Although the hats of paille de riz were in preparation, our belles seemed to run upon drawn capottes of crape in preference; and if you saw how very elegant these latter are, you would not be surprised. There is scarcely any difference in shape from those worn this winter. They continue small in the crown, sitting flat, nearly on a line with the front, and the front very long at the sides, and rather less deep in the centre than elsewhere; this form is becoming to most ladies, the coulisses (drawings) of some are in the usual style, going across, but of others, they go lengthways, this change I rather think is not for the better, and many have the fronts fluted, being gathered only at the outer edge and inside, where the front is put on to the crown. There is always a garniture of one description or another round the edge of the front of these bonnets; some have a double quilling of tulle illusion put on at the inner edge, others, a quilling of ribbon outside, or what we call a chicorée, which I suppose you know to be bands of the material cut out in small mitres at both edges, and thickly quilled in the middle; others have a demi-voile of point d'Angleterre, but these are not numerous, and several have a rouleau of the crape, forming the border at the edge of the front, similar to those in the plate No. 92. Flowers are almost universally adopted in these bonnets; some have a couronne or wreath twisted round the crown, one end being brought low to the side where the bow is placed; others have only half wreaths, beginning as high as the centre, and going down at one side, these are newer than bouquets or branches of flowers. A wreath or half-wreath of the myosotis on a white crape capotte is lovely in the extreme, or a wreath of the bouton d'or on a mauve crape is equally beautiful; these capottes are generally made in white, lilac, yellow, or pink crape.

Hats of poux de soie are also fashionable, the shape similar to those just described: many of these hats have feathers instead of flowers. The pailles-de-riz are generally ornamented with a bouquet of marabouts. It

appears that straw-bonnets will be in favor favor this year, pailles á jours, open straws, lined with colored satin, are in preparation, as well as plain straws. Velvet trimmings are again fashionable, but ribbon is also worn. Two rows of trimming are put across the bonnet, a simple ribbon descending at the sides to form the brides (strings) and the second row of trimming behind that, I mean more towards the crown; this second row consists (in ribbon) of a chicorée, or a quilling, or a ribbon in small puffs at distances, or in little rosettes formed of ribbon, placed at distances with a plain ribbon carried from one to another. In velvet it is generally a roll with a piece of open straw twisted over; but I shall be enabled to give you more decided particulars in one of my future letters. Lilac, green, and pink, are the colors at present most often seen in straw bonnets.

Dresses. The corsages à pointe for morning dresses, are adopted: but unlike the points of the evening dresses, which are very long and very much pointed, (très busquée) they are short and rounded. A few of our elegantes continue to adopt the tight sleeves, but they are visibly on the decline, the new spring dresses being mostly made with sleeves full at top, and tight or nearly so from the elbow to the wrist. There is a new fashion lately come in for the skirts of the dresses, which I do not imagine will become very prevalent, that is, four or five rows of trimmings (like those at the tops of the sleeves) below the waist. You know that Ceintures (waistbands) to dresses are quite exploded; these four or five rows of runnings that I speak of, are therefore below where the ceinture would come, were there one to the dress. They follow the shape of the figure as much as possible, the top one being infinitely more confined than those below it. Although I tell you, as in duty bound, that this is the fashion; mind, that I do not require you to adopt it, it gives an awkwardness to the figure that is by no means desirable. Another unbecoming mode just coming in, is that of having the garnitures half way up the skirt: a tuck cut on the cross way (en biais) of the material, and a full quarter of of a yard in depth, is put at the bottom of the skirt, and a second, about two thirds of the depth of the lower one, is placed just above the knees. Another trimming of this kind is a flounce, nearly half a yard deep, and two others, each about a finger in depth, immediately above it, forming as it were a heading to the deep one. Others have a single flounce with scarcely any fulness, the precise depth of half the skirt of the dress. All these modes being a little outrée, besides

their exceeding unbecomingness, will not, it is to be hoped remain long in being.

Flounces or tucks of a moderate depth are certainly becoming, and the latter seem likely to continue in fashion.

Spencers are still de mode, but nearly restricted to carriage costume, they are made tight to fit the bust, with a rounded point, and frequently only three quarters high in the neck, sloped down the front en cœur. Some are plain, others ornamented with three rows of buttons or brandebourgs; the sleeves tight, with two tucks put on half way between the shoulder and elbow. These spencers are made of velvet, and generally worn with skirts to match in color, of gros de Naples, &c. They say they will be worn this summer with white skirts, nous verrons! and that they are to be made of satin as well as velvet.

