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(AT [ALL RIGHTS RXSZRVILD.1…
(AT [ALL RIGHTS RXSZRVILD.1 8 FLYN 0' THE HILL M or, THE LITTLE WHITE WITCH I ? By MADGE BARLOW, Wi /?\ Author of "Crag Cormac," "The Cairn of the Badger," &c. M CHAPTER XIII. 1 "IF SHE BE NOT FAIR TO ME.* I Eric perused his mistress's note of dis- missal for the twentieth time, and felt astounded. Miss- Macara has no further occasion for Mr. Bamfylde's services, and will be obliged if he will vacate the cottage at his very earliest convenience. She en- closes cheque in consideration of duties per- formed, and in lieu of notice." What it cost her to write thus, what tears and sighs, he never knew. At first he felt inclined to treat the dismissal comic- ally, and his boyish reply increased her pain tenfold. She loved best the frank and merry boyishness of him, the blithesome nature. "Bamfylde presents his compliments to Miss Macara, whom he perceives to be afflicted with temper. He returns the cheque, protesting that any work he has done has been a labour of love, owing to his fondness for agricultural pursuits. As it would certainly inconvenience him to vacate the cottage, he claims the month's notice to which he is entitled." Rather staggered, the Hill tried again. "It is Miss Macara's privilege to decide whether her steward shall receive notice or not. She has nothing more to say, except that her previous note fully indicates her wishes." "Bamfvlde's note also indicates his inten- tions. They are, to sit tight and challenge eviction," the Nest retorted. "He is pre- pared to shed his blood in defence of his rights. Lead on, Macbeth She ceased to write in the third person since it provoked him to unseemly jesting, and Jaffe bore the meek query valleywards: "Will you go to please me? "Not till you procure another to fill my post," he replied. "And then not unless you can show reasonable grounds for sacking me. How, in the circumstances, am I to get an equally lucrative situation?" She smiled through her tears at "equally lucrative," crumpling the rejected cheque in her hand. "Isn't it cowardly," she asked, "to pit your strength against a girl's weak- ness?" And he answered: "Not when the girl behaves ungenerously. I am going straight to the Hill for a soul-sifting cross- examination of your motives. I can't bear our present relations. We are neither friends nor foes. We should be lovers. It must be either one way or the other after to- day." On the threshold of her home Jaffe stopped him. Miss Flyn was unable to see him. "Is she ill?" he inquired. Jaffe said "No," glorying in a Darking- ton's discomfiture. "Engaged?" queried Eric. Jaffe admitted as much, reluctantly it seemed. "With whom?" "Mr. Ralph Dorn," said Jaffe, repeating what a desperate Flyn had put into his mouth. "Take this to her." Eric scribbled on a leaf of a memorandum book and folded the paper into a cocked hat. "Choose between Dorn and me. I am waiting on your doorstep. If I go in, he goes out, but before going he'll confess whatever I hold he has over you if I have to wring it from him by brute force. Don't be afraid, darling. It can be nothing I'll refuse to for- give. and it's best to get it bver." "The mistress read your message and said there was no answer." Eric heard him incredulously. "Once more, Jaffe, and I have done." He wrote: Onl your solemn word, did you ever love me, or were you playing with me ? She felt driven into a corner. ceOn your solemn word!" That offered no loophole of escape in the future. It was irrevocable. The impulse to rush out and draw him-in, and tell him Dorn was not there, and Gideon Viscount Cheveral had Dearly separated them, was great; but love trampled on it, asked her whether she sought her own, good or his, and whither had fled the courage which yesterday ranked his well-being first and hers nowhere. "I do it because I want you to be happy, and you couldn't be if you bought me at too high a price," she sobbed to herself. "Atjd your happiness?" cried inward re- volt. That voice she silenced. "You horrid little boaster," said another Flyn. "You were so brave yesterday like a coward before the battle. For his sake you could have crucified self. To-day you will." Her pen dashed across the scrap of paper. "I was playing with you. I never loved < < He went about his duties as usual. The world does not stand still because a girl has beem faithless. His face looked older, graver; it had lost some of its buoyant vouthfulness and gained in unbecoming cynicism. He spent long evenings shut up in the Nest, with his pipe and his thoughts for company, and the p Wisp wondered what it was He saw in the red turf ashes into which he stared so fixedly. Burnt-out, dead ashes! A simile of his lif0. He remained in her service, and would re- main till a fifth came to oust him and swell the roll of Flyn's victims. As for him, his summer idyll was finished with the fading of the roses. Love her he would, to all time, but sweetheart and wife were not for him. She had preferred Dorn, fearing his threats and disclosures. No other construc- tion could be put upon her actions. Evi- dently Dorn was at liberty to dictate to her. He scarcely spoke to the man when he met him, and Dorn returned the compliment, scowling melodramatically at Eric. A sudden bitterness had swept away the surface civility of the two, and it began when my Lord Darkington made much of Dorn,, inviting him to the Lodge for con- vivial evenings, courting his company out xif doors, professing and displaying a mighty friendship which persuaded