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POVERTY CORNER.
POVERTY CORNER. <"A LITTLE WCRLD.") A CITY SUORY, BY GEORGE MANVILLE FENN. [ALL BIGHTS RESERVED.] CHAPTER VIII.—{Continued). Jared Pellet had just finished a morning practice, for he had had to work hard to reduce his wild semi- extemporised style to the requirements of a quaint choir. He had pushed in the lasts top, and left his long stool, closing the organ with a sigh, before lift- ing the Ipcker to his seat, and depositing therein book and MS. He had drawn the red curtains along the rod when he had entered, and on leaving drawn them back again, so that he stood confessed before Ichabod Gunnis and for a stranger to see Jared Pellet stand confessed after one of his ethereal musical flights was like taking him from the seventh heaven and putting him under the pump. It was worse than going right, into fairyland at the back of the stage on pantomine night, and staring dismayed at the dauby paint, canvas, and confusion. That the being whose celestial music had thrilled through the hearer's frame? Yes, that quiet, shabby, worn man, who tuned pianos for half-a-crown, and carefully repaired every description of musical in- strument. Ichabod and the organist stood face to face, and whatever the failings of the latter, the former was no pattern of worldly beauty for as to personal ap- pearance, he had been rightly named, had there ever been any glory to depart but the sole reason for the boy bearing his quaint cognomen was that, at the workhouse where he received his early gruel, the authorities had worn out the twelve patriarchs, and the twelve apostles, while the number of Abels, Davids, Solomons, and Jonathans who had left their walls was something startling, so they had tried Ichabod for a change, the Gunnis being an after ad- dition, as will be explained. Ichabod's leather breeches have already been delicately hinted at, but it has net been said that they badly fitted his fourteen-year-old limbs neither have his blue bobtail coat and his vest, ornamented with pewter buttons, been mentioned—buttons bearing a large capital "G." There was no star of merit upon the left breast of Ichabod; but a pewter plate was ttitched on close to his heart, to keep him from being smitten by the pity of those who saw his absurd garments, and also to act as a label, and to show that he was number fifty-five in the list of scholars belonging to that most excellent gift of charity, Gunnis's—which sveryone who knows London will tell yon is a school where so many boys are educated, and made moral scarecrows and Ichabod being a fondling"—as he was called by the workhouse nurse—was by some means or other unknown entered at last, to the freedom of his parish, already over- burdened, and became one of Gunnis's. Six o'clock, Ichabod," said Jared, "and don't be late." No, sir," said Bod, as he was familiarly termed. And then he began to spin his muffin cap by the tuft of colcured wool upon the top. Don't do that, my boy, or you'll pull off the tassel," said Jared, as he prepared to descend the stairs, while the young gentleman addressed, evidently per- ceiving how disfigured his worsted cap would be without its red tuft, tossed it high in air, to nimbly catch it again upon his head, though rather too far over his ears for comfort of wearing. Then, listening to the descending footsteps, he threw off his coat, and went down upon the boards in a sitting posture; but not of the common kind, for though one leg was down in a normal posture, the out was stretched out far behind, so that it appear as if the joint had been reversed. Up again and now one leg was tucked over his head, to the greater danger of his leather pants; then the other leg was tucked over, and the boy down prostrate upon his chest, so that he wore the appear- ance of a dislocated frog, whilst his countenance beamed with satisfaction. "Ichabod!" cried Jared, from below. Comin', sir," shouted the boy, trying hard to untie himself, but in vain although, after a couple more calls, he could hear the re-ascending steps of his employer. He twisted, he turned, he struggled, but he was like a mouse in a wire trap; it was easy to get into his present state, but return seemed im- possible. Higher came the steps, and the boy struggled again to free himself, till, just as Jared reached the door of the organ-loft, the unpractised tumbler rolled over upon his back, and stared with upturned eyes over his forehead at the organist. "Why, bless my soul!" exclaimed Jared, what a dreadful contortion The boy must be in a fit." "No, I ain't," blubbered Bod. "I'm only stuck." Stuck exclaimed Jared. Yes—stuck," whimpered the boy. "Can't get my legs back, 'cause I've got shoes on." Stuck—shoes on repeated Jared, in a puzzled Way. "Yes sir," wept Bod; and if you'll pull down one, I can do t'other myself." Jared stared at the imp for a few minutes, as if he took him for a sort of human treble clef then seizing the uppermost leg he set it at liberty, and the boy re- duced himself to ordinary proportions, and stood erect, with one arm raised ready to ward off the expected blow. How dare you play such tricks as that in the church, sir?.' cried Jared. "Suppose you had become fixed like that—what then ?" Ichabod evidently did not know what then," so he did not say, but snivelled, and rubbed one eye with the cuff of the coat he was about to put on. "There, go on down first," said Jared, smiling grimly to himself; and mind and be punctual, there s a good boy." The good boy, now that the danger was passed, went down grinning, when away he darted out of the porch, forgetting in less than five minutes all that had been raid to him respecting the practice. CHAPTER IX. J A R E D' S DREAMING. JARED'S must have been a more than usually patient disposition for the same evening he arrived at the church at the appointed hour, to find that Ichabod had not come nor did he make his appearance when his master had opened the organ and seated himself to wait, and gaze dreamily in the old reflector before him. There was a strange life history to be read in that reflector, as Jared dreamed on, time after time; re- calling his first severe illness, and its following weak- ness for many months, solaced by the attentions of the usher's little girl, to whose house be had been removed from school. This was a pleasant oasis in hislife journey, in spite of suffering and long weary months, during which he never left his reclined position, succeeded by a long lojoum in a London hospital; and all from an un- lucky blow given by his tyrant brother. Dreams many in that old church—of early man- hood, and years passed as usher in his old school, While his brother was prospering in town his love for his old playmate, Lizzie, and the bar of prudence which stayed their marriage; the failure of the school and his efforts to gain a living by teaching music, eked out by the trifling salary he obtained as organist of the little town church—an accomplishment taught by love, for Lizzie Willis had been his teacher, and taow gave up the duty in his favour. Floating before him always, scene after scene his Application to his brother for help when he first reacbed London in search of a more lucrative post; the refusal, and subsequent rage of Richard when he found that Jared, the despised, had married the "oman who but a short time before had rejected him r~Richard the prosperous. Then they were in London, and, somehow, happy in their struggle— eTen though on the second day after their arrival the bankruptcy of a firm threw Jared out of the employ- ment he had gained. CHAPTER X. rATTY's MISTAKE. MATTERS wore a rather serious aspect at Duplex- tfeet, though for a whole month Jared had enjoyed all the sensations known only to the wealthy. He bad been congratulated by his family, who looked upon him as a sort of musical god, or, as at least a Musician worthy of ranking with those fiddling and trumpet-blowing angels they hfcd seen once, upon a holiday, smiling benignantly in a clouded heaven upon the ceilings at Hampton Court Palace. He had congratulated, too, by his brother, who invited uim to dinner, and then put him off twice—ending, though, by announcing his marriage with the wealthy ~trs. Clayton, widow of a merchant captain, and desiring that bygones might be bygones, and that Jared, his wife and daughter, would spend the after- noon and dine with them at Norwood on Christmas ~ay. Jared had said "No," but Mrs. Jared "Yes," •or no opportunity ought to be passed over which Promised reconciliation between the brothers—for -hose estrangement her woman's tact told her she Was partly to blame. So arrangements were made for the flock in ~uplex-street; a neighbour—no less a personage than Mrs. Purkis, of Purkis's Shoe Emporium— Undertaking to be shepherdess for the occasion. Clothes were compared, and what Mrs. Jared called jUade the beBt of, Jared himself devoting quite an j*our to the brushing and nap-reviving of his old ~'ack coat and trousers. Many an old scrap of half- forgotten