The Aberystwith Observer

LOCAL AND GENERAL NOTES: ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. The Official Agricultural Returns for the year end- ing oa. the 5th of last June have just been published, and a glance at some of these statistices, as they re- late to Wales, may be of interest. These Returns aN of course not as accurate as it would have been desirable to have them, amainly because of the reluc- tance of a large number of farmers to afford a cor- rect and reliable information. Such as they are, however, they happily prove, as former Returns have proved, that the Welsh farmer is not behind any of his craft ovsr the Border in his endeavour to make the best even of bad times. Taking the kingdon gen- erally, we find that there has been an increase in the area ef permanent pasture, as well as in the number of cattle aIIld sheep, We note, however, a dimunuition in the acreage of titled land, and a decrease in the number of horses;and pigs. The green crops cannot be said to have so-differed from those of last year as to make any appreciable change in their prices. The returns from Wales go to show that there is no very marked difference between the State of Agriculture amongst us and that in other parts of the United Kingdom. The total area in Wales is 4,721,823 acres, of which 2,809,558 are under crops, while the rest consist of heath or mountain land, &c. It is pleasant to bow, and at the same time suggestive of better days, that there is this year, in the Princi- pality, more land under cultivation, by 99,564 acres, than there was in the previous year. The total acre- age under cam crops is 463,561, that is to say, a de- crease of 11,124 acres as compared with the year 1883. Carnarvonshire affords an exception to all the other Welsh ooanties, inasmuch as it has, this year, not a less acreage of corn crops, but a greater by 127. As regards green crops, the increase throughout the whole of Wales is but 47 acres, out of an area of 7100. It is different, meantime with our permanent pasture for it shows a very great increase, viz., 20,829 acres. The space devoted to potatoes was 41,176 acres, Cardiganshire taking the lead in this direction, and the county of Flint closely following. Speaking- generally, these returns, so far as they can be relied upon, show that the permanent pasture, or speaking officially, "grass not broken up in rotation exclusive of health or mountain land" has increased this year in every Welsh county except that of Carmarthen. As might have been anticipated, this increase has led to a corresponding increase in the number of cattle, horses, and sheep. Although, however, the Returns points to an increase of 1000 in the number of horses, there is, really, a decrease in the number of such as are used solely for agricultural purposes. Cattle have very materially increased, viz., by 20,829, while the number of sheep is greater by 75,747. The pigs have decreased in number by 12,537-80 fact that probably is to be attributed to the operation of our Public Health Acts, and, notably, to foreign imports. A new fea- ture in the Returns of the present year is the poultry statistics. This doubtless is a branch of agriculture that is likely to become more and more important each year, as the Prime Minister, a little while ago, told his tenants at Hawarden. We find that during this last official year, eggs were imported into this country to the value of about three millions money. This fact is as significant as it is in some sense as- tounding. Is there not in it a very practical sugges- tion to Welsh farmers, many of whom might do far worse than speedily turn their attention to the im- portant work of competing with other countries in meeting this enormous and apparently increasing demand for eggs. Already this movement is being vigorously taken up in England, and in some parts of South Wales, where there are several poultry farms that return excellent profit. At the present time there is not in the twelve counties of Wales more than 369,062 poultry; and it is evident that great advan- tage, necessitating but a comparatively small outlay, would accrue to the Principality where this number doubled, if not trebled. Meanwhile, however, the British farmer has been taught by bitter experience that he has not a shadow of a chance to compete suc- cessfully with foreign countries in growing wheat for the market, and he has in consequence been led to the precarious position of depending upon the breed- ing of cattle. And what does this last fact mean ? It means that nothing can be more probable than that the present enormous increase in the number of live stock in the United States and Canada must before long greatly affect the English markets, with the cer- tain result of reducing prices.-Carnarvon an d Den high Her aid South Warwickshire election resulted in the return of the Conservative candidate, Mr SAMPSON LLOYD, by a,majority of 1176. As the seat was previously held by a Liberal, this is a Conservative victory. Mr SAMPSON LLOYD was at one time mentioned as a a candidate for Montgomeryshire, and paid several visits to that county. The Franchise Bill has passed through the House of Commons without any appreciable alteration, there being a sort of understanding that some agreement will be come to with regard to the Redistribution Bill. All the Welsh members, with the exception of Mr PCGH, voted or paired. Sir WATKIN was pre- sent at the division in his bath chair. [ The annual collection at St. Chad's Church, Shrewsbury, on behalf of the Salop Infirmary, amounted to < £ 361. During the 147 years the Infir- mary has been established the sum of .