The International Exhibition.

Wisdom , the infant Christ being represented as expounding the Scriptures . The subject is conventionally treated , and the attitude and expression of the figures are thoroughly in keeping with tbe reverential feelings which the artists have sought to inspire . The Madonna wears upon her head a circlet of gold , and her drapery is bordered with the same material , which forms a pleasing and most agreeable relief to the delicate tints of the alabaster in which the figures are carved . On the lower

part of the throne on whicli the Madonna is seated are carved a number of figures which illustrate Human AVisdom as contrasted with the heavenly wisdom which is taught by the Holy Infant . We first see Adam ancl Eve in innocence , in Paradise ; the next group shows the temptation of Eve by the serpent : this is -followed hy the expulsion from Eden , the angel with the flaming sword guarding the gates of Paradise ; and the life of labour and sorrow which follow the knowledge so dearlbought

y hy tasting of the forbidden fruit is typified by the tilling of the ground , and tending the flocks by Cain and Abel , the -children of our first parents . In a second series below these has reliefs are represented the princiapal holy women mentioned in Scripture . The whole forms a most artistic and harmonious work , and affords most satisfactory evidence of the -progress whicli during the last ten years has been made in what may be termed the ecclesiastical branches of industrial art .

As to the progress of tho Exhibition , we have only to repeat that everything is going on in the most satisfactory manner . It lias heen estimated that over 5 , 000 persons were employed daily during the last week in different parts of the building , in bringing the whole into something like order and regularity . It is a ¦ curious fact that even so late as yesterday applications were made for space to exhibit ; and one individual , indignant at not

receiving an allotment of space , has given vent to his feelings in the following letter , which , for his gratification and that of our readers , we print : — "Sir , —As the Eoyal Cammissioiiers have tantalised the whole world by holding out hopes leading to fame , and then discouraging many of the ' most deserving competitors , without assigning ¦ any just grounds for excluding their inventions , some of which arc far more useful than others accepted , they cannot therefore feel surprised that indignation is felt at such treatment . I trust

if any future exhibitions are got up that they will be established in France or some other country , where the most honour dwells , and not where it is most talked about ; for without it justice is not to be attained . In England all favours are conferred by interest and caprice . In France rewards are gained by merit . The treatment ofthe operative classes in England savours much of slavery , because the private earnings of a slave , which sometimes amount to a few dollars , can be claimed by their master

or mistress as a legal right . The working classes here are allured to give up or unfold their genius , which is laid open to the disposal of the rich man . Scripture tells us that it is easier for a ¦ camel to enter the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven . I think this simile rather anolagousto the case of the present Exhibition . " Perhaps the most extraordinary letters which the correspondence connected with the Exhibition has calledforth are

. those relative to applications for employment . It may prevent a vast amount of disappointinant if we state that there is really no prospect of employment in the capacity of clerks , checktakers , or other such occupations at the exhibition . More than 20 , 000 letters upon this subject have already been received . Mr . Morrish , who has one-half of the refreshment department , has received upwards of 3000 applications from young women wishing to he engaged as waitresses . It is sad to think of the

many refusals which' must necessarily be made even in this " branch of the Exhibition . Many hundreds of the persons who have applied for employment have unexceptionable testimonials . The style in whicli many of the applications are written , ancl the eulogistic character of the recommendations , are in many instances perfect models ofthe kind . One gentleman writes in -favour of one " whose character is his only plea . " He is a

married man with a family of five children -. his wife is the mistress of a national school , with a snlary of £ 40 a year ; ancl this , equal to 15 s . 4-ld . per week , including a cTomestic servant , is all that that they have to live upon ! The husband , for whom employment is sought , is described as " remarkably active , shrewd , ancl diligent in his work ; of gentle , kind , and amiable manners : very humble , patient , and self-denying ; and , above all , he is perfectly upright , blameless , truthful , honest , sincere and straightforward . Ho will not wish to be employee for gain on Sundays in any measure . He was never intoxicated

