Obituary.

BRO . GEORGE LITTLE , Q . C . We regret to announce the death of Bro . George Little , Q . C , Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster , and a member of the Shakespeare Lodge , No . 99 . _ Bro . George Little was called to the bar by the Hon . Society of the Middle Temple on SCh May , 1 S 40 , and practised at thc then Chancery bar . He afterwards had the dignity of one of her Majesty ' s Counsel conferred on him , and was elected subsequently to a scat at thc Bench of

his town . The deceased brother had long an extended practice in the County Palatine Court , and on the transfer of the late Mr . Wickens from thc office of Vice-Chancellor of thc Duchy to that of one of the Vice-Chancellors in the High Court of Chancery in 1 S 62 , Bro . Little was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , an office he held to the time of his death , which happened at his residence near London on Thursday morning .

Literary, Art, And Antiquarian Notes.

Literary , Art , and Antiquarian Notes .

One of thc sea-lions at the Bri ghton Aquarium , the male , has died suddenly , it is supposed from heart disease . The first meeting of the Kryle Society was to be held at the Vestry hall , Kensington , on Thursday , with thc president , Prince Leopold , in the chair .

Professor Farinelli , ofthe University College , London has been appointed to deliver the Barlow Iccrures on Dante . They will be given at the College , in Italian , commencing after Easter ; and the public will be admitted without paymentlor tickets .

The year 1 S 81 has two peculiarities : whether backwards or forwards , or even upside down , it remains the same in value , and this circumstance has not occurred since mi , and will not recur till S 00 S . Further this is a year of " nines , " like 1 S 63 , the first two and last two figures each making nine , the four units added together being iS—the two first , as they stand being also iS , and the two last Si , or nine times nine .

Two fresh E gyptian pyramids have been discovered near Sakakrah , to the north of the former site of Memphis . They were built by two kings of the Sixth Dynasty , and the inner walls are covered with several thousand inscriptions .

The successful rise of a distinctive school of American Art is very gratifying to Transatlantic pride , and The American notes that this year Christmas publications have been more exclusively national , and have shown a striking adva nee in taste as well as in luxury . This alteration " is the more gratifying as these evidences ofthe nation ' s social sentiments indicate a degree of refinement

and chaste delicacy different from English massiveness , F rench polish , or German innocence . There is a decided American taste , and an American school of artisans and artists tries faithfully to meet its wants ; it succeeds , and promises an interesting future . " On the other hand native production ( has not been highly appreciated at the recent exhibition ofthe works of living Americans at Boston—the

first of its kind . Hardly any pictures were sold , but this is in a great measure attributed to the supineness of the authorities . No salesman was at hand , no information as to prices could be gained in the gallery or from the catalogues , and the female attendants in charge seemed much more interested in the progress of their own needlework than in directing would-be purchasers .

There are at present sixty-five geographical societies in the world . The oldest of these is that of Paris , founded 1 S 21 ; there is also a Society of Commercial Geography at Paris , founded 1 S 73 . Besides these France has geographical societies at Lyons , Bordeaux , Marseilles , Montpelier , Rouen , Nancy , Bergerac , Perigueux , Rocheforte , Mont-de-Marsan , Agen , EpinalRochelleDouai

, , , Dunkirk , St . Omer , Lille ; and one is about to be founded at Bar-le-Duc . The Berlin Geographical Society was founded in 1 S 2 S ; besides which Germany has similar societies at Frankfort , Darmstadt , Lcipsic , Dresden , Munich , Bremen , Halle " , Hamburg , Friberg , Metz , Hanover ; other societies are in formation at Halberstadt , Magdeburg , and Jena . The London Geographical Society , the only one in

England , was founded in 1 S 30 . The next oldest society ( after Frankfort ) , is that of Rio Janeiro , founded 1 S 3 S ; then Mexico , 1 S 39 ; St . Petersburg , 1 S 45 ; in Russia there arc besides societies at Tiflis , Irlcur . sk , Vilna , Orenburg , Omsk . The other societies are ' th ' y $ e ' of the . Hague , 1 S 51 ;

New York , 1 S 52 ; Vienna , iSjti : - Geneva , 1 S 5 S ; Rome , 1 S 07 ; Buda-Pcsth , 1 S 72 ; Amsterdam , 1 S 73 ; Bucharest , 'S 75 ; Lisbon , 1 S 75 ; Madrid , Antwerp , Brussels , Copenhagen , Lima , all 187 ( 1 ; . Stockholm and Quebec , 1 S 77 ; St . Gall , Berne , Orair , 1 S 7 S ; Tokio , 1 S 79 ; Buenos , Ayres , Algiers , and Oporto , 1 SS 0 .

