Amburgh, whose establishment combined the attractions of a circus and a menagerie, visited this town, and his performances were held, rather strangely, at the Theatre Royal.  On the night of the Bull Ring Riots, July 15th, when there was “a full house,” the startling news that a number of buildings were on fire, &c., was shouted out just at the moment that Van Amburgh was on the stage with a number of his well-trained animals.  He himself was reclining on the boards, his head resting on the sides of a tawny lion, while in his arms was a beautiful child, four or five years old, playing with the ears of the animal.  The intelligence naturally caused great excitement, but the performer went quietly on, hoisting the little darling to his shoulder, and putting his animals through their tricks as calmly as if nothing whatever was the matter.  In 1842, Ducrow’s famous troupe came, and once again opened Ryan’s Circus in the Easter week, and that was the last time the building was used for the purpose it was originally erected for.  Cooke’s, Hengler’s, Newsome’s, and Sanger’s periodical visits are matters of modern date.  The new building erected by Mr. W.R.  Inshaw, at foot of Snow Hill, for the purposes of a Concert Hall, will be adaptable as a Circus.

Climate.—­From the central position in which Birmingham is situated, and its comparative elevation, the town has always been characterised as one of the healthiest in the kingdom.  Dr. Priestley said the air breathed here was as pure as any he had analysed.  Were he alive now and in the habit of visiting the neighbourhood of some of our rolling mills, &c., it is possible he might return a different verdict, but nevertheless the fact remains that the rates of mortality still contrast most favourably as against other large manufacturing towns.

Clocks.—­One of Boulton’s specialties was the manufacture of clocks, but it was one of the few branches that did not pay him.  Two of his finest astronomical clocks were bought by the Empress of Russia, after being offered for sale in this country in vain.  His friend, Dr. Small, is said to have invented a timepiece containing but a single wheel.  The “town clocks” of the present day are only worth notice on account of their regular irregularity, and those who wish to be always “up to the time o’ day,” had best set their watches by the instrument placed in the wall of the Midland Institute.  The dome of the Council House would be a grand position in which to place a really good clock, and if the dials were fitted with electric lights it would be useful at all hours, from near and far.