days, that when evening came he might be sweetly hushed to sleep in his native home, close by his placid, quiet, peaceful Avon. Surely, if amongst Nature's children sufficient enthusiasm and ardent love should be excited to raise a monument to Nature's darling child, it should be among the scenes of Nature that he so dearly loved, and from which he decreed his very bones and dust should not be severed. In the autumn of 1874 the project of erecting a suitable memorial to Shakespeare in his native town was revived by Mr Charles E. Flower presenting the site, and expressing his desire that the monument should take the form of a Memorial Theatre. A preliminary committee was formed for promoting the object, and for obtaining subscriptions, the result of which was that a very influential list of names, and a considerable amount of funds attached thereto, were procured; and in April, 1875, the following circular was issued:

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, April, 1875.

The old theatre in this town having been purchased and pulled down by J. O. Halliwell Phillipps, Esq., for the purpose of restoring the site to New Place, and completing those gardens, it is thought that this is an opportune time for renewing the project which was proposed in 1864, for erecting a suitable monument to Shakespeare in his native town, and that the monument should take the form of a Memorial Theatre, a building which inside and out should be as completely adapted for its object, and as architecturally ornamental as possible.

The theatre will be erected by subscription, and any sum that may be raised beyond the amount required for the building, and any profit that may be realised by the rental on ordinary occasions, will be applied, after defraying the necessary expenses and establishment, to the celebration of the anniversary of the poet's birthday, and to the promotion and improvement of legitimate acting, by the establishment of prizes for essays upon the subject, lectures, and ultimately a dramatic training school or college.

The theatre will be erected upon a site which has been given for the purpose; the surrounding ground will be laid out as gardens, from which beautiful views can be obtained of the river and the Church.

The size of the theatre, while suitable for the population of the town, will be so arranged that on special occasions the auditorium can be very much enlarged. Connected with it will be a library, and a saloon or gallery intended to receive pictures and statuary of Shakespearian subjects, several of which have been already promised.

Donors of £100 and upwards will be governors and managers of the property. The governors will meet annually, and vote personally, or by proxy, for the election of an Executive Council, and frame rules for the general management of the memorial property and funds. For convenience of administration, the association will be incorporated under section 23 of "The Companies Act, 1867," for associations formed not for profit, but for the promotion of science, art, &c.

Subscriptions of the smallest amount will be received, as it is hoped that a truly appropriate memorial to Shakespeare in his native town will receive the support of many in all parts of the world, who have received instruction and pleasure from the poet's works.

CHARLES LOWNDES, Secretary.

The public press now began to take notice of the matter, and to comment on what had been done in 1864, and upon what was proposed to be done now, in various terms-some favourable, and some unfavourable. Stratford had for many years possessed a theatre which, shabby and inconvenient as it was, had been in regular use, not only for occasional