A design made by Colonel Arthur Ellis , C . S . I ., for the cross to be given to those who took part in the march from Cabul to Candahar , under Sir Frederick Roberts , has been submitted to and sanctioned by the Queen . It will be engraved with the words , " From Cabul to Candahar . "

The Goldsmiths' Company have passed . 1 resolution increasing their subscription to the City and Guilds of London Institute for the Advancement of Technical Education from £ 2000 per annum to £ 4000 per annum , the increase to commence from thc 1 st of January , 1 S 81 . This subscription of £ 4000 per annum is granted in addition to a donation of £ 10 , 000 already promised towards the building fund of the central institution , which is shortly to be erected in Exhibition-road , South Kensington .

Amongst the discoveries made during thc recent excavations at Pompeii is a fountain which is described as being a very fine work of art . The museum of the Louvre was closed on Wednesday week , on account of the heavy fall of snow which had acccmulated on the skylights and rendered the gallery

almost as dark as night . Thc Bey of Tunis is said to be a devoted amateur of photography , and devotes several hours daily to that fascinating art . As the Koran forbids the faithful to make images of living things the Bey has had the portrait of his wife taken by a Circassian photographer . His own pictorial efforts are used for the decoration of his palaces .

Literary, Art, And Antiquarian Notes.

M . Francois Coppce has read to the artists of the Odeon the MS . of a comedy in verse , entitled " Madame de Maintenon , " which is intended to succeed "Jack . " A bronze statue of Louis Spohr is to be creeled on thc Opera Square at Cassell . Thc sculptor is Ilerr F . Hartzer .

The Nene Fraie Presse says that the highest honorarium ever received by an artist was obtained by Adclina Patti , whose two performances in Nice brought i 5 , ooofr . each . Last month occurred at Melbourne thc production of the first oratorio written in Australia . Tlie words and music are by Mr . C . S . Packer , and the title is " The Crown of Thorns ; or Despair , Penitence , and Pardon . "

According to the Frankfurter Zeitung , Verdi is at present busy composing his Otcllo . It is to be given first a ; Vienna , Frau Matcrna taking the part of Desdemona . The Athenamm says that M . and Madame Enault have been commissioned by one of the more important firms of French publishers to proceed to Jerusalem and prepare a volume of descriptions , illustrated by woodcuts and other plates of the kind prepared by M . Yriarte on Venice and Florence .

The Estafette states that the Empress Eugenie , on settling herself at Farnborough , will publish a biography of the Prince Imperial , written by herself , to be followed by "Les Notes de Napoleon , " which will contain revelations as to some politicians of the day . M . Rouher has assisted her in collecting all the notes written by the Emperor during his reign .

THE FRENCH VINTAGE . —The yield of the last year ' s vintage , according to the Bulletin de Statisque just published , amounted only to 29 , 600 , 000 hectolitres , which is 2 , 000 , 000 hectolitres under the average of the last ten years . The yield of 1 S 79 , however , was still smaller , viz .,

25 , 700 , 000 hectolitres . the imports , which before 1 S 7 S never reached 1 , 000 , 000 hectolitres , consequently rose tc 3 , 000 , 000 hectolitres in 1 S 79 , 6 , 400 , 000 hectolitres last year , exclusive of thc month of December , for which the returns have not yet been made up . Of this quantity Spain contributed more than 4 , 000 , 000 hectolitres .

