The Sun.
London, England, 1848-04-20 00:00:00

POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.

For some weeks past the above institution has been
closed for the purpose of making certain alterations of
an extensive character which had been thought desirable.
These alterations are now completed, and last night the
directors issued tickets for a " private view," preparatory
to the opening, this day, to the public. About 2,000
individuals were present, so that it was a very question-
able kind.of privacy ; indeed, the galleries and vestibules
were so crowded with invited loiterers as to inconveni-
ently limit the opportunity of examining the place.
The principal novelty is an entirely new lecture
room, running on the south side of the building, access
to which is obtained on each floor. We had but a ♦ery
imperfect view of this additional edifice, for it was
crowded to repletion all the time we were present, and
there was neither getting in or out. The peep, however,
that we had through the entrances, disclosed to us a
spacious area, with an arched roof, and lantern sky-light.
At one end is a sort of proscenium, spanning a stage of
considerable depth, upon which the lectures are to be
given. The public occupy the arena below the lecturer,
also a long inclined plane of seats level with the old
gallery, besides other accommodations of narrower
dimensions up stairs. It is said that upwards of 1,200
people may be seated in this magnificent theatre, and
the appearance last night seemed to justify the assertion.
The old lecture-room at the western extremity being
rendered useless as regards its original purposes, is now
converted into a lounge in connexion with the general
exhibition, and is well stored with models—chiefly of
ships, native and foreign. In other respects the aspect
of the place is much the same as before—only renovated
and brightened, for the hand of the cleaner has been
busy—not before, let us add, it was wanted. Many ad-
ditional objects of interest have been obtained, and every
corner is crowded with some piece of philosophical or
mechanical ingenuity, &c., the examination of which
would absorb several hours.

Dr. Ryan is still the principal lecturer to the esta-
blishment, and he contributed a discourse on chemistry
last night, followed by H. Goadby, Esq., who enter-
tained the audience for a long time with a dissertation on
the structure and functions of. insects. A new set of dia.
solving views, copied from "Roberts's Scenes in the
Holy Land," were also shown. The Polytechnic Institu-
tion thus comes out with fresh claims upon the public
favour, and there is every reason to believe they will be
handsomely recognised during the forthcoming holiday
season.

NEW MUSIC.
" THE OLD PALACE."
Robert Cocks, New Burlington-street.
This song is a fine specimen of a healthy school of
lyrics. The public has long been sickened with
ephemeral trash in doggerel rhyme, alike destitute of
imagination or sentiment. Publishers and composers
have paid too much respect to mere melody—they
have unceasingly drugged the ear of Apollo with
tinkling airs and flowing harmony, forgetting his god-
ship is somewhat particular as to the "immortality"
of the " verse" " wedded to music." The song before
us is written by Eliza Cook, a lady whose name is
dear and familiar to all English hearts. The
exquisite pathos in her beautiful ballad of
" The Old Arm Chair," and the stirring na-
tionality of " The Englishman," breathe the
true spirit of a genius that ranks with a
" Burns," or a Campbell, and many a roof will ring
with the noble compositions of Eliza Cook when the
ear of the writer shall be deaf to fame. Kenilworth
is the subject she has chosen for the " Old Palace,"
and strength and imagery pervade the lines. Loder
has given it a fine and imposing melody—such a
composeris worthy such a writer, and the conjunc-
tion will doubtless insure the popularity merited. We
shall be glad to see the succession of fine songs which
the spirited publisher promises.

MAUNDAY THURSDAY.QUEEN'S BOUNTY.—TO-
day being Maunday Thursday, the Queen's bounty, o
Maunday money was distributed to fifty
aged men and
r
a omen, at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall. The Right
Rev. the Bishop of Oxford officiated as Almoner, Dr.
Jell, Sub-Almoner, and Mr. J. Manning as yeoman.
The women received 3/. 15s. 4d., and as many silver
pennies as her Majesty is years of age. The men
received 4/. 15s. in money, with brown cloth to make a
suit of clothes, linen, shoes, and stockings. The gold
was placed in a crimson silk bag, and the small silver
money in white bags of the same material.
ST. KILDA.—The distance of St. Kilda from land
has often led the inhabitants.into strange mistakes. For
nearly six months, at one time, they religiously observed
Monday as Sabbath, and only rectified their error by
going to Harris to ascertain the real state of the matter;
while prayer was regularly and devoutly offered up for
King William a year after his decease,—Ross-shire
Advertiser.