The Aberdare Times

THE INDIAN ARMY. A discussion has taken place at the United Service Institution on the military prize essay by Captain Browne, the subject of which was Should the European army in India be continued as at present constituted, or should it be converted in whole or in part into a local force." The chair was taken by Lord Chelmsford. The points suggested for discus- sion were-The requirements of the British Empire with regard to the European army maintained in India, and are they met by the present military system the system in force under the H.E.I.C.; the results cf localising the whole European force in India; the changes suggested in the essay; and alter- native suggestions. Sir Lumley Graham, in opening the discussion, pointed out that all the essayists who competed seemed agreed that the present system was insufficient, and that our army in India ought to include the very best men that could be got. They also agreed that partial localisation would be bad, and most of them were against localisation at all. He approved of Captain Browne's suggestion to lengthen the term of service, and thought the change that would arise under it would be so simple as to very slightly dis- arrange the present system. Sir F. Haines said that as regarded Indian and foreign service the short term stood condemned. But as it was part and parcel of our military system it must have a locus standi some- where. He strongly objected, however, to India being the training-ground for the reserves. India should have the very best service and men that I could be got. To furnish men for the reserves she had been defrauded of the best portion of a soldier's career. The system hitherto pursued he thought would soon be condemned; and there was already manifest a tendency to lengthen the service. He was opposed to any restoration of the local system, and preferred to depend upon the British system alone for the army of the future in India. Sir Beau- champ Walker expressed himself as opposed to any re- turn to the old state of things, when there was a distinct Indian army. Sir Edwin Johnson, referring to the treat- ment accorded to the old East India Company's army, protested against restoring that army either wholly or partially. Sir Hills Johnes protested against the short service system being applied to India. Captain Bullock said we wanted trained troops at home, and there was not a regiment up to its full strength. The Indian army ought not to depend upon getting trained soldiers from home. It would be better to have a short term for home service and allow men to register for foreign service, ten years in India to entitle to a pension. After remarks from Mr. Pringle, Colonel Galbraith, and Captain Browne, Lord Chelmsford said the isolation of the Indian army appeared to be very generally condemned, and it was impossible to separate that army from the military organisation of the Empire. No doubt there was a tendency to special considerations, but they must all admit that the well-being and requirements of the Indian army had not been considered hitherto. They were all deeply interested in the well-being and efficiency of the Indian army, and he hoped that the many excellent suggestions in the prize esray would be seriously considered.

THE GORDON BOYS' CAMP. I At Prince's Mall, Piccadilly, London, a meeting was held on Friday afternoon, under the presidency of the Lord Mayor, in support of a movement to establish a camp for destitute boys as a memorial to the late General Gordon. There were on the plat- form Lord Mark Kerr, General Dunn, Cardinal Manning, Colonel Moncrieff, the Provost of Eton, Baron F. de Rothschild, General the Hon. W. Field- ing, the Dean of Westminster, the Hon. Maud Stanley, Lord Napier of Magdala, Lord and Lady Muncaster, the Earl of Shaftesbury, Sir Rutherford Alcock, Sir Hardinge Giffard, Q.C., M.P., and many ladies. The chairman having stated the object of the meeting, General Higginson made a statement as to the origin .9 and scope of the scheme, and stated that it had re- ceived support from all parts of the country, and from all classes. The Dean of Westminster proposed, That this meeting is of opinion that the name of General Gordon should be associated with some great national work of philanthropy and usefulness in this country." He said that the object of the meeting was to set on foot a national memorial.—Mr. Thomas Hughes, Q.C., seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. Lord Napier of Magdala observed that the great merit of the boys' camp would be that it would take boys from all the chari- table institutions of the country at an age when those charities did not require to keep them, and would fit them either for the army or as useful and industrious citizens. Earl Shaftesbury proposed That, as a fitting memorial, a camp be established fo:" receiving and training destitute boys of the age of fourteen years and upwards." The resolution having been seconded, was carried, as were also the following That the training of the boys in this camp should be in accordance with the well-known principles of Gordon's life, and be specially directed towards fitting them for service in the army That in order to make this undertaking national, steps be taken to bring the subject to the notice of all classes in the country, and to invite the co-operation of public bodies, colleges, schools, and associations of all kinds in providing the funds necessary for the establish- ment and maintenance of the proposed institution and That the existing committee of the Gordon Boys' Camp be empowered to continue their efforts to promote the object brought before this meeting."