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At any

dramatic entertainments, but for concerts, lectures, &c., and on its stage, between its opening in 1827 and closing in 1872, almost every actor of eminence has appeared; and when circumstances occasioned its demolition, its want was so much felt that it was decided to get up a company to build another. The promoters of it, on asking Mr. C. E. Flower to join them, were told by him that if, instead of subscribing their money in shares, they would give outright a sufficient sum-say, £2,000-to build such a theatre as the town required, he would give a site and would assist in asking the public to do what has been before suggested, but which Stratford could not do unaided-namely, make the theatre a perfect little gem inside and out, worthy in some degree to be considered a monument to the memory of the greatest writer for the stage, and, if possible, to endow it, so that it might be a school for actors. Nothing is easier than to run down monuments, and to say that Shakespeare's works are his own monument, particularly if a contrary opinion involves a guinea subscription; but the same argument will apply to any monument that was ever erected to any great man, and no one ever maintained that a monument to Shakespeare would be anything more than an expression of the sentiment which Shakespeare himself acknowledged when he describes the ruddock (or robin) as 'shaming those rich-left heirs that let their fathers lie without a monument." rate, many projects have been proposed in past years for a monument to Shakespeare, and now several who have quite different views upon the subject have agreed to yield their own particular ideas, and to unite in putting up a Memorial Theatre, where occasionally his plays may be performed in his native town in as perfect a manner as possible, with every convenience for the actor and comfort for the audience-a condition of things which can hardly be said to be the case in any English theatre at present, and, in fact, can hardly be attempted in any theatre made to pay. It has never been contemplated to erect a vast gloomy building, and to attempt to carry it on with an indifferent company to empty benches throughout the year; nor is it expected that first-class actors will bury themselves for life in Stratford; but it is intended to erect a theatre to hold about 700 persons, the rental from which, instead of being divided among shareholders, will be applied towards the ultimate portion of the scheme-namely, that of making it a trainingschool, where young actors of promise will have an opportunity for-say, three or four months in every year going through a course of instruction in every branch of their art under competent professors. This is the object aimed at by the promoters of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre; it may be a mistaken one, and they may not be able to carry it out-they certainly cannot do so without the assistance of the country at large-but, at any rate, their object has been most heartily taken up by those most concerned, and the names of managers and actors who have so cordially and generously come forward to support the scheme must be a guarantee that the want has been felt, and that they see a means of meeting it. The scheme also comprises a Dramatic Library and Picture Gallery, to receive pictures, chiefly portraits of the ablest exponents of Shakespeare's plays; and the garden surrounding the theatre, of just sufficient size to set off the building, which, it is hoped, will

be an ornamental object, instead of what most theatres are a mere shed with a pseudo-classical front. The ground for it, nearly two acres, has been given to, and will belong absolutely to the association. Stratford people have subscribed sufficient for the mere theatre, for they do not (as has been suggested) ask the nation to put them up a place of amusement, and the promoters think that there are many who might at first be inclined to ridicule the project (what is so easy to ridicule as an effort made in so great a name as Shakespeare?), but who will, upon reflection, think that they will be acting in a more generous spirit if they join in assisting instead of endeavouring to put down an attempt made, at any rate, in no money-making spirit, but with the simple desire to do something towards enabling the actor to represent the poet's ideal better than he can do at present.

In an admirable paper on 66 Shakespeare's Birthday," written by John Lovell, which appears in the current number of Social Notes, the writer remarks with reference to the oft-disputed point as to the suitability of the site :-There can be no more fitting place for memorials of Shakespeare than the quaint old town nestling in the heart of rural Warwickshire which gave him birth. It was there that he grew up from youth to manhood in the midst of nature's handiwork, finding "tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything ;" and, as we may see by letting his works fall open at random anywhere, these early associations never left him. Wherever he may have been, or whatever his occupation, his fancy wandered back to the scenes of his youth-to "the banks with peonied and twilled brims," the "daffodils that come before the summer dares, and take the winds of March with beauty," the "violets dim but sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes or Cytherea's breath," the " primroses that die unmarried before they can behold bright Phoebus in his strength," the "throstle with his note so true," the "white sheet bleaching on the hedge," the "rich leas and corn-fields," the "brimming river," and the "thick-pleached alleys in the orchards " of his native Stratford. In the genial spring and soft summer-time, indeed, the whole country round about is redolent of Shakespeare. There you may still find the bank "whereon the wild thyme grows," and drink in the "sweet south as it breathes upon a bank of violets, stealing and giving odours." Harebells, kingcups, and pansies peep out from the green sward in many a cunning nook, where the loveliest of drooping foliage forms a natural arcade, at the far end of whose dim vista the comely Oberon might well recline. There are the trees whereon the lovestricken Orlando hung his song-scrolls, and there the where the Duke and his "co-mates grove

in exile" partook of their frugal banquet and sang their sylvan songs; while far away beneath the antique oaks one can still faintly discern on the confines of the wood the cottage embowered in olives where Rosalind and Celia dwelt. Friar Lawrence may still cull his simples in the early dawn, while Proserpine lets fall spring flowers from Dis's waggon, and Ceres scatters her corn-seed over the fruitful land.

