The Observer from London, Greater London, England • 4

TAeertrnKirc publication of THE OBSERVER commences at Pour o' Clock on Sunday Morning, in time for all the early Sanday Morning nailtrnys. A MONDAY AFTERNOON EDITION of THE OBSERVER is reyularly published sufficiently early for Newsmen to send by the General Post. strewn inthe neielilimirlinml -ci ixmiui-ui courts, were zone 1 quiet and repose of those who evidently camefor an hour's nroL substituted. The strong tide of eager and excited gazcr3 ere up and down the naves was exchanged for the careless loun fashionable saunter, and one could hear in all their combined tLa the thousand ceaseless noises of the great hive, the hum and bu human voices, the treble notes of rhe pianos, the full of "ZZ of the splash and fall of the water, and the deep diapason of thl M' whirring and rattling of the machinery, softened and distance. The large amount of business which tbemanaeem 11 been doing since the opening has rendered thm Vs of our metropolitan banks, by no means -w iim, Lun l'iaLa -waa KJl snni over accommodatine foreigner or a provincial, unaware of the regulation of not nimble enough catching it up again, with the pleasant heba of sallying out a quarter of a mile from the neare Kprospwt procure change.

There is certainly one Exhibition the road, which was- first a grWrocers' th do staurant" of some or all the great8 rifnTof thelrth 'ta 'V the dearth of other business, has got uD an B. to questionable French, that money may be exchanged the on far as appearances eo. the dernier h.i as appearances go, the dernier has not otM resort A peripatetic moneychanger in front of the taSSS'SP4 bag of silver to turn crowns and half-crowns intoshiUings and might make, during the first four days of the week Thanln mission for the accommodation. Indeed, every thing Conner? buildmgappears to hare the gift of money-miking and umbrella stands, which are daily filled to overflow will require considerable enlargement. We protest7howev4 the charge of twopence for taking care of a shilling early part of the week.

It is mulcting the humbto daZ although we do not object to the man of fashion's delhe4'' or his still more delicate hands, should he require to wash set down in the tariff at twopence each. Wc Tsubjoin thl tof.i Of the Exhib Hon un to the end nf tn MfeipU compiled by us last week, with some comments -copied by one of our contemporaries, tho Daily Neirt finrf Be attributed by it to the Athenoeam. The number oTtoTT ing to-day was considerably less than any day durins Jll only 13,681, and the amount received 1,630 the Total receipts from daily visitors and season iicsets, up to tne June 137 3q- 18 ouoaenpuons 0 0 i ui privilege ui printing tne catalogues onn nMoiln nt 1 1 suppi uijj reircBumcnis 5 560 0 Monday, June 9th lf? 4 u.iu ibu Wednesday, Jnne 1 1th Thursday, June 12th Friday, June 13th Saturday, June 14th Season tickets during the week. Tiinilni Oft. 2,272 2 2,160 2,233 7 2.206 5 1,636 0 42 0 223,428 15 0 THE Jvsr U.

Tlli jranirnl itl-mn wj 0 uuu yeuig our lavour, there is one nrin cipa regulator of the exchanges to be watched-the Corn Market" We have seen within tho last few weeks every apprehension removed as to a short crop of cotton, and the difference between former and present estimates is some millions sterling in favour of England. Speds has arrived to a large amount again this week from New York and Mexico, and there is a further addition to the total of the precious metals in the Bank of England coffers. The mode in winch business is being conducted is sound and cautious, and political quietude being as-sured, the main thing needed seems to be fine weather. Hitherto the season has been backward, but this merely presages a late not a bad harvest. Everything for wheat depends upon the future, since it has not suffered by the past temperature.

In the interim, however, there is this important consideration the crop being late, wc are working up the stock on hand, and this, while it raises the average price, tempts the foreigner, and in truth renders his assistance in some measure indispensable. Hereon hinges, then, the question of having to pay or receive a large amount of specie, unless the admission be made that'in increasinr abroad our purchases of food, we secure an extended sale for British manufactures. The just medium" will secure readiest concurrence The steady advance in the value of grain, not only in England, but likel wise in Ireland and Scotland, has inspired the speculative class witk much confidence as respects the future. That the improvement is bona fide admits of no doubt; and it is considered that the stocks of com at this time in the hands of our farmers, are smaller than during the cor responding periods since 1847 indeed, in some of the agricultural Ah. tricts the growers are compelled to purchase barley and oats for actual consumption.

It is assumed, therefore, that until the close of harvest operations, we shall be almost wholly dependent for supplies of spring corn upon foreign producers, and hence it follows that a further tff. vance in prices is by no means improbable. The supplv of foreign wheat and flour, at this time in the United Kingdom, is under quarters. Present quotations are looked upon as safe, and to keep them at their present level, a very large import, will, it is said, be necesssry. It is essential to bear in mind, however, that wheat and flour are ret lively more abundant than other articles, and that we may now daily look for the arrival of the spring shipments from Russia, circumstances which, in conjunction with favourable weather, might prevent any important rise, although cheapness promotes consumption.

Bearing these facts in mind, the probable conclusion is, that the Money Market will not be violently disturbed by the course of tho grain trade, although the latter may absorb a considerable capital for the time being. The condition of the English Stock Market has been very satisfactory this week, and we have seldom had to notice a more buoyant statu ui luiuga ure suutuug ui u.e i rangier xjuoks. ao anxious desire appears to have existed to take Consols, for the purpose of receiving the dividend payable in July, and this feeling prevailed up to the last mo. ment. Encouraged by the money purchases, speculators have followed in their wake, and the renewed large importation of bullion from the other side of the Atlantic has rendered cash sufficiently abundant to keep in check the usual tendency of discounts to get tighter a week or two before the close of the financial quarter.

When matters look tolerably auspicious, there are always sanguine parties who anticipate a period of still greater prosperity and accordingly, the gradual ascent of Three per Cent. Consols to par is talked of as not improbable. Possibly, with tho continued productiveness of tho Californian mines, with arerara grain crops, cheap cotton, and national tranquillity, a rise ton8i, without the dividend, equal to par with the same, might occur before next Januarvj but positive conclusions ought not to be formed upon present data when applied to a time so distant. There can be no impropriety in reasoning upon probabilities, though there might be much in acting upon them. In the first place, when the Transfer Books re-open, numerous persons will sell out, having secured the dividend, according to their invariable plan of action, and trust to some temporary cause of derangement to come in again on lower terras.

Secondly, there will be a certain amount of agitation, whatever the result, concerning the revision of the French Constitution and, thirdly, the produce of the harvest will be for the next three months in the balance. With these reservations, Stock fluctuations must in the natural course be expected, and thev are as likely to be occasionally downwards as the reverse. The difference this week between the highest and lowest prices of Consols has been per and they are now shut. The settlement of the Monthly Account went off favourably for the Bulls, the rise having been slow but steady throughout, though not from first to last exceeding per cent. The Unfunded Debt has been fully supported, and Bank Stock has ruled high.