finery was routed out by Mrs. Jared for "cr embellishment, after long discussions; while as Or Patty, when did a fair, open-countetianced young girl look otherwise than well in virgin white, even though it was but a cheap book-muslin made up at "onto, with very little regard to fashion? A t the appointed hour a cab deposited the party frOnt Duplex-street at the door of Richard's little Place, at which door they arrived after a drive along gritty gravel sweep. The stout and gentlemanly Gutter was there, and received them with frigid courtesy, two doors being flung open by as many gentlemen in drab and coach lace, which tall parties lr>d\ilged in a laugh and a wink behind their hands 1\t the expense of Jared; though number one—the jjnder butler—afterwards tola number two—the 'ootmaii—U^t the gal wasn't so very bad." And now the brothers liad met, and Jared, the been introduced bv Richard, the rich, to his wife, mte wealthy widow ot Captain Claytoti, oi the merchant service. There was another introduction, though, performea by Mr. Richard Pellet in a condescending fashion, that brought something of a flush into the face of one present—namely, Harry Clayton, who, however, seemed to forget all the next moment, as he made his stepfather frown upon seeing the attentions paid by the frank, handsome young undergraduate to his blushing niece. Jared, too, felt troubled he did not know why, for he dwelt with pleasure upon the young man's face, as it shone in opposition to the stepfather's scowls. The conversation rose and flagged but it was evident to Jared that there was a cloud overshadow- ing the meeting, though the young man heeded not the glances of father and mother, as he chatted on to the fresh, happy girl at his side. Doubtless to a grandee of the London season Patty would have seemed slow and backward in con- versation but. to the young undergraduate t hIre was something fascinating in the li'iire, ingenious girl 811\1 in "pite of lo iks, hint?, nud even bread remur.s, which tur,.ed Jared's morocco covered elixir into a feat of thorns, Harry laughed and chatted on through the dinner. There was everything at Norwood for the spending of a pleasant evening—everything, with ore excep- tion. There was what Jared called in confidence to his wife "the fat of the land;" but though the said fat was well cooked and served, and there were luscious wines to wash it down, yet was there no geniality—the warm welcome which makes the poor man's joint a rich feast was not there, and the visitors partook of portions of their meal in the midst of a chilly but exceedingly well-bred silence. Jared was not at home, and he could not help flinching from the ministrations of the men in the coach lace, while he felt quite hot when the gentle- manly butler asked him in stern tones if he would take champagne. Not that conversation was entirely wanting on the part of the elders, for at times Jared listened to the thrilling narrative of his brother's speculations, and of how much money he had made; learned some- thing new—what a fine thing cash was, how powerful it made its owner, and how he enjoyed its possession. Then Richard pitied kindly Jared's want of business tact, hinted how much more might have been made had both been business men. and concluded by wish- ing him better days, and drinking his health in a glass of port—a port purchased at Sir Humphrey Phulcrust's sale, so he informed Jared—at one hundred and twenty shillings a dozen Jared, thinking the while it was very strong and harsh, and flavoured of the sloes he had gathered as a boy, while a dozen of the ruddy fluid would have paid a quarter's rent in Duplex-street; so that altogether he quite trembled, and felt as if he were injuring his wife and family as he sipped and sipped like a man who was engaged in swallowing sixpences for fun. When Richard Pellet was not frowning upon his stepson, he was very active in promoting the comfort of his guests, after the same fashion in which he had Savoured his brother's wine—telling them how much port was in the soup, how much he paid for the turbot in Billingsgate, and how he gave a crown for the lobster. As for the turkey, that was five-and- twenty shillings, and bought on purpose for their coming. Many other things were equally expensive, so that Jared and his family thoroughly enjoyed the epicurean feast, thinking all the while of their own humble board. Homo would keep rising to his mind 10 that, before the dinner had half dragged through its Blow length, Jared was wishing himself back in Duplex-street, playing at forfeits or blind man's buff with his tribe, watching the while that they did not meddle with any of his musical concerns. Money and business, business and money, were Richard Pellet's themes, and on the golden string they formed when twisted he harped continually. But it was not only in speech that you felt the money, for it was peering out of everything, from the mistress of the house, with her massive gold chain and large diamond rings, down to the very carpet on which she trod. There were books in gilded bind- ings that had never been opened, a piano of the most costly kind that was rarely touched; there was every luxury that money could purchase; while there, the very essence of his cash—grey-headed, bushy, and prominently-browed, very smooth and flossyj and always chinking a few sovereigns in eith tr pocket— was Richard Pellet, looking down with a pleasant patronising smile of contempt upon his g tests. Some people are such fools!" he seemed to mutter to himself, as he pitied poor, comely Mrs. Jared, who appeared to be neither surprised nor dis- appointed, but took all with a quiet, well-bred ease, and did not in the least allow stout Mrs. Richard to sit upon her—metaphorically of course—in spite of her violent flame-coloured moire; neither did she eeem to be crushed by the conversation, which varied little between the weather and the dinner. The repast might have been full of constraint for the elders; but to Patty it was a scene of enjoyment, for Harry Clayton, awake now to their meaning, laughed at his mother's remonstrant looks, and ignoring those of Richard, was more than ever attentive to the bright-eyed girl, who, in her light- hearted innocence, chatted merrily with him, listen- ing eagerly to his accounts of cellege life—both thinking nothing of the wealth around in the enjoy- ment of each other's society. It, was of course, very provoking but in spite of all hints to the contrary, now that they were in the drawing-room, Harry would linger by Patty's chair. Would she play ?" Yes, she would play. And sing?" Yes, and sing, too. The first skilfully; the latter in a sweet little silvery, gushing voice that was bird-like from its purity and freedom from affecta- tion. For Patty was Jared's only child, with her father's love for music — the art which he had loved to teach her, at times, too, when often and often called away to perform some simple domestic duty. Richard Pellet seemed surprised, and listened in silence. Mrs. Richard forgot herself so far as to clap her hands, and call Fatty "a dear little darling." But, gazing upon the group at the piano with the eyes of her lord, she felt that this sort of thing would not do. Apparently, too, acting upon a hint from Richard, she kept framing blundering excuses for keeping the young man near her—excuses though, so trivial that Harry only laughed good- humouredly, and then made his way back to the young visitor's side. It was nearly time for tea, and Harry had coaxed the girl into the little drawing-room, to show her some sketches, and the photographs of the elders. Jared and his brother had their backs to them, hard and fast in a discussion upon money—Richard telling his brother what a deal a sovereign would make; Jared the while in a state of doubt, from old experience of how short a way it went, whether there really were as many as twenty shillings in a pound. As for Mrs. Jared, she was seated in a low chair by the fire, and being beamed upon by Mre. Richard, who had exhausted the weather, finished the dinner, and was now at a loss for a fresh subject. The sketches were very interesting; so much so that Harry was obliged to explain them in a low, subdued tone, when taking advantage of their posi- tion, he, with a heightened colour, drew forth a Iprig of mistletoe, and held it before Patty's eyes. No, no," she whispered in a low tone—so low that he probably did not hear it—" no, no that is only for children." The licence of the season," Harry whispered, as with one hand he held up the sprig. Harry!" roared Richard Pellet, leaping from his ehair, for he had been seated opposite to a glass which betrayed every movement of the young people. Harryi" he roared and the young man, with eyes eaat down, but raised head, stood erect and defiant before him. Come here," he exclaimed, striding towards the door, while as the delinquent followed him from the room, Jared and his wife distinctly heard the words, That beggar's brat (To be continued.)
THE RED CROSS SOCIETY.