INFLATED CONSTABLES, The New YorTc Times informs its readers that a prominent chemist has made a suggestion which promises to add greatly to the efficiency of the police force. He proposes to supply the men with india- rubber waistcoats filled with hydrogen gas. A police- man thus equipped would, to a certain extent, triumph over the law of gravity. Lighted of a por- tion of his weight he would be able to run with amazing swiftness, his mode of progressing being a series of bounds many yards in length. No runaway criminal could possibly escape an officer thus equipped, while the work of a policeman on his beat would be so easy that he would not be obliged to take frequent rests against lamp-posts or in the corners of doorways. In case of fire a vigorous leap would take him to a balcony on the first floor, and he could thus enter and alarm the inmates without difficulty; while the aspect of a body of police advancing to the charge of a mob with mighty bounds would be so ter- rible that even the most desperate would not venture to face it. It is true that the appearance of a police- man so equipped might at first detract somewhat from the respect with which the officers of the law should impress the population at large, for he would strongly resemble a pouter pigeon on a large scale; but this would be got over when the public became accustomed to the novelty, and the advantages of the invention are so great that this slight drawback will hardly weigh with the authorities. hardly weigh with the authorities.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. In the ROUSE OF LoRDS, June 15. Lord Cranbrook, in moving the adjournment until Friday next, intimated that the Marquis of Salisbury would then make a state- ment to the House. THE MINISTERIAL CRISIS. In the ROUSE OF COMMONS, Mr. Gladstone said: Mr. Speaker, I have received authentic information that Lord Salisbury has undertaken tha formation of a Government, and I have likewise received an expression cf a desire, to which I am sure the House will be as ready to conform as I am, that the House should, at its rising, adjourn until Friday next. That, accord- ingly, it is my intention to move, and I believe it will be quite conformable to precedent as it is to the reason of the case in this necessarily early stage of the arrangements. That being so, we have before us the question whether it is desirable to pro- ceed with the Lords' Amendments to the Redistribu- tion of Seats Bll, a matter on which, as I have said before, I am in the hands of the House. But my opinion is that, upon the whole, it would be for the public interest and for the satisfaction of all parties that we should proceed to complete the measure. (Hear, hear.) There is another arrangement of less magnitude, but which touches matters of feeling in relation to Royalty, of such a nature as leads me to mention it with a view of suggesting that another exception may be taken to the usual practice. The House several weeks ago determined by a very large majority on the introduction of the usual Annuity Bill for the marriage ef her Royal Highness the Princess Beatrice. That Annuity Bill has reached its second reading, and although it is true that a limited opposition was made to it on the first stage, that opposition has not been continued on the subset quent stages, in which the House has given the measure its unanimous assent. As there are practical arrange- ments connected with the passing of that measure, and, as it touches the relations of the House towards the Throne, and the loyal feelings of the House, my opinion is that it would be the feeling and general disposition of the House to approve my course if I should this evening move the third reading of that bill. There is another portion of the arrangement to which my sug- gestion does not extend. (Radical cheers.) The custom has always been, besides the annuity to propose a grant of a capital sum; but, in the present instanae, which is precisely based upon former prece- ¡ dents, owing to the course of business, the first step has not been taken in procuring the voting of that capital sum. In my own mind I have no doubt that that capital sum will be voted with the same loyal readiness as was the annuity; but the House has come to no decision upon it. The House has not yet become a party to it. The proposal itself is a responsible act, aud I think it is better that in dealing with a responsible act, however sure we may be of the decision of the House, we should reserve it to the House to be dealt with in the I usual manner, upon the proposal of a responsible Government, therefore, I do not intend, so far as I am concerned, to take any step with regard to the pro- posal. But with respect to the second reading of the Annuity Bill, I think the House will be inclined unani- mously, as it has upon the later stages of the bill, to the opinion "Tnat, under the circumstances, it is just to make that another exception to the usual method of proceeding, by allowing it to go forward to the House of Lords by reading it a third time to-night. Sir, I beg to move that the House at its rising do adjourn to Friday. Sir S. Northcote: I suppose we may infer, from the speech of the right hon. gentleman, that he proposes taking the first and fifth orders of the day, and that after the first order he will move the adjournment of the House. If so, I think that would be a convenient arrangement. Mr. Gladstone: Yea. Mr. J. Collings: May I aak whether it would b8 possible to make a further exception in a matter re- garding which very great interest is felt throughout the country, and to allow the introduction of a bill for the abolition of disqualification on account of the receipt of medical relief. (Radical cheers.) I am sure that that exception would be received with a great deal of gratification throughout the country. I do not know to what extent the bill will be opposed on either side of the House, but it will be simply carrying out an act of justice in preventing the disqualification of a large number of the new voters. Mr. Gladstone: I certainly should say that I don't, see how such an exception could be made. (Hear hear). That measure would be included in the cate- gory of general legislation, with which the House is • not now disposed to deal. Of course, it is perfectly competent for my hon. friend to propose it, and for the House to pronounce upon it; but that would be break- ing through the important rule from which only very special grounds have led me to ask for two excep- tions. Mr. Labouchere As I opposed the first stage of the Princess Beatrice Annuity Bill and was defeated, I do not propose to oppose the subsequent stages. But tkere is another question which I wish to put. We have recently seen authoritative newspaper statements that there is some species of negotiation going on between the leaders of the present Opposition and her Majesty's Government, and that her Majesty's Govern- ment are about to give certain assurances to the Con- servative party, that should they take office they would not oppose them. (" Oh, oh.") In the Standard it is stated that they must do this as patriots, because Ministers have brought the country into such a deplor- able state that they ought to be thankful to any one who gets the country out of that state. In the Times" it is stated that Ministers ought to take this course, that they intend to take it, and that without their taking this course the present Opposi- tion will not take office, because the Ministry them- selves have committed a species of suicide. I think it is desirable that this suggestion should be put at rest at once. We know perfectly well the hon. and right hon. gentlemen opposite during the present Ses- sion, and especially on Monday, have done their best in order to turn out her Majesty's advisers. They were warned beforehand that if they did so they would have to accept office. Under those circumstances I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether there is any truth in these statements, and whether anything beyond that aid will be afforded to the leaders of the Conservative Party to carry on the Government which the Conserva- tive Party have afforded to her Majesty's present ad- visers during the present Session. It would set at rest a very strong feeling which is felt in the country, if the right hon. gentleman could give some sort of assurance that these statements, however authoritative they may appear, have no sort of foundation. Mr. Gladstone: With regard to what has fallen from my hon. friend all that I can say, and that I need say, is that I am not conscious of any such communi- cations as he has referred to. I can commit nobody, I can promise nothing, I can refuse nothing. I simply say I have absolutely no knowledge of such communi- cation. Sir, I am afraid I have led myself into a diffi- culty as regards the matter of form, and it may be requisite to take a different course with regard to the adjournment. Substantially, the meaning is that no opportunity shall be given by the making of a House for business before Friday. But we are now going to consider and perhaps dispose of the Lords' amend- ments. They will be referred in the shape in which they will at once receive the assent of the House of Lords. I deem it probable that the Lords will deal with them either this day or to-morrow, and, at any rate, the bill will be in a condition to receive the Royal Assent before Friday. Lord R. Grosvenor interposed, and informed the right hon. gentleman that the House of Lords had adjourned. Mr. Gladstone: I have just received intelligenee that the Lords have adjourned till Friday. (A laugh.) That cuts short my discourse, and therefore I adhere to my original motion. The Speaker: Does the right hon. gentleman propose Friday ? Mr. Gladstone: Yes, sir. The motion was then put and agreed to. THE SEATS BILL. On the proposal being made that the House consider the Lords' Amendments to the Seats Bill, Sir H. Wolff moved the adjournment of the debate, pointing out that the Lords had introduced certain new clauses accelerating the period of the registration, appointing additional revising barristers, &c., which would impose a change on the people, and insisting that these questions ought not to-be discussed in the absence of a responsible Government. Sir C. Dilke replied that these new clauses had been inserted at the instance of Lord Salisbury with the view of obviating the inconvenience which it had been shown to him would occur from prolonged delay; and the Government, which had intended to bring them in as a separate bill, had acquiesced in this mode of dealing with the matter. Sir S. Northcote confirmed this, but Mr. Gorst argued that there was no necessity for haste in the matter. The Attorney-General, on the other hand, assured the House that there was no time to lose, and that much inconvenience had already arisen. Lord R. Churchill, arguing in favour of delay, main- tained that the Government were responsible for any inconvenience which might arise, inasmuch as they had prepared the defeat which had led to the present emergency; but was stopped by the Speaker, who ruled that this line of argument was oirt of order. Mr. Gladstone pointed out that an adjournment to Friday would be of no use, as it must be a fortnight before a responsible Government could take tl lead of business; but, while sympathizing with sow, of the objections taken, he pointed out that similar circum- stances could never occur again, and there was no danger in creating a precedent. Sir M. Hicks-Beach maintained that in the difficult position in which the House was placed it should not be asked to take any contentious point; and Sir W. Har- court, in replying, while admitting the difficulty of the position, remarked that it arose out of the dis- agreement of the Conservative leaders among them- selves. Mr. Cowen suggested that the new clauses should be postponed and dealt with in a separate bill, and this was supported by Mr. C. Lewis, Lord J. Manners, and others, and, after some further conversation, the House divided on the question of adjournment, which was negatived by 333 to 35. The House then considered the Lords' Amendments, which were all agreed to with the exception of the in- corporation of Jedburgh with the Border Burghs, which, on the motion of Mr. Trevelyan, was disagreed from; and another, changing th9 name of a division of Yorkshire from Spen Valley to Birstal, was also re- versed. THE ANNUITY BILL. The Princess Beatrice's Annuity Bill was read a third time, and Mr. Gladstone, in pursuance of his pledge at an earlier period of the evening, moved that the House do now adjourn. This was objected to by Mr. Collins on the ground that it would deprive him of the opporturity of introducing his bill abolishing dis- qualification for the receipt of medical relief, and after a long conversation, in the course of which the Treasury Bench disappeared en masse, the motion was negatived by 55 to 32. The Government Orders. were gone through and post- poned s6riatim," and after the first private member's bill, the Copyhold Enfranchisement Bill, had been com- mitted pro forma," Mr. T. Hill moved that the re- maining orders be postponed until Friday. This was carried on a division, after a long conversation, in which Mr. H. Fowler strongly protested against legislation in the middle of a Ministerial crisis, and Sir S. Northcote supported the motion Mrv Collins then brought in his bill, which was read a first time, and The House adjourned at ten minutes to ten o'clock, until Friday. ————

