The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

FRIENDLY SOCIETY Secretaries will find it pays to Heed their PrintisMi Order'- to the Coonty Times Office, Brecon. The Charges are reasonable, end the benefit of oar experience in the making up of Reports and Statements of Aoccnnt is freely theirs.

THE WAR. SUMMARY OF EVENTS. For the benefit of readers living in coontrf districts—we trust those living in towns have bad sufficient warning from last week's actoal experiences-we wonld point out with all the force and earnestness at oar command that they should discredit all the tales they beat and a good deal of what they see in the daily prints which reach them about the progress of the war. The wildest of ramcars are being, published daily, almost honrly, rnmonrs which* have no relation to possible facts as well as rnmonrs which are plaudble because they tell of things which are possible. Nothing should be accepted as reliable that does not bear the imprimatur of authority. 10 the hope that the local public will appreciate a reliable record of the principal events of the war and of the political moves in connection with it we have prepared the following sum- mary of events, beginning with Thursday) Aug. 6tb, the date of our last issue. Reported battles by sea and land which are not referred to in this record have not occurred LOSS TO BRITISH NAVY. A regrettable disaster befel the British Navy on Thursday morning. The H.M.S. Amphion, an unprotected cruiser, which had performed brave work in coping with German mine-layers, fell a victim to a floating mine. The vessel was sank, and 130 men were iost. The captain, 16 officers, and 135 men were saved. BRITAIN'S HUGE WAR VOTE. Parliament on Thursday voted 100 million of money for war purposes. These are :—(1) To increase the Army by half a million men (2) Provide for a continuance of trade and (3) The alleviation of distress. The vote was passed nem con. Mr Aequitb, in proposing the vote, showed that Britain had done her otmost to prevent war. The war was forced on us. The Premier described as an "Infamous proposal" the German bid for English neutrality during a Franco-German war. The Premier aiso announced that Earl Kitchener bad accepted the post of Secretary for War, and it was in his name be asked for the increase of the Army. "This war," declared Mr Bonar Law, "was doe to human folly and human wickedness, bnt neither the folly nor the wickedness were oars." The Colonies have come to the aid of the Mother Country with a readiness never doubted. India, said Mr Asqaitb, ban promised certainly two divisions, and everyone of oar self-governing Dominions have tendered every man and all tho money in their power to offer. The South Africans of Datch extraction—so little a while ago at war with UB-are not behindhand. The Prince of Wales has issued an appeal for a National Dietress Fond. FIGHTING IN BELGIUM. The chief war movements on Thursday were again of attempts of the German troops to pass the forts of Liege. These fort", manned by heroic troopp, stopped the invaders. Liege is surrounded by a chain of twelve detached forts, each of which has its heavy guns in armoured turrets on capolas. The guns wrought great havoc among the Germans, who are estimated to have lost 8.000 iu the fighting I on Thursday alone. ° Amongst other seizures of merchantmen, on Thursday, asbip with 50,000 quarters of wheat intended for Hamburg beicg taken into Qneenstown. On Friday it was announced that the forts of Liege had successfully withstood the German assaults. After three days' fighting the enemy abandoned the attack, and retired to the left bank of the River Mease. The Germans are said to acknowledge that 25,000 of their troops have been rendered hors de combat. Berlin admits the failure of this siege, but attempts to depreciate its impor- tance. PRINCE OF WALES' APPEAL. A noble response has been made to the appeal by the Prince of Wales as treasurer of the National Relief Fund. It was opened on Friday, and the fund speedily exceeded a quarter of a million. Tbe King sent £ 5,000. the Qoeen il,050 the Prince contributed £ 3,000, and the Prince's own regiment, the 1st Life Gnardp, 918,000. By Tuesday the fund bad reached about half-a-million. To reduce the anxieties and alarms liable to be aroused by startling rumours when there is an absence of news, a Government Press Bureau has been set up, with Mr F. E. Smith at its bead, to supply the Press with a steady stream of information from the War Office and Admiralty which will keep the country pro- perly informed of the Bource of events without endangering naval or military secrets. From Amsterdam has been received a striking acconnt of tbe circumstances attending the departure of the British Ambassador from Berlin, circumstances so discreditable to the German nation that the Emperor sent an Aide-de Camp to Sir E. Coschen to apologise for what had taken place. A crowd surroundecl the Embassy and broke all the windows with stones. The British banks re-opened on Friday and bosiflfss went on quite normally. Mr Lloyd George announced that the Bank Rate would be reduced to five per cent. "Things are working freely people are keeping their heads," said the Chancellor; but while be declared the perfect ability of the Bank to pay gold on demand, he deprecated as not a good citizen's part the demand for gold that was not necessary. Recruiting is reported to be very heavy, the various recruiting depots being besieged by applicants. To take part in the work of the Red Cross Society, many thousands of women have eagerly applied, and in a number of districts emergency classes have been started. The rate for war. risk insurance for cargoes has been reduced from five to four guineas per Oint.

