MERCURY BAY’QUARTZ. THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1862. THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. THE CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA. THE FRENCH IN MEXICO. THE ODD FELLOWS IN BRIGHTON. ON THE CONTEMPLATED MOVING OF THE CHURCH AT OTAHUHU.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1722, 10 September 1862, Page 4

MERCURY BAY’ QUARTZ.

THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1862.

THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

THE CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA.

THE FRENCH IN MEXICO.

THE ODD FELLOWS IN BRIGHTON.

ON THE CONTEMPLATED MOVING OF THE CHURCH AT OTAHUHU.

To the Editor of the New-Zealaxdeh. Sib, — I beg to forward you a statement of the result!. of two tests which I have just arrived at from some samples of quartz from the Mercury Bay District. The first trial was upon 2 tbs. of the rock taken from its surface, and its yield of gold was eqivalent to 17 dwts. to the ton troy of quartz. The second test was made upon the like quantity of the quartz obtained at a depth, from the surface of the soil, of about 14 feet. The quantity of pure gold from this sample was equivalent to 3J ounces to the ton, and Of silver about 8 to 10 dwts. to the ton troy of quartz. The gold being pure, its standard of value is about 24 carats. There was also obtained a large percentage of perocyanide of iron (Prussian bleu.) My object in 'sending you this information is twofold—first, that the interests of the public may be promoted; and secondly, to refute a very bold assertion made by one or two gentlemen of the City, that “ the quartz of Mercury Bay did not contain gold.” I believe that that statement was based upon the fact, that one of them had made a very crude and imperfect attempt to extract the gold from the matrix, and had failed to discover any trace of the precious metal which it contained. As the results I have now quoted have been ascertained through the usual scientific process, and as they cannot justly be questioned, I trust that their truthfulness will remove the sceptism which that failure has caused. I beg further to observe that these results have strengthened my opinion, and have fortified that of others who have had more experience than myself m the geological formation of this Province, that the greater portion, if not the whole of its true quartzrocks, will be found to be more or less auriferous. Yours, &c., Osmusd Lewis. Queen-street, September Sth.

To the Editor of the New-Zealaxder. Sik, —In obedience to my promise, I send to yon Mr. Nicholas’ second letter. The advantages that would arise to the colony in the manufacture of pnp cr > you can best certify, and a most lucrative nsl °^ sS could be carried on.' I am desirous that my friend, Mr. Nicholas, should have the exclusive merit arising from his scientific abilities, and any one being desirous o any further communication, I shall be happy to give a letter of introduction to Mr. Nicholas, and coopera e in any manner I could best assist his or their ulterior views.

I am, sir, your obedient servant, B. Decry.

Auckland, September 9, 1862

“ Muudy- street, Hobart Town, “ 25th May, 1862. “ My dear Drury, — l take the opportunity of Mr. Hobbs going direct to Auckland to write to you. shall feel obliged if you will let me know if you cou carry out my last proposal, and get some or.e to try plan of cleaning the flax. If you cannot, I wish J would then send it in my name and let it be pubhsn for general information; I want no payment for i » no one is ready to see its value, then let the pa D know; some one will then find what good it is. patent is registered here by a friend of mine on be of a company in America, making paper from fibre of the cane brake, it answers first-rate, and is most wonderful discovery. The proprietors £SOOO for the use of the patent in these colonics; » a first rate plan; it consists of a steam gun, conncc with a high pressure boiler ; the stuff to be acted o placed in the gun, which is opened by an air tig valve, but properly secured ; steam is then et „ pressure of say 200 lbs. per square inch, and bein„ under this pressure, for say 10 minutes, the i at' c lifted by means of a trigger and the contents discharg like a cannon into a receiver; the whole is rc y to a pulp, and is ready for manufacturing paper, will find it is registered at Auckland. Ithinktna modification of this would be first-rate for the * Zealand flax. Pray write me full particulars °ty could be done in the matter. If I thought there " chance of doing anything down your way 1 " (1 comedown: pray write me fully. Also, how the p is progressing, and lull particulars. 1 ~ “ Yours yen' truly, , « A. Nrcaous. ■

The following lecture on the International Exhibition of 1862 was delivered at the Masonic Hall, on Tuesday evening, July 29th, by Professor Smith, of the Sydney University. To the present generation belongs the idea of an International Exhibition—a World’s Fair—where all the nations of the earth might meet in friendly livalry; where the productions of every soil and climate, and the results of the science, skill, and taste of every land might be brought under one roof, and subjected to critical and competitive examination. Such an idea was, perhaps, for the first time definitely and publicly enunciated by M. Boucher do Perthes, in an address delivered to the Societe Royale d' Emulation of Abbeville, in the year 1834. “Let us work” said he, “ but let us be tolerant, and look upon every workman as a brother, whatever be his name, his colour, or his country. Let us not quarrel with competition. That alone will enlighten us, and point out the true path of our Industry. It is competition that makes the good workman, because it is competition that indicates to each one his proper task; exhibitions, which have so beneficial an influence upon industry, are but an embodiment of this rivalry. .It is here that the producer brings the fruit of his labour side by side with that of his neighbour—takes the measure of his efforts, estimates the merits of his productions, and sitting, so to Speak, in judgment upon himself, learns more in one day than he could have learned in one year of isolation and monopoly. Yes, exhibitions aro better than prohibitions, which tend only to separate men and isolate them. Why, then, arc these exhibitions still restrained within narrow limits? Why aro they not instituted Upon a scale truly large and liberal? Why should wc be afraid to open our halls to manufacturers that we Call foreign?—to the Belgians—to the English—to the Swiss—to the Germans? How noble would be a European Exhibition, and what a mine of instruction it would offer for all! Do you imagine that the country in which it should take place would be a loser by it? Do you believe that if the Place de la Concorde, opened this first of May to the productions of French industry, should be opened to the productions of the whole world —do you believe, I say, that Paris, that France, would suffer, or that we should in consequence produce less, or become inferior? No, gentlemen, France would not suffer any more than the foreigner; nor our city more than tin- capital. Exhibitions are always beneficial, ami beneficial to all.” France may thus claim to have originated the idea, but England must be allowed the credit of being the first to realize it. The increasing success and popularity of local industrial exhibitions, both in Franco and England, had gradually prepared the way for bolder flights, and at length, when the Society of Arts were making arrangements for their first national exhibition of manufacturing industry, the Prince Consort advised the extension of it so as to embrace the whole world, so as (in his own words) “ to give a true test and a living picture of the point of development at which the whole of mankind had arrived, and a new starting-point from which all nations will be able to direct their future exertions.” The Society of Arts having adopted the great conception of their president, proceeded to collect information that might guide them ia carrying to a successful issue the vast and untried scheme. They sent commissioners to the principal towns of Britain to learn the opinions of leading manufacturers, and to enlist support. The result exceeded expectations. The scheme met with universal approval, and the names of 60,000 influential persons were obtained us a guarantee of success. At this stage it was deemed advisable to give it more the character of a national undertaking, and accordingly the burden of carrying it out passed from the Council of the Society of Arts into the hands of a Royal Commission, with Prince Albert at its head. Plans for a building having been advertised for, no less than 245 were sent in, but none of these were counted satisfactory. Mr., now Sir Joseph, Paxton then proposed that wonderful structure of glass and iron which lias made his name famous. The first column of it was raised on the 26th September, 1850; the reception ot goods commenced on the 12th February, 1851; and it was opened, as you all know, by the Queen, on the Ist of May in the same year. The building was 1848 feet long, and 408 feet wide, with a projection on one side 936 feet long and 48 feet wide. The central avenue, or nave was 72 feet wide, and 63 feet high. The transept in the middle of the building was 72 feet wide, and 103 feet high, its circular roof spanning over a row of elm trees. The whole space roofed over was about IS acres. The number of exhibitors was about 14, (Wt ; and the valne of the articles exposed (exclusive of "f? e Koh-i-noor) was estimated at upwards of one m; and three quarters. Visits were registered to of six millions. The total receipts were £42%792, and after defraying all expenses, there remained a final surplus of £186,000. The Exhibition of 1851 was indeed a great—a wonderful success. The time was favourable. The civilized world was at peace. Europe had recovered from the revolutionary throes of 1848, and was enjoying a tolerable amount of quiet and prosperity. England especially, having been recently freed from some of the trammels that had restricted her manutuctures and trade, was developing her capabilities with fresh vigour. Then the undertaking had the very material advantage of the clear head, sound judgment, and moral weight of the lamented Prince “ Albert the Good”—an advantage better understood and appreciated now that the want of it had been so keenly felt in the present year. The scheme—so comprehensive and so new —was launched with many misgivings, soon, however, to be swallowed up in the feeling of complete triumph. The glittering palace of crystal rose in Hyde Park like a fairy dream, and in due time was filled, first with the treasures, and then with nhe nations of the earth. Who that was fortunate enough to stand under that transparent arch spanning over the old elm trees and look along the vista with its sparkling fountains, marble statutes, palm trees, and tropical flowers, and many bright things besides, and listen to the hum of the moving multitude, mingled with the cool rush of watsrs, and the pealing of distant organs, can ever cease to treasure it as one of the grandest things earth can show. And as the palace rose as if by the wand of an enchanter, so it fitly vanished and left no trace behind. Knowing neither age nor decay, it passed in the flush and glory ot its triumph. I lately walked over its site. The grass was green upon it, and children played under the overshadowing elms as of old. With the remembrance of the former exhibition still vivid, I must confess to a feeling of considerable disappointment on first seeinc the present. No doubt the building is commodious and well adapted to tho end it has to serve, but it has no pretensions to architectural character or beauty. On the outside it might pass for a factory of some kind, or the goods’ station of some large railvyay. The great domes of glass that were intended to relieve the monotony of the long brick walls, are not satisfactory. They are not in harmony with the rest of the structure; and, in fine, the general result is, that viewed externally, the vast pile lias nothing in it to excite admiration. Then the so-called trophies in the nave were very unsuccessful. They obstructed free movement, and the general view, and only in a few cases were they calculated of themselves to give pleasure. Also in parts of the building the arrangements were more like those ol a mere bazaar than of a grand industrial exhibition. It is quite true that in cases like these we are prone to misjudge. The second had not like the first the great advantage of novelty; and what is past and gone we are apt to consider better than what exists. And it is only in the general effect, and as a mere spectacle, that this exhibition is inferior to the last; lor when we look into details it is speedily apparent that this collection vastly surpasses the former in extent, in value, and in merit. Also, it must I think be allowed that the bnilding itself presents some features in which it excels the last. The pillars and arches of the nave, tho springing of the glass domes, and the painting and decorations throughout arc on tho whole, much liner than in the’sl building. A plentilul use is made of mottoes, and with a very good effect. Those at the east end arc in English; those at the west, or foreign end, are in Latin. Round the frieze of the cast dome we read, “ O Lord, both riches and honour come ot thee, and thou reignest over all, and in thine hand it is to make great.” Hound the cast window of the nave—“ The wise and their works are in the hand ol God;” and at tho ends of the cast transept wc have two lines from Cowpcr—“ Alternately the nations learn and teach. Each climate needs what other climes produce.” I need not trouble you with the Latin inscriptions. Besides these mottoes, the names of the loading countries and towns contributing to tho Exhibition were painted on the arches of the nave and transepts. . Let me state here a few of the preliminaries that ushered in the great exhibition, with some further particulars regarding the building. This second International Exhibition was intended to be held in 1861, but the war in Italy, and the generally disturbed state of the Continent in 1859 determined the promoters to wait another year. The Society of Arts having provided a guarantee fund of £446,850, subscribed by about 1100 individuals, obtained from the commissioners of 1851 the use oi a portion of theit estate at South Kensington, and nominated Earl Granville, the Duke of Buckingham, Sir C. Wentworth Dilkio, Mr. Thomas Baring, and Mr. Fairbairn, trustees tor the exhibition. A charter of incorporation was afterwards obtained from the Crown, and these five gentlemen were legally constituted “The Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1862.” Flans for the building were prepared by Captain Fowke, R.E, no competition having been solicited. With the general aspect of the build-1 ing you must bo familiar front the published drawings. The south front is 1150 feet long. The east and west

frontages are each 75i> fi et long, but the annexes continue these frontages much bather. The main building covers about sixteen 'acres’, artd the annexes seven or eight more, making the whole area roofed in about twenty-four acres. The nave and transepts are 85 feet wide and 100 feet high. The domes are 160 feet in diameter, and 200 feet high, with finials of 55 feet. The picture galleries are remarkably successful in their construction and have been praised* I believe, in every publication except the Saturday Review. They occupy the upper floor of the the three frontages, and are, collectively, about halt a mile in length. The main gallery is 50 feet wide, and about 45 feet high. Light is admitted only from the roof, and falls on the pictures at such an angle as never to bo reflected to the eye of the spectator, who stand at a proper distance for viewing the pictures. Thus they may always be seen without glare. The opening for light in the roof is 25 feet wide. There is about an acre and a half of surface covered with pictures For the sake of those that delight in statistics, I may mention that there were used in the construction of the building about 7,000,000 of bricks, 4000 tons of cast iron, 1200 tons of wrought iron, 4 miles of columns, 6 miles of girders, 11 acres ot felt on the roofs, 13 acres of glass weighing 247 tons, and 1,300,000 square feet of wooden flooring. If the whole building is to be preserved the contractors must be paid the sum of £430,000. The number of exhibitors is estimated approximately as follows:—British, 5453} British colonial, 1745} foreign, 17,486; making a total of 24,684, The value of the objects exhibited (exclusive of the great diamonds) is estimated at about four millions. The objects arc arranged in four sections—Raw Materials, Machinery, Manufactures, and Fine Arts; and these arc again divided into forty classes, the names of which I need not trouble you with. Medals arc to bo awarded for merit without any dictinction of degree; so that they will be of only one class, contrary to the practice of 1851, and of the French Exhibition of 1855.