THE WHOLESALE ICE-CREAM POISONING. In connection with the extraordinary case of poisoning of some 20 or 30 persons in Lambeth last week, th3 officers of the Criminal Investigation De- partment, under the active supervision of Detective- Inspector Chamberlain, of the L division, have been busily engaged all the week in trying to throw some light upon the matter, but have been unable to do so. The Italian, Luigi Feretti, who resides in Back-hill, Holborn, a portion of the Italian colony in this dis- trict, has been seen, and he states that he has stood with his stall in Lambeth-walk and sold ice creams of his own manufacture for the last eight years. He dis- claims the presence of any poisonous ingredients in his ices. The ingredient used for colouring, which he purchased from a tradesman in the neighbourhood,was not an injurious article, otherwise, he states, some hundreds of persons, adults and children, must have been poisoned, he having been using the same lot of colouring stuff for the past fortnight. On Sunday he served some 300 persons with ice-creams before any complaint was made. Upon Monday morning he made the ice-cream with the same ingredients, when no complaints were made. Some of the persons who had purchased ice-cream from him the day previous, and had been treated for illness afterwards, had in- formed him that they had partaken before having the ice-cream of some sweets that had been purchased I: some barrows in the neighbourhood. This, he argues, might have been the cause of their illness. The Italians who sell ice-creams in the streets of London number nearly 800, and they state that this trade has been carried on now for some 20 years, and that this is the first occasion during that period when an accusation has been brought against the business. They account for the wholesale poisoning by the sup- position that the sufferers had partaken of injurious sweetmeats, or that while the ice was being made in the street, some evil-disposed person deposited poison in it, in the interest of rival tradesmen, who are said to chafe under the Italian competition. It appears that in consequence of the reports that have appeared in the press, the Italians now find it next to impos- sible to sell any of the ice creams in the street, and they complain of being much abused by persons call- ing out to them, Poison, poison The police have been asked to obtain some of the cheap sweets sold in the neighbourhood, and which it is alleged are far from pure, and highly coloured, with the view of their being analysed as well as the ice creams.

KEW GARDENS. Kew Gardens, comprising in the general term the Botanic Gardens, Arboretum, and Pleasure Grounds, Palace Grounds, and the Queen's Reserve, may be reckoned at about 300 acres in all. The Botanic Garden covers 69 acres, and the Arboretum and Plea- sure Grounds 178 acres. The remainder, though enclosed, is of great service to the public in various ways. There formerly stood on the site of the Botanic Gardens a residence known as Kew House, the property of a Mr. Bennett. In the year 1730 this house was rented by the Prince of Wales, father to George III., and by him the grounds were laid out for his own private enjoyment. After his death his widow, Augusta, made various improvements, employ- ing therein Sir W. Chambers, who subsequently pub- lished a handsome work containing plans, views, and descriptions. Many foreign trees were planted, and in various ways the foundations of a botanical collec- tion were laid by the Dowager Princess Augusta. The first proper curator was Mr. W. Aiton, a pupil of Miller, of Chelsea, the well-known author of the "Gardeners'Dictionary." In the year 1789 King George III. took up his residence in Kew Palace, the picturesque red-brick edifice that still remains within view from the mam entrance to the Roval Gardens. The Pagoda was erected in 1761 by Sir William Chambers, in imitation of a Chinese Taa. It is 160 feet high, and consists of ten octagonal storeys, the angles of the roofings of which were formerly decorated with dragons holding bells in their mouths. It was surrounded by cedars, planted at the date of its erection, and of which only five remain. The pagoda is not open to the public, and its only use is an adornment of the grounds. In this respect it is at least acceptable, and we should greatly regret were it to be removed. At the same time it is really an incongruity, and had it never been seen in this spot, would possibly by persons of taste never have been desired. Chinese pagodas are not temples as generally supposed, but memorials of events or personages, historical landmarks, and embodiments of ideas. They are usually built of brick, and covered with glazed tiles. The Chinese builders begin a work of this sort at the top and pro- ceed downwards, the foundations being provided last of all. The upper storeys are supported on temporary pillars, which are removed as the work proceeds. Bricks and tiles of all colours, with the exception of yellow, are employed as the fancy of the architect may direct. Yellow is used in royal palaces only, and any builder who may use it for any other pur- pose exposes himself to the risk of decapitation or strangling; to decorate with yellow is a capital crime. The several avenues that radiate from the pagoda have their points of interest for the gardener and botanist, and there are some good roads near by, in which will be found collec- tions of trees of the pear tribe, brambles, thorns, and planes, as also of the papilionaceous trees which pro- duce flowers and pods that bring them into relation- ship with peas and beans. The gardens were in some degree neglectlJd from the time of the death of George III., in 1820, until the year 1840, when public attention was directed to the state of the Eoyal property, and the grave question arose whether it should not be made subservient to the public interests, both as a school of botanical science and a resort for health and recreation. The late Dr. Lindley was appointed to inquire and report, and the result was a recommendation to the effect that those gardens should be made the head-quarters of a botanical study in aid of horticulture, medicine, agri- culture, and commerce. It should be understood that at this time the gardens were still a Royal pro- perty but their special capabilities being thus authoritatively declared, her Majesty Queen Victoria at once gave them up to the public service, reserving to herself, for private use, a small strip next the River Thames, and traceable by the boundary fence along the western half of the walk that connects the Lion Gate with the Isleworth Ferry. Within this track of woodland, where acres of blue-bells may be seen in the spring, is the Queen's Cottage, a pretty rustic toy that has not been (royally) occupied for many years. In the year 1841, Mr. Aiton, having had charge of the gardens for half-a- century, resigned his post to Sir W. J. Hooker, F.R.S., then Professor of Botanv in the University of Glasgow. Great improvements were then commenced and carried out, changing the face of the entire scene. In 1843 the Queen added to her former gift to the public another tract of pleasure ground; and in the year 1846 the Royal forcing gardens that skirted the Richmond-road were thrown into what we may call the botanical estate; and thus, step by step, the gardens have acquired their present features and dimensions. In the year 1865 Sir William Hooker died, and was succeeded as director by his son, Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, F.R.S., respecting whose scientific achievements and renown we need not speak, for are they not written at large in the book or •■he world ?-The Gardeners' Magazine.