Trecastle News and Notes. (BY Novus HOMO). Miss Sybil Jeffreys, of Camden House, who is now at home from school for holidays, played the organ at St. Mary's Church, Traianglas, on Sunday. Her sister, Miss Mary Jeffreys, returned home last week after being a few months in Europe. We have already suffered from high prices, daily advancing, for all kinds of provisions, and there is a general complaint against this unnecessary rise in this locality in face of the decision of the Government already published in the papers.

BRECON'S PATRIOTISM. Stirring Scenes by Day and Night. Eager Territorials and Reservists. One hardly knows how to begin to describe the stirring events which have been seen in the ordinarily quiet streets of old Brecon during the last week. The comings and goings of troops since the order for the mobilisation of all the King's forces was received on Tuesday I evening last week have been so many, so numerous, and so apparently mixed and yet so orderly, that it seems almost hopeless to give a connected and intelli- gent narrative of all that has taken place. One's task is the more difficult from the fact that, side by side with the arrival and departure of troops, there has been steadily rising amongst the civilians of Brecon town and county a wave of I patriotic devotion, resulting in so many offers of service that those responsible for the organisation of affairs have been ¡ embarrassed to know how best to control and direct the flood. To take a brief general view of the week's happenings, and begin at the I beginning The mobilisation order j 0 reached the Territorials first, of course. II They had only returned from camp at Portmadoc on the Monday, and were expecting the call to arms. They were warned from one end of the county to the other before midnight of Tuesday, and by Wednesday afternoon nearly every man passed by the doctors was! equipped and ready for departure. The permanant staff at the Brecon head- quarters had a big task to do in a short time, but the work was done somehow, including the provision-with the loyal help of a number of shopkeepers in the town—of a big supply of stores to last the battalion till there was a certainty of rations elsewhere. The main body were off to Neyland in Pembrokeshire—the war station of the battalion-before dusk fell on Wednesday evening, only a few details remaining for despatch on subse- quent days. Whilst all this was in the doing on Wednesday Reservists of the Line (belonging to the two line battalions of the South Wales Borderers) and also Special Reservists (3rd South Wales Borderers), still better known as the Brecknock Militia, were pouring into the town in such unexpectedly large numbers that those in charge at the Barracks were placed in great difficulty in regard to feeding them. It had been expected, for example, that the Reservists of the Line would come in at the rate of about 500 per day. In fact, there were nearly 1,000 smart looking fellows in the Barracks by Thursday. The un- avoidable result was that provisions were short, and early on Thursday morning there was a second big demand on the shopkeepers for the commissariat depart- ment. To deal adequately with such a large body of men at one time was really impossible, and so the Special Reservists were liberated until Saturday morning. A striking incident of the incoming and outgoing was that on Wednesday evening the second contingent of Territorials, on their march to the station, had to pass a large body of Reservists just arrived and on their way to the Barracks, with band playing. The two bodies passed in the narrow street without a hitch, although the Reservists were in mufti. The Line Reservists were equipped and dispatched in batches, mostly to Borden—the home station of the 1st Battalion—from Wednesday night on- wards and the great exodus was com- pleted late on Saturday night with the departure of the last train load of Special Reservists to Pembroke Dock, their war station. All this was done at high pressure without accident. There were affecting scenes at the railway station when the Line Reservists went. These men, for the most part, are people settled in life with wives and families, and the sudden breaking up of their home life-with the knowledge that they were likely to go to the war front very quickly-was bound to have its sad side There were many weeping wives and maids at the station, and many moving farewells. Thank heaven, we all realize that this sorrow and trouble has not been brought about by an unjust war but by a war waged-as Lord Glanusk has shown several times during the last few days-for our very existence. DEPARTURE OF TERRITORIALS. Brecon was at fever heat in its excite- ment on Wednesday, the day of the Terri torials' departure. There was dashing too and fro of cyclists and motor-cyclists all day, and rapid purchase and assembly of stores, whilst medical examination and equipment were going on at high pressure at the Drill Hall and Mount Street Schools. Cheerful determination to overcame obstacles carried everything through successfully and shortly after fire o'clock the first half of the battalion was ready and off to the Railway Station, accompanied by cheering crowds. The whole business had been done so quickly that nobody had time to think of the pain of parting; and it was a gay and enthusiastic scene at the Railway Station. The platforms and station approaches were packed with people, and the men had a splendid send-off. The second half quickly followed, and had an equally fint departure. In 24 hours, with the exception of details, the whole of the Brecknockshire Battalion of Territorials had been assembled at Brecon, equipped and put on train for Neyland. 'It was a triumph of quasi- military organisation.

