The Sun.
London, England, 1858-05-25 00:00:00

POLYTECHNIC.

This excellent institution never fails in the production
of appropriate novelty on the recurrence of every popu-
lar fi-stivul. Whilst entirely conservative of all that gives
it a distirc:ive character amidst its numerous competitors
for public favour, the Polytechnic manager is not blind to
the signs of the times, and readily engrafts upon the sound
constitution of his establishment whatever reforms or in-
novations the progressive taste of the public may require.
Hence it is that its sails catch so much of the popularis
aura, that its rooms are filled with festival crowds. The
WhitAun novelty consi.ts in a first class diorama, direct-
ing us where to go and what to see on the Continent.
We start from L radon-briilge in the John Bull steam-
boat, and, after lauding at Hamburg, we visit in sue-
cosi:ion Berlin, Dresden, Ratisbon, Prague, Vienna,
Pe,th, Constantinople, Rome, Venice, the Lago Mag.
g ire, and some of the principal Alpine scenery of Switzer-
land. All _that is historically interesting or artistically
beautiful is noticed by the way, and the scenes are so
accuratdy delineated and clearly outlined that that no
traveller can repent of a peregrination so pictorially
peasant. Bat in addition there are to be seen and
heard at the Polytechnic the lively carols of the coloured
opera troupe, in the curt dress of the [wand George's,
the always welcome dissolving views, and the entertain
jog and locomotive l'ctures of. Mr. Pepper himself, on
subjects of popular and universal interest, illustrated by
striking experiments, which the large and effective ap-
paratus at the command of tha institution enable him to
xbibit with entire success. The institution was greatly
Cr) aded during the day, but the rain which fell copiously
in the afternoon prevented those persons from c Hiring
to the evening exhibition who would otherwise have
i,valled themselves of this cheap shilling's worth of en-
terlair.ment.

ST. JANIES'S BALL.-GRAND DIORAMA OF

THE INDIAN MUTINY.

This very interesting and attractive exhibition, which
was to have closed on Saturday last, has extended its
term, and, we are informsd, will continue open for
another fortnight, in consequence of the vast nuinbi.ra
who Nisi it daily. It is cri a very extensive scale, each
view covering a space of 500 square yards of canTas, by
eminent artists, among whom are M. Gompeitz and
Mr. Marshall, of Her Majesty's Theatre. The panorama
e
cousiete.of the city and fortifications of Delhi, showing
every object cf interest in and about the city, the
preparatious for the defence, the British encamp.
ment and batteries, and a group of officers, consietin
of General Barnard and file staff, and several others who
di-tinguished themselves. This is followed by the battle
of Subzeinundie, which lasted fifteen hours. The view
of Peshawur gives a vivid representation of the execu-
tion of the mutineers, come of whom wire hanged, and
others blown from the guns. The Assembly rooms at
Cawnpore, in which took place the massacre of the Eng-
lish women and children by command of that worse than
fiend Nana Sahib, although rendered as little revolting
as possible, is sill indeed most ghastly. Other scenes
follow, all of which possess remarkable interest. The
whole diorama is beautifully painted, and richly merits
the extensive patronage it is receiving.