VARIETIES.

Mr. John Reeve has determined on mending his ways. He has vowed never to drink more than two glasses of brandy and water-at one sitting. We fear, however, that after the first sitting, 'he will report progress,' and ask leave to sit again."

All Greenacre's hair has been disposed of, to make lockets for the ladies. The gentlemen have been obliged to rest content with pieces of the rope by which he was hanged. They have paid for it at the rate of four pounds per foot; or six shillings and eight pence per inch. While dispensing these articles of virtu, John Ketch Esq., observed, that he disposed of them in accordance with an established custom; he hoped however, that purchasers would draw the line between custom and his own better feelings. As he said this, the by-standers observed a drop in his eye.

Several intended separations in high life are talked about; the only obstacle is the want of money,—a separate maintenance being 'no joke.'

THEATRICAL-FUND DINNER,
COVENT GARDEN.

The 21st Anniversary Festival of this valuable Institution was celebrated on the 13th ult, at Freemasons' Hall, the Right Hon. Sir G. Murray, in the chair. The arrangements of the evening were, in every respect, of the most satisfactory description, most of the more eminent members of the corps dramatique, now in London, acting as stewards. All the galleries commanding a view of the entertainment were literally crowded with ladies; who, in their elegant dresses, excited no small

BURFORD'S PANORAMA, LEICESTER-SQUARE.

We last week noticed Mr. Burford's new and magnificent picture of the Bay and City of Dublin, which improves on every visit, and which we hesitate not to pronounce faultless. We now offer a few remarks on the beautiful picture of Mont Blanc (in the lower room), which, from the vast difference in the nature of its subject, contrasts forcibly with that of Dublin. The drawings for Mont Blanc were taken from the Flégère, a mountain of considerable elevation, on the northern side of the valley, which from its height and situation (being opposite Mont Blanc), commands a most comprehensive view of the mountain, with its attendant Aiguilles, Glaciers, &c., from base to summit. The time represented is evening, when the atmosphere is nearly cloudless, and the snow-clad heights shine resplendently; the lofty peaks reflecting the richest hues of the setting sun, long after the luminary which gilds them, has sunk below the mountains, and become invisible to the lower world.

The various objects that surround the spectator in this situation are of the grandest description. On first entering the room, the vastness of the scene oppresses and almost overwhelms the beholder with astonishment, and the mind labors to form a definite idea of such co

mantes.

In the course of the evening Mr. Bartley addressed the company, and entered into a very satisfactory detail of the origin and progress of the Institution, after which a collection was made amounting to £950.

Mr. Serjeant Talfourd also addressed the meeting in a very luminous and clever speech, which was loudly applauded.

Amongst the vocalists who particularly distinguished

Giulio

themselves were, Madame Albertazzi and Miss Turpin, who were both encored in their respective airs. Regondi performed very brilliantly upon Wheatstone's patent concertina; an instrument which, in his hands, unites wonderful power and sweetness. A novelty in the performances was, the introduction of Mina Nola, (an angel of a child only eight years old, from Turin), who executed a concerto upon a violin with consummate skill, and surprising effect; at its conclusion she was carried in Mr. Young's arms to the principal table, where she was nearly devoured by kisses.

The company did not disperse till after midnight, and for ourselves, we never remember to have passed a more rational, intellectual, and delightful evening.

EXHIBITIONS.

ADELAIDE-STREET GALLERY.

Of the Exhibitions, now open for the season, this, perhaps, is the most generally interesting to young persons; though it must prove a source of infinite amusement, as well as instruction, to all. Among the novelties now exhibiting, are, -A splendid oxy-hydrogen microscope, magnifying objects upwards of three million times, and showing the innumerable animalculæ inhabiting a single drop of water!-Warlike and other implements of the natives of the South Sea-Magnets bearing 500 lbs. weight attached to them, and producing light and electricityElectrical experiments-&c.&c.; the whole exhibition comprising some hundreds of novelties which we have no room to particularise, but which are all worthy a very careful examination.

universal tranquillity, the deep and solemn stillness which reigns around, interrupted only by the fearful rush of the avalanche, the hollow whistling of the wind, or the shrill cry of the chamois or marmot, impresses the senses in a manner so forcible as to awaken associations and

feelings altogether new, and dispose the mind to feel, in its full force, the sublimity of the scene.