£856,000 has been spent; in connection with it. We doubtnot that Lord and Lady LISBTTRNE will be pleased to acknow- ledge the receipt of X100 from St. Michael's Church oa behalf of the- Infirmary in this town. An aetion brought by the the parish clerk and sextion of Rhosllanerchrugog against the Burial Board for the recovery of fees was before Judge HORATIO LLOYD, at Wrexham County Court last week, and resulted in favour of the plaintiff. His HONOUR could not go into the vexed question of consecration at the, Rhos, but he held that the Act of Parliament clearly- reserved the right of the parish clerk and sexton to the eustomary fees. Mr- JOHN; JAMES was on Monday re-elected to the civic, chair, in accordance with local custom. The Aberystwyth death-rate for the last quarter was again very low, being only 12-9 per thousand, which, is less by 7.5 than the average of the fifty large towns of England and Wales. This is very satisfac- tory, and should be made known far and wide. Th& births were 44, and of these 21 were boys and 23 girls At the last census there was a large pre- ponderance- of women. In another column we publish a Welsh letter in which the writer opposes the appeal for the erection of a national memorial to the memory of the eminent hymn-writer WILLIAMS, of Pantycelyn. We do not sympathise in the least with the views of our corres- pondent, bmt as he is a recognised writer for the Welsh pacess we publish his opinions. Spiritualists; seem to be driving a good trade, and are evidently gaining the confidence of an increasing mumber of adherents. Last week we announced that Mr GXADSTFONE and the late Prince LEOPOLD ha.d attended seances. Whether mediums can really hold communion with the spirit of the departed it is is not easy to say, but we are inclined to be sceptic- al on the point. On the other hand we have seen slates bearing writing said to have been done by the spirit of a departed Welshman. In one instance two slates had been securely screwed together, and the writing was on the inside. The subject is full of interest, and is not devoid of excitement, and we should be glad to publish the opinions of any of our readers who have had some experience of the matter. A description of the seance attended by Mr ) GLADSTONE is pnblished in Light for last Saturday. ) On Tuesday the Town vCouncil will be asked to cover the open sewer near Næ bridge. This work ought to have been done years ago, and would have been had Alderman JONES, who-is supposed to have special charge of that, immediate neighbourhoodd, not been so patient aud ieng-guflfeiing. 1 We understand that a Young Men's Institute is being established in the town. The club will be held at the Gwalia Temperance Hotel, Pier-street. The flrst meeting will be held on Tuesday evening.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. BANKRUPT,—Hugh Jones, Mary-street, Aberyst- wyth, formerly master mariner, now commission agent. Public examination, November 18th, 1p.m., Aberystwyth court. SHORTHAND.—Mr Edwin Jones announces in our advertising columns that his evening shorthand class will meet the first week ia December. Short- hand is a valuable acquisition, '&nd young men will do well to avail themselves tsf the present oppor- tunity for acquiring it. ODDFELLOWSHIP.—At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Manchester Unity, held at Man- chester on Wednesday, Mr Wollstein, Grand Master, in the chair, an appeal was heard from the St David's Lodge, in this town, against certain resolutions of the last district meeting, when two of them were re- scinded. Mr George 'Thursby, P.G., represented the Lodge, and Mr J.. J. Griffiths, Prov. C.S., de- fended the resolutions. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of traffic receipts for the week ending Nov. 9, 1884. -Miles open I80t. Passengers, parcels, horses, car- riages, dogs, and mails, £ 1,273 merchandise, min- erals and live stock, < £ 1,997; total for the week, < £ 3,270, Actual traffic receipts for the corresponding week last year:—Miles open, 180f. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, £1,361; merchandise, minerals and live stock, < £ 2,040 total for the week, £ 3,401. Aggregate from commence- ment of half-year to this date, £76,623; aggregate last year, < £ 75,978. Passengers, parcels, horses, car- riages, dogs, and mails, X88 decrease; merchandise, minerals and live stock, X43 decrease; total de- crease for the week, -2131; aggregate increase from commencement of half-year to this date, £645. THE ODDFELLOWS' A.M.C.-On Friday evening week a general meeting of the members of the town and Llanbadarn lodges of Oddfellows was held at the National schools, when three delegates were appoin- ted from each of the town lodges and Llanbadarn lodge, so as to form a committee to further the claims I of the A.M.C, to be held here next year. The first meeting of this committee was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening last, when there were present- Bros. Capt John Thomas (convener of the meeting), Supt John Lloyd, James Bowen, and W. R. Hall, St. David's Lodge John Thomas, draper, and John Jacob, Rheidol lodge John Hughes, Edward Evans (secretary), and W. H. James, King-street, Temple of Love lodge and D. Jones, tailor, North-parade, St Padarn's lodge. Bro. Capt. Thomas, Portland- street, was voted to the chair. Several resolutions were proposed and agreed to, which will be submitted for approval at a general meeting to be held at the Town Hall on the 21st inst. METHODIST FREE CHURCH.—The anniversary celebration in connection with this place of worship took place on Saturday evening, Sunday, and Monday evening, when thoughtful and eloquent sermons were preached by the Revs R. Puw Jones, of Pencader, and James Bevan, of Bodedeyrn. On the last-named evening the Rev Principal Edwards preached at the Independent chapel, Baker-street, kindly lent for the occasion, to a large congregation. The sermon was as practical and powerful as it was original. Mr Edwards is a preacher-his thoughts are fresh, his language is vigorous, and his points are penetrating and irresistible. The first sentence the rev. gentle- man utters strikes home and excites attention, and the interest never flags until the last sentence is pronounced. The rev. principal always gives his services gratis to the friends art Lewis-terrace. HIGHWAY BOARD.—On Monday afternoon, a meeting of the Lower Ystwyth highway board was held at the Town Hall. Present-Mr Vaugiian Davies (chairman), Rev John Lloyd, Llanddeinol, Messrs John Parry, David Jenkins, and Hugh Hughes, sen., clerk. A statement was produced showing that Mr David Pugh, the late surveyor, was indebted to the board to the amount of £132, up to the 25th June last. About X32 was due to him for salary, which left about X100 on the wrong side. Mr H. S. Richardes, Bryneithyn, and the late Mr Richard Evans, Rhydyfelin, were stated to be Pugh's sureties in a bond of £100. It was decided to acquaint the County Roads Board with the state of the accounts, and also to call upon Pugh to give a statement of the amounts paid by him, if any, during the quarter ending June 25th, and to produce vouchers.