Ralph that Horace and his wife had joined forces to help him and share the matrimonial broker's fee. Sylvia was too cowed to ask questions of either. She sat upstairs, virtually a pri- soner, and tried in vain to fathom Horace. The convivial eveniings were a respite from the refined cruelty of her husband's treat- ment since he had found out her treachery. Sho realised that he had clipped her wings and caged her. "Darkington and his cousin have quarrelled, and in revenge he has deserted the cousin and ranged himself oni my side. It's an ill wind blows nobody good," laughed Dorn. "Darkington is angry because of Bam- fvlde's growing attachment to Flyn Macara, said Culaheen. "That's why he mid Andy are estranged, why he has taken Sylvia from the Hill, and is espousing Dorn's cause in that quarter. Depend upon it, there's something in the stories wo hear, or Darkington would not show such a volte- face, for it's an open secret that at one time he would have favoured a match between Andy and this girl." So they were careful not to invite Bam- fylde and the Darkingtons together to their dinners and dances. Cathy understood the situation better, but self-interest kept her silent and made her sweetly sympathetic when sheer boredom drove Eric into a renewal of their former intimacy. He thought it dear of Cathy to bo kind, knowing him only as a detrimental, a poor relation and hanger-on to the skirts of Horace. The fact that he loved Flyn did not lessen her determination to be a Viscountess, and she was confident of attaining her ambition if Horace would refrain from rushing revela- tions which couldn't be long delayea in the present state of affairs. She kept a wary eye on him, less surprised than Sylvia by his dumbness. "He's ripening for mischief," she mused. "But he wcn't row with Cheveral himself. He'll tempt Dorn to do it. It will be to all appearances a combat between Flyn's lovers, and the instigator of it will stand aside and laugh in his sleeve." One night she saw them coming from the Lodge arm-in-arm, Darkington whispering in the other's ear. "Pouring poison into his mind, and a diffe- rent poison down his throat," she com- mented. "Once you begin the brandy-bib- bing, Mr. Ralph, you are undone, and Dad will rid us ofrbur paying guest. Now I know what has spoiled your temper of late and run the red of your complexion into the white." I'll watch you both," she said, going her way to the weekly choir practice. I dom't want to marry a maimed or disfigured bride- groom." < < < The rustic choristers, whose training was numbered among Mickey's gratuitous duties, were dismissed early, and Mickey was sing- ing for his personal consolation a hymn they had been practising. His clear tenor and the hushed organ notes floated down to Cathy in the porch, making her vaguely sorry for herself and him. His voice never failed to awaken responsive chords in her. It was one of the golden voices which stir us like a tuneful instrument full of glorious harmonies. "Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom Lead Thou me on. The night is dark, 'and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not wish to see The distant scene. One step enough for me." Cathy hearkened, and dashed up the gal- lery stairs at full speed lest, if she lin- gered, he should reduce her to actual blub- bering by his rendering of the line, "And with the morn those angel faces smile." He twisted round on the organ stool and greeted her somewhat diffidently. "I—I didn't expect you," he said. It is late, and the choristers have gone." She perched on the rail of the enclosed pen wherein he sat and delicately snuffed the air. Unexpected pleasures, she told him, were the most de- lightful." "You're looking pasty," she said, her eye critical. "You're fretting about me, you silly fellow. I had to give you the mitten, you were so foolishly persistent, though I warned you a hundred times that I meant tc marry brilliantly. Didn't I?" "We won't discuss it, Cathy. I haven't blamed vou." "Thatfs funny, considering the cause you've got. Work off your spleen, or it will prey on your constitution, Mickey. You are too like Patience on a monument, smiling at grief." "Have you come to tell me of your en- gagement to Mr. Bamfylde?" "Not yet. I must catch his heart on the rebound. He and Flyn have either sundered themselves or been sundered." To Mickey she had always admitted her mercenary aims, though she hid other things from him. He puckered his face into a perfect network of wrinkles. "It isn't an honourable course to adopt," he said rebukingly' "Very little is gained in this world by honourable courses,' she reminded him. "There is the approval of conscience, Cathy." H Oh, give conscience a rest," she retorted flippantly. "Is it true that you are think- ing of removing to what Dad calls 'a wider < sphere of usefulness?' And why?" "I've arranged for a transfer. I can't stay here. I want to forget a-a few isodes." e p"I'm not an episode, and you couldn't for- get me anywhere you'd go," crowed the pretty egoist. Besides, how should we man. age without you to square the bishop, and soothe the cranks, and generally do the parish chores? You're maybe flitting to the market town ? "Farther than that." "Dublin, then?" She was across the rails and beside him, rudely elbowing him to make room for herself on the organ stool. He moved to the extreme verge. "Don't say it'aDublin, Micfcev boy." "It's Australia. I leave at the end of the summer. A faint gulping sound in her throat set his pulses bounding. "Would you alter your