The daily alternation during tie recent account was as follows DATK. May 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 2fi 27 IIIOHEST. 973 974 97 978 973 973 97j 973 97? 97(5 97 LOWKST. KLITC. OAYS.

HIGHEST. LOWEST. KLt'C. 29 98 971 30 98 97i 1 31 98 98 Junb 2 98 98 i 3 98 971 4 98 97i i 5 98 97J 6 98 973 4 7 98 971 9 98 97 i 10 98 97J 1 25 days. Total 971 97 97i 97i 97J 971 97i 971 973 97B 973 97S 97! 98 have Vie satisfaction nf knowing whither or no the patent locks of our most eminent manufacturers ore or are not to be relied upon.

FORGERY. There is in the Exhibition, a contribution that must be one of great interest to the moneyed classes. It consists of specimens of bank notes ami bills of exchange, engraved by a patent process upon a principle such as to prevent forgery. The merit of the invention lies in the production of different ground-work patterns, composed by the of any number of words, so small as to be imperceptible to the naked eye. By this device a bank note can be engraved in different patterns by varying the relative positions of the words, which may express either the amount or the name of the bank, the letters being engraved upon hard steel plates, and printed in black and coloured inks.

lie specimens will be found in class 17, case 34. EXHIBITORS' PRIZES. The juries in the different sections are working most satisfactorily and amicably in making and completing their awards. The Commission will be extremely chary in the distribution of their firstclass medals, divine these only to contributions of the highest and most unquestion-able merit and reserving the second-class marks of distinction for the nume on exmp of excellence with which in every beh of mdustry the whole collection abounds. It is hoped that this course will be found a stressful antidote to those individual jealousies and disappomtments which are so apt to spring up un.ler such circumstances.

1 he Exhibition would not have received its highest sanction, or reached its loftiest aims if awards had not been made, and inventive genius and artistic tasfe'erowned with their appropriate honours yet it is extremely to do this effectually without at the same time unduly interfering with the ordinary course of trade and the hard-earned pre-eminence of leading firms. It was the apprehension of this obstacle which induced many to hold bak from and even ooposc the whole undertaking, while others patronised it coldly, as men do those who they think may injure them and yet whom they are afraid to throw overboard. It will be an extraordinary thing, therefore, if the system of prizes is made to act satisfactorily after all. Such a result must be mainly due to the good sense, the intelligence, and the impartiality of the body who, eminent each in his own department of labour, have been from day to day quietly and systematically pursuing their varied researches amidst the contents of the Crystal Palace. EXHIBITION COMMISSIONAIRES.

There are few persons who have not felt of how littlo value was even the corrected catalogue, with its varied and multitudinous directions, in any attempt to studv a particular branch of the Exhibition. In point of fact, without the guidance of some person who has had the opportunity nf infnrminir himself as to the locality in the building of the fmmtm nnd British, it has been almost hope- less to attempt to institute comparisons between the productions of various nations, and thus one of the great objects or the whole undertaking has, to a considerable extent, been defeated. This difficulty is, The brother of an eminent en gineer has been the first to come forward with a practical solution of the matter. He proposes to conuuer parties nor exccvuwg ieinv number through the machinery departments, and to explain their varied peculiarities and modes of working. All persons wishing to place themselves under his guidance will assemble in the lecture-room, at the back of the compartment occupied by Turkey, and will proceed thence in intervals of about two hours.

As the Commissioners do not propose giving the guides" any remuneration, each individual availing himself of their assistance will be expected to pay a small gratuity probably not exceeding sixpence in return for the services conferred. The Executive Committee are anxious to see other qualified persons come forward in the same manner as this gentleman to offer their aid in connection with other departments of the Exhibition. DIURNAL HISTORY. WuiTMoxnAY. At nine o'clock, or thereabouts, omnibuses, cabs, and caravans filled with happy holiday folk might be seen passing in dense columns along all the leading thoroughfares towards Hyde Iark; the streets gave indications of an immense influx of visitors, and even the precarious elevation of the knife boards" was fullv occuuied.

Be tween the hours of 10 and 1 1 o'clock 21 persons were admitted, and appcarancespromised a day of unusual bustle and excitement. The task of counting so enormous an influx became one of great difficulty, and already an assemblage unprecedented in number was anticipated. Rain began to fall, all the indications of a damp disagreeable day were realized. Along the approaches to the building bands of sturdy pedestrians might, nevertheless, be seen pressing forward, sometimes seeking shelter and then starting afresh. Another hour passed away, and it became evident that the rush of visitors was checked.

From eleven to twelve o'clock the numbers admitted fell to 12,785, from twelve to one thev were 8,064, from one to two o'clock 4,832, from two to three o'clock 3,312, from three to four o'clock 1.6G6, and the total according to the police returns up to the hour of closing was 54,1111. At the doors 4s. was taken, and this amount further increased by the sum of two guineas for the sale of a lady's season ticket. Ti kspay. Another day of miserable, gloomy, wet weather interfered with the expected flow of visitors to Hyde Park on Tuesday, and damped the pleasures of the Whitsuntide holidays.

It is no doubt from this cause that the concourse of visitors at the Exhibition on that day-was not even so great as oh Monday. The amount taken at the doors was 2,272 and by the returns 49,097 persons entered the building. Wkdnbsday. On Wednesday the weather was moderately tine, and after the disappointments of the two previous days it was anticipated that there would be an unusually large influx of people but, strange to saw the police returns and the receipts at the doors both showed a considerable decrease as compared with Tuesday, the money taken being only and the number of visitors 47,754. TiirasnAv.

Another day of incessant storm and rain on Thursday added to the misfortunes of the sightseeing public yet, undaunted by the state of the weather, 48,318 persons visited the building on that day, and 2,233 7s. wa3 the amount taken at the doors. Frihay. On Friday the price of admission was half-a-crown, and was the amount taken at the doors, the number of visitors being 21,520. It may be noticed, however, as a feature of the day's experience, that the sale of season tickets, which had nearly ceased, realised 39 18s.

It was the third half-crown day. SUGGESTIONS. Puopits ur thk Exhibition. A correspondent of a morning paper suggests for consideration the propriety, after all contingent expenses of the Exhibition are satisfied, of setting apart certain days and appropriating the receipts thereof to the funds of some valuable institutions, with winch our country happily aDounds, many ot which would thus be enabled materially to extend their benefits. He proposes to cuiiijncn th? scheme h-; one way's takings to farh.

of tiie infant orphan asylums of Wanstcad and Stamford Hill the London Orphan Asylum, Clapton the Female Orphan, the Working Orphan, the St. Ann's Society Schools, and numerous others, as well as the several hospitals for which our country is famed. CoNVKRTimi.iTY of thk Ed-pick. There is no insuperable reason, according to 7Vie Athrmeum, for the exclusion from the Glass Palace of so important a department of art as painting. There are thousands of square feet of wall wholly or in great part unoccupied and, contrary to expectation, the building is found to be marvellously adaptable to the exhibition of drawings, sketches, and paintings.