Mont Blanc-like the Bay of Dublin-can only be properly estimated, as a work of art, by a personal visit. It is seen to most advantage when the sun is shining brightly.

CRITICISM.

The public are apt to take for granted all they read in the daily and weekly papers, and in so doing, they act unwisely. It was with a view to give them correct information on passing events, that the IDLER was projected, and launched into the world. The necessity for this will be seen by the following extract, copied from last Tuesday's Theatrical Observer, a professed 'Sir Oracle' on theatrical matters. Speaking of George Barnwell, the Critic says :

"The hero was enacted by J. Webster, with infinitely more talent than the world in general would give him credit for. He is young and handsome, and possesses tragic powers of considerable extent; therefore, we could not have a better representation of Lillo's hero."

The above we can refute-every word of itby a coup de grace. We were present; the Critic was not. Mr. Webster did not appear at all! The character was efficiently played by Mr. PRITCHARD, who is honorably entitled to all the praise lavished on Mr. Webster.-So much for hireling scribes !

BALLOONS.

'There is jealousy among all trades.' No sooner did Mrs. Graham ascertain that Mr. Green had prudently refused to "man his balloon" on Friday the 12th ult., in consequence of the unfavorable state of the weather, than she issued posting-bills to direct public attention to herself. Her announcement was, that she would ascend, at all hazards, in order that the public might not be disappointed-the ascent to take place on Whit-Monday, at the Surrey Zoological Gardens; admission one shilling.

Justly incensed at this, the proprietors of Vauxhall threw their Gardens open on the very same day, and at the same prices of admission, appointing Mr. Green to make his ascent also. Thus were some thousands of shillings diverted from their intended place of destination, and both parties pleased by having vexed each other! Q. E. D.

The

Of Mrs. Graham's rashness, after her late miraculous escape-for that she is quite incapable of properly managing a balloon has been evinced on several occasions-we shall not speak; believing the unhappy lady to be any thing but compos mentis; suffice it to say, that she did ascend on Monday, and providentially descend without dislocating her neck. only sufferer was the balloon, which, by some mismanagement, was so terribly mangled in its descent, as to require the aid of thirty or forty expert needle-women to repair the breaches! The poor monkey, Signor Jacopo, also providentially escaped unhurt. He descended in a parachute, and was picked up on Walworth Common, "in amazement lost.

On Whit-Tuesday, Mrs. Graham again ventured to ascend, though it was nearly 8 o'Clock in the evening before the balloon could be inflated. We are glad to be able to report that she is once more safely landed, and we trust her friends will use their influence to keep her on terra firma*. Signor Jacopo, on this occasion, had but a short time to endure the rack,-he descended in the gardens a few minutes after he took his seat.-But now for the veteran, Mr. Green. This weather-beaten aëronaut made his first ascent for the season, on Monday last from the Royal Gardens, Vauxhall, which were attended by some thousands of individuals, anxious to get a fresh glimpse of the "Nassau Balloon." About half past six, he took his seat in the car, accompanied by six gentlemen (no ladies daring to risk their lovely persons); and after a pleasant voyage of 23 minutes' duration, descended in safety at Horley, in Sussex. The balloon was packed up immediately and forwarded to Town by the Brighton Van.

On Tuesday, Mr. Green made his second ascent from the Gardens, with a snug party consisting of ten Gentlemen, (who were again in the ascendant.) The afternoon being unusually fine, the 'Royal Property' was thronged with

*On Thursday evening, this ill-fated lady again ascended, from the Yorkshire Stingo; on which occasion, she escaped destruction by a positive miracle!

visitors; whose shouts rent the air, when Mr. Green, with his posse comitatus, took his seat, at exactly half-past six o'Clock. The balloon rose majestically, and was visible for a considerable time. It was, however, gradually lost to sight, and descended in perfect safety at Charlwood Park, near Crawley, Sussex, at 35 minutes past 7. Six of the happy party immediately returned to Town by the Times, Brighton Coach. The others tarried behind to enjoy the otium,-cum dignitate.

