The Sporting review, ed. by 'Craven'.

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS.

"I belong to the unpopular family of Telltruths, and would not flatter Apollo for his lyre."-Rob Roy.

However alluring rural scenes may be at this season, there are by no means few individuals whose fate it is not to enjoy the realization. With all such, the Metropolis is made to furnish the wherewithal for the leisure hour, and with the many places of public entertainment open at all seasons, solitary indeed must be the condition of him who finds all barren. The greatest inducements have perhaps been held out, by reason of propitious weather, for enjoying out-door amusements. Sydenham, with the increased advantages of transit by the picturesque line of railway from Battersea, is foremost in the field, offering as it does all the attraction of country, in addition to the several amusements indigenous to the CRYSTAL PALACE. These are as varied as they are numerous, ranging from concerts in which of late Madame Alboni has been the prima donna, to Poultry Shows; all the feathered tribe appearing under the most favourable guardianship.

Approaching nearer the Metropolis, the Gardens continue to receive their fair share of visitors. CREMORNE Occasionally sends up a balloon to explore remote regions. Not only are there these aërial voyages to please the sight-seeker, but there are other pastimes, including horsemanship, marionettes, and dancing on the platform, the last exercise being indulged in with a vehemence that betokens excessive industry on the part of couples whose looks are anything but "lean and hungry.'

At the SURREY GARDENS grand doings have been commemorated, and a fête on a large scale has been held, the great feature having been a "French Fair," Mr. Flexmore and his company" assisting" on the occasion.

VAUXHALL is especially great at the present moment in horsemanship, one of the most daring riders being engaged, and it must be declared the deeds of horsemanship achieved by Mr. James Robinson entitle him to the applause which is so freely accorded him. He is indeed as celebrated in the circus as was his name-sake in days gone by in the Rotunda, from whence proceeded his well-remembered invitation to " Pretty Jane. "

Horsemanship is not confined to the gardens, it being just now in the ascendant within the magic circle of the ALHAMBRA PALACE, the greatest novelty being no less than the much-talkedo-f and not too greatly vilified Cruiser. Since he has been under the influence of the "soft sawder" of Mr. Rarey, he has become as docile as could be desired. Indeed no one now would recognize in the quiet, well-behaved horse to be seen in the circus in Leicester-square, the brute that was formerly known as Cruiser.

The Theatres in many instances are closed or closing-but for a short time only, as the majority will in a brief period be in working order

once more.

The PRINCESS's will close for a short term in a day or two. The

"Merchant of Venice" has been the standing bill for some time past, and even now Shylock claims his pound of flesh in the presence of many witnesses.

The OLYMPIC closed its doors the other evening, until the latter end of September, when Messrs. Robson and Emden intend to begin their winter season.

The Wych-street managers will, however, be anticipated by Miss Swanborough, who reopens the STRAND for the winter season a little earlier.

At the LYCEUM there have been seasons as plentiful as blackberries; but sooth to say, the result so far has been anything but encouraging. The latest novelty is a new comedy by the present lessee, Mr. Falconer, whose "Extremes, or Men of the Day," may be cited as a production more remarkable for brilliancy of dialogue than construction of plot. The acting is anything but indifferent, particularly on the part of Mrs. Charles Young, Mr. Emery, and Mr. James Rogers, the last named making his first appearance since his late short trip to Yankeeland.

It is really no easy task to keep pace with some of the places of public amusement in their multitudinous "seasons." The most modern instance of an infinitesimal season has just been illustrated at DRURYLANE, where Mr. James Anderson, the tragedian, has been playing a farewell engagement of six nights prior to his departure for the colonies. He has appeared, in conjunction with Miss Elsworthy, in "The Lady of Lyons," "Ingomar," and "Macbeth," and the reception he has experienced during this brief term fully warrants the supposition that his return from the antipodes will be a matter of congratulation to those interested in the British drama.

With all whose recollection of the stage dates nearly half a century, an aching void has just been found in the death of one who, during that period, has contributed so largely to the amusement of play-goers, whose idea of fun was ever associated with the name of Mr. Harley. In the plays of Shakspeare he was wont to shine; and in inferior productions, such as "The Cataract of the Ganges," Lodoiska," The Illustrious Stranger," and other antiquities, in addition to modern farces, the comedian who has just passed away was generally in the front rank.

The world of science has a worthy exponent in the POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION, which, since the change in the directorship, has had some novel features imparted to the programme. One of the most interesting subjects of the day has been selected for a lecture, and the attention bestowed on the discourse by Mr. King on the Atlantic Telegraph Cable is a remarkable proof of the sound policy of the new management.

The musical world is just at these presents bent on provincial tours, the musical festivals being all the vogue. The first season of the ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA was brought to a successful termination a week or two ago. The result may be considered as the most satisfactory to the public, who, in the establishment of the new theatre, may justly consider that an earnest is offered of Italian opera being given in a form that no other opera-house can approach. The orchestra under the able control of Mr. Costa, the far-famed singers, the getting-up of the operas, and the whole management, may be cited as the means whereby so glorious an end was accomplished as that which distinguished the first season of Mr. Gye's new house in Covent Garden.