On the ceremonies of the opening I need not enlarge. It was a brilliant and imposing spectacle. All London seemed crowding westward on that bright May morning. The leading thoroughfare were in a hopeless state of congestion, and many were the merry gibes and jokes passing between cab and ’bus men, as each tried to gain some advantage over his neighbours in the impatient throng. Their horses were mostly adorned with coloured ribbons or lilac blossom. Many houses also, as we neared the centre of attraction, were decorated with flags—all contributing to the enlivenment of the scene. In the interior were assembled nearly 40,000 people, of whom more than half seemed to be Indies—all in the gayest spring attire, with bonnets blooming and blossoming with flowers to such a degree as to make quite an horticultural show; and embowered in those efflorescent bonnets were more beautiful fresh young English faces than I suppose were ever congregated under one roof before. The brilliancy of tho assembly was much enhanced by a plentiful sprinkling of military, diplomatic, and civic costumes, some of the latter being, however, more wonderful than graceful. I must not omit to mention what seemed to nte the most extraordinary and memorable phenomenon in all that array —I saw two, if not three, ladies actually without—crinoline! And they were not old or ill-looking either.

At the appointed hour a blare of trumpets announced time the procession of dignitaries had begun to move. They proceeded to the western dome, the crowd cheering their favourites as they successively appeared. Then came swelling and pealing down the lofty nave the grand notes of the National Anthem, given out by a magnificent orchestra of 400 instruments and neraly 3000 voices placed under the eastern dome. Then came speeches and replies—a dumb show. The procession next moved to the eastern dome and occupied the platform in front of the orchestra and round the great basin of Minton’s fountain, filled with bright spring flowers. Again tiie glorious strains of music came swellinganddying uuon the ear. First an overture by Meyerbeer, and then the Foet Laureate’s beautiful ode, worthily set to music by Professor Stcrndale Bennett. The following arc the words.— THE ANTHEM. — [iSY TENNYSON.] Uplift a thousand voices full and sweet, In this wide hall with earth’s invention stnicd. And praise th’ invisible universal Lord, Who lets once more in peace the nations meet. Where Science, Art, and Labour have outpour’d Their myriad horns of plenty at our feet. O, silent father of our Kings to be. Mourn’d in this golden hour of jubilee. For this, for all, we weep our thanks to thee !

The world-compelling plan was thine. And lo ! the long laborious miles Of Palace; lo I the giant aisles. Rich in model and design ; Harvest-tool and husbandry, Loom and wheel and engin’ry, Secrets of the sullen mine. Steel and gold, and corn and wine, Fabric rough, or Fairy fine. Sunny tokens of the Line, Polar marvels, and a feast Of wonder, out of West and East, And shapes and hues of Art divine ! All of beauty, all of use. That one fair planet can produce, Brought from under every star Blown from over every main, And mint, as life is mixt with pain, The works of peace with works of war. And it the goal to far away ! Far, how far, no man can say. Let us have our dream to-day.

O ye, the wise, who think, the wise who reign. From growing commerce loose her latest chain,

And let the fair white-winged peace-maker fly To happy havens under all the sky,

And mix the seasons and the golden hours. Till each man find his own in all men’s good, And all men work in noble brotherhood,

Breaking their mailed fleets and armed towers. And ruling by obeying nature’s powers. And gathering ail the fruits of peace ami crown’d with all her flowers. The performance of this was wonderfully effective. The choir did their part with great taste and feeling, and infused new life and meaning into the words. This ode, indeed, following so soon after Tennyson’s noble production to the memory of Prince Albert, and judged by that high standard, was not sufficiently appreciated or admired; but I am sure that all those privileged to hear it sung at the opening ceremony must have felt it fully worthy of tho great occasion. The special music was closed with a Grand March, by Auber. The Bishop of London then offered up a prayer, which was followed by the Hallelujah chorus, given in a style that cun never have been surpassed. The Duke of Cambridge declared the Exhibition open. A flourish of trumpets, and the loud cheers of the excited throng, conveyed the news to the expectant multitudes without, who responded lustly amidst the firing of a royal salute from the site of the old Exhibition in Hyde Furk. Once more the strains ofthc National Anthem resounded through the building, and then the brilliant assemblage scattered to view the works of art and industry around them; or rather to walk up and down and criticise or admire each other. “ Yet, at that moment, a dark thread of sadness ran through tho woof of pleasure. There was, perhaps, scarcely one in all that vast throng, whose mind did not revert to the lonely and bereaved Queen in her sad journey, hurrying away from a scene which all others were crowding to witness. With her all was sadness, where it had been all joy before. Eleven years ago, on such another day, in such another scene, she and her Royal husband, in the brightness of youth, and surrounded by the devotion of a people, gave the impress of universality to the glorious creation of English enterprise, which men fondly hoped was to inaugurate an epoch of peace and good will among the nations. Now, the joy of her days has passed away. While others were hurrying to the second Temple of Industry and Peace, and the people were shouting us they shouted of old, her heart was with tho first and with its founder. Her days of darkness have come. But she was not the less remembered that site was not seen, and the name of the lonely Queen rose to every lip, and many a gentle thought and heartfelt prayer followed her in her sad journey towards her Highland solitude.” - ( Aberdeen Journal ) 'i’hc opening ceremonial recalled vividly the memory oi the Prince, and revived the deep sorrow for his loss. In the newspapers and periodicals of the day, and in puvate conversation, one was constantly hearing this theme brought up. Never was a prince or public man so universally and deeply mourned. On the morning after the opening of the Exhibition there appeared the following lines front the pen of Dean Trench.—

Sweet, ami yet sad, those thousands voices rung, Winding and travelling through the long defiles Of courts and galleries and far reaching aisles: And bright the banners from proud arches sprung ; But not the less their drooping folds among Lurked a dim hoard of grief; for over all Chastening, not marring, our high festival, The shadow of an absent Greatness hung— Absent, but yet in absence present more For all we owe to him, and might have owed, For the rich gifts, which, missing, wc deplore, Than if he were rejoicing at this hour— We with him—that the seed ht» wisdom sowed Had blossomed in this bright consummate flower.

Let me here introduce an extract from a speech by Disraeli at a grand banquet in the Mansion House, three days before the opening:— . “ Wc hear daily of the means that are to bo devised to ray respect to the momory of that illustrious man. 1 myself, look upon this new International Exhibition u.' perhaps the best memorial to that memory. At first, indeed, his Joss saddened every heart and depressed every spirit; but then came the animating consolation

that what he most would have desired would he the accomplishment of his own great purpose. It is the conviction that, in carrying to a successful end the great object of his life, which he designed for tho advantage of society and the advancement ot mankind, we should most sincerely honour that memory which wc all revere—it is this which has sustained unconnected with this great international meeting; it is this which has sustained and animated the spirit of the country; it is this which has sustained the sympathy of foreign nations and brought us all here together. In old times, before the tombs of heroes they were accustomed to celebrate rites and sacrifices, sometimes fantastic, sometimes gloomy and terrible; but to our hero we offer oblations of peace. Industry stimulated, invention refined, taste elevated arc the due offerings we make to tho memory of that serene and sagacious spirit.” It would be impossible for me, in the limits of this lecture, to attempt even a general description of the contents ofthc Exhibition; anti indeed my opportunities of inspection were not sufficiently numerous for doing this properly; but if you will accompany me in an imaginary walk through the building, I will try to point out the chief groups and the leading objects that most attract attention.

Let its enter under the eastern dome. Wc arc met at once by the gilt pyramid representing the bulk of gold produced by the Victoria in ten years,—a monument not remarkable for its beauty, mid scarcely, I think, having the impressive effect intended on the mind of spectators. When one is told that the colony has produced gold worth more titan 100 millions sterling, and weighing about 800 tons, he admits that it is an enormous quantity: but when this is represented to the eye it is no doubt instructive, but, at the same time, rather disappointing, and one is apt to exclaim. Is that all? On the pyramid, however, there are tables of the leading statistics of Victoria, which tints obtain more prominence than they could well do elsewhere, Immediately beyond the gold pyramid, and under the centre of the dome, stands a graceful fountain, novel and beautiful, both in design and in execution. It is of majolica ware, and produced by Minton and Go. It is 3U feet high, its summit being formed of a figure of St. George, 7 feet in height, slaying tho dragon. In the absence of drawings, it would be useless to spend time in its description. On the right and left of this fountain, there are cases of plate, toilet apparatus, statuary, &e., which we need not dwell upon. The dressing cases, however, shed a curious light upon the elaboration of the art and mystery of dressing among the opulent classes, who alone could become purchasers of such expensive commodities. Advancing towards tho nave, we see, flanking the steps that descend from the platform, Osier's magnificent crystal candelabra, one on each hand. The brilliancy and simple massive grace of these lightbearers are indescribably, and I must again refer you to published drawings, which, however, convey only the form, and miss entirely the sparkling light and play of iridescent colours. Passing along the nave, wc have a series of trophies, some of which were undergoing transformations when 1 left; also, statuary, tropical plants, and objects of scientific interest. Among the things that attracted most notice was a beautifully finished Armstrong gun, a hundred-pounder. The Norwich gates, a fine specimen of ornamental iron work, executed by hand, the massive framework being east. The photographic self-registering apparatus used at Kcw, whereby the movements of magnets, thermometers, and barometers, are continuously recorded. Cases of porcelain, containing choice specimens from the works of Copeland and Kerr. Among these was a magnificent dessert service, just completed for the Queen, which was much admired. It is said to have taken two or three years to manufacture. Elkingtou’s trophy of superb samples of electrc-metallurgy. It was made up of a series ot groups and separate statues of different sizes ; also of a suit of armour, and other things—a remarkable combination of art and manufacturing skill. The jewel cases of Emanuel, and Hunt and Roskell. In the former is a curious cup, cut out of a large topaz, set in exquisitely enamelled gold. The workmanship is said to have cost £2,000, and to have taken two years to execute. It represents the story of Perseus and Andromeda, the dragon forming the handle, while Perseus on the lid, mounted on the flying horse is preparing to thrust at him with his spear. Andromeda is chained to the rock below. The shells and flowers in enamel that are strewn upon the base of the cup arc wrought out with great taste and beauty. In the same case is a splended emerald of ISG carats, a beautiful statuette of ivory, also jewellery worked up with ivory, and with a pink substance, said to be got from a rare shell in the West Indies. The whole jewellery exhibited by Emanuel is valued at £350,0UU. This brings us to the centre of the building, and a limit of the British side. The passage on the right leads to the Horticultural Society gardens, and on the left to the south entrance of the building. A prominent object in the right-hand passage is the cabinet of imports into Liverpool. It is thirty-eight feet long and eight feet broad, and seven and-a-halffeet high ; the whole covered with an elliptical maple dome. In the centre of this dome is a group in silver, representing a mahogany tree with slaves employed in preparing the wood for the market. This cabinet contains samples of all tho raw materials with which England is supplied through Liverpool. Near this stands a large group of figures cut in sandstone from near Edinburgh. The most remarkable object in the south passage is the miniature Greek Temple by Owen Jones, designed to show the application of colour in architecture. To me the effect was very pleasing, though I doubt the propriety of attempting to introduce colouring as an exterior decoration in such a climate as that ot England. There is no doubt that the Greeks and Romans made a plentiful use of colour on exteriors us well as interiors, and in Egypt there are many examples of such decoration still extant. The colouring of the temple is in red, yellow, and bine, together wit’u white and gold There aro mottoes on the architrave all round. That in front, under the pediment, runs—“ In leinjilo Juris coloribus (inlet lux i/isa diver.sis.” On one side— “Formas rcrum obsenrns ill us f rat confusas distiuguit omnes orir.it colornm diversitus suavis.’’ Over the arched recesses —“A ’ec vita nee sanitus ucc jiulchritudo tier sine colore juventus and. “ Portlier dignitas Bunitutr colons liictda est .” Under the porch of the temple stands Gibson’s tinted Venus. 'l'hc colours arc by no means obstrusive. The skin is tinted so as to resemble ivory. The robe is white, with coloured pattern border. Eyes and eyelashes tinted dark ; inside of nostrils and mouth pink ; hair brownish, with a blue and gold fillet encircling and fastening it. Gold ear-drops. Gilt bracelet on left arm, and gilt apple in band. The general effect is pleasing, but then wc miss what I think is a great source of pleasure in marble statuary, a perception of tho beautiful material, and of the difficulty and merit of creating delicate curved outlines, and a sense of plastic softness as it were, out of hard stone; for with paint on the surface the material may lie anything. In a niche on one side of the temple is placed a tinted Cupid, and on the other side a tinted Pandora. Behind the temple is a very fine statue of Zcnohitt, in pure white marble, by Miss llosmcr, and I rather think that most people will prefer this to the coloured ones—a new style, however, to which the eye is unaccustomed, should not be condemned 100 hastily. Let us now tutu back eastward, and explore the labyrinth ofthc large block south of the nave, filled to overflow ing with the ripest fruits of British taste and skill. First, wc are dazzled with the gorgeous display of silver and gold and precious stones, worked into all manner of shapes for the adornment of the person and the dwelling, and to stimulate the luxurious tastes and caprices of the upper crust of the wealthy British public. Her Majesty the Queen exhibits the Koh-i----noor. This famous diamond was shown in a partially cut slate in 1851. It is now perfectly cut as a brilliant, and is much more resplendent. The Queen also exhibits a magnificent centrc-piccc for a table, representing a Saracenic fountain, executed in silver, silver-gilt and enamel. Hound the base is a group of horses, said to be modelled from favourite horses in the Royal stud. Also, two vases in oxidized silver, by Yecltto; and three christening cups of elegant design, and rich workmanship—gifts from the Queen on different occasions. Hancock’s case of jewellery contains about £300,000 of value, including the largest emerald in tito world, belonging to the Duke of Devonshire. Hancock shows also the Shakcsperc vase by Monti, one of the finest pieces of silver carving ever executed in England. Hunt and Hoskcll have a large collection of shields, vases, testimonials, racc-cnps, and other fine examples of work in silver and gold. We pass next to the display of Pottery, in all its varieties and applications,—porcelain, earthenware, parian, majolica, terra cotta, &c. Dishes and ornaments for tlie table, vases, statuettes, brackets, lamps, mosaics, pipes, bricks, bottles, jars, stoves, &c. I went again and again to this court, and always with fresh pleasure. British potters have improved immensely since 1851 in the artistic beauty of their designs, and in their colouring. In the matter of painted vases and pictures on porcelain, it is possible that some of the foreign exambles may bo accounted superior, though ‘a painted vase by Minton, valued tit 500 guineas, seems equal to anything of the sort in the building; and in the matter of table ware, 1 think there cam he no doubt that England bears away tho palm. Some of the revivals of ancient wares arc very successful—such as the Majolica, Fnlissy ware, jasper ware, Limoges enamels, &t. The revival of the rose du Barry colour on porcelain is also to be noticed and commended. Two vases of moderate size, with figures on this delicate pink ground, were priced tit 80 guineas, Grainger’s table ware were of semi-porcelain; also his intiiaikm ivory and perforated parian; and Copeland’s ceramic statuary, I thought ad-

