eds
but example to effect the change, for the feeling is so strong and
universal that a good substitute would meet with certain popularity. We
have no doubt that, sooner or later, this reform will be made; and that
the historian, writing fifty years hence, will note it in his book as a
remarkable circumstance, and a proof of the pertinacity with which men
cling to all which habit and custom have rendered familiar--that for
three-quarters of a century, if not longer, a piece of attire so
repugnant to the eye of taste, and so deficient in any quality which
should recommend it to sensible people, should have been not only
tolerated, but admired. In all seriousness, we hope that the days of the
tubular hat are numbered, and that in this instance philosophy in sport
will become reformation in earnest."

PROFESSIONAL DEVOTION.

Lord Campbell said lately in the House of Lords, that the bill for the
Registration of Assurances was drawn by Mr. Duval, and he related an
anecdote illustrative of that gentleman's entire devotion to his
professional pursuits. A gentleman one day said to him, "But do you not
find it very dull work poring from morning until night over those dusty
sheep-skins?" "Why," said Duval, "to be sure it is a little dull, but
every now and then I come across a brilliant deed, drawn by a great
master, and the beauty of that recompenses me for the weariness of all
the others."

"THE WILFULNESS OF WOMAN."

In an early number of _The International_ we mentioned a MS. comedy by
the late Mrs. OSGOOD, in connection with the commendations which the
dramatic pieces of that admirable woman and most charming poet had
received from Sheridan Knowles and other critics in that line. We
transcribe the opening scene of the play, which strikes us as
excellently fitted for the stage. The friends of the lamented authoress
will perceive that it is an eminently characteristic production, though
having been written at an early age it scarcely illustrates her best
style of dialogue.

ACT FIRST.--SCENE FIRST.

_A room in the Chateau de Beaumont. Victorine de Vere and Rosalinde--the
former sitting._

ROSALINDE.--But consider, sweet lady, you have been betrothed from
childhood to my lord the Count. You say it was your father's dying wish
that you should marry him, and he has been brought up to consider you
his own.

VICTORINE.--And for that reason wed I _not_ the Count;
I might have loved him had I not been _b