LOCAL LAW CASE. In the Court of Appeal on Wednesday (before the Master of the Rolls and Lords Justices Cotton and Lindley) the case of T. H. Jones v. R. Jones was heard. The defendant in this case appealed from an order of Justices Mathew, Cave, and Day to enter judgment for plaintiff. The matter in dispute re- ferred to the boundaries of land belonging to plaintiff and the defendant. It appeared that the land in question is situate at Aberystwyth, and previous to January, 1881, the plaintiff was the owner of the whole of it. The defendant had mortgaged a portion of the land to the then Bristol and Clifton Building Society, and on the 9th of August last, under a power of sale, disposed by auction of the same to the plain- tiff, the auctioneer being Mr Edward Ellis. The plaintiff alleged that the property he took possession of did not accord with the conditions of sale, and, further that the defendant had been guilty of tres- pass by breaking down a gate. The county court judge sitting at Aberystwyth gave judgment for the defendant. There was an appeal to the Divisional Court, which resulted in judgment being entered for the plaintiff, and from this decision the defendant now appealed.—Mr Bosanquet, Q.C., appeared for the appellant, and Mr Cross was counsel for the respondent.-The Master of the Rolls, on the con- clusion of the arguments, sain that the case should stand overf or judgment, but in the meantime the parties ought to make an endeavour to come to an agreement with a view to going before Mr Williams, the County Court judge, who should act as an arbi- trator, which would be the best settlement of the case.

CHURCH AND CHAPEL. We understand the living of Llanllawddog, Car- marthenshire, has been offererd to and accepted by the Rev. W. Davies, B.A., vicar of Llanfihangel Gen- eu'rglyn. The Rev. Morlais Jones has been appointed one of the Merchant Lecturers in Succession to the late Rev. Dr. Aveling. Mr Jones, as is well known, is a Welsh- man. The bi-monthly meeting of the Montgomeryshire Presbytery was held at the Presbyterian chapel, Welshpool, on Friday week The rectory of Llanddeiniolen, Carnarvonshire, which is in the gift of the Crown, has been offered to the Rev T. Hughes, B.A., curate of Dolgelley. At the parish church, Swansea, on Sunday, the Rev. Dr. Morgan preached his farewell sermon. Alluding to his successor, the rev. gentleman said the Bishop of St David's had refused to sanction the appointment of the Rev Cannon Smith unless he would undertake to have two Welsh churches erected in the higher part of the parish. Cannon Smith is now considering his reply. At the annual synodial examination of of the Cal- vinistic denmoninatioll held this year for North and South wales respectively, at Pwllheli and Pontar- dulais, Oct. 28-30, the following candidates passed, and are placed in order of merit; the subjects of ex- amination with the examiners thereon beingGen- eral knowledge of Scripture, the Rev. W. Williams, of Swansea, the First Epistle of John, Rev. Owen Jones, B.A., Liverpool, the Deity of Christ, Rev. W. M. Lewis, Tyllwyd, the Protestant Reformation, Rev. Dr. Thomas, Liverpool :-T. J Jones Lewis, B.A., E. Wynne Parry, B.A., Brecon, Robert Griffiths Den- bigh, R. E. Morris, B. A., Aberdovey, Griff. F. Jones, Llanuwchllyn, Edw. V. Humphrys, Dyffryn, 0. G. Owen Ysgoldy, J. Ceredig Evans, New Quay, A. Roberts, Tyldesley, D. M. Thomas, Neath, H. R. Davies, Crewe, J, R. Davies, Trodyrhiw, Edw. Davies, Bwlchyllan, Evan Stephens, Llangywy, J. R. Evans, Nant, Garth, Charles Williams, St Bride's, Richards, Davies, Mountain Ash. W. J. Davies, Talysarn, W. F. Jones, Blainau, Griff. Jones Wrexham, Jno. Roberts, Llanbedr, Lodwig Lewis, Skewen, John Morgan, Ystrad, J. H. Parry Builth, Owen Jones, Rhydymynach, Evan Hughes, Aberdaron, P. Gelly, Treherbert, James Roberts, Rhos, J. Jeffreys, Ys- talyfera, W. Williams, Capel Gurnos, W. J. Davies, Bronllys.

