The Aberystwith Observer

T? BCrew steamer Tenstanton ia reported to have Chalmers, N.Z,, with a cargo of 7*840 ear- W8ea of frozen mutton,

EVE AT THE WHEEL. sr G. MANVILLE FENN. Author of Ship Ahoy," M Dutch, the Disw," II TAt Foundry Belle?$e. 4 CHAPTER L IN THE CALM. HOT-hot-hot! The sun glowing like a white disc through the awnings rigged up over the decks, and simmering the pitch in the seams till it swelled and oozed out, or formed big tears that glistened on the cordage. Not a breath of air; the sails hanging in great festoons from the yards; and the Zenobia, a finely- built, full-rigged clipper ship, rising and falling very slowly, as her tall, taper masts described small arcs, urged thereto by the gentle swell of the calm sea, which lay a burnished mirror far as eye could reach. It was dangerous even to look at that glistening waste-that is, to your skin-for it meant a red, tingling glow, then a sensation of soreness, and lastly an appearance of skin rags wherever the sun had touched. Doctor, why don't you come and sit down, or lie down, or do nothing somehow ? It puts me in a psofuse perspiration to'see you dodging about with that thermometer." I want to find a good place to hang it in," said the person spoken to as "doctor"—a keen, grey eyed young man of thirty, slight but strongly built: and, if not handsome, possessed of a thoroughly good-looking English face, shaded by a crisp brown beard. "What does it stand at, doctor ?" said the first speaker, a man who might have passed for his brother, from the similarity of build and com- plexion though, while the doctor was all eagerness and animation, the speaker looked heavy and dull- as if he required stirring up to bring out either his good or evil qualities which were lying dormant beneath an imperturbable crust. Wha,t does it stand at ? said the doctor—" over a hundred." And how high must it get before your skin begins to turn to crackling, and you roast ? "That depends," said the doctor, seriously. Keep your pores open, and a constant flow of perspiration by drinking-" "Grog?" V* ( No, no-water, and the heat the human framo can bear is something wonderful, as exemplified in the modern Turkish baths. There is a record of a man who used, for pay, to undertake to play the salamander, and would go into a hot baker's oven, taking with him a candle, which used to melt all away, while he came out uninjured." "Don't, doctor," said the speaker—the first mate. • Don't what P" said the doctor, hanging his ther- mometer to one of the lashings of the awning, and then seating himself upon a folding chair beside the group lolling on the poop deck. Don't talk so," said the mate, languidly; sit still, loll out your tongue, and pant." Is he always as idle as this in hot weather, captain F" said the doctor, laughing. Not he," said the captain, a bluff, grizzled man of fifty-a regular type of the commander of an emigrant ship. He comes out of his shell some- times." Not to talk, though," Baid the mate. I say, skipper, do you think the doctor's caught 'the com- plaint of the women ?" Shouldn't wonder," said the captain, with a merry twinkle of his eye. Pass me your tobacco, Laurent." The mate handed his tobacco pouch to the captain. I suppose it isn't true, though," said Laurent, about so many of the women shamming ill ?" W hat, so that the doctor should come and see them ?" said the scaptain, laughing. Oh! I can't say-ask him." Joke away, gentlemen," said the doctor, taking the pouch, and rolling himself up a delicate cigarette with deft fingers. But, I say—seriously though, captain-if this calm keeps onj we shall be having some sickness amongst them." Don't sound like it," said the captain, taking his pipe from his mouth, as the buzz and chatter of many voices came from the. central part of the vessel, where quite a couple of hundred women were grouped in every possible attitude—working, singing, reading, but for the most part talking. I never knew anything like the way in which they ean talk." I say, doctor,' said Laurent, sending a puff of blue smoke into the air, as he lay upon his back on the deck, feel the skipper's pulse, and prescribe, there's a good fellow." The captain stolidly held out his hand, and the doctor smilingly touched the great muscular wrist. "Rum, eh, doctor ?—one part to four, eh ? said the captain. No; one of those bottles of claret, and a lump of ice," said the doctor. Good! said Laurent, smiling. You needn't feel mine, doctor. Symptoms just the same." All right," said the captain. Here, Saunder- iion, pass the word for the steward." Ay, ay, sir," said the sailor addressed, after getting a big quid out of the way; and word was passed forward, ship's telegraph fashion — man shouting to man, as if they were half a mile off instead of a few yards; and the result was that a lean-looking, uncomfortable man made his ap- pearance. Bottle of claret, Smith, and some ice." Ain't none," said the steward, gruffly. "What, none!" said the captain. "There was plenty." "Yes, was," said the steward, shortly. Then, what's become of it?" "Better ask Mr. Helston," said