The Livery Companies And Art Treasures.

Amongst other contributions were a Doggett ' s milk-cup and tube of silver , dated 1715 ; a pegged tankard of silver , bearing the Swedish hall-mark of 1717 , and an Indian cup , cover , and stand . These wore lent by Mr . J . R . Vnllentin , Master of the Distillers' Company . A case containing thirteen apostle spoons , ancl other spoons and forks , was lent by Mr . W . Pitman , O . C . In the vestibule u'ere three cases of Japanese art work in metal and lacquer ,

lent b y Mr . C . Pfonndes , Avho also exhibited a large number of specimens of Japanese art in the drawing-rooms . Amongst other beautiful and rare objects , some of which were lent by the Society of Antiquaries , Avere silk embroideries , paintings on silk , albums of native sketches and paintings , and specimens of ancient and modern pottery . At the entrance to the state drawing-room were bung two large ancl rich paintings on silk , representing tho death of Buddha .

Several specimens of rare Mikudzu ware , pottery in relief , and delicate jewellery and enamel Avork were also shown b y Mr . Pfonndes . We hope that this interesting evening may be repeated . It is asserted that eA'eii this collective SIIOAV was but a tithe of the plate of tbe London Companies Why should not such an auspicious beginning lead to a fuller ancl more perfect representation of art treasures belonging to the " guilds " of the most ancient of Municipal Corporations .

"Ars Quatuor Coronatorum."

"ARS QUATUOR CORONATORUM . "

THUS is entitled the concluding portion of the "Ancient Poem" discovered by James Orchard Hallwell in the British Museum , ancl published b y him under tbe title of " The Early History of Freemasonry in England . " The critical examination by Bro . George Kloss of this interesting document has demonstrated tbe fact that it dates from the early part of the 15 th century , aucl that it is , beyond dispute , tlie most ancient English Masonic document 3 'e t discovered . That portion of the poem to which Ave would now call especial

attention is as follows : — Pray we now to God almyg'hfc , Ancl to hys swete motler Mary bryght , That Ave moAve keepe these ai-tyculus here , And these poyntes Avel al y-ferc , * As dede these holy ma-rtijres / mure ,

That yn thys craft Avere of gret hononve . They Avere as gode masonns as on erthe schul go ; Gravers and ymage makers they ivere also ; For tbey were Averkemen of the boste . The emperoui- hade to hem gret luste ; f He AvylnodJ of hem a ymage to make That mowth be Avorscheped for hys sake ; Suche maromctys" he hade yn hdawo ||

ys To tui-ne the pepul from Oystus laAve , But they ivere stodefastyn Crystes lay , " ]" And to here craft , Avithonten nay ; They loved Avel God , and alle hys lore , And Averen yn hys serves ever more . Tnve men they were yn that dawe , And lyved Avel y Goddus lawe ;