Provincial.

more than ordinarily to excite the attention of thoso who then heard it for the first time . Subsequently the chair was resumed by the AA . M ., who initiated into tho mysteries of tho Craft a gentleman who was on the point of leaving tho country . Of course a favourable report had been previously received from the commission appointed for the special purpose ( as in all other cases in this Lodge ) as to tho character of the candidate , and his fitness in other respects . This plan , recently brought into operationhaving been found to work exceedingly wellin securing

, , due precaution as to tho admission only of suitable men , is strongly recommended for general adoption . The ceremony of initiation was followed by au extempore discourse ( according to custom ) on the rough ashlar , delivered by the Orator , " Bro . Rathier , in his usual eloquent and fervent style , and with true Masonic feeling . The Brethren are indeed highly privileged on all such occasions , in having an opportunity of hearing the principles of the Order so faithfully and energetically expounded by one of their number , who is eminently qualified , not only by his

command of language , but by his extensive knowledge of the subject , for the performance ofthe duty . The chief object of the meeting was then entered upon , namely , the formation of a Masonic library . After some discussion , the arrangements having been considered to some extent on previous evenings , it was determined to appropriate the sum of four pounds from the funds of the Lodge , for the immediate purchase of a few Masonic books , as a nucleus to solicit donations of works on the subjectand though lastnot by any means the least importantto

, , , take in the . Freemasons' Magazine and Masonic Mirror . The Lodge having been closed , the members spent a ] ileasant hour together , while partaking of that light and moderate refreshment Avhich is quite in accordance with our principles , and for Avhich only provision is made . It may be added that the proceedings of this Lodge arc conducted entirely iu the French language , the English form of ritual having been most faithfully translated for the purpose some years ago by Bro . Dr . Cuquemelle .

CHESHIRE , ArroiKtotEM . —C / iapicr . —AVednesday , March 2 nd , Fidelity ( 701 ) , Angel Inn , Birkenhead , at ( i . DEVONSHIRE . APPOIKTIIBKIS . —iorfi / es .--Tuesday , March 1 st , St . John ' s ( S 3 ) , Masonic Hall , Plymouth , at 7 j 2 ndBrunswick 185 Masonic HallPl at 7 1119 London

AVednesday , , () , , ymouth , ; Perseverance () , Hotel , Sidmouth , at 7 . TOTNES . —Pleiades Lodge ( No . 1012 ) . —The monthly meeting of tins Lodge ivas held at tho Masonic Rooms , on Thursday , Feb . 17 th , Bro . the Rev . AV . Y . Daykin , Prov . G . Chaplain , AA . M ., in the chair . The Loclge was opened in the first degree , and the minutes of the previous Lodge confirmed . The report of proceedings at the last Prov . Grand Lodge ivas laid on the Secretary ' s table for the perusal of the

Brethren , and a letter from tlie R . AV . and Rt . Hon . the Prov . Grand Master , on the subject of the Devon Masonic Benevolent Fund , read . An address of sympathy with the Most AA orship l ' ul Grancl Master with respect to the attack made upon him by the Masonic Observer , and expressing unabated confidence in his just and upright rule , was read , and being unanimously approved , signed by the AA . M ., AVardens , and Secretary , on behalf of the Lodge . Mr . Thomas Pollard , of Slapton , Avas initiated , and , in accordance with the rule of tho Loclge , presented with a copy

of the Book of Constitutions , and the by-laws . Bro . Bridges , P . M ., at the Master ' s request , passed Bros . Coulton and Manning to the second degree . It was resolved that new seats for the better accommodation of the Brethren , and new curtains for the hall , should be prepared previous to the next meeting . Bro . Lidstone , S . D ., announced that as soon as he found a good design he would place a P . M . 's chair in the Lodge . Tho Lodge Avas closed in ancient form , and with solemn prayer . A Mark Master ' s Lodge is about to be opened , under the Leigh Constitution , at the Masonic Rooms ;