MALLWYD. HARVEST HOME.-Harvest thanksgivir g services were held at the parish church on November 4th and 5th. The services on Tuesday evening were read by the Rev Thomas Thomas, rector, and the sermon was preached by the Rev E. T. Davies, Aberdovey. On Wednesday morning the sermon was preached by the Rev J. Griffith, rector of Llanymawddy, and in the afternoon the sermon was preached by the Rev W. Richards, rector of Cemmaes. In the evening, at 6.30, the sermon was preached by the Rev E. T. Davies. The services were read by the Rev Thomas Thomas, rector. The anthems—" Mawl a'th erys di," Gweddi Habacuc," and other pieces were well rendered by the choir. The offertory went in aid of the Church of England Temperance Society, and the Soaiefcy for :h1 Propagation of the Gospel. The con- gregations at all the services, especially in the even- ing, were very large.

THE INCORPORATION OF LAMPETER. The inauguration of the new order of things in matters municipal was celebrated at Lampeter on Monday with many demonstrations of public satisfac- tion. The old charter, under which for over 200 years the town possessed a portreeve and the more modern institution of a local board of health, has been superseded by a new charter, incorporating the town, and conferring upon it the privilege of a mayor and council. The new governing body consists of 17 members, and the first election promised to be lively, for 34 candidates were nominated; but the good sense of the parties prevailed in reducing the number to 17, thus avoiding a contest. The meeting for the formal election of mayor and other officials was held shortly after eleven o'clock, at the Town-hall, the body of which was occupied by professors and students of St. David's College, mem- bers of various societies, the leading inhabitants, and a large number of ladies. The chair was taken by* the portreeve (Mr Thomas Lloyd) and the members of the council on their entrance into the hall were very heartily greeted.-On the proposition of Mr Fowden, seconded by Mr Lloyd, Mr W. Jones, of Glandennis, was chosen mayor and on the proposi- tion of Mr Williams, the head master of the College school, seconded by Mr Samuel Davies, the following gentlemen were elected aldermen :— Jenkin William Evans, Joseph Jones, Thomas Lloyd, and Professor Tout.-The ceremony of robing the mayor and alder- men was performed amid applause, and his Worship acknowledged the honour. The following officials were then elected:— Town Clerk Mr D. Lloyd, solicitor, who received nine votes in opposition to Mr Lloyd Edwardes, who was also proposed. Hon. Treasurer: Mr David Jones, Old Bank. Town Crier: Mr James Evans. The next item on the programme was a procession through the streets of the town, which had been made lively with a large number of arches (four of which were erected at the expense of the corporation), flags, and banners, bearing suitable inscriptions. The procession then proceeded to the field where the annual athletic sports of St David's College were ar- ranged to take place. In the evening a banquet was given at the Castle Hotel, and it was our intention of giving a detailed report of these proceedings, but we found that only two members of the Press were invited, the other representatives being purposely excluded. Why this should be so we are at a loss to understand.

THE VOTES OF THE WELSH MEMBERS ON THE FRANCHISE BILL. In the division on the second reading of the Fran- chise Bill on Saturday morning, the votes of the various members for the Welsh constituencies were recorded as follows:— FOR. Mr R. Davies (L., Anglesey), Mr Morgan Lloyd (L., Beaumaris), Mr W. F. Maitland (L., Brecknock- shire), Mr C. Flower (L., Brecon), Sir E. J. Reed (L., Cardiff), Mr D. Davies (L., Cardigan), Sir J. J. Jenkins (L., Carmarthen), Mr W. R. H. Powell (L., Carmarthenshire), Mr T. L. Jones-Parry (L., Carnar- von Boroughs), Mr W. Rathbone (L., Carnarvon- shire), Sir R. A. Cunliffe (L., Denbigh), the Right Hon. G. O. Morgan (L., Denbighshire), Mr J. Roberts (L., Flint Boroughs), the Right Hon. Lord Richard Grosvenor (L., Flintshire), Sir H. H. Vivian and Mr C. R. M. Talbot (L., Glamorganshire), Lord Ken- sington (L., Haverfordwest), Mr S. Holland (L., Merionethshire), Messrs H. Richard and C. H. James (L., Merthyr), Mr E. H. Carbutt (L., Monmouth), the Hon. F. S. A. Hanbury-Tracy (L., Montgomery), Mr Stuart Rendel (L., Montgomeryshire), Mr H. G. Allen (L., Pembroke), Mr W. Davies (L., Pembroke- shire), Mr C. C. Rodgers (L., New Radnor), Sir R.. G. Price (L., Radnorshire), and Mr L. L. Dillwyn (L., Swansea). AGAINST. Sir W. W. Wyonn (C., Denbighshire), the Hon. F. C. Morgan, and Mr J. A. Rolls (C., Monmouthshire). Viscount Emlyn (C., Carmarthenshire) paired against the second reading, and Mr L. P. Pugh (L., Cardiganshire) was absent.

