The Sun.
London, England, 1864-01-20 00:00:00

be seen in the empire. They are all built in one

style, which resembles a mixture of the Gothic and
Corinthian, and are ornamented by beautiful pago-
das. Each synagogue is capable of holding 2,000
worshippers, and generally consists of a large hall,
with an arched roof, all of stained glass, which
present a,beautiful appearance. The roof is sup-
ported by pillars of variegated marble, ornamented
by fine porcelain cornices. The holy ark is a beau-
tiful structure in itself, and is approached by nine
steps of the whitest marble. On opening the
doors and drawing the curtain the whole build-
ing is flooded by the light which issues forth.
In every available spot inside the ark candles are
placed, which are kept burning continually,
but still are not seen. The effect, as may be
imagined, is beautiful. In each house of worship
are three " saphorim," which are written on pure
white vellum. These are handled with the greatest
hare, and only by the priest himself. Women ere
not allowed to enter the synagogues, except on
holidays and days of festivity. In the aggregate
their rules are in strict accordance with our religion,
and are sensible in themselves. The military
leader who had been taken prisoner, together with
the priests, spared no pains to make themselves
understood, explaining everything which they
thought would prove interesting. The party spent
about six hours in examining the place, and then
returned to the ship laden with presents, which to
them were curiosities. The officer has still in his
possession several cabinets, not over 4 feet square,
which contains over 300 drawers and secret places.
The most interesting curiosity which he received
was a Prayer-book written in Chaldaic, on vellum,
which he presented to the British Museum. Several
little articles yet remain in his possession, which
are highly treasured by him. Thus a community of
Israelites exists in Oriental China never heard of
before, yet consisting of over 1,000,000 souls,speak-
ing the original sacred tongue, keeping their own
laws, and possessing documents which record their
history thousands of years ago.

THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THE WINE TRADE
—The entire wine consumption of this country has
increased during the past four years about 50 per cent.—a
result to be traced in a great degree to the competition in-
duced by enlarged means of intermediate supply in which
old systems of exorbitant profits have been ignored, and
legitimate rates are followed by extended demands. As re-
gards the London market proper, general steadiness and an
absence of speculative excitement have characterised the
trade of 1863. Circumstances of exceptional depression cal-
culated to affect adversely the consumption of luxuries,
have been outbalanced by the general prosperity and sound-
ness of English commerce ; while wines, as an article
of more universal use, have gradually gained an impor-
tant advance, and bid fair to occupy a still higher position
in the revenue returns. This satisfactory progress has of
course developed fresh systems of business, and, amongst
them, the highly commendable addition by grocers of the
retail wine trade--now recognised as a means to an end
deserving of every encouragement—to their more gi-
mate operations. This market has been well suppliedle duitr-
ing the year with most ordinary qualities of wines ; while
countries hitherto almost unknown as wino producers have
exhibited resources which may prove of moment should
our present me les of supply be insufficient. Greece
and Hungary offer attractions which appear only to
lack general publicity to ensure universal approval ;
but, with the exception of French wines, the greatest
increase is observable in sherries, of which fine qualities
have gradually become scarcer, so as to lead to enhance •
ments in prices of an extraordinary extent. Cadiz reserves
have decreased in inverse proportion to the rise in shipping
figures, and it appears they have not reached that point at
which consumption will be checked or diverted into other
channels. London dealers have supplied themselves fully,
pending January advances ; so that the issue of shippers'
circulars has not been followed by commensurate alterations
in values on this side ; but it is certain that, a few months
hence, fine sherry will be almost non cst, while present
prices will only purchase inferior wines.—The Grocer, and
Dine Trade Review.

GLASGOW, Jan. 16.—Iron.—Th© Scotch pig iron
market has assumed a much quieter tone during the
last week, the amount of business done has been compara-
tively limited, while the fluctuations in value have not been
extensive. To-day the feeling has been towerds dulness.
A few transactions took place at the lowest quotations of
the week—viz., 655, 71d, cash, and 678. 6d. three mouths
open, at which buyers remained. G. M. B, No. 1, 655.;
No. 3, 6 is.; No 1 Gartsherric, GSs. 6d.. Coltness, 68s. Gel.;
Calder, 675. ; Glengarnock, 655.; Eglinton, 645.; Carron,
645. Cotton. The market has been dull during the week
with hardly anything doing. Prices unchanged•