of the poet, than to establish a positive fact, founded on research and observation.

The vicinity of Claremont to the east and southeast, displays a barren inhospitable appearance; Esher common, the boundary of which for a considerable distance is formed by the paling of Claremont-park, is, in many parts of it, a cold and cheerless swamp, resembling some of the uncultivated districts of Scotland, in which the dark heath and the solitary stinted fir tell alone of vegetation. The view of this barren district is, however, excluded from the house by the thickness of the plantations, and the line of vision is carried to the distant scenery, which embraces the ornamented grounds in the vicinity of the metropolis.

The situation of the house evidently shews a very correct judgment and taste in the selection, although it is not built upon the most elevated part of the property. It is, in consequence, in some degree overlooked by the tower which appears to the left of the picture which accompanies these Memoirs, and which was originally intended as an observatory, and as a point de vue, from which some of the most distinguished objects at a distance can be seen. In the upper part of this tower, several lines are drawn, indicative of the level of some of the most lofty of the distant objects, viz., St. Paul's, Windsor-Castle, &c. The view from this tower is beautiful and grand in the extreme; and although art may have done more to embellish the prospective views from Windsor, yet, in regard to the beauties of nature, the prospect from Claremont tower will not

yield to that from Windsor-Castle. This tower was formerly adapted to scientific observations; but it is now converted into a kind of conservatory for indigenous plants, in the culture of which Prince Leopold possesses an extraordinary degree of science. Five hothouses and conservatories are at this time building for the reception of the numerous exotic and indigenous plants, which have been collected from the most distant quarters; and an inestimable value is attached to many of them, owing to their having been selected and cultivated under the immediate direction of the late Princess. There is a melancholy pleasure experienced in nurturing the flower which has been planted by a beloved hand, and especially when that hand is cold and motionless in the grave: we watch its growth with the most assiduous care; we affectionately protect it from every blast which can injure it; and in the fragrance of its blossoms the memory of her is revived, who herself, transplanted to a better clime, flourishes in the sunshine of eternity.

The Claremont estate bill passed the House of Commons on the 24th of June, and received the royal assent in the House of Lords the following week.

On the evening of the 23d, the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold honored Covent-Garden theatre with their presence, for the express purpose of seeing the performance of Lady Macbeth by Mrs. Siddons. They arrived at half-past six-o'clock precisely. Her Royal Highness appeared completely recovered from her late illness, and the rapturous applause with which

she was greeted, testified the sincere and fervent pleasure, which the re-establishment of her health excited throughout the whole audience. The curtain was immediately drawn up, and " God save the King" was sung in a most excellent and impressive manner. As soon as Mrs. Siddons entered, she made her obeisance to the royal pair, and then saluted the audience. Her Royal Highness and the Prince rose and bowed to her with the utmost affability. The Princess Charlotte appeared delighted with the performance of this inimitable actress. She seemed to accompany her in every word of the part, turning frequently to the Prince, and expressing by her gestures the satisfaction which she felt. She applauded too as loud as any other individual of the audience; and in justice it must be allowed, that a grander display of theatrical excellence was never witnessed; it was not the usual progress of representation; it was not the succession of one scene to another, or the variety of character, or the great objects of the drama that interested the mind; but it was a perfect illusion, a fascination that rapt the attention, and completely bore away every thought and faculty to the tower of Dunsinane, and the wizard heaths which surround it. The mild and sweet airs which precede the steps of Macbeth are pregnant with national recollections, the romantic scenery, the divine poetry, could all scarcely have redeemed the artificial machinery of blazing caldrons, haggard witches, bleeding ghosts, prophetic phantoms, and unhallowed rites, which are incorporated in the tragedy; but the presence of a Siddons

and a Kemble impressed upon them such a substantial character, and imparted to them such unexampled sublimity, as the fulness of their faith and their hopes, and the reality of their terrors, that what was before a foul superstition assumed the majesty of religion.

As soon as the tragedy terminated, "God save the King" was again sung, and was followed by "Rule Britannia." Particular pleasure was expressed on hearing this now almost forgotten hymn once more associated with the other grand national anthem. The time was, when they both invariably went hand in hand, and it is hoped that time will

return.

The burletta of "Tom Thumb" followed. Surely such a jumble of vulgarity, obscenity, and nonsense should not have been presented before the Princess Charlotte; it afforded no amusement whatever to her, and it was treated by her Royal Highness with the inattention which it deserved. This piece is at all times unworthy of our national stage; but it was peculiarly ill-suited to this occasion, and reflected no great degree of credit upon the judgment of those who selected it.

The royal pair was attended by Sir Robert Gardiner and Baron Hardenbroke. They were received at the door by Messrs. Harris, Fawcett, and Brandon, who conducted them to the Prince Regent's box. The Princess was dressed very plain, in a Waterloo green gown, white wreath of roses round her head, and but few diamonds.

In compliment to the royal couple, the audience

was on this evening unusually splendid. The Duke and Duchess of Cumberland sat in the Marquis of Stafford's box, exactly opposite their royal relatives. The Duchess of Wellington sat in Mr. Angerstein's box.

The lamented indisposition of the Princess Charlotte prevented, for a considerable period, the numerous addresses which had been voted by counties and public bodies, from being presented to her Royal Highness and Prince Leopold, on their happy union. In consequence of this interruption, there were no less than five addresses presented on the 24th, which her Royal Highness and his Serene Highness began receiving at four o'clock, attended by Sir Robert Gardiner and Mrs. Campbell.

The Marquis of Anglesea was introduced in full regimentals, and presented an address from the county of Anglesea. To which the Princess and Prince were pleased to return the following answer :

Pray assure the inhabitants of the county of Anglesea, how highly we are gratified with this instance of their attention, and that we receive their congratulations with the sincerest pleasure."

A deputation from the borough of Southwark was next introduced, with an address of congratulation, consisting of Charles Calvert, Esq., Charles Barclay, Esq., the members for the Borough, Lieutenant-colonel Gartshill, the mover of the address, Mr. T. S. Benson, the seconder, together with Messrs. Herbert, F. Young, J. Trueman, J. Prestwich, and J. Clutlon.

The Prince and Princess returned the following

answer :