Original Correspondence.

but also his excellent qualities and virtues . Our departed brother has left but one daughter , his favourite and best beloved , who has been a true ministering angel to him . From the commencement of his illness , until the sad and final end , she incessantly watched by his bedside . Almost his last words were , while embracing her , "God bless yo "

my dearest child . " In most of his deeds of charity thai lady was his "factotum , " his secretary and his almoner . To show you how universally he is regretted , I will but mention an incident . Yesterday I met a friend , a Catholic priest ; his words were , " My poor flock will sadly miss their kind and good friend . " To day 1 met a Jewish rabbi , whose first words were , " 1 can but inadequately express

my sincere sorrow at the loss of such a man . Many the acts of kindness I have received at his hands . " This good and noble man knew no distinction of caste , of race ; to the poor especially he was the gentlestof the gentle . May his soul rest in peace . Yours fraternally , v October 4 th .

Reviews.

REVIEWS .

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS . No . II ., III . Cassell and Galpin . The progress of this spirited republication seems going on apace and satisfactorily , and as we take up each succeeding number we feel more and more how very wonderful was the influence of those Oriental Stories on the childhood and youth of a couple or so of generations ago . We are aware that stern moralists and ecstatic preachers have found fault with the " Arabian Nights " as instructors and amusers of youth . But then , to say the

truth , as we always object to people " taking the high moral line " especially out of season , we pay very little heed to any such fanatical objection , or any "ex parte" statements of the kind . One of the surest indications of the bad taste and worst form of the rising generation is in theallegcd unconcern and want of appreciation for the " Arabian Nights . " It onlyshows how thoroughly vititatcd the temper

of their minds must have become , how utterly demoralized by the sensationalism of the hour , if they can and do preferthe high spiced melodramas of odious criminality and successful villainy , to those amusing and harmless , and yet fascinating talcs , which delighted our forefathers , and filled our youthful memories with pleasant associations and gracious imaginings . The quaint and often fantastic

traditions of Oriental parable and word-painting , have a mine of wit , and truth , and sense , and loyal sympathy and kindly teaching in them one add all , which only has to be faithfully explored and safely reached to reward the industrious seeker , and make him glad to company with those gay ghosts of the Arabian story tellers , which till up idle hours or supply our daily musings with genial and elevating thoughts .

THE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO SALISBURY CATHEDRAL . Brown and Co ., Canal , Salisbury . This is a remarkably handy and admirably illustrated little handbook to one of the most beautiful of English cathedrals , which deserves a reverent pilgrimage from all who love the works of mediaeval masons , and delight in those beautiful " houses of God in the land , " which tell us

such an impressive tale of the piety and sacrifices of our forefathers . Salisbury Cathedral , from its peculiar position and its architectural claims , has long been a source of fervent admiration to those who know it best ; and it may be pardoned the writer of this effective illustrated guide , if he soars occasionally into enthusiasm when describing the effect of that stately structure , at all times , seasons , orhours on the sympathetic imagination , or the reflective mind . No

one can spend a shilling better than in the purchase of this little work ; and we will just add that it would be better for some of us , in our opinion , if before they went abroad to distinguish themselves , as they sometimes do , in foreign cathedrals ( see Brown , Jones , and Robinson " passim" ) , they would learn to appreciate the wonderful beauties and excellencies architecturally , of the cathedrals of their native country .

^^^^i^^^^^^^^ U-iM ^ y . ^^

-Oi-:-Go ] MASONIC AND HERMETIC ILLUSTRATIONS . I would venture to suggest that all your correspondents who note what they consider Masonic or Hermetic symbols in MSS ., and early printed works , should write and let you know , as I feel quite sure , from personal observation , that many such little matters arc passed by as wholly undeserving of notice , though often very valuable and important , and that there are many things as yet not touched upon and not dreamt of , alike in Bibliographic lore and Masonic philosophy . BOOKWORM .

70 ] MASONS' COMPANY . Have any documents of this company ever been published ? Is any history of it extant ? 1 have been , so far , practically able to find no accounts of it at all . BOOKWORM .

71 ] RE COWAN . Bro . Chalmers is quite correct as to Bro . Sir Walter Scott using the term " Cowan " in one of his works . Masonically it was used as early as 1599 for certain , and , doubtless , earlier , if we had the old minutes to consult , fn 1 599 '' described one who had a knowledge of Masonry , but had not acquired it according to the usages of the Craft , and that meaning has been connected with the term

from that day to this . The word is now virtually obsolete , save in its Masonic sense , just as with the word " hele . " Bro . D . Murray Lyon , in his fine work on the "Lodge of Edinburgh , " has much to say about the origin of the Word , but Masonically there cannot he a doubt of the meaning , and outsiders , not being cowans , were " eavesdroppers , " or " intruders . " W . | . HUGHAN .