The lights indeed admit of being arranged with a nicety of angle and intensity of degree such as belong to no building of the ordinary It would be very easy, therefore, to mark off and prepare one of the side galleries on the ground floor for paintings by boarding, in nr imr) nlnnk. as the case mieht require, the snace between the pillars, so as to make the walls solid enough to hold their weight and i .1, ail llglir except, iiiiuuu a pwuivfii ui mi; iuui, oa ia iu i-wuii; fivtnnr naun 1 tin- nrc-umt seuliitnre room. Rv this mnnns it wnnlil be possible to obtain a gallery as well adapted to its purpose, if not as i highly decorated, as tne nome gaucry or tne ana at tne same tVT.e sufficiently large to receive and exhibit the current arc of Europe I and America. The same authority further suggests tliat a simitar development might alsobegiven to various branches of science; and the chemist, the geologist, the architect, the musician, the artist, the mechanist lecturers, indeed, in every branch of science probably find their fitting themes and audi- i ences in such a placo. Thousands who will go to the Crystal Palace for the sensuous enjoyment which it yields may thus on easy terms be wooed by Knowledge to her divincst haunts.

How many of the learned i and scientific societies of London have at present a central and conve- nient home Several of them are known ts be seriously crippled by the large annual rent of a house at the West End; others linger on in crowded avid temporary offices. At the Crystal Palace there would pro-'. bahly he found room for all under the proposed plan. One bay or two bays, a the ease might be, would suffice for their mectiiur rooms, lec- hires, library and so on. And what be so well adapted to their several purpose." All the sciences, in fact, may there be housed together made to cnllcvf food at tho same sources and placed in the way of contracting a new and stronger sense of fellowship with each other.

The opening of the splendid edifice for the exhibition of flowers," adds the contemporary in question, "would give a new impulse to flori-oultnrc. There the grower would be always certain of a good light the public- of a dry dav. Foreign gardeners would probably contribute largely to 3 floral show in such a place when; the specimens forwarded would be seen by vast multitudes, whose examination would not be confined to a passing glance under an uncertain sky. COLLATERAL INCY DENTS. Early Closing.

An incident occurred on Monday which will perhaps not be without us ful results. A gentleman visiting the foreign departments a little after five found them as usual closed and covered up, although the official time of closing ia seven o'clock. On entering the south side of the French department, the attendants had begun operation? in covering up, and on the visitor inquiring whether the Exhibition shut up at that hour, the man told him that it was quite time enough to keep il open from ten till half-past five. The visitor remonstrated, and observed that under such circumstances it became impossible to make use of he remaining timo. "Weill you'll see precious little now.

1 can tell you. We'll take care of that." The visitor then inquired where was the office of the French Commissioner, but the attendant asserted he did not know of any, and the policeman, who was inclined to ahet him, said there were two," without pointing out where re- -V1 length, by inquiring elsewhere, the gentleman found he an(j to M. Triscak, the inspector-general in charge of iiie French department, who accompanied him forthwith to the scene of complaint. M. Triscak inquired why the goods were covered up, and required the removal nf the wrappers, but the attendant showed himself insolent and insubordinate, and the official immediately tore away the wrappers with his own hands, informing the attendant that he had no right to close before seven o'clock.

At the same time he explained to the visitor that the fault lay with the attendants, who had been provided by of the exhibitors, and who, to shirk work, closed before the time. Invitation to Paris. A verv nn Tuesday in the foreign quarter, for'which M. Sallandrouze was eiven as un Hi.re aim oach iree i expense, lie time mentioned is a week or so subsequent to the grand ball at our own Mansion House. Tun Thkathes.

The proprietors of the different' theatres complain that they open their doors just as those of the Exhibition are and that the people poured forth after their day's ramble have no wish for anything out to go home to dine, and then go to bed. Many pori-n in trade also complain that the absorption of public time has an injurious effert 'n their interests. It has been suggested, then, that a tin- Exhibition is fait accompli, and must run its round, somc thnig might he done for the theatres by opening the Exhibition at eight n.m, and closing it live p.m., by winch means an interval of two hours would be given, during which people inclined for further amusement might dine and rest themselves. Lkctiuks. Mr.

Tennant, F.G.S., has commenced a series of lectures on mineralogy. Professor Cowper lectures upon cotton spinning. There are two lect ure rooms erected at the back of Turkey one of which is quite completed, the other nearly so, and which can hold from 200 to 250 persons each. There was a very good attendance at Professor Cowper's room on Wednesday, and he was listened to with great interest. At tho back of the lecturer, upon a screen of green baize, were arranged coloured drawings and diagrams, representing the flowers, in I stalks, and pods of vegetables of the fibrous order and also exhibiting cotton wool in its various stages ns just gathered from the shrub, as imported, as woven, ns spun into yarn, add as finally spun into thread.

To illustrate and explain theisuccessive processes was the object of the lecturer, who had also before him a variety of models to be put iiHu action, in order still further to elucidate the subject. Country Visitors. The greater portion of the shilling visitors from the country carry their own provisions with them, and get into secluded nooks and corners, or sit down more boldly in the open courts-attached to the east and west refreshment rooms, and pull out their cold meat, sandwiches, cake, or whatever else the travelling basket may contain, and make a hearty meal. This serves the double purpose of recruiting and resting them, and in this way they are enabled to spend a much longer time in the building, and have, as we said on a former the worth of their shilling. The basket or the coat pocket generally contains in addition a bottle or flask, with ale, beer, or probably something more potent, as we saw several parties at the fountains qualifying the liquid element, or, as one of them said, Killing the Thames insects," with something suspiciously like gin.

The practice is winked at and, perhaps, properly, as there need be no apprehension that strong drinks will be introduced or consumed to any extent. Not a single intoxicated person has been seen within the building since it was opened to the public. Migration ok a District. A remarkable feature of Thursday's experience in the interior of the Exhibition was the appearance there, at an early hour, of nearly 800 agricultural labourers and country folk, from the neighbourhood of Godstone, in Surrey, headed by the clergymen of the parishes to which they respectively belonged, and organised for the occasion into companies like a regiment of militia. They paid Is.

tid. each towards the expenses of the trip, the rest being defrayed by the gentry of the neighbourhood and, notwithstanding the state of the weather, they were conveyed to the Exhibition and back again to their own homes in a very expeditious manner, and with the utmost care for their comfort. The railway station was reached by waggons, and from London Bridge terminus to Westminster they were brought up by steamer. Thence, after seeing Westminster Hall, they proceeded on foot and in marching order to the Crystal Palace, and, having spent several hours there in exploring the wonders of art and industry, at four o'clock they took their departure, returning as they came. The men wore their smartest sraock-froeks, the women their best Sunday dresses, and more perfect specimens of rustic attire, rustic faces, and rustic manners could hardly be produced from any part of England.