THE RED CROSS SOCIETY. That most useful and humane institution, the Red Cross Society, had a very simple origin, and is another instance of the fact that all great reforms are brought about by the voice or deeds of one man. A Swiss gentleman, looking on at the fierce battle of Sol- ferino, was horrified by the sufferings of wounded men who lay all around, trampled by horses, bleeding to death, and calling in agon^— and in vain—for even a drink of water. When he got home he wrote a book on the subject, and at once all civilised Governments took the matter up. It was agreed at the Conference of Geneva, 1864, that wherever the white flag bearing a red cross was hoisted in company with the national flag of the combatants that spot should be tacred. Every rille drops at the sight of it and every cannon turns its destructive mouth elsewhere. At first it was contemplated to work only on battle- fields, but, later on, it was seen that there were many natural catastrophes as terrible as war where help could be given. In the Russian famine, for instance, this society did excellent service, and in that land of disastrous fires, floods, and cyclones—America— great good has been achieved, as for example, at the memorable water-burst at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, lome years ago.
A FORWARD CHILD.
A FORWARD CHILD. Every nge and generation produces a child that is noted for its precocity, which is rapidly matured after birth. One of the most remarkable we have on record, Christian Heinecker, was born at Lubeck on February 6, 1721. When ten months old he could gpeak and repeat every word said to him. In his lecond year he learned the greater part of the history of the Bible, both Old and New Testament; in his third year he could speak Latin and French. The King of Denmark wishing to see this wonderful prodigy, he was taken to Court and examined. On his return home he learned to write, but hii constitu- tion broke down. He died on June 27, l'i B5. This account is confirmed by many contemporary authorities.
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SHOCKING OUTRAGE ON THE BRIGHTON…
SHOCKING OUTRAGE ON THE BRIGHTON LINE. A shocking outrage was perpetrated between Balcombe and Three Bridges Stations on the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, on Thursday of last week. Upon the arrival of the 11.30 a.m. train from Brighton to London-bridge at Three Bridges Station a lady was discovered bleeding and in a very exhausted state in a third-class compartment. She complained of having been brutally assaulted by a man after leaving Balcouibe Nation. She defended herself as well as she could, and ultimately the man jumped from the train. The sufferer was placed in charge of an official, and taken on to London to Guy's hospital, with two broken ribs and extensive bruises about the body. Search was then made for the man and traces were found which showed that he had jumped from the train near a wood, through which he walked into the small town of Crawley. There the scent became strong, lie was tracked to the shop of a tradesman, where he purchased a cup, and told a thrilling story of how he had been robbed of £ 12, and thrown from a train near Earls- wood. From the shop ho went to a coffee house, where he related a similar tale. The proprietor of the coffee house took the fellow to the railway station, where he was immediately arrested on suspicion of being the man wanted for assaulting the young woman. The man's name is Alfred Locke, and he comes from New Chapel, near East Grinstead. The woman's name is Louisa Clarke. She is 39 years of age, and is a lady's maid in the service of Lady Taylor, residing at 7, Second-avenue, Hove. The train by which the travelled from Brighton is a comparatively slow one, and is not due at London- bridge until 1.17 p.m. Circumstances seem to point to the fact that the assailant of Miss Clarke was under the impression that he had a considerably longer period in which to carry out his intention, which undoubtedly was robbery. When the train stopped at Burgess-hill Miss Clarke noticed a man walking up and down the platform looking into the carriages, but he did not get in until the last moment, when he hurriedly jumped into the compartment— a third-class one—in which she was seated. There was nothing in his appearance, however, to suggest that he bad any criminal object in view, and it was not until the train was well under weigh and trarel- ling towards Balcombe that she bad any cause for alarm. Then the man's manner became very threat- ening, and in reply to her question as to what he wanted he said Money." She was very frightened, and the more so as a minute or two later he moved from the end of the compartment where he had been sitting to the seat next to which she was placed. Without any warning, he drew from his pocket a cord or rope, threw it around her neck, and, drawing it tight, attempted to strangle her. She caught hold of it, and thrust her hand between it and the flesh, and by so doing prevented it from being pulled so fast as to throttle her. Seeing that his attempt in this direction had failed, the fellow seized Miss Clarke, flung her violently upon the floor of the compartment, and kicked and struck her with great brutality. All this time the train was travelling rapidly in the direction of Three Bridges, which station is approached after passing through the well-known Balcombe tunnel, where, in July, 1881, the body of Mr. Gold, who had been mur- dered by Lefroy, was discovered. Miss Clarke seems to have tried to seize the electrical communication with which all the trains on the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway are furnished but did not ring t he bell. The sight of this effort on the part of his victim appears to have awakened the scoundrel to a seme, of his position and danger; for, hastily opening the carriage door, he jumped out on to the line. Although the train is said to have been travelling at upwards of 40 miles an Loui he escaped without serious hurt. A few min.ites afterwards Three Bridges was reached, and Mies Clai ke called the officials there and complained of the treatment to which she had been subjected. One of the station staff got into the compartment with her, and the train, proceeding on its way, arrived at London-bridge in due course. Mr. Pier- point, stationmaster of the City terminus of the line, was summoned, and he at once took Miss Clarke off to Guy's hospital, where she was attended to by Mr. Clement Lucas, one of the medical staff of that institution. Directly the London bridge railway officials heard the statement of Miss Clarke, Superintendent Turpin and Inspector Howland, of the company's police, were despatched down the line for the purpose of making investigations. After some hours spent in inquiries, they succeeded in arresting Locke in the Tillage of Crawley. The rope with which the assailant attempted to ttrangle Miss Clarke has been found near Three Bridges. The police have discovered a cartridge in the possession of the prisoner Locke, and they are now endeavouring to find the revolver, which it is supposed he possessed. PRISONER IN COURT. The prisoner, Alfred Locke, of New Chapel, East Grinstead, was brought before the magistrates at East Grinstead on Friday morning of last week, charged with attempted murder. The prisoner de- scribed himself as a gardener. He is only 18 years of age, of moderate height, and not thickly built. He was wearing a dark jacket and waiscoat, and had been supplied with a constable's trousers, his own having been taken off to be produced in evidence against him. His forehead was considerably scratched, and he appeared to have been slightly lamed by jumping from the train. Beyond this there seemed no other injury, but he was still some- what dazed. To the police he gave a total denial of the charge. The charge having been read over to the prisoner, Inspector Turpin, on behalf of the Brighton Railway Company, stated that on Thursday a lady passenger named Nora Clark was travelling from Brighton in a third-class compartment, when a young man got into the carriage with her at Burgess-hill. After the train started again on its way to London, the man looked up and down the line and then sat down. Shortly afterwards he put his arm round the woman's neck and pulled her down. She asked what he wanted, and he said, "Money." He then kicked her, loosening six teeth and making her arms black and blue. The lady was now in the hospital, and would not be well enough to leave for a fortnight. During the struggle the man also put a piece of string round the lady's neck, evidently for the purpose of strangling her, but she prevented this by putting her hand between her neck and the cord. She got to the communicator, but pressed instead of pulling it, and so the train was not stopped. The man then opened the carriage door, and jumped out whilst the train was running. Sergeant Hawkins, West Sussex constabulary, said he saw the prisoner at Terry's dining-rooms at Craw- ley on Thursday. Mr. Terry told witness that pri- soner had complained of being assaulted and robbed of a sum of money, and thrown out of a railway car- riage on to the line. In reply to questions by witness the prisoner gave his address as Cherry-gardens, Weilt Park, New Chapel, East Grinstead. He stated that he came from home that morning, went to Redhill, and took a return ticket to Brighton by the 8'25 train and some young fellow in the train threw his arms round him, robbed him of £3 10s., and then threw him out of the train. The police officer asked pri- soner if he had any money, and he produced over 5s., which did not make the statement satisfactory. He therefore took the prisoner to the station, and, having received a telegram, charged him with the assault. Inspector Turpin, in his evidence, stated that he showed the prisoner a cap which had been found at the spot where the individual had jumped from the train, and prisoner thereupon exclaimed, That's my cap The Three Bridges station-master said the young lady by the 11.30 train from Brighton complained to him that she had been knocked about a great deal and assaulted by a shabbily-dressed man who had jumped out of the train close to the station. The magistrate advised the prisoner not to make any statement, but the prisoner said, I am sure I never came from Brighton yesterday. I started from Redhill by the 8.25, and I do not remember any- thing after I left Earlswood Station'" Prisoner, who put no questions to the witnesses, was then remanded on the application of Inspector Turpin.