The fortunate (?) lessee of the Haymarket Theatre, (said by Mr. George Robins to be “malheureusement the best in London,") is Mr. HOOPER, late of the Theatre Royal, Ólympic.

THE LONDON COFFEE-HOUSE KEEPERS'
ASSOCIATION.

The object of this laudable institution, is to relieve aged and decayed members, their widows, and orphans by a weekly or monthly allowance, proportioned to their wants, or the funds of the institution. We cannot sufficiently commend the good feeling which exists among the members; and we feel sure that their charitable intentions will be heartily responded to by their brother tradesmen. We shall have a fostering eye over the institution; and report progress from time to time. The London Coffee-House keepers are a respectable and highly useful body of men, and they have acted very wisely in appointing Mr. Forbes, of Great Russell Street, to be their Honorary Secretary.

The People's Newspaper.

THE GUIDE, Price Three Pence Half-penny. The Cheapest and best Family Newspaper in London, permanently doubled in size and shape; and consisting of 40 COLUMNS, LARGE FOLIO-Contains all the week's News to Saturday morning, including Friday Night's Parliamentary Debates. This Paper may be received within 200 miles of the Metropolis on Sunday. Orders received by all News-Agents.

Agid Hassan's Circassian Hair Dye. W SKIN. The only article that has stood the test of

ITHOUT INJURING the HAIR or SOILING the

Printed by J. Eames, 7, Tavistock St., Covent Garden.

Published for the Proprietor by GEORGE DENNEY, at the Office, 7, Tavistock St. Covent Garden: sold also by Hetherington, 126, Strand; Strange, 21, and Steill, 20, Paternoster Row; Purkiss, Compton Street; and Clements, Pulteney Street.

VOL. I.-No. 3.]

PENNY-A-LINERS.

[Mr. GRANT having considerately sent us a large sheet of printed extracts-cut and dry' from the second series of his "GREAT METROPOLIS," we give him the benefit of a notice on our first page. As he hits the mark this time, and comes something near the truth, the following extract will be read with pleasure. We have no wish to injure Mr. GRANT,-we only expose his errors :-]

" PENNY-A-LINERS are a singular race; they are a class, in a great measure, by themselves; they live by the press, yet they do not strictly speaking belong to the press. They have no regular sum for their labors; sometimes no sum at all. If there be what the thimble-riggers at Greenwich and other fairs, call "the fortune of war" in any line of business, it is in theirs. Sometimes they will fag away without a moment's intermission for seven or eight hours, writing in that time as much matter as would fill from a column to a column and a half of a morning newspaper, walking, it may be, in addition, five or six miles, and yet not receive one penny, notwithstanding all their enterprise and exertion. No paper is bound to use the matter, or any part of it, which they furnish; for they were not sent by any one connected with the press, to the meetings or the coroner's inquests, of whose proceedings their reports usually consist; but went of their own accord.

In

other words, it was all a matter of speculation; quite a toss up whether they should receive the Irishman's fortune-nothing at all; or whether they should pocket five or six pounds by the adventure. The former I must, however, say, is the most frequent occurrence. I have no idea that we shall ever see a treatise, with illustrative examples, of any value, "On the Caprices of Fortune," until it is written by a Penny-a-Liner. To-day they have not one farthing in their pockets; tomorrow, the entire sum due to them by the daily papers may be several pounds. When their matter is inserted, or, to use their own phraseology, their copy is used,

[PRICE TWO-PENCE.