The town portion of the assemblage gathered round them as they mustered before departing in the transept, with looks full of curiosity, not unmingled with a species of half-pitying interest and many ere the questions put to them as to what they thought of tho Exhibition what they were most struck by whether they understood what they had soon and if they would like to come again After some little marshalling they loft me nxniDiiinn in close oruer, moving inrec aorcast an attectmg array of young and old, male and female, in which each observer might read with his own eves the evidences of a laborious life, little relieved by intelligence or education, but simple, unpretending, and not unaccom panied by domestic virtue and happiness. VARIOUS FACTS. It is a singular fact that the only public attraction which seems to have any power in diminishing the tide of curiosity which has set in towards Hyde Park is that of a flower show. Epsom and Ascot exercised no perceptible influence in this respect, but the Ctiiswick fete on Saturday week did, and again on Wednesday the display at the Botanical Gardens, Regent's Park, was strongly felt. Of late the popular element has been becoming more and moro conspicuous among the throng of spectators, and there is no longer any difficulty in finding among the vast concourse humble dresses and faces brown with exposure to the sun, and hands hardened by toil.

The pre sence of mothers with their infants too, and luncheons emerging from homely-looking baskets during the intervals of rest these, and a hundred other signs, indicate that tho Is. admission does not operate as a barrier to the curiosity of the industrial classes yet, from some unexplained cause, the masses have not yet presented themselves at the doors of the Crystal Palace, and the majority of those who go there still belong to the upper and' middle ranks of life. It is almost incredible that the Whitsun holidays should have closed without the slightest detraction from the respectability of the Exhibi tion as a place of public resort, and that the actual number of visitors, r- i l.l -l UUring a pcrlOU wuuil lauuur 13 icnuscu uum us umi, miuuiii a punitive decrease. Such, however, ore the facts, and everybody will explain them in his own way. About one on Friday, the ex-Queen of the French, accompanied by thcDuchess of Orleans, arrived at the Exhibition, and proceeded to theFrench compartments, attended by the French Commissioner.

The Duke of Devonshire has sent to the Exhibition a very remarkable contribution in the shape of a hawk, which is executed with great spirit, and studded all over with precious stones. I lis grace has also forwarded a magnificent snake-chain of silver filigree work, tho design of which is singularly chaste and beautiful. (LATEST PARTICULARS.) THE GEMS OF THE EXHIBITION. SATURDAY NIGHT, Jl-nk 14. AND MODERN).

GLASS (ANCIENT Inferior in commercial value only to the almost priceless gems and costly gold and silver plate of the Exhibition, the collection of crystal, its pure and sparkling brilliancy, or enhanced by the application of the most beautiful prismatic colouring, and the addition of the precious metals, may fairly be looked upon as among the most ornamental and attractive of the many treasures of the Crystal Palace. And yet all this glittering splendour, all these graceful and symmetrical forms, all this lavish display of high artistic skill, and all this elaboration of colouring, engraving, silvering, and staining, has been accomplished within the last seven years and the removal of the fiscal restrictions which paralysed the energies of the glass manufacturers for so long a period, has enabled the trade to advance with such giant strides, that a display which some years ago would have only excited ridicule or contempt, now enables this country to take rank beside our continental neighbours in the production of ornamental glass, while we are confessedly superior to them in the manufacture of the more useful kinds. The matchless specimens of crystal which cover the English stalls of the Exhibition indicate the perfection and the finish which freedom from Legislative interference and control has enabled our manufacturers to accomplish but the builriing Itself, covered by nearly a million large squares of glass, en closing more than eighteen acres of ground.and weighing upwards of four hundred tons, is one of the greatest triumphs of our national industry, and one of the most astonishing manufacturing marvels of the many which it encloses. Johnston, in his story of the Phoenician mariners, in 7Vie Rambler, taking his account from Pliny, has thrown a poetic halo round the accidental discovery of this elegant art, but we believe in sober prose that Egypt, the cradle of art, science, and civilisation, has a prior claim witness the fragments picked up among the ruins of Thebes, the indications of glass-making in the hieroglyphic paintings in her temples, and the fact that the sand near Alexandria is peculiarly fitted for the production of the finest glass. It is evident, also, that they were acquainted with the colouring of glass by means of metallic oxides, another confirmation of the assertion of one of the philosophers of the day, that all our modern discoveries are but the revival of ancient arts.

arts. Greece knew little of the art ot glass-making, and China limited lierselt to tne imitation ot precious stones, while the Komans obtained their tnoBi valuable specimens from Egypt. The value of the Koh-i-Noor sinks into insignificance compare! with the tlUlnS by the Roman mpcrors to the Egyptian princes for these costly vases. Hadrian had some which could only be used in the highest festivals and after peculiar ceremonies, and Nero paid 80,000 of our money, an almost incredible sum in these days, for two Egyptian glass cups with handles. At a later period the art of coating and cameo cutting was discovered, and the celebrated Barberini vase, which lias so long delighted artists and puzzled the dilettanti, has turned out to be, not the work of the potter, but of the glass blower and cutter.

The Naples museum proves that the luxurious people who inhabited the cities overwhelmed by the eruptions of Vesuvius were well acquainted with the art and among the Venetians the glass maker held a dignified position, the island of Murano, in one of the lagoons, being celeDrated for its productions. One of the properties said to be possessed by the Venetian glass was that of flying to pieces when poison was introduced, a convenient myth which it was the interest of the nobles to impress upon the people. It is generally supposed that glass making was introduced into Venice by the Crusaders in the beginning of the 13th century, and for a long period it formed a lucrative commercial monopoly. The Bohemians were the great rivals of the A'enetians in variety of colouring and in the manufacture of cups, goblets, and vases, with this distinction that the former have made wonderful improvements in the art', while the latter have retrograded. In England the invention was, it is said, known to the Druids, who made glass beads serve as amulets or charms but the first English glasshouse was erected in the Savoy, about the middle of the 15th century and was thence transferred by one of those accidents which are among the curiosities of its early history to the midland districts.

The small band of Lorraines who were driven from their own country by civil dissensions and religious persecution to take refuge in England, like the stout Flemings to whom we owe another branch of manufactures, not finding encouragement in London, settled near Stourbridge, having observed there evidences of the invaluable fire-clay out of which the glass melting-pots are formed. With the exception of this and the coal, all the materials used even to tho present day, are procured at a distance, the sand being obtained either from the Norfolk coast or from Alum Bay, in the Isle of Wight. What was accomplished by accident was further perfected by stratagem. A descendant of one of these Lorraines proceeded to Germany as a musician, and found means to get into some of the strictly-watched manufactories, and obtained a Knowledge of the method of making German spread glass for windows. Suspicions, however, were oxcited.

He was seized, tned, and ordered to bo executed, but was fortunate enough to make his escape, and on his return here his services were publicly acknowledged in the Gazette, and a grant of fifty pounds voted to him by the existing Government. The first blown glass was made in this country in 1673, at Lambeth, by Venetian artists, who were brought over under the patronage of the Duke of Buckingham. Colbert was the introducer of blown mirror glass into France, and nobles only were at first allowed to be masters of the glass works. We may close these introductory remarks upon the early stages of glass manufacture by a more authentic account of the real excellence and value of the Venetian glass. Nearly 200 years ago Maximilian Misson, a Frenchman, who visited Murano, said that Venetian crystal, formerly held to be the finest in Europe, no longer merited that title, and the master of one of the glass-houses offered 100,000 francs to any one who would teach him the secret of making glass as white as that of a cup brought from Paris.

