The New York Herald Newspaper, December 24, 1868, Page 3

-_. WINTER AMUSEMENTS IN THE METROPOLIS. THEATRES, MINSTRELS AND CONCERTS, BALLS, HOPS AND SOIREES. LECTURES AND LEARNING THE RINK AND THE ROAD. ‘The metropolis is brilliant and overflowing this season with all that presages a dashing and un- usually magnificent series of#winter amusements and recreations, and the splendid weather which hhas been a distinguishing feature of the autumnal quarter just closed seemed but an overture played by Nature to the carnival season of ice and snows. ‘The sunny, bright days of the fall carried the people through an exciting political contest, which en- gendered a popular enthusiasm that has somewhat ripened the appetite for pleasuregand demands a relaxation from mental and physical exertion. Trade hhas been fair, though by no means unusually brisk, and New York is wealthy and must have enjoy- ment. The vox populi craves it, and “the will of the people is the law of the land” in every possible sense, The federal constitution itself secures to the people, among other inestimable boons, ‘life, iberty and the pursuit of happiness,’ and the People are going to exercise this last prerogative until “its infinite variety” stales and withers. The city is filled with distinguished visitors from every State in the Union, and many foreign persons of eminence, taste and affluence are at present s0- Journing in the metropolis. New Yorkers need no etimulus to enterprise, art, fashion or recreation; ‘but the presence in her midst of so many honorable guests gives her an é/an and abandon which carries ‘\her overwhelmingly into the vortex of pleasure, The hotels are crowded and private residences are. appropriated to the convenience of visitors and friends who are here to spend their gala week amid the city’s attractions and thus enhance the inaugu- ration of the new year, under the guidance of the master of the revels. Below will be found a selec- Hon trom the programme which the maestro has Prepared for his patrgns, THEATRES, MINSTRELS AND CONCERTS, Pike’s Opera House. : There was a Christmas aspect throughout tle ding, The feeling was hearty and unanimous at man’s superb display of opera bouge. The two exquisite Offenbachian productions, “Les Bavards”’ ‘and “La © ortnnin.” oiiettey The same nel iment as ian ay pr Bnted, Sa Bene not ‘et & little melancholy prevailed. Tostée . The inimitable actress met with a @omewhat serious accident ere last evening when dese thé stairway, by which she was pre- vented de! the many holiday seekers who cong! to witness her incomparable flourishes. Mile. Irma admirably supplied her place as Roland. Xt is announced that in consequence of Mlle. ‘Tostée’s unfortunate mishap there will be no mati- at Pike’s to-morrow. Brooklyn Academy of Music. “Geneviéve” was @ regular Christmas box to the Brooklynites last evening. Crowds of holiday faces, ‘with devouring eyes, smiled in amazement at the intricacies of the court movements represented, and atfintervals gave vent to their surprise and satis- faction in smiles and vociferous applause. “Gene- vieve”’ was a complete success in Brooklyn. Wallack’s. The “Captain of the Watch” and ‘Woodcock’s Little Game,” with the gorgeous Lester in the cast, were the attractions at this old temple of the sock and buskin last night.. There is little to indicate the holidays about this establishment, as it pursues the even tenor of Its way from one end of the year to the ottier, with an occasional dash of the modern sensa- tonal to vary the usual programme which winter after winter is presen! to its patrons. But ‘“Money’’ and ‘Much Ado Abdut Nothing” are underlined, al though the latter preserreaas the farmer ow far ao ‘cuuver ued. Olympic Theatre. Such a universal smile, clapping of chubby hands ‘and general delight of rosy-cheeked juvenfies, Just home for the holidays, was never seen or heard ‘within the walls of the Olympic as on last evening, ‘when poor Fox was pounded, brickbatted and hunted in the most unme! manner, to such an oul us extent, indeed, that several young gentlemen (whose importance was considerable and papers of candy huge) were about to interfere. Fox made the boys acream with joy when he got the best of the police- man. Haifa hundred would, have treated Fox to soda water and gingerbread his gallantry. Niblo’s Garden. Talking about sensations—why half the audience Jast night learned more at Niblo’s than all the Christ- ‘mas stories will unfold to them. Not that there was anything desperate in the performance; for starva- suicides, railway accidents and = are matters of no account nowadays. et a long breath of relief was the simultaneous result of the Hirst act, and several blooming damsels were ob- served to wipe the cold perspiration from their Tespective foreheads as the curtain fell, Lenpenian | to them the Goddess of Liberty, and thereby assu1 them that the spectacle presented was not real. Being satisfied that everything in “After Dark” ger- ‘minated satisfactorily they left in peace. New York Theatre. “Blue Beard” was never a favorite with any school- boy. Indeed, it is to be questioned whether every student of the volume wouh not have voluntarily taken part with the wives. When the affair 1s ridi- culed, however, itis a different thing. At Christmas times, especially, it is well to make the lightest of ‘the monster, who, after all, was nothing more than ‘an tliegal Brigham Young. The audience last even- ing appreciated the entertainment, being ready to smile at anything before Christmas. Broadway Theatre. The benefit to Mrs. Barney Williams last evening ‘was adecided advantage to the large assemblage ‘that crowded the theatre, if, as honest doctors ob- #erve, a hearty laugh is the best medicine. Christ- ‘mas was visible on every face in the establishment. Merry peals rang through the building, {especially in those paris ef the “Kmeraid Ring’ where the humorous incidents and witty dialogue must force even old theatre-goers to smile, to say nothing of annual visitors. The Hibernian element pre- ‘vailed | ly, and it is neediess to say that kits. Williams’ benetit was a complete and satisfactory wiedgment of her ability, ‘Wood's Museum. ‘The wheel went round briskly last even- fing before an audience no doubt anxious for the first time to behold the mysteries of classic twirls. Nobody was disappointed. Lydia Thomp- son and troupe were present and presented “Ixion”’ ‘with all the desirable flourishes necessary for its pro- duction. Mercury astonished a few, and man: Te. tired from the museum firmly convinced that the gods of yore knew where the nectar was hid. “Er- mani” is to be produced on Monday, Bowery Theatre. “The Fast Women of Modern Times,” as presented at the classic region of the Bow- ery, attracted last evening a host of annual visitors. Need it be said that many were enlight- ened and warned? The performance was a whole- some appetite for a Christmas dinner, Park Theatre. Brooklyn. ‘The holiday plece “Aladdin, or the Wonderful ‘Lamp,” was performed again last evening, and an improvement was noticeable both in the perform. ‘ance and scenic effects. “Aladdin” will be ted again this evening, and at a matinée on Christmas Day and Christmas night. The excellent little pay of the “Duchess or ome ga in which Mr. and Conway appeared, was