decision to-to keep me? he asked. She shook her head. "Cathy, when God made you He left out mercy and pity." It would have been more tragic, Mickey, had He made me plain." They did not speak for a time. She fin- gered the organ keys, and got dust on her hands, and held them for Mickey to wipe on his handkerchief, and was blankly indignant when he declined and began to gather up his scattered music. "Grumpy?" she inter- rogated. That's new, and variety hath charms, but what do you mean by it?" Can't you let me be at peace," he said despairingly. You haven't noticed me for weeks. It's a whim of yours to treat me gracioufy to-night. I'm sick of whims, Cathy, and I'd prefer to be ignored. If there was the slightest fragment of hope to cling to I'd bear anything, but there isn't. You 11 have none of me. You'd rather scheme to marry a man who doesn't love you, and whom you do not love." Fancy loving the Viking!" she ex- claimed with mirth. He'd weary me aw- fully if he were not-what he is. I don't admire big men, isn't it curious And ruddy gold hair and blue eyes areu't my idea of male beauty par excellence. Your hair, Mickey, is a nice ash colour." He did not seem .unduly elated. And your eyes-they used to be hazel. Are they still hazel. Let me look." She pursued him round the pen, and ho stood at bay in a corner and reprimanded her forwardness, and her irreverence in church, Cathy listening mock modestly. She developed a cough after her exertions, and feared she might not live to be old, and that being so nobody ought to scold her or speak crossly. Had he heard the cough? Mickey said he had not. I can do it again. It's no trouble," said the trickster obligingly, and proceeded to curdle his blood and wrap him in chill sweats of terror. Consumption had slain Cathy's mother. "You see I'm not robust, hardship would kill me," she sighed. I need comforts and luxuries. They cost money, and you've hardly any, so I couldn't be your wife, poor Mickey, could I? You'd be sorry if I married you and—and pined in poverty." I'd die of sorrow," he said hoarsely. That would be waste of two lives." It's you I'm thinking of, Cathy, only you." Thank you," brushing her red mouth against his. "That's sweet of you." From outside the pen she called softly: Good-night, Mickey." His Good-night, God bless you," shamed her oddly, took the relish out of the paltry jest to which Mickey's solemn earnestness had given zest. Hurrying home in irritable mood, the wind carried to her sounds of altercation. She stopped, peering into the gloom of the road in front. It is Dorn," she whispered, and—yes— that's Cheveral. Dorn left my lord: no doubt, when he'd been stirred up to the proper pitch, and Cheveral happened along at the unfortunate moment, and the other's soaked in brandy and mad for a quarrel." Gathering her skirt into her hands she ran towards them, and as she ran she heard a dull thud. CHAPTER XIV. HIS LORDSHIP, THE VAMPIRE. "Don't be alarmed," said Cheveral. It's only a tipsy rowdy who fell when I pushed him from me. He's quarrelsome and aching for a fight, but I'm not inclined to gratify him. Go before he rises. His language hasn't been very select." But he may attack you," said Cathy, moving closer, and the tender concern of her words and action flattered him. "I couldn't desert you like that. Is he stunned?" She pointed the toe of her shoe at Dorn, who answered her question by scrambliug awkwardly to his feet, the road dust grey on his back and his hatless head. Bamfylde, you struck me," he blustered. "You knocked me down." "I did not," Eric replied placidly. You attempted to seize me, and I repelled you, and your legs weren't steady, and you bowled over. You knocked me down," Dorn persisted. A scurVy trick. I said things that vexed you, but you haven't shut me up, and I'll say them as often as I choose. It's a free country." "Wait till the effects of Darkington's brandy wears off. Then you won't talk non- sense. Darkington's a good sort. He said I was sober as a judge and could call on you if I wished, but meeting you has saved me the trouble. He's my friend, a dashed good sort, feels for a fellow when he's persecuted. See here, Bamfylde, I was saying you weren't wanted at the Hill. Why do you stay where you aren't wanted? It's mean." I've told you not to interfere in what isn't your business." Flyn's business is mine. I'm her deputy. I've dismissed you. Ralph Dorn will be his own steward when he's master there." If Miss Macara is brought into this again we'll have bother. Get away as quickly as you can." And if Dad sees you we'll be without a paying guest to-morrow," Cathy struck in acidly. guest to-morrow, "Is that the parson's daughter?" Dorn jeered. What's she doing here? Let men settle their disputes, Miss Cathy, and you can settle the curate's. He's no man. A milksop. We're men. Look at that arm. It could fell an ox, and as for Bamfylde's flimsy pate- "I won't speak to you!" she said con- temptuously. "The Little White Witch has the same cry., Won't speak,' says she; but won't to-night may be will to-morrow. Life's a see-saw, and after I've chucked Bamfylde she'll change her mind." Eric took him by the collar and marched him along the road, Dorn resisting and grappling with him. "Didn't I tell you not to mention her?" said Erie. shaking him, and being shaken, for Ralph of the talkative tongue was no weakling either. "White Witch, indeed!" scoffed envious Cathy. "I wouldn't separate them if they fought like Kilkenny cats." Carriage lamps shone at the curve of the road, and she had barely time to huddle behind a heap of stones when the Tallyho waggonette tore down upon the pair, and would have crashed into them had not the coachman jerked his horses almost on their haunches. Joyce-Duffy and his sons leant across the side. "los Bamfylde." roared Percy. "And Dorn," cried Gerald. Their parent contributed to the noise. "Is it a brawl?" he squeaked. Eric cheerily bade them drive on, and said there was nothing wrong. To Dorn he said softly, "Quiet, you fool. "He's lying!" Dorn shouted. "He as- saulted me. We had a dispute about a lady. Take your hand off my mouth, Bamfylde. You know it was about a lady. I've sacked him. gentlemen all, and he won't go. Nice state of affairs when a beggarly steward is sacked and won't go! 