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WEST COUNTRY REMINISCENCES.

FROM the following advertisement and paragraph, which appeared in 1788, may be gathered the price of Hutcheson Street ground at that period :

TO BE SOLD BY PUBLIC ROUP, Within the Laigh Council Chamber of Glasgow, on Friday the 29th day of February, current, between the hours of one and three o'clock,

The large GARDEN, lying at the back of Hutchesons' Hospital, which is now laid off for BUILDING GROUND, through which a street of 50 feet wide is to run from the back of the Hospital to Ingram's Street.

For particulars, apply to John Campbell, Esq. of Clathick, Preceptor of the Hospital, or to the Town Clerks of Glasgow, by whom a plan of the ground, and the articles and conditions of roup will be shewn.

February 18th, 1788.

Friday, the garden (advertised in our last for sale) which belonged to, and lies immediately behind, Hutchesons' Hospital, was sold for £2990 sterling, which is at the rate of 11s. per square yard!

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

A NEW Fashionable Monthly Magazine is announced by Mr.
HARRAL, under the title of " La Cour des Dames, or Gazette of
Fashion, Literature and the Fine Arts," with a series of Por-
traits.

"Cavendish and his Critics, or Whigs versus Tory," is preparing for immediate publication.

Mr. Babbage is on the eve of issuing a work on the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures: to comprise, in a small compass, the results of his observations as to the various mechanical processes, and the internal domestic economy of the great manufactories, and the political economy of manufactures; the whole rendered popular by a continual reference to practical illustrations.

An Historical Sketch of Sanscrit Literature, with a biographical account of manuscripts and printed books in that language, is announced.

ODDS AND ENDS.

SCOTT'S" CASTLE DANGEROUS."-We believe it has never been noticed by any of the numerous reviewers of the book, that Sir Walter Scott's last novel of " Castle Dangerous" bears, in its main features, but especially in the early incidents, a very marked resemblance to the Ettrick Shepherd's extravagant romance of "The Three Perils of Man." In both tales the plot depends upon the romantic promise of an English knight to hold out a castle on the Scottish border against all assailants, for a certain space of time, in order to win the favour of his lady-love. In both, the lady proceeds in male attire to the neighbourhood of the castle, to watch the conduct of her chivalrous lover in both, she falls into the hands of the enemy, (in both, by the way, the head of the house of Douglas,) and is made use of as a means to compel her faithful knight to surrender his trust. These resemblances are, we think, too striking not to be worthy of attention.-Literary Guardian.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

"An Authentic Memoir of MISS JARMAN" in our next. Cupid's Register for April will also appear.

66 SCRUTATOR'S" request will be attended to. "M. M. M." is under consideration.

"J. M'T." is good, but not very good.

The Church Annoyance which "The Golden Rule" complains of, must, we fear, be submitted to till an alteration in the fashion of ladies' head-dresses takes place.

The Story of "The Six Deacons Dancing for a New Wig," is too personal for our columns. We don't believe it is "founded on fact."

"The Address to the Cuckoo" is, like the note of that bird, rather monotonous.

IN presenting the first number of our Second Volume to the public, we beg leave, again, to return our thanks to those who have patronized an Original Glasgow Literary Publication, and to state to those who have not yet patronized our labours, but who may wish to have our Miscellany at their breakfast table on Saturday morning, that they will please leave their names and addresses at our publisher's, Mr. Finlay.

G

Advertisements.

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BY RICHARD GRIFFIN & CO. GLASGOW,
With 110 Engravings, price 4s. 6d. fancy boards,
HE LITTLE GIRL'S OWN BOOK, by Mrs. CHILD,
Tauthor of "The Mother's Rook," &c. Beautifully printed at

the Chiswick Press, and illustrated with 110 cuts by Branston and
Wright.

"This pretty little volume treats of all the innocent games which the young Miss may be supposed to take an interest in. It then goes on to Instructive Games, Games of Memory, Forfeit,' Active Exercises, Hints for making Baskets' and Ornaments.' Then follow Puzzles, Riddles, Charades, Automata, Needlework, Bees, Silk-worins, and keeping Animals, Gardening, &c. In short, the volume is a perfect Cyclopædia for a young Girl, the study of which will be found entertaining and useful to all those who may have the good fortune to peruse it."-The Day.