LORD GLANUSK'S PRIDE. Soon be with his Territorials. Lord Glanusk, who bad a great reception, made a short speech to the first contingent of Territorials to entrain at Brecon Railway Station. He remarked that the country was now at war, and we were fighting- for our very existence. If Germany won this war she would annex Belgium and probably Holland as well, possibly part of the North of France and would have a gigantic army within striking distance of our shores at any moment. So that if Germany triumphed England had got to go under. The Terri- torials were now starting for the real thing. It was no more "playing at soldiers"rio more blank. They were going to serve under war conditions, and although it was not probable it was quite possible that they would fight. They were going to do what bad been the ambition of every one of them —defend their country—(cheers)—and he was proud to think there was so good a battalion representing Breconshire. (Re- newed cheers.) He hoped every old Terri- torial under 35 would re-enlist, they and many more recruits, for one year's service or for the period of duration of the war. He hoped every man would realise that he had a duty to perform to his country. They might be wanted. They should fit them- selves accordingly. Again addressing the departing Terri- torials, his lordship reminded them that until the end of the war they were practi- cally Regulars. As such more was expected of them-the discipline would be stricter, the duties harder, and the fatigues frequent. But they must remember that we were fighting for our very existence—it was a fight to a finish and therefore he felt sure t, that in the Breconshire Battalion there would be no grumbling, orders would be obeyed without hesitation, and they would "take it all in the day's work." (Cries of "We will, sir, we will," and cheers.) The N.C.O.'s would occupy a very responsible position, for offences were grave matters in war time. He hoped to be with them in three weeks.—(His lordship is colonel of the battalion, but has been laid aside with a broken leg). By that time he trusted the battalion would be over strength. Mean- while a Special Reserve would be organised and recruits obtained ready to fill up the ranks. Whatever happened, whether they actually fought or not, he was confident the Breconshire Battalion would conduct itself with credit to itself and honour to Brecon- shire. (Cheers.) Let them be quite sure that the county would look after those they left behind. To the ladies and gentlemen left at home he would say-they could all do something. Let them avoid panic, refuse to credit rumours, and distrust news of defeats. Ladies could do good service by making socks, shirts, etc., and committees would be formed to help wives- and families and direct all efforts into a useful channel. The gentlemen could help in many ways, but above all by preparing themselves (Loud cheers.) The train steamed away amidst renewed cheering. DEPARTURE OF RESERVISTS. It has already been stated that the Reservists of the Line responded to the call to arms with an alacrity which was welcome if embarrassing. We under- stand that nearly 1000 had reached the Barracks by Thursday, and they were a fine lot of fellows. Every considerable body arriving by train was met at the Station and played to the Barracks by the Depot Band, and martial music also accompanied their departure, whilst crowds of civilians cheered them on their way. Ready and resolute, they im- pressed one as a body of men who would do Britain's behest so long as life lasted. They went away in three batches-Ióo on Wednesday evening, 500 on Thurs- day, and the remainder on Friday-over 900 in all. Allowing for medical rejec- tions, this was a splendid response from a body totally about 1000. Having de- scribed one departure, one has really described them all. We are inclined to the sensational, we newspaper folk, in these days let one remember here that duty done for duty's sake needs not much application of the gilder's brush. Saturday was the Special Reservists' day. They went away in three trains, the first leaving about eight o'clock in the evening, for Pembroke Dock; and greatly impressed all who saw them off by their evident fitness. It is not long since they concluded a month's training under canvass at Penally, and this, of course, had contributed to their excellent bearing and appearance on Saturday. The town did them full honour to the last. BUYING HORSES & VEHICLES. An Army officer had a busy time in Brecon and neighbourhood last week end buying horses, both for draught and riding, and vehicles for transport purposes. The resolve of the War Office to make up any deficiencies in the matter of transport could not have been better exemplified than it was at Brecon with the free purchase of vehicles of all kinds, including tradesmen's carts. A large number of horses were purchased, and the farmers and others who sold were, we understand, very well satisfied with the prices paid. The horses and vehicles were despatched by train as fast as purchased. The officer had the assist- ance of Mr A J Cattell, M.R.C.V.S.