mirable. Some of Minton's sm-all vases were exquisitely minted, and of graceful form. There was a fine display of the vases and other ornamental articles introduced by Wedge wood, —blue ground with raised white figures of extreme delicacy and beauty. This stylo is being revived alter a period of neglect. We must not linger among these beautiful forms arid colours, but pass on to the glass court. And hero we are again drawn into unqualified admiration, and the improvement since 1851 is perhaps still more marked. Wo have, as among the pottery, beauty of form and colour, but with super-added qualities that increase our pleasure—transparency of material, introducing play of light and colour; and exquisite cutting and engraving of the surface. In purity and brilliancy of material; in the delicate finish of glass for the table, and also in engraving, tho English specimens arc, I think, undoubtedly superior to foreign. This glass court was really one of the finest things in the Exhibition. The glitter, and sparkle, and iridescent hues in the changing light were wonderful to see. A small tazza, about a loot high, of simple design, but most delicately and beautifully engraved, was one of the gems of tho collection. It was sold for 230 guineas. On my last visit to the Exhibition on Saturday, May 24th, after staying till near seven o'clock, and running the risk of being too late for tho train that was to bear me away from England, I rushed down the nave to the glass court, and had a last look of this most exquisite work of art —“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.” The same firm exhibited an engraved claret jug, which was sold for 100 guineas. One of the most conspicuous objects in the court was the great crystal chandelier of Deffcries, said to have cost over £3OOO to manufacture. It was twenty-two feet high, and 14 feet diameter at the base. Some of the prisims were above three feet in length. I did not think the design particularly successful. A smaller chandelier by Green I thought more graceful. One of the finest things of the glass court was a group by Phillips—a crystal table wiili, an epergne—toe ornamental work embracing the paper nautilus, icicles. &e., all of lustrous crystal, novel in design as well as superb in material and execution. On some glasses, decanters, &c., a very pretty effect is prodded by small pieces of coloured glass stuck on them like precious stones. Elkingtoa showed some works in metals combined with glass, very effective. In other parts of the building there was a fine show of stained glass for church windows, &c., bearing testimony to much progress of this art in England within the last ten years. Continuing eastward, we come to the court of naval architecture, where arc models of ships of war from the beginning of the sixteenth century to the present time. A splendid model of the Warrior occupies a post of honour in the nave. Next to this comes military engineering, The chief points of attraction hero were the rifled ordinance and small arras. Every stage in the manufacture of Armstrong guns was represented, and a highly finished piece of great size was placed in the nave. There was also a very interesting collection of Armstrong and other shells, with immcrbus sections showing minutely the construction of time and percussion fuzes. A few days before I left England, I witnessed the whole process of the manufacture of these guns and shells at Woolwich Arsenal. A gun is made by coiling up huge bars of wrought iron, and then welding them under the blows of a ponderous steam hammer. Some of these bars are fully 100 feet long. The tubes arc then turned and bored smooth, and one is slipped over another until the necessary thickness and strength have been attained. In the Exhibition there was a shaving turned off one of these welded coils. In its spirally twisted state it was 430 feet long; if straightened it would probably measure about 1500 feet. The Armstrong shell is a complex and ingenious contrivance for effecting destruction of life. It is built up inside with small cubes of iron that fly about like bullets when the shell bursts. Outside it is coated first with zinc and then with lead, to adapt it to the spiral turns of the gun, which then sends it to its destination with the same accuracy as a rifle bullet; while it is provided with a beautifully constructed fuze, which causes it to burst after the lapse of a given number of seconds, or the moment it strikes a solid body. For the one purpose a time fuze is employed; and lor the other a percussion fuze. The rifle factory at Enfield sent an instructive collection, showing every part of a rifle through all its stages. I visited this great factory about a week before I left. Almost everything is done by machinery, very little being left to human skill; and the accuracy and rapidity with which every part is turned out is marvellous. Every portion is st minutely exact in all its dimensions, and is so carefully guaged and tested in every possible way, that no adjusting is required to get it into its proper place; and I saw one of the armourers build up a complete rifle out of its separate components and turn it out ready for use, bayonet and all, in less than three minutes. An Enfield rilie is said to consist of 61 parts, which go through 774 distinct operations before final completion. The machines for cutting out the stocks arc of American invention, and remarkably ingenious. The bullet machines are also very curious and interesting. At the time of my visit the Enfield factory was employing about 2000 hands, and turning out, 1800 rifles per week. An object of much interest in the Military Court was the Frince Alfred 10-inch gun, made by the Mersey Steel and Iron Company. With a round hall 136 ihs. weight, and a charge of 30 lbs. of powder, it smashed at 210 yards a plate of iron inches thick, backed with 18 inches of teak and a bank of sand. Another curiosity was Mallet’s monster shell, 36 inches diameter, and weighing 1 ton 7 cwt. Abel’s fuzes for firing mines by magnetoelectricity also attracted attention. In 'B5l little account was made of weapons of war. It was thought by many that their day was over; that the peaceful arts were thenceforward alone to flourish and triumph. The marked prominence given in this Exhibition to materials of war, and the great strides thev have made in improvement, show manifestly what a change has come over the spirit of the nations. In these tea years what blood has been shed and money squandered ! Even now that England is a peace the expenditure for warlike purposes is very startling, and a source of much anxiety for the future A race is being run between means of offence and defence, and it is yet hard to say which is to win. Ships arc put into coats of mail sufficient to resist all known artillery, and immediately bigger guns arc made to smash through all opposition. I do not know if you fully realized here the profound sensation that spread over England on the news of the fight between the Mcrri--mac and certain wooden ships, and then between tho Mcrrimac and Monitor; when the Tones proclaimed and reiterated almost daily that the effective fleet of England consisted of just two ships! And soon a great gun was brought out, firing solid shot with heavy charges of powder, which smashed the plates of the Warrior as if they had been plate glass; so that the effective fleet of England might be considered as reduced to nothing. Then the hopes of the nation were fixed on Captain Cole’s Cupolas; and great threedeckers, superb examples of naval architecture, were forthwith ordered to bo shorn of their glories, and cut down to near the water line for the purpose oi being converted into “ shield ships.” By the time this is carried out it is probable that artillery will be ready to blow them to atoms. The amusing chapter in Punch —Armstrong versus Admirably—with all its broad caricature, contains a deal ol truth, and points faithfully, though with humourous exaggeration, to the abyss of expenditure and consequent taxation into which England is being led. At present it appears that a ship cannot carry armour heavy enough to resist artillery; but still the case is not so bad against the ship as might at first sight appear. The greatest danger to a ship is not from solid shot, but from shells fired horizontally. Now it is found that armour of moderate thickness will check any shell that can at present be fired. It is at once smashed to atoms by the iron plate without exploding. It was this horizontal shell fire that rendered it impossible for tho wooden ships of England to attack effectually cither Croustadt or Sebastopol. Those that ventured too near the latter fortress were speedily crippled by a very few shells. Lord Dundonald, fire-eater that he was, wrote to Sir C. Napier while before Croustadt, expressing the greatest apprehension lest he should be foolhardy enough to risk his wooden ships under tho shell fire of the forts; and you may have recently read what fearful havoc was caused on board a Federal ship of war by one or two shells lodged between her decks by the Mcrrimac. One result of improvement in weapons of destruction may ho to bring back the decision of national quarrels to superiority in numbers, skill, and courage. In this most unhappy war that is raging in America, it is clear that the Southerners had no chance while within reach of the heavy marine artillery of Mic Fcdcrals. Fhey therefore retire from the coast and great rivers where heavy artillery cannot follow, and where the contest must be fought out hand to hand. It may then be seen

That the man, and not the Mcrrimac, alone can foil the foe: That the huge steam ram may cleave the brine, and the Armstrong gun may play, But the skilful brain and the daring heart will always win the day.

Let us turn again to the more perccful themes of the Exhhibition. Contiguous to the Anns-.Court wc have the department of civil engineering* '"containing many models and drawings of bridges, railway viaducts, sewers, docks, &c. works in terra cotta and enamelled slate, jflmng tiles of beautiful designs, mosaics, drinking fountains, apparatus for heating, ventilating/cooking, gas making, See. Glover’s dry gas-meters, and the model gasometers deposited at the Exchequer in compliance with the requirements of the Gas Act. This recent piece of English legislation ought, I think, to be looked into carefully by the authorities here. It has been thoroughly proved that

the ordinary kind of wet gas-meter is extremely apt to give false indications—sometimes to the benefit of the consumers and sometimes to the benefit of the Gas Company. Under the new Gas Act there are inspectors to test meters in use by means of standard apparatus, manufactured by Glover and Co., whose dry meters are now coming much into use, and are found to be far more just and satisfactory in their operation than the common wet meters. Among a variety of filters shown in this department is Spencer’s, which purifies water by means of magnetic oxide of iron. It is more efficacious, I believe, in removing organic matter than any other kind of filter known. Behind the courts we have been examining lies a magnificent display of hardware—all imaginable things in steel, iron, bronze, and brass in bewildering numbers and variety. There is a noble show of cutlery and locks. Among the latter is an ingenious atmospheric lock, which may be opened and shut at a distance by the pressure of air. There are beautiful iron gates, with ornaments, such as leaves, flowers, scrolls, &c., all wrought by the hand. There are stoves, grates, and mantel pieces, perfectly astounding for their rich beauty, elegance,and brilliancy —made up of bright steel, brass, bronze, electro-plate, marble, and painted porcelain. There is one especially gorgeous piece of work by Stuart and Smith, of Sheffield—bright steel, inlaid with brass, panels and borders of porcelain delicately painted with flowers, and enclosed in exquisitely wrought brass; mantel piece of white marble. Glasgow sent some handsome and cheap bronzed iron chimney pieces. Birrhingham had a splendid show of lamps, brackets, chandeliers, brass' bedsteads, kc. Among the remarkable things in hardware was a coil of steel wire, without a weld, of the unusual weight of I cwt. A coil usually weighs 10 to 16 lbs., and the heaviest hitherto made, 28 lbs.

Contiguous to the hardware is a small court of leather, saddlery, harness, whips, furs, feathers, &C., and behind is a long corridor filled with carriages, to which I paid little attention. At the south-east corner of the building is the space allotted to the States of America, which we can scarcely now designate the United States. The show is chiefly of agricultural implements, carriages, minerals, sewing machines, and pianos. I was assured that the finest piano in the Exhibition was one of those from New York. The chief novelty was a power loom, for weaving tufted piled fabrics, particularly the kind of carpets known as.'Axminster, It is the first loom of the kind in use.