QUEEN VICTORIA TO ARBITRATE.
QUEEN VICTORIA TO ARBITRATE. Queen Victoria has agreed to act as arbitrator between Chili and the Argentine Republic in connec- tion with the frontier disputes between those coun- tries. All questions therefore in these matters which are not agreed upon between the Governments con- cerned will be submitted to her Majesty for arbitra- tion.
THE VENEZUELAN BOUNDARY.
THE VENEZUELAN BOUNDARY. The members of the United States Commission appointed to investigate the Venezuela boundary question are diligently pursuing their labours, and no indication has yet been given as to when these are likely to be concluded. A summary of the case for Venezuela, drawn up by counsel, has been submitted to the Commission. This first part will be followed by two othens going more fully into the subject.
THE LANDRAIL COURT-MARTIAL.
THE LANDRAIL COURT-MARTIAL. A Court-martial which has been sitting at Por, s- mouth for the trial of Commander R. E. Berkeley and Lieutenant Pearson, of the gunboat Landrail, on a charge of having negligently or by default hazarded the vessel on the morning of the 11th inst., when she collided with and sank the four-masted merchant vessel Siren, was concluded on Monday. Commander Berkeley was acquitted, but the Court found the charge against Lieutenant Pearson fully proved, and sentenced him to lose 18 months' seniority and to be severely reprimanded.
[No title]
AT the Central Criminal Court, which opened on Monday for the trial of 109 prisoners, one accused person objected to be tried by the Recorder, who said he would ask the learned judge from the High Court to hear the case. MRs. MARY ALICE ELLEK MILLER, a lady of inde- pendent means, residing at Ealing, was on Monday charged on a warrant with threatening Mr. Walter T. Warne Brown, living in the same district, and some remarkable allegations were made before the lady was bound to keep the peace.
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD MURDER.
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD MURDER. OPENING OR TIIE INQUEST. Mr. W. Grover, coroner for South Herts, opened an inquiry on Saturday at Warner's-end Farm, an unoccupied building, Boxted, near Hemel Hempstead, respecting the death of Catherine Mabel Quartermass, aged 12 years, the daughter of Mr. John Smith Quartermass, a dealer, residing at Bod's-end, a small hamlet some miles from Boxmoor, who was found on Thursday evening of last week in a field brutally murdered. Owing to the smallness of the room at the farm the inquiry was held on the lawn. John Smith Quartermass identified the girl as his daughter, who was 12 years of age last Sunday. He last saw his daughter on Thursday afternoon, about four o'clock, when, as usual, she went to get the milk at Mr. Proctor's farm, situate about half a mile away. About seven o'clock in the evening he and his wife, who were on business at Apsley, were sum- moned homo on account of his daughter's body being found. Mary Elizabeth Allen, domestic servant in the employ of Mr. Proctor, farmer, liextcd, stated that on Thursday evening, about five o'clock, deceased called at the house, and she was supplied with a quart of milk. George Ginger, a shepherd in the employ of Mr. Proctor, stated that after attending his sheep on Thursday night last he was proceeding home when he came across an umbrella lying in the roadway, close to the hedge. A few yards away he picked up the lid of a milk can, and a little further away the can itself. He tried to fix the lid on, but found that the can was out of shape, as if it had been thrown violently to the ground. On getting over a hurdle he saw a girl lying in the hedge, about 100 yards away from where he found the umbrella. When he t got to the body he found it was a little girl. The clothing was all smothered with blood and the child's cloak was down over her head. There was a considerable quantity of blood about, and he was so afraid that he ran back to the farm without touching the body. On his way to the farm he met the girl's sister, who had come into the fields to see where her sister was. He told her that her little sister was lying in the hedge covered with blood, and that there was little doubt that she was dead. They both went back to where the body was lying, and her sister cried out that it was "Mabel." On the blades of grass some few yards away there were spots of blood, and the condition of the pathway clearly showed that after murdering the girl she had been dragged along the side of the hedge, over the gateway, and then thrown into the hedge. The gate was smeared with blood, and exactly in the centre was the shape of a man's hand in blood, the thumb and fingers being quite distinct. Dr. Arthur John Hubbard, Hemel Hempstead, xtated that be examined the deceased on her removal to the disused farm. Her throat was cut from left to right, being in some places two or three inches deep, and having almost severed the windpipe. There were several cuts on the face and neck. There were punctured wounds on each side of the neck. One eye was black, and the left temple severely bruised. He could find no traces of the deceased having been outraged. The cut in the neck had evidently been done by a knife which was not very sharp, and the bruises on the face by being dragged along the pathway with her head to the ground. There were also signs of a severe struggle having taken place. At this stage the inquiry was adjourned in order that the police might make further investigations. GINGER BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. At the County Police-station, on Tuesday after- noon, George Ginger, described as a shepherd, in the employ of Mr. G. Proctor, of Wainers-end Farm, was brought before Colonel Daniels, J.P., on the charge of murdering Kathleen Mabel Quatermass, a girl, aged 12 years, of Beds-end Farm, near Warners-end Farm, on the previous Thursday evening. The Chief Constable of the Herts Constabulary prosecuted. Mr. W. Grover, the coroner for South Herts, who took Ginger's deposi- tions at the mquest as to the finding of the boiy of the murdered girl, was also present at the pro- ceedings. The Press were not admitted to the bearing, but were afterwards informed that I stains on the prisoner's clothes had been mentioned at the proceedings as being one of the points of the evidence against him. Reference was also made to Ginger's remarkable demeanour at the inquest, and during the subsequent inquiries by the police. The proceedings only lasted a few minutes, when the case was formally adjourned. It is alleged that a day or two ago one of the police-officers saw Ginger take his mackintosh and some clothing out of the hedge and go and wash them. His apparel has, therefore, been seized by the police and sent for analysis.
NAVAL MANOEUVRES.
NAVAL MANOEUVRES. OFF PORTLAND. The arrival of Admiral Wilson's squadron of the Reserve Fleet (said a special correspondent on board H.M.S. Sanspareil, writing on Monday evening) once more filled the Portland anchorage, which was during last week occupied by the Channel Fleet. The ships all anchored together about 3.30, though the Sans- pareil only tied up to the Alexandra's moorings. Here a misadventure happened, as the lashing which secured the moorings parted, and the cable was dropped in over 50ft. of water and some feet of mud, whence the diver could not recover it. A mooring lighteF arrived later, and was more successful. Handl- ing such heavy tackle as that by which our battle- ships are secured, these accidents will happen. Just after the Sanspareil had anchored the Jaseur arrived with news that three strange ships had been seen steaming east on the north Cornish coast. A little later one of the six torpedo boats which we passed in the harbour, No. 52, was sent to Plymouth to repair & damaged feed-pipe. This makes the second ship which has broken down in this section of the fleet. Upon anchoring a telegraph cable was carried to the Portland Post-office from the S-mspare-1 with the greatest smartness. Unfortunately red tape pre- vented the newspaper correspondents making any use of it, and the only message which passed over it was one ordering its removal. The whole of last week a fine collection of war- boats were to be seen cruising about the entrance of the Channel, and continuously exercising captains at steam tactics and men at drill, the squadron compris- ing the following ships: Alexandra, Sans Pareil, Galatea, Australia, Devastation, Dreadnought, Edin- burgh, Colossus, Sultan, Benbow, and Thunderer, all armourclad Melampus, Mersey, Iphigenia, Iris, Pearl, Indefatigable, Terpsichore, and Brilliant, pro- tected cruisers and nine torpedo-gunboats. The B Squadron finished coaling on Monday even- ing, in readiness for putting to sea the following night, when small defects in machinery had been re- paired. Torpedo-boat 52, which had been detached to Plymouth for repair, rejoined the fleet. Five other torpedo-boats left the harbour early on Monday morning to scout along the coast. There have been no serious breakdowns in the fleet. Admiral Wilson has held two councils of war.