FATAL FALL INTO THE THAMES MUD. On Saturday morning Mr. William Carter held an inquiry at St. Thomas's Hospital, London, into the circumstances attending the death of George Jack- man, aged 37 years, of 124, Trafalgar-street, Wal- worth-road, who was suffocated in the Thames mud on Thursday morning. The evidence of Alfred t ayne, living at 129, Down-street, Cornwall-road, and the widow, went to show that the deceased was in the employ of Mr. Butler, contractor, 86, Camberwell- road. At five o'clock on Thursday morning he left home and took charge of a horse and cart, the latter being loaded with rubbish. Deceased proceeded to Mr. Gabriel's wharf, Belvedere-road, where two barges were lying in the Canterbury dock. The de- ceased backed the cart to the edge of the dock and while in the act of removing the pm of the tailboard he was struck by the board and fell sideways pitch- ing ou to the gunwale of the barp. advance of 10ft on his head, and from thence fa g e mud face downwards. The witness Payne called for assist- ance, and by the aid of four men the deceased was pulled out. of the mud wtbinth^em'nntes, and con- veyed to St. Thomas's Hospital. Mr. Green, one of the house surgeons at St. Thomas s Hosp.ta1, said on Thursday morning, about eight o dock, hesaw the deceased in the casualty room, and found him to be quite dead. He bad not made a post-mortem exa- mination, but no doubt death was due to the fall and suffocation. The jury returned a verdict of Accw dental death."

THE AMERICAN WHEAT CROP. The report of the Department of Agriculture for the present month estimates the total wheat crop of the United States at 360 ^1'°" ^usbeIs- of which 207 million are wirier and 153 md ion spring wheat. Tho condition of the ^ter(T™1' t aQ before in June, the average being 62, as compared with 70 in Mar last. The average condition of the spring wheat is 97. The report states that the cotton area has increased between 5 and 6 per cent., the total area now exceeding 18 m acres. The plant is healtliv, and the growth nearly equal to the average, while the stand is good. The general average of crop is 92 which is higher than in June of the three pre- ceding years. There is aisounusual uniformity in the condition of the crop. The SJaw averages are as follows: Virginia, 98; N0rth Carolina, 93; South Carolina, 96; Georgia, 95. Florida 93; Alabama, 92 Mississippi, 91; Louisiana, 9o; Texas, 90 Ark- ansas 91 Tennessee, 85. The general condition of the rye crop is 83. The area;sown with barley is nearly the same as in 1884, the average condition being* 89. The average of oats has increased 4 ner wntT, while the average condition is 94. The condi- tion of the crop will be reported in July, but volun- tary returns already received indicate an increase in the area sown. v 1 »i i rnmm

