over the numerous adders and cobras on his homeward way, like a
thoroughbred hurdle-racer.

(_To be Continued_.)

* * * * *

THE PLAYS AND SHOWS.

[Illustration: 'M']

Many plays of various sorts have been explained and commented upon in
this column. Now for the first time a show claims attention. The
BEETHOVEN Centennial Festival has just ceased its multitudinous noise,
and the several shows connected with it--such as GROVER'S blue coat,
GILMORE'S light gymnastics on the conductor's stand, the electric
artillery and the plenteous PAREPA, have vanished away. Time and space
and patience would fail to tell the story of the ten successive showers
of noise that inundated the Rink during last week. Let us then content
ourselves with a reminiscence of the opening night.

As the sun was understood to be descending the Western horizon (in some
rural locality that possesses a horizon,) last Monday afternoon, three
horsemen--who had doubtless left their horses at a convenient
stable,--might have been seen descending from a Third Avenue car. Before
them stood the Rink, glittering with rows of lamps--the last rows--not
of summer--but of the American Institute Fair. Passing these lines of
Rinked brightness long drawn out, (SHAKESPEARE) the three dismounted
horsemen entered the building and seated themselves. A mighty murmur of
applause rose from the chorus, as BERGMANN stepped to the front and