At the last meeting ofthe Asiatic Society of Bengal an interesting paper was read by Mr . Valentine Ball , of the Geological Survey of India , in which he discussed the identity of the diamond mines visited by M . Tavernier in the 17 th century . These mines have long been lost to memory . Mr . Ball now identifies Raolconda with Randukonda , on the Tungabudra riuer ; Ganicolour , where the

koh-i-noor was found , with Kallur , on the Kisana , and Soumelpour , with Simah , in Chota Nagpore , and not with Sambalpur , as hitherto supposed . Burageesh , which is mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari , is identified with VVairagurh , in the Central Provinces . The paper explains the various traditions connected with diamond mining as formerly practised in India , and throws much light on this attractive , but now almost extinct industry .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER . —It is as well perhaps to remind those of our readers privileged to attend Grand Chapter , that the meetings are now held at six o ' clock , instead of seven , as heretofore . The next meeting is on Wednesday , the 2 nd proximo . Bro . Lord Kensington , P . G . W ., arrived at Osborne on Saturday , and had an audience of Her

Majesty to present an address from the House of Commons . NEW CROSS LODGE , No . 1559 . —The meeting of this lodge will , in future , be held at the Ship Hotel , Greenwich , having removed thereto from the New Cross Hall , Lewisham-road .

Bro . Walter Hallett will be installed VV . M . of the Westbourne Lodge , No . 733 , at Lord ' s Hotel , St . John ' s Wood , on the 17 th proximo . Bro . H . A . Isaacs , the newly-elected Master of the Loriners' Company , presided on Monday evening last at the inaugural banquet at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgatestrect .

We learn from the City Press that the prcsentatation to Bro . Alderman Knight , on his recent marriage , will take the form of a silver ornament for the table , representing the old Cripplegate . It will be a beautiful work of art , and will be a lasting memento of the ward with which the alderman is so honourably connected , as well of the esteem in which he is held .

WEST SMITHI ' IKED LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 11123 . —We are asked to state that the hour of meeting of this lodge has been altered from eight to seven o ' clock to suit thc convenience of City brethren . Bro . H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , P . G . W ., has accepted the LordJMayor ' s invitation to tlie banquet to be given in honour of Sir Frederick Roberts on Monday ,

February 14 th . From the numcrousaccidents which have occurred during the frost and snow storms , we regret to have to announce thc following at Brighton . VV . Bro . J . Dixon , P . P . G . D . of C , P . M ., & c , in leaving a house where he had been attending a patient , slipped down the front door steps and fractured a rib . VV . Bro . Alderman VV . Hudson

, P . P . G . M ., S . W ., P . M . 75 , and 164 , & c , when walking down West-street , slipped , fell , and sustained a severe shaking , which has confined him to his room . VV . Bro . T . Clarke , G . M . S ., P . P . G . M ., Sec , & c , in stepping over a ridge of drifted snow slipped and fell , dislocating the knuckle of the third finger and breaking the small bone connected therewith on the right hand . VVe are pleased to

be informed that they are progressing satisfactorily . Thc members of thc Sir Hugh Myddelton and New Finsbury Park Lodges , Nos . 1602 and ifio 5 , have jointly arranged to hold a Masonic festival , on the 7 th of February , at the Cannon-street Hotel , and for that purpose

have engaged the whole of the spacious and elegant suite of rooms , which will be strictly at the disposal of thc visitors . Thc number of tickets being limited , early application is necessary . A dispensation has been obtained enabling the brethren to wear Masonic clothing pnd jewels . The musical arrangements will be under the direction of Bro . R . P . Thomas , Bro . J . Jarvis acting as M . C .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bro . Sir Watkin Williams Wynn ' s , Bart ., M . P ., mansion , in VVynnstay , near Ruabon , Denbighshire , was discovered to be on fire on Tuesday night . The flames broke out in a spare bedroom attached to the mansion and situated between the main building and the stabling . The

private engine was speedily brought to work , and in half an hour the fire was entirely under control , and shortly afterwards put out . Sir Watkin himself superintended the arrangements ; and fortunately there was no breeze at the time .

ALBION ROSE CROIX CHATTER , NO . 54 . —The meetings of this chapter are now held at the New Concert Rooms , Warrior-square , St . Leonards-on-Sea , on . the third Tuesday , in January , April , July , and October . Bro . R . Gooding asks us to state that a lodge of instruction , attached to the United Military Lodge , No . 153 6 , meets every Monday evening at the Earl of Chatham Arms , Thomas-street , Woolwich , at half-past seven o ' clock .

Bro . Captain John Gordon , the enterprising lessee of the Theatre Royal , West Hartlepool , had a complimentary benefit at that house on Friday night last , the 2 ist inst ., and has presented half the receipts to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys .

Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , Deputy Grand Master , will preside al : the tenth annual festival in aid of the funds of the United Kingdom Railway Officers and Servants' Association and Railway Orphan Fund , on March 16 th , at Cann on-street Hotel .

Bro . William Bulkeley Hughes , M . P ., Deputy Provincial Grand Master North Wales , is , according to "Who's Who , " the oldest member sitting in the House of Commons . Bro . Hughes is in hisS 3 rd year . Bro . W . G . Lockey was installed W . M . of the Lion Lodge , No . 312 , at the Masonic Hall , John-street , Whitby , on Monday week , the 17 th inst ., the ceremony being impressively performed by Bro . John Stevenson , P . M .

BEADON LODGE , NO . 619 . ^—Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather , the above lodge met as usual at thc Greyhound Hotel , Dulwich , and , although the members were not so many as usual , after the business of the lodge was finished the brethren adjourned to

refreshment , and spent a very enjoyable evening . Bro . W . Knell , W . M ., will represent the Islington Lodge at the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Masons' and Widows' Festival , on February , the 23 rd , 1 SS 1 .

Bro . B . W . Richardson , F . R . S ., will deliver a course of lectures on " Domestic Sanitation , or Health at Home , " for the Ladies' Sanitary Association , in the hall of the Society of Arts , on Saturday , February 12 th , and the eight following Saturdays .

'Ihe installation of W . M . of the Cestrian Lod ge , No . 425 , was impressively celebrated at the Grosvenor Hotel , Chester , oil the 20 th inst ., Bro . ' J . E . Williams , P . P . S . G . D ., acting as Installing Master . Ten pounds were unanimously granted out of the lodge funds in aid of the poor relief fund of the city . A banquet was aftenvards field in the council chamber of the Town Hall .

Bro . J . W . Benson has had the honour of submitting to the Queen the gold casket manufactured by him to contain the address voted to the King of Greece by the Corporation of London . - - . ¦ - Bro . W . Nicholson , Sec . Lodge 1282 , asks us to state that the day of meeting of the Ancholme Lodge has been altered from the first Thuisday in thc month to Thursday on or nearest the full moon . The place of meeting is the Masonic Rooms , Cary-lane , Brigg , Lincolnshire .

On Wednesday Sir Frederick Roberts was presented at Bristol with a massive silver salver , & c , purchased at a cost of 3 C 400 , " by a few friends and admirers of the Bristol boy who has made himself so famous . " The same night a ball was given in General Robert ' s honour by the Guild of Merchant Venturers . On Thursday he left for Cardiff , where another round of festivities awaits him .

A stone monument , weighing about thirty tons , to commemorate the loss of the training ship Eurydice , when so many officers and men perished , has been completed , and will shortly be erected in front of Haslar Hospital .

M . E . Comp . WAV . B . Beach , M . P ., Grand Superintendent , presided at the Provincial Grand Chapter of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on Friday last , at thc Masonic Hall , Winchester . A report of the proceedings will appear next week . 1

Bro . Ellis Jones was installed W . M . of the King's Arms Lodge , No . 2 S , on Alonday last . Bro . John Derby Allcroft , P . M . 1657 , has forwarded the sum of £ 100 to the poor box of the Mansion House . Bro . Sir Francis Wyatt Truscott , J . G . W ., P . M . No . 1 , has been elected President of the City of London Bicycle Club .

The Builder of Saturday gave an excellent view of Purbeck House , Swanage , the residence of Bro . ex-Shcriff Burt , J . P . Truth notices as a singular coincidence , that no sooner docs the water supply fail in some of thc suburban districts than the milk ceases to be delivered .

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will hold a levee at St . James's Palace , on behalf of Her Majesty , on Monday , February 21 st . ^ Bro . J . T . Briggs , W . M . 1732 , P . M . 177 , will work the ceremony of installation in the Metropolitan Lodge of Instruction , No . 1507 , at 7 . 30 , on Monday ; evening next , at The Moorgate , 15 , Finslniry-pavcment , E . C . Brethren are cordially invited to be present . Bro . E . Dresser Rogers has been elected a member of the Camberwell Ratepayers' Association .