Reviews.

Reviews .

OFFICIAL DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CORNWALL , Originated and Eelited by Bro . W . J . HOGIIAK . This most useful little book is now before us , and we have perused it with much interest . It contains a great deal of valuable information , and is , as usual , most admirably edited . We learn from it that there arc 27 lodges

in the province , anel 1567 members ; that there are 279 Past Masters in the province , and that there have been 148 initiations in 1877 . There are also , it seems , 10 chapters , and 238 companions . The Charity Committee commands 73 votes for the Boys' School , 255 for the Givls ' School , 210 votes forthe Male and 208 votes for the Female Fund of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution

— in all 74 6 votes . There are 23 life governors , 14 life Subscribers , and 4 annual subscribers to the various charities , while 20 of thc lodges are life governors , and 3 of the chapters . We csnnot help being struck with the small number of life governors , and hope that it will soon be augmented . Such a fact , is not , we feel bound to

say , though wc say it in all fraternal good feeling , creditable to a province like Cornwall . The proportion of qualified loJgcs is good , as far as it goes , but it oi . ly shows what a mine has yet to be worked in our lodges and chapters . Every loelge and chapter ought to be a life governor of all the charities . We thank Bro . Hughan for his useful little book .

FREEMASONRY AND CIVILIZATION ; being an Allegorical Illustration of the Rise of the Orders of Architecture . Published by Bro . E . M . HAIGH , 213 , Regeut-sireet . Painted by Bro . CHAS . G . ROSKNBEUG , of New York . This is an allegorical representation of the onward and civilizing progress of Freemasonry , and is likely to be

much admired , and , we hope , largely patronized . It is meant as a companion to the Tracing Board in the Second Degree , and as such will form a most appri priate ornament to a lodge room . It is cleverly designed and most skilfully grouped , and the colouring is most effective . Wea-c very glad to call attention to this new anel attractive work of Masonic art .

GUIDE , WITH PLAN , TO PARIS AND ITS EXHIBITION . By Bro . J . T . LOTH , Simpkin , Marshall and Co . We have read this seasonable and useful little guide to Paris with pleasure . It is both very handy and very explicit , and any brother now starting for " La Grande Ville" and the Exhibition of 1878 cannot do better than

purchass one of these convenient and clearly arrangeel handbook's . We think the iel-. a of the book a good one , well worked out , and both practical and explanatory in the highest device . Bro . Loth elcserves well of all who have nut seen Paris before , and his little book may be perused even hy those who , like ourselves , kr . ow well and admire largely the great metropolis of European

civilization . For we must all saythisof Paris , be we who we may , that there are few cities in the world like her , and those know her best like her most . To all who have a good digestion , good temper , a fair share of time at their disposal , and fairer health , a competent sum of money to spend , Paris is alivays a pleasant place to visit for a longer or shorter space . Like the traveller and si journer of old

said , many modern visitors can say , "Je suis venua Paris pour une semaiur , et j ' ai reste six mois ' . " In the present instance the interest of the Exhibition will draw many to Paris , and for all who see the Boulevarels for the first time lig hted up of an evening , ( a wondrous sight ) , or delight in the Bois de Boulogne , to all John Bulls and Jennie Haws our good ftienel liro . Loth's handbook will prove a great help , and is mo = t truly to be commended and recommeneleel

ANIMAL INSTINCT . — A few weeks ago a family named Shuker lived at Dawley , in the county of Salop , but had occasion to leave anel go to Nottingham . They of course removed all their household goods , including a fine cat , which had been iu the family for years . Arriving at Nottingham thc cat showed signs of great dissatisfaction with her new abode , and after a few days disappeared . The other day the cat walktel into the old house

* * £ Dawley , to the great surprise of the neighbours . As ¦ tfight be expected , she was very footsore and lame . When it is considered that the distance travelled on foot by the cat , from NottingVum to Dawley , is over seventy miles , the feat seems one of the most wonderful ou record . Hundreds have flocked to see the four-footed pedestrian . Large sums have been refused by the owner for the favourite cat .

KENNISC ' MASONIC CVCI . OIM-. DJA . Edited by the Rev . A . F . A . WOODFORD , M . A . Price ios . 6 d . An immense amount of information respecting the terms of " the Craft , " eminent Freemasons , the literature of Freemasonry , and other kindred matters which may be lawfully spoken of in public , will be found in this volume , which furnishes ample proof of the industry and research

of its author . Of course Mr . Woodford does not run the risk of exposing his secrets to the uninitiated , and the curious outsiders who want to know what is being done in the meetings have therefore to content themselves with intimations that certain ceremonies are best explained in

the lodge , while other points are too well known to need elucidation . The work is one that all Freemasons who care to be duly posted up in the history of their society will be glad to possess , and both author and publisher deserve no small commendation for the spirit and energy shown in its production . —City Press .

Public Amusements.

Public Amusements .