Printed for THOMAS TEGG, London; RICHARD GRIFFIN & Co. Glasgow; and sold by STILLIES BROTHERS, Edinburgh; LEWIS SMITH, Aberdeen; and all other Booksellers.

Of whom may be had, just published, I. THE MOTHER'S BOOK. By Mrs. CHILD. Third edition, price 4s. bound, with gilt edges, &c.

II. THE CHILD'S OWN BOOK. Second edition, improv ed, with 300 cuts, price 7s. 6d.

III. STORIES FROM ROMAN HISTORY, ADDRESSED TO A LITTLE BOY. By LADY SANDFORD. Price 2s. 6d. bound. IV. SCENES IN SCOTLAND, 48 Engravings. Price 4s. 6d. boards.

NEW PUBLICATIONS AT REDUCED PRICES. MESSRS. R. GRIFFIN & CO. beg to submit the following List of Popular New Books, for Sale at the extreme low prices marked: :

I. The NATIONAL LIBRARY, comprising Galt's Life of Byron; Bishop Gleig's History of the Bible; James's History of Chivalry; Smith's Games and Festivals; Dr. Thomson's History of Chemistry; Bourrienne's Napoleon; St. John's Lives of Celebrated Travellers-each work embellished with fine Plates. 13 vols. Published at £4, 1s. for £2, 12s. Separately at 4s. 6d. per volume, bound in cloth.

II. VALPY'S CLASSICAL LIBRARY, comprising Demosthenes; Sallust; Xenophon; Virgil; Herodotus; Anacreon and Pindar. 10 vols. Published at £2, 5s. for 27s. 6d. Separate 3s. per vol.

III.-JUVENILE LIBRARY, comprising Historical Anecdotes; History of Africa; and Lives of Remarkable Youths. 3 vols. Plates. Published at 12s. for 6s. 6d. Separate 2s. 6d. per vol.

IV. HUGHES'S DIVINES of the CHURCH of ENGLAND, comprising the Works of Barrow; Jeremy Taylor; Bishop Hall; Ogden; Powell and Fawcett. 22 vols. post 8vo. Published at £8, 5s. for £5. Any Work sold separately at 5s. per volume.

V.-NEW YEAR'S GIFT, Edited by Alaric Watts, for 1829-30-31-32. 4 vols. fine Plates, half-bound Morocco. Published at £1, 12s. for 16s.

64, Hutcheson Street, Glasgow, May 4th, 1832.

ROBERT FINLAY, CARVER, GILDER & PRINT

SELLER to his MAJESTY, respectfully begs leave to intimate to his Friends and the Public, that, at Whitsunday first, he will Move from the Premises presently occupied by him in Miller Street, to that New and Splendid Shop, No. 49, BUCHANAN STREET; where the Business, in all its departments, as well as that of BOOKSELLING and STATIONERY, will in future be carried on under the Firm of R. and J. FINLAY. The Bookselling department will be conducted by J. F. who has just returned from London, after having had long experience there in one of the first Houses in the Trade.

R. F. takes this opportunity of returning thanks for the liberal share of Public Patronage which has been bestowed on him since he succeeded his late father; and trusts the Firm of R. and J. F. will merit its continuance, by a strict and steady attention to the Orders committed to their charge. Glasgow, April, 1832.

LASGOW ROYAL INFIRMARY.-The DIREC-LETTER PRESS PRINTING.-JOHN GRAHAM,

TORS respectfully request of those Gentlemen who have kindly undertaken the charge of the ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PAPERS, that they will proceed, with all possible despatch, to finish the Collection in their respective Districts, as many Families will shortly leave town, and, consequently, the Funds of the Institution may suffer from farther delay. It is expected, that all the Subscription Papers be with Mr. LUMSDEN, the Treasurer, by the middle of May.