Send-off" of Hay Territorials. Wednesday, August 5th, will live in the history of Hay as being the day on which the Territorials, under the com- mand of Capt. Cockroft, left for coast duty at Neyland, Pembrokeshire. Vast crowds from the country-side and town lined the streets as the Territorials, over 70 strong, preceded by the Hay Bands, playing patriotic airs, marched to the station. The platforms and bridge were packed with friends and relatives, as there was scarcely a house from which someone had not gone, in some cases 3 and 4 from one house. The Territorials went off in the best of spirits.

Hay and the War. PATRIOTIC TOWN'S MEETING. On Thursday evening last a very large and most enthusiastic meeting of all classes was held at the Town Clock, Hay, to consider how all can unite to help the Government of the country in the present crisis. The Hay Band, joined by the Salvation Army Band, marched through the town, also the Hay Detachment of the Red Cross Nurses, under the command of Commandant Miss Tunnard-Moore and the Boy Scouts, under the command of Assistant Scoutmasters A J Hamer and W J Wallis. The meeting was convened by Mr J Cater, J.P., the Chairman of the Urban District Council, who also took the Chair. Mr Cater, who was received with pro- longed cheering, explained why the meeting was called, and in a most patri- otic speech spoke of the intense gravity ot the present situation, and of the gen- eral regret that the Lord Lieutenant of the County (Lord Glanusk) was unable to be present at that important meeting. Mr Cater then read a letter from Mrs and the Rev G Leigh-Spencer, of Clifford Priory, offering any help needed, and ex- pressing their intention to subscribe to any fund for helping tfie wives and children of those at the front. Mr Cater also referred to the Red Cross Detach- ment of Nurses and the Boy Sconts. It must not be forgotten, Mr Cater con- tinued, that there were lots of things to consider in their own district, and that the Government had already placed im- portant tunnels and bridges under guard in. different parts of the country, in order that our food supplies might be got through without delay. He also ex- plained that Lord Glanusk had written to Col. Garnons Williams and Mr Stokoe in the early part of the week, suggesting that something should be done, and therefore that meeting was called to enable all able-bodied men to enrol in one of the sections which would be ex- plained by the speakers later on. Col. Garnons Williams, the district secretary of the National Service League, who was hailed with cheers, said how pleased he was to fill as far as he could the breach caused by the regretted absence of Lord Glanusk. Although his Lordship was tied by the leg through his accident, he needn't tell them that he had not been idle, but was working in every possible way he could for his country at this awful crisis. In another direction his Lordship had given splendid lead in heading the county war fund with ^500. (Cheers). The gallant Colonel spoke of the great need for more men and read and also fully explained a schedule of rules and regulations under which all could join certain corps. He deeply regretted that age prevented him being at the front. He also referred to Col. Henry, Major Booth and others who were taking their places at the front. An excellent speech followed by Coun. T. J. Stokoe, who was received with hearty cheers. The first part was intensely patriotic and the second part dealt with the vital question of the prices of food. He earnestly entreated all not to lay in extra supplies, as by so doing they were but serving their country in a bad way and particularly those families whose husbands and sons had gone to the front. He also as a magistrate begged of all to keep the peace in all ways during this crisis. He rejoiced that we were an united Empire, and stated that he had just put his name down for service. (Cheers). The Hon. R. C. Devereux, who was also received with prolonged cheering, said he wished to subscribe £50 towards the fund the Lord-Lieutenant had headed. (Cheers). He also spoke of the time in which he was in the Volun- teers and wished he could be on active service at the present time. It was at this time that deeds and not words were wanted and we had nothing whatever to do with politics. He also, as chairman of the magisterial bench, asked them all to refrain from acts of disorder, and spoke of the our splendid forces on land and sea. The Chairman then stated that Mr Mavrojani, of Clyro Court, had offered the use of Clyro Court to six com- missioned, and six non- commissioned officers and men invalided from the war. (Loud cheers). After the usual votes of thanks had been passed, it was announced that all who wished could sign their names, and whilst names were being taken the band played patriotic airs. It is gratifying to note that up to Sat- urday last the signatures obtained were For Territorials 47 „ National Reserve 33 Other Sections 50 Total ..130