well performed and brought orth rounds of applause. New York Circus, ‘The first thing that occurs to the juvenile mind, emancipated temporarily from the birch, the dunce’s fap and the interminable task, asthe ‘correct thing’’ is the sawdust ring, the untamable steed pursuing his dreary round in this ring, the daring rider, mak- ing the inost reprehensible efforts to stand on his head, and the clown, with his untransiatable jokes, (Of the latter species’ Mr. Williams has made himself # deserved favorite at Mr. Lent’s circus, For the heflidays the Franco-Mormon, ‘Blue Beard,” is pre- seated in Pantomine form, apd, although it £ a par 4 on the floor, mig! NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1868—TRIPLE SHEET. slight diversion from the Offenbachian idea, still it ig Very entertaining. San Francisco Minstrels. Messrs. Birch, Wambo, Bernard and Backus, having received high appointments in the cabinet of Santa Claua, who succeeds Momus this week, have, after long preparation an@ intense study, produced an excruciating opera yclept ‘Bone Squash Diablo,” before which the peed ae fans Verdi and Rossini pales. It ends vith Pandemonium, from which we infer that in thisestablishment there is the old gentleman to pay. . Kelly & Leoo’s Minstrels. “Blue Beard” is revived in this hall in the usual “regardless of expense” style, Kelly is the uxorious Frenchman and Leon the pauvre Boulotte. To this complexion must Offenbsch come at last. Rose Bell, in Raped physiognomy, will be the next essay of the adventurous Leon. Genevieve in cork will be curious, if not intetesting. Tony Pastor’s. “Hickety Pickety” is decidedly not a masterpiece of composition in point of diction, but it had, never- theless, the desired effect of a good-humored broad- sider on the tickles of the many anxious specta- tors last evening who sandwiched themselves in the Bowery Opera House. ‘Hickety Pickety” will be handed peacefully down the tide of ages. Bryant’s Minstrels. ~ ‘The “Gendarmes,” at Bryant’s, has surpassed the brightest anticipations of Offenbach; nor dtd Verdi ever realize anything like such an exquisite tmper- sonation of his Leonora ag is given nightly at this establishment, The matinées will be immense. Apollo Hall, Both ends are made to meet in this hall this week. There is no affinity between potatoes and hominy, an Irishman and a “nagur;”” yet the Hiberman Minstrels have reconciled the seeming impossibility. Their dusky faces glow with the fervor of Fenianism and the strains of Moore take the place of the melo- dies of “Ole Virginny.”’ Such ts life, Stemway Hall. The time-honored “Messiah,” which is as neces- sary a concomitant of Christmas as plum pudding, turkey, Santa Claus or the Christmas tree, will be given as usual at this favorite metropolitan hall. ioe Philips will be the great attraction is time. Central Park Garden. In addition to the numerous attractions congre- Gated together in this beautiful garden a new fea- ture was introduced last night by the managers, Messrs. Gosche and Schindler, in the person of Mile. Marietta Zanfretta, a tight rope phenomenon; Theo- dore Zanfretta, a gymnast and pantomimist; Master George, an eight Pe na 3 old ditto, and a troupe ‘of trained canines. ‘The tair and bazaar were crowded last night by the children of Santa Claus. Hooley’s Minstrels. The fun-loving people of Williamsburg were re- galed last night at Hooley’s establishment—which is as prosperous as the principal house in Brooklyn— with the new holiday piece, entitled “Santa claus; or, The Children's Friend.” Presents were distri- buted among the audience, and brimming laughter and Christmas merriment characterized the repre- sentation. ‘Santa Claus” also presented himself in {he Brooklyn house last n:ght. BALLS AND soiREEs, Ball of the Henry Clay Literary Association: ‘This organization gave their eleventh anniversary ball last night at Apollo Hall, in Twenty- eighth street, near Broadway. The society is a Hebrew one, the members of which reside 9p #! east ide of the city, and its object is the mental Le ferhont of those who attend its meetings. The ball last night, though not numerously attended, was a very Pleagaut, flair. Dancing commenced shortly after nine o'clock, to the music of Bernstein’s orchestra, and & programme consisting of twenty-two dances was gone through with, without any cessation of interest or energy. The toilets of the ladies were very elegant, the dresses in many instances made of the most costly fabric and fashionable cut, some of the trains cauere being of more than usual ere The ball all the appearance of a social gathering, and it was easy for an on-looker to see that it was a meeting of friends. ‘The festivities were kept up till the programme was exhausted and Fed hours of the morning were well ad- vanced. Ball of Phenix Lodge, No. 15, A. P, A. The thirteenth annual ball of Phenix Lodge, No. 15, American Protestant Association, was held last evening at Military Hall, and was in more re- ae than one an enjoyable affair. About one-half of those present entered with zest and spirit into the Terpsichorean revels, which they prolonged until the wee small hours in the morniag while the remaia- ing half, quietly seated on benches it the wall, like so many blooming fowsey~valnuly surveyed the Yextive ecouc; UUt No amount of coaxing art of the energetic foor committee could induce them to partici; in the dreamy waltz or intricate quadrilies. this was thus 18 hard to tell, but that it was so beyond the peradven- ture of a doubt ts a palpable certainty, ‘hose who danced apparently enjoyed themselves to their heart’s content, as did also those who sat upon the seats arranged along the wali, and tee © the bali may be regarded as a success. There were twenty-seven dances upon the “light fantastic’? menu, and everything connected with the affair passed off in a quiet and harmonious manner. Brookes’ Soiree. The soirée last evening at Brookes’ Assembly Rooms, in Broome street, was attended by a select company, the gentlemen being in the majority, how- ever. There was much to be admired in the toi- lettes of the ladies, who were for the most part young, sprightly and handsome, and under whose witching influence the hours passed ‘‘on golden wings.” With such a comp the _ pro- gramme of dancing is a mere trifle. Every step and every movement is a weighty con- tribution the general enjoyment. The whole scene is enlivening. One of the most plea- sant features of the affair was the quiet which pre- vailed in the intervals, no boisterous laugh or loud conversion ever striking the ear. Such genial inter- course is the fullest realization of that enjoyment which youth of both sexes io! to rtake of, and cleaves to memory in after life without the minutest all “A of regret. This sweet communion of kindred spirits closes the eyes for a brief space to the dull realities of life, and seems to prolong the day when the closing decade of existence drags its slow length along in expectation of that final hour that ends all our pleasures and cares in this world. Complimentary Ball to Professor M. E. Sausc. The pupils and friends of Mr. M. E. Sause, profes- sor of dancing, assembled last evening at the Masonic Hall, East Thirteenth street, in large force, the occasion being a complimentary ball by the pupils to the