The Express.
London, England, 1851-06-07 00:00:00

LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING,

hays a secret charm, that of rendering the minutest
wonders of the forest thicket, and the gothic
structure. In the foreign departments will be found
some admirable architectural specimens. Mr. Fla-
CiICTOII sends from Rome views of the Forum, the
Colim and the Trojan Column, which would a
century ago have saved a vast deal of toil to the
masterly hand of Pinned. Here also, behind
the French furniture, are reminiscences in the
same style of the exhibition of paintings, parti-
cularly a " Greek Interior" by Oerome, which
attracted considerable notice. In taking a final
earvey of these unique works, it is impsible
not to be struck with the evidently ben e in-
fluence they have had in instilling a greater
reverence for nature throughout all the ranks of
the artistic community, an influence, let us add,
also shared by our continental neighbours.

in the form of treys also appear in this stand,
the doll pattern being substituted for the ordinary
shape, and some Tet7 fine tints being brought out in the
colouring. The ultramarinee struck us as being particu-
larly brilliant, and the colour of one which the manufac-
turer mills the plum tint, is quite a novelty in papier miebt.
These exhibitors have also various specimens of chess and
week tables, cue of which was pointed out to us as being
stolen front one of Cott/smokes beautiful interiors in the
" Old Curiosity Shop." On the opposite side of the nave
stands a large glass case, devoted to the handiwork of
Messes. Spins, of Oxford, who immortalise their native and
most learned city in every possible point of view and upon
every peesibie variety of article. We have Oxford from
the ileldsond Oxford tress the river, Oxford en ballot',
and Oxford in the streets, Oxford colleges, Oxford
balls, Oxford staircases, and Oxford seals. These paint-
ings, which are scattered over writing-decks, chess-tables,
secretaries, work-boxes, snuff-boxes, and letter-boxes, are
all beautifully executed, and only want a little less mono-
tony of subject to render them generally attractive. The
last of the papier mtchde seriee, but certainly not the least
attractive, is the collection of trays sent up by Mr. Walter,
of Wolverhampton. These articles pretend to no great
novelty in form, or elaboration of gilding, for success, but
solely on their pictorial embellishments, which are decidedly

of high merit, both in design and execution. One set is
called "The National," and typifies England, Ireland, and
Scotland. For England we have Windsor Castle; for
Scotland, Rolyrood ; while Ireland is represented by the
romantic Oleugariff. On another set is painted beautiful
vise is the Bay of Naples and on the third and most a:a-
, bitioss, the mialseslnd Faust outlines of Bench are at-
tempted to be filled up. The first two series of designs are
unexceptionable, the drawing, colouring, and perspective,
being quite of a superior order; but we doubt whether
Retsch would consider his idea of Mephistopheles carried
out by the rather conical looking and obese gentleman
from Tartarus who figures in the Faust tableaux. But
Mephistopheles in a slender outline, and Mephistopheles
full blown on a tea tray, are two different things, and we
must not be hypercritical. The jury visited this collection
yesterday, and we wager it stands well in the betting.

PAPER, BOOKBINDING, AND PRINTLNG.