Mr. Pellatt says the finest ancient Venetian glass was celebrated rather for its lightness than its crystalline beauty, but that it is inferior to modern English crystal in pellucid refractibility. It would thus appear th8t our energy, our capital, and the discoveries of chemical science, have enabled us to transcend without an effort the most surprising wonders of ancient art, and to place within the reach of the middle classes what was formerly esteemed among the most costly treasures of the luxurious Roman einperors, or the prince rulers of the Italian states. ENGLISH CRYSTAL. The Fountain.

The place of honour among English manufacturers must undoubtedly be assigned to the Messrs. Osier, and any notice of the glass of the Exhibition must be heralded by a glance at its most prominent and remarkable development the great crystal fountain, which has been fortunate enough to disarm criticism, and win golden opinions" from all. We cannot pass it, often as it has been referred to. without a sentence. Its position is peculiarly happy, the full beams of the meridian sun (when it does shine) pouring down upon it, and turning its prismatic glories into sparkling diamonds.

The purity of the material, the brilliancy of the cutting, the tasteful arrangement, the ap- 1 propriate selection of form, all indicate correct taste and running ham Rearing its chaste and elegant form in the centre of the transept to the height of 2 feet, its gem-like surface and cuttings turning every ray into purple, emerald, and gold, its icicle formed pinnacles, and shell-like canopies, over which the water flows in sheets of liquid purity, all com bine to form a perfect triumph of art, creditable to the skill and the genius of this country. Candei.aiira. The display of English glass will bo found in the northern gallery, immediately over the Indian department. Inde pendently of the beauty and oppropriateness of form, the perfection of flint glass crystal consists not merely in transparency to light and freedom from colour, but in the diamond-like property of sending back the rays to the eve in c-onter brilliancy than it receives them. skilled workman can readily accomplish the latter, but the design owing to the peculiar nature of the manufacture, is in a great measure dependent upon the nercention'of the beauty of graceful form or outline which the trlnss modeller nnsseases.

When so much has hvn achieved by their natural capabilities, what might we not anticipate if mo uugium woruiuen were eaucateu arusiicaiiy. ine euucaicd eye wauiu ne aoauiy valuable in working a material ulucli requires so much quickness of manipulation. If timorous or vaccillatiug, the lucky moment is gene by the vessel is valueless, and only fit to be thrown back into the melting pot. The taste of his Royal Highness Prince Albert is striKingly exemplified in the chaste and elegant pair ot candelabra manufactured by Messrs. Osier for presentation to her Majesty.

A large chandelier exhibits the novelty of purple and crimson pendents lmrnuuceu among tho pure crystal the ellect is prouaDly better when lighted up than in daylight. Intaoi.iatku Plate. Mr. Apsley Pellatt holds a deservedly con- "fu.uuuc vsitiuu umong tne exmoiiors ui uumiuciiiui giubs. uis in tagliated ice plate may take rank as one of the gems of the Exhibition, yon himself could not engrave a more exquisite medallion than the Queen's head which occupies the centre.

Round the border is engraved the triumph of Constantine, after Thorswalden the figures are brought out in the utmost perfection. The great novelty in this collection is the A.ngio-Venetian glass, a revival of the ancient stylo, and the improve ment upon the old type is obvious. The mysteries of the manufacture have evidently been mastered, and in the celebrated vctro tie trino, tho imitations of the twisted thread-like fibres would seem to intimate that the ancient Venetian has at lenirtli met his rival and his master. Snmi of the specimens of Venetian glass ore delicately spotted with sprigs of gum, ami in oroau contrast to tuese irau ana irosceu articles are the solid lapidary cuttings and spangles for chandeliers, which are more oriuiant man molten silver. Coloured Vases.

Messrs. Powell and Sons exhibit some vases of a rich amber colour, then; own discovery, and some table glass richly cut, and made with American sand from tho Wenham Lake district, which has the property of imparting remarkable and perfectly euiuurius-j purity 10 me glass, nayjur exmoira some claret jugs and wine glasses, the forms of which are perfectly unique, and the engraving oi which is earrwo. wj a nign pome ot peneccion. in ureen a collection is a very elegant magnum Etruscan claret jug, engraved with the royal arms in the centre, surrounded with oak leaves, and embellished with roses, shamrocks, and thistles. A champagne glass, in the Venetian style, is richly engraved in nineteen compartments, the figures, flowers, and ornaments being different in each.

A service of gloss, in the style of Francis the First, of the water-lily pattern, in ornamental panels, is exceedingly tasteful but tho most gorgeous looking article in the gallery is a chess table, inlaid with alternate squares of crystal and ruby glass of the richest colour, the shaft and foot are of prismatic glass. mounted in a highly ornamental gilt framework. The whole is in exquisite taste. There is also a fruit or flower-stand, an adaptation of the water lily, with cornelian glass flowers and buds, bronze leaves, and ormolu base. Rice Harris and Sons, of Birmingham, are large contributors of ornamental coloured glass.

Some vases of alabaster, turquois, and ruby will claim attention from their elegance of form, and richness of colour. The ruby vase is peculiarly ornate in its character. Tho stylo of ornamentation, burnished gold, in connection with the massive cuttings and gracefulness of contour, leaves nothing to be desired. Some liqueur stands, one moro especially of alabaster material, is faultless in design and execution the quiet unostentatious gold thread edging is in admirable keeping with the purity of the outline. We cannot overlook a copy of tho vase called Borghcse," which is perfect in form, and upon which a wreath of enamelled flowers dazzle from the gorgeous richness of the pencilling, although exception may be taken to the conventional acanthus which is introduced in gold as running up the swell of the base.

In smaller articles of flower vases and tazzas, there are many elegant designs, and the complication of forms would seem to indicate the very wantonness of power over the plastic and glittering material. A ruby cup, cased in flint, with the royal arms, and another white, in flint, with enamel introduced, are among the recent curiosities of glass manufacture. The ciising is effected by introducing cups of different colours one within the other, and the heat of the furnace, and the skill of the workman unites them into one. Messrs. Bacchus maintain their name and character very appropriately in the great excellence of tlicir coloured and crystnl claret jugs and their champagne and other wine glasses.

The stems of some of the latter have the spiral thread, and they are delicate and taper in character in some cases twisted into knots without injury to the form of the vessel. Jones and Sons of Ludgate-hill have some lustres of great brilliancy, with cornucopias to match, superbly mounted in dead gold stands. The magnificent crystal chandelier by Perry will command attention more from its great size and beauty than from the deserved prominence ot position it has obtained. It is at least 12 feet high, and is intended for I I I lights, and all the modern improvements are exhibited in the cutting and purirv of colour. The grouping and massive elegance of the design are admirable.