THEATRICAL WEDDING.
THEATRICAL WEDDING. MR. II. B. IRVING AND MISS DOROTHEA BAIRD. A crowd of large dimensions assembled on Monday afternoon at St. Pancras Church, in London, to wit- ness the marriage of Mr. H. B. Irving, eldest son of Sir Henry Irving, and Miss Dorothea Forster Baird, sixth daughter of the late Mr. John Forster Baird, of St. Aidan's, Hampstead and Bowmont-hill, Northumberland the young lady whose performance of the part of Trilby at the Haymarket Theatre has attracted so much attention. The service, which was fully choral, was conducted by the Rev. H. Luke Paget, vicar of St. Pancras, assisted by the Rev. W. H. Hutton. The sombre interior of the church was brightened with rich floral decorations, white flowers being on the altar, while round the chancel were masses of gladioli hydrangea, and tall palms formed an archway at the eutrance. The bride, who arrived punctually, was accompanied by her brother- in-law, Mr. E. T. Cook, and advanced up the aisle during the singing of The voice that breathed o'er Eden." She wore a handsome toilette of white duchesso satin, modelled after the gown she wore as Irilby, with Court train of brocade and sprays of rich orange blossom* A wreath of the same blossom was under her fine chiffon veil, which was fastened with a diamond star, the gift of Mr. Cook. A diamond pendant, given by Mr. Du Maurier, flashed from the low-cut baby bodice, and the magni- ficent good year" bouquet of white blossoms was the gift of Sir Henry Irving. Mr. Lawrence Irving attended his brother as groomsman, and the leven bridesmaids were Miss Vera Morgan, cousin of the bridegroom, e,nd the Misses Gertrude Molly, Dorothy, Miriam, Rosalind, and Maggie Smith, nieces of the bride. These wore quaint frocks of sage green silk, the two eldest having hats of the same silk, with cream bows, while the little ones had Elizabethan caps of green silk. They also wore pearl brooches, with the initials H" and D," the gift of the bride- groom. Among the distinguished company were observed Mrs. Baird, Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Keeley, Ladv Irving, Mr. and Mrs. Beerbohm Tree, and Miss ViolV Tree' Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft, Mr. and Mrs. George Alexander, Mrs. Edwin Morgan, Mrs. O'Callaghan, grandmother of the bride- (troom Mr. and Mr. George Grossmith, Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Brough, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Maude, the First Lord of the Admiralty and Mrs. Goschen, Mr. Ben Greet, &c. A reception was held afterwards at 6, Tavistock-square, the resi- dence of Mr. Cook, and in the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Irving left for Yorkshire, where the honeymoon will be spent. The travelling dress was of pale grey cloth, faced with white satin, and trimmed with silver clasps, and with this was worn a black hat, with pink roses. The presents numbered over 300. ^B
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THE defective gas-meter grievance is receiving serious attention from Mr. Thomas Lough, M.P. for West Islington, who will urge the President of the Board of Trade to compel gas companies to supply accurate meters in place of those that are admittedly defective. Mr. Lough claims that the Gas Acts should insist upon the precision of meters with as much strictness as the Weights and Measures Act insists upon the accuracy of weights and measures. Many gas-meters now in use are 20 years old and ?[Uite out of date. The gas company charges a rental or each meter, and ought in fairness to SUDPIV none that are at all inaccurate or uniust. ,I.
FARMING NOTES, .'-,-_;
FARMING NOTES, THE WOBURN EXPERIMENTAL FARM. A visit to the Woburn exprimental farn:. is of special interest now, as it is 20 years since the land was first taken up with the view of experimental research, although there have been but 19 years' result published as yet on the land continuously cropped with cereals, and one year less under the four-course rotation. In noticing the effect of the manurings, it is necessary to remember the nature of the soil being dealt with, as it is a weak sand loam resting on a deep bed of sand, which lies only eight inches from the surface. Such a soil does not suggest a large aitiount of inherent fertility, or the power of retaining manure in large quantities. It is astonishing, therefore, that on land con- tinuously cropped with wheat or barley for 20 years crops of so much luxuriance are still grown. The scrupulous cleanliness, which has never been more inarke 1 than this year, is, of course, responsible for the jieUls which have been obtained, but that does nut. altogether account for the retention of fertility during this long period. It only indicates that what goodness here was available has been made use of by the corn crops. It is true that the plots of wheat unmanurcd for 20 years are of pale and sickly growth, but the plant is full, and will yield several bushels per acre, and will equal the plot receiving yearly the whole of the mineral manures required for a five-quarter crop; but these manures are abor- tive because no additional nitrogenous manures is applied, and it points to the fact that there is still on the unmanured plot sufficient of the constituents of the mineral manures to work up with the small quantity of nitrogen which becomes available jear by year. This is further confirmed by the fact that on the plot receiving no manure but nitrate of soda, although the yield throughout has been greater, thus calling for more mineral constituent, the crop is healthier and yields more. It is many years since the mineral-manured plot got down to the level of the untnanured plot; in fact, this happened quite in the early years of the experiment, reaching what is generally recognised as the played-out stage yet the nitrate plots have not yet sunk so low, thus showing that the playing-out of land by the use of nitrate is a much longer process than is generally understood, and that, in fact, it is slower than where mineral manures only are applied. A very striking result, however, has been obtained on the plots of barley where sulphate of ammonia is used, either by itself or in conjunction with mineral manures. Through- out these plots there are evident signs of the laud having become run out to a very extreme point. The individual plants are small, yellow, and un- healthy, altogether different from any of the sur- rounding plots, and every sign of absolute poverty, far exceeding that where no manure has been employed for 20 years, is apparent. The sulphate of ammonia has apparently forced the land of some constituent, probably limp, and brought it to a point approaching barrennfss. It must not be taken that because this point of corn-growing has been reached that the land is rendered permanently valueless; with a change in manuring, and an alteration in cropping to supply forage crops to be fed on the land, there is no reason to believe that its fertility could not be restored within a reasonable period. This is indicated by the weeds which try to occupy the ground, but are kept in check by careful weeding; these are strictly poverty weeds, and do not indicate unhealthiness outside poverty. The farmyard-manure crops fairly maintain their fertility, and, after 20 years' manuring with a dress- ing containing twice the manurial constituents of the plots manured artificially, which throughout the 20 years have given a greatly increased yield, one would naturally say they ought to. The very moderate yield on the dunged plots, as com- pared with the artificially manured at half the cost, has been a strikine feature. The fertility now ought to be very great, if that portion of the dung which has not been availed of has been retained by the soil. Results show that it has hot, for where after a number of years of manuring, the manure has been withheld, the small increase overthe plot unmanured I throughout the experiments is not sufficient to account for it. Where continuously manured for 20 years the most casual observer can see that there is no great store of fertility left. On this porous land the manure slips out at the back door" during the winter; in other words, from July to April every year the wheat plant takes up little manure. Much of It, however, becomes soluble, and it enters into solution with the drain water, which carries it down into the sub-soil beyond the reach of the plants. In ordinary farming this loss is greatly prevented by the alternation