NOMINATION OF SHERIFFS FOR LOCAL COUNTIES. The nominations were as follows:- CARDIGANSHIRE.—Mr Alban Lewis Gwynne, of Monachty Mr George Williams Parry, of Llidiarde; and Mr John Charles Harford, of Falcondale, near Lampeter. MERIONETHSHIRE.—Mr Charles Robert Worsley Tottenham, of Plas Berwyn, Llangollen; William Robert Maurice Wynne, of Peniarth, Towyn; and Sir Robert Henry Wvatt, Bart., of Garthynsrharad. MONTGOMERYSHIRE. — Mr Valentine Whitby Vickers, of Cruggion Mr William Corbett Winder, of Vaynor Park and Mr Peter Arthur Beck, of Tre- lydan. —

THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES. Professor Davis delivered the first of a series of lectures in elementary geology on Tuesday evening. Apart from the students, together with the Principal and some of the Professors, very few townspeople at- tended.

DEATH, OF MR DAVID DAVIS, MAESFFYNON. We regifit to announce the death, which tcok place on Wednesday, of Mr David Davies, J.P., Mne-yffynou, AberrUre, at the residence of his brother, Mr Lewis Davies, Ferndale.

TH K NEW COLLEGE GOVERNORS. To the Editor of the Aberystwyth Observer. Sir,—Kindly permit me, in reply to Another Well-wisher," to state that, assuming his statement that the Conservatives in the district have not done any thing for the College to be correct (a statement the accuracy of which I deny), I say that is desirable, in the interests of the College and of Higher Educa- tion, that the governing body should bo as compre- hensive and representative as possible. Yours faithfully, A CONSERVATIVE.

LOCAL FAIRS FOR NOVEMBER. Llanybyther 1 and 21, Brecon 4, St Clears 4, Tre- garon 4, Rhayader 5, Carmarthen 5 and 14, Knighton 6, Haverfordwest 11, Narberth 12, Llandilo-fawr 12 and 23, Kington 12, Trecastle 13, Defynnock 15, Lampeter 15, Llandovery 16, Letterstone 17, Boncath 18, Cayo 10, Llandyssul 18, Maenclochog 20, Hay 20, Newcastle-Etnlyn 22, Eglwyswrw 24, Crymmych Arms 25.

A MAN went out and hanged himself the other day because a dentist told him his tooth v.,13 affected with "nodular calcification of the pulp." lie left a note to his wife, saying he dilnt want to live on and give it to her and the children. AN old negro was endeavouring to explain his unfortunate condition. "You see," remi- ed Sambo, it was in dis way, as far as I 'member. t, my fader died, and den my mudder married n t den my niudder died, and my fader married again aId somehow I doesn't seem to hab no parents at all, nor no, home, nor nufl'n." Ms. SMITH you said you suspected the pri- soner was a rogue the moment you saw him. Why did you suspect him ? Becoa' e ired my rooms with-it beatin'down the price. This his a rule without ra hexceptions, yer vership; lonestnien are always stingy, and never satisfied honless they get a shillingsworth of anything for tenpence." THE most fashionable gaiters now-a-days are investigators, and they are also the most costly. How far may a widow go when she wants a new parent for her children ?-One step-fa(r)ther. THE oaptain of a vessel just arrived in harbour directed one of the crew to throw the buoy overboard. He was then stepping into his cabin. On his return the captain enquired if his order had been obeyed. The man with great simplicity, replied I conld not catch tbe boy, but I threw overboard the old cook." A YOUNG physican informed a pretty lady patient, who was suffering from chronic sore throat, that the only cure for it was a beard. U That's of no interest to me," she replied; "I've got no beard." "True," he replied gallantly, "but you can use mine as often as you want to." They were married a few months later. MATCHLESS misery has been defined to be having a cigar and having nothing to light it with. ONE of the reasons why a side-saddle re- sembles a four-quart jug is because it holds a gal-on. DOBBS says tailors would make splendid dra- goons they charge so. WHAT wind should a hungry sailor wish for ? One that blows fowl and chops about. A PUN.STJ5H asks whether, if Titian's wife bad f been named Polly, that fact would have made her a polli- I tician. <

MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS. BISHOP BLOMFIBLD (of London) died in 1857. It is said that when a boy he was once asked what pro- fession he wcnald like to follow, when he replied—" I mean to be a bishop! "-and he kept his word. A DEADLY PLANT.—A few years ago there was, in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, a specimen of probably the most poisonous plant ever intro iuced into England. It was thejatropha urcns, the properties of which are so noxious that its possession is positively dangerous. Mr. Smith, the curator of the gardens, was one day reaching over it, when its finehRstly stings touched his wrist. The first sensation was a numbnes* and swelling of the lips the act:on of the poison was on the heart, circulation was stoppe 1, and Mr. Smith soon fell unconscious, the last thing he remembered being cries of Run for the doctor! Either the doctor was skilful, or the dose of poison injected not quite, though nearly, enough; but afterwards the man in whose house the plant was placed got it thrust into a corner, and would not come within arm's length of it. He watered the diabolical plant with a pot having an extremely long spout. In a short time. however, the plant disappeared altogether, and another specimen of the genus jatropha, which was afterwards introduced, vanished in the like mysterious manner. It was pre- sumed that the attendants were secretly determined that such plants should not be retained in the houses, to cause the possibility of an accident such as that which had happened to the curator.-The World of Wonders. GENERAL SHERIDAN'S FAMOUS RIDE. — General Badeau, in an article in the Century, gives a thrilling account of the turning point in the battle of Winchester: Sheridan, however, had so devastated the valley that it could furnish him no supplies, and he was fifty miles from a base. He therefore, ontinued his retro- grade movement as far as Cedar Creek. From this point, on the 15th of October, he was summoned by the Government to Washington for consultation, and during his absence Early determine once more to attack the national army. The plan was well conceived. The enemy advanced in the night, and before dawn surprised and attacked the national forces, still in camp. The army was driven back, portions of it in great disorder, six or seven miles. Eighteen guns were captured, and nearly a thousand prisoners, a large part of the infantry not preserving even a company orga- nisation. Sheridan had left Washington on the 18th, and slept at Winchester, twenty miles from his command. Artillery firing was reported early on the 19th, but it was supposed to pro eed from a reconnaisance, and at nine o'clock Sheridan rode out of Winchester, all unconscious of the danger to his army. Soon, however, the sound of heavy battle was unmistakable, and half a mile from the town the fugitives came in sight with appalling rapidity. He at once ordered the trains halted and parked, and stretched a brigade of his troops at Winchester across the country to stop the stragglers. Then, with an escort of twenty men, he pushed to the front. The effect of his presence was electrical. He rode hot haste, swinging his hat, and shouting as he passed, Face the other way, boys face the other way And hundreds of the men turned at once and followed him With cheers. After reaching the army he gave some hurried directions, and returned to collect the fugitives. He was in major-general's uniform, mounted on a magnificent horse, man and beast covered with dust and foam and as he rose in his stirrups, waving his hat and his sword by turns, he cried again and again: If 1 had been here, this would never have happened. We are going back. Face the other way, boys face the other way The scattered soldiers recognised their General, and took up the cry "Face the other wav It passed along from one to another, rising and falling like a wave of the sea, and the men returned in (rowds, falling into ranks as they came. They followed him to the front, and many who had fled, panting and panic- stricken, in the morning, under Sheridan's lead had covered themselves with the glory of heroes long I efore night. Such a reinforcement may one man be to an army. A few dispositions, and the battle began afresh. But now all was changed. The enemy advancei, it is true, but were at once repelled, and the national line, in its turn, became the assailant. Sheridan led a brigade in person, and the ene ny everywh re ga e way. Their officers fo nd it impossible to rally them; a terror of the national cavalry had seized them. The captured guns were all retaken, and twenty-four pieces of artillery besides. Sixteen hundred prisoners were brought in, and Early reported eighteen hundred killed and wounded. Two thousand made their way to the monntains, and for miles the line of retreat was strewn with the debris of a beaten army. Early himself escaped under cover of darkness to Newmarket. Sheridan was made a major-general in the regular army, as he was informed, in Lincoln's own words, "for the personal gallantry, military skill, and just confidence in the courage and gallantry of your troops, dis- played by you Oii the i ;h day of October, at Cedar Run, whereby, under the blessing of Providence, your routed army was reorganised, a great national disaster averted, and a brilliant victory achieved over the rebels for the third time in pitched battle witJW1 thirty days." It was just eleven weeks since Sheridan bad assumed command in the valley. In that time he had taken thirteen thou- sand prisoners, forty-nine battle flags, and sixty guns, besides recapturing eighteen cannon at Cedar Creek. He must besides have killed and wounded at least nine thousand men, so that he destroyed for the enemy twenty-two thousand soldiers. Turning what bid fair to be disaster into glorious victory stamps Sheridan," said Grant, what I have always thought him, one of the ablest of Generals.1*

WELSHPOOL St. MARY'S ORGAN.—At a vestry meeting held at St. MART, s on Tuesday, thanks were voted to the Earl of Powis for his gift of £1,000 for a new organ, and it was resolved to transfer the old organ to Christ church, and that steps be taken to raise the < £ 275 necessary for the purpose, including repairs. A sum of £ 90 was promised st the meeting.

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THE REPRESENTATION OF CARDIGANSHIRE. RESIGNATION OF MB. LEWIS PUGH, M.P: A rumour has reached us from the south of the county to the effect that Mr Pugh intends to cany- out his recently expressed intention to resign his- seat as member for the county. LATER. Later information places beyond a doubt the cor- rectness of the intimation conveyed in the above paragraph. Mr Pugh's address to the electors, which will he- issued in a few days, will remind his friends of Ms recently intimated intention to vacate the seat, and, out of deference to the expressed wishes of a very large number of his constituents, of his having con- sented not to take any action until the end of the-, year. As, however, he is going to India again this winter, and the interests of the constituents may be thought by some to be in danger of suffering through hiS absence, he is anxious, as soon as may be, to "be relieved of all responsibility in relation to the seat. But Mr Pugh is willing, should it appear to be thch general wish of his party, notwithstanding his- absence, that he should do so, to retain the seat matil. the end of the present Parliament, thus avoiding- the expense of a bye election. Mr Pugh expresses himself deeply touched by the proofs which have been given him, at everyone of the public meetings which he has attended during the recess, of the unabated confidence which is eontinuodl to be reposed in him, and not the less so in that he is conscious of having to the best of his ability en- deavoured to deserve it. THE RUMOURED FALL OF KHARTOUM. A T'imes Alexandria telegram to-day says there is no reason to believe the sensational account of the fall of Khartoum current yesterday in Cairo. Some- thing more than suspicion points to the inference that these rumours are actively fostered by the French authorities.