If the Egyptian, who, according to Isodorus, made
the first broad sheet from the fibres of the papyrus at
Memphis, were suddenly to emerge from his cerecloth,
and take his stand in the nave, opposite the area appro-
priated to British paper, bookbinding, and printing, he
would most probably be a little astonished at the sheet of
" double long elephant," which, hanging down from the
very roof, coils up the greater portion of its unwieldy bulk
upon the stand of the Messrs. Spicer, Brothers, its manu-
facturing parents. This mammoth sheet is 2,600 yards in
' length, and double the breadth formerly used in the trade.
As a proof how art can stimulate manufactures, and me-
chanical ingenuity can minister to art, it may he men-
tioned, that paper of this enormous size was not thought of,
until the project of filling Westminster Hall with cartoons,
made it necessary that a new material should be
found. The Meiers. Spicer also exhibit a very interesting
series of the material of which paper is made, beginning
with the broken-up nightcaps, fragments of old linen,
and ending in the fine and colourless pulp which forms the
last stage of preparation previous to the production of those
beautiful sheets of "hot-pressed" and "cream-laid" upon
which sonnets are penned, and invitations to diuner in Bel-
gravia or Tyburnia indicted. The finest rags, it appears,
come from Hungary, but they are latterly becoming scarcer
and scarcer, so, thanks to our excise laws, the manufacture
of paper is rapidly increasing on the continent. Mr. Joyn-
son (St. Mary's Cray) exhibits on the same stand an almost
endless variety of " Bank post," "blue wove," cream-
laid, and wove letter and note paper, all of a quality which
need not much fear competition. The peculiar neatness of
the fancy wrappers showed how fast we are treodiug on the
heels of the foreigners, even in those minor mutters of taste
in which we formerly confessed our deficiency. Next to the
Messrs. Spicer, De la Rue and Co. have collected an almost
endless variety of that fancy stationery for which their house
has long been famous ; but the crowds whcih during the whole
day surrounded the wonderful envelope folder rendered
anything more than a bird's eye view of the stationary im
possible. We were able, however, to catch a glimpse at the
specimens of varnished paper for ornamental purposes, ups n
which the iridescent colours are produced solely by the
means of colourless varnish in great perfection. Some of
the specimens shone like a drake's neck, and in others
a perfect imitation of mother-of-pearl is produced. The
bookbinding in this department is in great force, and
excellent in quality. There is somewhat of monotony,
in general character but occasionally graceful and noel
innovations are observed. Remnant, hilinonds, and Co.
have some splendid specimens in rusina and morocco, and
their antiques also are deserving of commendation. Bartitt
and Co., Fleet-street, devote themselves to ecclesiastical
bindings, and exhibit some fine specimens in carved woad
and polished oak, upon which by the aid of the electro-
type some beautiful metallic ornaments are encrusted. Mr.
John Wright imitates the lighter stiles of the continent in
vellum and other bindings very successfully. lalacomic
(Bedford-square) has a beautiful Bible in built and
tortoiseshell ; and the Messrs. Ackermann fully sustain
their reputation by various fine specimens. Of the re-
mainder of the exhibitors in this section it may be said that
there is a general excellence highly worthy of commendation,
but without any striking peculiarity requiring especial
notice. Every variety of bookbinding is worthily repre-
sented, and the visitor who devotes a portion of his time
to their inspection will go away satisfied that it has not
been thrown away. The reader will expect to hear that
the specimens of printing and type-founding are first-rate.
Messrs. Bradbury and Evans exhibit some beautiful speci-
mens of typography. The initated will visit with both
wonder and pleasure Figgins'a wonderful " form" of pearl
type, containing 220,000 pieces of moveable metal, and
weighing 110 lbs. In this specimen the perfect geometrical
truth of type manufacture is evidenced by the fact
that the whole of these minute pieces are kept
together solely by the lateral pressure of what is
technically called locking up." Millar and Richard
(Edinburgh), exhibit a beautiful specimen ofpriuting in the
minute type called "Brilliant ;" but we doubt whether the
trouble of the founder has not been thrown away, as it
could not be read with any satisfaction without a powerful
magnifying glass. There are various other specimens in
this section comprising all the improvements which have
recently been introduced into this all-important art. We
have electrotype printing, anastatic printing, and stereo-
type, with all the varieties of plain and ornamental print-
ing. And lastly, a most ingenious folding machine, in-
vented by Black (Edinburgh), in which, when the printer
has done with the sheet, it is folded up in the book form
with magic celerity and precision. Those who arc ac-
quainted with printing will had much to entertain and in-
struct them in this sectioa ; and those who are not, will ob-
tain a tolerable insight into its mysteries. We cannot
leave this area without noticing two features
which, to our mind, are not the least important
in the exhibition. The one is Mr. Paxton's original
blotting paper design for the Crystal Palace, and the other
is the case of Bibles exhibited by the British and Foreign
Bible Society, in all the various known languages of the
. world. On looking at the former, which has now a histo-
, rice' interest, one cannot help feeling gratified at seeing
that the whole of the main features of the Exhibition build-
' ing were comprised in the original sketch. Even the
transept, since the object of so much admiration, is there ;
and, for the rest, there has been little or no alteration, ex-
. cept in matters of detail. Let no one, then, attempt to di-
vide the laurel: to Mr. Paxton alone belongs the eoncep-
' ti nof the Crystal Palace. The Bibles are a monument of
' British energy, scholarship, and disinterested zeal in the
I cause of eternal truth. Let our foreign friends look at
this unpretending glans case, containing the results of so
, much cost, so much labour, aye and so much life, and then
say whether the English have only the our( sacra fames to
' stimulate them in all their labours.