they are paid at the rate of three-halfpence for every line. The price originally was a penny a line; hence the origin of their designation. A column of a morning paper, produces from thirty to forty shillings. It is seldom, however, one of them is so fortunate as

to get an entire column of matter into any of the papers; but he does now and then get half a column or so, into three or four out of the six morning papers; and the owing to the press of parliamentary or other matter, joint produce is a few pounds. It often happens, that furnished by the regular reporters of the morning journals, or to the absence of any peculiar interest in the realise a sovereign for weeks in succession. On the matter they have procured, that some of them will not other hand, they have the good fortune of occasionally meeting with "something" which not only enables them to clear off old scores, but replenishes their pockets for some time to come. A "horrible murder," such as that of Thurtell's, rejoices the hearts of the Penny-aLiners. They call it a "windfall." To work they set directly, and every thing connected with the murdered party and the murderer, is hunted out by them with an If no romantic maalacrity which exceeds all belief.

terials exist, they call in the aid of their inventive faculties. They consider anything bearing on the romantic as a sort of mine, which they work with the most exemplary industry. The produce, as I have already hinted, is sometimes considerable. One of them made, from first to last, nearly £70 out of Thurtell's murder. In 1833, another reaped an abundant harvest. The "subject," as they sometimes call it, was an inquest on the body of a man in Shadwell, who had been suspected to have been murdered by a policeman. One person chanced to have a monopoly of it, and the inquest lasted five days; and as each of the morning papers had from a column and a half to two columns of the proceedings daily, it brought him about £50."

[We would add for Mr. Grant's information, on the subject of Penny-a-Liners, that when their names are sent in, attached to the information they furnish, the news, whatever it may be, is always inserted-provided they are known at the office as men of veracity.-ED. I.]

REVIEWS OF BOOKS.

trations of Political Economy." 3 vols. Saunders and Otley.

Miss Harriet Martineau is a prolific writer, and a political writer. She has some sense, but more affectation; and when she confines herself to her own proper sphere, she may be said to be a useful member of society. There is much valuable information scattered throughout these volumes, and-politics excepted-there is plenty to amuse the general reader. The following remarks on the behavior of American gentlefolks in public, are worth extracting :

"So much more has naturally been observed by travellers, of American manners in stages and steamboats than in private houses, that all has been said, over and over again, that the subject deserves. I need only testify that I do not think the Americans eat faster than other people, on the whole. The celerity at hotel-tables is remarkable; but so it is in stage-coach travellers in England, who are allowed ten minutes or a quarter of an hour for dining. In private houses, I was never aware of being hurried. The cheerful, unintermitting civility of all gentlemen travellers, throughout the country, is very striking to a stranger. The degree of consideration shown to women is, in my opinion, greater than is rational, or good for either party; but the manners of an American stage-coach, might afford a valuable lesson and example to many classes of Europeans who have a high opinion of their own civilization. I do not think it rational or fair that every gentleman, whether old or young, sick or well, weary or untired, should, as a matter of course, yield up the best places in the stage to any lady passenger. I do not think it rational or fair that five gentlemen should ride on the top of the coach, (where there is no accommodation for holding on, and no resting-place for the feet,) for some hours of a July day in Virginia, that a young lady, who was slightly delicate, might have room to lay up her feet, and change her posture as she pleased. It is obvious that, if she was not strong enough to travel on common terms in the stage, her family should have travelled in an extra, or staid behind, or done any thing rather than allow five persons to risk their health and sacrifice their comfort for the sake of one. Whatever may be the good moral effects of such self-renunciation on the tempers of the gentlemen, the custom is very injurious to ladies. Their travelling manners are anything but amiable. While on a journey, women who appear well enough in their homes, present all the characteristics of spoiled children. Screaming and trembling at the apprehension of danger are not uncommon; but there is something far worse in the cool selfishness with which they accept the best of everything, at any sacrifice to others, and usually, in the South and West, without a word or look of acknowledgment. They are as like spoiled children when the gentlemen are not present to be sacrificed to them,-in the inn parlor, while waiting for meals or the stage, and in the cabin of a steam-boat. I never saw any manner so repulsive as that of many American ladies on board steam-boats. They look as if they supposed you mean to injure them, till you show to the contrary. The suspicious side-glance, or the full stare, the cold, immoveable observation, the bristling selfdefence the moment you come near, the cool pushing to get the best places, every thing said and done without the least trace of trust or cheerfulness, these are the disagreeable consequences of the ladies being petted and humored as they are. The New England ladies, who are compelled by their superior numbers to depend less upon the care of others, are far happier and pleasanter companions in a journey, than those of the rest of the country."