Professor. There were over cighty The arrangements were, as it be expected, in periect taste, and the evening was a most enjoyable one. The excellence of the dancing bore testimony to the skill of Mr. Sause as an instructor in ballroom etiquette and exercise, The dresses of the ladies were chaste and elegant, and the decorations of the hall, though not very showy, were wit 1 taste and skill. A boun- tifal ‘supper was provided, which the company sat down to and discussed, and then repaired to the ballroom “to chase the golden hours with fying feet’’ until morning dawned. Ball ot Protector Engine Company, No. 6, of Brooklyn. The annual ball of this company was given last evening at Gothic Hall, Adams street, and proved to be a great success in every respect. There was avery large attendance of the members of the company and their gan) bow the inclined bags haypermn — an early hour this morning, when the company dis- pacoe regretting that the nappy hours had passed #0 quickly, The committees on the occasion were at- tentive in the discharge of their duties, and made every effort to facilliate the enjoyment of their guests, for which they deserve credit. Grand Masquerade Ball To-Night. A fashionable masquerade ball will be given to- night at the French theatre, under the auspices of a society of French residents. The Committee of Ar- ee eae ka no pains in preparing the details of the affair. A gran orchestra, nas been en- superb decorations have been pre) anda irat class free supper is offered as an inducement to participate in the affair, Lie Balls to Take Place. ‘The following named bails are announced to take place:— Dec, 24—Island Social Club— Apolio Hall. Dec. 24—Masquerade Ball—Freach theatre. » Dec. 24—Jones’ Soirée—Military Hail, Dec. %—Independent Social Club—Brookes’ Rooms, Dec. 24—Hook and Ladder Co. No, 1—Gothic Hall. Dec, 25—Mutual Base Ball Club—irving Hall, Dec, 25—Christmas Ball—Brookes’ Rooms. Dec, 26—Christmas Soirée—Military Hall, Dec. rk Bund—National Assembly Rooms. i, 28—First Regiment Hawkins Zouaves—Apol- 10 ‘all. Dec, 30—Fancy Dress and Mask Soirée—Rivers’ Academy. Jan. 11—Dramatic Fund Ball—Academy of Music. Jan. 13—La Coterie Fancy Dress Bali~Academy of Music, Jan. 18—Odd Fellows! Rail—Brooklyn Academy of Music, 21—“Ours’? Soclable—Rivers’ Academy, —Civic Soirce—Rivers’ Academy, Brooklyn. Feb, 10—Fancy Dress and Mask Ball—Rivyers’ Academy, Brooklyn. LECTURES LAST NIGHT. THE PRIMEVAL FLORA. Lecture by Professor Dawson, of Montreal. Professor Dawson, President of McGill College, Montreal, delivered a lecture onghe above subject, being the fourth of the series before the American Institute, last evening, at Steinway Hail, Fourteenth street, which was well filled by an intellectual audience on the occasion. Shortly after eight o'clock Judge Daly, of the Court of Com- mon Pleas, took the chair and introduced the lecturer in a few appropriate remarks. Professor Dawson opened his discourse by saying he should have to deal principally with past time. He should have to make large demands upon thetr faith with regard to the extent of past time. Geology, indeed, worked a strange revolution in our notions of things new and old. It was to primeval forests that he ‘would try to carry them that evening in imagination to awaken their slumbering ages and make them green in their eyes and vocal in their ears. They should thus find themselves in a new world, different from that which we inhabited and differently peopled, He had selected for the subject of his lecture but one small department of the vast field of fossil botany, and he should, consequently, give them a sketch of the “Primeval Flora”—the subject of this lecture. First, he should say a few words on the relation of this Primeval Flora to existing plants; next he should say something of its relation in a general way to the school of geological times. Then he should enter on the subject og ped by describing some of the most re- markable plants that flourished in that primeval time. First, for the benefit of those of the audience who might not have very deeply studied modern ants, hé should siy 4 few words about the classi- cation of existing plants and the reiation of the fossil to them. If we took the whole of the facts known we should find that they might be divided into two great series—first, that series of plants im which we have distinct flowers and fruit, containing seeds proper. These were the highest plants or the phenograms of the botanist. We had minor plants, of lower or, ane zation, which, instead of producing seeds, p! ce microscopic seeds, which were called sphors. The lecturer then went on to describe the dif- ferent characteristics of plants (illustrating his remarks copiously on diagrams), such as escogems, endogens and phinogems. In the criptogems we might also make a threefold division, and so with various others, The practical fact de- ducible was that the whole valley of the earth, from the earliest geological times, was under one system of classification, From the beginning of geologic times one plan had been followed out in the con- struction of the vegetable kingdom. The whole vegetable kingdom consisted not of all the plants that were now on the earth aione, but of all the plants that ever were on the earth. The primitive flora might include representatives of all the groups he had been speaking about, and it might include only the representatives of some of them. The factwas, it included the representatives of the middle grade. If we went back to these early geological periods we should find that the fossil plants were not exogens or endogens, but a great many of them be- longed to the highest group of the crypogramous begin If en eatin Lappe) eo 4 ae 1 Flora we should neither have known the possi- hides a the Porat Kingdom in its higher state, nor the possibilities of the vegetable kit jom in its lower state, but only some of it in the middle of it. We might ask ourselves the questions:—Does this bear any relation to anytl we see in the world at present? Are there any cl tes in the world at present that could show us a flora similar to that of ee ere) ie The cal Tee Be soe re- sent world which nearly approachedin their flora to that of the primeval, time ment tne climates or tis southern hems here, After @labo- rati largely on this ch of hia subject the lecturer proceeded to speak of the feras or brackens. We all love the ferns if we bays any taste for nature at all.gihey could see some most ificent specimens of them tn Columbia College, If we compared them with modern ferns we would find they more resembled such as might be gathered in the New Hebrides or New Zealand or along the wrist pi they were very like our modern ferns. We nig! it split up tons of coal shales and find the roots of these. In the tropical regions the tree fern grew toa dignity and beauty beyond con- ception, On the diagram they had a tree fern with only two leaves at a time from it—a peculiar and graceful form of tree which had no represen- tative in the modern world. The ferns had a good deal to do with making coal forests. They had still another group of trees—namely, pines. Our aes and spruces and larches were represented the coal formation period. Now the pines of the coal formation appeared to have been composed of wood very much of