Masonic Lessons Drawn From The Vegetable Kingdom.

onr Members and our Lodges will fail of their high mission and wither and decay . To every healthy person death is repulsive , and while we know ifc must como to

an end , let us like the plant endeavour with our utmost power to make our decay prove a living death , so that onr work may survive us and become fruitful in blessing

thoso who follow . Flowers teach us humility ; for while we admire the stately lily for its beauty and purity , or love the rose because of its form , colour and fragrance , let

ns not fail to draw a lesson from the humble violet which modestly hides its sweetly perfumed blossoms in the sheltering leaves . We can also learn obedience in our

gardens . When the gentle rains are withheld and the kindly dew 3 are insufficient to sustain the plant , ifc droops its head in submission and uncomplainingly yields its very life , an offering of devotion and fidelity to nature ' s decree" thus we learn to be meek , humble , and resigned . " Secrecv and fidelitv are also tancht bv flowers—the secrets

and mysteries of form , colour , and development , are never divulged , but aro transmitted to their successors pure and unsullied—the radiant geranium does not impart the mystery of its brilliant colouring to the sweet mignonette , and the woodbine keeps from the handsome dahlia tbe secret of its delicious perfume , but every tree aud plant

remains faithful to the laws which govern it . From tho study of horticulture we may acquire the useful lesson of benevolence and charity—the lovely blossom is ever diffusing its scent and unfolding its radiance regardless of praise or reward—the tree

affords a grateful shade from the noon-day sun ; its leaves help to purify unwholsome atmosphere , its blossoms provide honey for the birds and bees , aud its fruit

nourishment and refreshment for man—it ungrudgingly yields its stores for the benefit of all within reach . So the true Mason makes himself felt and appreciated whenever help is needed—he does not s ' iop to consider what

advantage he may gain by dispensing charity , visiting the sick , or speaking a kindly word to the down-hearted and disconsolate , but is ever at the disposal of those who need his assistance . The man who thus keeps himself in touch with

his unfortunate fellows is producing a rich harvest which will never fail . The vegetable world embodies the Masonic virtue—silence . While the work of growth is going on , and every part of the tree or plant is undergoing incessant

change , there is no noise—the most acute ear may strain every nerve to catch the faintest whisper , but all in vain , for not a sound can be heard—the boisterous wind may rush through the branches in blustering haste so as to

almost deafen the listener , but the roar is the swiftly moving air only—the monarch of tho forest himself is silent . Flowers , like Masonic virtues , aro never out of place—whether in the field , the garden , the mountain

side or the still pool , they are always delightful to the eye—in the adornment of a woman or in the tiny hand of a little child , whether ornamenting an apartment , gracing a wedding , adding beauty to a festival or

relieving the gloom of a funeral , they are never incongruous—they bespeak affection , peace , beauty , gratitude , purity , and love , and we welcome them in our Lodge-room as emblems of these qualities and graces we

all admire . Plants are capable of the highest cultivationno effort is thrown away on them . On the contrary , they respond to every well-directed attention—new varieties , richer odours and novel tints and forms reward the skilful

horticulturalist , and in this respect the Mason may learn a useful lesson . By watchfulness and diligence the working of our numerous and beautiful decrees may be improved , the impressiveness of our ceremonies be deepened

and a fuller meaning be conveyed alike to the brethren and candidates . A careless gardener will assuredly exert a prejudical influence on tbe products of his ground , and the incapable or indifferent Master of a Lodge will create

inertness or even dissatisfaction amongst the brethren . When unfortunately this occurs , Masonic deterioration ensues , and the tenets inculcated in the Lodge fall short of their mission . It is therefore the paramount duty

of every ruler amongst us to be industrious , ever watchful and zealous for the honour of the Craft , and careful to promote the grand principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth . No effort in this direction

will ever be unavailing , but the welfare of the Lodge and improvement and comfort of the brethren under his direction must ensue . The sun which diffuses warmth and light over the world is necessary to the life of the plant , so is the skilled Master needed in the Lodge to instruct

