Italy will be given to the press immediately after her arrival.

* * * * *

Dr. Hoefer against Dr. Layard.--Dr. Hoefer, a well-known _savant_ in
France and Germany, has astonished the Parisians by the publication
of a work in which he boldly denies the authenticity of the ruins of
Nineveh. Even admitting, he says, that the ruins of Nineveh remain,
it is impossible that they can be in the place which Dr. Layard has
explored; and, moreover, the Assyrian-like sculptures and inscriptions
found in the supposed Nineveh, were the work of a later, and a
different people, who had the affectation of imitating Assyrian taste.

* * * * *

Both Rogers and Wilson, it is said, have declined the laureateship.
Referring to the office, the _Daily News_ has a very prosy simile: "A
dog, of any sense or self-respect, with a tin-kettle tied to his tail,
acutely feels the misery and degradation of the music he is compelled
to make. What the tin-kettle is to the dog, the yearly Ode is to the
muse. The board, if you please, but not the annoyance and irritation
of the jangle."

* * * * *

Mr. George H. Boker is at present engaged in preparing for the stage
his new play of "The Betrothal." A correspondent who has seen it
in manuscript, and for whose critical opinion we have a very high
respect, pronounces it superior, both in action, combination and
development of character, and general management of the plot, to any