Melville Place, begs leave to return his sincere thanks for the handsome encouragement he has hitherto enjoyed, and respectfully solicits Employment in the Printing of BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, PARLIAMENTARY and LAW PAPERS, CIRCULARS, PRICES CURRENT, POSTING & HAND BILLS, &c.

Glasgow, 1st May, 1832.

PRINTED BY JOHN GRAHAM, MELVILLE PLACE.

THE DAY.

A MORNING JOURNAL OF LITERATURE, FINE ARTS, FASHION, &c.

CARPE DIEM.

GLASGOW, SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1832.

MEMOIR OF MISS JARMAN.

IT has been said that players are, above all others, the creatures of circumstances. It has been denied that their profession is a matter of choice with them. They are represented as being all such previous bankrupts in fortune and respectability, as to be forced to the stage as a relief from the penury and opprobrium under which they labour; or they are the descendants of the actors of other days, and, having been neglected in the important article of education, are contented to follow the profession of their ancestors.

This ungenerous insinuation, obviously got up for the purpose of strengthening the hands of such as deprecate theatrical amusements, is too absurd and too malignant ever to succeed with reasonable minds. The stage is a profession fitted to impart pleasure to persons of a refined and liberal taste, and has its devotees and its patrons, like every other department of science and art. To such as are not yet persuaded of the purity of intention which, in the majority of cases, prompts to the stage, we recommend a perusal of the following sketch. We think it calculated to convince all whose minds are open to conviction, that it is more generally the influence of pure choice-choice, founded on the supremacy of natural endowment, and terminating in a course of systematic training-than of any insuperable necessity, that forms the actor-unless, indeed, it be the necessity of pursuing that track to which his mental constitution predisposes him. The youthful debutant, glowing in the heat of a poetical temperament, finds, on coming into contact with the acted drama, that he is admitted to a region replete with enjoyment; and, encouraged by the music of applause, even as the willing bark moves along before the breath of heaven, presses on in the laudable ambition to excel-sometimes alas overtaken by misfortune, but never despondent; carrying about with him, through all the changes of his eventful history, the persuasion that he follows nature, and is already the recipient of much innocent and elevated pleasure.

The following is the memoir of a lady who stands, in public opinion, the acknowledged ornament alike of her sex and her profession. In it may be traced, from the earliest developement of the acting capacity, to the matured perfection of the same, in the admiration of an applauding public, the history of one who loves the drama for its own sake, and who, we are confident, would not quit the field of so much positive enjoyment, though bribed to the desertion by fortune's proudest dignities, without "casting many a lingering look behind."

It was in the town of Hull, in the East Riding of York, that Frances Eleanor Jarman first opened her eye on the great stage of human life. Her earliest years were passed in that calm seclusion from care which infancy claims, but under the observation of friends who saw, in the occupations of her childhood, the dawn of much future promise. Her mother had held, for a term of years, a leading engagement at the theatres of Hull and York, and, long before the subject of our sketch had stepped out of girlhood, this engagement had been cancelled for one at the Theatre-Royal, Bath. It is to the period of this removal that our readers are to look for the entrance on that career of VOL. II.-No. 2.

popularity which she has since so successfully pursued. It was here that the reach of mind first freed itself from the restraints of childhood's partialities.

It does not appear, from all we can learn, that she evinced an early predilection for the stage, or indeed for any particular province in the business of life, although she seems to have manifested, at a very early age, the power of excelling in the histrionic art. Hers seems to have been rather the out-breaking of one general principle, that of mind, which, in the elasticity of youth, is allowed to expatiate at large, and exhaust itself in the wide field of general knowledge, than the special developement of any particular taste, that singles out its objects, and stands fixed to one given point. Her ambition seems not to have been so much to display talent as to acquire it, nor so much to excel others as to be herself informed-for she is known to have been modest and retiring to a degree. A taste for books, as the means of supplying subjects of thought, was the leading feature of her childhood; and the amazing skill she displayed in selecting from the many with which she was furnished, such as were likely to repay the perusal, exhibits a precocity of judgment, apt, in this age of glare and imposition, to be overlooked by all but the sensible parents, who will rather have their children distinguished by their intellectual acquirements, than by those mimic feats which are too frequently regarded as the traits of early genius.