In the month of November, 1875, the Council of the Association having received offers of assistance from a'l quarters, advertised for designs in competition for

the Memorial, and after much careful consideration they, on the 1st of May, 1876, unanimously adopted the design of Messrs Dodgshun and Unsworth, of 2, Great Queen Street, Westminster, S.W. The next step was to construct the foundation. This was

a work causing great anxiety, much skill, and most careful attention. As the site bordered very closely to the river, it was particularly subject to the overflow of floods. The contract for this important work was given to Messrs Horsman and Company, of Wolverhampton. The earth was excavated to some feet below the level of the bed of the river. In this there was very great difficulty, which by skill and perseverance was at length got over. At one time the water came in to the excavations in large quantities, but a powerful steam-pump was got to work, and by its means the works were kept clear for the navvies to continue their work. Large masses of solid concrete, composed of lias cement and gravel mixed, were deposited as foundations. On this was built the foundation wall of the same impenetrable material as the lower strata. The walls, built in mould, are 4ft. thick and 8ft. high, and outside of them is a coating of the best cement, 2in. thick, and then between that outer surface and the ground surrounding the walls is a solid bed of puddled clay, perfectly impervious to water, and of such an elevation as to be beyond the reach of floods. On Monday, the 23rd April, 1877 (the birthday of the poet), the first stone of the Memorial Buildings was laid with full Masonic ceremonial and with much dignity by Lord Leigh, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Warwick, and Provincial Grand Master, in the presence of about five hundred Freemasons, the Mayor and Corporation of Stratfordupon-Avon, the members of Parliament for the southern division of the County of Warwick, many persons highly distinguished in literature and dramatic art, and a large assembly of people. Prior to the ceremony, the second ordinary meeting of the Governors of the Memorial Association was held at the Town Hall, at which the following interesting report was read and adopted :

During the past year the work of the association has made considerable progress. The land for the site of the Memorial Buildings and Gardens was conveyed to the association by Mr C. E. Flower on the 1st of July. The five architects, whose sketch designs were selected from those sent in for the first competition, submitted more complete plans for the second competition on the 23rd of May. The Council had some difficulty in making a selection, but after calling in the professional assistance of E. M. Barry, Esq., R.A., who made a very full and valuable report, they unanimously selected the design sent in by Messrs Dodgshun and Unsworth, who are accordingly appointed architects to the association, the other four competitors receiving twenty-five guineas each, according to the terms of the competition. As the amount subscribed has not yet been sufficient to allow of the whole building being undertaken, the Council decided upon commencing the theatre only, leaving the library and picture gallery to be erected as soon as the funds will allow. It is unfortunate that the whole could not be carried on simultaneously, as the ultimate cost in that case would have been considerably diminished. The tender of Messrs Horsman and Co. for the foundations was accepted; these have now been completed, and form a solid mass of concrete more than four feet thick, with walls eight feet high. The ground has been made good to the top of the concrete, and everything is ready for commencing the main building immediately after the

first stone is laid. This will be done on the afternoon of April 23rd, the day of your meeting, and as a programme of the ceremony has been forwarded to each subscriber, it is not necessary to allude further to it in this report. Tenders have been invited for the second contract, including the main portion of the theatre. The appeal made last year to the managers of theatres, for a 66 Shakespeare night," only met with a response from two. Your Council learned with extreme regret that many managers had been deterred from giving their aid by a statement which had been industriously circulated that the Shakespeare Memorial was a scheme got up for the benefit of the promoters. They are unable to account for the motive which could have induced so groundless a report. By permission of the Mayor and Corporation of Stratford-upon-Avon, an engraving is being produced, under the superintendence of Mr H. Graves, of the well-known portrait, by Gainsborough, of "David Garrick." Impressions will be ready in May for presentation to subscribers of five guineas and upwards.

