to the smooth road of prosperity. The lodge increased in numbers and influence, so much so that they were bold enough to think they might establish a chapter in connection with the lodge. He (the M.E.Z) brought forward a motion to that effect, which was unanimously carried. Application was made to Supreme Grand Chapter. The prayer of the petition was granted, the chapter was consecrated, the Grand Scribe E. being in the chair of Z.. and here we are assembled at our first annual meeting. During the time of getting the lodge into its proper position in the craft, during the formation of the chapter, the trouble and anxiety need not be told in the company of so many old Arch Masons as were now present. During all this they had been most ably assisted by Comp. States, who was always at his post in lodge, and no doubt would be the same in chapter; and for the assistance he had rendered him (the M.E.Z.) personally, he begged to ask Comp. States, the first Scribe E., to accept from him (the first M.E.Z.) a jewel appropriate to his position in Arch Masonry as having passed the three chairs. The M.E.Z. then requested Comp. States to take his position at his side, placed on his collar a most beautiful jewel, trusting he might long continue to wear it and hold his present office in the chapter, and called upon the brethren to heartily respond to the health of Comp. States, the first Scribe E. of Prudent Brethren Chapter. Comp. States, rose to return thanks, but seemed so overcome by the great kindness of the M.E.Z., that it was some time before he could find words to express his feelings. He said:"Most Excellent, the very kind present you have been pleased to confer upon me, shall ever be to me a token which will remind me, as long as life shall last, of the kindness of the companions with whom I have, through many years, laboured to promote the prosperity of the Prudent Brethren Lodge. I think, M.E., that the complimentary terms in which you have spoken of me I scarcely deserve, for whatever assist ince I have rendered to you, both in the lodge, and in the formation of this chapter, has been a labour of love, it being a pleasure to work under so excellent a chief, for when some little difficulties presented themselves in establishing this chapter, your assistance gave me renewed spirit for the task, and by our united co-operation our labours were brought to the successful termination now witnessed. I again return my grateful thanks to you, M.E., for your kind present, and also to the companions for the hearty manner in which they have responded to the toast of my health." The jewel was then passed round for the inspection of the companions. It is of 18 carat gold, of chaste design, a wreath of acacia surrounding the triangle and crossed pens, which are mounted on a centre of crimson enamel. The jewel is surmounted with a crown of five points, with diamond, emerald, and ruby enrichments at the base of each point. The whole is attached to a hanger, and the ribbon being mounted with three beautiful models of the sceptres of the three chairs which Comp. States has previously occupied, viz., M.E.Z., H. and J. The inscription on the back of the jewel is as follows: "Presented, December 7th, 1869, to Comp. George S. States, the first Scribe E., by Comp. John Boyd, the first M.E.Z., as a slight acknowledgment and appreciation of the valuable assistance rendered by him in founding the Chapter of Prudent Brethren, No. 145." "The Health of the Officers" was then proposed and duly responded to. The evening's amusements were greatly enhanced by the excellent vocal and instrumental music of Comp. Donald King and others. Thus terminated one of the most happy and friendly meetings ever held within the walls of the Freemasons' Tavern. BRITISH CHAPTER (No. 8).