To end this fragmentary sketch, we may fairly say that oratorio should contain two important elements:-- I. The narrative form, as subject of the whole work. II. The didactic and contemplative, as interpolations in soliloquy, or in chorus of adoration, prayer, and warning. A third element, the dramatic accessories of costume, scenery, and action, we have dispensed with, and, I think, happily so. We find in these days in many nations, including our own dear country, composers are striving after this highest and noblest ideal; let us pray they may receive that strength necessary for so great a responsibility. There is none greater in music, and our hearts tell us that unless a composer knows and believes himself that the subject which in reverence he approaches is the truth itself, which he must proclaim and preach as a conviction of his own--we say that unless he thus incorporates himself in his work it is but mockery, and the result of it nothingness. NOTES FOR NOVEMBER. During this month we get the finest effects of the changing tints of foliage; after a wet, windy summer the colours are poor, but fine and varied after dry calm weather. These autumnal changes of colour are caused by decay and death; the life in the leaf enabled it to withstand certain chemical changes, which it can no longer resist as the vital force wanes, and the green colouring matter is either changed or destroyed. We can prove this fact for ourselves if we notice how often, while all the rest of a tree is green, the leaves and small branches which are partly broken, and have, therefore, lost a great part of their vitality, lose their green colour, and become yellow or red. * * * * * Not only are the broad effects of a landscape made beautiful in autumn by the rich colouring of large masses of trees, but the close observer will find every hedge, bottom, and wild common flaming with colour. Heath tell us "it is the commonest plants whose colours are the most beautiful and striking." Amongst those which produce the most brilliant autumnal tints, the following are found almost everywhere in the hedges in England: Bramble, hawthorn, wild strawberry, dock, spindle-tree, herb robert, cranes-bill, silver weed, hedge maple, dogwood, black bryony, ivy; while in the kitchen gardens nothing can exceed the beauty of the asparagus and the common carrot. * * * * *