the steward fulkily. Eh- the ice P" said the doctor, "Oh, yes, I've had a good deal for some of my patients. I didn't think I'd so much, though." Lots melted every time the store was opened," said the steward. "Névermind," said the captain, good-humouredly. "Get the claret. We're always getting out of some- thing, doctor, at sea." Even wind," said Mr. Helston, smiling. "Ay, even wind," said the captain. I say," said the young mate," I've hit a bright." Let's have it," said the captain. "We've got 300 women on board, and they talk enough to raise the deck." Well P said the captain. I propose that we get 'em all brigaded, and set them to blow the mainsail, and-oh, here's the claret! The sulky steward had returned, and cooled the wine by wrapping it in cloths, and evaporating their moisture in the sun. Then, and then only, the cork was town with a loud pop, the ruddy claret was poured out, and the little group sat sipping it, as the man dozed over the wheel, and the chattering went on beneath the awning amidships. CHAPTER U; BTBONS-MINDBB. U LOOK at that! Wine for the lords of creation, and we poor inferior beings stinted even with water, zah! "t. ^,e^orf^ Burrows, spinster, was the speaker: a hard-looking woman, with a discontented air, who might have been any age between twenty five and forty. She was neither reading nor working, but sitting with pursed-up lip and half-closed eyes, see- ing everything that was going on around. Yes, it's a shame, isn't it ? said a merry-look- ing country girl, who was stitching away at a piece of calico. Oh, I could drink a lot" I dare say you could," said Deborah but it is not for such people as we are. Don't you know that we belong to the inferior sex, and that but for the brutal laws of our country there would have been ample place for us there—good positions in society, instead of our being driven off, like so many sheep in a flock, to seek for pasture in a foreign land P" My, how you tali!" said the sempstress, open- ing her mouth, and gazing aa if in wonder at the speaker. But I thought," she said, mischievously, that we were going to Brisbane to-ahem I-find husbands, as they are so scarce at home!" Pah, husbands! exclaimed Deborah. Give up your right of thinking and acting for yourself to some thing who is not your equal in sense, let alone your superior! Pah! Mary Dance, I'm athamea of you 1 Deborah walked over to the other side of the deck after emitting a snort, and the sempstress laughed fu^adty m f? frgfofr girl, wtosff wavy fair hair was gathered up very tightly in a knot behind her shapely head; but closely as it was f bound, it could not hide its luxuriance. She was very plainly dressed, in a close-fitting grey stuff gown, free from every trace of ornament; but in | spite of this the girl, even in that scattered crowd I of a couple of hundred, seemed the most prominent I figure there. "I tell you what it is, Miss Monroe," began Mary Dance, and her needle clicked in the work. Hush dont, please," said the girl, glancing nervously round, and she spoke in a whisper. Don't what, my dear ? Don't speak to me like that." Why, la! my dear, you look quite frightened. What did I say ? cried Mary. "I'm not frightened," said the girl, smiling, and raising her large grey eyes to the speaker; "but > you will ever forget that I am only one of the assisted passengers, going out to Brisbane for employ- ment, and call me miss." "I shall call you just what I please, my dear," said the other, stubbing her work very fiercely with her needle. Who's a better right to be called miss than you? Your father was a clergyman, and I clergymen are gentiamen, and so you must be a lady." The girl'sighed. Don't talk like that, Mary; I know you want to be kind to me." j, "Kind to you?" said Mary Dance, and her pleasant, countrified face lit up with a flash. Yes, 1 should think I did. I should be a beast if I didn t, after the way you nursed me." Hush! don't speak so loud," said the girl—" the others may hear." Let them," said Mary, sharply. But it makes it unpleasant for me," said Grace, earnestly. I want to be friendly and happy with you all; and if you call me miss' it seems like setting me at a distance, and the others sneer and talk aside to one another." I should like to catch them at it before me," said Mary Dance, flashing up again. They know well enough that you are a real lady, and it's nasty mean jealousy. I'll give them a bit of my mind about it, if I catch them at any of their nonsense. Why, they ought to be proud to do all sorts of things for you, because you've been so unhappy, and are left an orphan and poor." ( ike you, Mary," said Grace Monroe, laying a soft little hand upon that of the speaker ;^and the tears rose to the eyes of both. "Yes," said Mary, quietly; "but then I've been accustomed to work. After 1 left school, and went home to the farm, I used to do anything-clean, and wash, and sew, and make butter; so that I'm rough, and able to work." And so am I," said Grace, smiling sadly; and very willing. You have been such a good friend to me, Mary, that I know you will oblige me in this