-The regular meeting of this chapter was held on Friday, the 3rd inst., at the Freemasons' Hall, when the following officers were present: Bros. J. Tepper, M.E.Z.; Dr. Griffith, H.; J. B. Monckton, J.; Stanley Robinson, E.; J. Hockley, N.; A. A. Richards, P.S.; J. Stohwasser, Treas.; E. Baxter, Dir. of Cers.; W. Gunze, Org. Bros. Fenn. Francis, and March were exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Masons. Comp. Dr. Griffith was elected M.E.Z. for the ensuing year, and Comps. Monckton H., and Frank Richardson J. Comp. Ciabatta was elected N. The remainder of the officers were re-appointed. CANONBURY CHAPTER (No. 657).-The companions of this chapter held their regular meeting at the George Hotel, Aldermanbury, on Thursday, 28th ult. There were present comps. Wescombe, M.E.Z.; S. May, H.; J. James, J.; H. Carey' Seribe E., and others. The chapter having been opened in due form, the minutes were read and confirmed, and a ballot was taken for the admission of Bro. James Vause by the M.E.Z. The business concluded and the chapter closed, the companions adjourned to the banquet, after which the nsual loyal and masonic toasts were given and responded to. The proceedings were enlivened during the evening by the musical and vocal abilities of several companions. LANCASHIRE (EAST). BURY.-Unanimity Chapter (No. 42).-The companions of this chapter met at the Queens' Hotel, on Wednesday, the 24th ult. There were present: Comps. John Redfern, P.Z.; H. Maider, Scribe E.; John M. Wicke, P.Z.; L. Booth, Scribe N.; John Bolderson M.E.Z.; J. M. Whitehead, P.S.; James Keyzor, F.P.; Robert Edmondson, S.P., and other companions. The only business transacted was the installation of the first and second Principals, and the two brethren for exaltation. MONMOUTHSHIRE. NEWPORT.-Silurian Chapter (No. 471).—On Friday, the 3rd inst., the usual monthly convocation of the members of this chapter took place at the Masonic Hall, Dock-street, and, considering the inclemency of the weather, there was a tolerably good attendance. Comp. Bartholomew Thomas, M.E.Z., presided, supported by Comps. Laybourne as H.; and Oliver as J. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the ballot took place, when Brother Ebenezer Prosser, of Pontypool, S.D. of the Kennard Lodge, 1258, was unanimously admitted; that brother being in attendance, was duly exalted to the sublime degree of R.A. Mason, the ceremony being most correctly rendered by the M.E.Z. The Prin. Soj. Comp. Tratte being absent through illness, his chair was ably filled by Comp. Fothergill, and we are sadly out of our judg ment if the latter Comp. does not make a very valuable acquisition to this chapter. Three new members were proposed, and the M.E.Z. announced that at the next meeting the Companions would have to elect his successor, and we have no doubt Comp. Thomas's mantle will then fall very gracefully on Comp. Laybourne's shoulders. This chapter now numbers nearly 70 subscribing members, and every month there are fresh propositions. There is some talk of forming an encampment here. MARK MASONRY. ENGLISH CONSTITUTION. GRAND LODGE. The half-yearly meeting of the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters took place at the Freemasons' Tavern on Tuesday, the 30th ult. Bro. the Rev. W. G. Portal occupied the chair of M.W.G.M., Sir E. H. Lechmere that of D.G.M., Bro. J. Udall acting as Senior Warden, and Bro. L. J. Conway as J.W. There were also present Bros. the Rev. T. F. Ravenshaw, John Huyshe, D. Shaboe, J. Meggy, J. Nunn, J. Stevens, H. C. Levander, T. Fenn, F. Davidson, R. Spencer, J. H. Wynne, F. Binckes (G. Sec.), G. Lambert, J. G. Marsh, Jas. Weaver, M. Edwards, T. J. Sabine, and a large number of well known Mark Masters. Bro. F. Binckes, G. Sec., read the minutes of the last "meeting, and the report of General Board, which referred to the action taken by the Scotch Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons with respect to the English Mark Masons, and also the Hebrew letters depicted on the Mark jewel. The applications of two brethren were considered, and it was resolved to relieve them with £5 each. The receipts of the year amounted to £291 11s. 7d., and the expenditure £123 9s., leaving a balance in hand of £168 9s. 7d. It was resolved that the