Gradually the scheme for the proposed International Exhibition is being developed and disclosed to the public. We have now to acknowledge, from Messrs. Hall and Holtz, the receipt of a photo-lithographic picture of the Exhibition building. It is alarge, handsome structure, in the Renaissauce style, having towers at four corners, with mansard roofs, surmounted by ornamental iron railings. Over the entrance there is a handsome octagonal dome of iron and glass, and extending along a great portion of the main front is a handsome porte cochere. The building, besides having windows all round, will be lighted Faience of Chine of some epochs, no doubt, surpasses the fictile works of Satsuma and Imari, which yet have rare and in some respects almost incomparable beauties of their own. The bronzes of the two and ventilated from the top. The interior of the building is divided into large bays, with handsome light iron columns carrying the roof. In the interior will be a court-
Empires should be shown side by si The Chinese could teach Japan form, and Japanese works would show the defectiveness and conventionalism of yard with shrubberies, and a fountain, &e., which will form a pleasant lounge in the heat of summer as well as assist to ventilate the lain building. On the right and Jeff hand are the annexes for the executive and refreshment departments. The plans have gone to England by Signor Cagli, and until they are confirmed by the supporters of the scheme there, it is impossible to give the true dimensions of the building, but we are informed that a frontage of about 200 feet by 180 feet in depth is at present contemplated; the plan, however, is so arranged that it can be enlarged or contracted as required. We are informed that with regard to the site several eligible situations have been spoken of, but for obvious reasons this must remain undecided until a more advanced period. Mr. F. A. Groom is the architect, and Mr. H. W. Dale has designed the plans the Chinese finish, Ie the possessors of Chinese art treasures respond, as they may, to the appeal, and the Japanese Government should also view the projected show benevolently, there will be a great influx of sight-sears, and, consequently, an increase of trade that, at any rate, will be very profitable to the Chinese Customs revenues.
Already applications have been made for the support of the principal dealers in Chinese staples. The teas of China will be shown in junta-position with tha toas of Assam, Nilghiti, Cachar, Ceylon and Java, The raw silk of China will be shown with the threads of Japan, Italy, France, and Tndia, and the latest examples of differontine tion, in the new silks of Chinkiang, will give to the Chinese farmers a practical illustration of the labour of Darwin and Wallace. for the building. Messrs. Hall and Holtz have been appointed to superintend the erection of the structure, and to make the necessary preliminary arrangements, and we hear that Mr. Everall, one of the partners in the firm, is about to proceed to Peking to lay the scheme before the high native and foreign officials.
We are sure our readers will agree with us that the designs prepared by Messrs. Groom and Dale for the Ifxlibition Bull fulfil all primary requirements. The building will be commoious; it will be weather-proof; it can be made coul and airy during our torrid summer. and warm in our cold season; it will have spacious halls, roomy and well-arranged passages, and access and egress will be easy; it will be light during the day-time, and can be lit up by gas or the electric light after sundown; it will be strong; it will be fire-proof; it will be—if whic space is considered—of moderate cost; it will be of honest construction, and sightly withal; finally plans have been arranged so as to permit and additions, by wings and annexe:
We are led to believe that there are already reasons for counting on good-will and favourable influence from high Chinese in authorities, and there are also grounds for hoping that, as a result, a fair variety of the exquisite and cherished art treasures belonging to officials and gentry will be lent, to astonish and di seers and foreign visitors. On the success of the applications for official countenance and favour, the Exhibition must, to a groat extent, depend. We'are, however, hopeful.
Kndeavours will be made to obtain from Tapan a selection of ceramic work. artistic bronzes, silks, Incquer wares, carvings, enamels, &c., &e., a8 there products of Japan are fittest for comparison with the art works of C Vue porcelain and Then, again, endeavours will be made to obtain a complete collection of lacquer wares. The Incquer wares of Soochow and Canton are peculiar, and do not resembles the lacquers of Japan. But in Foochow very fine lacquer, made by a family of Japanese origin, in some respects resemble the products of Kioto and Lokio, Phe Incquor ware of the Loochoos differs from that of China and Japan, and has 8 ut its own, The lacquer workers of China and Japan could Jearu much from ench other, and—as with ceramics, bronzes, embroidery, S: c.—the Exposition would not fail to bestow a valuable extension of knowledge upon the artisans of both Empires, Endeavours will be made to exercise a judicious discrimination in the selection of contributions from Kurope and the United States. A of fitness should prevail, and the exhibits should be mainly confined to articles and products whose use will be beneficial to China, Even if they could be obtained, we would not desire the owners of Canova's Princess Borghese or Thorsvalden's Baviatin sky or Turner's Carthage, to send the noble works to be stared at by an unappreclating mob of Chinese sight-sears. Works of Western art, whether pictures or sculpture, or mosaic, or jewels or orfevrerie will be out of place, and should give way to the useful and practical. Endeavours therefore will be made to collect together examples of prime motors, machinery for propulsion, for ginning, spinning and weaving, for lighting, for brick-making, for manufacture of simple chemicals, for pumping and irrigating apparatus, for making nails, for drawing wire, for rolling metals, for turning, &e, models of vessels for shallow and narrow waters, with mining tools, horological apparatus, carpenters' and masons? implements, light ploughs, &c., ce. All these things will be useful, and in nearly every
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.