together as this was20 forbidden; the clergy were condemned to celibacy, and gin to one of the brightest ornaments of the profession, of Scotsmen-must be received, not only with feelings the laity were deprived of the use of their bible; the the late David Garrick. That eminent actor conceived delight, but with raptures and enthusiasm Than theatre was considered a place of profaneness, from which that, by a weekly subscription in the theatre, a fund might had risen on former occasions to give the health of men would withhold their feet as they would do from the be raised among its members, from which a portion might individual hypocrisy for doing so; on the contrary, he gave them full an opportunity would be offered for prudence to provide the native modesty of the individual had concealed hi credit for their sincerity, as he would to those who still what fortune had denied-a comfortable provision for the self; but he had the gratification to know that these clou he gave hem with be given to those of his less fortunate brethren, and thus being able to put aside those ells and clouds with entertained prejudices against the stage. But no one winter of life. With the welfare of his profession con- were now dispelled that the Great Unknown—(in could deny, that to relieve the sick, and to support the stantly at heart, the zeal with which he laboured to up-cheering the minstrel of his country continued che whic wretched, were duties enjoined on them by our holy re- hold its respectability, and to impress upon the minds of ingthat mighty magician, who had conjured up, ligion, and they were not entitled to ask to whom assistance his brethren not only the necessity, but blessing of inde- the phantoms of the dark ages, but the realues themselve was given, but by whom it was given. But performers pendence, the Fund became his peculiar care. He drew stands revealed to the eyes of his countrymen. He

sure it would be displeasing him were he able to say what he felt. Every man who had known his works was able to contemplate his talent, from the enjoyment which he bad received from the great efforts of his genius, and must recollect that he has given his country an imperishable name, by illuminating its annals, by illustrating its wars, its heroes, and its statesmen, more than any other Dan that ever existed within its territory-(great cheering) Phat great genius had opened up the beauties of his ountry to the eyes of foreigners, exhibiting to them those patriots and heroes who lived before us, and to whom we are to attribute that glorious state of freedom which we now enjoy. His Lordship gave The health of Sir Walter Scott."-( Loud and continued cheering. )

Here, in the Caledonian Mercury, intervene several speeches of a local rather than a general nature. These we omit.-Edit. Kal.]

promise to the ear, and break it to the hope"-we have
presumed to court the assistance of the friends of the
drama to strengthen our infant institution. Our appeal
has been successful, beyond our most sanguine expecta
tions. The distinguished patronage conferred on us by
your presence on this occasion, and the substantial sup.
port which your benevolence has so liberally afforded to
our institution, must impress every member of the fund
with the most grateful sentiments-sentiments which no
language can express, no time obliterate. (Applause.)
I will not trespass longer on your attention; I would the
task of acknowledging our obligations had fallen into abler
hands. (Hear, hear.) In the name of the Stewards I
most respectfully and cordially thank you, for the honour
you have done us, which greatly overpays our poor en-
deavours. (Applause) For

All our service,

In every point twice done and then done double,
Were poor and single business, to contend
Against those honours deep and broad wherewith
Your patronage loads our house. For these,
And the late dignities heaped up to them,
We rest your hermits.

Mr. R. Robertson rose to propose the health of an il-
lustrious friend, Mr. Jeffrey-(loud cheers)-who was
unfortunately prevented from attending this meeting by
ill health. In Scotland he was acknowledged as the most
distinguished advocate who had ever appeared at the bar;
as the highest ornament of literature; and throughout Eu-
rope he was equally known and admired as a critic-(Ap-
planse.) If he could pay him an additional compliment,
he would only have to speak the sentiments of the junior
members of his profession, whose hearts were endeared to
him by his kindness, frankness, and cordial manner, no
less than his splendid talents attracted their admiration
(Applause.) To say more, particularly in Edinburgh,
where his talents and accomplishments were so well known
and appreciated, would only heap coals of fire upon bis
own head. He would conclude by once more proposing
the health of Mr. Jeffrey, which was drank with great en-
thusiasm.