'Ia "About a lady," sniggered Joyce-Duffy pere. Fie, Bamfylde!" Eric looked annoyed. "Why do you pay any attention to the ravings of a man fuddled with drink? I'm not quarrelling. I on!y want him to go home quietly." "We'll give you a lift, Dorn," said Percy. "Climb up." "I wouldn't sit in your company!" he snarled, forgetting how often he had done io. "Y<)u're a lot of rotters. Miss Macara isn't fit society for old Nick's wife and daughters, it appears. Gad it's laughable! But one of these days you'll laugh at the wrong side of your mouths, and crawl on your marrow-bones to kow-tow to her." I The faces of the trio changed, and became glacial. "Get off the road, sir!" said Nicholas, in his severest magisterial manner, "and curb I your scurrilous tongue. You are a pest, sir! Pull him out of the way of the wheels, Bamfylde, and leave him. I'll speak to the rector and Darkington. It's disgraceful having that fellow in the place tit all. If the young woman he champions-" Percy gave him a warning tug, and he neinmetl and hawed, remembering that the young woman had bewitched Bamfylde also. "If Bamfylde touches me I'll put a bullet through him," said Dorn, and as he spoke he dropped a revolver, lifted it, and re- stored it to his breast pocket. Jamming his hat on his head, he intimated that a time when there were fewer cads on the road would suit him better for a chat with the steward, "whom I have dismissed," he con- 3luded. "Old Nick, you can bear witness I've dismissed him." He lurched down a lane leading to the Lodge. "Gone to Darkington's," fumed Nicholas, smarting under the disrespect paid him and his. paid him and his. "Your cousin vouched for his social standing, but to-night's exhi- bition isn't in his favour." You can't judge him by to-night," re- plied Eric. A peer and a coal porter might be much alike if both were drunk." "At any rate, be careful of him while he has that revolver, or he may do you a mis- shief. The waggonette bowled onward, and from Tallyho's drawing-room and servants' hall the story went forth that Dorn had endea- voured to fasten a quarrel on Bamfylde, of which Miss Macara was the cause, that he was consumedly jealous, and carried fire- arms with evil intent. (To be Continued).
IrHE MARVELLOUS ELDERBERRY.…
I rHE MARVELLOUS ELDERBERRY. I Colds are probably the most prevalent of all disorders to which humanity is heir. Yet, if people only realised it, there i6 a remedy ready to hand in the common elder- berry. The manifold virtues of this won- derful plant were known to our ancestors, and the dried berries found a place in every store cupboard, alongside rows upon rows of bottles of elderberry wine. When desiring to treat a cold vou simmer a handful of berries with enough sugar to make a thick syrup, and take a tablespoon ful in hot water at bed-time. It acts like magic; and, unlike most vaunted cures, it costs practically nothing. A decoction of elder blossom and peppermint is also used by French peasants in order to ward off a threatened attack; and very efficacious it is. The elderberry is a sovereign cure for all complaints of a catarrhal type affecting the lining membrane of the throat and nose a fact which was well known to the ancients. In fact, its praises were sung more than two thousand years ago. 1
I QUAINT POACHING DEVICES.…
I QUAINT POACHING DEVICES. I Most birds like seeds, but the pheasant hae quite a penchant for raisins. Poacher- know this, of course, and fasten & hook upon a length of fine line, and, bait- ing the hook with a raisin, tie this line tc a peg in the hedgerow. Wild duck art caught in similar fashion, the bait in this rase being not rai6ins but worms. A trick which is by no means commend- able even when used by poachers-is that of using small balls of suet, in the centre of which is placed a short length of whale-bone or some similar substance with the pointed Dnds bent together. Almost any game bird will pick up a ball of this sort. When swal- lowed, the fat melts and the sprung whale- oone is released, the end sticking in the bird's gullet and choking it. In another ase a poacher put a quantity of pepper into Yne of the birds' dust baths, thereby blind- ing the unfortunate birds that came to use it.
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Freehold estates belonging to Viscount Clifden realised £ 48,180 at Bodmin. Avon Valley miners are seeking to tender notices owing to lack of workmen's trains. The Lancashire and Cheshire Miners* Federation made a grant of 91,000 to the moulders on strike. After three weeks' severe inflammation of the ears, the Crown Princess of Sweden has been operated on. Mr. Charles Woolley, aged 99, who has died at Paddington, was present at the Duke of Wellington's funeral. Mr. W. M. Hughci will have a working majority in the new Australian Parliament.
