The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

LITERARY NOTICES. + NEW BOOKS. "FLORA AND SYLVA," VOL. 1.* The first annual volume of this valuable monthly review of horticulture and arboriculture is a remarkable testimony to the publisher's pluck and enterprise. The twelve monthly parts are printed on surprisingly substantial, not to eay artistic, old-fashioned paper, in fine bold type, and bound in a sumptuous style that makes it an orna- ment to any library. The editor, Mr. W. Robin- son, already well known as the author of "The English Flower Garden. "Alpine Flowers for Gardens" and "The Wild Garden," explains in the preface that the hot chase after process illustra- tions, small type, tin-shine paper, smudge- lithographs, tomb-stone weights and the less de- lightful features of modern books awakened within him the spirit cf old things and impelled him to his printer. The latter could not at first comprehend the meaning of the editor, who says: "I went home for Baskerville's Virgil, and asked him to get as near to it as he could in type, went with flower drawings to the best colour-printer in Europe; to the paper mills that still make real paper, and found surviving a wood-engraver who understood my good artist's drawings, and so began." The success that has attended this ex- poriment and effort is abundantly demonstrated in the handsome volume comprising the first year's issue of "Flora and' Sylva." We took the oppor- tunity of reviewing the initial monthly number of the work nearly a year ago, and it now only remains to be said that throughout the twelve months the review has maintained its high repu- tation as an authority for lovers of garden, wood- land, tree or flower. The object of the magazine ia the illustration in life-size and the best way artistically of new trees, shrubs and flowers in- troduced from other countries in our own time, tnd the revision from the planter's point of view of all the great families hardy in our islands. One idea that has dominated the general scheme of the work is that periodicals of the same kind have always been over-much devoted to flowers and plants as distinct from trees and shrubs. "Every day of my life," says the editor. "I see more and more the beauty and value of the tree. So I married Flora to Sylva-a pair not far apart in Nature, only in books." We heartily concur in the editor's estimate of the beauty, use and im- portance of trees in the national economy, and trust that. one result of his labours will be a re- awakening in this country at least in the matter of reafforestation. Our columns have recently borne witness to the importance of this subject, and we are glad to see (p. 36 et seq.) that a writer on "Home Woods" takes up the question in earnest. The wood', says the article, is a mighty worker for man. a precious gift of beauty as well as profit. "For the wood, unlike the farm, wants few costly labourers, no weeding or ploughing, finds its own manure, does its own watering, finds its own shade and shelter, and does all this and much more work. and without the aid of the col- leges now thought necessary to make the good gardener or farmer. Moreover, if all the wit of man, backed by all the learning of the colleges, were on one side, and a wood of our best native trees on the other, the wood would certainly give a better return than (ould be got from any labour or capital applied to the same class of land in other ways." The writer proceeds to point out that nowhere is the shelter of belts of evergreen trees more required than on our wind-shorn coast- land. "If we neglect, owing to the length of ex- posed coast, to give shelter, the trees and shrubs are cut off, as by giant shears, above the walls. But where we have the ever-green wood (begin- ning with wind-resisting shrubs working up to the higher trees) we have perfect shelter, as at Bodor- gan in Anglesey, on one of the most wind-shorn coasts." The, writer further lays stress upon the utility of tree-planting upon poor land, the quick- ness of the growth of certain types of timber, and the value of trees for fuel in England. Our neigh- bour, the Rev. C. Wolley-Dod, of Malpas, con- tributes an interesting article on "The Geranium." Hints on the culture of various shrubs, on "Live Fencing for Woodland," on "Mast or Brushwood," on "Pear Orchards for Beauty" are but a few specimens of the interest- ing and instructive contents of the work. Nor is the floral side of the, theme neglected, the illus- trations, coloured plates and wood-engravings being on a lavish scale and of exceptionaJ artistic merit, while the value of the volume is enhanced by a good index. "PEARSONS HOME MANAGEMENT. Messrs. C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd., have just issued the first of a dozen numbers of "Home Manage- ment" at 7d. each, edited by Isobel, of "Home Notes" fame. The work is one that will appeal successfully to the matron, whether her establish- ment be a small flat, a semi-detached villa or a mansion. The subjects treated of cover the whole range of domesticity, from the management of the family to the management of servants and the conduct of entertainments and preparations for guests. The practical utility of the completed work will be more than ephemeral, and well worthy of binding for subsequent consultation. NEW MUSIC. Some attractive new music, vocal and instru- mental, has just been published by Messrs. For- syth Brothers, Ltd music publishers. 267, Regent- street, London, W. Lohr's School Songs (music by L. Robinson, 4d. each). This delightful series of school songs deserves particular praise, so suit- able are they, both in words and music, for what they are intended. Special mention should be made of "Roundelay" and "Birdie" (the words of the latter by Tennyson), and "Flower Fairies," also a very nice setting of "Up the Airy Moun- tain, Down the Rushing Glen." In each of them the melodies are simple and cheerful, the very best recommendation for a school song. "Merry Lavs," a pianoforte solo by Valentine Hemery (3s.), is an easy recreation piece after the same pattern as the ever-juvenile "Elves Caprice" by the same composer. It is the sort, of piece dear to every child's heart, and will brighten up the dull landscape of hard work. "Morning Song." pianoforte solo by Valentine Hemery (4s.) is more elaborate than the foregoing, and although not so attractive, is very melodious. It is a "song without words," with a good chord accompaniment. "II Ledesco," pianoforte solo by Arthur Giulians (3s.). This composition is very much of the nature of a study, with fine octave practice for the right hand and arpeggio chords for the left. "John Bull and Sons," pianoforte solo by A. M. Richmond (2s. nett)-a, stirring English march, good throughout, although the principal theme is decidedly the best. "Nick-Nacks," for piano- forte. by A. Glentvale (Is. nett)—a small book of five little pieces for young performers, the best among them being "A Sunny Morning" (valse) and "A Merry Dance" (polka). "Jolly Tar" and "Dreamland" (2s. each), Nos. 4 and 6 of musical miniatures by B. Mansell Ramsey, arranged as pianoforte duets. Both are extremely simple and tuneful pieces. "A Souvenir of Corelli and Tar- tini" (by E. Haddock) is a. pretty theme for the violin treated in eight variations. The move- ments are excellent as exercises in bowing.

