Fortified and assisted by such a galaxy of talent, Dr. Oliver travels through the extensive region of Masonic literature in the most delightful and perspicuous manner. Every word carries along with it its own history. Every Masonic symbol has its sublime signification, and we regret that, beyond the following quotations, we are unable to convey any just idea of the value of this truly excellent work :

"DOVE. This bird was the diluvian messenger of peace, and hovered over the retreating waters like a celestial harbinger of safety. Thus a lunette floating on the surface of the ocean, attended by a dove with an olive-branch in its mouth, and encircled by a rainbow, form a striking and expressive symbol, which needs no explanation. If Freemasonry has allowed this bird to occupy a high situation amongst its hallowed symbols, the reasons for such an appropriation are fully competent to justify the proceeding. The dove was an agent at the creation, at the deluge, and at the baptism of Christ."

"ENDLESS SERPENT.-The serpent was symbolical of the divine wisdom, power, and creative energy; and of immortality and regeneration, from the shedding of his skin; and of eternity, when in the act of biting his own tail. Besides these various symbolizations, we are informed that the Egyptians represented the world by a circle intersected by two diameters perpendicular to each other."-Dean.

The biographical and historical portion of the dictionary is also highly interesting; the following is a specimen :—

"STAR AND STARS.-A star, in hieroglyphical language, always denoted a God. Thus when Balaam predicted that a star should arise out of Jacob, and a sceptre out of Israel, he referred to the lawgiver of whom the patriarch had already spoken. A star out of Jacob and a God out of Jacob would therefore be parallel expressions. And who could that God be but the theocratic King of Israel, Jehovah, the Messiah, or Christ. The Master Mason, like the starry firmament, ought to be able to enlighten the younger Brethren. Seven stars remind us that seven Brethren make a perfect Lodge. Stars are also employed principally as symbols of great intellectuality, and this symbol has been perpetuated from the most remote antiquity. The decoration of most spiritual and temporal orders consists of a star."-Gadicke.

"ANDERSON.-Dr. Anderson lived in the beginning of the eighteenth century, and it is from him that we have the so deservedly celebrated Book of Constitutions of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons. The first part contains the history of the Order, and the second contains the charges, rules, laws, duties, &c., together with an historical account of the origin of the Order. Anderson, in the dedication to the then Prince of Wales, calls himself Secretary to the Grand Lodge in London, and states that the work was composed by the command of the Grand Lodge, from its archives, traditions, and Lodge books. The first edition appeared in 1723, a second in 1738; since then various editions have been published, viz. one by Entick, in 1758, one in 1776, one in 1784, by Noorthouck, and in 1806 the latest. To the second edition a superior privilege was attached by the Grand Lodge in London, no other constitution-book being allowed in the Lodges but that of Anderson, and no alteration being allowed to be made in it. Although in this work the history of Freemasonry is carried back to the creation, yet the information it has been the means of preserving with regard to the duties of a Freemason, the constitutions of the Order, and the history of the English Lodges, make it a valuable work, and cause it to be highly prized by every Lodge and every Brother. In the first edition no mention is made of the formation of the Grand Lodge in London in 1717, but is added to the second edition. There is a German translation published at Frankfort-on-the-Maine, and various French editions."-Gadicke.

"ACHILLES.-Perhaps some worthy people may stare when we point out Achilles as a Freemason. 'What!' we hear them exclaim, 'is it possible that that fierce and ferocious man-slayer, nay, man-eater at heart-for he exhibited a strong propensity to cannibalism in longing to have devoured the dead body of Hector-is it possible that he could have been one of our philanthropic society?' Yes, we reply, such is the actual fact; and Bonaparte was one too, VOL. III.

4 B

in the highest degree. But if you will not believe Homer or us, believe your own eyes, if indeed you are a Mason. Ecce signum! Behold Achilles giving Priam THE HAND when the latter is supplicating for the body of his slain son. Thus having spoken, the old man's right hand at the wrist

He grasped, that he might not in any respect be alarmed in mind.' Such is the Masonic and literal translation of the text by that illustrious Grecian and Brother, Christopher North; and who will say now that Achilles was not a Mason?"-Freemasons' Quarterly Review.

The Church Discipline Act, with Notices of the chief Decisions thereon. By Mr. CHARLES EGAN. London: Wildy and Sons.

