THE present season of Italian Opera at this theatre, though very short and not remarkably brilliant, has been one of the most successful we have ever had, both as regards the high character of the performances and the size of the audiences. Mine. Nilsson, Miss Cary, and Capoul have appeared in their familiar characters in "Faust," "Trovatore," "Martha," and other well-worn operas; and there have been three debuts of interest, - those of Mlle. Torriani and Sig. Campanini and M. Maurel. Mine. Nilsson's "indisposition" last week was unfortunate; but the less so as it gave an opportunity of making better acquaintance with Mlle. Torriani's merits, which are very considerable. Sig. Campanini fully; realized the high expectations that had been formed of him; and though suffering from a severe cold the first few nights, he proved himself to be one of the best tenors we have had in opera for some time.

It had been hoped that Wagner's "Lohengrin" would be brought out, with Mine. Nilsson in the part of Elsa; but that is reserved for New York, and the only novelty of the season was the "Aida" of Verdi, a work which stands on a far higher level than any of his others, and which may be considered as the best new opera we have had since "L'Africaine," if not since "Faust." The principal characters - those of Aida, Amneris, and Radames - were sustained by Mile. Torriani, Miss Cary, and Sig. Campanini, before an audience that made up in enthusiasm what it wanted in numbers. "Aida" is to be repeated tonight, and we hope a larger audience will be present than at its first performance.

The public is all the time crying out against the ridiculously expensive star system, and yet does all it can to encourage it by going only on nights when the star sings. Half a house at "Aida," and a house and a half at "Faust"! Who can complain if the operatic manager continues to pay $1, 500 a night as long as he can squeeze that sum out of the long-suffering and long-eared public?