Public Amusements.

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS .

STRAND . Certainly no better name to conjure wifch would be likely to suggest itself to any theatrical management wishing to invoke the attendance of a London audience than "One Tree Hill , " for many years the central point of attraction Avith all metropolitan holiday makers .

Under this same title a now and original drama has been produced illustrated by a view of the spot , which evidentlyrevived in the minds of many present very agreeable recollections of the past . The author is Mr . H . T . Craven , Avhose more recent contributions to the stage have been distinguished by au originality of design , a

vividness of colouring , and a force of execution , thafc excite pleasurable expectation of a dramatic treat whenever his name is linked with , a theatrical novelty . " One Tree Hill" is in two acts ; the first being associated wifch the locality from which the piece derives its name , and which has received some faithful scenic illustration

from the hands of Mr . Charles Fenton . The actors are all heartily applauded afc the conclusion of each act , and Mr . ' Craven receives a double encore at fche fall of the curtain , in acknowledgment of his additional merits as the author . The new drama is followed by a revival of Mr . Burnand ' s classical burlesque burletfca of " Patient Penelope , " originally brought out on these boards some eighteen months ago .

GALLERY OP ILLUSTRATION . I Mr . and Mrs . German Reed and Mr . John Parry , repeat their lively new entertainment , called " The Peculiar Family , " and considerably add fco tbe general gratification of their audience by appending to ifc the supplementary enjoyment , of " Mrs . Roseleaf at the

Seaside . " The clever combination of a variety of talents exhibited by Mr . John Parry in this diverting sketch , worthy to be fche successor to the memorable "Mrs . Roselcaf ' s Evening Party , " must be always recognised as affording a most enjoyable bom * at all ' seasons , and afc this time especially should be remembered as prominent among tho amusements of the metropolis .

POLYTECHNIC . This popular resort , where science is not thought any the Averse of for being frequently found masquerading under the disguise of amusement , has no lack of patronage , and throughout tbe day and evening a variety of objects prove themselves , in strict accordance with Mr . Lindley Murray ' s Avell-romembered assertion , to be

charming fco the eye . The principal novelty is a- new optical illusion , entitled someAvhat paradoxically , " Protens ; or , We are hero , and Ave are not hero , " of AA'hich Mr . J . H . Pepper and Mr . Thomas Tobin are recorded to bo joint inventors . The illusion , which is a singular development of fche principle applied in the famous " Ghost- effect , " is very complete . Mr . George Buckland

supplies a IIBAV musical and panoramic entertainment illustrative of the ascent of Mount Blanc , and including a comic spectral scone , supposed to occur in the travellers' hut on "Les Grands Millets , " and feats of prestidigitation and ventriloquism , delight the juveniles , who leave the models ancl drawings " calculated to promote the saving of life in railway travelling " to the

thoughtful consideration of their elders , and the lucid exposition of the lecturer .

Poetry.

Poetry .

MASONIC MUSINGS . THE- CRAlTSJIEjN ' -. iliCIIITBCTS OF SOME . "A Roman legion was always accompanied by builders , sculptors , painters , and other artists and workmen , and ifc has been observed the marks of their footsteps are visible wherever they trod , anil that a map of the Rom m roads in Britain

alone is a magnificent monument of their greatness . " Traced on sculptured frieze and panel , Testimonies still outstart Of those minds who grooved a channel , For the record of their art . Enraptured skill in curve and eonic , In maze it seemed at home

every , AA'ith those grand and old Masonic Craftsmen-Architects of Rome . How they plann'd and how they ponder'd , Are the themes we read to-day ; How they wrought , and whore tbey wandered , AVhich old legion led the way .

In the Doric and Ionic Column , arch , or duct , or dome , Live those grand and old Masonic Craftsmen-Architects of Rome . First to span with pier and centre , Drop the keystonedress the quoin

, , Sound and sink , explore and enter , Tunnel , pile , embank , and groin , Human love of labour chronic , Forming one great epic poem Of those grand and great Masonic Craftsmen-Architects of Rome .

In their contact with the Briton , Whom they conquer'd , whom they taught , Much of what is still unwritten , In each wide domain they wrought ; Genius flowing , souls harmonic , Exiled artists from their home , Toil'd those roving old Masonic

Craftsmen-Architects of Rome . Vandal might and despot malice , Wreuk'd their fury all in vain ; Brilliant wreck of shrine and palace Deck the city still , and plain . Homes and haunts , and halls baronic ,

Archives filled with many a tome Of those glorious old Masonic Craftsmen-Architects of Rome . Gone the sunshine , dried the river , Genius gushes forth in pain ; Man ignores the primal Giver

, Dies atheist in soul and brain ; Gone , those bravo and bright laconic Workmen , to their kindred loam ; Gone , the great and grand Masonic Craftsmen-Architects of Rome . GUSTOS' HOEST .

MORE ROOM . Think not that a restless spirit Makes me thus for ever roam ; Think not that I scorn the beauty Of a lasting , quiet home ; Ah , I know how sweet the angel

How beneficent , divine , That is keeping starry vigil On the household ' s holy shrine I