"Flora and Sylva., Vol. I —A Monthly Review for Lovers of Garden, Woodland, Tree or Flower," etc. Edited by W. Robinson (London: 63, Lin- Coln's Inn Fields, W.C.).

HIMROD'S CURE FOR ASTHMA.—Estab- lished over a quarter of a century.—Prescribed by the Medical Faculty throughout the world. It is used as an inhalation. and without any after bad effects. Testimonials of efficacy from the late Lord Beaconsfield, Miss Emily Faithful, Sir Morell Mackenzie, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Trial sample free by pest. In tins at 4 3. British Depot: 46, Holborn Viaduct, London; also of Newbery, Barclay, Sanger, Edwards, May Roberts; Butler and Crispe; Thompson, Liverpool; all Wholesale Houses. TREE PLANTING EXPERIMENTS.-In con- nection with the agitation for planting trees on the mountain sides of the Isle of Man an important step was taken at a meeting of the Commons Trus- tees on Saturday. The Chairman tMr Edward Kerruish) pointed out there were about 3,000 acres in the seutn mountains from which the trustees only derived about E5 rental, although great expense had been undertaken in fencing. He gave notice of motion for the next meeting of a scheme for planting Tosaby Park, near St. Mory's. It was agreed that the trustees should inspect the ground prior to a. decision being arrived at.

T'D 9 Cl MR. H. TOLLEMACHE'S WEDDING. [FROM OCR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.] +- In marked contrast to the damp and uncon- genial weather of the several preceding days, Wednesday was bright and fair. The day was appointed for the marriage of Mr. Henry J. Tolle- mache, M.P., and Mrs. Katherine Streatfeild, the happy event being solemnized at the fashionable West End church of St. Michael's, Chester-square. Though by the desire of both parties the wedding was of a quiet character, it had occasioned much interest, not only in Cheshire but in the metro- polis, where the popular member for Eddisbury is widely esteemed. Invitations were restricted to relatives and close personal friends, but none the less there was a considerable gathering in the church before the hour of the ceremony, which was half-past one o'clock. The red carpet cover- ing the approach to the porch with its accustomed awning indioated to passers-by that a wedding was fixed for the afternoon, and by the time the carriages conveying guests drew up, an interested knot of spectators surrounded the entrance. Mr. Tollemache is so well-known that any but a few words concerning him would be superfluous. But it will be recalled that he has represented a Cheshire division in Parliament since 1881, hav- ing entered the House of Commons as member for the Western Division in that year. When the constituencies were recast under the Redistribu- tion of Seats Act of 1885. he was returned for the Eddisbury Division and has enjoyed uninterrupted- ly the suffrages of the electors since that time. Mr. Tollemache, whose Cheshire seat is Dorfold Hall, Nantwich, is the eldest son of the late Mr. Wilbraham Spencer Tollemache, brother of the first Lord Tollemache, and is consequently a cousin of the present holder of the title. The lady who has now become his wife, Mrs. Katherine Mary Frances Streatfeild, is a daughter of the Rev. Henry Arkwright, of Bodenham, Herts, and widow of Mr. Thomas Edward Champion Streat- feild, who died in 1882. As the guests were assembling the organist of the churoh, Mr. Thomas J. Crawford, Mus. Bac., F.R.O.O., played Greig'a "Voioe of the Morning" and Dubois's "Oantoline Nuptiale." Among those present were noticed the Hon. Blanche Tollemache, the HOD. Duff Tollemaohe, the Hon. Mrs. H. and Miss Tollemache, Sir John Ark- wright (uncle of the bride), Miss Ellen Arkwright, Miss Alice Arkwright, Mr. Robert Arkwright, Mr. Chas. Arkwright (nephews and nieces), Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Arkwright, Colonel and Mrs. Corn- wall Legh, Mr. J. Tomkinson, M.P., and Mrs. Tomkinson, Mrs. L. and Miss E. Streatfeild, Miss Vernon Haroourt, Mr. Christopher Roundell, Mrs. Allen Erskine, Mrs. Rate, Mrs. Bonsor, Mrs. Walter Clarke, and Mrs. W. Maysmor Williams. The bride, who was attended by her sister, Mrs. Arkwright, was attired in a handsome dress of a soft delicate shade of silver grey cloth, re- lieved with ivory crepe de chine and real old lace front. She wore a large grey picture hat with plumes of the same colour, and carried a beauti- ful bouquet of lilies of the valley and other white flowers. Mrs. Arkwright was dressed in black velvet trimmed with laoe and sequins, and wore a black hat with tall white aigrette. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Edgar Sheppard, sub- dean of the Chapel Royal, St. James's, assisted the Rev. William H. Arkwright, rural dean of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, the bride being given away by her brother, Mr. Evelyn Arkwright, while Lord Revelstoke acted as groomsman. While the party were signing the register the or- ganist played Lemaire's Andantino in D flat, and later as the bride and bridegroom passed down the aisle the fine maroh from Gounod's "Queen of Sheba." SubseQuently Lady Walsingham gave a recep- tion at Eaton House, Eaton-square, which was attended by a number of those present in the church and other friends, and during the after- noon Mr. and Mrs. Tollemache left for Dorfold Hall. Nantwich. The bride's travelling costume consisted of mole coloured cloth, trimmed with moleskin, and silver buttons, and a large coat of the same material with large collars and revers of moleskin, and black picture hat. WEDDING PRESENTS. A large number of wedding presents were sent direct to Dorfold Hall, and therefore do not appear in the accompanying list. The gift of the tenantry on the Dorfold estate, to which every farmer and cottager