the same texture as our modern pine, which was a very durable wood, and we foun#t parts of the truuks of these pines preserved fossil in the coal formation. If you go away to the Arctic regions the last trees we found would be a little spruce and furs. If you go down into the ical ons and into the islands of the Southern Hemi- sphere, you would find there pines like those you had at home. The pines were distributed through- out the modern world as well as they were in bygone ical periods. | The Loneareg then went pen and Tenened “dlacneaiolt OM ts mutyet pulltil out how little was yet really known of the grea’ world of geological nature, and concluding amidst hearty applause. THE FRENCH REVOLUTICN OF 1793. Lecture by Parker Pillsbury. Last evening, at the Brooklyn Institute, Parker Pills. bvry—one of the many satellites (of: whom Wendell Philiips is not the least in magnitude) which revolve around that self-sufficient sun of humanitarianism as embodied in the negro, William Lloyd Garrison—be- fore a small, but appreciative audience, read his lec- ture on “The French Revolution of 1793—Its Causes and Character,” in a monotonous tone and without action, his eyes being continually directed to the desk, on which was spread out his manuscript. Mr. Pillsbury commenced his discourse by reviewing the political, moral and religious condition of the three estates into which the people of France were divided immediately antecedent to the revolution, the causes of which he proposed to discuss, and which, traced back, found its origin quite as much in the success of the revolutionists on this Continent as in the grinding exactions of king, nobles and clergy, Who py their tyranny, their seifishness and their immorality had brutalized the subjects over whom they ruled without a thought of justice or of remorse. The clergy were before the nobility, out of which order they sprung. All that was rich or “honorable” or profitable in the land, without rd to justice or love, they appropriated to them- selves, ‘hese gilded, glittering caterpillars of royaltytclided through the galleries of State, selfish, useless and frivolous, The clergy were wholly and the nobility nearly exeropt from most of the bur- dens of the State and of taxation. The third state, the people crushed, tyrannized over, brutalized, were made delirious with d ir. ‘they had ap- jed to the throne for justice, but roalty turned a deaf ear to their entreaties. It was then when, despair, horror, death were the hourly companions of the down-trodden that the storm gods thundered, and preliminary to the revo- lutton, which all but the very blind could see was near at that the spirit of freedom awoke. The lecturer then pi led to liken the uprising of the people to an earthquake, which, thot a dread- ful event in itself, could not be held responsible for the evils of which it was the cause. The twenty- five millions of imbruited Frenchmen rose as if by instinct. It was not a question with them springing out of reason. They had been hereditary bondsmen, but their condition had gradually become peop able, and with a biind conviction that they could not longer submit and exist they gathered ie = | around the palace gates of royalty and asked ye Like wild its driven by the rigors of the winter season from their lairs in the fastnesses of the moun- tains to the towns for food and shelter, these down- trodden, ignorant, besotted its gathered ground royalty, and to eir prayers for bread received a stone. In - answer to & petition for a Nal rectification of u oa 4 two of their neniver were seized by order of the King and, in their presence, swul & gallows ifteen height. At the opening of the revoiu- i Solerey of nearly one-half of the area of ‘ton the aoe See France, and, jes exemption from taxes, added to many personal Porscee m the throne, enjoyed a clear revenue of twenty-five millions of and, in conjunction with the nobility, were lords of over two-thirds of the tillable lands of the kingdom. The taxes, nearly ali collected from the peasantry, were fearfully Of every pound sterling c! by the ind of the ie three-fourths were taken by the tax gatherer. Nor was this all. The peas- antry had to support in their homes a debauched soldiery, who were being constantly billeted on them wi were amenable to no civil free to embrace and dis- and sisters, mothers and hters of the hosts, and to complain of their juct or to take re' into their own hands was to court the confiscation of their property and pos- sibly death. So high was the tax on salt, which was one of many monopolies tn the hands of the nobility, that to successful t undetected a pint thereof across the lines yielded a greater profit to the smuggler than would day's labor on the land. So severe were the laws against smuggling this condi- ment that those who were caught in the act were al- most immediately thereupon execated for what, in the eyes of the governing class, was regarded as a crime even morerserious than murder itself. The e laws were equally as injurious to the people. ft ‘was death to touch of the wild anii that roamed the country, destroying the works of the = and for so dou eral have been arned at the stake, ne moat France ‘Throug! no one who had not the patent of nobility, however rich or however high his standing in society, could own even jurer then traversed minutely the ground during and sul juent to the revolution, and held that, although many mistakes were made by those Who attempted to govern France as a republic, they were good men. Robespierre, he maintained, was traly pious, patriotic and far from being the bloodthirsty wretch Edmund Barke and other English statesmen, prejudiced to the last de- gree, declared Lim. Of Voltaire he also spoke tn terms of dr, Pillsbury then turned his attention to the politsal condition of the United States. He ‘tat reconstruction had failed and woul! continue * fail until justice was em- bodied in the laws. Te present with their corruptions must die»ut and a new clement be bi it into the flel if we would purify and seers ie, the government— and that neta ae PUBLICEDUCATION. nN Christmas Exerckes at Different Schools. GRAMMABBCHOOL NO. 51, At this institution, kated on West Forty-fourth street, near Tenth avae, the exercises yesterday, under the direction oJohn Jasper, Jr., were more than ordinarily interestg and were witnessed by a large number of the friads of the pupils and several distinguished citizens, Among those present were School Commissioners.arremore (President of the Board of Education) ai Jasper, the local officers, and ex-Commissioner Ging, who presided during the exhibition, The asimbly hall of the school was very neatly decorated ai dressed with flags and ever- greens, while the greeng ‘A merry Christmas and happy New Year” fornd a conspicuous part of the ornamentation. The prcramme was, as is generally the case, quite lengthyjut was so pleasingly varied, 80 unique in detail andso cleverly carried out as to be highly agreeable tall present, were it not for the tiring of the chilen, There was the usual number of songs, deamations and recitations, with dialogues given bthe young gents and misses, en costume. ‘The recitdon of Mrs. Heman’s “Polish Boy,” by Miss Mary (rey, deserves, certainly, the first mention for excelltce, both on account of the