WE can recommend this legal digest most cordially to the consideration of such members of the Craft as are clerics, to whom the information it contains is all-important, inasmuch as very few are aware of the stringent clauses of the Act 3 & 4 Vict. c. 86. Brother Egan has made its application clear by a lucid commentary, which shows his practical knowledge of the law, and its bearing in the matter of recent ecclesiastical legislation.

Analytical Examination of the Fellow Craft, or Second Degree of Freemasonry. By T. CHADWICK, W. M., P. S. of the Chapter of Virtue, and Knight of the Jerusalem Encampment of Knights Templar, No. 9, Manchester. London: R. Spencer.

THIS highly interesting and valuable treatise was delivered by its author in the form of a lecture, in the worthy and worshipful Lodge of Virtue, at Manchester, in September last, and has been published for the benefit of the Royal Freemasons' School for Female Children, in London. To those who know our Brother, it is needless to say that he brings to the accomplishment of his task a highly-gifted and well-furnished mind, and a thorough appreciation of the principles and objects of the Craft, of which he is so worthy a member. In the compass of a few pages he has condensed a vast amount of information, the result of extensive reading and discriminating observation; and has eloquently vindicated the claims of Masonry to the respect and admiration of every thoughtful mind. We hope the Lecture, which is one of the very best of the Series which has yet been published, will be extensively circulated, and that the benevolent institution, to serve which it has been printed, will be greatly benefited by the labours of our Brother.

The Castles, Palaces, and Prisons of Mary, Queen of Scots, being Historical and Descriptive Accounts of Thirty-nine Palaces and Fortresses, celebrated as the Residences of that Queen. By Bro. CHARLES MACKIE. (New Edition.) London: Hall, Virtue, and Co.

WE hail with much pleasure the appearance of a new edition of Brother Charles Mackie's work, most beautifully got up, and illustrated with 45 engravings, autographs, relics, &c. The archæological merits are of the highest character, and must prove of infinite interest to the antiquarian and the scholar; and, perhaps, in no other volume are the scenery and antiquities of Scotland so correctly and elegantly described. Bro. Mackie was peculiarly fitted by taste for this laborious task, in which we know he has been engaged for a series of years. His pilgrimages to the various relics of antiquity, celebrated in history, must have occupied a considerable period; and

when we take into account that he has ransacked every record which could in any way tend to illustrate his descriptions, we cannot cease to admire his perseverance, ingenuity, and labour. The castles and palaces of Scotland's former kings are traced from their foundation, the original disposition and arrangements of the buildings set forth, and the very halls in which the most stirring scenes in ancient history were enacted, are measured and described in the most minute manner, with their many legends and associations. There is one circumstance, above all others, which constitutes the respectability and importance of the volume. The author, in no measured terms, denounces the rubbish and romance collected by the exhibitors of those palaces, which too often tend to excite feelings of disgust, and disturb those interesting reflections which a visit to any of them is calculated to inspire. He justly condemns the extortions of the menials intrusted with the exhibition of public property, particularly Holyrood-house, and takes great care to distinguish the real from the spurious relics of Queen Mary, of which he assures us there is nothing belonging to her there but her bed and bedding. The armour of Darnley he declares to be part of the rubbish left by Oliver Cromwell's soldiery, when they occupied the palace as a garrison; and the shield only a rude Highland buckler, studded with brass nails. The portraits, he says, are most absurdly described, a Madonna being absolutely shown as the portrait of Nell Gwynn! But the reader must apply himself to the examination of this very original production, when he will find that we have not overrated the merits of Brother Mackie.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

THE EDITOR requests that all original articles for approval, and for which remuneration is expected, may be sent to him at 74, 75, Great Queen-street, Lincoln's Inn-fields, by the first weeks in the months of FEBRUARY, MAY, AUGUST, and NOVEMBER; all Correspondence and Masonic Intelligence must be transmitted by the tenth day of MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, and DECEMBER, at latest, to insure its insertion. The attention of Contributors is earnestly requested to these directions, who are also desired to retain copies of their MSS., as the Editor does not pledge himself to return those which are not approved.

J. W. (Oxford), Oct. 13, 1852.-We scarcely ever remember to have heard of a more unmasonic proceeding. It is an unhappy circumstance, that all Masons are not gentlemen; but the worthy Brother who lays the complaint in this instance before us, will not be disgusted with the Order on account of the omission of the common courtesies of life.

REPORTERS.-IGNOTUS.-The inquiry put to us is one with which we are frequently favoured. We shall be happy to endeavour to satisfy the desire expressed to know what good arises from Freemasonry-by a private interview, if our correspondent is desirous of pursuing his investigations. We believe we could satisfy him in this, as well as on the other question put, if an opportunity for a few minutes' conversation were afforded.