The Messrs. Chance show none of the smaller description of ornamental glass but if the visitor seeks for a monument of their skill, let him look around." It may be stated, however, that to them we are indebted for the British sheet glass," which could formerly be procured only in France and Belgium. TINTED VITRIFICATION. In Birmingham and the midland districts, where the manufacture of coloured glass in imitation of the celebrated Bohemian type is carried on to a large extent, many German workmen are employed, and the Munich artists," as they are termed in contradistinction to the English workmen, earn as much as five and six guineas a week in preparing the batch," or metal, as it is called. It is almost unnecessary to inform our readers that all the various colours are produced by the addition of oxides of different metals, no other substance being able to stand the intense heat of the furnace.

Green is produced in its various shades 1 A 11 1 i. uy prupur tmiuixiurc oi copper ann iron oiue oy cobalt at one time only a source of annoyance to the German miners, and deriving its pamc from Kohold," a malicious sprite purple by manganese 3 and ruby by gold. And any one who looks at the specimens of pure crystal exhibited by different manufacturers in the Exhibition will be readv to add that the diamond itself is little better than a higher manifestation of its wonuenui brilliancy and rctractioility. lie addition of a small quantity of arsenic is supposed by some to add to the pellucid clearness of the glass, but as alt this addition is carried off by the intense heat the rationale of the operation cannot be clearly understood. A comparison of the specimens of English coloured glass and the wonderful examples of Bohemian art will, we feel satisfied, afford convincing evidence of the unprecedented advances this country has recently made.

In some of the colors, ruby more especially, all the efforts of our manufacturers have hithertobeen vain, although aided by the same system of manipulation ami the very same workmen by whom these treasures are manufactured in Germany. No art, however, retains so many of the mysteries and secrets and freemasonry of the olden times of transmutation and incantation as that of glass making. The day and the hour are still regarded as favourable or unfavourable, ami this has held good since the palmy days of the Murano Venetian glass makers, who were ennobled by Henry the Third and called themselves ''gentlemen;" for Howell, writing of the manufacture in 1G21, says It hath bin observed and tryed that if one shoed remove a furnace from Murano to Venice, nay to the other side of the streete, and use the same men. materiells. and fnell.

and tho Same kind of furnace every way, yet one cannot be able to mafce cnstafl glasse 111 the same pertekfion for bewty and luster as they do at Murano." The workmen, doubtless, encouraged this popular belief for purposes of their own. BOHEMIAN FABRIQUES. The glass making of Bohemia, at which we now propose to glance, has naturally operated very powerfully in addition to the recent freedom from Excise restrictions in stimulating the manufacturers of this country-It has supplied us with the models for imitation in colour, form, and beauty of adaptation and ornamentation. "Without any wish to echo the cry of superiority of the German artists, it must be acknowledged that these primitive Bohemian workmen are yet our teachers. Their trade is carried on in small companies called a "fabrique" of about twenty-five men each, and the glass villages are scattered through the mountainous districts in the heart of immense forests, the proximity of which furnishes the fuel upon which it is asserted by many the excellence of the manufacture depends.

The Bohemian workmen employed in this country insist upon it that if they could be supplied with the timber of the Black Forest, they would undertake to make the true Bohemian glass here. It is certain that the component parts of the metal, and the various oxides employed, are precisely the same, and the management of the heat may therefore have more to do with the matter than is generally supposed. The glass is merclv moulded into form in the fabriques," the wwk of engraving, colouring, and vitrifying is carried on in the little cottages which surround the glass-house, where each workman has his little muffle fitted up. The engraving involves a large amount of skill, and a familiarity with artistic forms generally. The operation may be described as the cutting away by abrasion, or grinding of certain portions of the surface in intaglio.

This is effected by small copper wheels, turned with great rapidity by a lathe, tho wheels being touched with emery to- improve their cutting powers. The more minute the details of the design the smaller the wheel, and in some cases it does not exceed the size of a pin's head. The Bo-' hemians are hereditary glass-makers, and this is one of the secrets-of the habilite of. the workmen. Whole families are brought up from childhood in painting and drawing upon glass, and boys of thirteen and upwards are employed in this delicate department.

The engraver lives in a block-house of two apartments. One is his workshop, with space enough to hold three or four little lathes for engraving glass, and here he and his sons, from 12 to 16 or 18, work; the faithfulness and spirit of the productions speak for themselves. Most of these men are familiar with the best specimens of ancient and modern art, and many ot tnem arc naturausts, by which they gain that minute acquaintance with the forms of natural 1 objects observable in their works. There is thus no royal road to excellence, and these details may convince our English workmen of the necessity- of education and study. With these superadded to their admitted mechanical superiority, they would soon excel every' other country.

The Bohemian contributions to the Exhibition are pregnant with lessons to our manufacturers. Notwithstanding the great improvements in brilliancy of colour and elegance of form, we are yet inferior. Ruby Glass. The rich ruby observable in their specimens, has never yet been achieved by us, although both Harris and Bacchus make creditable approaches in brightness and depth of colour. The display of Count Harrach is wonderful in the variety and beauty of the forms and decorations.

Flanking the stalls, and facing tho nave, are four candelabra in ruby glass, about ten feet high, richly decorated with gold. The brackets are of dead crystal, and the forms symmetrical. Their price must be enormous as the Bohemian ruby, from the difficulty or the manufacture, and the large quantity of gold that enters into its composition, is very costly. The transparent drops are certainly not equal to the diamondlikc purity of the English crystal. Two massive pedestals and vases, in semi-transparent white glass, with foliated mouldings and ornaments of green, will extort admiration for the exquisite beauty of their proportions, the purity of the material, and the harmonious contrast of colour.

We are glad to perceive that Lloyd and Summerfield have very successfully reproduced this peculiar green colour. Crystal Cups. Some crystal cups, apparently as' thin as tissue paper, and covered with lines of ruby glass, are marvellous specimens of delicate manipulation. Drinking cups of 8 fine rich green, covered externally with minute ornaments in silver, and with liqueur bottles to match, are superior in design and beauty of execution to anything we have seen, even in a collection of such extent and magnificence as the present. It would be utterly impossible to describe all the wonders here displayed, nor could any mere description convey an adequate idea of their beauty.

Tho peculiar German beer glass has not been omitted, and must feel somewhat astonished at the fine clothes and fine company it is in. Count Schaffgotsch, of Warmbrunn, in Silesia, sends some elegant and novel designs from his glass works at Joscphinenhutto. Enamelled Vases. They include enamel vases, aquamarine-enamelled vases, and cups with gilt ornaments, cbaUce glasses with carved arabesques and handles. Tacchis of Frankfort has a very beautifully modelled alabaster fountain in the centre of the compartment and Vogelsang some pink-coloured glasses plated with layers of alabaster, chased and gilt hock bottles and glasses cut in the ruby gothic pattern, ami spiral engravings, and other varieties of enamelling and tracing, all of which are unique of their kind.