We enter now the cast transept, and have before us the magnificent collection of the Colebrookdale Company; splendid gates of bronzed iron, with enamelled iron pillars; a noble fountain surrounded by a colossal statue of Oliver Cromwell, besides other beautiful works. Next we have peals of bells; the trophy of Bessemer steel; the Hereford screen, a most elaborate specimen of wrought iron, brass and copper work. On the right we have tncdiawal brass work, and other hardware; also beautiful works in terra cotta and enamelled slate. Crossing again under the eastern dome, and neglecting for the present the colonies, which display' their riches invitingly before us, we pass into the eastern annexe, where we have mining and mineral products, chemical substances, substances used as food, animal and vegetable substances not included in the two preceding groups, machinery not in motion, tools, and agricultural implements. This eastern annexe is in fact a Great Exhibition in itself. The number and variety of objects are quite bewildering. Many things arc new since ’sl, and most of those not new show marked improvement. It is impossible to do more than indicate a few of the things that might attract attention most in a walk through this rich domain. We notice, on entering, a collection illustrating the preparation and application of the metal aluminium. Till a few years ago this metal was known only as a rare chemical product, but it can now be obtained in any quantity and at moderate expense. It is of a blueish colour, and possesses considerable brilliancy, ductility, and tenacity. It is only one-fourth the weight of silver; its melting point is a little lower than that of silver, and it possesses the necessary qualities for producing castings of the highest excellence, while its freedom from being tarnished or blackened by oxygen or sulphur fit it admirably for works of art. One cannot fail to admire the rich golden colour and lustre of the aluminium bronze, an alloy' of this metal with copper, which is said to possess great strength and other qualities that will likely bring it into extensive use. There are several fine castings shown, also large ingots, fine wire and leaf, some philosophical instruments, and other articles made of the pure metal and of the bronze. Besides the aluminium there is a case containing samples of gold and auriferous quartz from North Wales. Some of the quartz veins there have turned out 6 ounces to the ton and upwards Passing on we see fine examples of polished red and grey granite from the North of Scotland; serpentines from Cornwall; beautiful things in black marble from Derbyshire; table tops of black marble inlaid with colored stones, &e., in imitation of Florentine work; and a table top of Australian malachite. We get next into a region of iron,—a collection of ores, and the metal reduced from them; bar-iron, twisted, bent, and broken, to show its fibre and tenacity; enormous armour plates for ships; sheets of iron; railway bars; tyres; a crank shaft weighing about 25 tons, just as it came from under the steam hammer; models of iron works, &c. One of these models is on a very large and complete scale, and beautifully executed. It represents the blast furnaces at the Ulverstone ironworks in Lancashire, and shows the method of collecting and utilising the waste gases given off from the top of the furnaces. These gases are brought under the boilers and ovens, and burnt along with air introduced in minute jets. The air blown into the furnaces is maintained at a constant temperature of 800 degrees. The method of heating it is accurately shown in the model. An immense economy' of fuel results from this use of the waste gases. There are several interesting models connected with coal-mining. The produce of coal in England is said to be now upwards of eighty million tons per annum. The next is the chemical department, with a very fine, show of crystallised substances, drugs, dye stuffs, &c. As might be expected, the splendid new analine colours—mauve, magenta, solfcrino, azuline, &c.— occupy a prominent place. There i* quite a rage for these colours at present, and large fortunes have been made out of them. Their original source is coal tar. Benzole is first got by distilling the tar, and purifying the distillate in various ways. This benzole is converted into nitro-bcnzole by the action of nitric acid, and this again into analine by the action of reducing agents The aniline is converted into sulphate of aniline, which, when acted on by bichromate of potash, gives a black precipitate containing mauve or aniline purple. This precipitate has to be purified in various ways. Magenta, and the other colours, are got by variations on this process. These aniline colours are applicable chiefly to silk and woollen fabrics; they don’t adhere well to cotton. They are not permanent colours, but still their great beauty has done much to spoil the taste for the old-fashioned and more sober, though far more durable, madder colours. Among the specimens exhibited was a gorgeous crown ot crystallised acetate of rosaniline, or magenta dye. This was said to have been made out of a solution worth £BOOO. In the chemical collection is a new ancesthetic agent termed kerosclene; also a new element named thallium, and a variety of new chemical compounds. Among these is the tungstate of soda, a new preparation for rendering light fabrics non-inflammable. A little of the salt is mixed with the starch used in stiffening such articles. Several varieties of paraffine oil were shown. These arc now much used for lamps, and some are too volatile to bo safe. The following simple rule is given for testing the volatility of such oils: —Place a few drops in a teaspoon, float the spoon on a cup of boiling water, and hold a lighted match an inch above it. If the vapour ignites, the liquid is not safe. We need not dwell upon the food collection, as the objects appeal chiefly to a sense which the visitor is not allowed to exercise upon them. I may notice, however, a fine collection of wheat, among which is Californian, weighing €8 lbs. to the bushel; and some fresh, uncooked animal food for long voyages. In the next department, we cannot fail to be struck with the fine show of soap and candles. No doubt, we cannot judge of these articles entirely by the eye, but so far as wo can so judge they give satisfaction. Paraffine candles have come much into use of late. They rank among the many valuable products of coal tar. They arc now made without smell, and hard enough to resist the heat of the tropics. Both spermaceti n nd paraffine candles are to be got beautifully coloured; the former seem to take the colours more brilliantly, but the latter have a delicate translucency which is perhaps more agreeable. There was a fine show of slearine candles, and of candles made from distilled palm oil. These arc quite white, and hard enough for ordinary purposes, but they have a somewhat tallowy look compared with the other sorts I have named. In this department was a sample of a new paper-making material—Esparto fibre, or Spanish grass, which I believe is coming into extensive use. There was a novelty in lucifer matches, said to contain no phosphorus, not poisonous, and to ignite only" when rubbed on the prepared surface of the box containing them. Parkmc is a new substance of a homy character, said to bo castor oil consolidated by the agency of chlorine. It is not unlike colourless tortoiseshell, and it may be stained to resemble tortoiseshell very exactly. It is made into card-cases, knife-handles, paper-cutters, and ornamental articles of various kinds. Ebonite is a new preparation of india-rubber, —rubber and sulphur exposed to a high temperature. It is a hard black substance, tough and strong, and capable of* taking on a c onsiderable polish. It is now used in the manufacture ot a great variety of useful and ornamental articles. It is one of the best non-conductors of electricity, and

circular plates of it are sometimes substituted for glass in electrical machines.

Among the machinery in this annexe-ware traction engines of various sorts, fire-engines, flour and other, mills, biscuit-making machines, smoke-consuming : apparatus, boiler-fittings; railway carriages—among these was a very luxurious first-class carriage, intended for the Egyptian railways, very different from those one finds in actual use at present across the Desert. The show of agricultural implements was remarkably good. About 140 manufacturers exhibit in this department, and there is a most complete display of implements pertaining to the farm and garden. The use of the steam-engine on farms has greatly increased of late years, and this.has been attended, perhaps in a great measure caused, by improvements in the construction of such engines and reduction of their price. A great variety was shown. Reaping, machines which were just introduced in 1851, have been much improved, and their use extended. Grass mowers are also more common. A great many food-cutters and crushers are shown—aids to cattle digestion, which economise the food, and render it more nutritious. Steam-driven ploughs and cultivators take a prominent place, and are likely to cause a revolution in English husbandry, especially upon clay soils. The use of machinery on the farm, as on other fields of labour, enables an equal amount of work to be done with fewer hands; and thus, though the country districts are being drained of their population; though the gold-fields of Australia and California, the cheap and easily accessible land of America, and, most of all, the temptation of high wages in the hives of manufacturing industry, draw the agricultural laborer from his native village, yet the business of the farm goes on as well as ever. The area of land under cultivation is increased, and its fertility is increased. The manufacture of agricultural and horticultural implements is now an important branch of industry, their annual value being reckoned at about five millions sterling. The export trade is large. Wc can now take only a very cursory glance at the remaining portions of the British side, before proceeding to the colonies. Along the north side of the nave is a large collection of furniture. The display is very fine, and bears testimony to the advance of England in taste as well as skill. Some of the carved sideboards were magnificent. One by Jackson and Graham had a place of honour in the nave. The one that perhaps attracted most notice was covered with spirited carvings representing the leading scenes in the life of Robinson Crusoe. A veiy effective and cheap new style of decoration was shown, styled the “ Pyrographic ornamental wood work,” Pattems’are imprinted on wood by means of hot metal plates or rollers Passing now the collection of musical instruments, and the courts allotted to China and Japan, let us ascend the contiguous stairway, and complete our survey of the British half of the Exhibition by a walk round the galleries. We meet here first with dressing cases and travelling appliances; then with philosophical apparatus; a variety of telegraphic instruments, microscopes, cameras, stereoscopes, surgical instruments ; clocks and watches—a very beautiful display, superior, I think, to the foreign contributions of the same class. Paper, printing, bookbinding, lithography, cromo-lithography. "In this very modern art of reproducing water colour drawings with almost the fineness and delicacy of colouring of the originals, England stands unrivalled. One of the curiosities of this section was Peter’s machine for microscopic writing. The Lord’s Prayer can be written by it on a disc not larger than the transverse section of a human hair, or the 1-356,000 of a square inch. The whole bible might be written twenty-two times over in the space of a square inch. De la Rue’s photographs of the sun and moon were much admired. They showed the phases of the total eclipse of the sun in July, 1860, as observed in Spain. Turning round into the transept we come upon the Indian collection, rich and varied; beautiful work in silver, ivory, sandal-wood, &c.; cashmere shawls, brocades, embroidery, silk, cotton, inlaid steel, clay figures, oils, gums, resins, tea, carved furniture, Ac. Passing round the north end of the transept, we can admire on one side the beautiful painted windows, and on the other take a passing glance—not altogether of admiration —over the timber trophies of Canada, New Brunswick and Tasmania. In the east gallery wo meet with a large collection of engravings and architectural drawings. Passing the east dome and continuing along the gallery, we come upon an extensive show of articles of clothing, which really make a prettier display than one might expect. There is one object here which certainly the Exhibition of ’sl was quite ionocent of, and which has stood its ground, and even thriven and expanded in the face of more vituperation and ridicule than falls to the lot of most sublunary things,—need I name crinoline ? Continuing our progress round, and passing on our way an organ at the end of the transept, we get amongst the textile fabrics—cotton, flax, hemp, woollen, silk, velvet, lace, embroidery, tapestry, &c. It is asserted by good judges, that this display shows a great advance since ’sl in almost every particular. I can only say that its rich colours, beautiful designs, and delicate textures made a very fine sight. Farther into the mysteries of Coventry ribbons, Spitalfields silks and velvets. Paisley shawls, Glasgow prints, Irish lace and linen, I cannot enter. Among the Irish poplins was a piece showing the various forms of snow crystals, in white silk on a blue ground. A gorgeous specimen of English made silk curtains was much noticed, where the brocade fabric was interwoven with designs in spun glass as fine as silk, —tissue de verre it is called. Let us now descend again to the floor of the building and make a tour of the colonies, beginning as is right and proper with New South Wales. This colony occupies about 2500 feet of space in a very central poaitioh, —in foct a choice corner allotment—at the junction of the nave and east transept. It makes a display that is sufficiently pleasing to the eye, and illustrates well tho leading resources of the colony. In the course of my frequen visits I found it always well frequented, more so indeed than the other colonies, though this no doubt was attributable partly to its central position, and partly to its being one of the earliest completed. It showed an orderly and attractive arrangement when some of its neighbours were in a state of chaos; and indeed some of the other colonies were in a verybackward state at the period of ray last visit on May 24th. Of the Commissioners appointed by the colony I found Sir Daniel Cooper and Mr. Edward Hamilton at their posts from morning to night, indefatigable in their efforts to show everything to the best advantage; attending assiduously on members of juries, that nothing might be passed by these gentlemen, or fail to bo • put before them in a proper light; and courteously receiving visitors in general, and affording the fullest explanations to their inquiries. They brought out an excellent catalogue, partly reprinted from tho Sydney one, but containing in addition an admirable introductory chapter of statistics. I often met with Mr. James Macarthur in the court, and always ready to give information; and I am sure that, had it been necessary, he would have been prepared to give up as muen time as the other gentlemen were doing. Indeed, I am quite sure that no labour or pains will be wanting oa the part of these Commissioners to gain a favourable regard to New South Wales, Their secretary —Mr. Sedgwick Cooper—was, of course, always at his post; and his frank manner, readiness to oblige, and patriotic zeal in all that related to the colony, were very pleasant to see. The Duke of Newcastle, after a lengthened inspection one day, expressed much satisfaction with the colonies generally, and I understood specially with tho appearance made by New South Wales. You must all be tolerably familiar with tho articles sent from here, and I will mention merely some of those that were most prominent in the Exhibition. Entering the New South Wales court, you have in the centre a small glass case containing choice specimens of gold and other minerals. Behind this the golden kangaroo and omu made by Hogarth. Then rocks and fossils arranged by Mr. Keene; and, still further back, a tall glass case filled with different sorts of cloth manufactured in England from wool of New South Wales, and with tweeds manufactured in the colony. In this case was placed also the sword blade and other cutlery by Jennings, and several artistic works in the precious metals. On tho right hand on entering were glass cases filled with sheep’s wool; cases also with maize, wheat, &c., and in the centre of this space the collection of gold with accompanying rocks and drift deposits. To the left on entering were cases with alpaca wool and cotton. Above these was hung on the partition Miss Ironside’s large picture of the “Marriage at Cana of Galilee.” Many people stopped ta look at this picture, and I think it was generally admired. Beautiful water-colour views, by Mr. Martens and were hung near it. Further back was a large glasscase, filled with beautiful fabrics made from wool of New South Wales. In the back parts of tho court were arranged the wines (or rather aqueous representations of them), woods, minerals, leather, saddlery, bookbinding, boots and shoes, furniture, boat, model of Sofala diggings, case of alpacas, Ac, The alpacas wore much noticed and admired. They had been set up and tastefully disposed in a large glass enclosure by a professional taxidermist in London. The coal, X think, was not made so prominent as its importance t# the colony demanded. The larger samples had. bean sent to Woolwich, and not enough retained to make ft good display. The results of the experiment* & Woolwich were, on the whole, very satisfactory*. doubtless they will soon be published by the Gore?** ment here. The jurors of certain classes had made their round of the colonies before I left. I will teu ydl their opinions of some of the leading articles as communicated to mo by tho commissioners, premismg taay as no decisions were published, these opinions must» present be looked upon only bs bits of gossip.. An* finest sheep’s wool in the Exhibition was from mil colony—tho specimen so highly distinguished being

