As a pendant to this, we are favoured with the portrait of a young gentleman upon a half-holiday—­and, equipped with cricket means, his dexter-hand grasps his favourite bat, whilst the left arm gracefully encircles a hat, in which is seductively shown a genuine “Duke.”  The sentiment of this picture is unparalleled, and to the young hero of any parish eleven is given a stern expression of Lord’s Marylebone ground.  We can already (aided by perspective and imagination) see him before a future generation of cricketers, “shoulder his bat, and show how games were won.”  The bat is well drawn and coloured with much truth, and with that strict observance of harmony which is so characteristic of the excellences of art.  The artist has felicitously blended the tone and character of the bat with that of the young gentleman’s head.  As to the ball, we do not recollect ever to have seen one in the works of any of the old masters so true to nature.  In conclusion, the buttons on the jacket, and the button-holes, companions thereto, would baffle the criticism of the most hyper-fastidious stab-rag; and the shirt collar, with every other detail—­never forgetting the chiaro-scuro—­are equal to any of the preceding.

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CURIOUS COINCIDENCE.

We had prepared an announcement of certain theatricals extraordinary, with which we had intended to favour the public, when the following bill reached us.  We feel that its contents partake so strongly of what we had heretofore conceived the exclusive character of PUNCH, that to avoid the charge of plagiarism, as well as to prevent any confusion of interests, we have resolved to give insertion to both.

As PUNCH is above all petty rivalry, we accord our collaborateurs the preference.

Red Lion Court, Fleet Street.

SIR,—­Allow me to solicit your kindness so far, as to give publicity to this bill, by placing it in some conspicuous part of your Establishment.  The success of the undertaking will prove so advantageous to the public at large, that I fear not your compliance in so good a cause.

I am, Sir, your’s very obediently,
C. MITCHELL

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VIVANT REGINA ET PRINCEPS.

THEATRE ROYAL

ENGLISH OPERA HOUSE,

WELLINGTON-STREET NORTH, STRAND.

Conducted by the Council of the Dramatic Authors’ Theatre, established for the full encouragement of English Living Dramatists.

ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC.