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BORDER DRAMA AT THE ACADEMY.

The Hon. W. F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), supported by a dramatic company a bank of savages and a trick donkey, began a three nights' engagement at the Academy last evening. To the small boy and many of larger growth his performance is as fascinating as a dime novel - indeed, more so, for it brings the wild western life before them with greater [word?] than their [word?] [word?] food and, consequently, he always plays to overwhelmingly large houses. That of last night was no exception to the rule, even the stairs being utilized by the spectators.

The Prairie Walf, his new play, is from the pen of J. A. Stevens, who wrote "The Unknown." It goes without saying that it is not a strong and enduring piece of dramatic workmanship, but it is much better than the average border drama both in action and dialogue. Mr. Cody, who figures in it in his own proper person, is a better scout than actor, but he passes through the play to the edification of the audience and delights them in the second act by his remarkable rifle shooting. He brings with him a fair dramatic company. His leading lady is Miss Jennie Gilbert, who does [possibly?]; but the best work is that of Miss Nellie Linfard, who is quite a bright soubrette. In the fourth act the Indians, under the control of Eddie Burgess, the boy cheif, indulge in characteristic dances.

Buffalo Bill remains until Thursday night, with a matinee on Wednesday.