,[ALL RIGHTS RESERVXD.] THE…
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVXD.] THE LABOUR MOVEMENT. By FRED MADDISON. The postponement of the decision on the nationalisation of the mines until next February was the right thing for the special Trade Union Congress to do—indeed, ai y other course would have been a surrender to the "direct actionists." It is all very well for Mr. Smillie to say that only industria] action will force the Government to concede what they want, and no doubt a weak Ad- ministration like the present one is very susceptible to threats, Lut there is more at stake than a Ministry. It must not be for- gotten that nationalisation has not yet been accepted by the majority of the people. Miners must take the same constitutional course as other sections. They will have to convert the country to their sids. THE POLITICAL STRIKE. Mr. Lloyd George is a great political strategist, and Mr. Smillie's {renewed threats of violent methods to obtain ends which Parliament is alone competent to deal with plays his game to a nicety. Nothing he would like better than to go to the country on such an issue as that raised by Mr. Smillie. He more than hinted at this in his speech at the Manchester Reform Club. If the question is to be, Shall the authority of Parliament be maintained or not? the answer of all true democrats must be in the affirmative. That would be the means of uniting, for the moment, diverse political elements—an extension of the Coa- lition, which would suit both Mr. Lloyd George and the revolutionary extremists, who would revel in the class war which would be encouraged. Trade unionists ought to set their faces like flint against the political strike. A BROAD-MINDKD CIVIL SERVICE. Sir Richard Redmayne, the Chief fnspe.- tor of Mines since 1908, has proved himself a great public official, and his retirement will be a loss to the miners. He surprised a good many people by the friendly way in which he approached State otfhership. It is true that he spoke of nationalisation as "a leap in the dark," but he declared for what has long been a Literal plank. "If the minerals," he 6aid, "were owned by the State it would be possible to remedy many abuses which now exist." It is almost use- less to get a hearing in official labour circles for anything but complete nationalisation, but the proposal of Sir Richard might well be thoroughly explored before being finally dismissed as of no value. After all, it is the private ownership of natural monopolies which is the evil to be removed. THE LABOUR GENERAL COUNCIL. Mr. Gosling is to be congratulated on his success over the Labour General Council at last week's Congress. It will be remembered that he was a leading figure in the move- that he was a lea d itil ment which mediated between the Govern- ment and the railwaymen and ultimately brought the strike to an end. When it was over he made a strong plea for the estab- lishment of some such body on. a permanent basis. It is the fashion to give it, a mili- tary name—the Labour General Staff—and its object is to provide the trade union movement with the means of collective action at times o* national crisis. It will, of course, all depend on the men who com- pose the Council. COLONEL WARD'S VIGOUR. One does not wonder that Colonel John Ward asserted his right to express his views on the Russian situation at the Congres* last week. What is surprising is that the delegntes did not call for him in order that the minority view might be put. Much is now being said of the early advent of the Labour Party to power, and those who really believe this should be the first to rml!y that they are capa.ble of hearing both show sides of a question. Any fool can cry "Traitor!" and howl down a speaker. Mr. J. H. Thomas ruled firmly, and secured Colonel Ward some kind of a hearing; and he could not have done less without gre:t loss to the trade union movement and to his own reputation. As readers of this column know, my views about Russian in- tervention are entirely different from Mr. Ward's; but, in my opinion, his estimate of Bolshevism is far nearer the truth than that of Mr. Tom Mann. A VISIT TO RUSSIA. Will the Government grant passports to the delegation which is to be appointed by the Parliamentary Committee of the Trade Union Congress to visit Russia? The object is to make an independent inquiry into Bol- shevism at firt hand. The selection has yet to be made of those who are to undertake this task, and, of course, everything depends on their choice. It will be impossible to find genuine neutrals, and the only course would seem to be to send an equal number on each side-for and against Soviet rule--with the nearest approach to an independent chair- man. In any case, the Government will make a huge tactical mistake to refuse per- mission for this visit to be made. The blun- ders of the Premier and his colleagues are serious enough already, without adding to them this one, which would be used with effect by the extremists. AN OBVIOUS LOOI-HOLE. I The Labour writer of a Conservative paper has made himself responsible for some re- velations concerning the Premier and the Natianalisotion agitation. Briefly, they amount to this: When the miners threat- ened to strike over wages and hours, the transport workers were nervous as to the result of a general strike, and endeavoured to avert it by inducing the Premier to make concessions. Then came the Sankey Com- mission. All the time Mr. Smillie was rest- less for a fight. It was, as we know, put off, but we are assured that there is docu- mentary proof of a very far reaching pro- mise made by Mr. Lloyd George to the miners and other labour sections. He is de- clared to have pledged himself to put him- self at the head of the Labour forces to secure Nationalisation if they succeeded in producing evidence that it was accepted by the majority of the people. Of course, there was an obvious loophole here, assuming the I promise was made. RAILWAYMEN RJA'AESENTEU. I Railwaymen are gaining a real share in management, and, so far, their leaders have done well. On a Central Board, which is to deal with conditions of service they are to be represented by five memhers, divided between the two unions, and there are to be an equal number of railway managers. fhen, again, on the Advisory Committee (which replaces the Railway Executive Com- mittee) the unions are to have four repre- sentatives, there being twelve railway managers as well. This is the supreme !,(;, so that railwaymeu will have a voice in general policy as well as on direct labour matters. But there is something else. The sudden strike has been abandoned. A month must elapse after a dispute has been re- ferred to the National Wages Board before a stoppage takes place. Doubtless this will be regarded in some quarters as a surrender to the Government, but it is nothing of the kind; it is a reasonable arrangement due to the public and not hurtful to the men.
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About 600 starving Vienna children have arrived in Copenhagen to spend the winter months in Denmark. It is not the practice to charge telephone subscribers for ineflectivo calls, states the Postmaster-General. Bethnal Green's Labour Mayor (Coun- cillor Vaughan) intends to wear the chain and badge of office, but to dispense with the mace on all occasions. The Belgian National Congress of Archi- tects has passed a resolution unfavourable to the restoration cf the Cloth Hall and Cathedral at Ypres. I Mr. G. H. Knight (57), postmaster, of Winchester, fell dead in the street.
