Reviews.

Reviews .

BRIEF . A Weekly epitome of the Press . Vol . i . Wyman and Sons . We have been favoured with this " goodly first volume of a new weekly paper , now , we believe of much circulation . Wc have conned over its pages , and found much to admire and much to amuse in them . As an epitome of weekly facts it undoubtedly has its use , and if " brevity be

the soul of wit , " we think that it is likely to be much appreciated , inasmuch as short extracts are often read when long leaders are passed over . Without at all endorsing its peculiar views or political utterances of many kinds , as alien altogether , whether on one side or the other , from the genius and mission of Freemasonry proper , we yet can fairly commend the idea , and as honestly praise the consummation .

THE HISTORY OF THE LODGE OF KELSO , No . 58 . By BRO . W . FRED DIXON , W . M . No . 261 . Printed for private circulation . We have read this little work in extenso , having had the pleasure to pemse part of it in the Scottish Freemason previously , with much satisfaction , and we feel strongly that the thanks of all Masonic students are

e ue to Bro . Vernon . This unpretending sketch of ihe , va uable Minute Book of the Lodge of St . John , Kelso , dating from 1701 , is full of those minute touches of facts which delight the eyes of our Masonic " Dryasdusts " and " Jonathan Oldbucks . " Two points come out clearly , the mixture . of the speculative and the

operative elements in 1701 , and the late character of the Master Mason's Grade , ( 1754 ) , " nominatim , " though of the Master Masons named , all seem to have been old members of the lodge . We can commend this little work as most carefully and conscientiously edited by Bro . Vernon , and to all in whose hands it falls it will be , as it was to us , alike a source of valuable information .

MUSIC . Six New Tunes to Well-known Hymns . By Mrs . M . A . TEBBS , dedicited to the Bishop of Rochester . London , Novello and Co . These hymns , the production of the wife of our wellknown and able Bro . the Rev . W . Tebbs , will be

welcomed by all lovers of hymn music . They are written to certain well-known hymns in the equally well-known popular selection termed " Hymns Ancient and Modern . " We wish for them all success , and we think we shall not be wrong in anticipating for them much of public patronage and approval .

Multum In Parbo ,Or Masonic Notes And Queries.

Multum in Parbo , or Masonic Notes and Queries .

I was refreshing myself with a " dip , "—( how suggestive in this weather ) , —into Edward Jcsse ' s ' pleasant edition of honest old Izaak Walton ' s" Complete Angler , " when at page 280 I lighteel on the following note , which is quoted as taken from Tenneman ' s " Manual of the History of Philosophy , Bohn , 1854 . " All such notes , " quantum valent" when found , I think right to be recorded , and ,

therefore , I give this one for the benefit of fellow students . " The title of the Rosycruciar s , or the brothers of the Rosy Cross , was first assumed by a set of Hermetic philosophers in Germany about the commencement of the 14 th century . They prcfessed to have a knowledge of all the occult sciences , as the making of gold , the prolongation of human life , the restoration of youth , from which

they were also called Immortales , anel the formation of the Philosopher ' s Stone ; but all these secrets they were bound by a solemn oath to reveal only to the members of their own fraternity , and it is to this custom in particular that Walton alludes . Their founder was a German gentleman ,

named Christian Crux , who had travelled to Palestine , where fal'ing sick he was cured by Arab physcians , who , he asserted , revealed to him their mysterious arts . He died in 1484 , and the name of his society was composed of the word Ros , dew , and his own name , Crux a Cross , the old chemical character for Light . " MASONIC STUDENT .

The New " Creaton" " Lodge.

THE NEW " CREATON" " LODGE .

( Communique . ) We have been informed that some difficulties have arisen in the granting of a warrant for this proposed new lodge . We think , however , that there is some mistake about the matter , inasmuch as , according to statements which have reacheel us , some one seems to have made a blunder of

the most amusing kind . It appears that some persons have read the name of the proposed new lodge as " Creation , " whereas it was intended to be called the " Creaton Lodge , " after our gallant anel eleserving Bro . Lieut-Col Creaton , who was to be the first W . M . Anil this is the one point we do not ourselves profess to undcrstanel , nor can we realise how any such mistake could possibly have

been made in the affair . It is obviously impossible for a moment to admit the idea that any slight , on any ground , personal or otherwise , was intendeel to be cast upon so exctllent and worthy a brother as Lieut-Col . Creaton , and we feel sure that this is a mistake of some kind , which has arisen from " circumstances over which nobody hael any control . " As we understand the case ,

the proposed Creaton Lodge has been set on foot by many most respectable and zealous brethren residing in the neighbourhood of Regent-street , who were elesirous to give their new lodge ( a not unpardonable desire ) the prestige and popularity of their well-known and highly valued

Bro . Lieut-Col . Creaton . We arc aware that some opposition has been entertained to the multiplication of the names of living Masons as given to lodges , but remembering that we have a " Hervey Lodge , " an "Erasmus Wilson Lodge , " and a " Muggeridge Lodge , " we are glad to hear of the so . called " Creaton Lodge .

R. Wentworth Little Memorial.

R . WENTWORTH LITTLE MEMORIAL .

