Many of our readers may recollect that the old Scotch
ballad "John Grumli3 " was sung by poor Wilson, when he took his farewell at Exeter Hall prior to his departure for America. This humorous old song, which eloquently sets forth the incapacity of the male division of humanity for the details of domestic toil, has been made the foundation of an Adelphi farce called Domestic Economy. The Northern locality is removed from the legend, and the cares of minding a "country shop " are added to John's difficulties. The surly husband is excellently played by Mr. Wright; and the wife, affectionate and forbearing, is acted by Mrs. F. Matthews with even pathetic truthfulness. Like many other pieces intended to set forth one definite idea, this farce lasts a little too long after the idea has been completely developed, while the introduction of a heterogeneous incident somewhat mars the simplicity of the structure. The dialogue is written with considerable humour; and the piece has the peculiarity, distinguish- ing it from most other productions of the day, that it is thoroughly of British growth.
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