and is capable of bearing the closest examination.  The stage is very large, and slopes gradually from the rear to the footlights.  The orchestra pen is sunk below the level of the stage, so that the heads of the musicians do not cut off the view of the audience.  The dressing of the stage is novel.  The side scenes or wings, instead of being placed at right angles to the spectator as in most theaters, are so arranged that the scene appears to extend to the right and left as well as to the rear.  In this way the spectator is saved the annoyance of often looking through the wings, a defect which in most theaters completely dispels the illusion of the play.  The scenery here is not set by hand, but is moved by machinery, and with such regularity and precision that these changes have very much the effect of “dissolving views.”  The scenes themselves are the works of highly educated artists, and never degenerate into the rough daubs with which most playgoers are familiar.  The building is fire-proof, and is warmed and ventilated in a peculiar manner.  The great central chandelier and the lights around the cornice of the auditorium are lighted by electricity.

The plays presented here are superbly put on the stage.  The scenery is strictly accurate when meant to represent some historic locality, and is the finest to be found in America.  Perhaps the grandest stage picture ever given to an audience was the grave-yard scene in “Hamlet,” which “held the boards” for over one hundred nights last winter.  The dresses, equipments, and general “make up” of the actors are in keeping with the scenery.  Even the minutest detail is carefully attended to.  Nothing is so unimportant as to be overlooked in this establishment.

It is Mr. Booth’s custom to open the season with engagements of other distinguished actors, and to follow them himself about the beginning of the winter, and to continue his performances until the approach of spring, when he again gives way to others.  When he is performing, it is impossible to procure a seat after the rising of the curtain.  Every available place is filled, and thousands come from all parts of the country to see him.  Sometimes it is necessary to secure seats a week in advance.

Mr. Booth is still a young man, being now thirty-seven years old.  In person he is over the medium height, and is well built.  His hair is black and is worn long, and his dark eyes are large and dreamy.  His face is that of a poet, strikingly handsome, with an expression of mingled sweetness and sadness playing over it.  He wears neither beard nor moustache.  He dresses simply and without ornament, and is grave and retiring in his demeanor.  He is exceedingly amiable in disposition, and is the center of a large circle of devoted friends.  He has been married twice, and has one child, a daughter, by his first wife.  He is a man of irreproachable life, and in every thing a high-toned gentleman, and it is the high character he bears not less than his genius that has enabled him to do such honor to his profession.  He is very wealthy, and is in a fair way to become a millionaire.