in cropping, admitting of forage crops, such as turnips or clover, being grown, which make active growth curing autumn or, where catch crops are grown, a special opportunity of utilising it in autumn is afforded. On the rotation cropping in the same field this is proved, for the results obtained from the artificial dressings exceed those receiving in the form of farmyard manure same manurial con- stituents. It is striking, too, where this has been adopted for a number of years, and then the manures have been withheld, how well the yield after the variety of crops raised under artificial dressings com- pare with those where dung was employed. As illustrating the effect of washing out of manure where the nitrogen is applied in an artificial form, there are plots on the continuous section where the nitrogenous manures are given on each half in alternate years, with the result that the yield rises and falls with the regularity of a sea-saw in ordinary years. An exception is shown this year on the wheat plots, for, owing to the dry summer of last year, when only a small quantity of the manure was utilised, and the comparatively dry winter when the washing out on the sulphate ammonia plots was small, the difference is much less marked. The nitrate plots, however, are marked much as usual, as the nitrate is more soluble. CO-OPERATIVE DAIRYING. The prevailing prostration of values in the domain of dairy products is, observes Mr. Sheldon, forcing upon us, whether we will or no, a careful search for some means of bettering the position of ordinary cheese and butter in the markets of this country. This word ordinary" includes all but the best of either sort, and three-fourths at least of both. The proportion of first-rate cheese or butter in a given district or county is still disappointingly small, and especially so of cheese. Only the other day it was stated that a London firm had taken the cheese and the name of one of our most famous dairying counties off their list for the simple but sufficient reason that a supply of cheese of good quality could not be procured in quantity sufficient to keep going a permanent trade in it, in the metropolis. It appears now, indeed, that Cheddar is the only sort of cheese made in this country of constant and dependable quality, and in any reasonable quantity. What the trade requires is a regular supply of a fairly uniform article, and the variability seems to be too wide in all other kinds. Well, when we know that Cheddar cheese is universally made on well-defined princi- ples, and that other sorts are not, the problem comes near to solution. Be it understood, however, that all Cheddar cheese is not good by any means, and that some of it is not even middling but in explana- tion of this it may be said that the principles on which the practice is based are still in not a few carelessly or ignorantly applied, or both of these. All the same, however, the Cheddar basis is more reliable than that of any other system in its results. And, again, suitable as the Cheddar system is to private dairies large and small, it is the only one that lends itself with complete adaptation to co-operative cheese-making. There can be no doubt to-day that Cheddar cheese is more generally a favourite than any other kind in this country, and it is equally true that, whilst its popularity is increasing, the popu- larity of other kinds is either stationary or very nearly so, unless, indeed, it is on the down grade," as our Yankee relatives say. It may be fairly doubted whether there has been any improvement in cheese-making in this country in recent times outside the range of the Cheddar system. Of Cheshire and Lancashire it is asserted that their cheese is less satisfactory now than it was in former years, though it is difficult to arrive at the exact truth of the matter. But in both counties it is loudly de- clared that the dairyers have in recent years gone too far in the direction of early-ripening cheese, and so have injured the fame of their cheese. This is a broad and sweeping charge whose bottom stratum of truth is not easy to get at, and we must take it cum grano salis; but, in any case, it is true that prices are very seriously prostrated, and that farmers who make cheese are at their wits' end to devise soma means of escape from the current unsatisfactory state of things. It is obvious that farmhouse cheese-making is not a plenary success. But whilst we may freely admit that the finest possible cheese-cheese which no co- operative dairy can surpass—is made in farmhouses, here and there, it is abundantly obvious that these farmhouses are few and far between, and that else- where cheese that is inferior in quality is produced.
THE WORLD'S LARGEST ORGAN.
THE WORLD'S LARGEST ORGAN. This sounds rather a pretentious title, nevertheless it is quite an appropriate one; for the Handel organ in the Crystal Palace far exceeds the gigantic propor- tions even of the organ at Haarlem, which is so often spoken of. The Handel Festival organ takes a front place among the curiosities of the present age of enormities. It was built in the Crystal Palace for the Handel Festival, by Messrs. Gray and Davison, the eminent manufacturers. It is of colossal pro- portions and unprecedented power. It stands on more ground than is allotted to most ordinary houses, being 40ft. in width and 30ft. in depth, making an area of 1200ft. Its number of sounding pipes is 4510, the largest of these being 32ft. in length, with a diameter capable of admitting easily the body of a man, and the smallest being of about the circum- ference of a cedar pencil. This instrument contains 4-20 more sounding pipes than any other instrument ever constructed. There are four complete rows of keys, each row having a compass of 58 notes. Formerly it was worked by 10 blowers, but now hydraulic engines are used, the pressure being obtained from the well-known water-towers. In a word, the great festival organ reflects the highest possible credit on the ingenuity and perseverance of the constructors, and is one of the proudest monu- ments of the mechanical spirit and ekill in this country as applied to the fine arts.
GARDENING GOSSIP.
GARDENING GOSSIP. (Fram "Gardening Illustrated.") TRANSPLANTING PARSLEY. Where a frame or pit is not likely to be wanted fur any other purpose till epriLg it would pay to make a sowing of Parsley in it, thinning out freely the young plants. Thus a supply of Parsley, let the winter be ever so severe, may be had. Where young Parsley needs thinning out, it is not yet too late to transfer the plants drawn out to any spare border which cannot well be used for other purposes, nothing tending more to ease a gardener's mind in winter than a knowledge that his stock of Parsley is abun- dant. Where any choice strain is being saved for seed the bed should be gone through and all small heads of seed removed in order to throw strength and quality into the rest support also against wind. EAKTIIINn-UP POTATOES. Batches of second early Potatoes in gardens which have not yet been earthcd-up should be attended to at once, and as these will have been allowed more room between the rows than'the earlier short Ashleaf varieties, there will be less danger of mutilating the joung rootlets with the hoe. Use moderation in earthing, as a large mound of soil only impedes the acfion of warmth and air and causes the tops to ripen prematurely, to say nothing of the extra labour incurred. If it is now seen that any other varieties have by accident found their way into the "ows, they should be drawn out—that is to say, if any of the smaller tubers are to be saved for seed. Any rows not so far advanced may be left for another ten days before being earthed-up, as it is an evil to partly bury them when insufficiently grown. CONSERVATORY. In lofty houses the climbers will be a special feature now, and if the growth was j> operly thinned I and regulated in due time, there will be abundance of ilowers on Passion-flowers, Tacsonias, and all the free-bearing things. The variegated Cobrea scandens, whm permitted to grow freely, has a light and elegant appearance in roomy houses. Catnellirs make charming wall plants in cool-houses, but will not do well in soil containing lime or where the water of the district is taken from the chalk. This is why Camellias, Azaleas, and Heaths are never seen in good condition in chalky or lime- stone districts. Leave a little air on all night, except in windy weather or exposed districts. Do the watering in