across the path the candidate must travel, some inches from the floor, make no comfortable traveling for a person blindfolded.  But this is not always the way it is prepared; billets of wood singly, or in heaps, ladders, nets of cord, etc., etc., are all put in requisition to form the rough and rugged paths, which are intended as a trial of the fidelity of the candidates.  If they escape with nothing more than bruised shins they do well.  They have been known to faint away under the severity of the discipline, and occasion the worthy companions much alarm.  After traveling the rugged paths till all are satisfied, they arrive at the first Veil of the Tabernacle, give the pass-word, and pass on to the second, give the pass-words, and present the sign.  This, it will be recollected, is in imitation of the sign which Moses was directed to make to the children of Israel.  He threw his rod upon the ground and it became a serpent; he put forth his hand and took it by the tail, and it became a rod in his hand.  The conductor is provided with a rod, made in the form of a snake, and painted to resemble one.  This he drops upon the floor, and takes it up again.  They then pass on to the next Veil, give the pass-word and make the sign (put the right hand in the bosom and pluck it out again); pass on to the next, give the pass-words and make the sign (pour water upon the ground), and are ushered into the presence of the grand council.  The Veils are four in number, and of the same color as the banners of the three Grand Masters of the Veils, and that of the Royal Arch Captain, blue, purple, scarlet and white, and have the same references and explanations. [See Lecture.] The Grand Council consists of the Most Excellent High Priest, King and Scribe.  The High Priest is dressed in a white robe, with a breastplate of cut-glass, consisting of twelve pieces, to represent the twelve tribes of Israel; an apron, and a mitre.  The King wears a scarlet robe, apron, and crown.  The mitre and crown are generally made of pasteboard:  sometimes they have them of the most splendid materials, gold and silk velvet; but these are kept for public occasions.  The mitre has the words, “Holiness to the lord” in gold letters across the forehead.  The Scribe wears a purple robe, apron, and turban.  After having satisfied the Grand Council that they are true brethren, and stated their object in coming to Jerusalem, the candidates are directed to commence the labor of removing the rubbish of the old temple preparatory to laying the foundation of the new.  For the purpose of performing this part of the ceremony, there is in or near the Chapter a narrow kind of closet, the only entrance to which is through a scuttle at the top; there is placed over this scuttle whatever rubbish is at hand, bits of board, brick bats, etc., and among them the keystone.  After the candidates are furnished with the tools (pick-axe, spade, and crow), they are