Masonic Lessons Drawn From The Vegetable Kingdom.

and enlighten the members . Our theme is almost inexhaustible , but enough has been said we think to show that Masonic lessons may be drawn from the vegetable

kingdom as well as from Lodge furniture , emblems , or working tools . In placing these few crude ideas before you , we have merely scratched the surface , but there are grander

heights and lower depths attainable by all who take the pains to investigate the subject . The study of the useful arts and sciences is recommended to every newly-made

Mason , and in prosecuting our researches this evening we have not disturbed a single landmark of our Order . The

beautiful flowers which adorn our Lodge-room in such profusion convey to our hearts and minds principles which should always be working within us , and which presonted

m a new form may unfold a deeper meaning , and make us better fitted for that Grand Lodge above , whither we hope all of us are tending . —Sydney Freemason .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . J . A . BIRCH . IT is with deep regret wa announce the death of Brother J . A . Birch , yarn agent , of Holly House , Timperley , which took place at Blackpool , on Wednesday morning . Brother Birch was sixty-four of age , and was a native of Flixton .

He was educated at the Manchester Grammar School . His father was largely engaged in Oldham as a cotton spinner , and the subject of this notice , after learning the business , was established in a mill of his own in

Oldhamroad . He afterwards went abroad for some years , and on his return was appointed manager of the North Shore Mills , Liverpool . By a calamitous fire those mills were burned to . the ground , when Bro . Birch came again to

Manchester , and began business as a yarn agent . He became interested in Freemasonry , soon attained high rank as an officer , and actively participated in the management of tho Charities connected with the Order , botb in London and in

Lancashire . He was treasurer to the Railway Servants ' Orphanage . On the 18 th July 1874 , Bro . Birch entered the Manchester City Council as a representative of St .

Ann's Ward , and was a member for a period of eight years . He was elected a member of the Gas , Waterworks , and Rivers Committees , upon all of which—especially tho last—he rendered valuable service . When the movement

was started for regulating and limiting the hours during which children should be permitted to vend newspapers in the streets , his benevolent sympathies led him to take a prominent part in it , and the success which subsequently

attended an application to Parliament was largely owing to his zealous advocacy and support . As a magistrate and as ono of tho visiting justices , his intelligence and

assiduity were appreciated by his colleagues . On tho platform , as in the City Council , he waa a fluent , argumentative , and successful speaker . The Church Temperance Society , which has had his support for a long period , will feel his loss keenly .

BROTHER GEORGE NEWMAN P . M . P . Z . 766 . This respected brother died at his residence , in Holloway Road , N ., on Monday , the 4 th instant . Bro . Newman was a Past Master of the William Preston and Lion and Latiib

Lodges ; a P . Z . and founder of the William Preston Chapter ; a P . M . of St . Mark's Mark Lodge ; and a Life Governor of all the Masonic Charifcios . The funeral took nlace . on the 11 th instant , at East Finchlev Cemeterv . and

I / ' * i *} * was largely attended by members of the Masonic Order , among whom wero Bros . William Worrell P . M . and Secretary 766 , E . Kidman P . M . 766 , aud F . G . Barns S . W . 766 .

A very handsome wreath of flowers was laid on tho coffin , "in affectionate remembrance , from the brethren of tho William Preston Lodge . " I m mil mil il nil lllll IMIIIIIB ¦¦¦ IMMIIIIlMi ^ M ^ III — I 1 MIIM 1 III IB 1 HIIM II IIIMIIM ¦!¦¦»

The annual supper of the members of the Brownrigg Lodge of Instruction will take place , on Tuesday next , at the Alexandra Hotel , Norbiton , at 7 " 30 . Tickets 3 s 6 d each .

The Prosperity Lodge of Instruction , No . 65 , has been removed from the Hercules Tavern , Leadenhall-street , E . C , and now meets at the City Arms Restaurant , 2 St . Mary Axe , E . C , on Tuesdays , at 7 p . m .