I ask." My dear, I'll do anything you ask," said Mary, earnestly. Then never call me Miss Monroe again. Deborah Burrows looked very strangely at me the other day when you spoke to me." She, indeed!" said downright Mary. Ah, I should like to slap her, with her woman's right non- sense, and railing against the men. Says she shall get up a society out in Australia. You see if she don't marry the first weak little squatter she can get hold of." And Mrs. Kent looked annoyed too," said Grace. "It is so out of all reason, Mary." "Mrs. Kent's a stiff old tyrant," said Mary, sharply. "But there, my dear, if you wish it, I won't say miss any more, but always Grace; and I know I shall be horri; ly ashamed of myself the while. But la! my dear, how pale and ill you look-why- oh, my gracious goodness, the poor girl's going to faint! Grace Monroe seemed to hear her, for she smiled faintly; but she fell back, her head striking heavily against the coamings of the hatchway before Mary Dance could save her, and then lay quite insensible upon the deck. There, don't come crowding round like a flock of silly sheep," cried Mary Dance, sharply. "There, that's right; keep every morsel of air away, and suffocate the poor girl I I haven't patience with you. Jane Geake, if you've any brains in that great head of yours, get some water." The woman addressed extricated herself from the little crowd and ran for the water, while Mary Dance loosened the fainting girl's bodice, and fanned her with her straw hat. "What's the matter here?" said Deborah Bur- rows, elbowing her way to the front. «< Why, she's fainting, that's what the matter," said Mary Dance, sharply; can't you see ? Fainting ejaculated Deborah, in a tone of dis- gust-" such nonsense "Yes, isn't it ?" said Mary. "You couldn't faint, I suppose, if you tried? There, do stand on one side, Deborah Burrows; talking won't do any good here." ''No," said Deborah, spitefully, "I suppose not. We want the young doctor, I s'pose, same as you did when you were so ill. Nice to have a young doctor to attend on you, isn't it, Mary Dance ? Shall I fetch the young doctor for Miss Monroe ?" Oh, you exclaime.dMary Dance, in a tower- ing passion; "if I don't box your ears one of these days, I'm—ugh!" She busied herself over the fanning process, throw- ing all her angry energy into that, and shifting her- self round so that she should not face the hard, smil- ing countenance of the last speaker. Yes, I thought as much," said Deborah, laugh- ing in an unpleasant, cackling way; here comes the young doctor—she wants him badly." "You do, I think," retorted Mary Dance, "to make you into a mummy." "flere, doctor," said Deborah; here's another delicate patient for you. Poor creatures, how they must suffer!" Well, Mrs. Burrows," said Mr. Helston, quietly, as he met the woman's smiling gaze with a full, calm look, "you cannot expect all women to be made of cast-iron." There was a titter amongst those standing round, and Deborah Burrows gave a little snort indicative of contempt, and turned away. This was not seen though by the young doctor, who motioned the group back, and laid the girl's head gently upon a cufihion. Give her air," he said. She is only faint with the heat. That's better—she is coming round." One or two of the girls whispered to each other, and Mary Dance looked hard at Helston as he ten- derly moistened the girl's face with the sea water that had been brought, until there was a quivering about the eyelids, when his handkerchief was brought into play, and a few moments after the dark-fringed lids slowly unclosed, and the soft, grey eyes gazad vacantly up into his. Then came the brightening of recognition; a soft flush beg in to rise in the cheeks, and the girl tried ) hurriedly to rise. Lie still, my child," said the young man, gravely noting every change in his patient's countenance. There, that will do. Stay with her, Mary Dance, till I return with a draught." And with quiet delicacy he rose from one knee, and turned to face Laurent. "Not ill-not serious, I hope," said the latter, anxiously. Ch, no," said the doctor, gravely—" fainting from the heat, nothing more." "Not--not infectious, I hope," said Laurent, in a hesitating voice. Not in the least," said the doctor. And he walked quickly to his little surgery, well stored with necessary medicines. Here he mixed something in a glass, and returned to the deck, to find it vacant. The next moment Mary Dance stood before him. "Grace Monroe has gone below, sir," she said, quietly. "I'll take her the medicine, please." The young doctor looked annoyed, but he handed the glass with a few words of advice. Ifs your turn to nurse now, Mary," he said, smiling. Take care of her." Don't you be afraid of that, air," said Mary Dance, shortly. I'll do that." I know you will, Mary," said the doctor. And he turn d away, to encounter the mocking smile of Deborah Burrows, who stood by the com- panion ladder, with her mouth tighter than ever, and her eyws half closed, as she looked down from her self-climbed eminence upon one of the inferior sex. (To be continued.) v J

