not the finest in the world. The reform which Piccini introduced, was
however, but partial, and the French insisted on having Italian music
adapted to French words. They have still an opera of their own; but
nothing can be more noisy, or less harmonious than the music at the
Académie Royale--all tumult, glitter, and show. There is no ballet,
except that incidental to the opera; but in scenery and machinery they
surprise the English visiter. The French military bands too are equally
discordant; so fond are they of drums, that they seem to have converted
the tympana of their ears into parchment.

* * * * *


MATHEMATICS.

We consider it quite possible to bring down to ordinary capacities even
the truths of pure mathematics, by the substitution of a less general
and precise species of evidence. We have ourselves made the attempt, and
hence we are satisfied of its entire practicability. Into what a small
space would the useful and practical truths of geometry be reduced, were
we to dispense with the auxiliary propositions which are required merely
to complete the rigid process of demonstration. How simple, for example,
would be the doctrine of parallel lines!--_Foreign Review_.

* * * * *


THE SOUTH SEAS.

The government of the United States are fitting out a commercial