youth of the declaime and the finished style in Which she acquitted hrself, A song by Miss Mary Hodges, “There's a Kocking at tne Door of My Heart,” was given witlan expression worthy of the subject and the music, 4 fairy extravaganza, “The Three Guesses,” by ejhteen pupils; a dialogue, “The Rival Footmen,”by Masters Henry Nugent, William McKee, Main Cully, Theodore A, Jaspér and Thomas mith; another on “Court- ship Under Difiicultis,” by Masters Henry Pleines and William jeaman and Zoe C. War- dell; a recitation, “Robt Bruce anfd the Spider,’ by Rosanna Geaghan; . declamation, ‘On Union,” by Theodore A. Jaspeiwere each most carefully and correctly rendered Addresses were made by Messrs. Larremore and wshing, and after the sing- ing of a Christmas caol by the school the per- formances were brougt to a close by a well con- ceived valedictory delivred by a worthy representa- tive of Santa Claus. It rould be decidedly unjust to omit mentioning the exeilence of the accompani- ments to the musical portion of the programme afforded by the youn lady who presided at the piano, and who showeia cleverness aud elasticity of touch worthy of a ppfessional, GRAMMARSCHOOL NO. 44, At this school, whic! is located at the corner of North Moore and Vari« streets, a reception and ex. hibition were given Yeterday morning. Among the large crowd of ladies ind gentiemeu present were key. Dr. Western, Conmissioner Warren, inspector Slevin, Trustees West,Hewitt and Burras, Dr. Ken- nedy, ‘Mr. Samuel Wycoif and several other distin- guished citizens. Inthe et epatment, which is attended by. about 800 pupils, the exhibition opened about ten o’clock and was quite interesting. All the children were neatly atd presented a very pretty pic: ture. They sang several songs in chorus. The effect of 80 many little voices warbling together was really interesting. pre Bang ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ im excellent style ¢ Grammar Department is attended by ™ Pupil (4 —stheir aaa trainii Fert Pos ehey are creditable to the principal, Mr. Belden, and his associates. The programme was varied— singing, scriptu‘al readings, recitations, compost. tion and the hké. The anthem ‘Praise the Lord” was sung in chorus, and had rather a pious effect. ‘This was followed by Master Luscomb declaiining that fine piece the parting of Marmion and Doug- lass. A well comp: and applicable paper, called “Our Class,”, was read by Annie Davies. Kate McDonough gave an adinirable reading of “The Watcher's Daaghter.’? Master Carmody’s declama- tion of “Mateo Bozzaris” was much applauded. When we takeiuto account the age of the pupils many of them displayed a taste, elegance and proficimcy in general literature that more advanwd pupils might feel proud of. The most interesting part of the performance, to the pu- pils at least, vas the distribution of prizes. These were given tothe successful pupils at intervals be- tween the diferent parts, The first distribution was of semt-annual certificates for good conduct and pro- ficiency in their studies, The next were premiums, chiefly of books, to those recetving a semi-annual certificate. The next were premiums to those who had received semi-annual certificates for the year. The next vas the presentation of prizes for declamation, French ry, elocution and gen- eral literature. The prize books were of the beat description and chiefly on history. Some fren to tha bo}, Wuile some tempting workboxes some pl wor O38 ‘were bestowed Mh the girls. The exhidition was admirably conducted all through and both interest- ing and enteriaining. The music by Professor Bris- tow, accompanied by the voices of the pupils, gave a kind of operatic feature to the proceedings. FEMALE GRAMMAR SCHOOL NO. 41. This school, vhich is located on Greenwich ave- nue, opposite Charles street, has achieved such a high bee rer under the direction of Miss M. Louisa t that it was but natural to expect that at the Christmas exercises and distribution which took place yesterday morning there would be a large audience presen: Among those who took part in the exercises Miss Katie Ennis, @ remarkably pleasing and inteliigent yo miss de- serves especial mention for a composition on “The Close of the Year,’ Misses Ada Clark, Ennis, Wood- ruff, Camp and Forsyth in exhibitions of vocal and instrumental music demonsirated a degree of more than ordinary talent and acquirements, while the choruses sung bythe school were given with an ex- pression and precision ywhich lect ‘great credit on the teacher or ‘eachers of that particular branch. The chorus singing received efficient and ay ar- tuustic aid from the young lady who presided at the iano. 7 A large numberof semi-annual certificates were distributed to the deserving pupils, alter which Mr. A. Matthew: one of the of Trustees, pre- sented on bel of teachers several prizes to those young ladies who hal entered into competition for the Cox medal. Ths medal was presented by Mr. 8. 3S. Cox for thé pupii who should receive the highest numbet of credits for deportment, punctuality and proftiency. There were candidates who had ki so clole together in the race that it was deemed bat fair jo make to them some acknow- ledgment of their sanding. The (ox medal was presented by Mr. Grorge T. Curtis, who made a very pleasing and puppy address, to Miss Annie Miller, who had obtained 100 per cent in every de- partment. Miss Mar} Cushman, who had obtaived 99% per cent, receive! = pencil case, and Miss Dora Seagrave, who hi also obtained 99% per cent, received a handsome edition of Irving's “sketch Book.” Mss Hila Van Beuren, who, although sick two das during the session, had re- ceived 993, per cen} was presented with a gold pencil case. A handjme gold medal for penman- ship was awarded Miss Addie D. Grin. The exercises were closed with a beautiful Christmas carol, sung by the enifre school. GRAMMAR SCHOOL NO. 16. The Kelly medals for superior excellence in the male department of this school were awarded yes- terday morning at the school building, West Thir- teenth street, near seventh avenue. The presenta- tion wes made by Drm. Burchard and Thompson, Masters William F. Eade and G. G. Dudley being the recipients. The Cox medal for the highest per- bp was also awarded to Willlam F, Earle. No form: mme had been arranged for the occa- sion, and Ear replied to the presegsation in @ modest and approp:hte manner. SKATING. eens Caracal The Ponds and Their Patrons—Auother Carnival for Skitere=The Advantages of Winter. The icy breath of yinter is not generally con- genial to the lovers o/ outdoor amusements, The approach of its somevhat dreary months is the signal for the disconthuance of those sports which through the more genhi portions of the year afford 80 many joyous occa#ions for merry meetings. But winter, notwitheanding its chilly atmos- phere and barren spect, has its own pe- culiar open air enjoyaents, and these, or at any rate most of them, arecuriously dependent upon an excessive severity for {heir very existence, Funny enough, the expectatine of all lovers of the sports provided by the of Winter find themselves ascending only when jhe mercury is descending, and rice versa, Skating has now beome a fashionable amusement in our midst, In this ountry, as well as in Europe, it was always a favorit pastime with