THE memory of the late distinguished Viceroy of India will, like many of his great predecessors, be long honoured and held in affectionate remembrance. Lord Lawrence took considerable interest in the welfare of the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, and was a liberal annual contributor to its funds. He spoke with great effect at its Annual Meeting in 1875, when Admiral H.E.H. the DUKE OF EDIN- BURGH presided. His Lordship said that " if there was one Institution among the many grand and noble institutions of this country, which emanated from and were supported by the people, which should command their enthusiastic assistance and support, it was the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION. It was based on the most philanthropic principles, its whole object and scope being the saving of human life.

The men who manned the Life-boats were those who, above all others, appreciated the dangers and difficulties of those ' who go down to the sea in ships and have their works in the mighty waters of the ocean.' He could hardly bring to his recollection anything that exceeded the records of self-abnegation, indifference to life, and a resistance to all the difficulties and dangers of the elements in their most terrible and formidable condition, than those afforded by this Institution. They had heard from its Annual Report, just read, how many lives had been rescued during the last fifty years in which this Institution had been in existence, but they could not estimate the number of lives which, in spite of the heroic exertions of those who worked in connection with it, had been lost during that period. What, therefore, did the history of this Institution bring before their minds? Why, that they should all act with one accord to help to extend its benefits, so that there should not be any point of danger on our coast where there should not be a Life-boat and crew, fully equipped and adequately main- tained, to go out and do their best to save life. This noble Institution, which had set an example to the world—for other countries with great sea-boards had fol- lowed it in the beneficent work it was doing—would on this occasion set another example to the philanthropic and noble- minded. One of the marriage presents which were made to his Royal Highness and his beloved consort consisted of two Life-boats—and he could well understand how that present was, above all others, appreciated by them, and how the true feeling of the Englishman, the naval officer, the generous-minded Prince, must have been touched by it. He earnestly impressed upon all the importance of uniting to do their utmost to extend the benefits of this noble Institution." HUNT'S GUN AND PROJECTILE FOR EFFECT- ING COMMUNICATION WITH WRECKED, VESSELS.

—We have been compelled to postpone our article on this important invention.