The Sun.
London, England, 1860-12-27 00:00:00

c 7.

lions of a large body of gentlemen devoted to the
promotion of the study of science, will be a source •
of unmitigated satisfaction to the general body of
the public. After having long had to contend
Against difficulties, which is deeply to be regretted
it should ever have fallen into, it now re-appears
tinder circumstances which promise for it a long,
brilliant, and useful career, which there is appa-
rently every desire and every capability on the part
of the management to render permanent. Among
the principal of the numerous appliances for the
Study of the several branches of natural philosophy
which are here collected, may be mentioned a
sectional model of the crust of the earth, designed
by Mr. J. S. Phene, which is upwards of two feet
in length, illustrating the structure of the earth,
the general features of its scenery from the poles
to the equator, and the animal and vegetable
remains of past ages which disclose the history of
this portion of the creation. This work indeed, is
to geology what Mr. Wyld's globe is to geography,
and affording equal facilities for the study of that
most interesting subject. A new chemical labora-
tory has also been established, with abundant
facilities for the performance of analyses, a purpose
to which it will, probably, be extensively applied. In
the lecture-rooms, electrical apparatus on a large
scale is made available in the hands of Professor Gan
diner for the display of the strikingphenomen a of the
science, while, for other portions of the natural phi-
losophy, and especially optics, there are also ample
means of experimental illustrations. The interior
of the hall has undergone a complete system of re-
decoration, whereby the gloom, which was some-
times complained of, has been altogether dispelled,
and its aspect is now in perfect harmony with the
general character of the place and the uses to
which it is to be applied. The institution contains
an abundance of works of art of all kinds, and at
stated hours of the day the usual variety of enter-
tainments; scientific,musical, humorous, and other-
wise, agreeably break the time devoted to the ♦isit.
We sincerely hope that the permanent prosperity
of the institution may be fully ensured by the meri-
torious efforts of its present management, and,
judging by the numbers who resorted to it yester-
day, we should say that they are fully appreciated
by the public.

COLOSSEUM.
This magnificent institution, after hating been
entirely repaired and re-decorated, was yesterday
thronged by a considerable body of Christmas
sight seers, who were highly gratified by the in-
spection of its splendid dioramas and panoramas,
and by the numerous exhibitions and entertain-
ments provided for them by the lessee and manager,
Dr. Bachhoffner. The attractions of the place, in-
deed, are so varied in their character, and so power-
ful in their interests, that the hours during which
it is open will be abundantly occupied with the
claims which they make upon the attention. The
Colosseum was at no antecedent period of its
history in a more splendid or effective condition
than at present, and when the public are reminded
that upwards of a quarter of a million has been ex-
pended upon it, it will easily be understood why it
should have remained so great a popular favourite
during the last 36 years. Among the more promi•
nent of the entertainments may be mentioned the
Holiday Excursion to China, Australia, Turkey,
Italy, France, and America, by Mr. A. Barns ; Mr.
Hewson's Illustrations of Social Oddities, M. Nadol-
ski's Wonderful Cabinet, and a variety of Christmas
amusements.