After the ceremonial at the site, which was of a grand and impressive character, and which will be long remembered, Mr J. J. Nason, Mayor, presided at the banquet in New Place Gardens, which was attended by a thousand persons. Sir Eardley Wilmot proposed "The Immortal Memory of Shakespeare, which was drunk in silence. Mr Tom Taylor, in proposing "Success to the Shakespeare Memorial," vindicated the project from the aspersions cast upon it. The first few lines of his memorable speech will bear repetition:-I once heard a well-known man of letters-a famous wit and diner-out, a sayer of good things and a teller of good stories-say, in answer to one who remarked how respectfully he was listened to, "When I first went into society, as I was a very small man, with a very small voice, I soon found that the only chance I had of being listened to was to say very disagreeable things" (laughter). There are a good many people who, without Mr Rogers's reputation have learnt his lesson, and try to increase the small chance they have of their opinions being listened to by the ill-nature of them. This undertaking, success to which I have unworthily the honour to propose to you, has, I fancy, received its full baptism of such ill-natured anticipations from insignificant people (applause). But after the ceremony which we have just attended, I think we may give them the benefit of the belief that they do not mean all they say when they prophecy failure of the undertaking inaugurated this day-this auspicious day the festival of England's patron saint, the birthday of England's, nay the world's, master poet (applause). We have seen laid, with Masonic ceremonial, the foundation stone of a theatre, to be followed, it is hoped, before long, by a library and a picture gallery, intended to serve-first, as a memorial to Shakespeare in Shakespeare's birth place; next, to be used in furtherance of the dramatic art to which Shakespeare devoted his life, and in which he still stands as the most famous of men; and, thirdly, to serve some existing social needs of Stratford, as well as certain other purposes which, although not perhaps it exactly needs, may yet prove to be so in that good time coming for which we may have to wait a little longer (laughter). Believing, as I do, and as I hope do most of those who hear me, that the theatre, rightly used, supplies one of the most potent means of popular culture-it would, indeed, be a heresy in Stratford-upon-Avon to hold any other

belief-(laughter)-it seems to me that a town of 10,000 inhabitants should be no more without a theatre than a school (hear, hear). There was one here when Stratford-upon-Avon had not more than half as many inhabitants as it has now; and it would be indeed a satire on our boasted advance in education, by the help of our schools, our cheap books, cheap newspapers, penny readings, popular lectures, goings to and fro by the aid of rail and steam, bringing together the ends of the earth by means of electric wires-if all these had not qualified us both to feel the want of a theatre more, and to make a better use of one, than our grandfathers (applause). Think of what German towns no bigger than Stratford-in some cases not so big-have done for the encouragement and development of the national drama. Think of what was done at Weimar in the last century-of what has been done at Dusseldorf later; think of what is now being done at Meiningen-a smaller town than Stratford -where Shakespeare's plays are represented with such artistic finish that there has been an attempt to get the whole company and their belongings to London, to show the British nation how the plays of Shakespeare should be presented in their completeness (applause). Depend upon it Warwickshire has wealth enough, and I hope has culture enough, to support a theatre, for at least occasional performances in Shakespeare's native town, with a special performance on his birthday, in which, it is to be hoped, some of the best of those who follow Shakespeare's arts, of acting and stage authorship, might lend their aid in the artistic getting up and representation of one of his plays (applause). Mr Theodore Martin gave Drama," especially dwelling upon the dignity of the actor's profession.-Professor Leo, of Berlin, responded for the visitors.-Mr Creswick delivered an address on the genius of Shakespeare. The town was gaily decorated, and the proceedings passed off most successfully.