The first meeting of the committee , appointed on the 5 th inst , was held on Friday last . The chair was taken by Bro . John Boyd , P . G . P . Col . Burdett was elected Chairman , he having consented to accept the office if the committee would act without him for the next two months , during his absence from England . Bro . James Lewis

Thomas , Asst G . D . of C , was elected a member of the committee , and it was resolved to ask Bro . Col . Creaton if he would become a member of the committee and accept the office of Vice-Chairman . It was resolved that an advertisement be placed in the Freemason asking for donations to the Fund to be sent to Bro . Buss , Assistant Grand Secretary , Freemason ' s Hall , and that a letter be printed

and sent to the Life Governors of the Girls' School , and to the Masters of lodges , but it was thought advisable that this should be postponed until the first or second week in October , as the loelges were now closed for the vacation . The Chairman wished the members of the committee to ask all their friends to forward donations to the Treasurer in the meantime . The meeting was then adjourned until Monday , the 28 th of October , at 5 p . m .

The Crystal Palace And Education.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE AND EDUCATION .

Professor James Stuart , of Trinity College , Cambridge , whose exertions in establishing the University Extension scheme , of which he was the principal founder , are well known , recently visited the Crystal Palace on behalf of the Cambridge Syndicate , and delivered an

address in the lower lecture-room of the Ladies' Division of the Crystal Palace Company ' s School of Art , Science , and Literature . Mr . Thomas Hughes , Q . C ., chairman of the company , was in the chair , and there were also present Mr . George Grove , the Rev . Henry White , of the Chapel Royal , Savoy , Professor of English Literature to the Palace Company ; the Hon . and Rev .

Augustus Legge , Vicar of Sydenham , Major Flood-Page , Miss Macmillan , Mr . F . Shenton , and a number of ladies . Mr . Stuart ' s lecture was mainly an explanation of the system adopted by the University for the instruetion of the extra University classes , which now number many thousands of pupils . Not only are lectures delivered , but the teacher is directed to remain in the 100 m for some time after

the conclusion of each lecture ^ , and class , in order to answer questions or solve the difficulties which have occurred to pupils , and to give advice as to the reading of text-books and other means of efficiently studying the subject . Each lecture is accompanied by a syllabus distributed to the pupils and by questions . Those who desire to answer these que st ons do so in writing at home ,

and submit their answers to the teachers for correction and comment . A class is formed of those who desire to study more fully the subject of particular lectures . The class , at the discretion of the teacher , either takes up the subject of the lectures or cognate subjects bearing directly on it and necessary for its elucidation . The teaching in the class is more conversational than that in the lecture . The

teaching in a course of lectures is of a continuous character . Wiitten examinations are held at the conclusion of each course by examiners appointed by the Syndicate , certificates of attendance and examination are given , and after three years' attendance the students become entitled to a Vice-Chancellor ' s certificate specifying the courses attended and the distinctions gained . Mr . Stuart having given his

account of a system which has been already experimentally in force for a year at the Palace , thanks were offered to him by Mr . White , Mr . Legge , and Mr . Hughes , and the meeting dispersed . The original elesign of the Crystal Palace was to promote education , and for that purpose large sums were expended in science and art collections . It now has too regular students and 27 teachers , and is

seeking to dcvelope the educational department of the Palace into a collegiate institution for the South of London . The Cambridge local examinations for ladies are conducted at the Palace , and it is the fourth centre for them in England in importance . Three courses of lectures will now , in the ensuing session which begins in October , be delivered to ladies by teachers appointed by the Cambridge Syndicate .

The subjects are to be history of England , political economy , and " social history , " which means a sketch of the nature , progress , and influence of the various classes anel ranks of the community—a history not of Governments but of nations , with special reference to the English . Courses by the ordinary teachers of the school will also be delivered on

general history , physical geography , English literature , and German literature and language . At the meeting the hope was expressed that University extension lectures will be established for young men also , but Mr . Legge said , amid signs of surprise and amusement , that in some parts of his parish the female population is three times that of the male .

The Dean and Chapter of St . Paul s have given their consent to the experimental execution of designs for the decoration of the dome of the Cathedral . An experiment is first to be made of Mr . Leighton ' s cartoons , to cost £ 4000 , and if successful his larger work will be undertaken , costing from £ 45 , 000 to £ 30 . 000 . Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to confer the vacant Garter upon the Marquis of Salisbury .

STORM WARNING . —The following cable message has been received at the London office of the New York Herald from New York : —Storm centre , preceded by shallow depression , will probably reach British , affecting French , coasts , about the 27 th , attendee ! by strong southeast to north-west gales ; rains , possibly lightning , following by fall of temperature . Storm track will probably range between latitudes 40 and 50 to longitude 30 , thence north-eattward over British islands .

Notes On Art, &C.

NOTES ON ART , & c .