Those who are acquainted with the natural bent of Miss Martineau's mind, will not be

are reasons, plain enough to the observer, why their manners should be even peculiarly pure. They are all married young, from their being outnumbered by the other sex; and there is ever present an unfortunate servile class of their own sex to serve the purposes of licentiousness, so as to leave them untempted. Their degradation arises, not from their own conduct, but from that of all other parties around them. Where the generality of men carry secrets, which their wives must grossing concerns of life must wear one aspect to the be the last to know; where the busiest and more en

one sex, and another to the other, there is an end to all wholesome confidence and sympathy, and woman sinks to be the ornament of her husband's house, the domestic manager of his establishment, instead of being his all-sufficient friend."

These are singular sentiments for a refined mind to listen to. "All-sufficient friends" are dangerous companions, as many a man knows to his cost. A woman had far better "sink to be the ornament of her husband's house" than live with him on terms of Platonic affection. It gives us pleasure to find that SIR RICHARD STEELE is of our opinion; "I have says that great man, "though a tolerably good philosopher, but a low opinion of Platonic love. For which reason, I think it necessary to give my fair readers a caution against it; observing, to my great concern, the waist of a Platonist lately swell to a roundness, which is inconsistent with that philosophy."

There are many passages in these volumes of a very unfeminine-nay, positively masculine character; but we have no wish to offend the modesty of our female readers, and shall therefore pass them by. On the whole, we do not think this work likely to have an extensive circulation, unless among Miss Martineau's immediate connection. It is far too didactic and dictatorial for the multitude.

Observations on the Preservation of Health, in Infancy, Youth, Manhood, and Age, By John Harrison Curtis, Esq. H. Renshaw.

[Second Notice.]

A careful perusal of this very intelligent, useful, and practical book, has more than justified the remarks we passed on it in our first number. It is the best-decidedly the best -work of its kind published, and is so admirably arranged, that any matter connected with health may be found readily, by a glance at the index.

The object of this work is not the cure of disease, but the preservation of health; and that, in relation to the four states of man,—Infancy, Youth, Manhood, and Senility. The rules laid down are so simple, that all who read may understand them; and, if carefully followed, they can hardly fail to prolong life, and increase the capability of enjoyment.

We make one or two extracts:

"CLEANLINESS.-The considerations which shew the necessity for personal cleanliness, prove also the importance of cleanliness in dress. For as portions of the dress are in constant contact with the skin, it takes

up the perspiration, and retains many of its impurities, which, as I have before stated, are liable to be absorbed into the system. The linen ought, therefore, to be frequently changed, particularly in early life, when cuta

neous diseases are common.

"DRESS.-All the parts of the dress ought to be loose, and of a porous texture, both to give free play to the vascular circulation, and to permit the free exit of the perspiration, and to absorb it readily. How far at variance with these rules is the dress in this country, of females in particular, it is needless for me to say. One would think that it had been adopted for the express purpose of hindering the development of the body, and of retarding its functions: certain at least it is that

such is its effect; and no reform would tend more directly to increase the happiness and well-being of our country, than the adoption of more natural modes of dress.'

"DIET.-As a general rule, the plainer the food the better; condiments serve only to stimulate and to prolong

the appetite after the wants of the body have been supplied; and they are thus the CAUSES of indigestion and other maladies.