The

Soon after the laying of the foundation stone, the contractor (Mr W. H. Lascelles), of Bunhill Row, London, commenced the erection of the theatre portion of the Memorial, of which the following is a description: The length of the building from north to south is ninety-four feet; from east to west seventy-nine feet, inclusive of projections for tower and turret. When the library and picture gallery are added, the building will extend westward a further distance of fifty-four feet. Speaking of the library and picture gallery, we may say that this will be joined to the theatre portion by an arch having a span of twenty feet. This arch will form a covered way to the principal entrance; above will be an elaborate saloon on a level with the dress circle. It is intended to use the lower compartment of the principal building as the library, and the upper portion (which will be lighted by lantern lights) as the picture gallery. The north end of the theatre portion of the building is occupied by the stage. On the mezzanine floor there are seven dressing-rooms with every requisite accommodation. The west side is appropriated to the ladies, and the east to the gentlemen. Under the pit, on the same floor, is a spacious apartment which will be used for storage purposes. The stage is on the ground floor, and is 37 feet by 46 feet, at the back of which the property-room and the green-room. An important part of the building is the stage, which

are

was laid and fitted up by Mr Owen, of London, whose extensive experience in this kind of work is a guarantee that the work has been carried out in the best possible manner. Mr Owen was assisted by a competent staff of assistants. All the woodwork was prepared by the contractor of the buildings under the superintendence of Mr Owen. The stage is fitted up with all the latest appliances and improvements, and will be found to meet the requirements of any piece, however elaborate in its scenic effects. In it are constructed four "star traps,' one "great grave trap," one "corsican slider," three "bridge cuts" for ascension, and four sets of grooves. The whole of the stage is constructed so as to open whenever necessary, with slides to take off running underneath the wing sides. There are five wing entrances on either side. The "flies" and " gridiron" are supplied with all the requisite machinery to permit of any piece being performed. The wing lights are fixed, with water joints, to gas ladders, so that they can be removed whenever necessary, and in order to ensure safety, the lights will be protected with wire guards. The border lines will be constructed with all the latest improvements. It is intended to work the act drop by means of a roller, and the curtain will rise and form drapery at the top of the proscenium. The depth of the stage from the footlights to back is 46 feet; in breadth 53 feet. The opening of the proscenium is 26 feet by 27 feet 6 inches. The pit is 36 feet by 38 feet, horse-shoe form, supported by massive brick piers and wrought-iron girders. At the back of the pit there are stairs communicating with the south entrance. The pit has on the outside a corridor, 5 feet wide, having three doorways, exclusive of the principal entrance. The pit corridor and vestibule are laid with selected tile paving floated in cement. Adjoining the vestibule is the ladies' cloak room; solid York moulded steps, having ornamental iron balusters, English oak handrail, and moulded dado framing, lead from the vestibule to the dress circle, which is handsomely fitted up, and affords accommodation for four tiers of chairs. Above the dress circle is the gallery, consisting of four rows of raised seats, supported by wrought-iron girders, and extending over the pit to the same line as the dress circle; running round the back is a corridor similar to the one communicating with the pit. On the same level as the gallery corridor are the "flies" and artists' room. The latter are situated at the north end of the building. Rising from the same level and running to the top of the tower (which is at present in an unfinished state), will be an iron staircase. The roof over the auditorium is supported by massive wrought-iron principals; that over the stage is of a lighter description, the principals and tie-beams of which are bolted together with iron rods, shoes, and straps. The whole is covered with inch boarding and Eureka green slates. There is a circular turret on the east side of the building, the height of which is 64 feet, and which affords private communication from the mezzanine floor to the dress circle, gallery, and flies, and also communicates with the stage; the steps are of rubbed York stone. In the tower will be three rooms, the two lower ones will be fitted up, for the use of the custodian, probably. A large iron tank carried on wrought-iron girders will afford provision in case of fire. The topmost room of the tower will afford an excellent view of the locality, being at a height of 82 feet. The auditorium is