the evening, but it will be necessary to give another look round during the fore- noon as some plants may require an addition to the evening supply. Use the svringe freely on plants not in flower but, as a mis, plants out of bloom will do as well outside, always excepting those kinds grown for the beauty of their fo'iage. A thin shade will be necessary to prolong the flowering season of most things, but shade should a-ways be looked upon as a necessary evil and only be resorted to when the plants are suffering from the beat. Those who have the means of storing a stock of fuel will save a good deal by buying the winter's supply now, as both coals and coke are much cheaper now than they will be in winter. If not already seen to, order in the bulbs re- quired for forcing. Lilium longiflorum eximeum is an improvement on the old variety, and is in my opinion superior to Harrisi, being dwarfer and more flori- ferous. Narcissus, especially the best forcing kinds such as Van Sion, Trumpet, Stella, and the Poet's Nar- cissus and others are irndispensable, especially where cut-flowers are in demand in winter. Freesias also should soon be obtained for early blooming. Prune large straggling Hydrangeas to the buds, which are just breaking; the cuttings at the ends of the shoots will root now if plunged in an old hotbed and kept close. Sow Mignonette for autumn bloom- ing in 5-inch or 6-inch pots. Drain the pots well and use good loam slightly enriched with old cow- manure broken up fine. If the loam is heavy, add a little gritty material and ram the soil in the pots firmly. This is important. Sow the seeds thinly and thin out to three or six plants. The seeds will ger- minate freely now in the open air if kept moist. Sow Calceolarias in fine, light soil, cover the pots with a square of glass and ^'and in shady frame. Place Tree Carnations and Zonal Pelargoniums in the flowering pots the latter should not be overpotted. Cuttings of Carnations will strike now in close, cold frames, shaded from the hot sun and kept reasonably moist. The early-forced Roses should be repotted or top- dressed and plunged in an open situation. Cut down Pelargoniums and put in cuttings. Heaths and hard- wooded plants must be watched closely this dry weather. If permitted to get dust-dry and flag in the sunshine they will die. STOVE. Allamandas and Dipladenias will now be showing flower, and if the plants are on balloon-shaped trellises the young shoots that were led up to the glass to acquire solidity and form flower-buds should now be trained round the trellis. These are grand plants for the exhibitor, but before a journey is undertaken with them fix the flowers by dropping a spot of coral gum in the calyx, to hold on the blossoms. Dractenas, Cro- tons, Caladiums, and other foliage plants will now be, or should be, in good colour. Strong light is necessary to bring out the bright colouring, especially of Crotons and Dracrcnas. Use the vapouriser when any insects appear. Thrips are very fond of Crotons and other smooth leaved plants, but with the vapouriser occasionally used there will be no insects. Late Tuberoses may be potted, and other plants coming on in cool-house will open the flowers better if moved to warm-house. Eucharis Lilies may be had in bloom any time if a sufficient number of plants are grown and rested in batches. Bouvardias should now be in well-ventilated pits or in sheltered situations outside. CHRYSANTHEMUMS. The plants, except a few late-struck cuttings, will new be in their flowering pots, and must stand thinly in rows in an open situation, so that each plant may be easily got at. All side shoots should be regularly rubbed away from the plants intended to produce specimen blooms. Liquid-manure will not be required at present, but the syringe or hose should be used twice a day, and water given to the roots when neces- sary, which as soon as the roots take possession of the new soil will be once if not twice a day. The plants must be securely staked. Bamboo canes, 5ft. or 5ft. 6in. long, are best, and the tops of the canes should be secured to a wire fixed to stout stakes. The pots must stand either on a thick bed of ashes or on boards, or some impervious bottom to keep out worms. Earwigs are very numerous and are giving a good deal of trouble. Trapping must be assiduously attended to to reduce their numbers. WINDOW GARDENING. This is a good time to strike cuttings of everything from which young shoots getting a bit firm can be taken. Myrtles, Oleanders, Geraniums," Double Petunias, Fuchsias, will strike uow in a shady place anywhere. Balsams must have a light position. Good plants may be grown in the open air, and taken indoors when the plants bloom. OUTDOOR GARDEN. One of the best plants for a shady situation where other plants do not live is the well-known Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum). It is now in flower, and masses of it under trees have a very pretty effect. Budding and layering may be done now. The budding may wait for a time, but the layering, especially as regards Carnations, should be done now. A few other things, some of which are difficult to propagate, are easily rooted from layers. Daphne Cneorum, Roses, the pretty little blue-flowered Lithospermum prostratum, and the Perennial Candytufts, to men- tion only a few things which are more easily obtained by layering than from cuttings. Then many shrubs will grow with certainty from layers. Clematises, Wistaria sinensis, Chimonantlius fragrans, Pyrus japonica, and any other tree or shrub that is difficult to strike from cuttings may be layered now or shortly. How very effective the Virginia Stock is when used in fairly broad masses at the foot of a wall. I was passing a large building the other day that had been outlined with this annual, and the effect was very striking. It will grow anywhere, even in the hard gravel path, and if left to scatter its seeds there will be no necessity to sow again. Ever- green hedges should be trimmed. The common Yew makes a good hedge, but it will poison any animal which eats it. The Monkwoods or Aconites now in flower are showy things, but deadly poisonous. FRUIT GARDEN. Nearly all fruit-trees may be as easily increased from budding as grafting, and it gives two chances of working the stocks. The failures of the spring—if any—may be budded. The modus operandi of the budding of all plants is pretty much the same. If tbe bark works freely the buds will generally grow. We are still busy with wall and other trained fruit- trees, regulating growth and nailing or tying in the leaders. The growth of Figs on walls should be kept thin to ensure its proper ripening. There is no fruit easier to grow, or where more failures occur. The whole secret—if there is any secret-is in keeping touch of the roots. On the south-coast there is no difficulty about it, but in the midlands, if the Fig is allowed an unlimited root-run in rich soil, the growth will not ripen, and there will be no fruit, and every hard winter the branches are cut back with the frost; but place a layer of brickbats under the roots, elevate the site a bit, and work in some [wood-ashes and old plaster among the soil, and the Figs will make mode- rate growth and bear heavy crops. Root-prune or root-lift, which is the same thing, whenever there are signs of grossness of habit. The Strawberries intended for forcing early should be placed in the fruiting pots and stood thinly in some open struc- ture, and all runners cut off. Too much water at the root when the fruit is ripening will injure the flavour of Peaches, Melons, Pines, and, in fact, most fruits are best ripened under a condition of dryness at the roots.
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AxE use ot cycles m France has increacecl so rapidly that even the Budget estimate of the increase in the revenue to be expected from the tax on veloci- pedes will be considerably exceeded. When the tax was first imposed in April, 1893, it was estimated that 120,000 would come under the new law. ihat number was, however, soon exceeded, as in 1895 the tax wis levied on 240,000 cycles. Taking that in- crease into consideration, it was estimated that this year the tax would be levied on 2J-0.000 velocipedes, but already it has been found that that estimate was far below the mark, and that there are at present in France 322,000 on which the tax has to be paid. As the tax is one of !Of., it will produce 3,220.000f. Three vaan ago it produced only l,200,OOOf.
THE WOMAN'S WORLD.
