... How weary state, flat, and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of dramatic criticism! That I should labour on week after week with unflagging energy and unexampled intel- ligence to correct the faults of the British stage is not extraordinary, for I am devoted to the theatrical profession. But that my labours should have so little result is most strange and unnatural. I console myself, ...

... TTJRFIANA. VASTLY little light was let in upon the probable results of the great races of the year by doings at Newmarket last week, and though the Two Thousand Guineas will receive more minute attention elsewhere in this article, we are entitled to take a general view of the race, as regards the leading features which distinguish it. These at present seem mainly to reflect a profound ...

... CHESS. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. R. S.-- You can get fifty diagrams clearly printed on good paper, and in a pretty wrapper for sixpence, from Mr. G. C. Heywood, the well-known problem composer, High-road, Lee, S.E. ,T. f (E,on College).-- The problem as amended is correct. {solution of Problem No. 269 by J. M. and Julia Short is correct. Solution of Problem No. 269 (Mr. Kidson's). White. ...

... CHESS. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. A. C. P.-- Notes and corrections received with thanks. J. W. Myer (Brighton). Your solution of Problem 231 is correct. T. Robertson-Airman. Thanks for letter; the problem is very neat, and will shortly appear. J. W. i Upper Norwood). You should join the Croydon Club, which holds its meetings every Monday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and is frequently visited by some ...

... . MESSRS. J. AND R. DOUGLASS, of the Standard Theatre, in announcing themselves as the actual and responsible managers of that place of entertainment at the head of their programme, give their address as 204½, High-street, Shoreditch, further they state that it is the largest and most magnificent theatre in the world. This announcement, being in italics, is imposing, not to say startling. I ...

... . BY OUR SPECIAL COMMISSIONER. PART n. THE first difficulty that has to be vanquished is the outfit. Immemorial tradition assures us, and immemorial custom demands, that every person going out to India takes with him an elaborate outfit, sufficient in its magnitude to clothe all hands on board a troop-ship. The task of collecting this outfit is a stupendous one. The most gauzy vests, the ...

... . A FRIEND of mine, while staying at Malta some time ago, was-- as were the rest of the diners at the table d'hóte --much annoyed by the air of superior knowledge assumed by a man who was staying in the hotel, acting as bear leader to a couple of lads. This man knew all about everybody and everything, arrogantly laid down the law on every subject that came up, and contradicted people in the ...