subscribed, consisted of an antique silver cup, mounted on an ebony plinth, bearing the in- scription "Presented to Mr. H. J. Tollemache, Eeq., M.P., by his tenants on the occasion of his marriage." Some forty-four of Mr. Tollemache's friends instead of making individual presents, hit upon the happy idea of subscribing together to purchase him a motor-oar. Other presents to the bridegroom, reoeived at his ohambers in Half Moon-street, included the following:- Lord Tollemache, Victoria Dowager Lady Tollemache, electrio clock The Hon. Douglas Tollemache, umbrella The Hon. Duff ToUemache, book and paper stand Miss Evelyn Tollemache, walking stick The Earl of Yarborough, inlaid table The Earl and Countess of Crewe, George III. silver box The Earl of Rosebery, two silver pots Lord and Lady William Cecil, box of miniatures Lord A. Grosvenor, two old flat candlesticks Lord Newton, "Russell's Life" Lord Herbert Vane Tempest, travelling clock General Albert Williams, walking stick Mr. and Mrs. Smyth, engraving Mr. and Mrs. E. Leycester, tortoiseshell paper knife Mr. W. Cook, cigarette lighter Colonel Henry and Mrs. Cornwall Legh, twelve silver knivea Mr. Christopher Roundell, carriage clock Captain and Mrs. jRamsden, book Major and Mrs. Kearsley, writing board Baron and Baroness von Schroder, silver ink- stand Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Wood, claret. jug Dr. and Lady Sybil Findlay, silver telegraph form holder Mr. and Mrs. Hanbury, travelling dressing bag Captain and Mrs. Walthall, silver candlesticks Sir J. and Lady Pender, silver candlesticks Colonel W. Steyart, paper knife and marker Mrs. Starr, silver match-box Mr. and' Mrs. Fowler, gold penknife Mr. Edmund Taylor, silver cup (1749) Miss Nixon, walking stick Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson, salt cellars Dr. Atkinson, flask Mr. and Mrs. Knowles, paper knife Mr. and Mrs. Bellyse, old spoons Mr. Cudworth H. Poole, carriage rug Mr. R. and Mrs. Corbet, copper bowl Colonel and Mrs. Lynes, silver milk jug Colonel Rowley, silver inkstand with crest Mr. H. Newoome, snuff box Mr. and Mrs. Lapage, silver sugar castor Hannah Houlding, and Acton servants, ink- stand Mr. Faulkner, pincushion box Housemaids at 42, Half Moon-street, calendar in silver frame Mr. Tollemaohe also received presents from Sir L. Delves Broughton, Colonel and Mrs. Tomkin- son, Mr. R. Reamington Wilson, and Mrs. Dick- son (Chester), while among those sent to the bride were the following: — Mr. and Mrs. Evelyn Arkwright, sapphire and diamond brooch Sisters and Brother-in-law of Bride, pearl neck- lace and pearl drop Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Arkwright, china tea. set Mr. and Mrs. William Arkwright, jjendant The Misses Nellie and Alice Arkwright, sofa cushions Mr. John T. Arkwright, diamond and moon- stone brooch Miss Amy Arkwright, silver-mounted. mirror Miss Emily Arkwright, amethyst and pearl brooch Mr. R. and Lady Mary Arkwright, silver but- tons Mr. and Mrs. Arkwright, mirror Mr. and Mrs. John Arkwright, silver tea. caddy Mrs. Arkwright, oheque The Rev. Champion and Mrs. Streatfeild, silver tray Mr.- Grebville Streatfeild, silver letter clip Mr. and Mrs. Roland Streatfeild, electric clock Mr. and' Mrs. Frank Streatfeild, flower bowl Mr. W. A. Tollemache, pearl and diamond pendant The Hon. Mrs. Duff Tollemache; work-box with fittings The Hon Blanche Tollemache, Norwegian belt The Hon. Grace Tollemache, brooch The Hon. Wilbraham Tollemache, two coloured engravings Miss Alice Tollemache, ring The Hon. Stanhope Tollemache, inlaid tea tray The Countess of Essex, bedroom tea set The Marchioness of Bristol and Lady Mary Hervey, set of amethyst buttons Lord and Lady Sudeley, writing set Lady Harriet Warde, Sheffield plate Lady Millbanke, silver letter-weigher Sir Arthur and Lady Hazlerigg, ivory parasol handle Sir C. and Lady Hortham, silver pen and pencil Sir Horace and Lady Rumbold, silver candle- sticks Lady Henrietta Pelham, china tea set Princess Tearno, silver scent spray Mrs. Dugdale, Venetian glass The Rev. Walter and Mrs. Clarke, dressing- table silver set Mrs. Fortescue, pincushion Colonel and Mrs. Legh Clowes, frame The Hon. Mrs. Evelyn Pierrepont, fan Mr. Edward Clifford, engraving Mrs. Marguerite Clowes, silver pen Mr. and Mrs. Clowes, three little brooches Mr. and Mrs. de Burgh d'Arcy, scent bottle Miss Alexandra Home Purves, silver box Mrs. George Clowes, tea knives Mrs. Rate, writing board Mrs. Cordes, silver blotting pad Mr. and Mrs. Roundell, silver candlesticks Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, china tea set Mrs. Leycester, travelling bag Miss Manekin, book Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, silver frame Miss Home Cochrane. soent bottle Miss Dorothy Cordes, frame Mrs. Ernest Hunter, old silver case and scent bottle Mrs. Watney, silver frame Mr. Pelham Burn, revolving bookcase Mr. and Mrs. Bonsor, opal and jewelled pendant Mrs. Marcus Hare, silver sugar basin Miss Milne Home, jewelled clock Mrs. Burroughs, white pincushion Miss Milne, velvet glove box Mrs. Bosanquet, silver box Mrs. Storr, silver frame Mrs. Davie, letter case Miss Vernon Harcourt, silver clock Mrs. Tritton. silver flower bowl Mrs. Inglefield, silver buttons Mrs. Holthum, sachet Miss King 1-iail, hat pins Mr. and Mrs. C. Kemble (Risby), silver pepper and' salt Risby Church Cottagers, inkstand, mounted silver, and' white shawl Mr. and Mrs. Eagle (Risby), silver bon-bon dishes Mr. Atkins (Risby), horse-shoe pen stand Mr. Carter (Risby), glass sugar basin Servants at Risby, silver stamp box, silver sugar tongs, and watch box mounted in silver Risby Choir, potpourri jar Servants at Eaton House, silver salt, pepper and mustard set