men and boys, but only within the pat ten or twelve years has it been allowed as the corect “thing” for young ladies to appear, steel-shod, pon the ice, In some of the European countries it i still thought ‘improper’ for ladies to participate ir this healthful pastime, but the recent appearance f the French Empress upon @ public skating pond tas done much to remove this foolish impression andto break the chains of pro- priety which acted asa barrier against the enjoy- ment of the pleasures df skating by the members of the gentler sex. Withiis this graceful, fascinating sport is an institutim, and one, too, of the most pleasant of which we nave to boast. It enlists the sympathies of young and old, male and female alike, and the hoisting of the ‘ball’ is hailed with delight as the signal for cenuine, health-giving exer- cise, merry meetings and jovial fun. We are biessed every year with just enough of its pleasures to give & taste for its enjoyment, and to whet the appetite” sufficiently to cause pleasant expectations of further pleasures, when King Frost shall again give forth his icy breath and make the water solid with its freezing power, The piercing frost of the night before last put to flight many gloomy forebodings which had arisen in the minds ‘of the lovers of the art skatatorial, The damp, mild weather of the past few days led many of devotees of skating to doubt whether they would be able for some t to indulge in their dearly-loved sport. The ice king, however, having punished his admirers by a temporary absence, hought fit, with regal independence, to make a re- appearance on Tuesday ue in order to prove to his subjects that he had not lost, but only for a time waived, Shaconseating porer which 1s his special pre Fogative. The eyes and hearts of f 8 were delighted yesterday mori iw! their first look abroad, to find that the mud had been dried during the night, and that the puddles Were covered with a sparkling crust of frozen ice, and when, later in the day, the ball went up as a sig- nal that the skating carnival was resumed, hundreds of dainty little hands might have been seen carefully ipa the straps of hundreds of pairs of skates. ‘he thaw of the past few days did much more dam- age to the ice than 1s gene! sup . Even in the enclosed rinks the ice was spoiled, and the open Ponds suffered, not only from the thaw, but from the rain and sleet which ‘accompanied it at the com- mencement of the mild “snap.” The frost of Tues- day night and the continued cold of yesterday, how- ever, had the eitect of producing excellent ice and a Prospect of some days’ excellent skating. THE PARRY The ball at the Park was not ‘up’? yesterday morn- ing; but it is said that later in the day the signal was oisted. The really excellent ice which had been formed on the si of the ponds suffered a good deal from the mild weather of the past few days, and yesterday morning a number of workmen were engaged in sweeping the glassy surface and cutting away all rough, uneven spots. Shoulda the frost continue another twenty-four hours the Park ponds will be covered with a layer of ice of most excellent quality, which will not easily be cut up by the tron feet of the skaters, THE EMPIRE RINK. There was no skating at this place yesterday, the proprietors having been busily engaged 1n levelling the surface of the ice. Yesterday morning a small portion of the rink was flooded, and the water was soon converted into a splendid sheet of firm, smooth ice. The greatest endeavors have been put forth by the managers of the rink to secure for their patrons an excellent expanse of even ice; and if the clerk of the weather will manage things so that his fickle mas- ter will second their endeavors there will to-day be a crystallized area presented over which it cannot fall to be a pleasure for skaters to disport themselves. IN BROOKLYN, The residents of the City of Churches were more fortunate yesterday in respect to skating than were the dwellers in this city, At all the ponds the ice Was good, and consequently a general turnout of skaters was made. Young ladies in walking sults of the prettiest colors and the most faultiess tlt were to be seen in every part of the city, skates in hand, making their way to the various ponds, accompanied by gallant cavaliers, into whose care anxious mammas had committed their darling girls. Pleasure Was written upon their countenances, and the cars which bore them to their destination were all alive with happy laughter and joyous chatter. The cold, bracing air had no effect upon the happyjthrongs, save to make the blood rush more swiftly through their veins and tinge their faces with a roseate hue, which far excelled in beauty the clumsy artificial substitute too often used to repre- sent the bloom of health. In all directions the happy groups proceeded, according to the dictates of preference as to the superiority of this or that ice covered ise, and all impatient at the slow pro- gress of the vehicle which was bearing them to the realization of their joy-inspiring expectations. The following ponds were all in fit condition for receiving skaters:— ‘ UNION POND. This 18 one of the most favorite resorts for the lovers of the exhilarating sport of skating, and draws its patrons from New York, Williamsburg and Brooklyn, ita location piaking. it easy of access for the residenta of all three pi ‘The expanse of ice at this pond is very large, probably larger than that of any other enclosed pond, save, perhaps, the Capitoline. ‘The arrangements for the accommoda- tion of visitors are very complete, having been pianned and carried out by Mr. Cammeyer, the pro- prietor. One of the most important features is the provision of @ separate room for boys, 80 that elder person# are not sanbres by the noise and confusion which somehow or other always exists where two or three score boys are gathered together. Yesterday there was goo! ice upon the Union pond, and, as a con- sequence, @ goodly number of persons were present to glide over its slippery surface. A brass band dis- coursed sweet music at intervals, and to the strains of popular tunes many score neat little feet—and many a dozen large ones, also—moved in curvings. On the glittering ice were skaters of every class. The fashionable young lady, who came to skate because it was fashionable to do so; the young boarding school miss, who copes the opportunity for using her feet an working off her exuberant spirits; the work girl, who en- Joyed the recreation as something which was a8 necessary as unusu the young swell, who looked upon the ice as providing only another arena for flirtations and love adventures ; the work- ing men or boy, who skated for the very pleasure which it affot and # scure of others with motives dis the make or quality of their skates. as tas ‘The skaters ditfered widely, too, in their power to glide about upon their ironed feet. There was the young beginner, whose timidity forbade him to leave some quiet corner where he could remain un- observed; the pretentious beginner, whose grotesque positions and repeated falls made him the cause of general laughter; the scientific adept, whose graceful turnings and wonderful evolutions were the objects of general admiration. ‘There were lady skaters who went alone and others who enjoyed the support of @ strong armed cavalier, confident skaters and morous, Well dressed skaters and shabby, clever aters and awkward, and all of them busily engaged in elther learning or exhibiting the mysteries of this popular outdoor amusement. uring the season the proprietor of the Union pond intends to make it as attractive as possible and to that end announces that masquerades, carnivals, skating matches, tournaments and base ball matches will be got up at frequent intervals, THY CAPITOLINE POND. There was good tce upon this pond yesterday, and it was also well attended. The Capitoline exposes a water surface of 700 by 400 feet to the action of the frost, and when this large space is covered with ice it affords excellent opportunities for the play of the skating art. The proprietors have improved the rooms which surround the pond by knocking out sundry partitions, and the accommo- dation now offered to their patrons is very excellent. During the season this favorite place will offer many attractions to the public. The M brothers, who created considerable sensation last year by their marvellous performances upon skates. will be again engaged; and it is me ae that during their en- gagement some very interesting matches will be made between them and local champions. The ice boats will also be placed upon the pond and will en- gage in races upon fixed alternoons. The attend- ance at the Capitoline yesterday was large, es- pecially in the afternoon and evening, the persons present being of the usual class. This pond has its regular patrons, who visit it on account of its proximity to their residences and the excellent ice which is generaily to be found there. THE BROOKLYN RIN! A new skating rink, where the devotees of icy pleasure may Sey in their favorite pastime under cover and without being subjected to the cold winds and the driving storm, is now being erected on Cler- mont avenue, near Myrtic avenue. “The structure, which 1s rapidly approaching completion, is built of brick, the walls being about forty feet in height. ‘The building 13 164 feet wide and 200 feet long. A surface of ice measuring 100 feet by 90 feet will be provided for, and in the front of the structure will be the various rooms necessary for the use of visitors. Galleries are being erected on both sides of the building 170 feet long and 37 feet wide, which will be supplied with seats for spectators. It is claimed that the rink will afford accommodation for 1,000 skaters and 5,000 spectators. The m: ment announce that the rink will be opened in a few days, with all the necessary conveniences complete. band of twenty musicians has been e! ed, who, under the leadership of Mr. Collett, will dis- course sweet music to the magic whirlers on the ice beneath. During the season @ series of carnivals, tournaments, masquerades and skating exhibitions will be given, to add to the attractions of the place. ‘The rink lies between the Myrtle dvenue and De Kalb avenue cars, being only @ minute’s waik from either. PROSPECT PARK POND. The Park pond was frozen yesterday and covered with very good skating ice. This year the Commissioners throw open to the public about fifty acres of ice. Temporary buildings have been aos en the use a skaters. Lo ~ S Bare largely patronized, ——, to that which disports itself on the ponds of our Park, The Commisstoners have ments to fly their near the Fulton ferry, where tt can easily be seen from the New York side. ON THE ROAD. An Evening’s Drive from Fifth Avenue to McComb’s Dam—The Park and Harlem Lane=scenes on the Road=Christmas in the Suburbs. The happy possessor of power and wealth never perhaps, realizes the delights and pleasures of his fortunate position in society more than when, com- fortably seated behind @ “two-forty horse” on a cold winter's day, when the bitter wind twits the nose of poverty and tarns to blue the proboscis of the bac- chanal, he dashes along through the crowded thor- oughfares of a great city, with a bow and # smile for his weaithy friends and a cold, charitable nod for those of his acquaintances who have no bank account, no real estate, no horses, carriages or friends other than the shivering companions of misery and distress, The tnevitable law of nature, which decrees that one class shall enjoy the fruits of the earth and that the other must suifer the bitter penalty of being alive, consoles him. Wrapped round with comfortable rugs, through which the wintry blasts vainiv try to penetrate. and driven ag the ® greatest speed which ordinary horse flesh is capable of, he is at peace with himself and indisposed to quarrel with the world. To one so circumstanced how bright is the sun, how clear the sky, how ani- mated and interesting the moving life around him! The fashion set by the elect of the people, whose fondness for fast horses and fast driving will, doubt- less, be recorded in history, suits the genius of our People. While the English delight in horse riding, with all 1ts opportunities for exercise and display of skill and address, and the French astonish the curious with the wonders of the veloctpede, Amert- cans are fond of attempting the two-forty behind fast trotters and displaying the possibilities of hard driving. There 18 @ feeling engendered in the minds of men at Christmas time, whether inherited from English forefathers or transmitted from the Norsemen, as wooden legs are gaid to run, with insanity, dn the blood, it mattérs not, which gives fresh zest to outdoor amusements and to every species of exhilarating exercise a pecultar pleasure, People naturally look forward to the season of the misietoe and Dols tree for ‘a good time,” and no matter how coldly the wind blows, how pierc fresh alr, the an ticipated pleasure eae ‘he sun rose clear and bright yesterday in a sk; of azure blue; a bitter winter reeze pose round cor hers and eddied into out of the way places, catching venturesome and lightly clad pedestrians in the neigh- borhood of the fifth rib, and the Arabs of the streets knew not weather to rejoice at the bright Christmas weather or to mourn over the cold which rendered the collection of fuel from the sidewalks -& necessity for their cheerless firesides. To the rich and idle, however, it was a day of unalloyed Pleasure; just sun enough to temper the wind; just cold enough to render fast driving a dehghtful ex- ercise, The avenues of the metropolis, in, which fashion holds her gilded court, swarmed yesterday with handsome equipages and the richly adorned of both sexes, The splendid trappings of the horses, the elaborate and costly decorations of thé carriages were in perfect _keepmg with the beauty, grace and elegance of the fair occupants. A long line of vehicies extended from Fifth avenue as lar as the eye could see. Harlem road and the Park seemed to be the objective point, for in these favorite haunts of fashionable New York beauty is made more beau- tiful by its surroundings and the pacing of a favorite nag is certain to be observed by appreciative con- noisseurs in horseflesh, Seated on the box of a lumbering coach, behind a pair of brown mares, whose distressing equanimity nothing short of an earthquake could disturb, we joi the stream of carriages, and with “blue, cold uose and wrinkled brow’ we mark the wave of fashion as it rolls onward toward the Park. The plea- surable