THE WOMAN'S WORLD. EXTREMELY dressy waists are made of coarse black net, embroidered in jet and emeralds, and arranged over green silk. Ribbons of all widths, flowered, striped, and plain, are a conspicuous feature of trim- ming on thin gowns. Bows of ribbons are on shoulders, at the waist, and neck, and fasten down the centre of the shirt-sleeve puffs. Insertions, edges, and all-over patterns are used in combination with satin for outside wraps as well as for gowns. Grass lawn is more attractive than ever this season with the applique of dainty white and cream lace embroidery in openwork patterns. MObT of us have seen women with gloves on all awry, stitchiDg askew, and fingers crooked. The proper way to put gloves on is as follows First shake a little powder in the glove, then place your elbow firmly on the table, the hand upright, the thumb at right angles with the palm. Draw the body of the glove over the fingers, and arrange each digit in the glove finger intended for it see that the seams are not twisted carefully coax on the fingers, and when they are fitted, smooth the back stitching into place. Then insert the thumb, the back seams again being pulled up straight and the wrist buttoned. The seam at the tip of the thumb should be in a line with the middle of the thumb-nail. Always fasten the second button first. It is a great mistake to buy gloves a size too small. Many ladies squeeze their hands into tight gloves, and expect them to fit-. Ladies with large hands who wish to keep them pretty and conceal their size should buy gloves a trifle larger than necessary. Sarah Bernhardt wears long loose-wristed gloves, and her white, beautiful hands are among her many charms. Miss Terry, too, has a large hand, almost masculine in the strength of its lines, though the fingers are beautifully tapered. She wears large gloves, and her hands are lily-white, and as smooth as a young girl's. VERY frequently the request for "just a tiny con- tribution is made in connection with Bome charity bazaar, and is met with a donation of money. Justaa frequently it is not convenient to give money, and clever fingers can contrive some knicknacks that, in- expensive in themselves, look and Bell well. A very charming arrangement for holding engagement cards can be made with a flight of seven butterflies, to represent the seven days of the week, fastened to a wide blue satin ribbon. The butterflies are cut out of celluloid, and are touched up with oil colours— yellow and brown. They are sewed lightly to the ribbon at the bottom, but at the top are caught loosely with narrow blue baby ribben, so that each butterfly forms a little pocket for a card. Another attractive article is a flower pin-cushion. First draw two circles, 6Jin. in diameter, on pink satin, then shape the edges like the outside edge of a wild rose. Sew together and stuff tightly with soft wool: but- tonhole-edge all round with heavy pink silk. This done, catch it tightly together in the centre, making a deep indentation, and take long stitches with pink silk thread from centre to outside edge, thus forming the rose petals. Use yellow embroidery silk for making the French knots and long stamens, which form the centre of the flower. Loops of olive-green baby ribbon are fastened in clusters underneath the cushion, and peep out between each petal. THE Princess of Wales is not an early riser, like the other Royalties. She takes her breakfast at nine o'clock each morning, and one of her favourite break- fast dishes is plovers' eggs. How few women really know how to lift the skirt. The majority clutch at a portion, and let the remain- ing part drag down in a most ungraceful manner, with the result that the whole appearance, to an observer in the rear, is most unsightly. Our French neighbours come out better than us in this respect. A Frenchwoman, however plain, sallow or old, is always graceful. She knows how to put on her clothes, and how to wear them, and is never guilty of idiosyncrasies of attire, because suitability to the occasion is the keynote of her toilette. It will be noticed that she invariably has her dresses made a trifle shorter at the back than at the front, and the effect is extremely chic, while it dispenses with the necessity of raising it out of the dirt. LACE is very much cheaper now than it was a few years ago. This is largely due to the increased excellence of our machinery, and the marvellous celerity with which work can be turned out. Lace which used to cost 7s. 6d. a yard can now be bought for a very small fraction of that amount. Of course connoisseurs would scarcely deign to look at machine- made lace, but it is really quite as effective for ordi- nary purposes as the best hand-made, and is very difficult to detect. Manufacturers are rejoicing in the best season they have had since 1882. The new Valdemar trimming is a great success. It is Swiss embroidery with a narrow torchon edging. Ladies who suffer from careless laundry-women will welcome it gladly, as it is very durable, as well as light and pretty. EVERYBODY is crying out about the continuance of this tropical heat. It is a great temptation to be in- discreet in the matter of clothing; but although the evenings are close, they are sometimes tempered by a light breeze, and a woman who is too thinly clad may easily catch a bad cold, and a summer cold is the very worst to throw off. Canvas corsets, scarcely longer than Swiss belts, seem to meet the difficulty. They are delightfully cool and comfortable to wear as they do not compress the bust, like the long ones recently in vogue, but allow the figure to retain its natural lissom buoyancy and suppleness, while giving the necessary support. They lace up the back, and the front husk is made of the best whalebone, about an inch wide. THE heat, too, has given rise to a new idea— nothing more nor less than a "lounging-gown." The first of its species is a fine cresm-coloured flannel, embroidered with narrow gold braid, and made en Watteau, but without a train. It bangs in plain, straight folds in front, and is confined at the waist by a cestus of old gold silk. The wide turn- down collar reaches in points to the bust, while the full sleeves are gathered slightly at the wrist, and allowed to fall as a bell-sleeve in the style of two decades ago. It is not everybody who can afford to indulge in the delightful, but unprofitable, pastime of lounging, but the sight of such a gown is enough to make the most energetic person desire to do so in- definitely. THE apotheosis of the summer sales has been reached, and a period of stagnation is setting in before the autumn goods are shown. Fantastic lin- gerie is struggling into prominence. Fine linen, closely printed with tiny Cupids, and pink or blue batiste, with sprays of convolvulus trailing all over it, seem to be the most popular. But fine white cambric with a coloured bebe ribbon running through the insertion at the neck and sleeves, has a look of dainty sweetness, which coloured underwear could never touch. THE new sunshades destined for country use may be described as smartly severe. They are mostly plain silk, with coloured borders, and are innocent of frills and ruffles. The handles are very handsome. Mexican onyx, having much the appearance of fine moss agate, and Toledo steel, inlaid with silver, are among the most striking. Other novelties in handles are crystal knobs overlaid with silver or gold filigree, and fanciful designs in carved ebony. Now that skirts are worn so short it behoves us to look after the dainty equipment of our feet. Hosiery has never been so quaint and pretty as during the present season. Fine cashmere, spotted and clocked, lace-fronted, Lisle thread, and plain Balbriggan, give any amount of choice from frivolous to severe. Com- paratively few tan shoes are being worn, but French glace kid of the finest manufacture appears everywhere. A very new design in shoes, exhibits three straps buttoned up the centre of the instep. Leghorn is extensively used for picture hats, which are mostly of the Watteau or Gainsborough type, with here and there a Dolly Varden. A handsome Gainsborough in golden straw trimmed with peonies and black tips looks a shade bizarre, but a Leghorn of the same shape, having black velvet bows confined by a paste buckle, and black and white plumes is the embodiment of graceful elegance. Toques are very generally worn, and bonnet strings are fashionable, but by no means universal. Gloves are mostly white, steel grey, cafe au lait, or biscuit with black points. Silk gloves are outre—well- dressed people never wear them. They are not economical either, as the finger-tips rub through in no time. TRAVELLING has become a fine art, and women of taste and fashion no longer consider it necessary to select some partly worn costume to furbish up for a travelling dress. The perfectly appointed cars leave little to be desired in the way of comfort or luxury, and the tourist nowadays prides herself on the ityle and becomingness of her costumes. Alpaca, mohair, and materials of this class are very much liked for travelling wear, but nothing can surpass a good quality of serge or a camel's hair. Many fashionable women have a skirt of wool and a waist of silk in some subdued colour or a plaid. There are dark-blue, green, grey, and brown plaids that are exceedingly stylish and handsome and make the most perfect waists for this purpose. A loose and easily adjusted wrap and a trim little hat, with leather gloves and shoes, either low cut or buttoned, are the approved items for such use.
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THE following incident is said to have happened during the Kaiser's recent visit to Kiel. The Empress's aunt, Frau Professor Esmarsb, nee Princess Henriette of Schleswig-Holstein, lives at Kiel, and the Emperor decided to call on her. Alone and on foot, in ordinary civilian dress, he went to the house of the famous surgeon. To the housemaid who answered his ring he said, "I am the Emperor; please announce me." The domestic, either doubting lie authenticity of tbe words or overcome by awe, banged the door in his Majesty's face, and ran away with a loud yell. Frau Professor, however, anxious to learn the cause of the fright, opened the door, and, on recognising her exalted visitor, was pleased to see that he had treated the matter as a joke.