Reviews.

| i fBgSHHB jstma

( £ raft iirlasonruu VITRUVIAN LODGE ( No . S ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday evening , at the White Hart Hotel , Belvedere-road , Lambeth . Bro . Robinson , W . M ., occupied the chair ; and there were present Bros . Jannaway , S . W . ; Knight , J . W . ; Davis , J . D . ; T . Minstrell , I . G . ; Watson , Lambourne , and a large muster of brethren . The ceremony of passing was most successfully worked .

The bye-laws , as altered , were unanimously agreed to , and ordered to be printed . A petition from a Past Master , who had been for very many years a subscribing member , and who from failing eyesight had been considerably reduced in circumstances , was received , asking the support of the lodge in his application to the Lodge of Benevolence for pecuniary assistance . It was unanimously agreed to

recommend the petition , which was signed by every brother present . The W . M . announced that the members of the King's Cross Lodge of Instruction , No . 1732 , would pay a complimentary visit to the lodge of instruction , on the 23 rd inst ., and work the whole of the Fifteen Sections . The lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren partook of refreshment .

DUKE OF EDINBURGH LODGE ( No . 1259 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place on the 7 th inst ., at the Cape of Good Hope Tavern , Limehouse , and was in every respect worthy of the high character the lodge possesses both for its good harmony and brotherly love . The lodge was opened by Bro . Hancock , W . M ., and Mr . Eatall , a candidate for initiation , having been approved of , was made acquainted with the

mysteries and privileges of the First Degree . Bro . J . Terry , P . M ., & c , & c , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , was then placed in the chair as Installing Officer , and in his own inimitable style proceeded to instal Bro . T . W . Gilling , W . M . elect , in the chair of K . S . We need hardly say that the ceremony was worthy of the highest commendation , and such as all Masons , who know the intense interest our distinguished brother takes

in all his Masonic duties , might easily be led to expect from hisgreat and profound Masonic erudition . The following officers were invested by the M . M .: Bros . E . H . Rolfe , S . W . ; J . Chorlton , J . W . ; E . Jex , P . M ., Treasurer ; R . Bradbrook , P . M ., Secretary ; W . Esmonde , S . D . ; C . Wakefield , J . D . ; Homer , I . G . ; G . T . H . Seddon , P . M ., i . rganist ; Robinson , Steward ; J . P . Moore , P . M ., D . C . ; and James Very , Tyler . The three charges ,

as delivered by Bro . Terry , were a purely Masonic treat , and delighted every one present . A handsome Past Master's jewel was then presented to the I . P . M ., who briefly returned thanks . Bro . Jex , P . M ., then rose , and , amid great applause , proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Terry for the handsome manner in which he had carried out the duties of Installing Officer .

Bro . Moore , P . M ., eloquently seconded , and Bro . Adkins supported , the proposition , and it was carried unanimously . Bro . Terry said that it was some years ago since he presided in the chair of the W . M . at the consecration of the lodge . Bro . J . Wright was its first Master , and since then , to show the importance of the lodge , as well as the estimable qualities of Bro . Wright , he had been invested by their

Royal Grand Master as a Grand Officer of the Grand Lodge of England . As for himself , he was pleased to be able to be with them , and as one of the oldest honorary members of the lodge felt a natural interest in its welfare . He trusted for many years to be spared to come among them , and prove to them how much he appreciated their earnest endeavours for the grand Charities of the Order , and aid them in their prosperity by every means in his power .

A vote of thanks was then passed to Bro . Wright for his attendance , and in response , he said he always had , and should have , a great interest in its welfare . Bro . jex then , in the course of an eloquent and lengthy speech , told of the work done by the lodge for the cause of charity . When he stood Steward for the Boys at the last festival , under the presidency of the Lord Mayor , he was thankful to say he was well supported , not only by the

lodge but by others outside of it . He spoke of the two Sheriffs of the Ward he was a member of in the City of London , Bro . Sir Reginald Hanson , and Sir W . Hogg . The latter said , when asked to subscribe , that he was not a Mason , but when told that whether he was a Mason or not he might have the votes and vote just the same , he added his name to the list . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren proceeded

to banquet . Among the brethren present beside the above enumerated brethren were Bros . J . Wright , P . M ., P . G . I ' ., England ; C . Chapman , W . M ., S 9 S ; P . H . Nelson , W . M ., SGi ; G . A . Payne , W . M ., 933 ; F . Orchard , J . W ., 19 S ; R . Brown , I . G ., 107 G ; j . Morress , D . C , 933 ; J . G . Speaight , 1519 ; G . H . Stephens and C . Jolly , J . D ., 1472 , 13 . 9 i 3 » 1530 ( Freemason ) . The cloth having been cleared , the usual loyal and

