ria and Albert order, is shown the badge
of the imperial order of the crown of India. The reverse is a beautiful
work by Sir Frederic Leighton, President of the Royal Academy, of which
the following is a description: "In the center a figure representing the
British empire sits enthroned, resting one hand on the sword of justice,
and holding in the other the symbol of victorious rule. A lion is seen
on each side of the throne. At the feet of the seated figure lies
Mercury, the God of Commerce, the mainstay of our imperial strength,
holding up in one hand a cup heaped with gold. Opposite to him sits the
Genius of Electricity and Steam. Below, again, five shields, banded
together, bear the names of the five parts of the globe, Europe, Asia,
Africa, America, and Australasia, over which the empire extends. On each
side of the figure of Empire stand the personified elements of its
greatness--on the right (of the spectator), Industry and Agriculture; on
the left, Science, Letters, and Art. Above, the occasion of the
celebration commemorated is expressed by two winged figures representing
the year 1887 (the advancing figure) and the year 1837 (with averted
head), holding each a wreath. Where these wreaths interlock, the letters
V.R.I. appear, and, over all, the words 'In Commemoration.'"

The issue of both the new coins and the medal began on June 21, the day
appointed for the celebration of her majesty's jubilee.--_Illustrated
London News_.

[Illustration: THE NEW BRITISH COINAGE AND JUBILEE MEDAL.

1. Half Crown. 2 and 3. Double Florin, reverse and obverse. 4. Double
Sovereign. 5. Shilling. 6. Sixpence. 7 and 8. Jubilee Medal.]

* * * * *

BRICKS AND BRICKWORK.

[Footnote: A recent lecture delivered at Carpenters' Hall, London Wall,
E.C.--_Building News_.]

By Professor T. ROGER SMITH, F.R.I.B.A.

Timber, stone, earth, are the three materials most used by the builder
in all parts of the world. Where timber is very plentiful, as in Norway
or Switzerland, it is freely used, even though other materials are
obtainable, and seems to be preferred, notwithstanding the risk of fire
which attends its use. Where timber is scarce, and stone can be had,
houses are built of stone. Where there is no timber and no stone, they
are built of earth--sometimes in its natural state, sometimes made into
bricks and sun-dried, but more often made into bricks and burned.

London is one of the places th