Black silk scarfs will decidedly be in favor, the ends trimmed with fringe or lace. India muslin scarfs embroidered richly at the ends, and a little border of embroidery all round, and lined with colored florence, are in preparation for this spring. Others likewise of India muslin, lined with silk, and with one or two ruches of quilled ribbon, are also to be worn; one ruche goes round the edges, the second a little inside. I have seen some entirely white, which have the advantage of matching every dress, these are trimmed with a quilling of tulle or a bouillon trimming.

Hair. The front hair is still worn in either ringlets or bandeaux in the morning; for evening the curls are in very full tufts at the sides, and the back hair dressed low, very much à la Grecque, intermixed with pearls, wreaths à la vestale, of full blown roses, and coming very low upon the brow, are fash

ionable; but a camelia, or a bunch of provence roses, or some other delicate and becoming flower drooping over one ear, takes precedence of all other coiffures.

Turbans, small velvet or satin hats, à l'Espagnol, à la Henri IV., are fashionable for full dress.

The gloves continue to be worn so short, that they merely cover the wrist, they are never seen without a trimming of some sort at the tops, a quilling or puffing of ribbon, a ruche of tulle, a little wreath of flowers, a small cordelière and tassels, and within these last few days a parement of velvet to match or correspond with the dress: by a parement you know that I mean a cuff, which turns down in this instance instead of up.

A fall of deep lace put on moderately full is quite as fashionable just now round the bosom of a dress as a berthe. The newest berthes have a piece coming down in front, like a stomacher. The ruffles, or engageantes, whether of guipure or lace must match the berthe.

Collars continue to be worn very small, cuffs are indispensable to the toilette of a lady.

Watered silks are amongst the materials most adapted to spring dresses. Crepes Rachel. Mazagrans, Foulards of different kinds, Poux de soie fleuré, shot silks, Baréges of different patterns, striped and checked, black organdi (book muslin) with colored sprigs, are amongst the spring materials.

Colors for Hats.-White lilac shot with white and yellow. For dresses, shot silks, pink shot with blue, or lilac, &c. &c. Mauve and black shot with various colors. Adieu ma belle je’t-embrasse, L. de F

BALLOONS, DISCOVERY OF A MODE OF GUIDING. The success of the following interesting experiment promises ere long to render travelling through the air no chimera. M. S and his son have for some time past, publicly announced their success in the directing of Balloons through the air; and, after some minor experiments in the CourtYard of the Ecole Militaire, have subsequently performed one on a grander scale near St. Denis. M. S.-junior, after rising to a height of about 250 metres in a balloon constructed by himself and his father, impelled it towards the west, (by some ingenious mechanism), although a strong wind was blowing from that point. He then returned and sailed about in various directions, the balloon rising and lowering at the will of the aeronaut, without the apparent use of any kind of ballast. The experiments lasted three hours, at the end of which time, M. S.-descended at the point whence he started.

ASTRONOMY.-One of the greatest astronomical discoveries of modern times has been made by a German professor, M. Bessell." By repeated observations made from August 1837, to March 1840; he has found that the parallax of the double star Cygni, does not exceed 31 hundredths of a second, which places the distance of that star from us, at nearly 670,000 times that of the Sun, which is nearly 64 millions of millions of miles. This immense distance may be better understood by saying; that if a cannon ball were to traverse this vast space at the rate of 20 miles a minute, it would occupy more than 6,000,000 years in coming from that star to our earth; and, if a body could be projected from our earth to Cygni at 30 miles an hour, (about the same rate as carriages travel on railroads) it would occupy 96,000,000 years. Light which travels more than 11,000,000 miles in a minute, would occupy about 12 years in coming from that star to our earth.