WATERPROOF SACKCLOTH.—According to the Mili- tary World, sackcloth on canvas can be made as im. pervious to moisture as leather, by steeping it in a deooction of lib. at oak bark with 141b. of boiling water. Thi* quantity is sufficient for eightyarda of stuff. The cloth has to soak twenty-four hours, when it is taken out, passed through running water, and, hung up to dry,

I GOSSIP OK DRESS. IN London, last week, the most I £ S^»Ttant event in 0"' the fashionable world was the State Osu^ert gives at I Buckingham Palace by command of thY Queen. It I was a very brilliant affair, and a choieer rejection of | music was performed by a band and chorus cour-iating of performers selected from the Reyal l&alian Opera, the Philharmonic Society, and the Sacred Harmonic Society, together with Her Ma^ssty's private band. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales wore a dress of cream embossed velvet and satin embroidered in pearls. Head-dress—a tiara of diamonds. Indian ornaments. Orders- Victoria and Albert, the Crown of India, St. Catherine of Eussia, and the Danish Family Order. Her Royal Highness Princess Christian of Schleswig-Hoietein wore a dress of very pale yellow satin brocade, the front of the skirt covered with Honiton lace, tritsnaed I with pear embroidery and red poppies. Head-dress— a tiara of diamonds. Ornaments—diamonds and emeralds. Orders—the Victoria and Albert, the Crown of India, St. Catherine of Russia, the Saxe- Coburg and Gotha Family Order, the Portuguese, the Prussian Order for the Care of the Sick and Wounded, the Order of Louise of Prussia, and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, ANOTHER occasion which excited considerable in- terest was the annual summer evening fite held in the gardens of the Royal Botanical Society in Regent's- park. The gardens were profusely andbrilliantly illumi- nated, and it is not too much to say that never has a more brilliant spectacle of its kind been witnessed. The lake was especially attractive, with its shores and towers out-lined with parti-coioured lamps, and stars of divers hues floating on the surface of the water, while the music in the pavilion provided the additional charm of sweet sounds. At intervals coloured fires were lighted amongst the trees, which also illuminated by French coloured lamps. Her Royal Highness the j Princess Mary Adelaide and the Duke of Teak (pre- sident of the society) visited the gardens, and remained till nearly midnight. Every corner of the grounds were thronged throughout the evening by an unusually large number of visitors. IN noticing the fashions for the month Le Fellet says :-The most fashionable materials of the season are admirably adapted to the historical and picturesque styles which are being selected for the modes ef the day. The Lamballe and Trianon types show to the greatest advantage the mousseimes de soie with large patterns, the printed voiles and foulards, and tttin Chinese crapes with exquisitely pabted flowers, so much in demand this season; the latter and the mousstslines de soie are always warn ever silk, and, profusely trimmed with lace, cannot be surpassed for elegance and lightness in wear. Dresses entirely of lace, such as Chantilly, over black or colour-or white lace over fraise, mauve, pale green, or blue- are very fashionably worn. Cut out silk chiooreet are much used for trimming these; they are placed in the centre of full lace, and have the effect of gar- lands of flowera. Drooping bows of ribands of two shades are also arranged effectively in the lace flounces, and to rai&e the draperies. ACCORDING to the same authority, Lyons grenadine is in very great favour, and is universally admired the silk stripes embroidered in many colours, with insertions of chenille network and bads, shew charm- ingly as pouf and panier ever skirts of plain grenadine, rose, lilac, and amber, with sous jupe of silk the same colour. There are also very pretty simple toilettes of woollen grenadine—grenadine canevas, muslins and light veilings, baptistes, and zephyrs; these are also trimmed with lace and coloured ribbons, and are effective though inexpensive. Many dresses of limousine, sum- mer cachemire, fine serge, canevas, with short pleated skirts, with a broad scarf round the hips, are used for morning wear, the bodice being a little jaquette, The more elegantly made skirts, of rich broehes and satins, failles, &e., with embroidered or painted panels, are for toilettes babilldes. Raised polonaises of handsome materials, casaquins, and corsage habit are worn for dinner and ceremonious afternoon dresses. White, cream, and light neutral shades in veilings are trimmed with dark ribbon velvets, claret and ruby being trfes a la mode for the purpose. Some of the leading modistes make polonaises, or bodices and tunics, of these veilings, over plain skirts of dark velvet; creara or pale grey, with violet or ruby velvet, are the favourite combinations of coleur. White dresses in all materials are much worn by young women and girls. Several white voiles have been made lately, and trimmed with cate au lait coloured lace, which baa a very distingui effect thus used. Black is also very fashionable for married ladies of all ages, and is profusely ornamented with beads and jet. Bright coloured ribbons and white lace may be used to enliven these dresses but for elderly ladies, Vene- tian efuipure and Chantilly are the principal orna- ments. Eestr is again very fashionably worn, in Chinese foulard, Tussore, and soft Indian silks, and trimmed laces-tine embroideries added or woven in the material in the same shade, or several colours. Russian em- broidery is also very effeetive on écru. Sea green, reaida, silver green, fading turquoise," nema- phila blue, and two or three pale pinks—such as rose chair and nymphe—mauve, lilac, and helio- trope, are the most fashionable light colours. The peacock blues and greens, moes grean, and two or three rich shades of brown, violet de Lo raine, and Louis green, being those generally selected for darker shades. There are also many charming tints of very soft effect in what is known as the "smoke shades"—blues, browns, and greys; the latter are particularly attractive, trimmed with silver braid. Double box-pleated skirts, edged with lace before pleating, and banging over a plisse, are made by all the leading dressmakers in many cases, a stripe of velvet, ribbon, or lace covers the space between the pleats, or this may be occupied by consecutive loops of ribbou. Ribbons are also passed under the folds, appearing between. In fact, there is hardly any way of using this pretty trimming that has not already been adopted, and many dresses appear as a mere foundation for loops and bows of ribbon. THE long redingStes are as fashionable now as they were in the winter, and are made in all materials from the richest brocade to the finest muslin lined with silk. Some with short fronts and long sides and postillion basques, or these replaced by a handsome bow, and those with long pleated backs and short fronts and sidgs, are very elegant, but should be con- fined to good figures. These reding&tes in pattern material over plain, or vice versa, pattern skirts and plain redingdtes, are popular in washing fabrics also. The tabbed bo i ices are still in great favour, many are worn in coloured velvet over various skirts a fall of lace unner the tabs is a great improvement. A VERY elegant fashion of wearing lace scarves hM been introduced lately; the scarf is pleated at the threat, drawn out a little over the bust, narrow again at the waist, continuing down the front, and forming a curve en panier at ene side the other pankr is of silk or satin. Nothing can he prettier than the beaded corseleta so fashionably worn; they are of jet, gold, or steel beads, in latioe pattern, and are called the Donna Paz corselet. The dark ones are worn over black and dark colours; the blue steel over grey, black, and sea blue and the gold over black or brown; those of gold or silver cords, or pearl beads, are charming over white or light-coloured satias and silks, A LONDON contemporary says that tulle and net still bear away the palm among fabrics for evening dress. Flowers are used in large quantities for trim- ming them. A flounce of blossoms, such as poppies or roses, is not unusual. Fruit is also popular. Long sprays of cherries, shaded from black to brightest cerise and mingled with the foliage, adorn with good effect a gown of white or pale-tinted tulle. Straw- berries are imitated with tempting truth to nature. Pendant by long stalks, mixed with the fair white blossoms and relieved by the triple leaf in all the t atural shades from yellow-brown to vivid green, they form an effective ornament. Painted dresses are still occasionally seen. The best are those on which a few lines running horizontally along the hem represent water, from which reeds, grasses, and lilies spring in not too crowded groups. Poppies and corn growing up in this way from an imaginary ground are also effective, especially if painted on white or cream- colonred, or pale blue moird, the shifting lights of this material forming an artistic background. THE Queen remarks that pocket-handkerchiefs are great features of dresss adornment now, and the last place for displaying them is in a pocket on the left arm ef course only a small one can go in, and it always matches the colour, or one of the colours of the costume. Those with coloured muslin borders, plain; or ornamented with delicate little fljwers are fashion- able also these with full borders, buttonboied in undulated pattern, with close-worked dots of colour, Evening ones are vandyked and button- holed, or all ef lace, with a very minute cambric centre, The mest eostly are naturally the hand embroidered, but the most general are the eheaper, printed' or machine worked fancy ones. Coloured silk borders are liked. It is generally the custom now, when purchasing pecket handkerchiefs, to select those with different borders and different patterns, the white enes being reserved for evening use. Aprons are constantly sold with a fancy hand- kerchief in one poeket, fixed in with a bow. They are still much worn, put into the front of the bodice as ornament, not for use.