The International Exhibition.

for he never drinks ale , wine , beer , spirits , nor does he smoke at all . He is not a man of much education , but can read well and write tolerable , and keep accounts in a simple way . He does not know any language but English . He is perfectl y trustworthy , and his word may he depended on as fully as an oath . He is well versed in the usual modes of the low ancl vulgar , by which they attempt to deceive , and can quickl y detect any tendency to artifice or deception . The clergyman

who was over him here writes that his character is lovely and his life blameless . His whole family is conducted on the highest principles of obedience and duty ; his very servant is faultlessinher conduct . He is a conscientious member ofthe Church of England , pretty well acquainted with her doctrines , and he ever seeks to act and live as a true Christian should do . He is not the person who would selfishly limit his hands or mind just exactly to what

he engaged to do , aud no more ; but he has a large ancl generous mind , willing to do all he can to meet the wishes of those who are over him , so far as he is able . He is capable of great exertion , can walk many miles a day , and is of a very contented spirit . But he feels much when such as are over him designedly oppress him , and treat him with uncalled-for unkindness . " With such a recommendation as this there can scai-cely be a doubt that the wishes of tho applicant will be fully realised .

So perfect a specimen of humanity would prove attractive , even as an exhibition in the building , and would prove a fitting companion to that model man whom tho commissioners some months since wished to obtain as general manager of the undertaking . AA e fear to enumerate the many virtues and high qualities which were required , lest we should not do justice to the list , which fortunately found a happy representative in the person of Col .

Shad well . The call of military duties called that gentleman to Canada during the excitement on the Trent affair , and his duties of manager have since been , ancl will in future he performed by Mr . Saiidford , the secretarv to the Commissioners .

Royal Horticultural Society.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY .

The second fete of the season at this society's gardens on AVednesday would have been a success had the weather been favourable ; but the rain which fell in the morning and the threatening- aspect of the sky during the afternoonkept hundreds away , ancl diminished the company to those who are prepared to admire floral beauties under any circumstances . Their perseverance was , however , well repaid , for rarely have we witnessed finer specimens of azaleas than were exhibited under the arcades

of the gardens . The competition between the nurserymen and amateurs iu the culture of this genus of plant appears , if we may judge from the variety and beauty of the specimens exhibited , to have been severe . It would indeed have been difficult for the uncritical to choose between the productions ofthe two ; yet on the whole , perfection has been more nearly attained by the former than by the latter . Although ostensibly an azalea show ,

the society had provided for its visitors a very line display of rhododendrons , not equalling perhaps the azaleas in their beauties as specimens , but still worthy of attention . Exhibitors were , however , more successful in cinerarias ancl auriculas , of which several kinds were for the first time exhibited . The auriculas more than any plants exhibited , gave evidence of tho cave bestowed upon their culture .

PUZZLED WHICH TO CHOOSE . —A picture , vividly embodying an illustration of this old saying , excited great notice at one o £ our recent exhibitions;—but we doubt whether the saying could be more forcibly made manifest , than when visiting the establishments of some of our fashionable London tradespeople , particularly of those where the excellencies of English workmanship unite with the elegancies of Continental tasto . At such an establishmentfor leas that of Messrs . T . A . Simpson and

, examp , Co ., 154 , Regent-street , where , " ever changing ancl ever new , " the senses are really at first confused at the multiplicity and novelty of articles displayed to the astonished gaze . In Ladies ' dressing cases , of every choice description of fancy wood , and of every variety of ornamental construction ; in French clocks of elegant design and correctness of time ; indeed , in every variety of jewellerythe intending purchaser will truly for a time be

, " puzzled which to choose . " The safest plan in such a case ivould be to indicate the nature of the article required . The probity of the establishment , and the matured judgement of Messrs . Simpson iu consulting the wishes and tastes of their customers , have invariably tended to ensure an approval of the articles there selected for those " puzzled which to choose . "