lighted by a sun burner, and a perfect system of ventilation is afforded through a small turret over it. The building is of red brick, of a special make, with stone dressings and strings from the Box Ground Quarries. All the stairs and landings are of hard York stone, and the same kind of material is used for the flooring of the corridors forming external galleries. The woodwork generally is of the best Christiania yellow pine. There is dado framing to the vestibule, orchestra, stalls, and gallery. From the line of concrete to the finial of the principal tower the height will be 113 feet; the main building of the theatre is 74 feet to the top of the ridge, and 42 feet to the eaves. On the south side, the building from the concrete to the eaves is a distance of 42 feet, of which there are 34 feet of brick and stonework surmounted by halftimbered or rustic work set out on stone brackets forming the corridor to the gallery. The plumbing of the roofs is of the very best description-in fact the materials used throughout the building are of the very best quality, the specifications being most explicit on this point. The walls of the main building average 3 feet in thickness, and those of the tower average 3 feet 6 inches, so that a tolerably correct idea may be formed of the substantial character of the building, which will doubtless be one of the best, if not the best-constructed and the most handsomely fitted up theatre in the Kingdom. Advantage has been taken of every modern improvement, and the fittings and internal decorations are of the best and most substantial kind. A notable feature in connection with this theatre is that all the doors open outwards, so that in case of fire or panic easy egress would be obtained. Provision has also been made for a number of additional doors that could be readily opened in case of emergency. The slating is of an ornamental character, the turret being exceedingly pretty, as also are the sides of the artists' room, which are very tastefully ornamented with various fantastically-cut slates. All the windows. are glaized, no fewer than sixty-one casements and fifty-six lights having been put in. The dressing-room windows are glaized with opal of various pleasing tints, the other windows being transparent. The style of the lights and casements is in accordance with the design of the buildings. The former were supplied by Mr Bell, of Great Russell Street, London, and the latter by Messrs Burt and Potts, of York Street, Westminster. The whole present a very pretty and effective appearance, and have been greatly admired. The sunburner is of a very handsome design, and carries 250 lights. It has been supplied by Messrs Strode and Co., art metal workers, Osnaburgh Street, London. A perfect system of ventilation is afforded through a small turret on the roof which, it is hoped, will be the means of keeping the house comparatively cool, and at an even temperature. The doors, some of which have ornamental glass upper panels of a special design, are in keeping with the style of the building, and present quite an effective appearance. They are very substantially made, and have from six to twelve panels each. The style of the Memorial is principally Early Elizabethan, which harmonizes in some measure with Shakespeare's House and other ancient buildings in Stratford. The theatre will afford accommodation for nearly 1,000 persons. The whole of the work is under the careful supervision of the Clerk of the

Works (Mr W. R. Smith), an experienced, practical man, which affords a guarantee that it will be carried out in the best manner possible, and with

a

The

careful regard to the minutia with which the architect's specifications are so full. theatre is now finished with the exception of certain ornamental details and interior decorations, which are not essential, and can be added at any time. The library and picture gallery which occupy the the portion of the site nearest the street are in a forward state. The concrete foundations were laid last summer, building operations being commenced in the autumn. The contract for this portion of the work has been entrusted to the builder of the theatre, whose work is of the most substantial character, and has given the greatest satisfaction. This building will be as ornamental in character as the theatre, which is on the east, or river side. The front elevation is exceedingly effective, and will relieve the somewhat unsightly appearance which the roof now presents on the western side. The principal entrance is a double doorway in Bath stone, the doors being 3in. English oak, with fin. panels hung on wrought-iron ornámental hinges. Over each door is a traceried fanlight; and above these will be two panels for illustrating Shakespeare's plays in fresco or terra cotta. On the same level, a little further northward, are three other panels (for sculptured bas reliefs of Shakespeare's plays), surmounted by a gable and arch, filled with tracery. The most striking feature at the north end is the fine oriel window, consisting of twenty-two lights with traceried heads. The panels beneath are richly cut and moulded, the author having taken every care to relieve the shadows of the moulding. At the south end are several small windows lighting the staircase; the latter will be ridged and rolled in panels, and have a covering of 71lbs. lead. The landing above the staircase will be laid with 4 ft. by 14ft. oak boarding, laid diagonally, with Lascelles patent groove joints. Above the parapet will be rustic timber work, between which the bricks will be laid diagonally. This building, like the theatre, is executed in red brick, with Bath stone dressings. The facing bricks, which have been chosen in preference to stone on account of economy-are of a special make, being ten inches long and five inches wide, and working five courses to the foot. The lobby, which is entered by a flight of seven solid York moulded steps, is inlaid with encaustic tiles. Dividing the entrance hall and lobby is an elaborately cut English oak screen, with two pairs of swing doors of English oak, hung on Smith's patent spring hinges. On the south side will be a noble staircase, of York stone steps, moulded on the ends, with arches at a pitch of the landing which conducts to the saloon. The arches are supported on Purbeck marble columns, of a substantial character, with caps and anulets, the basis being of carved Caen stone. From the principal lobby a York stone staircase conducts to the picture gallery. The library is lighted by means of three windows, each 9 feet by 6 feet, and containing nine lights. reading room is lighted by two windows, in form approaching to an apex. Birt and Potts' patent ventilators will be fixed to these windows. The dimensions of the above-named apartments will be:-Hall, 21ft. by 16 feet; library, 33 feet by 20 feet; reading room, 26 feet by 15 feet. The height from the floor