After an exciting contest the cricket match between the Gentlemen and Players, which was finished "t Kensington Oval on Saturday, ended in a tie.

A PERILOUS VOYAGE On Tuesday some commotion was caused at the Old Swan Pier, London Bridge, by the arrival pi tf email open boat of foreign build, which evidently froi» seawern cendition bad made a lengthy voyagC< To* boat in question was the Weptune, belonging to Nor- way, 24 feet long, 6J feet beam, and 2 feet deep, smd in this small eockle boat the captain and sole occtf* pant, Wm. Johnson, a naSrve of Cbristiaasand, 46 years oi age, had made an ocean voyage of about 1,000 miles. The Neptune left Drontlieim, ia Norway, on 1st June, and coasted along the land for about 400 miles te Stavanger; where the took in water, &c., and after one day's stay to enable her master to take a rest, she left Orl the 17th June. With a fair wind anvl smooth sea she could manage to log seven kno&e an hour. She made the English ccast on the 25th June, seven days' passage from Stavanger, her first land fall being Fiamborough Head. In the North Sea for two days she experienced a north-easterly gale compelling her to He to and anchor. She called at Lynn, proceeded thence and arrived in the River Thames on Monday. The Neptune is of the whale-boat type, being sharp at both ends, and with a great sheer. She has two masts; the mainmast carries what in England is understood as a dipping lug; but the lowering of which, by an ingenious contrivance, is dispensed with in tacking. The boat amidships has a free board of eight inches only but the extremities spring well up out of the water.