ST . JAMES'S HALL . —The third of a series of five concerts given by Mme . Jenny Viard-Louis took place last Tuesday . To lovers of classical music these concerts are a rare treat . The orchestra is the best ever heard in London . Mme . Viard-Louis is a pianist of no common oreler , and her renelering of Hurnmel ' s Grand Concerto in

B Minor gave immense satisfaction to a very critical audience . Two songs in Madame Lemmens-Sheirington ' s best style helped considerably t : > lighten the concert , which was otherwise entirely orchestral . We sincerely hope Mme . Viarel-Louis will see her way to extend the number of these charming concerts .

QUEEN'S 1 HEATRE—The new play at this house , entitled "Madelaine Morel , " is about as poor a drama as ever was written . There is no interest , no sympathy , and no wholesome hatred created for any one of the dramatis persona . Madelaine Mcrcl herse f is a poor and weak imitation of Formosa—Formosa with the chill off—Formosa attempting to play the part of a boarding-school miss ,

in a ilrama that sugges-ts the trail of the serpent . Mrs . Rousby has never oeen seen to less advantage than as Madelaine Morel . Miss Eleanor Bufton as " Merope , " another unfortunate , was lively and spirited , but at times somewhat too noisy . Mr . Barnes , who is a clever young actor , strives very hard to redeem his part , a cross be ' . ween a country bumpkin and a milkiop , from the utter

contempt which in less skilful hands would certainly have been its fate . The whole play is sickly , maudlin , and unhealthy . ROYAL PARK THEATRE . —Madame St . Claire has done well and wisely in giving Londoners another opportunity of witnessing one of the brightest , happiest , and most sparkling of comic operas . " Pom " contains as

many * ' good things " as " Madame Angot , " anel in many eif the airs there is a sweetness that even the popular " Madame" cannot equal . Maelame Rose Bell as Trainctte is heard to great advantage at the ' * Park , " for her softer and sweeter notes are not lost as they would be ina larger building like the "Alhambra . " Miss Marie Parselle has a pleasing voice , and most ably sustained the

part of Pom ' s housekeeper , Angehepie . We understand that in consequence of other arrangements " Pom '* ' will not ho' . el the boards of thc Park Theatre fe r many Weeks , and as it may be a long time before this charming comic opera is again offered to a London audience , we would advise all who are fond of really gooel music to book seats for the " Park . "

The Crown Princess of Germany , attended by Count Bruhl and Count Ssckendorff , arrived at Dover from Calais on Tuesday abernoon , al 2 . 55 p . m ., by the London , Chatham , and Dover Company ' s special steamer The Breeze ( Captain Goldsack ) , and , after lunch at tlie Lr . rd Warden Hotel , they proceeded by special train tn Windsor , via Lonelon , Chatham , and Dover , and Southwestern Raihvays , which was reached by ten minutes past six in the evening .

Mayfair will on and after the 14 th inst ., be enlargeel to 20 pages , which will afford space for the introduction of several additional features of interest . It is understood in Berlin that the betrothal of his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught to the Princess Louise , third daughter of Prince Frederick Char ' es and Princess Marie of Prussia , will take place at Darmstadt on the nth inst .

The consecration of the St . Mary s Royal Arch Chapter , No . 63 , took place at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge , on Thursday last . The ceremony of consecration was performed by Comp . John Hervey , G . S . E ., assisted by Comps . Thomas Fenn , the Rev . A . F . A .

Woodforel , and Henry G . Buss . A repoit of the proceedings will appear in our next . Bro . the Rev . Dr . Brette , P . M . 1460 , W . M 1 C 57 , and Past Grand Chaplain for Mieldlesex , was on the 24 th ult . re-elected for the ninth time , Examiner , by the Senate of the University of London .

The Right Hon , W . H . Smith has forwarded a donation of £ 50 to Bro . the Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C ; in aid of the curates' fund of the parish of St . Clements Da-. es . PRESSURE IN THE CITY . — The Ciltj Press would seem to be no longer content to come out once a week . It is in future to be published every Wednesday

anel Saturday . Evidently that is a Press that won't be kept waiting . —Judy . THE DUKE OK CONNAUGHT . —At Windsor on Wednesday , the 28 th birthday of Prince Arthur ( Duke of Connaught ) was celebrated with the cus'omary honours . In the morning , and at intervals throughout the day the bells of St , George ' s Chapel anel St . John's Church , pealed

merrily , and Royal salutes were fired from the Adelaide frigate and Fort Belvedere , Virginia Waters . Prince Arthur was born on the 1 st of May , 1850 . Mayfair says it is , perhaps , among the things not generally known that the Corporation of tbe City of London have finally determined to carry out a design for

widening London Bridge . A demonstration in hononr of the arrival of the Earl and Countess of Limerick at Dromore Castle on Wednesday , for the first time since their [ marriage , was made by the tenantry . A t ' ara of diamonds and a magnificent claret jug were handed to the Countess , and an address was read .