THE HOME-COMING SCENES AT DORFOLD HALL. A TOUCHING WELCOME. [FROM OUR NANTWICH CORRESPONDENT.] The news that Mr. and Mrs. Tollemache were to come direct from London to Dorfold Hall spread among the inhabitants of Nantwich and the neigh- bourhood, and arrangements were made to give the bridal pair a hearty welcome home. The most prominent part, however, was taken by the tenantry of the Dorfold estate, and from an early hour on Wednesday they had been hard at work in carrying out a scheme of decoration. On every hand in the village there were not wanting signs of rejoicing, and the humblest cottager had put out some token to mark his esteem. After the wedding ceremony the bells of Acton parish church rang out peal after peal, with occasional "firing," and the belfry of the Nantwich Church added its share to the volume of merry sounds. The hour of the home-coming of the bridal pair necessitated the decorations being confined to illuminations, but the tenantry had achieved wonders, and the effect was as pretty as had ever graced a wedding The imposing entrance gates, surmounted by the quaint lions, were ablaze with festoons of different coloured fairy lights, and stretching down on either side of the long and noble drive was a continuous line of Chinese lanterns, intermingled with softly glowing lustres. At the entrance to the courtyard a temporary framework had been erected, forming a kind of triumphal arch, and this shone out with bright hued rays. The effect of the whole of the illu- minations was singularly beautiful, and presented a vista of light and colour that was greatly admired. Mr. and Mrs. Tollemache reached Crewe Station from London shortly before eight o'clock, and they at once drove to Acton in a brougham with pair. As they passed through Nantwich they were several times recognised, and were greeted with hearty cheers. The bells were linging as they traversed the town, and when the happy pair reached Dorfold, about 8.30, it was to the sound of the church bells, soon to be drowned by the hearty hurrahs of hundreds of people, that the bride was introduced to her new home and the bridegroom again renewed acquaint- ance with his friends. Nothing could have ex- ceeded the warmth of the welcome, which was o spontaneous and manifested so thoroughly the love and affection with which Mr. Tollemache is held by his tenantry and th3 people of Nantwich and its surroundings. Both Mr. and Mn. Tollemache were visibly touched with the manner of their reception. On reaching the gates the horses were quickly unharnessed from the car- riage, two long ropes were speedily tied to the bar of the vehicle, and with a cheering band of tenantry manning the ropes, the bridal pair were drawn at a good pace down the long, straight approach, while in the meanwhile a feu de joie was fired from tenants hidden in the trees on each side of the drive. The carriage was drawn up to the Hall steps, and Mr. Tollemache having helped his bride to alight, introduced her to several old friends of his whom he recognised. He again and again thanked the vast crowd, who filled the spacious courtyard, for the cordial and splendid way in which they had welcomed them home. He was not able to say much then, but added that when his wife had become better acquainted with them he was sure that she would always be a welcome visitor to every house and cottage in the village. Mrs. Tollemache briefly expressed her thanks, and the party then withdrew into the Hall. Their retirement was the signal for rousing cheers repeated three times three, and the singing of "He's a jolly good fellow." The visitors still lingered, and shortly afterwards Mr. Tollemache, accompanied by his bride, appeared on the balcony, where they had a splendid view of the illuminations. Both stated how fine and very beautiful they .were, and after admiring them for a few minutes Mr. and Mrs. Tollemache wished all "Good-night," and the company dispersed. Dorfold Hall is one of those fine Elizabethan buildings with which Cheshire is so richly en. dowed. The Hall is situated in a park of about 150 acres, and has charming grounds and gardens of the stately old English type. During the Civil War the Hall was twice besieged, and close to it ordnance was planted which bombarded Nantwich with red-hot shot during the celebrated siege. The Hall is full of interesting mementoes. There is an oak-pannelled room with royal arms and date 1621. The oak-pannelled drawing-room has a richly carved ceiling and chimney piece with painted arms. This ceiling is one of the most conspicuous features of the interior, and is stated to be similar to the one in King James's room at Hatfield. Tradition has it that James I. was expected to have stayed at Dorfold Hall on his return from a visit to Scotland, and the present drawing-room and adjoining chamber, still called King James's room, were specially prepared for his reception, but his Majesty stayed at Townsend House, in Nantwich, where he was much in- terested in the brine pits. In 1600 Sir Roger Wilbraham, an eminent lawyer who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, bought Dorfold and built the Hall, very much as it stands to this day. He was one of the family of Wilbraham of Woodhey, at which place they had lived since the fourteenth century; they were descended from Sir William Malbank, the first Baron of Nantwich (A.D. 1070). On the death of Sir Roger the estate passed to his brother, Mr. Wilbraham, of Townsend House, Nantwich, and remained in the hands of his descendants until 1754, when it was bought by Mr. James Tomkinson. a lawyer, of Nantwich, whose great-granddaughter, Miss Annie Tomkin- son, was married in 1844 to Mr. Wilbraham Spencer Tollemache, the younger brother of the then Lord Tollemache of Helmingham. and father of Mr. Henry Tollemache. M.P., the present owner and occupier of Dorfold Hall.