THE AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION AT HAMBURG. At Hamburg, on Tuesday, the International Agri- cultural Exhibition connected with the Cattle and Horse Show was opened by the President of the Exhibition Committee. The Exhibition comprises nine departments-horses, cattle, sheep, swine, bees, fisheries, poultry, agricultural implements, and litera- ture. Around the place a field tramway has been con- structed, which is in perpetual motion. Of dairy implements a great collection is exhibited. A compe- tition in sho ing horses will be held. England is well represented, but shows its strength more in the quality than in the number of the horses and cattle exhibited. The United States have sent very interesting speci- mens of domestic animals. The King of Denmark and the King of Saxony are expected to visit the show. The number of foreign visitors at the Exhibition, and for the sumaaer meeting of the Hamburg Horse Racing Club and the Warrior Festival is enormous, and is increasing daily.

l SCENE IN A POLICE-COURT. In London, the other day, at the Marlborough- street Police-court, an elderly woman was charged before Mr. Mansfield with being drunk and disorderly in St. James's-street the previous night. Charles Norman, police-constable 209 D, gave evidence to the effect that he found the prisoner drunk and dis- orderly, and he took her into custody. It appearing that the prisoner had several times been charged with a similar offence, Mr. Mansfield fined her 40a., with the alternative of a month's imprisonment. The prisoner no sooner heard the sentence passed upon her than she took from her pocket a glass bottie, and with great force hurled it at Mr. Mansfield, making a straight aim towards his head. The bottle, however, being thrown too low was shattered to pieces against the Chief Clerk's deek, and scattered in all directions, such being the violence with which it was thrown that, an inkstand was smashed, and thus fortunately Mr. Mansfield escaped. Had the bottle beeR thrown a little higher there is no doubt that Mr. Mansfield would have been dangerously injured. The prisoner said the magistrate could do what he liked with her, and could give her six months with hard labear if he liked. Mr. Mansfield withdrew his previous decision, and remanded the prisoner for a week.

EXPLOSION AT A MATCH FACTORY. On Tuesday a coroner's inquest was held at Leeds touching the death of John. Ward, who died from the effects of an explosion on the 27th ult. at a match manufactory in that town. Colonel Ford, a Government inspector of explo- sives, who represented the Home Office at the inquest, said there was very little doubt but that the explosion was caused by the friction arising from the man handling the piece of composition rather roughly or while he was cutting the mixture with a knife. It was a very sensitive deto- nating composition, and was used at one time as the lighting composition for percussion fuses. Had the substance been wetted before baing cut, or been allowed to soak in water for about 24 hours, there would-have been very little danger. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." Mr. Riekards, factory inspector, said that Colonel Ford had made a suggestion which would have the effect af diminishing risks in factories of this kind, and it would be carried out at all the match manufacturies in that district.

SAD ACCIDENT TO SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN AT SHEFFIELD. On Monday afternoon a terrible accident occurred in Sheffield during a procession of Sunday Settool children to the Botanical Gardens, where the annual gala of the Band of Hope Union was about to be celebrated. Thousands o* children were conveyed in drags, omnibuses, and waggons to the gardens, and the route was thronged with spectators admiring the. gaily decorated cars. In Gell-street, off Glossop-roaeL an empty dray was waiting until the procession had passed, and advantage was taken of it by a number of children to obtain a better view of the proceed- ings. Unfortunately the horse beeame restive and bolted, coming in contact with another dray, finally, releasing itself from the shafts. Many of the children were thrown to the ground and trodden upon by the horse, and immediately a fearful scene arose. The crowd was so dense that the rush of persons became most alarming, and many children were trampled upon by the bystanders, who found it impossible to keep clear in consequence of the immense pressure from behind. Others were run ever by the wheels of the dray, and a few were injured by being crushed in the orowd. After a few moments of complete panic the horse was seized, and it was then found that fully a score of per- sons, mostly children, had been more or less injured. The hospital and dispensary was only a short dis- tance away, and thither the injured were removed. One ohild. John Charles Summers, two yean old, died immediately, probably from suffocation, as there was no outward marks of injury, and another, Frederick Lawless, four years old, died shortly after admittance, Mrs. Lawless, mother of the latter, received contused fractures of the head and leg, and Benjamin Lawless, another of her sons, was severely hurt internally. Some of the injured were removed to the Sheffield Infirmary, and others were attended at the houses of surgeano in the immediate neighbour- hood. The driver of the dray did his utmost to prevent the children crowding upon the dray, but when they found themselves unable to climb the garden walls, they listened to no remonstrance and took possession ef the vehicle, their example being followed by several grown-up people. The inquest on the bodies of the two children killed in the above accident was opened on Wednesday. Only evidence of identification was given, and the inquiry was adjourned for a week.

CUTTINGS FROM AMERICAN PAPERS. A Pittsburgher has invented a railway sleeper made of etraw board. But this won't be the first straw bored sleeper. If anything bores a man it is to find that the feathers in his tick grew in a wheat field. Old lady to drugizist-" I want a box of canine pills." Druggist-" What's the matter with the dog Old lady (indignantly)—"I want you to know, sir, that my husband is a gentleman!" Druggist puts up some quinine pills in profound silenoe. A man in Richmond wound up an eight-day clock every night for thirteen straight years. How time, estimating three minutes for each wind, coma be have put in at hoeing corn had he known what sort of a clock he had ? "Will you give a poor fellow who is racked with fever a&d ague a dime to buy some quinine. asked a Westchester county tramp. II Why, I gave you ten cents leas than an houv ago. 1 80 you did. I didn't recognise you. Well, I spent that dime for whisky. You don't suppose a man can eat quinine clear, do you ? When a young man says his girl is worth her weight in gold," he is not putting a very high valua- tion upon her unless she is a very heavy girl. At this rating, one hundred and twenty pounds of girl would be worth only about 30,000 dole. I don't like to have my husband shew tobacco," remarked a young married lady, but I put up with it, for the tin foil is just too handy for ¡anything in .rvwag up my front crimps!"