The Masonic Magazine for May is now ready . It may be obtained of any Bookseller or Newsagent , price 6 d ., or direct from the office ( 198 , Fleet-street ) , post free for 7 d . —[ ADVT . ]

Notes On Art, &C.

NOTES ON ART , & c .

Bro . George Baxter , P . M ., has been presented with a handsome salver by the members of the Cabbell Lodge , No . 807 , at their last meeting , which took place on biiday week , at the Rampant Horse Hotel , Norwich . The salver bore the following inscription : — " Presented to Bro . George Baxter , P . M . Cabbell Lodge , No . 807 , as a token

of their esteem and fraternal affection . " The salver was presented by the Treasurer ( Bro . J . W . Lacey ) in a most telling and graceful manner . Bro . Baxter ( who upon rising was received with enthusiastic cheering ) replied in an eloquent speech . ROTAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC . —The competition for the Lady Goldsmid scholarship took place on

Monday , the examiners being Sir Julius Benedict , Messrs . Lunn , Brinley Richards , Dr . Steggall , and the principal ( Professor Macfarren ) . There were 23 candidates , and the scholarship was awarded to Beatrice Frances Sarah Davenport . THE POPE . —Mr . McDowell , of North Kensington , is at present modelling a bust of Pope Leo XIII .

as companion lo the bust of Pius IX ., recently produced by him . TROPICAL GARDENS FOR SWEDEN—Messrs . Alexander Shanks and Son , of Dens Ironworks , Arbroath , have designed and constructed a tropical garden which is

shortly to be erected at Gothenburg . The garden will consist of five houses substantially built of iron and glass , each one heated to the temperature of the countries from which its exotic occupants have been drawn . The structure weighs nearly 200 tons . DUTCH CANALS . —The Dutch Government

intends to build a canal from Amsterdam through the socalled Gtldern Valley to the Upper Waal ( the southern branch of the Rhine ) , and also additional canals in the provinces of Drenthe and Overijssel . Both projects are of great commercial importance with regard to the navigation on the Rhine and the communication by water between Germany and Holland . —Nature .

The Zoological Gardens have acquired a specimen of a rare and local variety of terrapins , or water-tortoises , from the River Amazon , a matamata , believed to be the first brought to Europe . The creature lives in a kind of double scollop-shell , and has a wonderfully long nose or beaK like a telescope . Another curiosity is a Humboldt ' s penguin , which has moulted in the gardens , losing

its old and acquiring new feathers within seven days . The bird now has brightly striped black and white plumage , quite different from its former coat . While moulting the penguin would not go into the water , thus showing that these birds orobably resort to sea islands forthe purpose of

moulting , as well as for laying their eggs . Captain Burton ' s Exploring Expedition to the newly-discovered silver mines in the Land of Midian has proved highly satisfactory . He has returned to Alexandria with a considerable amount of silver , and reports favourably of mining prospects .

THE COPYRIGHT COMMISSION . —The Royal Copyright Commissioners intend to hold a meeting on May 11 , for the purpose of finally settling the terms of their report . We have reason to believe that they will recommend that , uneler English law , no distinction shall be made between English anel foreign authors . In other words , they do not propose to make the concession of equal rights

to foreigners dependent upon reciprocity , but are prepared to advise that Great Britain shall set the other nations an example of justice and fair play . We believe that the Commissioners also express a strong opinion as to the deteriorating influence of literary piracy upon American literature . Several American witnesses were examined before the Commissioners . —Athemeum .

SOCIETY FOR THE FINE ARTS . —The third conversazione this season ol this society for the encouragement of the fine arts was held last week in the Conduitstreet Galleries , by permission of the Society of British Artists , whose works adorned the rooms and lent a pleasing variety to the musical portion of the evening ' s entertainment . Thc object of the society is to cultivate the arts of

music , poetry , and design , and to establish an active sympathy between the profe sors of those arts and the public . The artistes who took part in the concert last week were Miss Susannah Cole , Miss Cora Stuart , Mr . J . Harper Kearton , and Mr . R . Hilton , Miss Prytherch and Mr . J . Parry Cole peiforming on the piano . The society may be congratulated on the success of their attempt to provide a series of pleasant reunions for the lovers of the arts .

French pictures illustrating any incidents of the Franco-Prussian war are strictly excluded from the Paris Exhibition , in consequent of Emperor William having prohibited German artists to send any paintings relating to that campaign . The German art-contributions

will number about three hundred and fifty , the greater part being pictures , as there are but few pieces of sculpture . In the centre of the uallery devoted to Teutonic Art will be a table , containing thc most noteworthy illustrated books of recent publication , the work of eminent German painters , as well as maps and architectural drawings .

NATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL FOR MUSIC . — Various movements in favour of this school are going on . Birmingham has declared the establishment of a seventh free scholarship , which will be held by a student after Easter . An extensive association throughout Lancashire

for promoting music as a means of culture among all classes is being organised , with the Bishop of Manchester as President . Special teachers of music for elementary schools and night classes are to be trained , and in Manchester competitions will be held to award scholarships at the National Training School .