SERIOUS STATEMENT BY A PHYSICIAN. "I say without hesitation that the cause of one half of women's ailments is constmahon! Anaemia, headache, derangements, irritability and a host of other maladies all arise from that one root cause! Cure that and you cure the cause of one half of women's ills! So said a leading physician. He continued: "Take the common complaint many women make, Oh! I can't eat. How can any person hope to have a good appe- tite Who suffers from constipation. Will the fire which is choked with ashes burn brightly? A system which is oonstipated is like a fire, choked with its own ashes. The same ailment also gives rise to indigestion, pains in the back, occasional dizziness, and depression." The question at once arises: "Can habitual constipation be cured?" It can if Chas Forde's bile beans are properly applied and persevered with. Mrs Elizabeth North, of York-street, Dub- lin, says :1 had always suffered from constipa- tion, but towards the end of last year the com- plaint became serious, and was atteivded by the most excruciating abdominal pains. My appe- tite, never very good, seemed to leave me alto- gether, and I became as weak as a baby. For months I continued in this state. Nothing did me good, and I had almost given up hope, when I saw mention in the evening paper of a remark- able cure brought about by Unas. Forde's bile beans. I at oncevdecided to get a box. Soon after beginning with them I began to feel better, and by the end of a week, I was on the high way to recovery. Gradually my bowels recovered their healthy natural activity, and the terrible pains I had endured ceased to torture me. Bile beans have now quite cured me, and that when I had despaired of ever being well again." Much more might be written to the same effect. The proof of bile beans is in the taking. If you suffer from constipation or any of the derangements it causes, don't fail to try bile beans. Obtainable from all medicine vendors, but refuse all substi- tutes.

SHAKESPEARE'S WOMEN .-This was the title of a lecture given in connection with the Chester University Extension Association, at the Grosvenor Museum, on Thursday, before a large audience, by Miss Maude Royden, daughter of the High Sheriff of Cheshire. This was the first of a course of six lectures which will deal with the various characters of the women of Shakespeare's plays. The lecture dealt with the characters of Margaret of Anjon and Juliet, shewing with great effectiveness the simplicity of motive in the case of Juliet. Her simple ana single impulse was pas- sion, and she was very child-like, even childish. The texts were all full of rhymes, and we found the roeognised forms of Elizabethan poetry. It was one of Shakespeare's first tragedies, but in reality it was more of a pijem than, a play. Other char- acters were illustrated by the lecturer, who at the close received the thanks of the assembly for her lecture. A class will be held' for the elucidation of points which have not been fully dealt with during the lecture.

BURNS NIGHT IN CHESTER. « GATHERING OF THE CLANS. The local Scots foregathered at the Grosvenor Hotel on Friday evening to do honour once more to the immortal memo ry of their national poet, Robert Burns, in time-honoured fashion. The Chester Caledonian Association, now nearing the attainment of its majority, has never bad a meeting equaIIingin success that of Fi-idayeveniiag, there being a record attendance of eighty members and friends, under the genial chairmanship of the President, Mr. J. R. Thomson. The company were played into the dining-room in spirited style by Hon. Piper A. MacDonald. The Archdeacon, at the President's request, said Burns's well-known poetical Grace before meat." The menu was, as usual, of a thorougly Scottish character, the piece de resistance being the inevitable haggis, which was ushered into the room amid great enthusiasm. The chef, bearing the "groaning trencher" in which the "great chieftain of the pudding race" reposed, was pre- ceded by the piper, and the pair marched round the room. A subtle joke underlay the incident, for the tune the piper played.was Whaur hae ye been a' the day, Bonnie laddie, Hielan' laddie ? and the solemn fact remained that the chef, the individual who evidently was referred to, happens to be a German. The celebrated poetical Address to a Haggis" was delivered by Mr. David Robertson with admirable unction. In the subsequent proceedings some exceedingly happy speeches were delivered, and good songs sung, and the height of patriotic fervour was reached, when Mr. Plant sang Scotland Yet and the toast was given with Highland honours one foot on the table, another on the chair, and all the company clinking glasses with theorthodox "a' the honours three. Unfortunately the framers of the programme bad been too optimistic in their arrangement of the toast-list, and although the proceedings, in accordance with magisterial sanction, lasted till the solemn midnight hour, sad to relate, three toasts were left unpledged. and four songs unsung, owing to the phenomenally fleeting nature of the evening. With this exception, the gathering was emphatically the most brillant eucceBS in the record of the Association's functions. Mr. J. R. Thomson (president of the association) occupied the chair, and the croupiers were Messrs. J. Gardner, R. T. Hunter, D. Robertson and T. D. Harley. Among those present were the Sheriff (Mr. D. L. Hewitt), the Archdeacon of Chester, the Rev. E. C. Lowndes, Drs. Roberts, Hamilton, Mann and Parry, Colonel Stafford, Major Lead- better, Colonel H. T. Brown, Me:ssr,3 J Cullimore, L. Booth S. A. James (postmaster) C. E. Bromley, G. Bonnalie, F. J. Bonnalie, C. Cooper J. H. Laybourne (Chief Constable) W. Leah (Depu,} Chief Constable of the county), J. Stirling, C.. f McGill, N. McGill, Alexander Hornby. It. Cecil Davies, F. Covenev, W. Ferguson. J. A McMiohael, Frank Dickson, R. Hill. Dr. Erie Hamilton, G. P. Miln, J. Simon, A. H. Christie, Webster, ithocles, Burners, Weights, Wildgoose. H. Ander- son, W. G. Lockwood, H. Crowder, W. D Laird, A. A. Ferguson, H. Jacks. W. A. Taylor, Billington, Hodge, R. Beck Moffat, J. Beck, Holliday, T. Todd, J. Laurie,' W. C. Armstrong, J. T. Miln, F. Sharpe, W. E. Thornhili, A. Knox, Williams, Jamieson, Robb. McLeod. Walter Fergusson (hon. secretary), etc. Apologies for absence were re- ceived from the Mayor, Mr. Robert Yerburgh, M.P., Mr. B. C. Roberts, Mr. Gibbons'Frost, Dr. Duff. &c. After an excellent dinner, The Chairman proposed The King and Royal Family." He alluded to the excellent results of his Majesty's recent visit to the Continent, and spoke of e the tact, courtesy and good commonsense which made those visits such absolute successes. He also referred to the King s visit to Ireland at a time when the people of that country were gratified by the Land Act.. T -„i Mr. S. A. James gave His Majesty s Imperial Forces," remarking that it seemed to be a necessity of the times to have a standing Army, as there was a saying that this country was alwavs engaged in some war or another. That certainly held good at the present moment. Whereevcr our soldiers and sailors were engaged, they always gave an excellent account of themselves. Lieut.