Sir Walter Scott said he did not expect to have revealed before three hundred gentlemen a secret which had been remarkably well kept up for a great number of years.Though he might have been put on trial for this offence of which be stood convicted before Lord Meadowbank, yet an atelligent and impartial jury would consider the evidence before they gave a verdict against him; they might perhaps rive a verdict of not proven (laughter)-and not enter into he reasons which determined him to keep so long a silence: erhaps caprice had a great share in it; the fault he entirely inputed to himself; indeed, he was afraid to think of what se had now done-look at it again, he dared not. But as ais would go out to the public, he meant it to go seriously, when he said that he was the total and undivided author of these novels—there was not a single word written, except some quotations, or a suggestion made, which was not his ran, or what he had found in his own reading.(Much cheering.) He would now propose, in the capacity of author of these novels, the health of a gentleman of this company, he meant his friend Baillie Nicol Jarvie-(Great Laughter.) When the author of Waverley and Rob Roy drank the health of Baillie Nicol Jarvie, they would all recollect the applause he received in the theatre, and they would, no doubt, be inclined to give him some here. (Loud cheering.) The health of Baillie Nicol Jarvie." Mr. Mackay, after a short pause, exclaimed-“ Ma conscience! My worthy father, the Deacon, had he been in Mr. James Maconochie begged to propose a bumper to existence, wouldna have believed that siccan a great honour the health of the most distinguished lady which the stage should befal me, his son-that I should have such a com- of this country has ever produced, Mrs. Siddons (Ap. pliment paid me by the Great Unknown. I have now planse.) borne my civic honours for eight years, and I trust that The Chairman said, if any thing could reconcile him to none of my brethren in the council have given more satis-old age, it was his having seen the rising and setting of faction, (Much laughter.) the brilliant sun of Mrs. Siddons. He recollected the anxiety with which he used to press forward to witness her performances. He had actually breakfasted at the door of the theatre; he had remained till the doors were opened, The Chairman now proposed the health of the gentle- at six o'clock, and had sat counting his fingers till seven, men who had attended the company in the capacity of that the curtain rose, and he could not but remember that stewards. They had given up their own comfort to attend the first words which that lady spoke more than repaid all apon the company; but he was happy that they had now his labour, and all his toils. Those who had only seen the so far yielded up their stewardship, as to partake of the setting of that brilliant and magnificent sun, must allow good things that were going.—“ The health of the Stew us old fellows (said Sir Walter) who have also witnessed ards." its rising, to hold our heads a little higher-Great ap. Mr. Vandenhoff-Mr. President and Gentlemen.-planse.) Glee, "Here's a liealth to all good lasses." The honour conferred upon the Stewards, in the very fiat- Mr. Dundas, of Arniston, proposed a name, which he tring compliment you have just paid us, calls forth our said had been too long: unnoticed, but which must be remest acknowledgments. In tendering you our thanks vered by all who took an interest in the drama-the methe approbation you have been pleased to express of our mory of Home, the author of Douglas, a name which amble exertions, I would beg leave to advert to the cause must be remembered so long as the stage, the drama, or which we have been engaged. Yet, surrounded as the language of England continued to exist. Drank in by the genius, the eloquence of this enlightened city, silence. cannot but feel the presumption which ventures to adres you on so interesting a subject. Accustomed to speak the language of others. I feel quite at a loss for terms herein to clothe the sentiments excited by the present casion. (Applause.) The nature of the institution hich has sought your fostering patronage, and the obcla which it contemplates, have been fully explained to But gentlemen, the relief which it proposes, is not gratuitous relief-but to be purchased by the indivi⚫ al contribution of its members toward the general good. his fund lends no encouragement to idleness or improdence, but it offers an opportunity to prudence in vigour id youth, to make provision against the evening of life, id its attendant infirmity. A period is fixed at which admit the plea of age as an exemption from professional bour. Tis painful to behold the veteran on the stage Supelled by necessity) contending against physical de. mocking the joyousness of mirth with the feebleness age when the energies decline-when the memory and the big manly voice, turning again towards hildish treble, pipes and whistles in the sound." We Fould remove him from the mimic scene, where fiction onstitutes the charm. We would not view old age carri. ing itself. (Applause.) But as our means may be outd, in the time of need, inadequate to the fulfilment of Aur wishes fearful of raising expectations which we may *nable to gratify-desirous not "to keep the word of

atur

The Chairman.It was a good old proverb, that we
should keep our ain fish-guts to our ain sea maws;" and
this reminded him that there was one name which had a
particular right to notice on this occasion. It was that
of the person who first established dramatic entertain-
ments in Edinburgh. He did so with considerable trouble,
and he believed he had sustained some loss in the attempt.
Most of those present would remember a place called Car-
rubber's Close.—(A laugh. )—It was there that a theatre
was established and a stage erected, by no less a man than
Allan Ramsay.-(Cheering. )—Those who understood his
Doric dialect would see that it was not exactly fitted for
the stage: but he was a very clever fellow, a jovial honest
man; and he (Sir W.) had no doubt that he would have
felt great pleasure to meet with them here.-A laugh.)
Let us, therefore drink a bumper to the memory of Old
Allan."
The Chairman, after some handsome observations on
his respected friend, Mr. Henry McKenzie, which we
could not distinctly hear, proposed the health of that gen.
tlemen, which was drank with great applause.

