It appears, that our ancient theatres were little better than _barns_, while those of the present day may vie with palaces in extent, splendour, and decoration; and nothing can more strongly exhibit the contrast between the present age and that of Queen Elizabeth, than the difference in the expense of a London theatre. The Rose playhouse, which was erected about the year 1592, cost only 103l. 2s. 7d.,--a sum which would scarcely pay half the expenses of a modern patent theatre for a single night. Only let the reader think of the rush roof of the _Globe_, and the gilt-work ceilings of our present theatres; the open area,--and the cloth-covered seats of the pit; and the magnificence of our saloons, halls, staircases, and corridors,--all in the noblest style of architectural decoration--_Companion to the Theatres._ * * * * * Covent Garden was once the emporium of the arts and sciences, and the residence of the chief nobility of the kingdom. Barton Booth lived at No. 4, Charles-street; Colley Cibber lived at No. 3; and Easty's Hotel, Southampton-street, was Mr. Garrick's; Mrs. Oldfield lived in the same street; Wilkes built the house in Bow-street, next door but one to the theatre--Garrick and Macklin lodged in it.--_Ibid._ * * * * * At Kirlees, Yorkshire, about three miles from Hutherfield, is, or was lately, a funeral monument of the famous outlaw, Robin Hood, with the following inscription:-- Here, undernead dis laid stean, Lais Robert, Earl of Huntingtun; Nea arter az hie sa geud, Ah pipl kauld him Robin Heud. Sick outlawz hi an iz men Vil England niven si agen. Obiit 24 kal Decembrio, 1247. HALBERT H. * * * * * REGENT-STREET. The expenditure of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests in forming this splendid street, is stated to have been 1,533,582l. 16s. 10d.; and the probable revenue is 36,330l. * * * * * STEALING PICTURES. The celebrated Raphael of the Louvre--_Christ and his Disciples_--is said to have been, at some unknown time, abstracted from its frame, and a modern _copy_ substituted. The picture has been valued at L20,000. and it is surmised that it has found a hiding-place in England. Harlowe's _Kemble Family_ is also missing at the present moment. _Literary Gazette._ * * * * * RAMSAY'S ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF, IN A POEM ADDRESSED TO MR. JAMES ARBUCKLE.