LLANILAR. PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY, Nov. 7TH, bofore Mr Vaughan Davies, Mr H. S. Richardes, and Lord Yaughan. Riding Without Reins.-Thos. Jones, Tynllwyn Devil's Bridge, was fined Is and costs for this offence. Evan Evans, Tancastell, Llanychaiarn, was sum- moned for riding without reins on the 6th October.- Withdrawn on defendant paying the costs. Disobeying an Order.—David Griffiths, Tyhen Lledrod, labourer, was charged on a warrant with "^tardy order made in respect of the child of Mary Evans, Cwmbys, Rhostie. He was ordered to pay R3 16a 6d and costs, or in default one month s imprisonment with ha-d labc ur. School Attenclance.-David Davies, Tynbwlch, John Williams, blacksmith, New Cross, Ebenezer Evans, Bwlch, Stephen Jenkins, Gwynfryn, and Morgan Edwards, Llanilar Village, were summoned by Enoch Evans, school attendance officer, for neg- lecting to send their children to school; and Anne Evans, Gellilas, was summoned by Willliam Davies for a like offence. Davies was fined 5s, Williams 2s 6d, Evans dismissed, Jenkins fined Is, Edwards 5s, and Williams 2s. Drunkenness.—William Morshead, blacksm th, New Row, was charged with being drunk and dis- orderly near the Bear Inn, PQntrhydygroes, on the 4th nlt.-Fined 5s. A Defaulting Fx-Surveyor.—David Pugh, Pall Rhydyfelin, late road surveyor, was summoned by Mr Hugh Hughes, clerk to the Highway Board, for that he, having ceased to hold the office of surveyor, did neglect to deliver over to the complainant, who is clerk to the district of Lower Ystwyth, the books ,accoun^s kept by him, on the 4th November. The defendant's excuse was that his accounts were not ready, and he promised to deliver them on the- following day. 1 he case was accordingly adjourned.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. ABERYSTWYTH HARRIERS. Wednesday, Nov. 19 7 mile stone, Devil's Bridge „ Road. Saturday, Nov. 22 Dinas.. Each day at 12.

UNPARALLELED SUCCESS I OF THE 1 WHITE EWING MACHINE. <xold Medal, Amsterdam Exhibition, 1883. 600 MACHINES MANUFACTURED AND SOLD EACH DAY. 500 SEWING MACHINE DEALERS IN ENGLAND ALONE SELL THE "WHITE." Samples of Work and Price List gratis Qtl application. TRY A WHITE BEFORE PURCHASING. 1*0 OTHER MACHINE EVER HAD sSUCH A RECORD OF POPULARITY. IT IS THE -Xiighfcest-Rann in g, Easiest, and Best Satis- fying Machine in tbe World. "WHITE SEWING MACHINE CO. 19, QUEEN VICTORIA-STREET, LONDON, E.C. —:NO NAME OINTMENT: THIS Ointment is confidently recommended as an -t- old, tried, and successful remedy for Scurvy, Scrofula, Glandular Swellings, Ringworm, Old Wounds, Ulcerated Legs, Scald Heads, Blotches on the face and body, St Anthony's Fire, Burns, Chil- blains, Bruites, Piles, Fistula, Rheumatism,Bunions, &c. It will heal up the most obstinate eruption of the Skis of any kind.-No family should be without it. —: NO NAME PILLS:- For Scrofula, Scurvy, Ulcerated Legs, Erysipelas, IHotches on the face, Eruptions on the body, Piles, IPiBtula, Glandular Swellings, &c., &c. They may be taken by persons of either sex, are "tonic and invigorating, and, acting on the secretions, they are a truly valuable blood purifier, and may be used in conjunction with the No Name Ointment in ary of the above diseases. Sold in Pots and Boxes by all Chemists. Price 7-Jd, Js lfd, and 2s 9d. SOLS PROPRIETOR— J. WHITE HOUSE, 194, DERITEND, BIRMINGHAM. HAXELL8 HOTELS LONDON AND BRIGHTON ONLY. London Telephone, 2577. 11HEY are scarcely one hoar's distance from each J- other. Their several situations are worM-known The London Hotel in the part of the West Strand. The Brighton Hotel facing the sea, every Room commanding it. The Tariffs of both Hotels are the same :-Ape.rt. ments, 2/6; Drawing-room with Bed-room en suite, 10/6; 12/6; visitors, en pension, 10/6 daily. No 'extras whatever. The best breakfast table and lable d'hote in London and Brighton. Visitors at either Hotel can patronize the other without any further expense than their railway fares, their Apartments during their absence being retained without any charge. he Observer is posted on Friday afternoon, in time for the General Mail, and will be forwarded, post free, to any town or village in the United Kingdom