The quantity of animal food consumed in this country is too great: it is commonly thought that without an abundant supply of it, it is impossible to be strong or healthy. Some animal food is, in our northern climate, undoubtedly necessary; but that its importance is too highly rated, will be evident when we consider that the Irish peasants live almost exclusively on potatoesthe East Indians upon rice-the Italian makes his dinner of a piece of bread, wine, and a few figs-and that the French consume far less butcher's-meat than our countrymen do, and are, notwithstanding, by no means a weak puny race. A substantial meal once a-day is, in general, enough of animal food."

We greatly respect Mr. Curtis' advice; and, in so far as we are concerned, mean to practise it; but it is a matter of some little doubt, whether John Bull will ever be brought to relinquish good eating and drinking. He would prefer dying of a surfeit!.

Sunday Travelling,-Mr. Roebuck's Speech against the Introduction of the Clause proposed by Sir Andrew Agnew, to prevent Sunday Travelling on the Glasgow, Paisley, and Ayr Railroad. J. Eames, Tavistock-street.

Sir

A well-timed reprint, of one of the best speeches ever delivered by Mr. Roebuck in the House of Commons. We understand some twenty thousand copies of it have already been circulated in all parts of the country. Andrew Agnew, in his fanatical attempts to deprive the poor of a mouthful of fresh air, on the only day of the week set apart for their harmless enjoyment, is an object of pity, rather than contempt. We can only make allowance for his conduct on the score of insanity. His friends should try and convince him, in a lucid interval, that men can never be made religious by act of parliament.-Poor Sir Agnew!

Consumption Curable, &c. By Henry Congreve. Published for the Author, by George Berger. If any proof were wanting of the extreme gullibility of John Bull, we have it here in the pamphlet before us; of which the author boasts he has sold three editions of 6000, or 18,000 copies! A more miserable bit of deception was never put forth, even by Morison the Hygeist; which conveys, more than a century of words

could do, the enormity of the author's ignorance, arrogance, and presumption. He is a contemptible empyric, living on the infirmities of his fellow creatures, who pay for his friendly advice by consuming his sovereign Elixir,, Balsam, and Bolusses. Will the reader believe it? this book professes to sympathise with suffering humanity; whereas it is written solely to puff off certain nostrums, prepared by, and belonging to the author himself!! The very title, Consumption Curable;' consumption being, it is well known, an incurable disorder, is a falsehood on the face of it. On reading over the cut and dry 'cases' of the wonderful cures effected by these quack medicines, we observed the name of a party with whom we are acquainted, affixed to a letter of recommendation,' purporting to be written by him. Two days since, we called on that individual to censure him for his folly, when he at once assured us the letter was a forgery, and that he knew nothing about it till it was in print! When will the public begin to grow wise?

ANECDOTE OF KEAN.-In the year 1807, Mr. and Mrs. Kean visited this city and gave recitations and imitations of various actors; among others of Kemble and Garrick, in Nokes' room, Minster Yard. The bills were printed by the late Mr. Deighton, of Pavement, and poor Kean, after nightfall, and at an early hour in the morning, posted the bills himself round York! The manuscript of the play bill, in Kean's handwriting, is at present in the possession of Mr. Harley, of Covent Garden.-Yorkshireman.

RHYMES FOR THE FINE WEATHER; WRITTEN BY ANTICIPATION.

SPRING'S come at last,

And is stirring her quickly,
The birds are all singing,
The leaves growing thickly :
White blossoms, and pink,
Greet the sudden beholders;
The sun makes us wink,

And is warm on the shoulders.
April and March, we forgive ye to-day:
Spring's come at last with the coming of May.

See! see! out of window

The maid-servants talking;
The man in his cloak

Throws it off while he's walking;

I know not which scene

With more pleasure is brimming,
The country all green,

Or the town full of women.

Good heavens! and this is the chimney-sweeps' day! What a pity the milkmaids don't sweep them away.

Come back, Milkmaid Garlands,
Renew the old times,
When bosoms wore blossoms,
And poets had rhymes;
There's a mirth in the air

And a blooming of faces;
Why mock with young care
Earth's youthfullest graces?
Why make not the sweeps truly happy to-day,
And wipe the poor scandal for ever from May?
LEIGH HUNT.