NATIONAL RELIEF FUND. Breconshire List Opened. To the Editor of the "County Times." Glanusk Park, Crickhowell, S. Wales, 8th August, 1914. Sir,—I have been commanded by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to open a subscription list for his National Relief Fund. I shall be extremely obliged if the local papers will help me in this by giving every publicity, by publishing subscriptions, or by posting printed notices round the county. I should propose that H.R.H.'s fund should not interfere with the County Fund, already started, and I hope that the generosity already displayed towards the County'Fund will be continued for H.R.H.'s Fund, which is worthy of all support. Subscriptions should be sent to the National Provincial Bank, Brecon.—I remain, yours truly, GLANUSK, Lord-lieutenant.

Lord Tredegar's Generous Offer. Lord Tredegar's offer of his yacht "Liberty" has been accepted by the Admiralty, and the vessel will be used as a hospital ship. She will be under the command of Lord Tredegar, who has been given a commission as full lieutenant in the Royal Navy Reserve. The yacht is being fitted out and pro- vided with all the necessary requirements for the purpose, and staffed with some of the best doctors and surgeons. The whole expense is being borne by Lord Tredegar himself. The yacht will be stationed in the North Sea.

Colonel C. Venables-Llewelyn Volunteers. Col. C. Venables-Llewelyn, of Llys- dinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, who retired from the command of the Glamorganshire Yeomanry, only six weeks ago, has volunteered for service.

CR I C K E T. Llanfaes Brigade, Brecon, Y. Cetn. Played on Christ College ground, Brecon, on Bank Holiday. Owing to the sodden condition of the pitch run-getting was extremely difficult, and the impatience of the batsmen to score proved their undoing. For Cefn Betterton took six wickets for eight and Davies four for eight. For Llanfaes Smart bowled well, Setting a tremendoaa lot of work on the ball. The visitors were afterwards entertained to tea and the fixture was renewed for 1915. Scores:— LLANFAES. B Mighall (capt), b D Davies 0 W S Jones, b D Davies 3 E Smart, a and b D Davies 5 W Chandler, a M Morgan, b J Betterton 1 W R Prioe, b J Betterton 0 T Williams, not oat 5 D T Williams, a Tomlinson, b Betterton 0 J Price, a Williams, b Betterton 2 J Sollivan, 0 and b Betterton 0 R Powlee, c C. Betterton, b Betterton. 0 F Evans, c C Betterton, b D Davies 0 Extras 4 Total. 20 CHFN. G 0 Williams, b Smart 0 W J Davies, 0 Chandler, b Smart 2 J Betterton, b Smart 11 E Brnce, c and b Mighall 0 R T Evans, c Sullivan, b Chandler 20 D Davies, c Migball, b Smart 0 M Morgan, c D T Williams, b Chandler 0 W Tomlinson, b Smart I T M Thomas, b Chandler 0 0 Davies, not out 3 C Betterton (oapt), a Williams, b Chandler 0 Extras 4 Total 43

Hay Y. Rev. J. J. deWinton's XI. Played at Hay on Wednesday, the 5th inst., and resulted in an easy win tor the clergy. Scores:- REV. J. J. DEWINTON'S XI, Rev Ratcliffe, ran oat 16 Rev Gledbill, b Powell 30 Rev Rees, b Samson 2 Dr Steed, ran out 0 Rev Dra mtnolid, c Pryce, b Samson 0 Rev Parmenter, c and b Powell 35 Rev Lewis, b Samson 1 Rev Jenner, b Samson 1 H Carvell, b Powell 0 R Watkins, b Samson 0 A Waller, not out 0 Extras 1 86 HAY. A C Samson, played aD, b Gledhill 1 C G N Morris, b Gledbill 9 R A Powell, b Parmente* 2 I Jones, b Parmenter 2 H Cooper, b Gledhill 1 A J deWinton, b Parmenter 3 F M Pevee, not out 3 C I Sandys Thomas, c Rees, b Gledhill 0 Col R D Garnons Williams, b Par- menter 0 D Williams, b Parmenter 4 A J Hamer, c and b Gledbiil 3 Extras 4 32

DEVYNOCK DISTRICT County School Scholarships. The following have been awarded scholar- ships from the Devynock Scholarship district at the Brecon County Schools, having attained the marks opposite their Dames oot of of a possible total of 325 at the recent examination. Violet Bradsbaw Williams, Gyffog, Llanfihangel Nant-Bran, 129 Marks, Eleanor Price, Waun- Fawr, Llandilofan, 122 marks William John Jones, S'ation Terrace, Cray, 109 marks; David Davies, Aberheowea Fawr, Trianolae, 100 marks.