GOSSIP UN UKEbS. NEVER did any new material score such universal success as the canvas introduced this season. Its favourable reception induced manufacturers to vary it in every conceivable way, both in texture and design, and now we have it in its perfected state in coarse and fine grounds, striped with moire, different shades of broad velvet, and narrow plush; in wool, in silk, and in cotton. Some of the fancy kinds have alternate stripes of plain and open-worked canvas as wide as 12in.; others, called racquet canvas," have the grounds meshed" in imitation of a racquet, or a miniature copy of a lawn tennis neu, while the cotton ones have lace effects in endless variety. These last are cool, and make up prettily with lace and ribbons. In addition to every sort of costume, we see canvas bonnets, hats, parasols, scarves, mantles, long cloaks, aprons, fichus, and light carriage rugs. The fancy canvas scarves, with heraldic devices in shining gold and different colours, or in lines of satin, adorn every other hat we meet with now in the streets. The most coquettish little bonnets are made out of them, with the ends twisted high up in the air; parasols have them tied in a large bow near the handle, and elderly ladies' morning caps are formed of one twisted into the usual shape, with the ends turned back from the front, and softened by lace deftly intro- duced THEN next in popularity come the printed delaines that revival of many years ago, with small quaint designs of flowers, varied by the larger and more modern designs and shades. These are greatly worn, and will be extremely popular for autumn country festivities. A great many were to be seen in the Row on Thursday, the 4th inst., that great show day of summer costumes and gay folk, between the Derby and the Oaks. These delaines can be simply made up for cool morning wear, or can be rendered dressy with lace, velvet, or ribbons, and worn at fetes, races, and smart morning entertainments. The ground of most of them is ecru or cream, and the bodices have gathered lace or velvet waistcoats, with cuffs and collar of velvet. ANOTHER revival is plain white muslin worn over colour-lemon, yellow, and mauve being the most popular. The high bodice and underskirt is of coloured batiste or silk, and the muslin dress goes over it, the bodice being close-fitting, with a gathered lace waistcoat. The skirt is either draped across the front, plaited down one side, and in fulness or long folds down the back; or it is in the simple style known to some people as the Peasant, which resem- bles the housemaid skirt, but has a fall of lace from Gin. to lOin. deep all round the edge, and rows of tucks or insertion of lace above. A wide sash finishes off the costume. This style is only adapted to quite young girls. w PRINTED muslins are being preparad for Ascot wear, and lovely some of them are, with endless yards of lace and coloured ribbon velvet. With these cos- tumes, bonnets of white horsehai", studded with small pearls, or gold or steel beads, trimmed with velvet strings, and an ambitious tuft of flowers, fruit, and grass in the centre of the front, are being prepared. Sometimes the bonnet is of the same muslin, with laca and velvet. A few of the new cottons have gold lines running through them but crepe cloth and zephyrs are the leading favourites. The milkmaid skirt is suitable for the striped flannels. The petticoat is plain, but of the striped fabric, and is usually gathered on to a gored top, fitting closely to the hips, while the overdress, consisting of skirt and bodice, is plain; the former faced with the stripe and turned up on one side almost to the waist. This overskirt is easiest described by saying that it should fall like an ordinary skirt to within a quarter of a yard (or less, according to individual fancy) of the underskirt, it is then turned up on the left side, showing the striped lining, as if carelessly tucked up, while a few stitches are Dut into the other side to make it set well and a little full. The stripes are perpendicular, both on skirt and tunic, but when turned up on the latter will look crossways. The bodice has a full front of the stripe, also cuffs and large collar, the rest of the bodice being of the plain material. PARASOLS are in endless variety, but lace ones seem to be the most general, especially in black, many being semi-transparent, or showing a foundation of gold or silver embroidery. Rows of velvet, about an inch and a half, are placed between frills or insertions of lace, some being down the parasol and others round it. Three bows of poppy velvet on black lace. or moss- green on cream lace parasols, are fashionable-one at the ferule, a second inside the parasol, at the top, and a third at the handle. Striped satin and chine flowered moire is a fashionable combination, with a handle bow of all the colours; also gilded fancy etamine and drawn net, in red, ecru, black, or brown. PARASOLS made of two large handkerchiefs are to be seen, sometimes with the owner's monogram in one corner. They look uncommon, as the two handker- chiefs are laid over each other, and so fitted in that the corners of the upper one project between those of the lower. The beautiful Bulgarian embroidery on white Turkish crepe appears as parasol covers at Hurlingham and other resorts of smart people. Pink coral handles are again a lamode, also jewelled handles. Vienna leather is used for handles, and resembles old ivory. The colours of noted racing men have adorned the parasols of several fair admirers of the turf this season, and they are arranged at the top of the cover in several pretty ways. The handles of most of the new parasols have been lengthened on account of not interfering with the startling displays of fruit and flowers now crowding the very high bonnets. THE growing height of hats and bonnets is indeed somewhat startling, although the eye soon gets accustomed to it, and already begins to consider the low ones dowdy, and even unbecoming. To many faces, the high crowned hats are decidedly becoming, and give a smart appearance, but the bonnets are more trying. One's eyes involuntarily go up, and rest in surprise at a cluster of life-sized fruit, pecker at by a bird, perched on the summit of what looks like a bent basket, turned upside down or when, from a cluster of currants, some aggressive poppies start up in bold array, or a gladiola (of all flowers) stands up in stiff defiance from a base of leaves which do not belong it. However, some modifica- tions of what is termed the height of the fashion are very pretty, and the variety is so great that everyone can please and suit themselves. r THE Liberty tennis and boating hats, with a. soft silk kerchief or a canvas scarf twisted loosely rouiidj O%e the last eccentricity in fashion. They come from Japan, and are similar to those worn by the natives in hot weather-of dried rush, loosely plaited, light, and about the size of a small round table. Dust cloaks are a great feature nowadays, and so are travelling cloaks. For the former cream silkbroche canvas, profusely trimmed with lace to match, either a high stiff collar or a full ruche, are the most general. Thin woollen canvas, faced with coloured silk or velvet, are also worn. Sleeveless jetted black lace jackets are most popular. They are tight-fitting, and have a fall of lace round the hips. They are worn over all sorts of dresses, and are to be seen in theatres at night or at small entertainments, as well as at afterncon parties. Many young ladies make for themselves and wear a length of lace insertion about eight to twelve inches wide, gathered up into a ruche round their throats, fastening in front, with the plain long ends tucked into their waistbands at the side, and falling down almost to the edge of their skirts. It is an imitation of the long fur boas recently so fashionable. Lace scarves are also tied in a very large bow after being passed round the neck, spread out, and fastened across the bust, with the ends tucked into the waistband or bodice. THERE is a fashion in carriage rugs, as in every- thing else, and the English copies of a Moorish design, in red and blue cotton, are very popular. A new summer Victoria rug has been reproduced from a curtain brought from Tangiers (by Messrs. Lewis and Allenby), and is in a red ground, with quaint zigzag border in navy blue, and vice versa. It looks bright and pretty over the knees of gaily-dressed people driving to suburban places of resort. Light- coloured holland rugs have now a very large, elongated monogram worked in gold Japanese twist or braid in one corner. Some small screens for standing before fireless grates are extremely ornamental, and quite novelties. They are in ruby or olive English plush, with plates of embossed brass, one in the centre of the panel and four smaller ones at the corners. There are two, or three panels standing on small castors, with brass handles at the top to lift them by. Another fashi n of the day is to present to any favoured friend a silver paper knife and page clip in one, with a likeness of the giver cut into and forming the handle, the head being the top. The name of the recipient and the date, or the words From yours truly and the initials of the sender, are engraved down the middle of the paper knife, which forms the clip. A case containing a miniature knife and fork, with ivory handle, such as one would give a very small child, is another pretty present, the fork con- taining a pencil awl the knife a pen.

An impatient Welshman called to his wife, Come, come, isn't breakfast ready ? I've had nothing since yesterday, and to-morrow will be the third day! This is equal to the stirring housewife, who aroused her maid at four o'clock with Come, Bridget, get up! Here, 'tis Monday morning, to-morrow is Tues- day, the next day's Wednesday--half the week gone and nothing done yet! Some Northern people imagine that the Southern African is as full of personal pride as one of Feni- more Cooper's Indians. Uncle Mose, of Austin, is not one of that kind. I'se gwinter quit. I has to look up anodder place," he said to his employer, John Ingle, a wealthy merchant. "What's the matter with you, Uncle Mose?" "De bizness manager, Mr. White, has not kicked me in de las' two mumfs. Not once has he lifted his foo' ag'in' me." I ordered him not to kick you again. I don't allow anything of that kind in this establishment. I intend nobody shall hurt your feelings, Uncle Mose." Ef I don't get no kicks I'se gwinter quit." Are you crazy ? Do you want to be kicked and cuffed about?" "Yes, sah, I does. Ebery time de bizness manager kicked me or cuffed my ears when he was mad, he got ashamed of hisself afterward, and gub me a quarter. I'se done lost enough money already, wid dis hoah foolishness about hurtin' my feelings."