annual festival in aid of the Royal Benevolent Institution should be repeated, it having been so successful last year, when the sum of £80 was contributed to the funds; and it was also resolved that on the next occasion the brethren should wear the Mark clothing. Bro. J. G. Marsh was invested by the M.W.G.M. with the insignia of G. Supt. of Works in the place of Bro. Goulty, recently deceased. Some proposed alterations in the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters were carried, and the other business being concluded, the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet provided by Bro. Gosden. LEICESTERSHIRE. PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE. The annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Lode took place at the Freemasons' Hall, Leicester, on Thursday, the 25th ultimo. The R.W. Prov. G. Master, Bro. Kelley, presided, and among the brethren present were:-Bros. Major Brewin, W.M. 19, Prov. G.S.W.; Rev. W. Langley, M.A., Prov. G. Chap.; W. B. Smith, Prov. G.M.O.; W. Weare, Prov. G.S.O.; C. Stretton, Prov. G. Recorder; A. M. Duff, Prov. G. Sec.; T. H. Buzzard, Prov. G.J.D.; J. E. Hodges, Prov. G. Swd. B.; Chas. Johnson, Prov. G. Org.; W. Moor, J. B. Leadbeater, and Johr. Hunt, Prov. G. Stewards; C. Bernbridge, Prov. G. Tyler; W. Pettifor, Prov. G.S.W.; Partridge Toller; Rev. N. Haycroft, D.D.; Sculthorpe, and others. Apologies for absence were received from the D. Prov. G.M- the Rev. W. Kay Robinson, B.A., from Bro. Douglas, Prov. G.J.W., on account of illness, whilst the attendance of many of the brethren of the Howe Lodge, No. 21, Melton Mowbray, was prevented by the annual dinner of the Rutland Agricultural Society taking place on the same day. The lodge having been opened in due form, and the minutes of the last annual meeting read and confirmed, Bro. Stretton was unanimously elected Prov. G. Treasurer for the ensuing year. The Prov.G.M. having announced that the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters had altered the designations of two of the grand officers, and had substituted the titles Prov. Grand Recorder and Grand Timekeeper for Grand Registrar and Grand Pursuivant, made the following appointments for the ensuing year, and invested those of the brethren who were present, viz:-Major Brewin, W.M. No. 19, D. Prov. G. Master; Rev. W. Langley, W.M. No. 21, P.S.G.W.; W. B. Smith, P.G.J.W.; Rev. Dr. Haycroft, P.G. Ghap.; Geo. Brown, P.G.M.O.; W. Adcock, P.G.S.Ö.; A. M. Duff, P.G.J.O.; Stretton, P.G. Treas.; Bright, P.G. Recorder; Partridge, P.G. Sec.; Markham, P.G.S.D.; Leadbeater, P.G.J.D.; Charles Johnson and Robt. Winter Johnson (Melton), P.G. Dir. of Cers.; J. J. Fast, P.G. Insp. of Works; Mann, P.G. Sword Bearer; Toller, P.G. Timekeeper; L. A. Clarke, Dr. Ashforth, and W. Sculthorpe P.G. Stewards; and Bembridge, P.G. Tyler. The P.G.M. intimated that he had reserved the collar of P.G. Organist for Bro. Crow (Fellow of the College of Organists), who was to be advanced later in the day. On the suggestion of the Prov. G.M. it was unanimously resolved that instead of giving, as last year, an annual subscription of two guineas to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys, the sum of five guineas should be contributed every alternate year, by which means a life subscribership to one or other of the Masonic charities might be secured, and appropriated in rotation to each of the officers in the Provincial Grand Lodge. On the recommendation of the Rev. Bro. Langley, it was, after some discussion as to arrangements, unanimously resolved that the Grand Ledge of Mark Masters be invited to hold the next moveable Grand Lodge in this Hall, and Bros. Brewin and Langley were deputed personally to convey this invitation to the Grand Lodge at the meeting in London on Monday, the 30th instant. The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed in due form and with prayer. ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED RITE. SOMERSETSHIRE. WESTON-SUPER-MARE.