After this (half past ten) Sir Walter made some apolologies for leaving the meeting so soon, having, he said, the excuse of Lord Ogilvy, rheumatism, and with whom he might exclaim There's a twinge;"—and trusting they would continue to enjoy themselves, left the room amidst the most enthusiastic cheering.

DINNER TO DAVID WILKIE, ESQ. R.A.

Rome, Jan. 26, 1827.

having formed the wish to give a dinner to their celebrated The artists from Scotland, at present residing in Rome, countryman, were eagerly joined by the other gentlemen of that country, and a dinner was accordingly given to Mr. Wilkie, in the Palazzo Astuli, at which nearly fifty Scots men were present. His Grace the Duke of Hamilton kindly consented to take the chair. His Grace was supported by Sir Archibald Campbell, Sir Alexander Wood, and General Ramsay, as Croupiers.

There were also present, the Right. Hon. Sir Robert Liston, the Hon. Colonel Grant, of Grant; Sir James Gordon, Sir William Forbes, and Sir Francis Mackenzie, Barts. &c. &c. As guests, the following distinguished foreigners cordially joined in showing this mark of respect to so eminent a person-II Cavaliere Thorwaldson, Il Cavaliere Camunicini, Il Cavaliere Benvenuti, of Florence. Of the numerous English now in Rome, there was, it may he said, hardly one who would not have been happy to have joined the party, but the number of Scotsmen was such as to preclude the possibility of finding accommodation, had the dinner been made general to all the British. There were, therefore, of the English artists, only present, as guests, Mr. J. Lane, Mr. C. Eastlake Mr. Gibson, sculptor, having been unluckily prevented from attending; the absence also of Mons. Guirin, President of the French Academy, from indisposition, was to be regretted.

His Grace the Duke of Hamilton, on entering the apartments, requested that all the artists present might be in, troduced to him, which was accordingly done; and the company shortly afterwards sat down to dinner, which, as well as the general appearance of the room, was of the most splendid description. After dinner the following toasts were proposed from the chair:

The King, with all the honours."
His Holiness the Pope."

In giving the above toast, his Grace the Duke of Ha. milton observed, that it could not fail to gratify all who came, either as artists or as visitors, to this ancient and imperial city, to find, amidst the heart burnings and dis. sentions existing between Catholics and Protestants in so many other nations of Europe, that here the stranger and the student, under the paternal government of the Roman Church, were sure to find, even in times of war and civil commotion, both encouragement and protection. Feeling, therefore, as foreigners, the highest respect for the un affected piety and many virtues of the present Sovereign Pontiff, they cannot, in such a meeting, conformably to the customs of their country, do less than drink Health and long life to his Holiness the Pope."

This toast was received with enthusiastic applause, and was followed by that of His Royal Highness the Duke of York and the Army," "His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence and the Navy," His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, and the rest of the Royal Family."

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The health of Mr. Wilkie, the toast of the day," which his Grace gave by observing, that the present assembly were, doubtless, so well acquainted with Mr. Wilkie's works that to caracterize them was unnecessary: but he could not help recalling to them the Rent Day, and the Blind Fiddler; in doing which he described, in a most lively manner, the scenes and expressions of both these pictures, observing, that the latter had happily found its way into the National Gallery of England, where, his Grace paid Mr. Wilkie the high compliment to say, that, for expression and feeling, it now sustains its place among the fine specimens of which that gallery is composed.

The above toast was received with the loudest cheers. Mr. Wilkie immediately rose, and said, that in the gentlemanlike and eloquent address they had just heard, complimented, as he had been, by such a judge of art, his embarrassment in returning, as he ought, his warmest thanks, was greatly increased. The honours of the day were equally due to his brethren present as to himself; they were honours paid to the arts; and if mixed up with a sympathy for the privations to which the too eager pursuit of them had exposed an individual,, it was only the more creditable to their generosity. The arts, might well elevate the humblest professor, since they gave to imperial Rome herself her dearest interest. The possession of art had made Italy to all a land of promise had continued her empire and had brought them, Protestants as they were, across the Alps, in pilgrimage, to pay their devo tions at the shrine of the Vatican. No one knew, or could describe better than his Grace in the chair, those qualitics which an artist ought to study in coming to Italy. It is the exhibition of mind that has given Italian art its preeminence. Without mind, the purity of the antique would