TIBS PVBDUCED SIKI or SOLBCBBS.—Private Atkins t Hers, I say, mate, give us lift up with my rifle,"— 1 Meomhme r-*

THE FISHERIES CONFERENCE. Mr. R. B. Marston, editor of the Fishing Gazette, has read a paper before the Fisheries Conference at S the Fisheries Exhibition on Coarse Fish Culture." J After describing the various methods by which sueh I fish (which include all our fresh-water fish other than gallon, trout, and grayling) may be Cultivated, fce strudx' -ty urged their propagation, first because thejf afford niort and healthful recreation for thousands of working'-tBfc n an^'ers I and, secondly, because they form a m<?st admirable &nd cheap food for salmoaidae, which at pmen* h^e to./rbe fed cn meat and other expensive food*, r', .Marston also strongly advo- cated the cultivation oi Wacj £ bass, lately acclimatized in this country fyom America by the Marquis of Exeter. On Monday the Conference at the Fisheries Exbibt. tion was opened by the re",ding" of a paper by Mr. Z. 1.J, Joncas on the fisheries of the Dominion. The chair was taken by the Hon. A. W. M'Lelan, Miiiistor of Marine and Fisheries for Canada, who, in introducing the reader of the paper, remarked on the great progress which fisheries had made in Canada, the fact being there was a greater percentage of the population devoted to that industry there than even in England, Mr. Joncas, in the course of his paper, gave an account of the various fisheries of Canada, laying especial stress on the cod as being thef most important, but also gave many mterssting statistics with regard tc the mackerel, herring, lobster, and salmon fisheries. The concluding portion of the paper referred to the Legislative restrictions which had been placed on fishing, both as regards close time and the size of nets, which experience appeared to-ahew had been extrsmely beneficial. In the course of a somewhat lengthy discussion which followed Professor Brown Good referred to the large number of fishermen from Canada who came from the States, some to settle, but others to return to Canada after having made a competence. In many respects the fisheries of Canada and the States ought to be taken together, and he estimated that the total value thus considered was from 120 to 150 millioB dollars annually. The chairman, in acknowledging a vote of thanks, spoke of the s.istanGe which the government of Canada afforded to fisheries, net orly by ht ildt ig har- bours and breakwaters, but by offering a V oun y per ton to improve the style cf fishing vessels, with a view to prevent Canadiau'ifshermen going te the States for employment, and also to the establishment of tele- graphs along the coast by which early notice was given of the arrival of the fish on the shore,

SAVED BY A DOG. A boat containing two sergeants of the 23rd (Welsh) Fusiliers was swamped on Friday evening in last week in Milford Haven. One, named Davies, was saved by his dog, but the other, named Taylor, was drowned. The dog first caught hold of Taylor, but finding it was not his master, let him go, and swam to Davies, whom it supported until he was picked up by a passing steamer.

LORD WOLSELEY IN DUBLIN. On Friday in last week, in the examination Hall of Trinity College, Dublin, the honorary degree of LL D, was conferred upon Lord Wolseley, in presence of a crowded attendance of the fellows, professors, and members of the University Senate, with many students, and a -large number of ladies. Upon ar- riving Lord Wolseley was received with loud and repeated cheering, which was continued for a consider- able time, when his degree was conferred upon him. Lord Wolseley was in the full uniform of a general, his breast being covered with decorations. At the moment that he appeared See the conquering hero comes!" was played upon the organ. The students then raised the "National Anthem in hearty chorus, which was followed by loud cheering. When this had ended, the ditty, "For he's a jolly good fellow," was sung in enthusiastic chorus, and Lord Wolseley, who stood prominently upon the dais, repeatedly bowed to the ovation of cheering. Subsequently there was a garden party, at which Lord Wolseley was present. It was attended by the provost, the fellows, and professors, with a number of the graduates, who were dressed in full academic cos- tume. The band of the 1st Royal Dragoons played a selection of music. In the evening Lord Wolseley was entertained at dinner in the dining-hall of the college by the provost and fellows. He was attended by an honorary guard, who took up their places in the square, having marched through the gate* of the college with the colours and the band playing. Again the cheering was repeated all through the courts, and Lord Wolseley once more, from the steps of the dinicg-hali, bowed his acknowledgments. Subsequently Earl Spencer arrived, with an escort of the Dragoon Guards, and was received with equal enthusiasm, the band playing God save the Queen." On Saturday evening Lord Wolseley was entertained at a banquet in the Rotanda, Dublin, Viscount Gough presiding, with the Lord lieutenant on his right and Lord Woheley on his left. There were present several Generals and officers who shared in Lord Wolseley's campaigns, most of the Irish Judges, the members of Parliament for the city and University of Dublin, the principal members of the learned professions, and the leading citizens.