LAUNUM Uif lilii W. The launch of this fine vessel from the yard of the ¡ Thames Ironworks was accomplished on Monday with great success. The ship is one of the largest of the Admiral class, which consists of six twin screw armour-plated battle ships. Her length is oi»0ft.; breadth, 68ft. 6in.; depth, 37ft. Her displacement is 10,016 tons; and her engines, made by Maudsley's, working with natural draft, will be capable of indi- cating 7500 horse power, and 9500 horse power with forced draft. Her armament will consist of two 110- ton gcins, twelve six-pounder quick-firing guns; ten six-inch breech-loading guns ten four-barrel one-inca machine guns, and four five-barrelled 0.45-inch guns. The day was fine and bright, and the large works of the company were gay with ilags and an immense concourse of people, the greatest interest being felt in the launching of this gigantic vessel, as the only one of her class built by a private firm, all the others, the Collingwood, Camperdown, Rodney. Howe, and Anson being the work of the National dock- yards. The hull is of very handsome form, and of capacious midship section, and the work- manship is of excellent quality. The launch was announced for two o'clock, but a great deal of time was occupied in clearing away one of the shores supporting the middle body, and which was not accomplished until three o'clock, when the dog- shores were knocked away, and the huge hull, 5000 tons in actual weight, started off on the launch-ways at a very quick speed, the vessel taking to the water in grand style, and floating majestically upon it. The Thames was crowded with vessels of all dimensions, and the scene was most animated. The blue silk cord which held the wine bottle was cut by a hand- some silver ornamented hatchet by Mrs. Gladstone, who performed the act of christening very aptly. She was accompanied by her sons, Mr. Herbert Gladstone and Mr. W. H. Gladstone. Mr. Hills, the chairman of the Company was a prominent figure on the plat- form, and amongst the numerous viSitors present were Lord Northbrook, Lord Alcester, Admiral Sir John Hay, Admiral Brandeth, and Sir Frederick Bramwell. After the launch about 300 guests par- took of dejeuner in the mould loft, which was elegantly decorated with variously-coloured buntings for the occasion. In the evening the Benbow was taken down the river and moored alongside the shears in the Victoria Docks for taking in her encines.

CONFERENCE OF HEAD MISTRESSES. Sixty head mistresses of high and intermediate schools, representing upwards of 12,000 pupils, re- assembled at the Grey Coat Hospital, Westminster, on Friday and Saturday last, on che occasion of the annual Conference of the Association of Head Mistresses of Endowed and Proprietary Schools. Among the subjects discussed were the proposed scheme for the training of teachers at Cambridge, which met with general approval, and some points specially relating to girls in the scheme which has been issued by the Charity Commissioners for the reor- ganisation of Christ's Hospital. Interesting discus- sions took place on the system of teaching drawing adopted in the schools of the Girls' Public Day School Company, and on the disadvantages of sending girls abroad for the purpose of learning foreign languages before they have finished their English school course, when intended to become teachers. On Saturday afternoon a large number of assistant mistresses attended by invitation, when Miss Day, head mistress of the Grey Coat Hospital, read an interesting account of that old foundation, and Miss Jones, of Notting- hill High School, a paper on The teaching of foreign languages." Miss Hadland, of Milton Mount Col- lege, gave a brief account of the Teachers' Guild." On Friday evening a conversazione was held, which was attended by many ladies and gentlemen dis- tinguished in the educational world. The conference will be held next year at Oxford.

A LETTER FROM THE MAHDI. News from Cairo, dated June 15, says: A letter has been received here from the Mahdi in answer ) to the communication which Lord Wolseley addressed to him offering to exchange the relations of the Mus- sulman leader, who are now imprisoned at Wady Haifa, for the Europeans whom the Mahdi captured and has since held in durance. The Mahdi addresses Lord Wolseley in the following manner: I advise you, and your Staff, and your troops to become Mussulmen, and to abandon your expedition, else you must meet the fate of Hicks and of Gordon. The Europeans who have become Mussulmen are happy, I love them more than I do my brothers. I will never exchange, even if you cut me in pieces." The Mahdi encloses in his letter another letter bearing the signatures of ninety-six Europeans and European Mahommedans, stating that they are perfectly happy. Among the signatures figure the names of Lupton I Bey and Slaten Bey. It is believed that the Mahdi himself dictated the letter, which arrived at Dongola yesterdav. Its contents were wired here. The mes- senger who brought the letter states that the Mahdi is still at Omdurman.

A RUSSIAN SQUADRON THREATEN" ING A BRITISH SQUADRON. Advices received at Plymouth on Monday from Yokohama state that when the mail left great excite- ment prevailed there in consequence of the action of Admiral Crowan, commander of the Russian Squadron in Japanese waters, on May 9th. As three ships of the British-China Squadron—the Agamemnon, Sap- phire, and Swift-were entering the port Admiral Crowan ordered to beat to quarters to bring his guns to bear and have torpedoes in readiness for an engage- ment. There was no collision, but the sensation produced induced the senior captain of the English Squadron to demand an explanation. It was then stated that the Russian admiral suspected that from i the persistency with which his squadron had been followed sinister intentions were entertained. The facts have been communicated in detail to the Home Government.

A DEFORMITY ARTIST. James Ward, elderly man, was charged with begging from foot passengers in High-street, High- gate, London. Detective-sergeant Craggs stated that at half-past ten on Wednesday morning he was at the corner of Junction-road, Holloway, when the prisoner passed him. He followed him up Higbgate-hill to St. Joseph's Retreat, and watched him run up the steps, go behind the wall and there stick one of his shoulders up, so as to make him appear deformed, and put a stick down the leg of his trousers, which gave him the appearance of being paralysed. He was able to raise his shoulder on a level with the top of his head. Having arranged his appearance to his satisfaction, he went to the Monastery doors and asked for alms, but nothing was given to him. Witness followed him from thence to the High-street, and saw him go up to four persons and ask for money. One lady gave a coin, but he did not see what it was. Witness then took him into custody. He was a strong, healthy man, but when his make up was complete he looked a most pitiable figure. He bad four coats on when taken into custody, three of which were very good ones, and the outside one a very ragged garment. He had several times been con- victed for similar offences. On a previous occasion when taken into custody he assaulted the police officer with the stick he used to stiffen his leg with. Prisoner said he had no question to ask, and he had nothing to say in answer to the charge. The Bench sentenced the prisoner to one month's hard labour as a rogue and vagabond.