TIIE MINERALS FROM THE COLONIES.
Of the nature and value of the mineral produc-
tions of our colonies we have had no satisfactory know-
ledge until only recently, and it still remains very imperfect.
Some very rich deposits of metallic ores have been disco-
vered and in some cases extensively worked, but in these
instances more is to be aseribeil to accident than to any
systematic examination of the geological features of the
country. In some of our colonies, however, the advantages
of such surveys have been appreciated, and grants of money
devoted to carrying them out. The collection of minerals
in the Glass Palace from Canada coutains some of the re-
sults of the survey. of that country by Mr. Logan, who is
one of the principal exhibitors. 'the whole collection
occupies a considerable apace in the south-west side of the
building, between the stairs and the mediaeval court.
The first object which attracts attention is the native
gold, of which two cases of specimens arc exhibited, one by
Mr. Logan, the other by the Chaudiere Mining Company.
Mr. Logan states that gold is found thinly disseminated in
the gravel, sand, and clay of nearly all the country on the
south east side of the Green Mountains, where they are
prolonged into Canada, and extending over an area of be-
tween 3,000 and 4.000 miles. The company's specimens
are from seven localities on the Chaudiere and its tributa-
ries in the same mountains. Some of the pieces must weigh
several ounces, the rest is in fine grains. To the right of
these cases arc some very fine specimens of iron ores. Mr.
Logan and Dr. Wilson exhibit the magnetic iron ores in
large blocks, containing from 60 to 70 per cent. of iron.
This is one of the richest ores of iron and yields metal of
exceedingly good quality, especially adapted for conversion
into steel. It is from this kind of ore that the famed iron
of Sweden is made. Immense deposits of it exist in North
America.
The Marmon iron Company exhibit pig iron, smelted at
their works from the magnetic iron ore of that district.
Mr. Proulx exhibits specimens of bog iron on,, from the
Riviiwe du Chine. Captain Morin, nod the lion. J. Fer-
rier, similar specimens, containing from 40 to i 0 per cent.
of iron.
Mr. Logan also exhibits a numerous collection of rich
iron ores; one titaniferous, found at Sutton; and although
there is abundance of wood, and water power in the imme-
diate neighbourhood, it is sent a distance of more than 100
miles, to Troy, in Vermont, to be smelted.
A great number of these ores are not worked at all,
although so valuable. One of the beds of magnetic iron
ore, at South Crosby, near the Rideau Canal, is stated by
Mr. Logan to lie2oo feet thick, and to contain 70 per cent.
of iron, with plenty of fuel near. This collection of iron
minerals is one of very great interest.
The copper ores from the Bruce Mines, Lake Huron, are
exhibited by the Montreal Mining Company, together with
the metal smelted there, and the native copper and silver
from Lake Superior. The copper ores are principally
pyrites, and tolerably rich.
Mr. Badgely sends specimens of the silver ores from
Prince's Location, Lake Superior, and the silver extracted
from them.
Mr. Logan exhibits specimens of arsenical sulphuret of
nickel, which occurs in strings in the Wallace Mine,
Lake Huron, which are supposed to lead to a main lode, as
yet undiscovered. These specimens contain 13 per cc at. of
nickel.
Ile also exhibits a specimen of ilmenite, containing, ac-
cording to analysis, 48.60 per cent. of oxide of titanium, and
37 of oxide of iron.
The lion. Harwood exhibits some plumbago which is
found at Grenville in a vein a foot thick. It appears to be
of good quality. A large collection of iron ochres, and
cuperous minerals, applicable to the manufacture of point,
are exhibited by Messrs. Seer, La Barre, Caron, and Du-
berger, from different parts of the country.
From the geological survey are sent specimens of the
iron pyrites, which occurs in one place in a vein 40 feet
thick, the ores of uranium, of manganese, a chrome iron ore
containing 49 per cent. of oxide of chromium, some very beau-
tiful crystalline dolomites, which arc found in verylarge quan-
tity, magnesites containing as much as 83 per cent. of car
bonate of magnesia; the white sandstones which are used
in the manufacture of glass; soapstone's, or French chalk,
found in unlimited quantities this is used for several
purposes in the arts; several varieties of gypsum, black and
variegated marbles, one very beautiful with rich green
veins ; roofing AMC') of very good quality from the rivers
Brass and Du Loup, three-quarters of a mile above its junc-
tion with the Chaudiere : both specimens are taken from
the weather-worn surface, no quarries being yet opened ;
they are stated to occur in very considerable quantity.
There are also a variety of specimens of granites, lime-
stones of very good quality, different kinds of building
materials, masts, &c.
Dr. Boutillier sends specimens of pests from St. Hya-
sinthe.
At the end of the table are some specimens of a litho-
graphic stone which is found in a bed of from one to two
feet in thickness, and extending 70 miles, in the township
of Marmora Canada West. Several lithographic printsfrom this stone are also shown. The whole collection is
exceedingly well arranged and labelled in a very instruc-
tive manner, with information as to the geological forma
don in which the several minerals are found, their extent,
value, and particulars as to situation, working, facilities for
transport, &e., which is very creditable to the exhibitors,
Mid contrasts agreeably with some of the other collections
Si colonial minerals.
It is not one of the least important features of this exhi-
adieu, that it affords such excellent opportunities fur the
=stew natural resources of all countries, many of
Iwo laid dormant only in co nsequenee of their not
=nerolly known, and from the difficulty of obtaining
information respecting them.
tam New Brunswick specimens of the jet coal from
Pedesdtae, Albert County, are exhibited by Mr. Gould, of
Tavistock-square. This is a recent discovery, and is not
known in any other part of the colony.
There are also, specimens of sulphate of barytes, iron
ores, oxides of manganese, a very large mass of plumbs.,
boa St. John's, copper ores, te.
From Nova Scotia, the Acadia Iron Mining Company
send a large collection of articles illustrative of their mean-
THE RUSSIAN CONTRIBUTIONS. factures 112 that metal.
Mr. Archibald exhibits specimens of the iron ores, rang.
The enviolls hoarding still shots in the Itallha relic, specular, and micaceous, manufactured articles of all
cootribations !rare the public gaze, but we are tits heal he Made, made from the iron produced there, and stated to be
the courtesy of Mr. Gabriel Kamensky, Priv.
_Oeindillst oval h gnaliq to any made elsewhere. They appear to
Lathe Emperor, and Mr. J. W. Digby, tke Mieieut sem- at quality and the workmanship is very creditable.tar, to the ameba occusugion, foe a PrePulthn MP.ton The Mel fields of Non Scotia, the mast extensive and taw