POULTRY KEEPING. A PROFITABLE HOBBY. BY "UTILITY." A HANDSOME BREED. Yokohama fowls are, in the opinion of numerous enthusiasts, the most graceful and beautiful birds of their large and varied kind. In Japan the cock's tail is sometimes developed to an extraordinary length, even as much as twenty feet. No bird, however, has yet been seen in Europe with such a tail. The birds are remarkably hardy, and are noted for their longevity, and unless there are exceptional circumstances, they generally remain for many years in the best of health. Yokohamas have gained very much in popu- larity during the last few years, and now tiley are generally a feature at the shows. The white flesh is firm and sweet, and though one would hardly expect it, the hens have made quite a fair reputation for themselves as layers. True, the eggs are small, but they are very rich, and on that account have been strongly recommended for invalids. In spite of the length of tail, which is a feature of the hens as well as to a much greater extent of the cock, the birds are excellent foragers. The two best-known colours of Yokohamas are the silver and golden duckwing and pure white, and others are spangles, piles, black- reds, and blue-reds. As regards the general points of the breeds, the head and neck are small and inclined to be long and tapering; the ear-lobes are small and oval, or almond shape, fitting close; the comb may be single or pea; and the wattles round, 'small, and neat, in keeping with the comb and ear-lobes. The neck is well fur- nished with long flowing hackle feathers; the breast is long, full, and nicely rounded; the back long, tapering towards the tail; and the wings long, and carried rather low, but close to the body. The tail must be as long and flowing as possible, with a great abundance SILVER DUCKWIXG YOKOHAMA COCK. of side hangers, sickle and coverts rprrow and hard, the whole tail forming a gifcceful curve, and carried rather low. In f.«neral shape and carriage, the whole bird ar pears in every part full of style and quality and pheasant-like. The weight averages from 4tlb. to 61b. The hen, which generally resembles the cock, is smaller, and has the tail carried hori- zontally, the two top tail feathers being gracefully curved, and all the tail coverts sickle-like. The colour of the duckwings is the same as in modern game fowls, aad all black feathers should have a metallic, beetle- green sheen. POULTRY AND HEREDITY. One of the results of this terrible upheaval will be, I hope, a far greater interest in the home production of our- foodstuffs, and especially poultry prodice. Happily, it can be said that the authorities, through the De- velopment Commission, have lately shown a disposition to encourage more scientific at- tention to poultry problems, the solution of which would no doubt increase the profitable character of poultry keeping. The schemes of the Utility Poultry Club for a progeny laying test and investigations concerning the inheritance of the egg-laying powers of poultry have now been approved, and the Treasury have intimated that they will make a grant from the fund, not exceed- ing £708, in respect of the work to ke done during 1914-5. The Development Commis- sioners recognise that the work should be carried on for a period of seven years, and the Treasury intimate their willingness to give the necessary financial support if the position of the fund permits, and the scheme progresses satisfactorily. The estimated cost of the whole scheme'is about £ 5,000. The grant is made subject to a condition that the club contribute £ 50 per annum to the ex- penses of the progeny test. Considering the substantial support given by the State, this amount ought to be raised from the poultry industry. Major C. C. Hurst, who has for some years been conducting at the Burbage Experi- mental Farm at Hinckley, Leicestershire, some important experiments in breeding, will be responsible for the due carrying out of the schemes of the club. By the progeny laying test an attempt will be made to show the results of breeding from good and bad layers for some years in succession. The best and worst layers in the best six pen-s in the present competition will be mated up by the owner of the birds and from the progSny will be reared a sufficient number of birds to enable another test to be made in the same way, a new male Bird being again supplied by the owner. No experimental work to any large extent has been done in this country to prove how the egg-laying powers of poultry are trans- mitted. Dr. Raymond Pearl has conducted most interesting experiments at the Maine Experiment Station in the United States of America, and Major Hurst proposes to carry out similar experiments here on a more ex- tended scale. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "Troubled."—RATTLING IN THE THROAT.— This is a symptom of a cold on the lungs, which may generally be traced to dampness and improper ventilation of the roosting- house. Keep the hen in a dry, airy place, which is free from draughts, give her a tea- spoonful of glycerine at night, and add ten drops of sulphuric acid to a pint of water to acidulate it slightly; it should be supplied in an earthenware drinking vessel. A spice which is sometimes given to prevent this trouble is composed of equal parts of powdered aniseed, fenugreek, liquorice, and ginger, and is used at the rate of a teaspoon- ful to ten adult birds, being mixed with the morning soft food. "T. D."—OT;T OF SEASON HATCHING.— This is profitable provided a fair proportion of the chickens can be reared. The use of an incubator is essential for the purpose, but so long as a reliable machine is used the percent- z, age of hatches should be as satisfactory as at any other time M the year. But it will he found difficult to rear the young birds if the soil is heavy or not v. ell drained. Then there mi-i,t be plenty of shelter, so that the birds are never obliged to stand about exposed to the cold winds and driving rains, which more than anything will prevent growth. Rearing entirely in strict confinement requires con- stant attention and 'the strictest cleanliness. "P. J. C."—PULLET EGG BOUND.—If she repeatedly visits the nest without result, and the tail is usually depressed, while she shows signs of straining, the trouble is usually an exceptionally large egg, which she may suc- ceed in passing f she is gently caught and held and a little olive oil poured into the vent. Then put her into a dark nest, and leave her where she will not be disturbed. If still she cannot pass the egg, hold her pver a jug of* boiling water, so that the steam ican reach the vent and relax it. Be sure not to frighten the poor bird and add to her suffering. All correspondence affecting this column should be addressed to "Utility," care of the Editor. Requests for special information must be accova- panied by a stamped addressed envelope.

