We had also visits from ballet companies, at that time very much in vogue. It would doubtless be a strange entertainment for the present age. Imagine people being now asked to spend two or three hours witnessing a play in “ dumb show ” ; though good pantomimic action, artistic dancing, fine scenery, and the best of instrumental music were given. Apropos, I may be allowed to state that the best composers of the period—mostly French —wrote good ballets; notably Les Wilis, by Adolphe Adam, composer of Le Postilion de Longjumeau, Le Chalet, and many other operas.