-Colonel Stafford, in responding, said the term Imperial Forces comprised a great deal- the Navy, Army. Militia, Reserves, Volunteers, Yeomanry, and last, but not least in importance, our Colonial forces. The Navy had not been tested in actual warfare for many years, and if it should be they might find defects which always came out in times of war; but he was confident they would find the personnel-officers and men- as magnificent as they had always been. (Ap- plause.) They would, no doubt, hear a good oeaJ of the War Commission report during the next session of Parliament, but he was afraid that each political party, in their anxiety to make a point would overlook the main interests, the material interests of the report. Surely the time had now gone for the ArmV to be the sport of political parties (Hear, hear.) Was it not a fact that a Government which happened to be in power for the time being had tried to do their duty by placing the Army in a state of efficiency, and when their place came to be taken by the party opposite they ha# undone all that their pre- decessors had tried to do? They should not be too ready to judge of the personnel of the Army from what they saw at home. The Army at home was merely a feeder or nursery for e abroad, and therefore he hoped they would not judge it by what they saw at stations like Chester, or even at military camps like Aldershot or t Curragh. It was in war time that our soldiers were seen to the best advantage—say after Bloemfontein, or the reliefJof Ladysmith. T ey might not be much to look at not .c looking, out at elbows, and with their khaki worn to rags, but they were a magnificent force, well trained and thoroughly disciplined. (Hear, hear.) They would find the British soldier sober, uncom- plaining. cheerful and patient under all conditions and difficulties. Having got such a fine Army, the question was, what were they going to do with it? It was for the nation to say- an their duties without thought of what might iHdb? citizens should see that it was so, and that every- thing was done to secu?§ efficiency. (Applause.) Surg.-Lieut.-Colonel Hamilton responded for the Volunteers, and remarked that in these days every- one ought to learn to shoot straight. He was afraid the standard of recruits in the Volunteers was somewhat deteriorating, but hoped this would be remedied. Mr. H; T. Brown proposed' "The Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all Denominations." The Chester clergy—he used the term in the most comprehen- sive way—gave most valuable help in all social movements, whether it- was temperance, rescue work, or anything for the amelioration of the people. If that was true generally, it was particu- larly so in the case of education. The clergy had been the pioneers of education in this country Kpfnne it was made so. municipal or national mat- ter. In Chester there was not a single scholastic institution, either elementary or secondary, that did not owe its existence to the clergy. The two most important schools they had—the King's School and the Queen's School—were very much S indebted in their existing state to the clergy.The King's School almost owed its very existence in its present form to the late Dean Howson, while the Queen's School's existence was almost entirely due to the late Bishop Jacobson and the present Dean. The Blue Coat School was also indebted for its foundation to a Bishop of Chester. That having been the record of the Church in the past, thev looked most hopefully to their help in carry- ing on the work of education in the future. They knew that everybody was not. in love with the Education Act. There were some things in t which might press h £ ^d^tu^o^ ft SjUj. of their experience and sympathy, m older that the Act might be productive of the utmost good. He was glad to say that in Chester there was nothing ot that political rancour and religious bitterness which had been exhibited elsewhere. (Hear, hear.) The Education Committee were a perfectly happy family. He did not say they had no differences of opinion—that would not be human, and they would be unworthy of their seats if they had not— but they recognised and respected each others views, and worked harmoniously for the. accom- plishment of the end in view. (Applause.) The Rev. E. 0. Lowndes, in responding, said the clergy were always willing to. do anything they could to help anybody, whatever denomina- tion he belonged to and without any of the ulterior motives of proselytism, which they were so often credited with. They did not claim to possess all the virtues neither did they possess all the vices. On the question of education there were sharp divisions among them, but they were all agreed on one point, namely, that, they would do their best for the secular and religious wel- fare of the children of the country. (Applause.) The extremists were the stumbling block, and he believed that if all the extremists, of whatever political or religious creed, couia De jocnea up in an asylum or elsewhere for a short time, the edu- cation question would be speedily settled.* Laugh- ter and applause.) <<rn, T The Archdeacon of mortal Memory of B^?ification of fitness for the He disclaimed any his name in the Scotch office, as he nei a^uainted with the mysteries fashion nor was ne aoqu»* £ of haggis—(laughter)—whde his visits to the land o' cakes had been limited to two or three. The other day he came across a review of one or two volumes on "The History of British Literature," in which Robert Burns was classed with three other famous poets, and described as "natural and sincere." They would agree that none of them could wish for higher commendations than that. (Applause.) was marvellous that the life of one who so endeared himself to his countrymen, and whose memory was so enduring, should have been epcomPassed in the short space of 37 years. When they looked upon his life, and

