Very fine performance by Royal Choral Society, at my little place in Kensington, on Wednesday evening, Dec. 10th, of MACKENZIE's "_Rose of Sharon_." Everything _couleur de Rose_, except the atmosphere, which was _couleur de pea-soup_. Weather responsible for a certain number of empty stalls in my hall. Madame ALBANI in excellent voice--sang throughout gloriously. E.L., the Squire of Hall Barn, says that, when the eminent soprano sings at his place, he shall announce her as Madame HALLBARNI. HILDA WILSON first-rate in "_Lo! the King!_" LLOYD as good as ever; can't say more. The duets between him and ALBANI, perfection. WATKIN MILLS, an impressive _Solomon_, sang the difficult music of that character artistically. The Chorus superb in one of finest choruses, written by an English composer, "_Make a joyful Noise_"--very joyful noise they made, and a considerable one. I consider the "_Rose of Sharon_" a masterpiece, and the greatest work of any Englishman--and, now I come to think of it, MACKENZIE's a Scotchman. Yours truly, ALBERT HALL. * * * * * PARS ABOUT PICTURES.--On to DOWDESWELL's--Pictures by the Newlyn School. Interesting show this--especially good in landscapes. Disappointed there is no picture of the town of Par, whence the O.P.'s ancestors came. However, let that pass. Ladies, first,--there is excellent work by Mrs. STANHOPE FORBES, Mrs. GOTCH, Miss HAYES, Miss FORD, and Miss BIRD; and, be it said with all politeness, equally excellent work by Messrs. STANHOPE FORBES, TITCOMBE, A.C. TAYLER, and others. A good many of the tin mines of Cornwall are said to be worked out, but I think not a few of our young artists have found a mine of tin in this picturesque country, which they are working both to their own advantage, and that of the Art-loving public. In the same gallery may be found a small collection of pastels by Mr. JAMES GUTHRIE. This artist seems to thoroughly understand the scope of pastel--and has walked his chalks about Scotland to considerable purpose. OLD PAR. * * * * * "AWAY WITH MELANCHOLY."--Nothing in Nature and Art combined is so sad as the effect of a Street Minstrel playing something with flourishes on a clarinet under the windows of your study during a yellow London fog. "This way madness lies." * * * * * "BOXING-DAY" will, of course, be kept with great festivity at the Pelican Club. The contests will be of the friendliest character, and will be genially announced as "Kiss-in-the-Ring." * * * * * [Illustration: HIS FIRST BIRD. "WELL, I DIDN'T MISS _THAT_ ONE, AT ALL EVENTS!" "NO, SIR. THEY _WILL_ FLY INTO IT, SOMETIMES!"] * * * * * THE BABES IN THE WOOD; OR, THE ST. STEPHEN'S TRAGEDY. _AN OLD (INGOLDSBYISH) SONG, TO A NEW (IRISH) TUNE._