The

to the ceiling will be 17 feet 6 inches. There will be in the library a carved mantelpiece of Caen stone, with Purbeck marble columns; and over each column will be a panel for illustrations from Shakespeare's plays. Communicating with the upper hall by two swing doors will be the picture gallery on a level with the dress circle of the theatre. The floor will be laid with English oak, and the whole apartment will be dadoed with the same material. The principal ceiling will have English oak principals, with oak ribs forming panels. There will be a duplicate glass ceiling, and the gallery will be lighted with a lantern skylight. The workmanship in the museum will be of even a still more elaborate character than that of the other apartments already noticed. At the north end will be a carved arch in Caen stone, with Purbeck marble columns and enriched scrolled spandrils. The oriel window is a perfect gem. The museum will be dadoed in English oak. It will have an open boarded roof in English oak, with ribs of the same material. The picture gallery will be 33 feet by 26 feet 6 inches, the museum 32 feet by 17 feet, the upper hall 26 feet by 17 feet, and the height of each apartment 25 feet 6 inches. The staircase approaching the upper hall will be 6 feet wide. Since the laying of the first stone of the theatre in April, 1877, the project has gradually become more widely known, and perhaps better understood by those who, at the onset, condemned it, and we find that the opposition has grown less violent and persistent. The press generally has changed its tone, notably within the last few months, during which several favourable and encouraging leaders have appeared in the London and provincial press. The Corporation of Stratford-upon-Avon themselves with the movement, subscribed £100, and also gave permission for an engraving to be taken of the fine portrait of Garrick by Gainsborough, belonging to their body, to be disposed of in aid of the funds of the Association. They attended in a body at the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone, and have, in fact, done everything that they could to give the matter their official sanction and support. In consequence of the generous offer of Mr. C. E. Flower to guarantee a further amount of £4,000, providing a similar amount should be quickly raised by the public, so that the Council of the Association might proceed with the whole of the work, and ensure its completion, the Mayor, J. J. Nason, Esq., in compliance with an influentially signed requisition, convened a public meeting at the Town Hall, on Monday, the 22nd October, 1877, and put the subject before those assembled, in eloquent and appropriate terms. The meeting then .unanimously passed a resolution, calling upon the Corporation to take such action in the matter as would bring it prominently before the public, with the view of getting general support to the scheme. As a result of this, the matter was formally brought before the Town Council, and an appeal and circulars were sent to all the members of the House of Commons, to the whole of the Corporations of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, to the Aldermen and Common Council and the Public Companies of the City of London, to the entire landed gentry of England, and the principal residents in the county of Warwick, more especially those in the immediate neighbourhood. At a subsequent meeting it was resolved to address

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