The following incident is referred to, by her friends, as the starting point of her public life, and as having lent a power to mould and direct her whole future history. While very young, and residing with her mother at Bath, she was one day discovered with Southey's poems. The passage she had selected was "Mary, the Maid of the Inn." She seemed wrapt up in the study of her own thoughts, and to be feasting, luxuriously, on the banquet this little subject afforded. Her mother, finding that she had already committed the poem to memory, requested that she would speak it; which she did, with a degree of feeling and precision, altogether beyond her years. The parent begged that she would submit to speak it in public. This was rather a startling proposal to one so young and diffident, but the promise that she would, was, at length, obtained-whereupon it was arranged that, on the evening of her mother's approaching benefit, she should make her appearance before the public in this her "first love." The result was most flattering to the youthful debutante. The unequivocal approbation bestowed on her opening effort by a brilliant audienceand every one knows what a brilliant audience at Bath is encouraged her to proceed. The talented Mrs. Piozzi, who, in her taste for literature, did not overlook its handmaid the drama, had the felicity to be present on the occasion, and added the weight of her respectability as an authoress, in conferring dignity upon an incident which has proved the foundation of Miss Jarman's professional career. She waited on Mrs. Jarman with a copy of her own popular poem, entitled "The Three Warnings," requesting that her daughter might be permitted to study it. A solicitation so complimentary, both to parent and child, could not be resisted, and the success of her second attempt gave her an additional eclat as a juvenile reciter. She was now a decided favourite with the Bath public, and could

number among her patrons some of the most influential circles in that gay population. She was hailed, both in public and private, as the prodigy of the day, and, as she had grown up among them, was received as one over whom they were bound to exercise a more than ordinary degree of protecting friendship. To such an extent did this feeling of attachment operate, that, when, a few years thereafter, her health had very much suffered in consequence of severe professional exertion, these same families came forward with a spontaneous offer of assistance for the purpose of obtaining for her the benefit of a coast or country residence, notwithstanding that they were aware such assistance was altogether unrequired. Their language, on the occasion was, that "it would confer an equal pride and pleasure in permitting them to administer to Miss Frances Jarman's personal comfort."

We are exceedingly pleased to find that Mrs. Jarman, in the exercise of a more than ordinary degree of good sense, refused to permit her daughter to become the mere fondling of a people's indulgence. She found higher objects on which to employ her, and instantly engaged her in that course of mental cultivation which she saw was requisite to give permanency to her daughter's reputation, and prevent her friends from being disappointed in the hopes of her coming years. Were all promising children as wisely treated, the profession would less frequently have occasion to lament the absence of matured talent in advanced life. The fame of our "juvenile prodigies" would thereby outlive their childhood; whereas, it is to be feared, the childhood of such too frequently outlives their fame. We cannot sufficiently reprobate the practice, now so common with parents and guardians, of forcing children out of their proper sphere as students in the great school of life, into the unnatural attitude of grown men. innate ideas, if we have any, come so miserably short of those acquired by observation and experience, that we cannot at all comprehend the doctrine which ascribes to an infant capacity the intellect of advanced years. Will any person prove to us that, in personating a patriot, a husband, a friend, or indeed any thing but a child, these "infant prodigies" have the smallest conception of the truth of the character, or that their performance ever rises higher than the routine of certain gesticulations into which they have been schooled by the diligence of a master? The entire exhibition may be likened unto that of a mechanical figure -the Roscius and the automaton being almost equally destitute of mind, and equally dependent on the moving impulse of another.

Our

"He

The sacrifice, made at the shrine of youthful indulgence, is most fatal to him that is the victim of it. It is the sacrifice of much precious time that might be turned to admirable advantage where there exists so apt a capacity of profiting by instruction. It is frequently the sacrifice of subsequent success. stumbles that runs fast." And it is the sacrifice of future peace; for he that is so unfortunate as to have his entire youth occupied in schemes of display will find that, in after life, he is doomed to endure years of deepest regret, when age and retirement seek their solace in vain from the mere recollection of his caressed childhood. The morning of existence, like that of the natural day, if occupied in engagements that have no immediate reference to the business of life, furnishes no brighter prospect to the survivor than that of one entire waste, extending as far as the eye can reach, whereas that which has been employed profitably, confers a heaven of peace upon the possessor-the prospect and retrospect, like light and shade, meeting and softening into each other.