scoured wool contributed by Clive, Hamilton, and Trail. It was counted quite a fancy article, on which the jurors could scarcely put a price. The next best was probably the scoured wool contributed by the Messrs. Cox. Of wool washed on sheep’s back I understand that the best sample was from liiley and Bloomfield; and of wool in grease the best was probably that of Messrs. Cox, though Kiley and Bloomfield s would likely prove to be of about the same quality. The wool of this colony had much attention given it by the French experts. They said it was fit lor the very finest work, oven for the manufacture of Gobelin tapestry, for which the most delicate material lias to be selected. This colony has also the distinguished merit of sending the finest specimen of cotton wool to the Exhibition, The grower and contributor is J. B. Nowlan, Hunter Hills. In the present state ot the market it was valued at 4s. a lb. *1 ho next best in the N. S. Wales collection was Mr. Hickey's, valued at 3s. 6d. a lb. Some of the other samples were commended, but they had been injured by being left too long unpicked. In wheat, if the sample sent by Mr. Clements, of Bathursbe not the best in the Exhibition it will not bo far behind. The jurors had difficulty in deciding between the claims of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia in the matter of wheat, and it is not unlikely that the very finest may be found to belong to the last named colony. Some wheat, exhibited by the Messrs. Macarthur, will rank very high. Of maize, it is probable that some contributed by the Messrs. Macarthur will be reckoned the finest in the Exhibition. A specimen of rye grass seed, exhibited by Mr, Prescott was highly praised by the jurors. They said that nothing could be finer. The beef and tallow got much praise. The alpaca tallow was very favourably noticed. It has a melting point two degrees higher than common tallow, which renders it better adapted for some purposes. The leather was commended by the jurors. It showed (they said) decided evidence of improvement. A table top, made of cedar root, was accounted one of the finest things as a novelty in the way of furniture wood. An experienced cabinet maker told me that veneers of similar wood would be worth 2s. a square foot. Boots exhibited by Mr. Lobb, Pitt-strcet, surprised the jurors by their fineness of workmanship. It was understood that there was nothing finer in the Exhibition. A Regent-street manufacturer got away a pair to examine more minutely. Boots exhibited by Mr. Bovis were also very excellent. The jurors, under whoso notice the remaining articles would come, had not made their inspection before I left, and I regret especially that I can tell you nothing of our wines. It is quite clear, however, that New South Wales will come out of this friendly contest with honour, and I doubt not also with a fair share of prize medals. At the close of the Exhibition it is the intention, I believe, of the Commissioners to send out to the colony the articles manufactured from our wool, and I think' on seeing them you will be surprised and delighted. The long shawls d’ecosso and merino, and other articles turned out by Mr. Craven, Dole Mill, near Bradford, are of such fineness and beauty as really surprised experienced judges. Mr. Craven sent also’“Coburg” and “poplin cloth” of New South Wales wool. Paton and Co. sent “long shawls,” and Pease and Co., Darlington, “mousseline de laine” and merino, all from the same source. There were also some articles from our alpaca wool. I think it a pity that a larger quantity of gold was not sent; and that one of those beautiful medals struck at the Mint for the University did not find a place in the collection. By a curious oversight, there was not even a specimen of Sydney coinage to be found. As soon, however, as I pointed out the deficiency, the Commissioners supplied it by a few sovereigns, obtained from a newlylanded colonist.

I must omit all notice of the other colonics, as it is impossible for me to trespass on your patience much longer. The western half of the building was devoted to foreign countries, among which were found France, Belgium, Holland, the Zollvercin, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Rome, Egypt, China, and Japan, the various states of Central and South America, and a number of colonies. France occupied by far the largest space, ahd made the liuest display. In the nave before the French court was an immense gate, 14S feet long and 25 feet high. Lions on pedestals of granite guarded the ends. Ornamental furniture and other things were disposed around it. I can do little hut name a few of the noticeable things within the court. There was a gorgeous array of vases from Sevres, with exquisite colouring. Glass for table use, and for ornament, extremely beautiful. Vases of white enamel. Splendid articles 'in bronze, plain and gilt. Statuary ot the Algerian onyx and gilt bronze. Clocks, showing fine enamelling, and clectro-metallurgic work. Cast-iron'statuary and ornaments, plain and bronzed, Cheat) as’ well as beautiful. Many of the cast-iron statues, vases, See., were shown as taken from the moulds, untrimmed and unpainted. They were of remarkable sharpness, cleanness, and beauty. Fancy articles in zinc, bronzed and gilt, look as well as genuine bronze, and at a very much lower price. A pair of beautiful ornaments for a mantel piece, spirited groups of horses and men, and of considerable size, only £9. An Arab riding on a camel, which bears also a clock, all gilt, £9. The large statues in white porcelain bv Ailles, Paris, are remarkable. A magnificent display of articles in Algerian marble will doubtless have the effect of bringing this new mineral into repute. The works in gold and silver and precious stones are very splendid; there is indeed a blaze of jewellry, but unfortunately the imitation precious stones and metals look just as well, and indeed arc not distinguishable by untutored eyes. In one case there were four rows of pearls, and the label bore that two of these rows were genuine, and worth £llOO, and the other two imitation, and worth £4. I saw many people inspecting them, but none that could venture to say which were the real and which spurious. In another case were real pearls, to the value of £18,500. An enamelled vase was priced at £400; and a splendid shield of gold and enamel was said to have cost £6OOO in its production. The Gobelins manufactory sent some of its best tapestry. Then there was richly carved and gilt furniture; and immense plates of glass and mirrors. One of these sheets of plate-glass, IG| feet by 10£ feet, was unfortunately broken when being raised into its place. There were splendid woven fabrics of all sorts, with lace and embroidery, and such like things. A collection of bonnets in the freshest Parisian taste, with wreaths and artificial flowers, I am sure the ladies must have pronounced lovely. In this section was a new sort of hat, which, on the occurrence of rain, could unfold an umbrella. I must not forget the mechanical toys, clever and amusing, which never failed to draw crowds when wound up and put in action. There was a female Blondin, performing gracefully on a tight-ropc; a hare playing a guitar, and moving its head, ears, and eyes most sentimentally; a rabbit beating a tambourine; birds singing and hophopping among the branches of a tree ; and many others.

I must omit all notice of other foreign countries ; also of the Picture Galleries, and the Photographic and Educational Departments, and close with a sentence or two about the machinery. The progress in machinery since 1831, seems to be not so much in distinctly new inventions or combinations, as in the improvement or perfecting of what had previously been devised. The western annexe is full to overflowing with noble specimens of ingenuity and skill. Immense marine engines and locomotives, complete in every detail; powerful lathes, drilling and shaping machines ; steam hammers and steam cranes; spinning and weaving machines; paper- making and printing machines; sugar mills; vacuum pans; hydraulic machines; and numberless other ingenious and powex-ful mechanisms. Among the novelties in railway locomotion may be mentioned a self-feeding tender to supply water to express engines, without stopping, and several smokeconsuming locomotives. There are some locomotives exhibited of immense size and power; one weighs thirty-two tons with boiler charged, but without the tender. The boiler contains about 1200 tubes. There are several foreign locomotives shown, but they are not equal in finish to the British. Among the marine engines there is one by Maudsley and Field, of 800 horse power; cylinders 82 inches diameter, with 4 feet stroke. Penn and Son exhibit a beautiful marine engine made for the Spanish Government; also, the crank axle and one of the cylinders intended for the Achilles. The cylinder weighs about 18 tons; internal diameter 112 inches; stroke 4 feet. Tod and Macgregor show a marine engine with the new plan of surface condensation; and there is a largo marine engine from Marseilles, containing some novelties in the mode of working the valves. Electro-magnetic engines are shown, but it has been proved that with the present means of obtaining electricity it is not possible to apply that agent as a motive power within any reasonable limits of economy. There is, indeed, at present no appearance of heat being superseded as the source of mechanical force, nor of steam being superseded as the fchief medium through which that force is applied to useful purposes. There is room, however, for much 'lmprovement in the mode of generating heat, and of economising it. There was a large magneto-electric machine in motion —the current of electricity being -applied to generate electric light suitable for lighthouses. The revolving armature was driven by a is team-engine. Now that we have completed our hasty tour of this »mlacc of art and industry, and seen in imagination this •‘least of wonder out of West and East,” can wo help bain.' Struck with the penetration and grasp of human eenius the force of hums a will, and the marvellous Sail of the human hand ? And arc wo not impelled to what is to be the end? Hero is a great exposition

of the results of the contact of living mind and dead matter, showing on the one side splendid triumph, on the other complete subjection. Can ingenuity and skill go much further? Can mere machines, born of this restless ingenious brain, do much more of the work of living fingers? And suppose they do; and suppose that machinery becomes so perfect that we obtain what wo desire as easily as if by a mere volition, —what then? Will mankind be happier? Will the millennium dawn on the earth? I leave you to consider such questions for yourselves. But it is clear that improvements in arts and manufactures, that refinement in taste, and the command of luxuries, do not prevent war or social miseries. Tor side by side with this grand exposition of improved arts, of refined taste, and luxurious living, look at the ferocious and suicidal war in America: look at the hostile armaments of Europe and the immense w r astc of national means in providing for what seems ever impending hostilities. Look at the poor patient suffering workpeople in Lancashire, and the mass of half-starved, ignorant, semi-brutish waifs and strays of humanity that form the substratum of society everywhere—and how can one help being despondent? No doubt there is progression—marked progression in our day, morally as well as physically; but some parts of the social machine drag heavily. There arc bad adjustments and much friction. Mere is a piece of complex mechanism still capable of much improvement, —still very far from perfection. "And is ihc goal so far away ? Far —how far no man can say.”