-Opening of a new Chapter of the 18° Rose Croix of H.R.D.M.-The above-named chapter was inaugurated in full form on Thursday, the 2nd inst., when there were present some very distinguished brethren connected with the high degrees of the Order, namely:-C. J. Vigne, J.P., Ill. Sov. G.C.. 33° Colonel Vernon, Ill. Lieut. G.C., 33°; Capt. N. G. Philips, Ill. G. Treas. Gen., 33°; Capt. R. W. Adair, Ill. G. Sec. Gen., 33 (late Prov. G.M. Somerset); Hyde Pullen, 32°, Assist. G. Sec. Gen.; Major-General Doherty, 30°; Joseph Starkey, 30°; Col. Ford, J.P. 18°; Capt. Phayre, R.N., J.P., 18°; T. R Lord, 18°: Capt. Irwin. 30° (J.G.W. Somerset), M.W.S.; Genl. Gore Munbee, 18°, Q.E., J.P. (S.G. W. Somerset), 1st G.; Capt. Townsend, 18°, R.N., 2nd G.; Rev. J. C. Pigot, 18°, B.D. (G. Chap. Somerset), H.P.; Rev. R. C. Brown, 18, B.A., G.M.; F. Vizard, R., 18°; E. T. Inskip, T., 18°; B. Cox, R., 18°; E. Gregory, O., 18°; T. Clarke, C.G., 18°; T. J. Matthias, H., 18; W. H. Davies, 18°: S. Jones, 18°; &c. In the evening the members of the Supreme Grand Council of the 33, and the members of the 18°, partook of supper together, in the hotel. ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND. GRAND CHAPTER OF H.R.D.M. EDINBURGH.-A special meeting was held on Monday, the 29th ult., for the advancement and promotion of H.I.H. the Prince Rhodocanakis. The Grand Chapter of H.R.D.M., was opened by Knt. Comp. George Murray, Grand Treasurer, and Acting Deputy Grand Governor; Alexander Hay, Senior G.W. and D.T., and L. Mackersy. as acting G.J.W. After H.I.H. had been advanced to this degree, he was promoted to the honour of the knighthood of the R.S.Y.C.S. Among the Knights present were: Comps. T. E. Macritchie, 33°; G. Murray, 30°; Mackersy, 30°; W. Mann, 32°; Hay, 30°; Cairns, 30°; J. B. Douglas, 30°, Grand Sec.; Scott, 30°; J. T. Douglas, 30°; P. Cowan, 30°; Henderson, 30%; T. H. Douglas, 30°; F. Fair, 30°; G. Georgiades, 309; C. Fitzgerald Matier, 30%; Loth, 30°; Capt. Moreland, 30°, and many others. Comp. Gardyne was also received into the Order at the same time. Poetry. AN ORPHAN'S EVENING PRAYER FOR HER WIDOWED MOTHER'S BENEFACTOR Dedicated most respectfully by a deceased Mason's daughter to the W. Bro. F. ADLARD, P.M. and Treas. of the Royal York Lodge of Perseverance (No. 7), &c. It is the hour of evening-the quiet day is past, Thine ever-watchful kindness continually hath shed. And I would fain petition, that thou would'st deign to bless For when my cherish'd father by death was called away, Once more I plead, O! Father, for him before Thy throne; Nov., 1869. A. C. S. THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES. At the Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden, on Monday "Der Freischutz" was produced; on Tuesday, "Martha;" and on Thursday, "Il Trovatore." "Il Flauto Magico" formed the subject of the "last morning performance" on Friday, and this evening the season concludes with "Lucrezia Borgia" and the grand scene of the Resuscitation of the Nuns, from "Roberto il Diavolo." Formosa" continues at Drury Lane, and is announced to be withdrawn on the 18th inst. "New Men and Old Acres meets with continued success at the Haymarket.Mr. Allerton, not discouraged at the unfavourable reception of "Forbidden Fruit," has brought out another French adaptation, called "The Siren," which is neatly translated by Mr. Palgrave Simpson from M. Octave Feuillet's "Delilah." The house has been well filled since its production, and the piece was received with more signs of approbation than its predecessor.--At the St. James's a new extravaganza, bearing the title of "La Belle Sauvage," has been produced. It is identical with "Pocahontas; or the Gentle Savage," originally written for the American stage, and was produced at the Princess's in 1861. It is improved by the excision of numerous Americanisms, which were neither understood nor appreciated on its first representation in this country. At Sadler's Wells, under the direction of Mr. R. Edgar, a series of Shaksperian and other representations have been given during the week, Mr. Pennington, Miss Eliza Clayton, and Mrs. Eburne sustaining the principal characters.