Z7_- HINTS FOR THE HOME. HOW TO USE DISINFECTANTS. Nothing is more important to the health of the family than the occasional use of a good disinfectant. This is of great importance, re- marks "Pepiia" in the Mark Lane Express, if there is any reason to suspect there are Inoxiout3 germs on the premises. During hot weather the cellar, lavatories. and cesspools about the house and barn should be treated to a good disinfectant every week. During the winter months these places v require only an occasional disinfecting. Thorough ventilation of the house in winter is more difficult than in eummer-time, especi- ally if there is sickness or a member of the family who is inclined to take cold «ws;]y. When thorough ventilation is hindered the house may be kept in a sanitary condition by the use of a disinfectant. Carbolic acid is recommended by physicians as especially purifying. It may be bought at a small cost at the chemist's. If the smell of carbolic acid is disagreeable, thymol water may be used in its place. Carbolic Acid Solution.—To one quart of hot water add 7oz. of carbolic acid. The acid and water will not form a permanent solution unless the water is boiling hot. This will keep for weeks. When wanted for use add half as much water. Thymol Water Solution.—Into a half-gallon of water put one teaspoonful of spirits of thymol. Copperas Solution.—To every gallon of water add lib. of copperas. Put the copperas in a thin bag and suspend it in a barrel con- taining the water. This is an excellent disin- fectant to use in the cellar and around the outside premises, buf it is poisonous, ind should be kept covered. Lime is a good destroyer of many disease germs. It is used dry for sprinkling in rooms, cellars, and outbuildings. When there is sickness in the house it is a good plan to keep a small dish of carbolic acid solution in one corner of the bedroom for dis- infecting pu/poses. A little of this solution sprinkled in the sleeping rooms, &c., at any time will keep them in a sanitary condition, which is very important. CHILDREN AND THEIR FOOD. Children who are growing, and rapidly forming flesh and bone, require food rich in flesh-forming material. Yet we find them too often fed with the very foods which do not contain what they most require-cornflour, tapioca, arrowroot, and such articles. These foods are almost entirely wanting in flesh- forming material, and are only made useful by being cooked and served with milk. The best foods for a child are oatmeal, properly cooked as porridge, with soups, broth, and eggs, says Miss Martha Millar in Useful Hints on Health." In settling the question whefuer a child is having sufficient food of the right kind it is not enough to consider the child's increase in weight. Weight may be gained through the laying down of too inucu iat in the body on account of the food being too rich in starch, sugar, and fat, while all the time the child may be starving for want of flesh- forming material. Health is to be judged, not from mere weight and bigness, but firm- ness of flesh, redness of lips and cheeks, and straightness of bone. COOKING FOR INVALIDS. Boiling, baking, and stewing are not good methods of cooking for patients in bed or suffering from indigestion. Grilling and steaming are preferable, because meat and fish cooked in these ways lose a lot of fat, and are less likely to be overcooked, says Sister Jennings Goodley in Common-Sense Aids in Illness." Underdone meat is more easily digested than that which is overdone. When grilling meat have a clear fire, warm the griller before fixing the meat on to it. Allow ten to fifteen minutes to cook, according to thickness of meat. In steaming keep the water boiling all the time, prevent the water boil- ing up and getting into the fish or meat. A steamer is not necessary if you put a basin, which is large enough for the lip to rest on the edge of the saucepan, and cover it over with a plate; this makes quite a good make- shift. Chops are delicious when cooked in this way. Potatoes and greens are nicer and more easily digested. Always choose the white flesh fish for an invalid; it is easier to digest; always serve with a sauce to make up for the deficiency of fat in these fish. DAINTY SALADS. A crisp, appetising salad, daintily served, adds much to any meal. Below we give a variety of salads, all of which are wholesome and easily prepared: CELERY SALAD.