It is said to be " authoritatively reported " that the Porte is about to grant an English company a concession for a railway from Mersina through Diarbekir to Erzeroum , " both for strategical and commercial purposes , " Alexandria is threatened with a water famine . The canal , thirty miles long , supplying it from the Nile ,

has become almost dry . It is choked with mud , the water being eliverted by great landowners higher up for their cotton crops . The old Roman cisterns have mostly been broken up for building material , and those remaining are too fnul for use . Professor Kiepert asserts that the Dobrudscha will ever remain , despite the most energetic efforts to

improve it , what it has been for three thousand years , an unhealthy , treeless , desert soil . —Standard Correspondent . A Madras paper narrates the following occurrence : —On the 13 th of May a very large number of locusts settleel on a portion of the Madras line of railway , coveting the metals for some distance A passing train crushed some thousands of them , and the glutinous substance from

their bodies rendered the rails so slippery that the wheels ref nsed to take the metals , and the engine bad to be brought to a stand-still , and the wheels and metals cleaned before the train could proceed . The train which followed was also detained by the same cause . The recently printed Bill which empowers the Trustees of the British Museum to transfer to other places

some of their collections , according to which the Natural History Departments will be moved to South Kensington , ought to add more than a hundred valuable portraits , long ago hoisted over the stuffed birds , to the National Portrait Gallery . These works are nearly all of more or less interest . They include a good picture of the Protector Oliver , by Walker , and 2 . 5 Royal Portraits—e . g ., Elizabeth ,

Princess Palatine , by Mierevelt , and Elizabeth , Queen of Bohemia , by the same ; the Duke of Monmouth ; James I . ; Duke of Cumberland , by Morier ; Queen Elizabeth , ascribed to Zucchero ; George II ., by Shakleton ; Margaret , Countess of Richmond ; Queen Caroline . There are many portraits of men of science , and letters , and arms , such as Dr . A . Giffard ; Rev . T . Birch ; H . Wanley ; Claudius J .

Rich ; Sir H . Sloanc , by Slaughter ; Robert Hatley , Earl of Oxford ; Sir R . Cotton ; Sir John Cotton ; Edward Harley , Earl of Oxford , by Dahl ; Speaker Onslow ; Bacon ; Duke of Marlborough ; A . Marvel ; Archbishop Usher ; H . Spelman ; M . Prior , by Hudson ; W . Camden ; Speed ; John Ray ; Cranmer ; G . Bauchanan ; Voltaire ; Vesalius , ascribed to A . More ; Sir F . Drake ; Luther ; Captain W .

Dam pier ; J . Locke ; Dr . J . Wallis ; R . Baxter ; Britton , " the small coal man "; Sir H . Vane ; Robert Cecil ; anel Loid Anson . Also a first-rate Weenix , " A Hunting Piece , " which would be welcome at the National Gallery . Clause 2 of the Bill permits the Trustees of the Museum to transfer " all or any pictures belonging to them to the National

Gallery or to any department of her Majesty ' s Government " The Blackpool Winter Garden and Pavilion , which have been formeel at a cost of about £ roo , ooo , were opened on Thursday week by the Lord Mayor of London and a great body of civic tlignitaries from all parts of England and Wales .

Sir Coutts Lindsay asks us to state that it is his intention to open the Grosvenor Gallery free after 3 o ' clock on the afternoons of the ensuing Saturdays—viz ., July 27 th anel August 3 rd . As the galleries will only accommodate a limited number some system of admission is indispensiblc , and it has therefore been decieled to issue tickets , which can be obtained gratis on Friday next and

on each succeeding Friday by application , either personally or by letter containing adelressed envelopes to the secretary , 132 , New Bond-street—Times . The Building News says that Mr . Street has undertaken to elesign the memorial brass , which is to be placed over Sir Gilbert Scott ' s grave in Westminster Abbey . A young lady , the daughter of Mr . C . K . Hall ,

an Englishman in practice at Pans as a Frencli aelvocate , has just successfully passed her second examination at the Sorbonne , which entitles her to the diploma of Bachelict ej Lettres . The parish church of Eckington , near C Jc . « It r field , has been reopened after restoration , and , being of great antiquity and interest in the neighbourhood , was

visiteel by crowds from all parts . Stained windows , by Taylor , have been presented to the church—the two in the tower by the Wells family , and those in the north aisle by-Messrs . Wilson , of Eckington Mills , anel by subscription of fiiends in memory of the late Mr . Aldcrson . Theatrical business at Pompeii , which has been at standstill since the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A . 11 .

appears to be looking up , judging from the following announcement of Signor Luigni : — " After a lapse of more than i 8 co years , the theatre of this city will be reopened with La Figlia del Rcggimento . I solicit a continuance of the favour bestowed on my predecessor Marcus Quintus ifartius , and beg to assure the public that I shall make every effort to eeiual the rare qualities displayed during his management "

On Friday week a tank of 2000 gallons of creosote , which was being conveyed from Birmingham to South Wales , burst at Hereford and ran into the River Wye , killing a great quantity of salmon , trout , and other fish . * It has been determined to form a high grade

school in Barrow-in-Furness , and with a view of assisting the scheme , the Duke of Devonshire has given £ 1000 . It is proptseel , pending the erection of a permanent building , to commence the school in temporary premises forthwith , and the Duke of Devonshire has offered £ 50 a year towards its maintenance . The school will be under the South Kensington Department .