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CHESHIRE HUNT BALL. BRILLIANT SCENE. The annual ball of the Cheshire Hunt took place on Wednesday night at the Brine Baths Hotel, Nantwich, and was signalled with the brilliancy and success that had marked it in the days before the South African War. There was a numerous and distinguished company of guests present, and the attendance exceeded that of any former assemblage of this social character that has been held in connection with the Hunt. Many of the leading families in the neigbbourhood of the town had house parties for the event, but there was one conspicuous absence, and that was the family of Colond Cotton-Jodrell, C.B., who were prevented from being present owing to a recent bereave- ment. All that skill and taste could accomplish was seen in the decoration of the hotel, a work which was carried out by the management and the gar- deners from Stapelew House, under the able supervision of Mrs. Kearsley. The music was provided by the White Vienhese Band. The pro- gramme included eleven waltzes, and dancing beq.n at nine and was continued until two. The majority of the gentlemen wore the Hunt colours of pink and green, and the contrast with the beautiful costumes of the ladies made the scene one of striking brilliancy. The secretarial duties were discharged by Mr. H. B. Newcombe, who accomplished his task in a very able manner. The following were among the guests:—The Earl and Countess of Crewe and party. including Lady Katharine Somerset, Lady Beauclerc, Lord and Lady Dungless, Miss Wyndham, Miss Ridgeway. Mr. Wilson, Captain Yarde-Buller. Mr. Monckton Arundel, Mr. Robarts, Mr. L. de Rothschild, Lady Celia Crewe-Milnes; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Knowles and party, including the Duchess of Sutherland, Countess of Lathom, Miss Chaplin. Miss Fane. the Earl of Enniskillen. Captain Fitzgerald (11th Hussars), Captain Ratcline, Mr. Leslie (Scots Guards), Mr. Arthur Ellis, and Mr. Walter Reubens; Sir Delves Louis and Lady Broughton and party, including Countess of Huntingdon, Sir Hill Child, Captain Pole Gell, Major Stamer, Mr. Ernest Stock, Mr. and Mrs. Neville Thursby, Miss Thursby, Miss Chandos Pole and Miss Stella Cotton; the Baron W. and the Baroness von Schroder and party, including Sir Philip and Lady Grev-Egerton, Mr. and Mrs. Stock, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbraham, Colonel Hunt, Lady Lettice Cholmon- deley, Mr. Reginald Corbet, Lady Muriel Parsons, Lord Cole, and Captain Throckmorton; General Scobell, Sir William and Lady Holland and party, including Mr. Holland, Major and Mrs. Harley, the Misses Huntingdon, Captain O'Donnell, Miss Vibart, Mr. Harry Sowler, Mr. Arthur Sowler; Major and Mrs. Kearsley and party, including the Misses Kearsley. Miss Hope Johnstone, Lord and Lady Inverclyde, Captain Long, A.D.C., Mr. Harvey Kearsley (5th Dragoon Guards), Mr. Street (20th Hussars), Mr. Hodgkinson (13th Hussars). Mr. W. Massey. Mr. Reginald Kearsley (Royal Welch Fusiliers); Mr. and Mrs. L. E. B. Homan and party, including Miss Graves. Miss D. Dering, Mr. Wade Palmer, Mr. West de Wend Fenton, Mr. Ross de Wend Fenton. Mr. Byng Hopwood, Mr. J. Loring, Miss Loring and Mr. Winser; Mr. and Mrs. H. Martin and Captain and Mrs. Oakley. Mrs. A. N. Hornby and party, in- cluding Mr. A. H. Hornby, Mr. Gill, Miss Hornbv. Mr. Crankshaw; Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Dewhurst and party, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Houghton and party, Colonel Rivers Bulkeley and party, Mr. Victor Hermon and party. Captain Rasbotham and party, Mr. Troughton Roberts and party, Mr. and Mrs. Monro Walker and party. Miss Firman, Mr. and Mrs. Baskerville Glegg and party. Major and Mrs. Gordon and party, Mr. W. McCracken, Colonel Wardrop, C.B., the Hon. Edric Forester, the Hon. H. Forester, Miss Parker Jarvis, Mrs. James Bayley, (Willaston Hall) and Miss Bayley. Mrs. Hermon (Catsclough) and party, Mr. H. B. Newcome, Mr. Woodyatt, Capt. R. Tudor Owen, Captain Price, Miss Webster, Captain Elphinstone Case, Colonel Hopwood, Miss Edwards Moss and party. Mrs. Twemlow and party, Mr. T. Giffard, Miss Paynter, Miss M. Pavnter. Mr. Lucas Tooth, Mr. and Mrs. John Royds, Miss B. Royds, the Hon. W. Littleton. Dr. J. D. Munro, Mr. and Mrs. W. von Schroder and party, Mr. and Mrs. Greenshields (Liverpool) and party, etc.

RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT DUNHAM. 0 COW DERAILS A TRAIN. A somewhat alarming accident, involving con- siderable damage to rolling stock and the per- manent way, occurred on the railway close to Dunham Hill Station on Tuesday night. The night was very foggy, and the drovers of a large herd of cattle that were being taken to the station in order to be sent away by rail soon found diffi. culty in managing their charges. By the time the station was reached the animals had become rather wild, and one of them, a eaw, broke loose and strayed on to the rails. Before it could be secured again a fast goods train from Warringto.) to Chester, consisting of about 50 wagons drawn by two engines, drove up. The front engine ran into the unfortuate animal and carried it quite 100 yards down the line, and then passed over it, as did also the second engine and four wagons. The fifth wagon, on rising over the carcase, which had become jammed in the points, was thrown off the rails, with the result that about 24 more wagons suffered in a similar way. Very considerable damage was done, and several of the wagons are oast repair. Both lines were blocked, and the breakdo-vn gangs from Chester and Warrington were quickly on the scene. One line was cleared by nine o'clock on Wednesday morning, and an hour later single line working was commenced. but the two lines were not open to traffic until two o'clock in the afternoon. Meanwhile all passenger traffic from Manchester and Liverpool and inter- mediate stations to Chester had to be sent via Helsby and Hooton, and vice versa. The cow, of course, was killed, but, fortunately, the engine- drivers, stokers and guard escaped unhurt.