—Cut celery into pieces an inch and a-half long, and throw into ice water for an hour. When crisp slit with a sharp knife across the celery, and turn and slit again. Serve on white lettuce leaves, and pour over it a mayonnaise dressing. MAYONNAISE DRESSING.—Put the yolks of two fresh eggs in a cold bowl and beat with an egg-beater. Add a small half-teaspoonful of mustard; beat again, and add a few drops of cider vinegar, beating constantly. Then add slowly, a few drops at a time, about half a pint of salad oil, continuing to beat .until it is thick; then add the juice of a small lemon and a dust of cayenne pepper. POTATO SALAD.-—Boil half a dozen potatoes until tender, but do not let them cook so that they will fall to pieces.. Boil four eggs for five minutes, and drop them into cold water. When cold, peel and slice potatoes and eggs and pour over them a mayonnaise dressing. TOMATO SALAD.—Peel medium-sized toma- toes and chill them on the ice. Scoop out a little of the top, and serve the tomatoes on lettuce leaves. Pour over the top of each a heaping teaspoonful of the following dress- ing Beat the yolks of two eggs light, add one-half teaspoonful of salt, one-half tea- spoonful of mustard, four tablespoonfuls of melted butter, and six tablespoonfuls of vinegar very slowly, and all the time beating. Cook in a double boiler until it thickens; then add the well-beaten whites of two eggs, and remove from the stove. Chill on ice, and before serving add one cupful of whipped cream. EGG SALAD.—Boil hard eight or nine eggs, drop into cold water, and when thoroughly cool peel and cut in slices. Arrange so the slices lap over on lettuce leaves in a pretty flat salad dish, and pour over them a thin French salad dressing to which has been added a spoonful oT chopped parsley. FRENCH DRESSING.—One tablespoonful of Tarragon vinegar, three tablespoonfuls of olive oil, half a teaspoonful of salt, a little black pepper. Mix the salt and pepper and slowly add the oil, then the vinegar, and, stir rapidly for two or three minutes. BEET SALAD.—Cut into small slices cold, tender beets, and add an equal quantity of cold boiled ham, tongue, or lamb. Serve on lettuce leaves, and pour over it mayonnaise dressing or that used for tomato salad. HAM SALAD.—Chop one pound of cold ham; add one small solid head of cabbage cut fine with a sharp knife, two medium-sized cucum- bers chopped fine, and four hard-boiled eggs shopped fine. Mix with the following dress- ing One tablespoonful of butter, two table- spoonfuls of sugar, two eggs, half a cup of vinegar, half a teaspoonful of mustard. Cook until thick, and chill before using. A LUNCHEON SALAD.—An attractive salad for a luncheon shows crisp celery cut fine and arranged on a bed of watercress, with mayon- naise dressing poured over it. Around the edge is a border of tomato jelly. PINEAPPLE SALAD.—-Cut the pineapple into small cubes and serve oi\ tiny lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and a little lemon juice. BAXAXA SALAD.—Lay peeled bananas on curly lettuce leaves and pour over each a tablespoonful of the salad dressing used for tom a to salad in this article, only adding a little sugar (two or three teaspoonfuls) to the dressing.

Six Men Drowned at Carmar- then Bay. A boating accident, involving the loss of six lives, occurred at Carmarthen Bay, near Llandly, oil Thursday evening. A party of seven men went for a trip in a small sailing boat, which was capeized by the swell. One of the men named Willihm Morgan, of Kidwelly, managed to bold on to the overturned boat, but the others were thrown into the sea and drowned. The crew of the Llanelly dredger went to the u;crÙ:I assistance, but found that they had all disappeared. The survivor was picked up Friday morning in an exhausted condition.