Masonic toasts were given and received with enthusiasm . Bro . Wright responded for "The Grand Officers , " and assured the brethren that it was the remembrance by the brethren of their work in Grand Lodge at such meetings as the present that made that work a pleasure . It gave them encouragement to go on and do their duty , not only to their own satisfaction , but with , he trusted , credit to the choice of their royal and honoured Grand Master . Bro . Hancock then proposed " The Health of the W . M . "

and in response , Bro . Gilling said he felt glad to sec so many around him that evening , and hope that the twelve months he should hold office would be beneficial to the lodge and its members . He should endeavour lo uphold the dignity of the . lodge , and hand it over to his successor as prosperous and even a better lodge than when he took it . The next toast was that uf "The Past Masters , " and Bros . Hancock and Atkins responded , both eloquently urging the claims of the Masonic Institutions upon the brethren .

Reviews.

^l"The Benevolent Institutions of the Order" followed , and Bro . Terry responded in an elaborate speech , in which lie pointed out the great advantages the children of Freemasons received in ' the Boys' and Girls' Schools ; but he especially advocated the consideration of the claims of the aged Freemasons and widows . He spoke of the grand manner in which both boys and girls had come out of the

past year s Cambridge Local Examinations , and of the remarkable energy displayed by Bro . Binckes , as Secretary of the Boys' School ; but he put it to the brethren in forcible language , whether a child might not often be adopted by some friend or relative . But who , asked the speaker , ever heard of any one adopting an old man or an old woman ? Bro . Terry gave an instance of the srood work

done by the Benevolent Institution in the case of the widow of a brother , who , at one time , was worth a quarter of a million of money ; and who was compelled to come to the Benevolent Institution for help , and got it . The other toasts were the " Initiates , " " Visitors , " " Officers , " and " Tyler ' s Toast , " and so closed a most enjoyable evening .

ASAPH LODGE ( No . 1319 ) . —This lodge held its installation meeting at Freemasons' Hall , on Monday last , the lodge being opened bv Bro . W . Meyer Lutz , W . M ., there being also present Bros . John Maclean , S . W ., \ V . M . elect ; Frederick Delevanti , J . W .: E . Stanton Jones , P . M . ; J . \ V . Chamberlin , P . M ., Sec . ; j . Weaver , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . Middlesex ; George Buckland , P . M . ;

Charles Coote , Treas . ; Edwin Frewin , P . M . ; W . H . Cremer , Henry Baker , Charles S . Jekyll , P . M ., G . Org . ; Joseph Parry , W . A . Tinney , P . M . ; John M . Ball , Henry Snyders , Henry J . Tinney , M . C . ; Julian Egerton , William J . Castell , W . Graves , Leopold Sifberberg , Edward Swanborough , P . AI . ; Gustavus R . Egerton , Arthur Thomas , Robert Hilton , Abraham HensonCharles Henry

Stephen-, son , Charles Wellard , I . P . M . ; Arthur Swanborough , R . Soutar , William Jones Hill , James Charles Hambleton , Victor Tussaud , John H . D . Wallace , George Chas . Alias , W . H . Smith , Steward ; H . J . Carter , Robert Dodson , Pietro Le Contc Castell , Charles Blount Powell , Lionel Brough , Charles Ernest Tinney , S . D . ; Edwin J . F . Bell , Wm . J . Kent , I . G . ; Henry J . Calcott , Alfred Morton , Hv .

Ashley , J . U . ; . Richard Temple , Harry j . Hitchins , Edwd . Humphrey , George E . Fairchild , Wallis Mackay , Henry Marsh Edsell , Alfred R . Phillips , Charles J . Taylor , Henry Parry , Geo . Griffiths , John L . Simon , Walter A . Rolls , Henry Bracey , Alfred Woodhouse , George Jenkinson , John Carter , Louis Honig , Henry Herman , Charles S . Bradberry , JA . HamiltonJJDallasF .