ALBANY LODGE, ISLE OF WIGHT.-J. W.-We are glad to hear of the good intention of this Lodge, in forming a Masonic Library, which, if judiciously selected, cannot but prove useful and instructive to inquiring Brethren.

GRAND LODGE.-S. W.-The Brother, with no intention of giving offence, is so accustomed to use the dissecting-knife, that he turns its keen edge, in every discussion, upon living subjects in such a way as to produce unnecessary inflammatory action."

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.-EXCUSE.-The President of the B. of G. P. was absent on account of having had his foot crushed by a cab passing over it. We are happy to report that he is in a fair way towards recovery.

GIRLS' SCHOOL.-A STEWARD.-A letter will be found in our pages on this subject, the contents of which, we think, will show that the parties in fault are still anxious to shift the burden to other shoulders than their own. The following quotation, in reference thereto, from Horace, is perhaps a little too severe, though it is not, we think, altogether inappropriate :

"Demitto auriculas, ut iniquæ mentis asellus,

Cum gravius dorso subiit onus."

BUILDING FUND FOR BOYS' SCHOOL.-MANCHESTER.-A BROTHER.-Our first article will answer the question.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS.-Z. inquires "Why don't you give reports of Masonic meetings at greater length?" Our reply is, Because we have not room for them; and if we sought to please one class of Brethren, we should offend another, and vice versa, and so be speedily like "the old man and his ass," in the fable-by trying to please all, we should satisfy none! Another reason we may offer, why many events are omitted, is, that the parties most interested will not send their MS. till the very eve of publication, when the F. M. Q. M. & R. is completed for the Quarter.

EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT.-RAGIC.-The letter of our Correspondent has shared the same fate with many other MSS. The anniversary meeting of the above Lodge of Improvement was held, Nov. 29; yet Ragic's communication did not reach us till the 22nd DECEMBER, when the entire arrangements for the present number were completed. If our Correspondents will not pay attention to our repeated request at the head of our "Notices to Correspondents," they must not be surprised if their intelligence is omitted. Our rule is as stringent as the direction respecting signature upon a Masonic certificate-NE VARIETUR!

NOMINATION OF THE M. W. THE G. M.-CRUCIFIX.-The M. W. the G. M. was nominated this year by Bro. Taylor, and seconded by Bro. Jones. It is the ninth time of this honour being deservedly conferred on the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Zetland.

PAST MASTERS FOR BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE.-AN OLD P. M.-There is no help for it. Any Brother is at liberty to suggest a name, or names, though it is not quite fair to do so, without having a sanction for such a proceeding. We cannot believe the nomination of so many Brethren from the Royal Athelstan Lodge, No. 19, to have been a trick to insure the election of a certain individual. If it were so, the defeat was deserved; but we have a much higher opinion of the Brother than even to suspect such a thing.

SENIOR GRAND WARDEN.-T.-To speculate on the appointment of next year is premature. The appointment is solely in the hands of the M. W. the G. M.

GRAND STEWARDS' LODGE.-M. L. E.-The absence of Bro. Shaw may easily be accounted for. He has, we are informed, left England for a distant colony. MASONIC BETTING OFFICE.-HONESTY.-The attempt was a failure. The exposure at Bow-street smashed the gang. We have not heard that any of the Craft were taken in by such spurious courses.

B. N. D.-The Brother has no connection with the F. M. Q. M. & R., either as Editor, sub-Editor, Proprietor, Publisher, or Printer.

ROYAL ARCH.-J. W.-A Chapter of Improvement is held at the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen-street, Lincoln's-Inn-fields, every Tuesday evening, at seven o'clock, and meets under the sanction of the Royal York Chapter of Perseverance, No. 7. You cannot attend a better school. We do not know of any Companion in particular, to whom to refer you for private instruction, but we doubt not that Companion Evans, 26, Great Queen-street, Lincoln's-Inn, would most willingly furnish all the information you may require. TEMPLARISM.-X.-The inquiry is too personal. The Register of the Encampment would not be justified in answering the question, if put by a non member.

THE HIGH GRADES DEGREES.-ROSE CROIX.-When well given, this is an interesting ceremony. The whole arrangements of these degrees are in excellent working order. They are extending very rapidly in the provinces, as the reports in the present number of the F. M. Q. M. & R. will abundantly show.