SUGAU. For the sugar refiner there are sugars of every kind, raw and manufactured, from all parts of the world, and almost from all substances known. One case is shown in which there is a series of beautifully crystallized specimens of sugar from sugar-cane, beet, maple, liquorice, gelatine, milk, and fat; also sugar from grapes, from starch, from ergot of rye, from manna, and “ from flesh.” Other curious sugars are also shown, including one of crystals made from sweet pea. “ PEDIGREE WHEAT.” Mr. Ilallett exhibits his wonderful examples of what he terms “pedigree wheat,” and a more curious or a more instructive lesson than he offers in his samples is not to bo found in the Exhibition. Mr. Ilallett has applied to the growth of wheat the rules which every stockbreeder in the country knows—namely, that from the largest and best animals, the largest and best progeny may be expected ; and that, therefore, the agriculturist should proceed to devclope the productive powers of wheat as if it were altogether a new species of cereal which ho was trying to bring to perfection for the first time. Air. ilallett, in 1857, planted only from cars only 4} inches long, containing 47 grains. In 1858, his first ear was Gj inches long, containing 79 grains, and there were ten years from the finest plant. In 1860 the cars were imperfect, faom the wet season, but they appear only to have reserved and husbanded their productiveness for a more auspicious occasion, as in 18G1 the finest car was no less than Scinches long, containing 123 grains, and the number of ears in the finest single plant had risen from the starting number of 10 in 1857 to 52 in 1861. The various ears and their dates of sowing are shown in the case in the annexe, and, as Air. Ilallett is a high agricultural authority, his samples are not likely to pass unnoticed. SUIiSTANCES USED AS ROOD. In the eastern annexe there is a general display of what are called the “substances used as food.” Port, sherry, claret, champagne, and brandy arc here openly exhibited of British manufacture, with Havannah and other “ foreign” cigars. The great ale and beer brewers alike exhibit bottles and barrels on the merits of the contents of which the public are expected to form an impartial opinion from external inspection. Bass, Guinness, Salt, &c., all are here, save Allsopp. who is wisely content with the practical exhibition of his manufacture at the refreshment counters in the building, where it is consumed at the rate of some twenty barrels a day. Iluntly and Palmer have erected a little temple case of biscuits of every form and kind that were ever eaten, and not far from this may be found labelled specimens of cheap confectionery in the composition of which only a small amount of sugar is used as a kind of adulteration, to leaven the mass of plaster of Paris, rod lead, copperas, or arsenical green. The beacon lights in a druggist’s window could not more strongly warn from the poisons behind than do these bright and almost tempting looking comfits. But the eastern annexe has a severer duty to perform than in showing what is merely eatable or pleasing to the palate. There probably never was such a collection of poisons brought together before under one roof, from the drug that kills instantaneously up to the .British port that takes years to accomplish its deadly purpose. They arc all here, and some in such attractive forms as crystals, grouped like rare and costly gems, massive deposits of golden or ruby looking prisms, one grain of which would almost suffice to destroy life; piles of soft snowy crystals of caustic soda, so cool looking to the touch, but which wotdd burn through the ficsb like molten iron. The alums arc the most prominent, most harmless, and magnificent specimens of this class. All the great alum and alkali manufacturers show specimens in this department. One block from the Metropolitan Alum Company weighs nearly seven tons, and is beautifully crystallised inside. Alcssrs. Chance, Aluspratt, Mr. Bench, and the Ilurlct and Campsic Co., each and all exhibit wonderful examples of chemical crystals of such rarity, size, colour, and form, as to amaze their foreign competitors. A little beyond these Air. J. Vickars, of Little Britain, (who gained the medal in 1851), sends a ease of isinglass, the like of which has not been seen in the trade before. It contains not only every kind of isinglass as white as the purest snow, but the same material shown for the first time in what may be termed artistic castings, such as the leaves, tendrils, and fruit of the vine as perfect as nature itself in everything but their wonderful clearness of colour. Fortnum and Alason show a perfect collection of all dried and preserved fruits, such as only that great firm could bring together. One of the most curious and valuable illustrations of preservative methods as applied to meats is shown by Messrs. Jones, who exhibit under common glass shades legs of pork, lamb, salmon, &c., and, in short, all the viands which are the most difficult to keep from tainting. Some of these specimens have been in the annexe since a week before the opening of the Exhibition, and the portions removed within the last few days to be cooked and tasted by the jury were found to be absolutely perfect in their freshness. The process, we believe, simply consists in exhausting as much as possible of the air from the case in which the meat is placed, and then completing the vacuum by the introduction of sulphuric acid in minute quantities, after which nitrogen gas is allowed to fill the case, to the total exclusion of oxygen, without the presence of which no decomposition can go on. Chemical truths are almost as infallible as mathematical truths, and there is no known reason why meat thus protected should not remain good for years as well as months.

[From the “ rimes'” Conespomlcnf.] New York, June 10. General Beauregard’s retreat into Arkansas ami Texas, if he ever meditated it, is cut off by the capture of Memphis. That city surrendered to the Federal flotilla on Friday last, after a sharp naval conflict on the Mississippi, The people of Memphis—forgetful of the old proverb, “ That Brag may be a good dog, but that Holdfast is a better”—had rendered themselves conspicuous for the last three months by their loud boasts and vaunts that they would never surrender; that rather than yield to the ‘•Yankees” they would burn the city and perish to the last man, and much other “ Buncombe.” So lately as the commencement of last week, the mayor asserted that he would never voluntarily surrender; as if any other than an involuntary surrender was expected. But when the Confederate flotilla that defended the place was burnt, sunk, or disabled, with the exception of one vessel, he forgot his magniloquence and yielded to necessity, without making any wry faces, or indulging in any vain talk unworthy of the occasion. Nothing could be more courteous than the language of the Federal flag officer, Captain C.N. Davis, in demanding the surrender, unless it were the gentlemanly politeness of the mayor in acceding to the irresistible request. And so quiet is the city, and so entirely is it reconciled to its adverse fate, and to everything that may happen except the incremation which it threatened to inflict upon itself, that martial law will not be declared, nor Captain Davis, or any other Federal authority, subjected to the disagreeable necessity of being severe to the men or brutal to the ladies, like General Butler at New Orleans. Vicksburg is now the only important place on the river that holds out against the Federal authority, and, if it be not captured by the ascending squadron of Commodore Farragut, the descending squadron of Captain Davis will speedily be abreast of its fortifications, and the two together will be more than sufficient to prove to its defenders that further resistance will bo hopeless. In all probability, the Mississippi in all its vast length is by this time in the possession of the Federal Government. And where is General Beauregard, the pride of the South—who has not yet justified a single hope that was formed of him? No one knows. Some imagine that he will next he heard of at Mobile, and others that the main strength of his army has already (bund its i way to Richmond, to take part in the last desperate hfitflo q| the campgign s hfitflo tyfijch may fake place

at any moment, and the news of which is expected with an interest that has not been equalled at any period, or excited by any event since the attack upon Fort Sumter. General M’Clellan continues to be the focus of all men’s thoughts and calculations, and if any fear or doubt is entertained of the result of the approaching encounter, it is that his force maybe largely outnumbered, added to the certainty that the Confederates mean mischief this time, if no other, and that the battle of Richmond, happen when it may, will be the real AVatcrloo of the war, and as obstinate and bloody a contest as desperation can make it. The Battle of Fair Oaks, which, if it were a victory to cither party, was barren and useless, proves to have been far more costly to the Federal army than was first estimaicd. General M’Clellan’s official report just published makes the number of killed 890, of wounded 3,627, and of missing 1,222, —a total of 5,739 in the two day’s battle. There is no report from the other side, but from the manner in which the Confederates fought, and the evidence of slaughter which they left behind them on the hotly contested field, it is apparent that their loss, if it did not exceed, must certainly have equalled that of their opponents. If the number of men put hors de comlmt be estimated at 12,000 on both sid'S, any one at all accustomed to add up figures, or to judge of probabilities, may form an approximate guess at the amount of slaughter that it will yet cost to plant the “ stars and stripes” upon the Capitol at Richmond. Perhaps, however, there will ho no Capitol left in Virginia in any other form than that of a heap of smoking ruins, on which to erect that glorious standard of victory -more glorious, it would appear, when red and reeking with fraternal blood than when it had no enemies to defy but Englishmen or Mexicans. _ From a proclamation to the “ Army of Richmond, signed by Air. Jefferson Davis, and dated on the Monday after the battle, thanking it for its gallantry and good conduct, it appears that the Southern President was present at the battle ol Fair Oaks, or Seven Pines as it is sometimes called, but was not in command. The post of honour was held by an older, but perhaps not better soldier, General Johnston, who, having been wounded in the first day’s battle, was replaced by General Lee. The latter’docs not appear to have impressed his countrymen witli the same enthusiasm as his predecessor; if any judgment maybe formed from the opinions expressed by the Richmond Examiner of the sth inst., which states that the battles of Saturday and Sunday were both victories; but with great difference between the promise of the first and the performance of the second.” The whole affair seemed to have lost its purpose and plan when the animating mind was withdrawn; and that spirit that went up in the fiery shouts of Saturday, sunk into indifference on Sunday. “ Nevertheless,” adds the writer, “ the enemy was well whipped; and lost not less than 10,000 men.” This is known to be an exaggeration; but few people, even \yithoutthe excitement and bewilderment of war and passion, deal fairly with figures, and General M’Clcllan’s estimate, which is fearful enough, may be accepted to be as near the truth as it is possible to make it.

Jefferson Davis in bis proclamation to his troops accuses the enemy of “disregarding many of the usages of civilised war.” The same accusation has been frequently made on the other side; and all sorts of ridiculous stories have been told of “ Yankee skulls” converted into drinking cups, of the skeletons of “ Yankee hands” converted into bellpulls or door handles, of “Yankee teeth” wont as bracelets or other ornaments by the fair ladies of the South, and of shameful indignities offered to the bodies of the slain upon the field of battle Doubtless, in this fratricidal war, there are savages on both sides, brutal-minded ruffians, whose passions are excited by drink as well as by innate wickedness; and who might have died for the good of their country on the gallows if the war had not broken out to make a more effectual riddance of them; and who may, in some rare instances, have “ disregarded the usages of civilized war.” But it cannot truthfully lie asserted of the Northern armies and their commanders that they have conducted hostilities in any other than the most chivalrous spirit, or that they have failed to bestow upon the wounded enemies who fell into their hands the same humane attention and care that they bestowed upon their own soldiers. The same may he said of the South, unless the unmanly proclamation of General Butler at New Orleans may already have had its natural effect in exasperating still further the already excited passions of the Southern mob. But even in such a case, it would require the production of an official order from a general in command to make any reasonable person believe that the laws and observances of civilized warfare had been set aside by the Confederates, or that any act of scandalous barbarity or inhumanity was other than individual, and an exception to the general good behaviour of the annv.

But though so much interest is absorbed by the impending battle at Richmond, it is not so wholly monopolized as to distract attention from the efforts that are now being simultaneously made to strike heavy blows at Savannah, Mobile, and Charleston. The public desire is to have possession of these cities, as well as Richmond, before the 4tit of July, on which day the grand finale of the spectacle is to be exhibited to the admiring world, in a blaze of blue and crimson tire, and a splended tableau vivant of the triumph ot brotherly love, achieved by the cannon-ball and the bayonet, and of the renewed union of the North and South, cemented by the blood of a hundred thousand men. Already a commencement has been made at Charleston, without the possession of which the tableau and the triumph would be alike incomplete, and victory, in the estimation of half of the North, not worth winning. One Robert Smalls, a negro pilot of the inner waters of the creeks and swamps of the coast, who is considered a person of consequence enough to have his portrait published in the illustrated papers, has betrayed to the Federal squadron a weak point in the approaches to the city, at a place called Stono inlet. The Federal gunboats took possession of Stono Island, and advanced up the creek on Wednesday last. They landed 2,000 men upon James Island, where they were attacked by Genetal Gist, the Confederate Commander, and repulsed, though without great loss. A detachment of tltis body succeeded in breaking up the rails of the Charleston and the Savannah line, at Pocotaligo, a few miles from the city; and it is evident that important news may be daily expected from that quarter, as well as from* Mobile, where a Federal squadron has been for a week engaged in attacking Fort Alorgan, and from Savannah, which has been powerless to oiler any effectual resistance since the capture or surrender ol Fort Pulaski. Charleston is the one sweet morsel of victory that is most intensely coveted; and a New England journal of yesterday declares that it would be a fitting termination of the war to burn and level “ that worse than Gomorrah” with the ground, and sow the site with salt, as a warning to the rebels till the end of time. Another amiable editor of the same sentiments thinks that not even this vcngcnce would meet the justice of the case, unless gibbets as high as those of Hainan were erected on the spot (or Jell. Davis, Beauregard, Foyd, Toombs, Cobb, and half a dozen others.

The Tax Bill has at length passed the Senate, very considerably modified. An income or property tax of 3 per cent, on all incomes above 600 dollars and under 10,000 dollars per annum; of 5 per cent, on incomes between 10,000 and 50,000 dollars; and of 7 J per ccn. upon incomes above 50,000 dollars, has been imposed. The duty on whiskies and other strong drinks has been increased. A heavy tax has been placed on the poor man’s beer. The proposed capitation tax on negro slaves has been struck out as unconstitutional; the ridiculous proposal to tax crinolines and hoops, gold and silver watches, umbrellas and walking sticks, has been rejected, and a tax of half a cent, or one farthing per Hi., has been laid upon raw cotton, in order to make England contribute handsomely towards the expenses of the war, which, according to some high authorities here, her abolitionists and Iter aristocracy provoked, out of their hatred of domestic institutions, and commercial jealousy. The raodfientions ot the original scheme amounted to nearly 300, all of which will have to be re-considered by the House of Representatives. When this has been done, a conference between the two Houses will become necessary, so that the Tax Bill still “ looms in the future,” and no otto can predict what shape it will ultimately assume. Hitherto Mr. Chase has exhibited a greater talent for increasing the debit than the credit side of the national account. Mention was made in one of my letters, nearly a month ago, that ho was about to apply to Congress for permission to issue 150 millions ol Demand Treasury notes (30,000,000/. sterling,) and that it was proposed that 25 millions should consist ol small notes under five dollars. The formal proposal, it appears, is to he made this week. This issue is not to he represented by gold or silver, or by anything except the credit of the Government. This credit stands high at the present moment in Wall-street, but may not, perhaps, stand quite so high when the Federal tax-collector visitsevery farm and township in the Republic to collect from 50 to 60 millions sterling per annum from the pockets of a democratic people —every man of whom (if his skin he white, hut not otherwise,) shall have a vote tor every officer of Government, from the I resident downwards to the tax-collector himself. The whole superstructure of the Federal credit rests upon a breath, or is, at the best, a house of cards which a breath can overthrow. There has lately been a large fraudulent issue of Indian State Bonds—-a matter entirely for the consideration of the Stale of Indiana and its creditors, and not affecting the credit or the resources ol the Federal Government in any degree. The fraud was, it appears, detected six months ago, and hushed, up by the advice, nr at tho earnest solicitation of the Govern

ment, lest the exposure should have created a panic on the Stock-Exchange, and toppled over with the wind of its excitement the frail palace of credit that is built upon an inconvertible paper currency of a hundred millions sterling. But victory having perched upon the star-spangled banner, and remained there-York - town, Norfolk, and New Orleans having fallen, Beauregard having retreated and gone no one knows whither, and the whole valley of the Mississippi having been restored to its allegiance, and Wall-street having been thrown into raptures with these and other events, it was thought safe to let the secret of the Indiana Bonds be publicly talked of. Orders to that effect were given and the whole matter was divulged. It created a little flutter of excitement. Stocks of all kinds were tremulous for a moment, but by dint of good manipulation and management they stood firm, and are as steadily on the rise as if nothing had happened. The New York journals allow no one to fall into little or great errors, except themselves. They make many ludicrous blunders when they write of European, and especially of English affairs; but they will not pardon the slightest mistake that an Englishman may commit in the steadfast geography or the shifting politics of this country. One great authority here, or one that would be thought so, declared a fortnight ago that an income-tax would not answer in America, or, indeed, anywhere else; because it had been tried in England, and had created such popular agitation, and such imminent danger of a bloody revolution and the destruction of the monarchy, that it was hastily repealed, just as the Queen was trembling for her crown, and the aristocracy for their coronets. No one here pointed out this little aberration from the truth, and the statement found credence among thousands of silly Anglo-maniacs, Hibernian as well as American, who ought to have known better.