. , . . , Clive , J . Willing , jun ., T . de Brunnow Holmes , H . Prenton , J . G . Speaight , C . W . Clement Smith , and H . Parkin . There were also present as visitors : Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Sec . ; Gen . E . C . Malct de Carteret , P . G . M . Jersey ; Col . Henry RadclifTe , P . M . S 5 S ; Arthur G . Taylor , P . G . S . of W . Surrey ; II . E . Nevill , W . M . 969 ; J . Mason , Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ;

Joseph Langton , P . M . 1 G 73 ; B . Jackson , 1 C 77 ; George Bishop , 331 ; W . B . Blackman , 140 ; J . W . Hanson , 170 b ; Thomas Smith , Richard Taylor , 733 ; Dr . VI . J . Strong , 452 ; J . Lloyd , 1201 ; J . F . Walsh , P . M . ; R . W . Dunn , P . M . 1 C 70 ; J . B . Johnson , W . M . 134 ; T . Knox Holmes , 23 ; John Read , P . M . Friends in Council ; S . Fitzgerald , 1364 ; J . H . Casson , 170 C ; II . Whaley , W . M . 1670 ;

aamuel Jonnson , 227 ; 1 . J . Bourne , 1 G 14 ; John Lindsay , Chap . 1351 J Lionel B . Brough , 1 G 09 ; j . Heaton , S . W . 1260 ; Samuel E . White , 972 ; Charles Hobbs , 1351 ; Robert White , 101 ; Joyce Murray , P . M . 1706 ; C . F . May , P . M . 7 S 0 ; C . N . Brandon , 1503 ; B . L . Wilson , 13 GG ; J . R . Taylor , 22 ; Samuel A . Mullier , Wm . Hilton , J . D . Langton , W . M . 1 G 73 ; J . W . Baldwin , P . M . 1433 ; VV . Binme , P . M . 1237 ; G . M . A . Low , P . M . 1670 ; - P . T . Duffy , 33 ; G . S . Avres . P . M . 0 = ; : Dr . Richard Mwm .

1185 , Head Master of the Boys' School ; Arthur Adams , 73 S , ; and E . C . Massey , P . M . 1297 ( Freemason ) . A letter was read from the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , G . J . W ., expressing his regret that a prior engagement prevented his accepting the invitation he had received to be present on thisoccaasion . The ceremony of installation has been so frermr'nrlv

reported in these columns that it is quite unnecessary to referto it in its various stages on this occasion . It is sufficient to say that Bro . W . Meyer Lutz , the W . M . of the Asaph Lodge , installed his successor , Bro . John Maclean , in a most admirable manner , no detail of the elaborate ceremony being omitted . It was a general remark in the lodgeroom , that it was marvellous that one who was not a native

of this country , and who it was understood was twelve months ago far from proficient in our language , should have so mastered our tongue as to have rendered the ceremony of installation in ia thoroughly impressive manner . Bro . Lutz is intelligent , painstaking , and energetic , and to these three good qualities his success as a Mason may be attributed . The Asaph Lodge is fortunate in its Masters

. If the admiration of the brethren has been excited by the success attained by Bro . Lutz under difficulties , they will experience the satisfaction in the ensuing year of seeing and hearing the beautiful Masonic ceremonies performed by a thorough elocutionist and actor , in the person of the

new Master , Bro . John Maclean , who in the little that he had to do on Monday , after he was installed , gave them a taste of his quality . Wc have seldom , if ever , seen the officers of a lodge invested , with advice and congratulations , in better taste than those of Bro . Maclean , on Monday last .

I he officers for the ensuing year are : Bros . Delevanti , S . W . ; Charles Tinney , J . W . ; Charles Coote , Treas . ; Chamberlin , Sec . ; Henry Ashley , S . D . ; William Kent , J . D . ; Henry Tinney , I . G . ; SVooldridge , M . C . ; Walter Smith , Henry Hitchins , Stewards ; Star . tcn Jones , P . M ., Org . ; and Gilbert , Tyler . Bro . Edward SwanboroughP . M . proposed that a sum

, , of ten guineas from the lodge funds be voted and placed upon the list of the W . M ., who , he understood , had consented to stand as Steward at the next festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , which was duly seconded , and passed unanimously . Bro . Maclean said that he was very much indebted to Bro . Swanborough , P . M ., for his proposition , and to the

lod ge for their vote ; but he had been intending to inquire first whether any brother wished to stand as Steward , and only to offer his own services if he got a negative reply . As the brethren , however , wished him to stand as Steward , he would say that if any of them got a windfall , and had an unconsidered trifle to spare that would be useful to these old folks , he would be very happy to relievo them of it .