DESPERATE SUICIDE BY A GLASGOW MERCHANT. On Monday evening an exciting scene was wit- nessed at the Junction-road Station, on the South Tottenham branch of the Midland Railway, when a very respectably-dressed man in a most determined and desperate manner committed suicido, by throwing himself under a train. It appears that about five o'clock, whilst a number of persons were waiting upon the platform of the Junction-road Railway Station for a train to arrive, they noticed a gentle- man walking up and down the platform rather hurriedly, and appearing to be rather excited, and when the train was signalled to come into the station, the station-master told the gentleman of it, and when the train was entering the station the gentleman, instead of standing clear of the edge of the platform, was seen to place his hands together and to deliberately throw himself on to the rails just before the engine, just as if he was diving into a pond of water, to the horror of those persons standing on the platform, and it was thought that he must be instantly killed. The engine driver, who also saw the movements of the gentleman, at once did all he could to bring the train to a stand- still, but without avail, for the gentleman was knocked down by the engine, and the train passed over him. The railway officials and others quickly went to the spot where the suicide was lying, expecting to find that he was dead, and were surprised to find that he was not. so but an examination soon showed that he had received most severe and horrible injuries, for both his legs had been severely crushed, and were merely hanging by the skin, whilst one of the arms was also badly crushed, besides which there were injuries to the head. A medical man was quickly in attendance, and by his orders they removed the un- fortunate man without delay to the Royal Free Hos- pital, Gray's Inn-road. After a consultation, it was decided that it would be necessary to amputate both legs and one of the arms, and this was done in a most successful manner. The unfortunate man while on his way to the hospital informed those in charge of him that his name was William M'Laren, of the firm of M'Laren, Crump, and Co., merchan s, of Glasgow. Ho succumbed soon after eight oc oc death being due to shock and exhaustion, o the severe injuries that he had clothing of the deceased being ^arch.d Bome docu- ments, including two to London, and addressed to Mr. W._ M Laren, were found, and had reference to business transac- tions in the wine trade.

Just imagine the feelings of the man who, the firs4 day out, comes face to face, on the deck of a Eurc nean steamer, with the creditor whom he has success- fully dodged for the past nine months.

glisalUttttflus |itlillrgcncfi HOME- FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL, PAPER FBOM SEAWEED.—A Japanese inventor has discovered a means of making paper from seaweed. It is thick in texture, and from its transparency can be substituted for glass in windows, and when coloured makes an excellent imitation of stained glass. COEN AvE RA&ES.—The following are the average prices of British corn for last week, as received from the inspectors and officers of Excise: Wheat, 33s. 8d.; barley, 30s. 2d.; oats, 22s. Id. per imperial qr. Corre- sponding week last year: Wheat, 37s. 4d.; barley, 28s. 3d.; oats, 21s. 5d. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.—At a meeting of this society, held on Saturday, Lord Aveland, vice-presi- dent, in the chair, the following candidates were balloted for and elected Fellows: Mrs. W. F. Ball, Mrs. Brodie, Mrs. Byas, Mrs. Curwen, Mr. Philip Phillips, F.Z.S., Miss E. W. Rotch, and Mrs. R. Holmes White. POISONING BY A CARPET.-Such an event is a rare occurrence, yet a .New York lady recently had an un- pleasant experience of this kind. She bought a green carpet, and whilst making it to fit the room was seized with most violent illness, declared at once by the doctor to be severe metallic poisoning. The carpet has been sent to a Government chemist for analysation. A NEW ALPINE FORT.-The French Government, acting upon the repeated and strong representations of their military counsellors, have determined to erect a new fort upon the Alpine frontier. It will be to the south-east of St. Michel de Maurienne, and will be built on the well-known telegraph mountain, which is about 5370ft. above the level of the sea, and will completely command the Val des Valloires. The work will be taken in hand at once, and a vote of 1,000,000 francs has been taken for the first expenses. INTERNATIONAL INTENTIONS EXHIBITION.—AMONG the recent additions to the historic loan collection is Queen Elizabeth's lute (lent by Lord Tollemache of Helmingham), which was left by the Queen in 1584 at Helmingham Hall, Suffolk, where it has been preserved until the present day. The lute is in an exceptionally fine condition, and bears the maker's name, Joannes Rosa Londini fecit. In Bridewell, the 27th of July, 1580." The number of visitors to this exhibition for the week ending June 13th was 140,909- Total since the opening, 785,216. A NOVEL POSTAL AGENT.—Last autumn a bookseller named Meyer, of Ronneburg, tied a water-proof label under the wing of a swallow which had occupied a nest at his house, and had become comparatively familiar. On it he wrote a query in German, to the effect that he wished to know where the swallow would pass the winter. The bird returned to its former nest bearing an exchange label similarly fastened saying, in German also, in Florence, at Castellari's house, and I bear many salutations." LAST WEEK'S WRECKS.—Eleven British vessels (in- cluding two steamers with a total tonaage of 3653 tons) were reported as actual shipwrecks last week, the foreign vessels numbering thirteen. Six British and a small foreign vessel sank off the British Isles, including two (British) by collision. An American sailer sank by collision off Japan two British vessels abandoned at sea. Four (two British) reported with all hands. Total wrecks for year 518. LONGEVITY OF PROFESSORS.—Among the professors at German universities there are at the present time no fewer than 157 who are between the ages of 70 and 90, of whom 122 still deliver lectures, seven of these being between 85 and 89 years of age. The oldest is Von Ranke, now in his 90th year. Eleunich, of Bresla, is only 39 days younger, and still shows energy in any- thing he puts his hands to. GENERAL GRANT.-The condition of General Grant is unchanged, excepting that of late he complains of sleeplessness-chiefly caused by the mental strain re- sulting from several hours' daily labour upon his book. This work is finished, save that the final proofs have still to be corrected. His family is arranging for the sending of his gifts and relics to Washington, and the Secretary for War has sent an officer to New York to receive then:. KOMAROFF'S SWoRD.-The sword of honour which the Emperor of Russia has presented to General Kcmaroif is described as being a magnificent weapon. Its shape is that of an old French sword: the blade is made of Damascene steel; the scabbard as well as the hilt is of gold; between the chased ornaments on both sides of the scabbard there are rows of jewels, and at the upper end of the sword there are clusters of six or seven large diamonds. At the lower part of the scabbard are engraved the words," For valour," also surrounded by precious stones. Further ornaments in the shape of roses formed of jewels are set in different places. VICTOR HUGO.—The following is an anecdote of Victor Hugo, as told by his secretary, M. Lesclide: A chiiritable lady, Madame Paul Meurice, used, during the siege of Paris, to distribnte the poet's alms, besides many gifts of her own, to the necessitous during that trying time. She came one day to tell Victor Hugo of a poor woman whom she had found in the mogt wretched state of destitution, and im- mediately received from him a hundred francs for the alleviation of her needy protegee. A hundred francs, even with siege prices, could be made by care to go a long way, and the poet was accordingly somewhat sur- prised when next day Madame Meurice told him that Louise was as badly off as ever." What about the handred francs of yesterday?" "Ah, the hundred francs. She has given them away to poor mothers, to little children starving of hunger and cold." Good here is another hundred francs upon the express condi- tion she keeps them for herself." Is it only on this condition he gives them ?" said Louise on hearing this message. "Exactly." "Then you may take them back. Thank Victor Hugo for his good intentions, for which I am "grateful." Mdme. Meurice was embar- rassed. She dared not take the money back to Victor Hugo, and so handed it unconditionally to the ob- stinate Louise." The obstinate Louise was no other than Louise Michel. .PUBLIC RECORDS.—Ths 45th annual report of thu Deputy Keeper of the Public Records, drawn up under the direction of the Master of the Rolls, and presented to Parliament, contains a mass of curious information as to the proceedings in the Public Record Office for the year 1883. Among other things an account is given of the progress made during the year in making lac- similes of national manuscripts and other documents by the process of photozincography, and with the calendars. The volumes of calendars published in 1883 were the seventh volume of the Calendar of Letters and Papers, foreign and domestic, of the reign of Henry VIII., for the year 1534; the 10th volume of the Calendar of Domestic State Papers during the Common- wealth, the fifth volume of the Calendar of Treasury Papers, and the second part of the fourth volume of the Calendar of Letters, Despatches, and State Papers re- lating to the negotiations between England and Spain, including the years 1531-3. Six additional volumes of the series of Chronicles and Memorials of Great Britain and Ireland during the Middle Ages were published during the year. The researches made in foreign docu- ments and the investigation of the Canadian archives are also referred to, as well as the amount of business jdone in the Search Offiee, and other matters. AN EXPLORER'S TRAVELS.—An Indian explorer, in the employ of the Indian survey, has returned from four years' journey in Thibet, during which he spent a year in Lhasa, the capital of Thibet, and the Rome of Buddhism. Before this traveller only four Europeans in this century have visited Lhasa. Hue and Gabet, the French missionaries, were driven from the city forty years ago, after living there a few months: Moorcroft was killed after he left the city, and another traveller was permitted to remain there only a few days. He says the city is crowded with temples, and has its Vatican in the monastery at Patola, where the Dalai Lama lives, who is regarded as the incarnation of Buddha. The building is surmounted by five gilded cupolas, which, when sparkling in the sunlight, present a dazzling spectacle. It contains numerous images, one of which is 70 feet high. During the festivals in the middle of February the Thibetans gather at Lhasa from all over the country to pay homage to all the gods and goddesses who are supposed to be present. These eeremonies last about a month, at the end of which all the citizens are considered to have become purified for another year.