CHRISTIANITY IN CHINA.-There are about 300,000 Christians in China, the greater part of whom are indebted for pastoral care to the Lazarists, but some, likewise, to the Dominicans and Franciscans, and to a small number of Italian priests. The whole number of priests, European and Chinese, does not exceed 300. Of seminaries there are but few, and those few little more than common schools. The Christians are not allowed to practise their religion publicly; but with their private assemblies no interference takes place. The churches are but few in number, and those not sufficiently capacious for their several congregations, the faithful being obliged to meet privately. Singularly enough a church, erected at Pekin by the Emperor Hang Hi, who favoured the Christians, has remained untouched, a notion having prevailed among the Pagans of China, that as long as the cross remained standing on the steeple of this church no serious calamity can befall the Empire. In Canton there are between 8000 and 9000 Christians, who in that city enjoy greater liberty than in any other part of the country. In Macao there are upwards of 1000 Catholics. The foregoing details are furnished by a native of China, now at Rome.

MADEMOISELLE MARS.-This veteran actress retired finally from the stage at the Theatre Français on the 15th of April, the king and queen with the Duchess of Nemours and the Princess Clementine, being present to join in the parting homage paid by the public to this "setting star" of the French Drama.-The performances for the night were Le Misanthrope, and Les Fauses Confidences, in both of which Mademoiselle Mars played with almost as much taste and animation as she displayed a quarter of a century ago. Most vehement was the enthusiasm of the audience for their retiring favorite, and applause, bouquets, crowns, and garlands were showered down upon her, even beyond all former example, and when the great actress for the last time answered the public call, the plaudits were absolutely overpowering, and deeply affected the object of them The amount received on this her last benefit, was twenty-four thousand francs. On the last time but one of Mademoiselle Mars appearing on the stage, she was retiring with a bouquet which had been thrown to her, when she met Madame Thénard, the daughter of the oldest living actress, and presenting the flowers to her, said "Offer these in my name to your mother, she encouraged my first attempts, and I wish her to know that 1 did not forget her at the close of my career."

THE GOVERNOR FENNER. -Portions of the timbers of this unfortunate wreck have been cast up on no less a space of shore than 60 miles on the Welsh coast. The mate has recovered two trunks belonging to himself and wife, cast up at Criccieth and Abberffraw.

COINS AND ANTIQUITIES.—An earthen quart jug containing 269 pieces of silver coin, one of Oliver Cromwell, one Philip and Mary, the remainder of the reigns of Charles 1st and 2nd, Elizabeth and James the 2nd, was recently discovered on digging in a garden at Pebmarrh, Essex.-The weight of the whole was 4lb. 7oz. The Churchwardens and overseers have taken possession for the present of this treasure, the ground wherein they were found being parish property.

FANNY ELLSLER.-A letter has been addressed by this celebrated danseuse, to a friend at Paris, detailing her brilliant success at the Havannah. By her benefit she says, she cleared 6,000 dollars, after which she was escorted by a deputation of 24 of the wealthiest gentlemen of the island to a grand supper given by the authorities. This sylphide of 36 who has a son of 18, seems herself astonished, at the rapture she still excites.

RAILWAY SIGNALS.-A recent trial has been made on the London and Birmingham Railway, for accomplishing the grand object of efficient railway signals. The first of two plans was for effecting a communication between the guard and engine driver; the other to enable a policeman on the line to open a whistle on the engine, by fixing a catch upon the chairs which support the rails, and thus give notice to the driver in a fog, or when any thing goes wrong ahead.

THE SHETLAND PONIES forming the Liliputian equipage of the Princess Royal were presented to Her Majesty, by Mrs. Cox of Lawford, Essex. They are scarcely larger than a Newfoundland dog, are beautifully marked black and white, and of most symmetrical shape. Their age is five years, and they have been so domesticated as to enter the house and feed out of the hand.

THE TOWER.-The reduced prices of admission to the jewel-office, has attracted great numbers to view the regalia which still remain in the old room; the new building destined for their reception being yet incomplete. The amount received in one day for tickets, at the reduced admission of 6d. each, was £40 15s., and the number of visitors larger on that day than in any three months under the old system of exorbitant fees.

ROMAN REMAINS.-An interesting discovery of an extensive Roman fortress has rewarded the labors of the Historical and Archæological Society of Wisbaden, after four years of persevering excavation. The remains which are in the neighbourhood of Heidenberg are in excellent preservation, and are said to be the most considerable ever found in Germany.-The fortress had been flanked by twenty-eight towers, and surrounded by a triple moat; its various compartments are distinctly marked, and the foundations are of great solidity.