- -At the Queen's, the "Turn of the Tide" having reached the 162nd representation, has been replaced by a new four-act drama by the same author, entitled, 'Morden Grange," being a dramatic adaptation of Mark Lemon's novel, "Wait for the End." The characters were well sustained, and the piece was favourably received by the audience.—————At the Princess's Theatre, Bro. Roberts announces his annual benefit, which occupies two evenings (the 13th and 14th inst.) Those who have attended on former occasions, and who have witnessed the extra attractions provided, invariably look forward to the occasion of Bro. Roberts's nights, who, we may state, is about to close his connection with the Princess's, having accepted the position of acting manager to Mr. Mansell, at the Lyceum Theatre, in January next. On this occasion Miss Florence Roberts, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts (Miss Rebecca Isaacs), will make her debut. 66 'More new theatres are in preparation. A company is about to erect one on the site of Savile House (pity they could not have managed to get the "Square"), and another, situate at Sloane-square, is building for Belgravia. LITERATURE SCIENCE, AND FINE ARTS. MESSRS. MACMILLAN's new illustrated weekly journal, Nature, is excellently got up, and contains a large number of articles by scientific men of world-wide reputation. A NEW monthly periodical, The Artisans Magazine, edited by the Rev. H. Solly, may be expected to appear shortly. The magazine will be published by Messrs. Chapman and Hall. The Winter Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Colours opened on Saturday week. The collection is decidedly above the average, and includes works by B. Foster, G. Tripp, John Gilbert, Carl Haag, G. P. Boyce, A. Hunt, Collingwood, Smith, T. Smallfield, T. R. Lamont, F. Walker, C. Davidson, G. H. Andrews, J. D. Watson, E. K. Jackson, T. W. Topham, T. J. Shields, Basil Bradley, and many others. this dull season will well repay the trouble. A visit in SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK. Saturday, 11th Dec.-Royal Botanical Society, at 3.45. Monday, 13th Dec.-Society of Engineers, at 7.30; Roya Geographical Society, at 8.30; Medical Society, at 8; Royal Institute of British Architects, at 8; Royal Institution, at 2 -monthly meeting; London Institution, at 4; Society of Arts, at 8. Tuesday, 14th Dec.-Institution of Civil Engineers, at 8; Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society, at 8.30; Photographic Society, at 8; Anthropological Society, at 8. Wednesday, 15th Dec.-Society of Arts, at 8. Thursday, 16th Dec.-Royal Society, at 8.30; Society of Antiquaries, at 8.30; Linnean Society, at 8; Chemical Society, at 8; Zoological Society, at 4: Numismatic Society, at 7; Philosophical Club, at 6; London Institution, at 7.30; Ed inburgh Geological Society, at 8. LIST OF LODGE, MEETINGS. &c., FOR WEEK. ENDING 18TH DECEMBER, 1869. (Abbreviations.-F.M.H., Freemasons' Hall; M.H., Masonic Hall; M.T., Masonic Temple; Tav., Tavern; Ho., Hotel; Ro Rooms; L., Lodge; St., Street; Sq., Square). METROPOLITAN LODGES AND CHAPTERS. LODGES.-St. George's and Corner Stone, F.M.H.; Fortitude Tuesday, Dec. 14th. LODGES. - Burlington, Albion Tav., Aldersgate-st:; Union London Tav., Bishopsgate-st.; St. James's Union, F.M.H.; Percy, Ship and Turtle, Leadenhall-st.; St. Michael's, Albion Tav., Aldersgate-st.; United Strength, Old Jerusalem Tav., St. John's-gate, Clerkenwell; Nine Muses, Clarendon Ho., Bond-st.; Wellington, White Swan, Deptford; Ranelagh, Windsor Castle Ho., Hammersmith; Doric, Anderton's Ho., Fleet-st. CHAPTER.-Jerusalem, F.M.H. Wednesday, Dec. 15th. LODGES.-United Mariners, George Ho., Aldermanbuay; St. George's, Trafalgar Ho., Greenwich: Sincerity, Cheshire Cheese Tav., Crutched Friars; Nelson, Ma. Ha., William-st., Woolwich; Maybury, F.M.H.; Buckingham and Chandos, F.M.H.- -CHAPTER.