TOE MARKETS. MABK LANE. A very quiet tone has characterised the yrain trade at Mark-lane. The Satisfactory accounts respecting the growing crops check business. Fresh supplies of English produce were short, and of foreufn moderate. The demand for liome-grown wheat was inactive, and prices were about 6d lower. Foreign wheat was in very slow demand, and could only be saleable at some reduction, say 6d per quarter, but there was nothing doing. Flour was dull, and country and ft rign sorts were all easier to sell. The barley trade was inactive. Grinding produce ruled in buyers' favour. Oats were a dull sale. and were weaki. n value. :Niaize was more or less depressed, but eau hardly bo quoted lower. Beans and peas wei-e about 6d to ls lower on the week lentils unaltered. Liuseed steady from scarcity. Cakes unaltered. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET. The totalimports of foreign stock into London last week amounted to 15,629 head. In the corresponding period last year we received 24,u07j in 1883, 20,52a in 18S2. 20,003; in 1831, 16,733 in 1830, 21,87\J; in 1879, 21,38t; in 187&. 21,424; in 1877, 12,822. At Liverpool there were received 315 beasts from Bil inioie, 514 beasts from Boston, and 658 beasts from Montreal; and at Southampton 20 beasts from Jersey and Guernsey. 386 beasts from Montreal, and 60 beasts from Oporto. The cattle tride has remained quiet, with no particular feature. The tendency has been rather stronger, but not much animation has been observed. As regards beasts, the receipts from our grazing districts were small. Business progressed slowly, but prices tended ag-ainst the buyer Tile best Scots and crosses made [is to 6s 2d per 81bs. Foreign beasts were not in large supply, and with a quiet demaud prices were steady. With reference to sheep a fair number was penned. The trade was quiet, at alio )t l&te rates. Che best small Downs and hnlf-breds made 5s lOd to 6s, and 12st sheep 5s 2d to 5s 4d per 81b. Lambs were quoted at 6s to 7s per HID. Calves and pus i-oid at late prices. Coarse ana inferior bea-t-, 4s to 4s 6d; second qaahty ditto, 4s 6d to 4s Sd: prune I arse oxen, 4s 1 Oil to 5s Od, » &c„ 5s to 5s 2d coarse and inferior sheej^4s lOd to>^5s .id, seconds, 5s 4d to 5s Ml; prime g iambe to 5s 10d; prime South iown ditto,^ 5s 10d to 6s lambs, 6s Od to 7s; 1 G C,"a.r'^rhogs, 3s 6d to 4s and neat smaU ditto 4s0d to.^s lMg^h g-gib to QffaL small porkers, £ 4* 27:0. sheep and lambs> ■10 880 ^calves !»);' milch 40. Foreign: Beasts, 1270 'shoep and lambs, 20; calves, 30 From the Midland and Ho»e Counties wc received >0 beasts from Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, 600 b asts from Scotland, 150 beasts A t 7?™ r-Trid lOObensts. and fro METROPOLITAN MEAT MARKET. A moderate supply was On or. There was a very limited demand, the trade being very slow. Inferior beef, 2s 8d to oS 4d nrclaims ditto, 3s 4d to 4s Od prime large ditto. 4s Od to iB 4a; prima sm ,11 ditto, 4s 2d to Ve^U 1° > inferior mutton, 3s to 3s Sd middling djtto, 4;^ to --s prime ditto, 5s Od to 5s lOd; iarge pork, LS to -s -id; small ditto,;3s 4d to 3s lOd; lamb, 6s to 6s Sd per Sib by the, oarcase. FISH. rncea ô.)1(.s, Is 3d to 2s per pair ditto slips, Ed toga per ib; CJ.1, V/. mo per score; crimped ditto, 6s to 12s each lob-tcrs 0s <>d to 35s per dozen; crabs, 16s to 36s p r -'•'ore mackerel, ls to's 9d p r dozen salmon. 1 s to Is 41 per lb; turbots, 6s to 10s each; whitings (hooked). 12, to 00s per score; skinners, 6d to Is 6d per dozen: phice. 10s i 2,; per pad grisle, 9^d to 10id per lb brIll, s 6:1 to "s eloh; mullets, 10s to 158 per dozen oysters Gd to Is td per dozen; and trout, 9d to Is per lb. POTATO. There wis a moderate supply of r-ld potatoes, but good of new on s ile. Thetra le was steady, as follows :—Jersey kidneys, :2 to lis V.erbourg round, 7s to 8sj Lisbo* j die o, 7s t" 8s; and X • i ditto, 7s to Ss per cwb