Miss Jarman's youth was not so unprofitably passed. The discretion of a fond, but judicious parent, while it dimmed not the sunshine of early hopes, taught them to aspire beyond the mere frivolities of childhood. To this circumstance is it attributable, in addition to the attraction of her own talents, that her celebrity has

ness.

extended beyond the period of infancy, and that it continues still to spread unconfined. Her first dramatic attempt was made in the part of Edward, in the comedy of "Every One Has his Fault," to which she soon added the Duke of York and Prince Edward of "Richard the Third" and Myrtillo in "The Broken Sword." During the period in which she sustained this juvenile range, her mother was not neglectful of those secondary accomplishments which were necessary to give effect to the higher range of stage busiA knowledge of posture, dancing and music, and an acquaintance with history and polite literature, were felt to be incumbent, and were liberally supplied. When she had attained the age of fifteen, she was in possession of all those parts which lay within the range of the "youthful heroines," and now reached that period of life proper for attempting the more dignified class of female characters. At this time, the infirm state of health to which we have already alluded, compelled her to quit the scene of occupation, and repair to the coast of Sussex for the benefit of the sea air. Here, after several months of severe attention to medical regimen, she became so far recovered as to be able to resume her professional duties at Bath. She was, shortly after this, employed to lead the business, and, after a most gratifying season of success, took farewell of her Bath friends in a poetical address which had been written for the occasion.

Previous to the conclusion of the season, she had, with the view of extending her professional experience, and of obtaining such a change of scene as might aid in still further improving her yet unconfirmed state of health, written to the Manager of the Theatre Royal, Dublin, stating, that as she had a desire to visit Ireland, she would be ready to treat with him regarding an engagement at his theatre. In answer to which, she received the immediate offer of the situation of leading actress for the ensuing season. At this period, Mrs. Jarman thought it expedient to decline all farther personal connection with the stage, preferring an exclusive attention to the interests of her daughter.

Miss Jarman opened in Dublin in October, 1824, in her favourite character of Letitia Hardy, which she sustained with such decided success as to secure a renewal of her engagement for the following season. During her stay in Ireland, she occupied the various intervals of the Dublin recess in occasional trips to the provinces, making repeated visits to Belfast, Derry, Cork, Sligo, &c. in all of which it was her happiness "to purchase golden opinions from all sorts of people." In the beginning of 1827, after a most successful run of two entire years upon the hospitality and enthusiasm of the Irish character, she returned to Bath, a spot endeared to her by every recollection that could sweeten existence, and claiming to be almost considered as her "native home," so early had she been embosomed in its affections, and so tenderly did her heart still point to this birth-place of her public life. She now felt fortified in the requisites of her profession, and somewhat disposed to storm the very fortress of metropolitan distinction.

During her residence at Bath in 1824, she had been waited on by Mr. Faucett, the acting manager of Covent Garden, who had come down for the express purpose of ascertaining the extent of her capacity. He had attended during her performance of several popular characters, and was so highly gratified, that he tendered her, on the instant, the offer of a principal situation at the London House. This, it was then thought proper to decline, both on account of her youth and delicate state of health; but the same offer being again presented by Mr. C. Kemble in 1827, was accepted, she being now considered more qualified to grapple with the laborious duties of a London engagement. The treaty being concluded, Miss Jarman, proud of the distinction to which her industry had now raised her, prepared to take her departure for the Metropolis. It must have been a gratifying spectacle

to her Bath friends to behold the idol of their dramatic worship passing from her seclusion in the provinces, to occupy so exalted a shrine in that temple whose humblest niche is all that many can hope to fill. There is something truly magnanimous, in the struggle of youthful genius to establish itself in public favour, and when a female heart is the seat of this heroism, the exhibition becomes additionally interesting.