Beyond the comparison this display affords to the English manufacturers, no information is derivable as to the peculiarities of manufacture that give Germany the pre-eminence. Whether the depth and brilliancy of colour be due to the oxides employed, to the fusing heat, or to both, is a problem to be solved only by further experiments. We are evidently on the right road to the solution, and the spirit, perseverance, taste, and ingenuity our manufacturers have recently displayed, is a guarantee that it will be satisfactory. STAINED GLASS. Storied Windows.

We havo left ourselves but little space to notice the stained and painted glass windows which form the boundary of the north-western gallery. Here we have specimens of English, French, Belgian, and German glass, illustrating tho various styles from the quaint and smudgy-looking forms of the 13th century down to the gorgeous colourings and artistic groupings of the Munich artificers in glass of the 19th century. The contrast is wonderful, and although objections have been taken by stilted antiquarians to the painting of regular pictures in glass, those who have glanced at the Milan window in the nave, or who have seen the still more magnificent specimens in tne cathedral ot Cologne a gift worthy a monarch in which the most dazzling sunlight is tempered with all the brilliant prismatic hues of the rainbow, while the subjects are inimitable specimens of the art of painting, will welcome the innovation as one of the meat and happy that has distinguished the present era. The Messrs. Chauce nave several beautiful specimens of this elaborate and finished style of painting in glass, and also illustrations of frosting and lace and flower decoration.

Baillie, of Cumberland Market, has a plass nintm-p nf Shaksncre reading one of his olavs to Queen Elile1, 1,01. rvn.w- which, as regards draperies and expression, is highly creditable. rhe artist, however, has evidently substituted the voir ntr ftnl Inra) ir Mary Queen of Scots for her imperious cousin the white satin robe is most skilfully treated. Powell and Sons nxhihit qnnfiimnna if tli. mediaeval stained glass as grim and quaint-looking as the five sisters" at York Holland, of Warwick, has also some specimens of cathedral windows.

Fougue, a French artist, has some excellent imitations of mezzotint in class, obtained hv mnki no tnn glasB of different thicknesses, and Leclcrc has a large window with scrip, tural subjects, the colouring of which is rich and massive the imitation of gold extremely happy. Rose windows of the 13th and 14th centuries and historic subjects are represented by Laffarge, Mareschel, and other artists. The Berlin collection of painted glass is, however, the wonder and the glory of the entire. Some of the smaller specimens have all the beauty and finish of miniatures, and after viewing the large and varied contributions of the English and French artists and artificers, it is onlv necessary to take one look at the German stained i1jis tn nr. i that brilliancy and purity of colouring they are still quite unapproachable by any other country.

The only other description of glass that requires a remark from us, is the new process for silvering the inside of cups, vases, mirrors, itc, as patented by Mr. Hale Thompson. The examples of this beautiful manufacture are in the highest degree taste- onu uinuijiemai, aim ure now Decomc tne lavountc ornament for dinner and dessert services. The effect of tho glass, has produced a variety of new tints and pleasing combinations which were hitherto unknown, and what has been already done is merely an indication of the great variety and beauty of forms and combinations of which this wonderful material is capable. have on a former occasion referred to the many useful and novel purposes to which glass has been apolied since the removal of the Excise restrictions, the effect of which has been to give a nowerful imnetus to the mniinfWi, extend its use to an almost incredible degree.

The collection in the Ex- 111U11.1U11, wuiuu Luiiiaius specimens 01 glass in various stages of manufacture, the different oxides used, and models of glass-houses, furnaces, employed in this country, is one of the most complete, as it undoubtedly is among the most interesting of the nianv treasures of the Crystal Palace. APPEARANCE OF THE BUILDING. We hear people say that the Exhibition is now complete that the public are enjoying for a shilling the ripe fruit which the fashionable world was content to swallow sour, in the early part of the season, for a guinea. Nothing, however, illustrates more forcibly the doctrine of progress than the Great Exhibition. Every day presents it under some new camcleon phase, ever changing and ever new and as we were leaving the building tliis afternoon, we encountered the last new arrival in the shape of an Indian state chair, which had just been received at Buckingham Palace, and had been forwarded thence to Hvde Park.

The persons in charge speak rapturously of its gemmed and golden glories, which all the world may see revealed next week for a shilling. A ramble through the vast wilderness of compartments has a renewed interest for even the habitue's. France has added recently smm mo- nificent services of gold and silver plate to her collection. Lemon-uier has placed several other specimens of tastefully set brilliants and other gems, in the same case with the Queen of Spain's jewels. Russia has just placed some light and elegant drotsckys, and a couple of sleighs, so spider-like and buoyant-Iookins that a pair of full-grown butterflies could draw one of them, at the back of her richly-stored compartment.

America has got two life- size figures of an Indian chief and his squaw, in all the picturesque adornments of furs and feathers, to flank his gigantic India rubber and gutta percha trophy. Opposite the Italian compartment in the nave has just been placed a beautiful table of Pietra Dura marble, the property of Mr. Holford and, nearer the eastern end, is a very striking group in plaster, the work ot Auguste Lechesne, of Paris, only just arrived, and still suffering from the perils of the voyage. It represents a female in a recumbent posture, who has just expired the child is clinging uncon sciously to the dead body, and a huge vulture, scenting his prey, has just alighted on the child, overshadowing the group with his outstretched wings. The scene, as indicated by the foliage, is a wild forest.

The child, it is no exaggeration to say, screams with anguish as the vunure iasiens his ciaws in its nesn, ami tne violent action ot these two figures is finely contrasted with the impassive form and deathlike features of the mother. The story of pain and desolation is fearfully and truthfully told, and the group is a very interesting addition to the statuary of the Exhibition, the discoloration of the plaster being its only drawback. One of the most extraordinary metamorphoses is the change that has come over the Koh-i-noor diamond. The doubts that have been thrown upon its value and its authenticity, and the difficulty of fully appreciating its brilliancy in tho broad glare of day, have led to the enveloping of the cage and its contents in massive folds of crimson drapery, and showing its splendour by artificial light. The diamond has stood tho test wonderfully, and has fully redeemed its character.

Like other beauties who show best by candle light, the sparkling prismatic hues of the gem are now fullv played, and even connoisseurs are readv to admit that the Koh-i-noor is no humbug. The difficulty of obtaining access to the cavern in which it IS enshrined is little less than those encountered by Aladdin in his visit to the garden of diamonds, and has revived all the attractions and fascinations of this famous gem. People who have seen it one' hundred times now stand patiently in the crowd assembled round the dark narrow entrance. ou pass in singly the cage, with the exception of about an eighth of its circumference, is enveloped in thick folds of cloth; half a dozen jets of gas are arranged behind it, and the light from these is again reflected by more than a dozen small mirrors upon the diamond. After all the trouble the arrangers of this theatrical display have taken, we would suggest to them to go one step further, and conceal the light of the gas from the eve of the spectator.