—Beadon, Greyhound Ho., Dulwich. Thursday, Dec. 16th. LODGES. Globe, F.M.H.; Gihon, Guildhall Coffee-house, Gresham-st.; Temperance, White Swan, High-st., Deptford; Manchester, Anderton's Ho., Fleet-st.; Victoria, George Ho., Aldermanbury; South Norwood, Goat House Ho., South Norwood. Friday, Dec. 17th. LODGES.-Friendship, Willis's Rooms, King-st., St. James's; METROPOLITAN LODGES AND CHAPTERS OF Monday, Dec. 13th. Prosperity, Gladstone Tav., Bishopsgate-st.; Temple, Old George St. Mary Axe, E.C.; Justice, Royal Albert, New Cross-1d., Deptford; Old Concord, Turk's Head, Montcombe-st., Belgrave-sq.; Sincerity, Raslway Tavern, London-street; St. James's Union, Swan Tavern, Mount-st., Grosvenor-sq.; Industry, Dick's Coffee House, Fleet-st.; Crystal Palace, City Arms Tav., West-sq., Southwark; Westbourne, the Grapes, Duke-st., Manchester-sq.; High Cross, White Hart Ho., Totten ham; Tower Hamlets Engineers, Duke of Clarence, Commercial-rd., East; Eastern Star, Royal Ho., Burdett-rd., Mileend-rd.; Camden, Adelaide Tav., Haverstock Hill. Tuesday, Dec. 14th. Faith, Fisher's Restaurant, Metrop. Dist. Rail., Victoria Station; Domatic, Palmerston Arms, Grosvenor-park, Camberwell; Jordan, Alwyne Castle, Canonbury; Yarborough, Green Dragon, Stepney; Prince Frederick William, Knights of St. John's Tav., St. John's-wood; British Oak, Silver Lion Tavern, Pennyfield, Poplar; Dalhousie, Royal Edward, Triangle, Hackney; Royal Albert, White Hart, Abchurchlane; City of London, Shepherd and Flock Tav., Bell-alley, Moorgate-street; New Wandsworth, Freemasons' Ho., New Wandsworth; Robert Burns, Sussex Stores, Upper St. Martin'slane; Rose of Denmark, George Ho., Aldermanbury; Mount Sion, White Hart, Bishopsgate-st. Wednesday, Dec. 15th. Confidence, Railway Tav., London-street; Merchant Navy, Jamaica Tav., West India Dock-rd., Poplar; United Strength, Bull and Gate, Kentish Town; New Concord, Rosemary Branch Tav., Hoxton; St. Mark's, Mawby Arms, Mawby-st., S. Lamb beth; Peckham, Edinboro' Castle Tavern, Peckham Rye; Pythagorean, Prince of Orange Hotel, Greenwich; Temperance in the East, George the Fourth, Catherine-st., Poplar.CHAPTER OF INSTRUCTION.-St. James's Union, Swan Tav., Mount-st., Grosvenor-sq. Thursday, Dec. 16th. Fidelity, Yorkshire Grey, London-st., Fitzroy-sq.; Kent, Duke of York, Borough-rd., Southwark; United Mariners, Three Cranes, Mile-end-rd.; Vitruvian, White Hart, College-st., Lambeth; StGeorge's, Globe Tav., Royal Hill, Greenwich; Manchester, Berkeley Arms, John-st., Berkeley-square; Tranquillity, Sugar Loaf Tav., Great St. Helen's, E.C.; Whittington, Thatched House Tav., 9, Red Lion-st.; Royal Oak, Royal Oak Tavern, Deptford. CHAPTER OF INSTRUCTION.-Joppa, Prospect of Whitby Tav., 57, Wapping-wall Friday, Dec. 17th. Robert Burns, Union Tav., Air-st., Regent-st.; St. Luke's Pier Ho., Cheyne-walk, Chelsea; Temperance, Victoria Tav., Victoria-rd., Deptford; Stability, Guildhall Tav., 33, Greshamst.; Unions (Emulation Lodge of Improvement for M.M.), Freemasons' Hall; United Pilgrims, Horns' Tavern, Kennington; Wellington, Lord Duncan Tavern, Broadway, Deptford; Florence Nightingale, Freemasons' Tav., Woolwich; Ranelagh, Windsor Castle Hotel, King-st., Hammersmith; Belgrave, Duke of Wellington, Spring-gardens, Charing-cross; St. James's, Gregorian Arms, Jamaica-row, Bermondsey; Lily, Greyhound Ho., Richmond; Doric, Three Cranes, Mile End-rd.; Rose of Denmark, White Hart, Barnes, Surrey; Victoria, George Ho., Aldermanbury. Inn. Ha. ASHTON Moor-lane,Wed., ARDWICK.-Lodge: De Grey and Ripon LANCASHIRE (WEST). SOUTHPORT. Mon., LIVERPOOL.-Lodge: Sincerity, M.T. WARWICKSHIRE. Mon., RUGBY.-Lodge: Rectitude, Town Hall.-BIRMING- [This information is extracted from the "Universal Masonic Calendar," published at 19, Salisbury-street, Strand, and brethren who may detect any inaccuracies (and there are, doubtless' many), are respectfully requested to communicate the same to the Editor at the Office, No. 19, Salisbury-street, Strand.] TO CORRESPONDENTS. ** All Communications to be addressed to 19, Salisbury street, Strand, W.C., SEVERAL correspondents upou the subject of the Byzantine succession are referred to the notice in the first page.. SEVERAL reports of lodges-London, Provincial, and Scotcharrived too late for insertion, and will appear in our next. LL.D.