THE KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW. The twenty-first exhibition of sporting and other dogs commenced on Tuesday at the Crystal Palace, remaining open until Friday. The entries were nearly 1,200 in number, arranged in 45 classes; and disposed in a series of tents. The show was fully up to the standard usually present by exhibitors under the aus- pices of the Kennel Club, while in the various classes there were some of the grandest specimens of well- known breeds that have ever been led into the judge's ring. This was amply borne out by the St. Bernard and other big dog classes, which inelude many old favourites as well as promising puppies. The deerhounds are a good class greyhounds, as usual, are but few in number. The extra classes contained varieties of foreign dogs, among which may be mentioned the Chinese edible dog, Ambassador, who has taken so many prizes that his commercial value for the pur- poses of his race must have been considerably enhanced also several Esquimaux, Norwegian, Australian, and Japanese specimens. The classes for setters, terriers, and bulls were up to the usual average. The toy section was well filled, Lady Brassey sending several of her favcntrite pugs; while Lady Giffard fills the entire class fat Maltese.

THE MARKETS, METEQPOLITAH CATTLX MARMT.—MONB-iT. The total Imports of foreign stock into London last week amounted to 19,021 head. In the corresponding period of last year we received 17,239; in 1881, 15,572; to 18^0, 14,482; in 1879, 22,167; in 1878, 15,394 and in 1877, 16,942 head. At Liverpool were received 699 beasts from Baltimore, 320 beasts from Montreal, 159 beasts from Operto, aad 1,609 beasts and 447 sheep from iostoa; at Bristol, J06 beasts from Montreal; and at Southampton, 7 beasts from Jersey, 260 beasts from Oporto, aad 21 beasts and 7 calves from Guernsey. The cattle trade is very cpnet. The hot wea- ther is checking business, and the depression in the dead meat market, also produces inaetirity. The aggregate supplies, although not large are sufficient. The supply of Engl'sh beasts was limited. Bales progressed slowly, ba the best qualities were steady In value. The best Seots and orosses realised 58 16dto 6s 2d per 81 h. There was a fair supply of foreign beasts, ehiefly Danish, with some Swedisk and Canadian The trade was quiet on terms. The sheep pens were only moderately well titled. Business was very slow, and prices about the same. Best D.WDS and half-breds sold at 6s 4d to 6s 6. per Sib. Lambs were timet at 7s to 8s 4d per 81b. Calves and pigs Bold en former terms. At •Beptford were about 2,0e0 beasts and 8,600 sheep and Iambs. Coarse and interior beasts, 4a 4d to be second quality ditto 5s to 6s 6d prime large oxen, 5d gd to 6s lOd ditto, Scots, <KC. 5s lOd to 6s 2d; eoarse and inferior sheep, 5s 4d to 6s 8d; second quality ditto, 6s 8d to 6a; prime coarse woolled ditto, 68 to 6s 4d; prime Southdown ditto. 6s 4d to 6a 6d lambs, 6. to 8s 4d; large eoarse ealres, 6s BM to 6s 4d; prime email ditto, 6s 4d to 6s 8d; large hogs, 4s 5d to 4s 8d; neat small porkers, 4s 8d to 6s. per Slb. to sink the offal. METROPOLITAN MEAT MA-RKEn-MONDAY. A short supply of meat mostly in bad condition. The weather being still very warm, there is a very small de- mand:—Inferior beef, 3s to 58 8d: middling ditto, 3s to Ss 8d; prime large ditto, 4s to 4s 8d; prime small ditto, 4s 8d to be veal. 6s to 6s 8d inferior mutton, 3s 4d to 4s middling dilto, 4s 4d to 6s prime ditto, 6s 4d to 6s 4d; large pork, 3s to 3s 4d; small ditto, 3s 4d to 3s 8d and lamb, 6s 8d to 7s 4d. per Sib. ey the oareafiftj GAME AND POULTRY. Leverets, 2s 9d to 4s rabbits, Is 6d Ie Is 9d; conies, 9d to Is reese, 6s to 8a xhickens, Is M to 2B 3d; Aylesbury ducklings, 3s to 4s; quails, lOd to Is 2d fowls, Is 2d to 3s 6d ducks, Is Gd to 3s each. PISH. Salmon grilse and trout, 2!d to 10d per lb. large soles, Is 9d to 3s 3d per pair; cod. £ 4Ys II to go 10s M per seose; whiting, 88 to 10s 6>1 per box: mackerel, 28 to 3s per dozen mullet, 9d to Is 6>1 each turtoot and brill, 6d to ad per lb.; lobsters, 58 6d so 30s per dozen; bloaters, 4s 6d to e. per box; kipper haddoek, 16s till 21s per kit; POTATO. There was a moderate supply of potatoes on sale. Sbe. demand was steady, as followsLisbon, new, 14s to lis; Malta, lis to 16s; Jersey kidneys, 20s; ditto round, lie cwt. ,¡.