STATE OF THE ODDS, & c.

SALE OF BLOOD STOCK.

By Messrs. Tattersall, at Hyde Park Corner, on Monday, Aug. 9:

FROM LORD EXETER'S STUD.

Allspice, by Nutwith, out of Celia, 3 yrs

YEARLINGS.

Bay Colt, by Woodpigeon, out of Nicotine

Brown Filly, by Vanderdcken, out of Little Fairy.

Bay Filly, by Vanderdecken, out of Scarf

Sunbury, b. c., by Loup Garou, out of Sister to Tamerlane
The Same, b. f., by Loup Garou, out of Ortez

Firework br. c., by Loup Garou, out of Brown Holland

On Monday, Aug. 16:

West Wind, by Weathergage, out of Phingari, 2 yrs

Bay Colt, by Alarm, out of Empress, 2 yrs..

Minos, by Minotaur, aged ......

Magnet, by Touchstone, out of Muscovite's dam, 4 yrs... ... ... ... . . .

Young Sykes, by Sir Tatton Sykes, out of Eleanor, 2 yrs.

Lucetta, by Loup Garou, out of Test, 2 yrs.

....

Amorous Girl, by Alarm, out of Amata, 2 yrs

Lucy Lockit, by Collingwood, out of Lucy Banks, 6 yrs

On Monday, Aug. 23 :—

THE ALVEDISTON YEARLINGS.

Black Colt, by Joe Lovell, out of Ratherhigh, by Venison
Bay Filly, by Newcourt, out of the Duchess of Lorraine

...

Brown Colt, by Tadmor, dam by Hetman Platoff, out of Birthday.
Brown Filly, by Planet, out of Tribute, by Touchstone

Bay Colt, by Planet (dam's pedigree unknown)..
Brown Colt, by Planet, out of Heirloom, by Clarion

Bay Filly, by Tadmor, out of Truande, by John o' Gaunt or Garryowen.
Chesnut Filly, by Joe Lovell, out of Mouser, by Trap
Brown Filly, by Planet, out of Ellen Percy, by The Emperor

Bay Filly, by Tadmor, out of Sister to Canute, by The Emperor .....

141

Mr. Douglas's horses have been bought for and remain in Drewitt's stable. Lord Coventry has commenced his career on the turf by the purchase of "My Niece." The Duke of Bedford has sold Aster to Lord Dacre; Captain White Gilliver to Sir Joseph Hawley, who has also bought Beacon. Cherokee has been sold to go to France; Peto and Emily for Silesia; Cotswold for Hungary; nd Mr. Keene, for Kentucky, a two-year-old filly by Stockwell, out of Olivia Augusta; a bay mare by Lanercost, out of the Nun by Catton, with a bay colt by Stockwell, and served by The Flying Dutchman; bay mare, Emilia (the dam of Cordelia, Biron, &c.), by Y. Emilus, out of Persian by Whisker, with a chesnut colt by West Australian, and served by Fazzoletto; and Melrose by Melbourne, out of Clarkia by Muley Moloch, with a chesnut filly by Rifleman, and served by him again.

The stallion Slane was shot at Rawcliffe Paddocks during the past month, aged no less than twenty-five years. He was the sire of the

Princess, a winner of the Oaks, and many more good horses. Shirah is also dead.

The turf has lost two well-known and influential supporters in the Marquis of Queensberry and Mr. Drinkald. They were both too, even in this age, something of "characters." The former was at times a very heavy better, and rather famous at "knocking horses out." As a sportsman, however, Lord Drumlanrig shone more with his own. hounds, or over a country, as we remember him in his earlier days, when he used to put "the Poacher" and old "King David" so straight with the Queen's. His Lordship, it must be farther written, was a staunch patron of the ring. He had been a good winner at Epsom, but a bad loser over the Goodwood Cup. Mr. Drinkald, as a racing-man, kept his own council, and with a little more luck would have accomplished some great things. St. Lawrence and The Widow were his most successful horses; while the names of The Nabob and Black Tommy, although less fortunate, are of a far higher class. There were few more "remarkable" men, and it was only this last July Meeting we were thinking how good is that sketch of him-hat, figure, and style-which no doubt will long be found in "The White Hart" Coffee-room.

Lord Derby's horse has resumed his position as premier for the Leger, although with a growing feeling for Longrange, and a sneaking kindness for Incledon. There looks every promise of the three to pick from, at the post. Neither Fitz-Roland nor The Hadji can be written at all out of favour; but here again each stable is said to have a second horse. We doubt, however, if Sir Joseph or Dawson can show anything better. Sunbeam and East Langton are both improving, and there is a curious dread of Gildermire at anything like a short price. Notwithstanding her musical powers, the Governess is also thought by some to have a chance, and it really reads like a race with the lot. Still, if anything is to displace the second and third for the Derby, we shall expect the two-thousand guineas horse to accomplish it.

The latest quotations at the Corner-on Saturday-drive back Toxophilite and advance Fitz-Roland. There is not now half a point between them. Eclipse, who does not go up with the rest of Mr. Howard's horses, was also backed at forties, and Longrange freely at a hundred to six.