I S THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN.…
I S THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN. 1 In 's infinite book of secrecy ? In Nature's inftnhc book of secrecy /n\ l? A Httle I can read.—t??ony ? <??o?a?ro. /?\ Ferns.-Evergreen ferns have no distinct resting season, but a period of less activity for a few weeks in mid-winter is very bene- ficial to the plants. This is done by giving slightly less water, and lowering the tem- perature of the house a few degrees. Chrysanthemums.—After flowering, select the plants from which cuttings are required. Cut down the old stems to within about one foot of the base. Stand the pots in a light position on a cool greenhouse stage, or in a. frost-proof frame. If an abundance of cuttings are growing from the base, thiD these to ensure sturdy shoots. » » Protecting Plants from Frost.—Those with various plants, rooted cuttings, or otherwise, in cold frames often find it difficult to pro- tect them adequately from frost. The fault made too often by the experienced and inex- perienced is that of ignoring the need for a double protection, so 11 as to have it always dry. Damp or wet coverings tend to lower the temperature of the warmth conserved within the frame and expose the occupants of the frame more readily to danger from frosts. Place a thick covering of straw or bracken directly over the plants beneath the lights during a period of prolonged frost. » Compost for Chrysanthemum Cuttings.— It is desirable to mix and store the soil un- der cover for 10 days or a fortnight before required for use. Use two parts of loam to one part of decayed leaf-mould, passed through a sieve with a half-inch mesh. Add one peck of coarse silversand to each bushel of soil, and a little powdered charcoal and wood ash. Turn over and mix several times before required for use. < Lapagria rosea.—In mid-winter this climber flowers freely in the. cool or cold greenhouse. Hanging frcm the slender twining growths, the red and white, bell- shaped blossoms attract attention, whether trained, to pillars and rafters or on the back wall of the house. It is desirable, when pre- paring a compost of soil. to add a good pro- portion of peat The Lapageria is best pro- pagated by layering; bend down a growth or two, on which there are no flowers, now. •» A Fine Orchid.—Cypripedium insigne is one of the few orchids which can be grown very successfully in an ordinary greenhouse which contains a variety of plants. With a minimum night temperature between 40 de- grees and 50 degress Fahrenheit, the plants flower freely from October to January. In- dividual flowers last in good condition from six weeks to two months, sometimes longer, whilst when cut for table decoration we have kept them for a month, giving fresh water, with a knob or two of charcoal in the vase, and cutting off the base of the stalk-once a week. < Standard Briers.—Purchase or collect from the hedgerows a few briers suitable to bud as standard roses next July or August. The Goo.t'6 Rue.—This grows 3t to 4 feet Mgh, and is a -valuable plant for planting now in mixed flowlr borders. Increase is by division of the clumps. The Goat's Rue thrives in ordinary soil, which should be dug deeply and manured. The variety Her Majesty rose, is an improvement upon offici- nalis, and Niobe, white, should be cultivated in preference to officinalis alba. A Tall Hedge.—A question often asked is, What can be planted to form a screen quickly? The Lombardy Poplar, Populus nigra fastigiata, is without doubt the best tree for the purpose. Quite large trees of it transplant readily, and thrive in most soils and smoky districts. They are upright in growth and form a hedge without clipping, so do not overhang surrounding plants, and the roots do not spread unduly in the ground. < Peas in the Open.—The round-seeded varieties which it is usual to sow in autumn may be expected to pass through an ordi- nary winter unharmed without any protec. tion, but whenever a mild period is followed by sudden and severe frost a light covering with bushy sticks or bracken is advisable. ♦ Drumhead Kale.—Where the heads have attained full size cutting may now be done, but instead of throwing away the stem allow this to remain undisturbed. If we get a mild period it will not be long before these are well furnished with useful sprouts. Ashes from Coal Fire.—These make a capi- tal path for kitchen gardens. A depth of not more than three inches will allow wheel- barrows to be run over a path even during a very wet period, while during the summer weeds give very little trouble, especially if the rake is frequently used during dry weather. «• • • Renovating Old Vines.—New life and vigour can often be given to old vines by renovating the border now, in removing all old soil, or the greater part of it, and re- placing it with fresh; also by training a new rod to replace the existing one. Ope method of obtaining a new rod is, when Eruning, to cut the lowest spur back fairly hard if it is somewhat lengthy. Thia will give rise ordinarily to the formation of a bud not far from the main stem, from which a strong shoot will arise. Failing this, the shoot which springs from the lowest spur, after pruning, should be retained intact throughout the growing season and en- couraged to make strong growth by the re- moval of lateral growths, also by affording plenty of light and air. <J Border Chryeanthemums.-With the idea of securing good cuttings for propagation during March and early April, lift a few clumps of border chrysanthemums new. Place these in shallow boxes of good soil and stand in a cold frame for a few weeks. During February bring them into a cool greenhouse if one is available, where hand- ling will be easier. Label each clump care- fully to make sure of cuttings being taken from all the sorts; some invariably develop suckers much more freely than others. Perennial S-a r'flowers.-F<)r the flower bor ders and the supply of flowers for cutting from August to Ootober, the Helianthuaes are popular. They thrive in most soils and positions if the ground is deeply dug and manured. The perennial sunflowers have thick roots, each of which is terminated by a crown or growth by means of which in- crease is easy and rapid. A selection for pre- sent planting includes: single-flowered—Miss Mellish, maximum and Rev. Wolley Dod: double-fiowered-rigidus semi-plenus, Etoile d'Or and Meteor. All have rich yellow flowers. • • Apples.—Where summer pruning was done and the leading growths were left unpruned it will now be time to give them attention. Cut out any lateral growths missed at the same time. Older trees which have iarge overgrown spurs may have these thinned, and even TemoTed in some instances, but only one here and there should be taken completely out. ♦ Lime for Fruit Trees.—All the stone fruits need a proper proportion of lime in the soii or they will fail to produce satisfactory crops. This is proved by their failure to set and swell the fruits in a favourable year. A' dressing of finely-slaked lime, spread ovet the surface soil at the rate of four to cit ounces, may be applied and forked in lightly. during the winter. • Cordon Pears.—The planting of these itii positions which are restricted with regard to space may be commended. Cordons often produce the finest fruits, some of the best pears having been secured from such trees. Glou Morceau is a suitable late sort; also Doyenne du Cornice, which is the finest pear we have. Others are Triomphe de Vienne, Emile d'Heyst and Beurre Rauce. ♦ Swed,e-,v.-Lif-t at least a portion of these, and store in a box for use later in the win- ter, when the tOots in the garden are lrozen through. » Broad Beans.—Plant from seeds sown last month will now be showing above the ground. When the state of the soil allows, draw a little fine soil to the rows as a pro- tection from severe frost. Ridging Soil.—Where trenching or ordi- nary double-digging cannot be practised. get all vacant ground ridged up before the end of the year. Soil thus treated and left untii spring is usually in grand condition for carrots or other deep-rooting crops. ♦ Spring Cal)bage.-Plints of spring cab- bage have made exceptionally good growth. The mild weather, together with rains, have caused new leaves to develop at a rapid rate. Such leaves, being far more tender than others, should have a light covering of straw or hay during severe weather.