PUBLIC-HOUSE TRUST. CHESHIRE COMPANY AND ELLESMERE PORT. On Saturday, at Chester Castle Petty Sessions, be- fore Mr. Horace Trelawny (in the chair). Colonel Evans-Lloyd, Mr. B. C. Roberts, Mr. E. Dear and Mr. William Williams, Mr. E. Gardner, solici- tor, Chester, on behalf of the Cheshire Publio house Trust Company, asked for the consent of the magistrates to certain proposed alterations to the Dock Hotel, Ellesmere PortL He said the objects of the company were to promote temperance by the reform of the management of public-houses He need not explain their principles, because they were well known, but on the council and direc- torate of the company there were a great many names of public men. He mentioned that as a guarantee that it was the intention of the com- pany to carry out their principles of trust manage- ment thoroughly. The company had taken a. lease of the Dock Hotel, Ellesmere Port, belong- ing to the Shropshire Union Company, for 14 years from June 24th last.. The premises internally were not at all suitable for trust management, and anyone who knew the house would say that altera- tions were required. Turning to the plans. Mr. Gardner said the great feature of the hotel was the huge taproom. The intention of the company was to take part of it away and make a better smoking- room. It was proposed to provide a refreshment- room by converting the two existing kitchens. Kitchen accommodation was to be provided at the back of the manager's living room. It was also proposed to provide a billiard-room upstairs. He did not think that came from the Trust Company, but from the Shropshire Union Company. Elles- mere Port was a growing place, and at the present time there was nothing for a man to do when he bad a couple of hours to wait for a train. The company undertook that it would be P roper: y managed. The whole place would be thoroughly renovated and put, in good order. The Chairman: This is the first house in tlizt neighbourhood that has come under the company, is it not? Mr. Gardner: Yes. sir. The Chairman: I hope it wiH prosper. It w:J be a very good thing. Mr. Gardner: We hope to do good work tner- It is a good place to begin in. We also propose in addition to the other alterations to convert a stable into a kitchen, and improve the place st:}l further.. The Chairman: We have seen the plans, and are all agreed that they should be passed.

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saw what his early education was—no such schemes of education existed in those days as that which was to-day presided over by Mr. H. T. Brcwr.-(laugh tr)-no such opportunities of learning as were now within the reach cf everyone, both in Scotland and Ergland-;cr he was taught by hi3 father :n ehe first instance, and all his education was got under struggle and difficulty, they must admit that Burns stood out as a wonderful example of what could be aocoir pi nhed by perseverance. (Ap- plause.) h vvTuld be presumptuous of b m (the speaker) to offer anything like a review of Burns's remarkable ooeros. but there were one or two which struck even one -0 unfamiliar with, them as he wa; They all knew that wonderful poem "The C-citar' Saturday Night." (Applause.) In reading that, and it was well worth reading again and again, they could not help rising from the study of it without the oonvicteon that, what- erfer there might have been m Burns's tfe. he was at the bottom a deeply religious man. The pic- ture he presented of the religious life of Scotland, and which he believed was still maintained in many & home in Sootland, was a most touching one. (Applause.) An example of the poets fine feeling of loyalty to the Throne, coopled with democratic sentiment, was found in the Wha will not sing" God Save the King Shall hang as high's the steeple; But while we sing God Save the King P We'll ne'er forget the people. AMa jor8 Lead better submitted "The land we live in," and Dr. Parry responded. „ Mr. J. Cullimore proposed "The land o cakes, contending that Sootland contained the most beautiful gems of scenery it was possible for the eve of man to behold. Mr. W. Ferguson responded. Mr. J. A. McMichael gave "The City and Trade of Chester." The Sheriff, in responding, said Chester was a city of which every native might j*stly feel proud to belong, for it had unequalled charms. It had the pride of antiquity, and a past of historical greatness, while it had as- pirations to take its place in the rank of those towns and cities of our country which lived the life of the present. As to the estimation in which the city and its trade were held, he might point out that a few months ago the city attempted to raise a loan of £182,000, which they had almost in a moment for the asking. That was more than some towns could say, and the major portion of that money came out of Lancashire, which was noted for its hard-headed business men. (Hear, hear.) Although he was not a member of the Lighting Committee, might he point out what had been achieved by it? Although it had been m existence only four_or five years, what had hap- pened? They had paid out of profits £ 1,600, and in addition to that they had paid out of revenue to the sinking fund £ 10,000, which in itself was a proof that the lighting affairs of the city were managed in a business-like manner. (Applaase.) It was too soon as yet to speak of the profit-earn- ing capacity of the tramways, but although they had been running only some 288 or 289 days they had oarried 1,690,584 passengers, and had earned a revenue of £ 7.538, from which he thought that even in this, the first year, there would be no charge upon the rates. (Applause.) And when he reminde them that the manager of the tram- ways and the chairman of the Tramways Com- mittee were both Scotchmen, they might take it for granted that they would be managed well, and that due economy would be observed. (Laughter and applause.) In the markets the city had a valuable asset, and during the past year the Markets Committee had taken what many of them considered a movement in the right direc- tion by issuing hawkers' licences. This had re- sulted in an income during the first quarter of JB76, three-fourths at least of which had been col- lected from persons residing outside the city. This proved that the city might be congratulated upon the fiscal policy of the Markets Committee. (Hear, hear.) Another matter of interest he would like to refer to as affecting the trade of the city, was the fact that last year they spent 255 in adver- tising the place, an amount which this year they hoped to double, for when they considered the unrivalled attractions of the city-its noble river, its time-honoured walls, its magnificent Cathe- dral, its ancient rows, its antiquarian treasures and historical associations, not to mention its close proximity to such princely seats as those of Eaton and Hawarden—they would agree with him that any sum was wisely expended which brought visitors to see these attractions, and thus help in some measure to improve the trade of the city. (Applause.) Dr. Roberts proposed "The Chester Caledonian Association," and alluded to the similarity be- tween Scotchmen and Welshmen. The singing of "Auld lang syne" brought an en- joyable evening to a close. The toasts were in- terspersed with capital songs by Messrs. E. Robinson. Walter Fercrusson. G. H. Plant, R. Hill, and J. Phillips; Mr. Walter Howick proving an excellent accompanist.