(Kroin ihe Correspondent of the Times.) Mexico, May 9. - Sir Charles Wyke and Captain Dunlop arrived in this city on the Ist May. The latter will leave for Vera Cruz almost immediately. We have very uncertain information of the doings ol the French troops. If we are to believe the Mexican papers," Zaragoza’s despatches, and fhe reports daily circulated, prodigies of valour have already been performed by the Mexican army, and the heroes of Solfcrino and Magenta are likely to meet something more than their match on Mexican soil. Unfortunately these reports, official despatches, &c., do not always speak the truth. If, out of this mountain of fiction, I manage to extract a molehill of truth, I shall certainly have done all that your readers can fairly expect of me.

On the 27th of April the Fteneh put themselves in motion, and on the afternoon of the 28th came in sight of the Mexican forces, under Zaragoza, posted on the Cumbrcs de Aculcingo The position is a very strong one. A gradual ascent from Orizaba leads to the foot ot these “ cumbres,” or heights, and the road is then conducted by a series of zigzags to the top, and here commences the table land, in the centre of which Puebla is situated. Cannon, posted on the summit of these heights, sweep all the approaches by which the French had to advance, and resolute force in such a position might successfully dispute the passage of an army. Zaragoza, in his despatch, asserts that it was no part of his plan to make a stand in this position—at all events, a few rockets pitched by the French among the astonished Alexicans seemed to have had the desired effect. They retired upon Puebla, leaving, it is said, seventeen guns and 200 prisoners in the hands of their opponents. The prisoners were provided with a good meal, a luxury the poor devils had not enjoyed for many a day, anri with a dollar a-piece in their pockets were sent home. On the sth, the advanced guard of the French force appeared in sight of Puebla, and a body of Zouaves under the command of a Colonel was at once pushed forward to reconnoitre the “ Cerro de Guadalupe,” a hill which commands the city, which hud been strongly fortified, and which was held by some four or five thousand Mexicans. The French Colonel, underrating the force opposed to him, and ignorant of the formidable earthworks which had been thrown up, thought that he might gain possession of the height by a coup-de-main, —so, turning his reconnoitring expedition into an assault, he at once led his gallant force to the attack. The Mexicans, who, if their officers are only true to them, will stand fairly well behind walls, reserved their fire until the French were within a few yards of the intrenchments, and then opened with grape and canister. The French, staggered with this unexpected reception, retired, re-formed, and with their wonted pluck made another dash at the earthworks; all their valour, however, could not prevail against a strong position, overwhelming numbers, and a crashing artillery; they were again repulsed, and, having lost their Colonel and several killed, commenced their retreat. A body of cavalry was sent to cut them off, but they formed in knots of threes and fours, and, standing back to back, effected their retreat to the main body without further loss, inflicting, according to all accounts, a very heavy loss upon their pursuers. Zaragoza’s account would lead one to believe that this was a general attack upon Itis position, and that upwards of 4000 were engaged. 1 cannot, however, learn that such was the case. He estimates their loss at 1000 men, and his own at 300. This, most assuredly, is a gross exaggeration. Twenty-live prisoners were taken - men who in the impetuosity of their attack had jumped into the very embrasures, and, not being properly supported, were overwhelmed by numbers. I should fear, however, that the loss of the French in this unfortunate affair in killed, wounded, and missing, will amount to about 300 men. General Lorenccz, with the main body, did not, according to all accounts, come tip until the following day ; he was much chagrined at this untoward check, which, by inspiring the Alexicans with a false confidence, may occasion the shedding of much blood. He at once ordered a retreat to Amozoe, which many believe will be continued to Orizaba, where lie left his sick, and where it is expected he will remain until reinforcements arrive. The long sojourn of the troops in the Tierra Calicnte has engendered the seeds of disease, which is now showing itself to an alarming extent —hundreds are reported to be in the hospitals. The reactionary chiefs, so ready to promise assistance, have been found wanting in the hour of need. To-day it is reported, and there is little doubt of the fact, that they have all been bought over by the present Government. Their loss will prove a gain in the end, for no cause can prosper supported by such reprobates as Alarques, Cobas, Zuluaga, and Vicario.

Alexico has been declared in a state of siege, and a decree has been issued authorising “ the Commandant of the city to dispose of the persons and property of all Mexicans resident therein, or within a circle of two leagues, in any way he may deem advisable.” The duties on goods, and taxes of every description have been doubled, and the most stringent measures are being resorted to for the purpose of extracting money from those who arc known to possess it. A AI. Bringas, who refused to pay up 10,000 dollars, has had one of his haciendas confiscated. Those in power arc fast accumulating fortunes. A foreign war must suit their pockets admirably. It is pleasing to he able to state that foreigners of late have not been interfered with, and that even the French have been allowed to pursue their avocations witiiout molestation.

THE ENTERTAINMENTS TO THE DELEGATES ATTENDING THE ANNUAL PARLIAMENT OF TUB MANCHESTER UNITY OF ODD FELLOWS. Our readers are aware that the Annual Moveable Committee or Parliament of the Manchester Unity Friendly Society of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows baa held its sittings (luring the present ween tt Brighton. The “ Parliament” was opened at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Queen’s-road, on Monday, and will terminate to-day ; officers and deputies, to the number of about 180. attending from all parts ot the country. The business transacted has, as might be expected, been of a character uninteresting to the general public; it has consisted chiefly of alterations o( rulea, the remedying of any known abuse, conforming the institution to the spirit of the times, appointing officers for the ensuing year, and such-like matters. A few particulars, however, of this gigantic Society may not be unacceptable. The Order number no h-ss then 350,000 members, and hag its branches or lodges in nearly every town and village of the United Kingdom, as well ns on the Continent and in the Colonies, and the principles of the institution are now spread in eastern Europe,—anew lodge, called the Loyal Star in the East Lodge, having recently been established at Constantinople, with the full concurrence and support ol Sir E. Bulwer, the English Ambassador there; and it ba» this week been decided bv the Committee sitting al Brighton to have the rules of the Order translated into the Armenian, tongue. The general laws have also just been ordered to be printed in Welsh, friendship, love, and truth guide the monster Society in all its undertakings, and it is hoped that the time may nut be far distant when the Alanchester Unity will have planted those Christian principles on the other side of the broad Atlantic. Nolwithstan ling the un'ortunate depression of trade under which the working classes of tins country have been suffering since the last annual meeting, the Order had coii»id«-ra'dv increased in number during the year; and let us hope, with the Subcommittee, the Mauches er Unity may long continue to sustain its reputation ol In lug the greatest of all Friendly Societies.

It is hardly necessary to say mat the members of the Brighton District have given their biethren, tho members pf the 4 iipijal ,Mov(tnl){« Co!i)!t]ittp A . a Itqsr.jtßhle ferop.

tion, and provided various kinds of entertainment for them j— and the Brighton District is no insignificant branch of the great Order: it now numbers 23 lodges, extending over an area of 40 miles west and north-wes of Brighton; counts 3,421 members; and has built a Hall in the Queen’s-road, Brighton, at a cost of over £3,000, in which it is hoped that before long the children and orphans of members may receive that inestimable boon—a goad education—afforded at a reasonable cost. But to the festivities of the week. On Tuesdav the Delegates wore invited to a grand banquet at the Town Hall; on Thursday they were invited to a soiree at the Royal pavilion: yesterday, through the kindness of Mr J. C. Craven, they visited the“shops’of the locomotive departmental the Railway Station; and, through the liberality of Mr Goodobild. the proprietor, they have been free to the Swiss Gardens, Shoreham, throughout the week, A so-called Guide-book to Brighton was presented to each Delegate; but it is a pity that something more creditable to the town and worthy of the occasion had not been got up. We will now proceed to speak of. THE BANQUET AT THE TOWN HALL. It was given in (he large upper room ; the adjoining Council Chamber, better known as the South-room, being also thrown open. Nearly 400, including the 180 invited Delegates, sat down to a cold collation (supplied by Mr. Nunn) ; and no doubt there were plenty of good things on the tables; but, unless the guest happened to sit pretty close to them, they did not fall to his lot, the tault being that common one at public dinners —a scarcity of waiters; nor were the wines all of the first quality. The Mayor of Brighton occupied the chair, and Mr. Saunders, of Brighton, P. P. G. M., and Mr. Gates, of Brighton, Prov. D. G. M„ the vice-chairs. The Mayor was supported on his right by the Grand Master of the Order, Mr Gale, of Liverpool, and on bis left by Mr. Hsrman, Provincial Grand Master, of Brighton, and among the other distinguished guests at the chairman s table were J. G. Dodson, M.P , J. White, Esq., M.P., the Rev. J. Griffith, Aldermen Burrows, Alger, and ;Mattain, Councillor Woolletl, M. D. Scott, E»q , J.P., A. Bigg, Esq., J.P., Major D’Albica. Captain Meek, Captain Branwell, Lieutenant J. G. Cockburn (Treasurer of Brighton district and of Widow and Orhpans’ Fund) Lieutenant R. Loder (2nd Sussex R. V.), W. Verrall, Esq , R. Rugg, Esq., D. Richards, Esq., J. Helditch, Esq., J. C. Craven, Esq, Messrs W. Sraithers, Dixon, Curtis, W. Curtis, Chittenden, Challen, Booty, Beard, the Officera of the Order and Board of Directors, Mr. Aitken, Mr. C. Hardwicke (Editor Odd Fellows’ Magazine), &c., &c. The Dean of Chichester, himself an Odd Fellow, had accepted an invitation, but waa prevented from attend, ing; and during the evening a telegram was received from W. Coningham, Esq., M.P., stating that he was unwell at Winslow, and therefore could not be present. The Rev. J. Griffith said grace. During the dinner the Brighton Town Band played in the South Room ; and the toasts were interspersed with glees and solos sung in excellent style by Messrs. Affleck, Broadbridge, Jordan, and Redman. Messrs. Smith, P.P.G.M., and Lamkin, P.G., were the honorary toast masters.