IIMITATING NATURE. I
I IMITATING NATURE. I The wonders cf film production are on the increase. A new field of art which is called "motion painting" makes possible without anv extravagant outlay for scenic back- grounds the most delicate fancy of an Edgar Allan Poe and the reckless splendour of a Dante. It overcomes the limitations of lathe and plaster "sets," and, sweeping away the obstacles of lens angles and de. finition in panoramic pictures, makes pos- sible the photographing of actors in star- light as practicable as in daylight, on mountain peaks as well a6 on the plains, and in gloomy canyons as well as on the bright beaches. All this does not require any physical exertion on the part of the actors. By eo- called "trick photography," double exposing of negatives and other simple mechanical means, the movie actors are made to play on miniature backgrounds, which, when reproduced on the film, have all the effects of natural scenery photographed, painted on cards eighteen by twenty-four inches in height. Impossible? But .the impossible has already been achieved. For example, in the screen version of "Daddy Long Legs" seven children play in and out of bushes in the foreground. The children are real, but the bushes are painted in a scene eighteen inches tall by twenty-four inches wide. Naked figures stand on far-off mountain peaks in the closing scene of another production, and they are the figures of real persons, for you can see them move, but the mountains are painted mountains, and the vision of heaven which develops above the peaks, glorifying the heavens, is only the artist's conception worked in with brush and oil. The originator of this new movie magic is the poet and painter, Mr. Ferdinand Pinney Earle, who has studied art in the best schools of Europe. In the face of op- position Earle went ahead with his inven- tions, painted his sets, spent large sums on moving-picture materials, and after several months of effort produced a bit of film ac- cording to his conception of what screen art might consummate. And to-day he has achieved the success he set out to gain.
OLD CLOTHES. I
OLD CLOTHES. I It is reported that in America there is an Old Clothes League, and efforts are being made to organise a similar league in this country. If this is successful, our tailors may look blue, for patches will become fashionable, shiny sleeves will be no dis- grace, and in the best circles old clothes will appear. In America much seems to have been done to accustom the public to the sight of ancient garb, and among the people who support the Old Clothes League and its ob- jects are euch aristocratic folk as Senators McCormick and Carder, and the millionaire banker, Mr. Frank A. Vanderlip. Mr. Frank Sullivan is the man behind the scheme, and he asserts that he has only bought one suit during the last five years. Instead of buying new clothes, he has had his old suite "turned" when they began to look shabby. With a fresh lining he wears them inside-out, and gets a new suit at less than a third of the present cost. But pro- bably our never too late to mend" tailors would raise their scale of charges to help I the tailoring community!
I WONDERS OF PRICING. I
WONDERS OF PRICING. I The Profiteering Committees have eluci- dated some peculiar cases of charging during the course of their investigations. For instance, it was found that a doctor's prescription could be made up cheaper in New Bond-street than in Wood Green. This means that a prescription can be made up in what is considered the richest and most exclusive part of London—the West End- at a lower cost than in a quite modest suburb where incomes of residents are com- paratively limited. The Wood Green man —a multiple shop chemist—demanded 3s. 4d. for making up the prescription; another chemist demanded 5s. Cd.; but the New Bond Street chemist made it up for leas than 3s. 4d. t
THE POULTRY YARD.