delights of upper ten existence are usually associated in the minds of the lower units with dia- monds, gold and garments of the brightest hue; but here on the avenue, in this Christmas weather§ fashionable New York was arrayed in Alaska cos- tume, the pretty bine noses of the fair peeping out from rolls of furs and wrappers of woollen, while the chevaliers who accompanied them were sunk in rugs and pilot cloth. The Beanie horses, with shining skins, shoot by with snorts of deflance at our sorry nags, who very sensibly take ot the slightest Heed to the insult, but with heads owed down in humility of spirit plod along the avenue at the fearful rate of a mile an hour. Car- riages, buggies, drags, sulkies, with one, two, three and a dozen occupants, cut through the air and send whirl of icy winds into our faces as they fy. How it cuts! Pinching the nose as in a vice; rubbing the lips with frosty indigo and causing the ears to burn. It grows colder as we leave the avenue and strike into the Park. Cute little whiffs of wind scud round our back and try to hide. under an ample buffalo robe, while a burly breeze endeavors to wrench the frosty rug from our uncertain fingers. The gentle- men in the sulkies, whose blue noses peer from be- neath mantle and fur, would under ordinary cir- cumstances excite the envy of a slow coach as they whirl by; but cool refleciion tells us that the faster they f° the sharper is the wind, and that though they may the sooner get out of the scrape of being abroad in the kingdom of Jack Frost inevitable chilis will follow them to their homes, The tide of carriages—some slow as ourselves and others faster than the winds tha‘ slapping the fashionable drivers in the face, scut toward the city—rolis on through the Park. But not alltoward Harlem. Pursued by reckless but im- partial plasts of icy wind, dozens of vehicles were to be seen rattling along the road, the horses steaming with perspiration and the drivers sunk in the warm folds of their buffalo robes and furs, The majority drive well; but there are some who would make our frisky beasta nervous, if they but knew enough. Here comes one of the exquisites, whom Old England occasionally sends over to astonish our unsophisti- cated natives, with a bright red spot in the centre of a plece of fur on his face, blowing a cloud as he flies at a two-forty pace through the air. No matter to us whether he drove tandem to the Derby, was a member of the Four-in-Hand Club and was gee jue object in Rotten row, he must observe regulation made and provided for careful drivers or subinit to have his elegant eaulpage and himself brought to instant grief. ‘The blessed rhyme which every Saxon boy who owns @ “drag” knows by heart— The rule of the road is a paradox quite, ‘As you're driving your carriage alons ; If you goto the left you're sure to go right, you goto the right you are wrong— ig evidently uppermost in his mind; but the Park is not Rotten row, and our native beasts have a weak- ness for keeping their own side, right or wrong. ‘Take care there! ‘Yas, yas,’ and there is a rush, a flerce prancing on the part of our frolicsome mares, who suddenly wake up, and the “drag” of the ex- quisite shoots by. Now, while the cold sweat turns to thin ice on our exposed nose, pretty trees of the Park are fewer, the road, though quite as even, begins to show a change in form and Harlem lane js before us. Away on the fashionable drive toward McComb’s Dam we drive at the same fearful speed with which we started, until, fearful of being transformed into as solid @ pillar of ice as Mra. Lott was of salt, we stop, turn back, and eventually start with m: “woe,” “way,” “yo” and “elgh-up”’ toward the city, whose glimmering lights are ‘inning to sparkie in the distance. As the shadows of evening are closing over Harlem and stretching along the road, while the cold wind nips the fingers and in. vades the privacy of the toes, we gladly avail ot selves of the invitation of the attentive Jehu and creep inside the vehicle, where, fortified behind breastworks of wrappers, We muse on the philosophy of driving until the fleet horses, smelling hay and oats from afar off, rush madly to our door. LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. Hurt sy a Trvuck.—Last evening John Bonners, seventy-seven years of age, was knocked down at the corner of avenue C and Sixth street by a truck, but was only slightly hurt. He was taken home, KEROSENE EXPLOSION.—At seven o'clock last evening a kerosene lamp exploded in the store of Simon Meier, No, 68 Baxter street, but fortunately without doing any damage to persons or property. FIRE IN MADISON AVENUE.—Yesterday afternoon a shanty in Madison avenue, between Forty-seventh and Forty-eighth streets, owned and occupied by Richard Coburn, was damaged by fire to the extent of thirty dollars; uninsured. FELL ON THE IcE.—Last evening Frederick Greil- ing, who resides at No. 57 avenue A, fell on the ice in Forty-fifth street, near Ninth avenue, and the cep of his knee was broken. He was removed to residence. Fine tN WASHINGTON StrEeT —An alarm of fire was caused yesterday afternoon by a beam taking fire in the flue of the basement of No. 522 Washing- ton street, the fay a being occupied by James Riley, pickler. No damage was done. BEATEN BY Her Hvssanp.—Catharine Roach, who lives at No, 636 First avenue, was #0 severely beaten t evening by her husband, David Roach, that she wan taxen | to) Bellevue Hospital in a critical condi- tion. There was no arrest made, INJURED BY A FALL,—Frederick Stemler, a German carpenter, while engaged yesterday morning on & new building in Forty-fifth street, near Fifth avenue, fell from the third story and, striking upon his head, was seriously injured. He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital. A WOMAN ASSAULTED.—Last evening, about half- past five o'clock, a woman named Annie Mulligan, who lives at 753 Second avenue, was found by the Seventeenth precinct police, at the corner of Twelfth street and First avenue, bleeding profusely from wounds in the forehead, which she said she had re- cetved at the hands of James Clark, during @ squab- ble in Thirteenth street, near First avenue. ‘Tlie in- lured woman was taken to Bellevue Hospital, and er assailant has, thus far, managed to escape EUROPEAN MARKETS. Lonpon Mongy Marget.—Lonpon, Dec, 23—6 P. M.—Consols closed at $24 8 92% for money and 92% for account. United States 6 \ve-twenty 8 firm at 74%. Stocks quiet and steady. 26%. Panis BOURSE.—PaRts, Dec, 23, 1868.—The Bourse MPEANEFONT BOUKSE FRANKFORT, Dec, 28. United States five-twenty bonds steady at 78% for the issue of 1862, i, COTTON MARKET.— LIVERPOO! Liven Dee. 23-$:00 P, M.—The Sa Sa ang a. ‘The “sales HAVRE. Marcet.—Havre, Dec. 23.—The Corron cotton market firmer, but not . READSTUFF MARKET.—LIVERPOOL, LIvERPOOL Dec. ae 2 red Western wheat, 98, 10d. @ 10s. per cental. LIVERPOOL PROVISION MARKET.—Lrverroot, Dec. 23,—Lard is dull at 67s. per cwt. Pork nas advanced to 878. 6d. for Eastern prime meas, LiveRPooL PRODUCER MARKET.—LrivERroot, Dec. a oprne turpentine is casier, but not quotably jower LONDON PRODUCE MARKET, —Lowpox. Dec. 2 5 P. M.—Linseed ol, £27 per ton. Tallow, 488. 0d. per ewt. Calcutta linseed a PRTROLEUM MARKET.—Antweer, Dec. 25. leum heavy at 54f. for standard whire ~Petro-