OUR Great Exhibition—nay, the World's Great Exhibition—is open to the world's view at last. T'he most numerous, the grandest collection of the useful works of man that was ever brought together within the walls of a single edifice is now in this metropolis, spread out before the curious and inquiring gaze of the thousands on thousands who daily throng that vast building.

There may be traced out, as on a chart, the great outlines of human progress; the channels through which it has ran and is running; the rocks and shoals and counter currents which have impeded its even flow, but which the intellect and industry and perseverance of man have overcome; and there, with much distinctness, may be seen the point at which it has arrived.

There, as one of the phases of that progress, the Committee of the NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION had hoped to have seen the great philanthropic object of saving human life from shipwreck worthily represented.

Especially they thought it desirable in order that foreigners of every nationality who should at this time visit the shores of this the greatest maritime power of the world, should carry away with them a knowledge of the effectual manner in which a great national duty was provided for.

The Committee accordingly, at an early period of last year, made application to the Commissioners of the International Exhibition for space to exhibit a full-sized life-boat, fully equipped for service, and placed on her transporting-carriage, as a "fac-simile" of one of the numerous boats of the Society on our coasts. The Committee considered that a small model of a boat partakes too much of the character of a mere toy to convey any adequate impression of so practical and striking an object as a fully equipped life-boat.

Knowing that every species of agricultural implement—of steam-engine—of railway- carriage, and of vehicle of pleasure, would be here presented to the world's view, they thought it impossible that space for so important and interesting an object would be denied them, and accordingly a boat and carriage, were prepared in readiness for admission. To their disappointment, however, the Royal Commissioners decided not to admit the boat, and the Committee were informed that the Institution must be content to be represented by models only.

Nevertheless the Committee persevered— renewed applications were made, and the importance and the national character of the object in view, fully explained, yet without effect. .

On intimation from the head of one of the departments that space had been found in an open court, adjoining the Eastern Annexe, the boat was even conveyed on her carriage to the doors of the great building, where she remained three days, pleading, as it were, for admission, but without avail—the orders were peremptory that she should not be admitted. Yet the space that had been selected, above referred to, remained unoccupied for several weeks afterwards, and we believe is so still.

Failing in their object to obtain a position for the life-boat amongst the other useful works of the day, the Committee made application to the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society for permission to exhibit it, contiguous to the International Exhibition, in the beautiful grounds of that Society, which application was most kindly acceded to, and there she may now be seen by every one who takes an interest in the great philanthropic work of saving lives from shipwreck.