THE POULTRY YARD. Helpful Hints for "Backyarders." By "COCKCROW." jj] Many difficulties present themselves to the amateur in regard to satisfactory egg pro- duction, and very few are able to boast of a constant and regular supply. Generally speaking, the autumn months are the season of scarcity with them, for the reason that they generally hatch only to get their pullets laying about November. The hens having fallen into moult in August, and sometimes earlier, two or three months must necessarily elapse during which the egg supply fails away. This the average small poultry-keeper cannot avoid, for the limited space at his disposal does not permit him to rear young stock of different ages as they should be reared. Those with good accom- modation, however, will find it a wise policy to strive for an all-the-year-round egg supply by hatching at various times, com- mencing in February, the pullets from which will come on to lay about August, or even earlier, and continue probably until October, by which time the March pullets should be taking up the running, followed a little later by those hatched in April, and &o on. Even a few June or July pullets come in useful. The matter, if very carefully gone into, will well repay the small breeder, who should so arrange his plans to practi- cally secure an all-the-year round supply. DELAYS IN PRODUCTION. When the birds are in ill-health and the eggs consequently not up to standard, it is well to remember that it the hens have been confined a free run on grass wiii work won- ders, for the reason that fresh herbage con- tains mineral matter in a form easily assimilated. Again, the birds should not be short of 'broken shell or old lime; although the chief thing is to supply plenty of fresh green food and vegetables. Clover meal. bran, and fish meal in the mash will greatly help matters, as these contain a good per- centage of lime phosphates. Some authori- ties, have obtained good results from the use of lime water. lvhen birds suffer through over-production, stimulating food might be withheld for a while, and a little iron bul- phate in the drinking water as a mild tonic will be helpful in toning up the system. The better chance the birds will have. of course, is when their liberty is not too con- fined. ALBUMINOUS FOODS. I The dietetic value of albumen is well known, and it is well to bear in mind that among foods which are rich in albuminoids, in the case of animal albumiitaids, are fish and meat meal. The&e may contain from 40 to 70 per cent. of oil, according to their grade. As a rule a good tisk meal will show on analysis about 58 per cent, of albu- minoids, and not more than about 4 per cent, of oil. Butchers' offal. dried blood in the form of blood meal, cut green bones, and separated or whole milk are all loeds con- taining animal albuminoids. Among foods rich ill vegetable albuminoids, peas. beans, and their meals, malt culms, clover meal are examples. When considering your pro- gramme for the feeding of your charges a little care and forethought will well repay the trouble taken. PROFITABLE DUCKLINGS. Many will find that the rearing of table ducklings is very profitable. The work is not too hard for a woman to do; in fact, many most successful rearers have been women. The essential initial point is early hatching. The mating should be, for in- stance, a large-- and active two-year Pekin drake to three or four one-year Aylesbury ducks of a first-class strain. The Pekin blood gives the eize of frame and the Ayles- bury the flesh-producing qualities. It is well to have a running stream available for stock birds, the advantage being that ducks eo kept invariably breed better. I THE BIRMINGHAM SHOW. A fine record is reported of the 67th Cattle and Poultry Show, which was held the other' week in Bingley Hall, Birmingham, as many as 50,000 attending. It was particu- larly inoticeable that the majority .of the visitors were attracted by the excellent dis- play of poultry. The sale of poultry, amounting to £ 937 lis. for 188 pens, was also the best'for the past 20 years, despite a much reduced entry in the selling classes, while the prices realised at the table poultry; auction were far in advance of anticipation. The society intends to increase the classifica- tion for breeding pens at the 1920 show, as these are undoubtedly both attractive and educational to the general public; and also to encourage a larger display of table poultry, while the classes for preserved eggs will be revived. I VALUE OF COTTON SEED. The Journal of the American Association of Poultry Instructors and lavesti gators gives the following summary of a series of experiments conducted over a period of five years at the North Carolina Experiment Station with cotton seed as a food for fowls. Mr. B. F. Kaupp, who is responsible for the summary, says that if the total food con- sumed consists of 30 per cent. of cotton seed meal there are likely to be ill effects and some deaths due to the meal. If the eottoa seed meal )>e given in the mash alone, an4' the birds ure given a morning and evening scratch feed, and in addition allowed or less range so that they can forage an additional amount of feed, it will be noted that the effects are not nearly so bad from the fact that if they get sick of the cotton seed meal they will have a chance to lay off" for a while and later return to it. That, in our estimation, accounts for the different opinions given on the feeding of cotton seed meal. Birds eating excessive amounts of cotton seed meal or its gossypol apparently die from emaciation and starva- tion, owing to the fact that they .refuse food. Twenty per cent. cotton seed meal in broiler fattening proved unsatisfactory, am.& likewise the same results obtained in cram feeding work of old hens. I A TEN PER CENT MIXTURE. In two of the three-year-old feed testa the highest percentage of deaths was from cot- ton seed meal lot. It is generally conceded that high percentages of cotton st-ed meal "nd of linseed meal cause a higher death fate than many of the higher concentrates. There are marked differences in individuals as to their toleranco of cotton seed meal. Heating the cotton seed meal to a high tem- perature has a tendency to lessen its inju- rious effects. The feeding of large amoun.ta of cotton seed meal has no ill effects upon the progeny. Cotton seed meal fed to young chicks in quantities not to exceed 10 per cent, of the mash has given good results. Cotton seed meal is high in globulin, a pro- tein sti.mul.atve to' growth and development, also in alkali-soluble protein, likewise stimu- lative to growth. The limit of safety in feeding cotton seed meal for all purposè to fowls is perha-ps about 10 per ceilt, in mash. allowing the birds grain feed twice daily in addition
[No title]
After arrangement with the Coal Con- troller, work will continue at Shipley Col- lieries, Nottingham, which threatened to close owing to the reduction of 10s. in thE price of coal. With increases of salary recently granted to Islington Town Bali -maff. one official is now getting between .£15 and il6 a wee k more than in December, 1914, another E8 a I week, and another between X4 and X,5 a week.