-Our attention has been called to the scurrilous libel published in the pages of an advertising sheet. It will, no doubt, receive attention in the proper quarter. Bro. Dr. Mackay defines "Rite" as a modification of Freemasonry, in which, the three antient degrees and their essentials being preserved, there are variations in the ceremonies, and number and names of the additional degrees. A Masonic Rite is, therefore, in accordance with the general signification of the word, the method, order, and rules observed in the performance and government of the Masonic system. Pure Antient Freemasonry consists of but three degrees, but the ingenuity of some, vanity of others, and that morbid craving for distinction, so prevalent on the Continent during the last century, have added to these an infinite number of high degrees, and of ceremonies unknown to the original institution. Some of these lived only with their authors; others have had a permanent existence. A Master Mason is, however, acknowknowledged as such in all countries, and can visit the Symbolic Lodges of any Rite. The following are the more generally practised at the present time : The English (York). The Antient and Accepted (Scotch). The French (Modern). The Swedish. The Three Globes (Berlin). Of the English system, which is adopted by some four-fifths of the Freemasons of the world, little need be said. The act of union between the two Grand Lodges of England in 1813 declares that pure antient Masonry consists of three degrees, and no more, viz., those of the E.A., the F.C., and the M.M., including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch. This latter (the R.A.) is not, however, acknowledged as part of Antient Freemasonry in any other country. The degree was invented by the self-styled "Antient Masons” in the year 1770, and by them its recognition was successfully insisted on at the union. Since then many different rituals have been used in conferring it. Bro. How states that the present one was arranged by the Rev. Bro. Adam Brown, at the instance of the late Duke of Sussex, and that the object his Royal Highness had in view is apparent to every R.A. Mason who has attained the rank of Past First Principal. A Royal Arch chapter represents the great Sanhedrim, convened for the building of Zerubbabel's Temple. The degree of Mark Master has no satisfactory status in England, Some lodges are under a recently established Grand Lodge of Mark Masters of England and Wales, whilst others still work under warrants derived from the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland. In the United States the degree is given preparatory to the Royal Arch. Although in this country it has not long had a firm footing, the Antient and Accepted is undoubtedly the oldest of the modern Rites, having been established about the year 1700. The Supreme Grand Council for England and Wales and the Dependencies of Great Britain, was instituted in conformity with the general system of government adopted in France, the United States, Ireland, and other parts of both Continents, and comprehends the authority of the Antient Order of Harodim, which has existed from a very early It does not interfere period in this country. with Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, or Grand degrees vested under the latter bodies as part of Conclave; and, although not recognising the the antient system, it does not forbid any of its members taking them. The Rite consists of thirty-three degrees; the three first are, of course, symbolic, aud must be taken in England at all events in a regular Craft lodge. The 31°, 32o, and 33° are limited in numbers and administrative; oft he remainder, only the 18°, or Rose Croix, and the 30°, or elected Knight Kadosh, are usually given in extenso, the intervening degrees being |