The effect will then be perfect. Her Majestv, the Prince Al'-srt, and the two young princes, attended by a single lady-in-waiting, ited the building this morning at half past nine o'clock, and in her progress down the nave paid a visit to the Koh-i-noor, to witness the effect of the new experiment upon its lustre. The royal party then proceeded to the south central gallery to the department of Norwich shawls and Norwich lace, several specimens of which her Majesty minutely inspected. The London printed shawls were afterwards visited, and the royal visitors descended to the machinery in motion to resume their examination of the various machines. Those for manufacturing Macclesfield and Nottingham lace were the subject of much study, and their complicated and ingenious details were fully explained by the exhibitors.

The great centrifugal pump, which, by a new arrangement of the aperture at he top, now throws the vast volume of water in a clear and unbroken sheet, was the object of much admiration and after this and the other hydraulic pumps and specimens of powerful hydraulic machinery and filters were inspected, tho Queen passed to the brick making machinery, and thence to Dakin's coffee roasting apparatus, the new machine for making grooveless needles, the beautiful disc engine by which much of this machinery is driven, and various specimens of railway bars. The royal visitors then proceeded to the nave, and inspected the catadioptric apparatus for lighthouses, the powerful illuminating effects of which were illustrated by an argand burner placed in the centre the para bolic reflector, which was also similarly lighted up, was examined. The light of a small lamp being placed in the focus of the reflector, is thrown in a large and highly illuminated disc to an immense distance. Her Majesty then left the building, passing out, contrary to her usual custom, by the machinery door. All the exhibitors had been previously warned of the intended honour, and were in attendance to answer any inquiries.

The Queen was attended during her tour of inspection by Mr. Wcntworth Dilke. Colonel Reid was also in attendance for some time, and Mr. C'ubitt and Mr. Hensman explained the machinery.

Her Majesty intimated her intention to complete her survey of the department on Monday. The recent presents to her Majesty from the Newab Nazim of Bengal, which were yesterday placed in the stained glass gallery, were this morning removed to the southern side of the Indian court, where they are now being fitted up. The state palkee is a very gorgeous looking palanquin, with a dome shaped canopy, surmounted oy a silver spear head. It is of orange-coloured gold stuff, embroidered with silver and fringed with rich gold lace. The pillars and bearers are of ivory, carved and inlaid with gold, and the cushions are of blue satin embroidered in gold.

Another of these palkees has a double domed top, and a second seat behind for an attendant. The elephant trappings have not yet been displayediratltej: arc ofWlittle practical value in this country as the palkees unless in the one case some of the docile animals in the Zoological Gardens could be made to do duty, or in the other the happy occupant of these singular looking seats of honour could be induced to sit cross legged in the Oriental fashion. Captain Young, in whose charge they have been brought over, was to day busily engaged in superintending the fitting up, and is himself as picturesque looking an Anglo Indian specimen as has yet been imported, fairly beating Major Edwardes out of the field in the length and flowing magnificence 01 his beard. The attendance of visitors this morning was comparatively scanty, but towards three o'clock the fashionables began to pour in, and in the afternoon the naves and central compartments presented their usual thronged and animated appearance. The Duchess of Sutherland, the Duchess of Orleans, and several visitors of distinction minutely examined the Russian compartment in the course of the day.

The character of the visitors was not more changed than the aspect of the place itself since Thursday last. The common-looking, blue earthenware mugs that flanked the fountains had all disappeared, and the more aristocratic crystal had taken their place. The sheets of greasy newspapers to what base uses the broken crusts, and all the disjecta fragmenta and debris of the arti-zan's meal, the stoneware bottles, the flasks, and market baskets so thickly 1 7 is 97J 28 972 From the commencement of business on Monday morning up to its termination yesterday afternoon, the fluctuations in the Funds were as follow In the Three per Cent. Reduced Annuiries'from 97 to li, in the Three per Cent. Consols from 97J to 981, in the New Three-anii-a-Quarter per Cents, from 98 to 981, and in the Long Annuities from 5-16 to 7J.

Exchequer Bills have ranged from 46s. to 42s. premium, and East India Bonds from 56s. to 52s. premium.

Bank Stock has been at 211J to 212J, and East India Stock at 260 to 262. Consols for tho Opening, ex dividend, have been done 961 to 97, and for July Account at 98 to J. The weekly statement of the Bank of Ungland 8 liabilities and asseti to the 7th instant, and exhibits an increase of the available funds without any corresponding addition to the business of the cor poration. The total amount of the active circulation of. nova payable on demand was being a decrease 389,403.

The unemployed notes in the Bank "till" were increased 074,605. The bullion in both departments amounted to 13,830,557, an increase of 131,703. The Reit increased 4,324, and the Public Deposits 599,824. The other deposits decreased 79.920. The Seven-dav and other bills were diminished 2.749.

The Government Securities were smaller in amount by 48,906, and the other securities increased The Bank of France increased its metallic reserve during the week by Its discounts were smaller by The circulation fell off and the Treasury account The private accounts increased about The amount of the precious metals was and of the note issues only The exports of bullion from London direct during the week ending today have been 1 of silver, and 472oz. of gold. In the Mincing-lane markets this week there has been less demand for foreign sugar, but British plantation has been at full rates to M. ad" vance. Rice has been in extensive request by speculators, at fid.

per cwt. advance, owing to the firmness of the market. Privately about 20,000 bags have been sold. Coffee has continued very dull, and plantation Ceylon has been Is. to 2s.

lower Tea likewise has been very dull, green at auction having sold Id. lower, and good ord. Congou being only lOd. to 10J per lb. Saltpetre has realised very full rates; cochineal has been brisk; indigo is at about previous rates and dull, 0,200 chests being already declared for the auctions to take place the 9th of next month hemp has risen, and cotton has been in more demand.

Tallow has been lower. The Leeds Mercury of to-day states that business has been rather quieter, and the same is reported from Manchester. The Amsterdam. Stock Market on the 12th inst. had a tendency to advance.

The Dutch Two-and-a-Hal per Cents, were 58 to 1-lbtb. Spanish Bonds were lower. Peruvian Stock was 1 per cent, higher. To-day the English Stock Market has been very firm again, but there has not been much doing, and at a comparatively early hour a hup number of the members left the City, attracted elsewhere by me fineness of the day. Consols brought 96J to 97 for Account, without the dividend.

Tho New Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents, were 981 i. anil the Three per Cents. 07i to i. The premium on Exchequer Bills has been 41s. to and on India Bonds 52s.

to 55s. The settlement the English Stock Market is fixed for the 1 tfi Bank Stock, 211 121 Exchequer 41s. pn. Reduced Annuities, 974 Consols (shut), 98-, with div. New 3J per 98 i a 1 1.

India Bonds, azs. oss. pm. Ditto Stock, shut, Consols for Opening, 97 01 ijUIIg AJ111U1UC5, i I Settling days in the month of June Ticket Day for Registerea Shares. 26th Account Dav.

27th. tu ci im-i 1 1 i and there has not been the least support afforded by real purchasers. a i.