The aim is first taken, and then the inquiry is instituted regarding the means to be adopted for obtaining the desired object. These are found to be a fixed determination to succeed-a proper estimate of time and industry-a patient submission to long and irksome training-a courage in meeting and overcoming obstacles and above all, a disposition not to rest satisfied with present attainments, but to press on with an eye fixed on the distant goal. Among the numerous difficulties that present themselves to the theatrical debutant, may be mentioned the fear of the world's censure, which, in more pursuits than this, exercises an undue influence in turning the aspirant aside from the object of his fond attachment. There is also the danger of being awed by the competition of professors older in years and experience, which can only be overcome by the consideration, that age and experience are as capable of working their effects now, as before. Again, there is the possibility that the correct taste with which he sets out, and which he has derived intuitively from the exercise of his own genius, may be forced into a compliance with the vitiated taste of the times. His better judgment forbids him to emulate the prevailing system, and his soul nauseates the flattery that confirms it, yet he feels the propensity daily rising in his breast to surrender at discretion, so averse is his humanity to endure the spurns that patient merit is subjected to. The jealousy of rivalship is another source of annoyance to all but him who possesses the requisite firmness of character. The debutant feels, in walking the stage, that he is much alone there-a novice where others have been long naturalized. His rehearsals are frequently conducted amidst the whispers of calumny, and the sneers of the malignant and the disappointed. Left to steer his solitary course midway 'twixt hope and fear, and doubtful where he should allow nature to terminate, and art to begin, he looks around for that friend whose judicious advice and encouraging smile he could so well appreciate, but finds himself deserted and uncompassioned. All seek their own, none his neighbour's good. He sees himself placed on a contested height, and, giddy with the elevation, hastens to retire, when mind, asserting her own dignity, turns his eye in upon himself, and points to his own resources. He then discovers, with amazement, the absolute impotency of all foreign aids, learns to despise alike the smile and frown of shallow man, and, shaking off all dependence on material things, blesses the absence of counsellors as a boon worth a world's price.

Such was Kean's experience on the day he first entered Drury, as the future high priest in that temple of the muses. The presiding pontiff had retired to make way for the new candidate. The subordinate officials looked with suspicion on the entrance of an intruder. His origin was found to be obscure, and though he had not come unsolicited, he soon discovered the difficult game he had got to play. He had his misgivings. When the tug of war at length approached, and the weakness of humanity gave serious note of preparation-when, about to light the torch that was to burn with never-failing fragrance, or be at once extinguished, he had only time to plead acquaintance with a fellow stager, hoping thereby to move the sensibilities jealousy had blunted.-Heaven's justice! the rebuke of this menial, this sycophant, sent the great master spirit back to the treasury of his own mind, where straight he had his claims allowed. Mindthou invariable patron of thy own! Thou unfailing supporter of such as will lean upon thee! Thou lentest thy influence to light this child of nature through

the darkness that encompassed him, and didst plant him on an eminence whence he never can decline, but reviews with ineffable contempt the machinations of his powerless enemies.

Kean's is by no means a solitary case. Such has been the experience of many, and such, to a certain degree, was Miss Jarman's. She had her fears, her malecontents, and subsequent triumph. The quality of her mind, secured her in the affections of the public, while, at the same time, her uniform propriety and sweetness of manner, disarmed envy of its sting, and made even her detractors ambitious of her acquaint

ance.

She made her first appearance before a London audience in Covent-Garden Theatre, on the night of the 8th of February, 1827, in the character of Juliet.

The announcement of a new candidate for theatrical fame, produces a sensation in London deeper almost than can be conceived in the provinces. It is to the patrons of the Drama what the arrival of some distinguished foreigner is to the general public, or what the publication of some new and long-expected production is to the lovers of Art. It is the all-engrossing, all-absorbing topic. The result of this opening attempt, to secure metropolitan favour, is charged with consequences of remote, as well as direct, importance, to both the Debutante and the Drama. To the former, it may be the commencement of a new existence, an epoch in the travel of life, to which all subsequent events are referred. To the stage, it often proves the dawn of a coming revival, the embryo regeneration of dramatic taste and enterprise.