2. The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert visited the National Gallery. H. R. H. Prince Albert attended a meeting of the Royal Society in Somerset House. H. R. H. Prince George of Cambridge arrived in town from Dublin.

3.-Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Glocester and Prince George of Cambridge visited the Queen.

4.-(Sunday).-Her Majesty, H. R. H. Prince Albert, and the Queen Dowager, attended divine service in the Chapel Royal, St. James's.

5.-The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert visited Her Majesty the Queen Dowager. The Committee on Education of Her Majesty's Privy Council met at the Council-house.

6.-H. R. H. Prince Albert inspected Mr. G. J. Doo's copy of the picture of " Ecce Homo," by Correggio, in the National Gallery.

7.-The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert left town in a carriage and four with outriders, escorted by a party of Hussars, for Windsor Castle. H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent also left town for Windsor. The Princess Royal was held up to the window of her carriage, much to the gratification of the assembled multitude.

8th. This being Maundy Thursday, the usual distribution of her Majesty's royal bounty took place at Whitehall Chapel, the recipients consisting of twenty-two aged men, and the same number of women. The royal minor alms had been previously distributed to upwards of nine hundred, and the royal-gate charity to one-hundred and sixty-eight persons.

Windsor:-The Queen drove out in a ponyphaeton; H. R. H. Prince Albert riding out at the same time on horseback.

9th. Her Majesty attended divine service. 10.-Windsor :-Her Majesty and H. R. H. Prince Albert walked in the Slopes and Home Park.

11.-Windsor:-The Queen, H.R.H. Prince Albert, and H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent, attended divine service in the private chapel of the Castle.

12.-Windsor :-Her Majesty took an airing in the Park. The Princess Royal was also taken out, attended by the usual party. H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge honored the Lord Mayor with his company at dinner at the Mansion House.

13.-Windsor:-The Queen, and H. R. H. Prince Albert walked in the new pleasure ground and slopes, and afterwards drove out in a ponyphaeton in the Great Park. H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge left town for Kew.

14.-Windsor:-Her Majesty and H. R. H. Prince Albert walked on the terrace and in the little park. The Princess Royal was taking her accustomed airing. H. R. H. Prince Albert met Her Majesty's stag hounds in the Great Park.

The books and plate of her late Royal Highness the Princess Augusta, purchased by His Majesty the King of Hanover, have been removed from St. James's Palace on board a steam packet, for conveyance to their intended destination.

15.-Windsor:-The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert took their accustomed walk and drive. H. R. H. the Duke of Cambridge honored Covent Garden Theatre with his presence. 16.-Windsor:-The royal party drove out in pony phaetons.

17.-Windsor:-H. R. H. Prince Albert and suite attended a private run of Her Majesty's hounds.

18.-(Sunday).-Windsor ;-The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert with visitors and suite, attended divine service at the Chapel Royal St. George's.

19.-Windsor:-Her Majesty and H. R. H. Prince Albert walked and rode out as usual: the Princess Royal was also taking her accustomed airing.

20.-Windsor:-A lithographic drawing by Mr. Lane, from Mr. Hayter's Picture of their Serene Highnesses the Princess of Hohenlohe Langenburg and her daughter, the Princess Adelaide, was submitted to Her Majesty's inspection.

21.-The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert arrived at Buckingham Palace from Windsor. Before leaving the Castle, H. R. H. Prince Albert inspected the 60th Rifles in the Home Park. H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent arrived from Windsor, at her new residence, Clarence House, St. James's.

22.-Her Majesty held her first Drawing Room for the season, at St. James's Palace. A deputation from Christ's Hospital was previously received by the Queen in the Royal Closet, when Her Majesty was pleased to examine and express her approval of the drawings and charts executed by the boys educated in the Royal Mathematical School, founded by King Charles II. The Drawing Room was numerously attended. Her Majesty and H. R. H. Prince Albert honored the Italian Opera with their pre

sence.

23. The queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert honored the Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Colors with a visit. H. R. H. the Duke of Cambridge visited Her Majesty.

24. Her Majesty held a Court at Buckingham Palace. Their Serene Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Leiningen arrived on a visit to the Queen. The Princess Royal was taking an airing.

25.-(Sunday).-The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert attended divine service in the Chapel Royal, St. James's. This being the birthday of the Duchess of Gloucester, Her