Masonic Snuff Box.

taming a number of Masonic emblems , and the date 1669 , as depicted on tracing here given .

We have here in the centre the compasses and square , surrounded by the sun , triangle and Bible , eye , compasses and square , with sun in centre and segment attached , moon surrounded by seven stars , and two hands clasped . * The manner of opening the box , although simple enough to the initiated , often

proves rather puzzling to the cowan ; it is by moving the top metal disc half round to the left , which exposes the opening for the insertion of the finger and thumb . This would hardly suit the Highlander , who prefers to shovel his delicacy into his nostrils with a small spoon , which he generally carries in his " mull . "

Freemasonry may boast of the delicate attentions paid to it by the eminent and supreme head of the lloman hierarchy , alias the Pope , in 1738 and subsequently—but what of that ? It cannot come up to snuff , for snuff had the honour of being complimented bPope Urban in 1624—justas Bro . B . would

y , say , 93 years before Freemasonry was born . And again , in 1690 , it had some further Innocent attentions paid to it . Yet , despite all this , snuff and Masonry have been close friends for mauy , many years . Many lodges have their snuff mulls , which are kept constantly relenished with the best nose ticklers that love or

p money can produce . There is , e . g ., the very fine ram ' s head of the G . K , L ., which looks quite amiably at you as you dip your finger into the former receptacle of its own brain .

I must at present conclude , and trust the subject of of Masonic snuff boxes is equally interesting with that of Masonic tobacco boxes , and glad to hear the opinions of your readers as to the real age of the emblems depicted . f—Yours fraternally , F . Q . M . [ Although we have engraved the design on the cover , as given above , we have a very strong doubt about its pretended antiquity . —ED . F . M . ]

Why Is It ?

WHY IS IT ?

It is remarkable what a difference there is between Masonic communities with respect to the amount of cordiality and brotherly love existing between the members . In one lodge mutual affection , esteem , and respect for each other are so marked that even the profane eye cannot fail to see it , while in another fraternal confidence is perpetually oscillating between

indifference and caprice , and the members are divided up into little cliques or select circles , each antagonistic to the other , and acting only in common when it is legitimately necessary in the prosecution of mystic labour . It is just so in domestic life . One family will he

all peace and tranquillity . Love pervades everywhere aud parents and children labour together for mutual enjoyment and happiness . When one is glad they are all glad , and pain , suffering , and sorrow are sympathised with or shared by all . Jealousy , envy , and strife are not permitted to plant or diffuse their noxious influences within the home circle ; and thus keeping bright sunshine within doors ; they have always on hand a fund of kindness and tenderness for all with

whom they come m contact , at home or abroad . Another family , with the same advantages of health , wealth , and position , are eternally at war with each other . Sullen looks , reproaches , and altercations , an entire eradication of conjugal and filial affection , neglect , dissipation , improper associations—in fact , the household is nothing but an embodiment of

unhappiness , estrangement , embarrassment , and unqualified domestic misery . Now this domestic happiness and domestic unhappiness are attributable entirely to the individuals immediately interested , primarily of course to the controlling authorities , but in a great measure to the entire family circles . One is governed by

genial , purifying , and affectionate influences , unrestricted and unrestrained , and from these flow an abundance of social bliss ; while the other is full of mischief , fear , suspicion , hatred , and restraint , and is prolific of evils . And so we believe it to be in Masonic institutions . Where you see the entire brotherhood of a lodge full of affection and regard for each other , always ready to rejoice at the praise , promotion , or success of a

brother , and equally as ready to sympathise and sorrow with him if calamity , misfortune , or disease afflict him , there you may look for honest , sincere , conscientious craftship from the highest to the lowest , and there for the inculcation and propagation of true Masonic principles . But where a lodge is made up of individuals coldselfishand diverse as possible in their

, , natures—where their mechanical meetings , transactions , and partings begin and end at communications —where it is regarded as superserviceable to give a word or look of encouragement to one of their own brethren—where a general suspicion or distrust pervades the entire body towards bright , prominent , and

progressive young members , who are awed into silence by frowns , and threats , and sarcasms—there you may look for unsafe and unhappy men—there for a desecration of the sacred landmarks which are the lights to guide earnest and honest brothers on their upward way , and there for a congregation of barnacles that are of no possible use to themselves , and unprofitable , detrimental , and injurious to the organisation . The Landmark .