Miss Jarman came to the city highly recommended by the cognoscenti of Bath and Dublin, and although, at the period of her arrival, the London boards boasted many names not unknown to fame, yet it is notorious that, at that time, the higher range of female character wanted a proper representative. The Theatres owned no leading actress of decided genius. The principal walk of female business at both of the winter houses was then much unoccupied. Miss O'Neil's absence was still felt. The higher efforts of the tragic and comic muse were either unattempted, or managed with but a moderate share of success; and to Miss Jarman, the public, the critic, and the theatrical speculator, all looked with equal fondness, as to a feature that was to ocupy the previously vacant space. The desideratum was supplied. In every character on which she made the energies of her accomplished mind to bear, she was found to strike out beauties worthy of the best days of the olden time. The commonest subjects received, in her hands, an originality of conception that at once demonstrated the study of the actress. She was equally successful in comedy and tragedy, and in the lighter characters of each as well as the most serious. Her acting then, as yet, wanted that vulgar extravagance which some call power, but which is better denominated imbecility, being, as it assuredly is, rather the offspring of false taste than of intellectual greatness. Her Lady Teazle as well as her Juliet, her Isabella and her Beatrice, were equally subdued to nature, and equally the subject of the critic's praise. We might here, in testimony of the high popularity Miss Jarman acquired in London, insert one or more of the many flattering notices that then appeared in the public prints, and particularly those more substantial ones, written by Hazlitt and Leigh Hunt on the qualities of her acting. But our limits forbid. She continued for three seasons the object of increasing attraction at Covent Garden.

Before the termination of her third season, that insolvency which had, for a period of years, pressed heavily on this establishment and paralized its energies, reached its height; and occasioned a temporary cessation of those arrangements for the following winter by which the conclusion of a season is generally marked. As it was uncertain when the house would again open and, whether at all or not, it was announced to all the performers whose engagements had terminated, that no

treaty could, in the meantime, be negotiated for the following season. Consequently, Miss Jarman and some others, whose articles had expired, were allowed to quit without any such engagement being concluded. These individuals felt that, while they were at full liberty to engage at any other house, yet, viewing themselves still as members of the Covent-Garden company, and likely to be retained, if the house re-opened, they preferred a delay in this respect, trusting that, during the recess, the proprietors might be enabled, by the various expedients in contemplation, to rescue themselves from their present difficulties.

At the close of her last season in London, Miss Jarman visited Ireland for a short period, performing in Dublin, and several of the other towns in which her former appearances had been so favourably received. While here, she learned, from the public prints, the amount of debt contracted at Covent-Garden, and the various schemes in progress for its liquidation. It was at this time that several performers, residing in Lon. don, volunteered their services, for a series of benefits, in behalf of the Covent-Garden fund, and that a public subscription was opened for the same object. To this subscription, Miss Jarman, who was still in Ireland, and precluded from taking any part in the London benefits, most readily contributed, and received a note of acknowledgment from Mr. Bartley, the then acting manager-in whose letter, however, there was no mention made of the re-opening of the theatre.

Miss Jarman had, in 1827, during the summer recess of her first season in Covent-Garden, visited the north, in company with Mr. Warde of the same theatre. She appeared twelve nights in Edinburgh, and six in Glasgow. The fame of her talents had travelled over the intervening space, so that, upon her arrival in these remote parts, she found many ready to offer her a most cordial welcome. On her first appearance in Glasgow, she was greeted most enthusiastically. We happened to be ourselves present, during the several nights of her engagement, and recollect, as if it were the occurrence of yesterday, the impression made on our mind by her personation of Mrs. Beverly, Mary Queen of Scots, Rosalind, Therese of Geneva, and others, and regard it as one of the most felicitous incidents of our life that we had an opportunity, thus early, of doing justice to her merits. Her disposal of her characters always appeared to us as natural as her conception was correct. The vigour of her acting, we were aware, would increase in proportion to her study and experience, and her future success has proved that we were not mistaken in the opinion we then formed of her capabilities. In Edinburgh, she had become an especial favourite. The estimate there formed, of her talents, was such, that so soon as it was ascertained, in 1829, that her engagement, in Covent Garden, had ceased, Mr. Murray immediately offered her terms for the ensuing season at Edinburgh.