The toasts were, of course, numerous; and they were proposed and responded to in able, and now, and then, in amusing speeches. The Chairman gave tbe usual loyal toasts, and then the Vice-Chairman ( Mr. Saunders, of Brighton, P.P.G.M.) '‘The Army, Navr, and Volunteers,’’ which was responded to by Major D’Albiac (Commandant Ist Sasser Volunteer Artillery), who spoke highly of the efficiency of the Volunteer force. Mr. James Curtis, of Brighton, Prov. C.S., then gave “ The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese, and Ministers of all religious denominaitons,” expressing his gratification that the Ministers of religion worked with the Society in their good cause. There were two reverend gentlemen on the Committee attending Brighton; Dr. Hook, formerly Vicar of Leeds, now Dean of Chichester, whom the men of the North so well knew, was a member of the Society, and took great interest in it; and their friend, the Rev. J. Griffith, testified by his presence among them that evening that they had the confidence of the ministers of religion. The Kev. J Griffith, in responding, said the principles of the Society were those which every Minister should teach, and were such that all Englishmen could join in. Mr. Buck, of Birmingham, in proposing “ Tbe Members of Parliament for the County of Sussex and Borough of Brighton,” said lie could not speak trom his personal knowledge of those gentlemen, but, by reading the Parliamentary debates, he knew they did their doty to the public generdly as well us to tbe beautiful town of Brighton ; Mr. Coningham being thoroughly respected throughout England, aud, with Mr. White, generally voting on what they at Birmingnam considered the right side of the question. J.G. Dodson, Esq., M P. for East Sussex, and J. White, Esq., M.P. for Brighton, responded in able speeches, alluding in hijrh terms of praise to the principles of the Manchester Unity ; and Mr. Alderman Alger returned thanks on habalf of VV. Cuningham, Esq., M.P. for Brighton, whose absence waa so much regretted. The Vice-Chairman, Mr. Gates, of Brighton, Prov D G.M., next gave “ The Lord Lieutenant and Magistrates for the County and Borough,’’ to which M. D. Scott, Esq., and A. Bigge, Esq., responded; and then Mr. Hardwicke, of Preston. P.G.M., gave “The Mayor and Corporation of Brighton,’’ Mr. Alderman Martin responding. The tosst of the evening, “The Manchester Unity,” next followed. It waa proposed by tbe Mayor, and was given with the honours of the Order; and was responded to in a lengthy and able speech by Mr. Dajnes, of Not wtch, P.G.M., wbogavesome interesting particulars ot the rap d growth of the Society. The remaining toasts were, —“ The Grand Alaster •nd Board of Directors,” proposed by Air. Pike, of Brighton, P.P.G.M , and responded to by Mr. Gates, the Grand Master, and Air. Richmond, of Manchester, P.P.G.M. ; “ The Deputies of tbe A.M.C.,” proposed by Air. Alderman Burrows, and responded toby Air. B. Street, of Wirkswortb, P.G.M.; “ The Brighton District and A.AI.C, Committee,” proposed by Air. Woodcock, of Glossop, D.G.AL, and responded to by Air. Harman, of Brighton, P.G.AI.; “ The Widow and Orphan Funds throughout tbe Unity,’’ proposed by Mr. Ancock. of Brighton, P.P.G.M., and responded to by Air. Schofield. of Bradford, P.G.M., who gave “The Town and Trade of Brighton,” to which Air. Alderman Alger responded ; “ The London Brighton, and South-Coast Railway Company, and its Officers,” proposed by Mr. Burges*, of south London, P.C.S.; “ The Chairman,’’ propo>ed by the Rev. Thomas Price, of Aberda-e, P.P. G.M., and responded to by the Mayor; '’Tbe Press,” proposed by Mr. Thompson, of Brighton, P.G., and responded toby Air. W.Curtis; “ The Vice-Chairman,’ proposed by Air. Gevee, of Leeds, P.P.G.M., aid responded to by Air. Saunders; “ The Ladies,” proposed by Mr. Aitken, of Ashton-upon-Lynn, P.P.G M., and responded to by Air. Godlree, of Brighton, V.G. of Brunswick Lodge. The evening was brought to a dose by the singing of the National Anthem.

But banquets are for gentlemen, and for gentlemen only. Social etiquette does not permit ladies to take tbeir seats at tbe festive board; and ao » grand invitation soiree was arranged to take place at the Royal Pavilion on Thursday evening, at which the fair sex of tbe South might mingle and join in social converse with the Celts of Wales or witb the sturdy Saxonsof the North. The Soiree proved to be a most delightful reunion; the number present, including the 180 delegates, was between 700 and 800, and this large party was accommodated with the greatest ease, tbe whole of the magnificent rooms of the Pavilion being thrown open for the occasion. The room* presented a brilliant appearance, tbe mantelpieces being decorated with choice china, glass, & 0., contributed by Mr. Hawkins, of Pavilionbuildings ; and tbe corridor and drawing rooms being devoted to an exhibition of works of ait and science. Mr. J. C. Craven and other Railway officials contributed a large collection of models, and we need hatdly say that these proved especially interesting to the gentlemen from tbe North. A model of Saxby’s Railway Junction signals attracted their particular attention. Mr. G. Mills also sent in various interesting models, prominent among which was a piece of landscape in which Railway trains and pedestrians and equestrians on a high road were set in motion by clock-work ; and Mr. J. Dalby, o( 71, Ship street, exhibited one of Pearson’s improved tewing machines, which was worked by a female attendant. The greatest novelties in the exhibition were, without doubt, a number of very cleverly and neatly executed landscapes in cork, worked on graduated tints; the artist being Mr Thomas Cox, cork merchant and manufacturer, 18 and 19, Cavendish-street. They are, we believe, entirely the invention and work of Mr. Cox himself, to whose ingenuity they do great credit, and more particularly when it is considered that he is but 18 years ol age. It is a great pity that an application to exhibit tbe works in tbe International Exhibition was made too late. Unless closely inspected the ‘‘cork pictures ’ have every appearance of ordinary paintings; and “The City ot Lyons,” “ Cawnpoie,” and “The Birth Place of Nelson,’’ were especially admired. A number of bronzes, belonging to Mr. Bright, Pavilionbuildings; microscopes, to Mr. Capon and Mr. Savage; photographs, to Messrs. White, 69, East-street, Constable, Mason, King’s-road, and others; and a fancy bazaar, to Mr. Greentn, also excited interest. A number of paintings by local artists,—Messrs. Penley, Scott, G.de Pans, Earp, and Bennett,—also adorned the rooms, Mr. G. Do Paris’s “Cathedral Porcb, Louviers,” aud “ Ruinß of Mayfield Palace;” Mr. Penley’s “ Bodiham Castle’ and ‘‘The Old Church, Brighton’’(a study in three colours); Mr. Earp’s “Near Tunbridge;” and Mr. Stmu's “ Sion.” |.ieiqg the tnpst prpqijnsgt;

Mr. W. T. Quartermain, our local fire inspector, exhibited two pen and ink sketches of Eastbourne and East Grinstead Churches, which, for an amateur, are exceedingly well done. Besides this exhibition there was the Museum upstairs which was allowed to be open for (be occasion.

11l the Music Room was given a concert, supported by local artists. The Town band played several selections; and the vocalists were Miss Strong, Mesais. Broadbridge, Jordan, Affleck, and Redman, and Master Juniper. “0 jr the Mist Shrouded Cliffs,”—words by Burns and music by Mr. Henry Spencer, of Brighton, was sung for the first time in public on the occasion, by Mr. Broadbridge, and was vety well received. M. E. De Paris played bis much admired fantasia on Irish Melodies, and also a composition of Ascher's; end Master Tanner also played a pianoforte solo. Between the first and second parts of the concert, Mr. J. Curtis, Pruv. C.S., read an address which bad been kindly written for the occasion by Miss Eliza Cook, who, as our readers are probably aware, is now* resident in Brighton. The address was as follows:

« Pair greeting must we give to those choice boon, That mark our human path with perfumed flowers, Warm i» our welcome, though it may be brief, Crowning each other with the olive leaf. GUd is our spirits, earnest in our will: Staunch workers in the past, and working still, Joining with merry hearts and glad intent To give good record of the moments spent. Our purpose pleasure, but ol that pure kind Which will not tarnish man’s great God-link,—mind, For we have met with bread and open hands, To weave yet longer, firm and Christian bands, To serve our brothers, and to aid the cause Of human good by teaching human laws, To spread this motto,—blest as it is just,— • Truth, Independence, Labour, and Self-trust,’ We seek to raise the worthy sons of toil Above the reach of poverty’s fell coil j We meet with glowing hope, to plead and prove The strength of wisdom, unity, and love. Long may we gather as we da to-night; Long may we flourish, blending might and right; Bound in one faith, and doing all faith can To serve God’s beauty in its image,—man.’’

The address was followed by " Odd Lines for Odd Fellows,” which was given by Mr. Charles Hardwicke, P.G.M., editor of the Odd Fellows' Magazine. Tbia was written by Miss Eliza Cook, especially for Mr. Hardwicke, ten years ago, on the occasion of the Annual Moveable Committee being held at Carlisle. It was so well received that Mr. Hardwicke had to appear before the audience again, and he substituted “The Heart’s Charity,’’ also Miss Eliza Cook’s composition. Before the concert was over the Town Band removed to the Banqueting Room, and here, at ten o’clock, was commenced—not a ball! no, of course not, but—a qciet dance. A portion of the band afterward* returned to the Music Room, and dancing was here, also kept up with spirit until the reasonable hour ot two. The Delegates have expressed themselves highly satisfied with the hospitable manner in which they bare been received by their Brighton brethren.

A French Portrait of John Bull. —The English are a nation of shopkeepers, and their national busineas is carried on by Palmerston and Co. Gladstone it the cashier of the concern. Derby and Co. constitute the Opposition firm. Their shopman is Disraeli; he mounts a platform and offers superior articles at reduced prices, like a cheap Jacques. The House of Lords and Commons employ themselves in making out bills. The Church calls itself an Establishment, like a haberdasher’s shop, and the bishops and clergy everywhere recommend their cloth. Preferment is sold by a subterfuge which eludes the simony-laws, and promotion in the army is a recognised commodity of sale. The British Courts of Law are almost wholly occupied in settling affairs of pounds, shillings, and pence, and the Universities have adopted a system of free trade, of which the soul is competition. The English never go to war but with an eye to the main chance. They disregarded glory because it does not pay, and they maintain sailors and soldiers, in relation to their neighbours, as among themselves they keep police to protect tbe shop against the dangerous classes. Mr. Cobden is their commercial traveller, and he advises them to consult the safety of their goods by practising infinite complaisance towards their customer*, and punctually executing all orders received from France.

A French Suicide. —On Friday (says the Droit), two coffins were brought side by side into the Church of Bonne Nouvellc. They were followed by a maa absorbed in grief, and attended by a large crowd, remarkable for their sad and collected demeanour. Mademoiselle Palmjra, a dressmaker, living with her parents, was gifted with the most fascinating app.arance and the most loveable of characters, therefore ,a she eagerly sought in marriage. Among the cat/it for her hand she had a distinguished one, M. B experienced an intense passion for her. Though she fully reciprocated his feelings, she thought it right, through filial duty, to follow the wishes of her parents, and married instead one M. D , whose social poai(ion appeared to them preferable to that of his rival. The marriage took place four years ago. MM. B—and D (the husband and rival) were fast friends, and, although they had no business connection, daily visited each other. The mutual love of B and of Palmyra (now Madame D——) had, if anything, grown more intense. Out of regard for his friend, B , to turn his ideas in another direction, made up his mind to marrv, but, notwithstanding all bis efforts, be perceived that this heroic remedy was powerless to destroy his passion for his friend’s wife. Nevertheless, for four years neither he nor Madame D failed in their duty. What they had to suffer cannot be described, as the unsuspecting husband always contrived to bring the conscientious and reluctant lover to bis house. At length an unluckey chance brought the lovers together, and the friend betrayed the friend, the wife betrayed the husband. In an agony of remorse they acquainted him with the crime. He freely forgave them, as the victims of circumstances over which they had no control. He continued to live with his wife, but enjoined an eternal separation between the lovers. Tbv injunction was religiously obeyed, but the straggle between passion and duty was too violent to last. Fearful of again transgressing, the lovers determined to die together ; they were found inanimate from the fumes of charcoal, locked in each other’s arms. They had left a letter for the husband, acquainting him with their resolutions, and requesting that the same grave might receive them both, a wish he religiously executed. Their bodies were in the two coffins, and the chief mourner was the husband. Probable Revolution in Railway Travelling. —Another discovery threatens to change our railway plant, perhaps our railway system. M. Girard, under the patronage of the Emperor of the French, has constructed an experimental railway, on which the carriages are impelled after the manner of a sledge. The runners of the sledges rest on a species of hollow clogr, between which and the rails water is introduced. Thus the carriages slide on a thin layer of water, and friction is almost annihilated. The success of the experimental railway ia stated to be so decided that the Empeior has appointed a commission to report on the system. Lord Armadale, one of the Scotch judges, had a son, who, at the age of eleven or twelve rose to the rank of major. One morning his lady mother, hearing a noise in the nursery, rang to know the cause of it. “It is only,” said the servant, “ the major greeting (crying) for his porridge.’ ’ Contradicted—the report that a Yankee had invented a machine for taking the noise out of thunder.

(by a temporary resident.) Our dead are in their quiet graves. Beneath an unfamiliar tky. Brought here o’er half a world of waves,— Here among strangers now they lie. Far off,—from sunny Irish slopes ; Or purple, lonely. Scottish glen ; Or English work-hives:—warm with hopes Came these way-worn, world-faring men. And such are made of gallant stuff. Though rough and rugged they may be, Like all old England’s veterans bluff, For ages past, by land and sea. Low lying in their solemn rest. O'er them few kindred eyes may weep ; The foreign turf above them prest. Is far from where their fathers sleep. No well-loved village church is this. Round which most tender memories cling Of deepest woe and dearest bliss : *- That were an old-world thing. They place it here, —they place it there, — The whim or fancy of a day Rules,—and forthwith the House of Prayer Moves from its site away. Here, where we lay our soldier dead. They’ll close the gates when we depart; And the rank grass and weeds will spread. O’er ground made dear to many a heart. Lonely will be the grave-yard then, No pleasant spot where Christians meet— But desolation there may reign. Or the strayed cattle’s trampling feet. Those we thus leave in death-cold swoon, Beside the Taraaki river. To lie beneath the sun and moon. Till the tide of Time be over— We'll hold in memory when afar. Once more beyond the waters wide. We dwell beneath the Polar Star, Each, t;y his English hom«-flt»sme.