COST OF PAUPERISM. An official return has inst been issued, .giving the cost of in-maintenance and of out-relief in the half-year ending Lady-day last. The return is interesting because it enables us to see how this half-year com- pares with the corresponding half of last year. Seeing the conflicting opinions abroad upon trade and politics the figures are timely. In Cardiganshire in-maintenance cost fl,438 against £1,381 in the cor- responding half of last year, and out-relief cost £8,853 against £ 9,398; so that, com- pared with last year, the half year under re- view shows a decrease of < £ 1,488. Below we give the totals of the two half years for the several unions in the county :— In-Maintenanee. Out-Relief. 1884 1883 1884 1883 x x x £ Aberystwyth 599 599 1783 1873 Cardigan 361 302 2537 2R52 Hewcaste Emlyn 174 182 2243 2261 Xam peter 110 83 815 860 Aberayron 100 879 853 Tregaron 103 115 596 699 Tregaron 103 115 596 699 In England and Wales the amount ex- pended during the half year was £ 978,287 for the in-maintenanee, and £ 1,226,730 for out-door relief; total 92,205,017. Com- pared with the corresponding halfohl883 this is a decrease of £ 4,299 for in-mainten- ance, and £42,970 for out-relief. Compared vith 1882 the cost of in-maintenance has increased by £ 23,704, whilst that of out- relief has decreased by £ 60,429. Sehool fees, paid as out-relief, cost the ratepayers ^15,756. The average price of wheat in the three half years was-1884, 38s lid per quarter; 1883, 40s lid; 1882, 45s 8d. This reduction must be taken into account in dealing with the decrease cost of the half ¡ year in question.

FOOTBALL. The first match of the season was played on the Vicarage field on Saturday, between the Aberystwyth Club and the College Club, under Association rules. The Aberystwyth team came off victorious, after a well-contested game.

TRE'RDDOL. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY, Nov. 6TH, before Messrs H. C. Fryer and J. T. Morgan. Store License.-On the application of Mr Henry James a license for the storage of gunpowder was granted to the Cambrian Mines Company. School Attendance.-Evan Evans, farmer, Bryn- fedwenfach, was summened by Mr Daniel Hughes, attendance officer, for neglecting to send his child to school. Fined 5s.—John Jones, labourer, Moel- fferena, was fined 2s 6d for a similar offence.

BIRTHS. EDWARDS.—November 2nd, at Quay-street, Cardigan,, the wife of Mr John Edwards, plasterer, of a son. Ev ANs.-october 31st, at St. Peter-street, Car- ^;marthen, the wife of Mr David Nicholls Evans, clerk to Mr W. Morgan Griffiths, solicitor, of a son- MARRIAGES DAVIES—JONES.—November 6th, at the Welsh Con- gregational Chapel, Newtown, by the Rev R.- Powell, Mr Richard Davies, Tafolog, Glanyrafon, Llanbrynmair, to Miss Ellen Jones, Oakhill, Worthen, Salop. EVANS—JONES.—November 14th, at St. Michael's Church, by the Rev Chancellor Phillips, David Evans, Terrace-road, to Margaret Jones, Ederinion House, both of this town. EYANS—JONES.—November 14th, at St. Michael's Church, by the Rev Chancellor Phillips, Peter Robert Evans, Bridge-street, to Eleanor Jones, Portland-lane, both of this town. JONES—THOMAS.—November 7th, at the Register- Office, Tregaron, by Mr P. Williams, registrar, in the presence of Mr J. D. Williams, superintendent, register, Mr David Jones, Tanygair, Cellan, to Miss Eleanor Thomas, of Abercoed, .Llanddewi-brefi. MoRGAN-HuoHES.-November 14th, at St Michael's Church, by the Rev R. Lewis, Mr Thomas Morgan, Queen-street, to Miss Mary Hughes, Portland-lane. MORGANS—JAMES.—November 7th, at the parish church, Llanddewi-brefi, by the Rev L. T. Rowland, vicar, assisted by the Rev D. Morgan, Beguildy, Mr Morgan, postmaster, to Miss M. James, Hafod- las, both of Llanddewi-brefi. DEATHS. BUCKLE.-—November 7th, at Brynygwin, Dolgelley, the residence of her father, Mary Rosamond, the dearly-loved wife of Lieutenant C. Shute Buckle. R.N. EVANs.-November 11th, aged 62, Mr William Mor- gan Evans, printer and publisher of Seven Cymru, Carmarthen. HUGHES.—November 11th, aged 70, at the Union. Workhouse, Dolgelley, Mrs Catherine Hughes, late of Corris. HARVEY.-October 31st, at Hermon's Hill House, Cardigan, Mr Richard Hart Harvey, J.P. (last surviving partner of the firm of Harvey and Sons, land agents), aged 62 years. JONEs.-November 13th, aged 76 years, Elizabeth. Jones, widow of the late Morris Jones, coach- builder, 6, Union-street. RWHARDS.-N ovember 7th, at Pwllhai, Cardigan, Mr Thomas Richards, mariner, aged 34 years. REID.-November 4th, James Reid, 14, Bourne-street. Liverpool, late of Aberdovey. SPENCE.—October 15th, aged 55 years, Mr John Spence, at Clybourn-street, Milwauke, son-in-law of the late Mr D. James, formerly of Doleugwyn, near this town.

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