Miss Jarman having still received no notice of the re-opening of the London house, and, finding that something required to be done in the way of arrangement for the following winter, felt herself justified in writing Mr. Kemble on the subject, and stating the peculiarity of the situation in which she stood. She wrote accordingly, requesting to know if her services were required for the ensuing season.

Will it be believed, that for two entire months, she received no answer to her letter? During the whole of this period, it was her misfortune to endure an interval of suspense, altogether indescribable. She knew the day was at hand when the house would open, if it opened at all. She knew that she was still viewed as the leading actress of that establishment, having been the last there engaged, and no other being yet announced; and she felt that she might incur the charge of being indifferent to its interests, and, perhaps, of ingratitude for kindness received, if she now abandoned a concern that never more required the assistance of its friends. She had been invited to lead the business at

Edinburgh, and knew, from the kindness and attention she experienced there, during her short stay in 1827, the degree of happiness she would enjoy in such a sitoation. She had also reasons for continuing in Ireland, if she was so disposed, but found, from the embarrassing nature of her present condition, that she was alike prevented from consulting her own comfort, and from replying to the numerous engagements that now lay in treaty before her.

In the meantime, Covent-Garden was advertised to open, and Miss F. Kemble announced as the feature who was to disencumber the management of its several embarrassments, and place the treasury in a more prosperous condition than it had been for years. The Theatre had opened, and Miss Kemble had appeared before Miss Jarman received any answer to her letter. After Miss Kemble's success had been completely ascertained, Mr. Kemble replied to Miss Jarman in terms of apology for not having written earlier, assuring her that her letter had not reached him till long after date and, with many professions of regret for having kept her so long in suspense, informed her that his daughter's success had of course precluded the necessity of now engaging any other lady as leading actress at Covent Garden. Miss Jarman felt that she had suffered wrong at Mr. Kemble's hands—but said nothing. She at once accepted Mr. Murray's offer, and engaged with him, in the mean time, for two months, commencing on the 3d of November, 1829. The warm reception she again experienced in Edinburgh, both professionally and in private life, induced her, very soon thereafter, to accept Mr. Murray's offer of a renewal of her engagement on much more advantageous terms. At the expiration of her first engagement, she made a short visit to Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth, and returned to Edinburgh in February. She continued here till the summer recess, and finished a season of great personal gratification, with feelings very different from those of regret at having passed her winter in a northern latitude.

We once heard a member of the Drury-Lane Company declare that he has often shed tears when he witnessed the difficulties Miss Phillips of Drury had to encounter during the forced attraction of Miss Kemble in the rival house. He said it was painful to behold the influence which name and family connexions exercised in leading the public away from the patronage of real talent to court a shadow; for that the attraction of the Star at Covent Garden was but a shadow compared with the talent of Miss Phillips was never, he said, doubted by any unprejudiced mind. When we heard this individual so express himself, we felt suspicious, we confess, that all was not sound "in the state of Denmark," and our suspicion rose into something like assurance, on reading the various notices by Westmacott, regarding the acting at Covent Garden. Still we thought it possible to account for both the player's and the critic's leaning, from the circumstance of rival houses and wounded pride. But we cannot reflect upon the treatment stated above, without regretting deeply that paternal fondness and interested views, should ever have induced the Manager to forget the courtesy of the gentleman.

During the summer of 1830, Miss Jarman visited London, though not professionally, and came there into contact with Mr. Kean, who was then about to take his farewell benefit at the Italian Opera House. She was requested by him to undertake the part of Desdemona, for his third act of " Othello," and the applause with which she was greeted from all parts of that immense house, proved the high estimation in which she was held by a London audience. She also visited Bath, Liverpool, and other towns in the south during the same summer, and returned to Edinburgh for the season 1830-31, according to previous treaty. She is now in possession of her third season in the metropolis of the North, and is so decided a favourite, that we do not know if she would be justified in leaving

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