The Aberystwith Observer

AS'NECESSARY AS THE COOK. Currant# says ,a. miodern writer on culinary matters, are now almost as necessary as the cook." We have, indeed, become so apprecia- tive of these homely little berries, that no menu il". to be considered quite complete without them. Currant sauce is, in some families., taking the place of anwle'Baiuce. and is, found to be a. very welcome change, especially at this' season of the year, when apples, are so lacking in flavorr and when dried currants are in their very best con- dition. One must never forget that this favour- ite fruit is not only tempting to the appetite, but really splendid for the health. There i#»(am extraordinary amount of true nourishment pack- ed uto within each tiny little berry, -and for this reason both adults and children should eat freely of this wholesome Sruit.

CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of ■ raffie receipts for the weak undine; January 31st, 1909. Miles open, 280. Passenarers, parcels, horae-, carriages, dogs and mails, £2.369; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 2,343 total for the week £ 4,712; aggregate from commencement of half-year £ 2 i ,184 Actual traffic receipts for the correspond- ing week of last year: Miles open, 280. Passenger s, parcels, Ac., £2,359 merchandise, minerals. &o. £ 2,448 total for the week JM 807 aggregate fron' commencement of half year, JE20 944. inoreas for the week, passengers, parcels, Ac., £ 10 decrease, merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 105; total decrease for the week, £95; aggregate in"raw.' passengers, parcels &c., £ 220 aggregate increase roerebfindisp, minerals, &c., £ 20 aggregate in. crease from commeDeement or balf-ye-ir, JE240.

GOLFIAISA. [BY HAZARD."] Chirbuiry Club.—They are very whole-hearted out Chirbury way, and no matter what they take up, it seems to be always well man- aged and cairried through. Even during the late bad weather a most successful meeting was held. Four members tied for the January b¡'ey competition sund clock presented by Mors I fice-Davies, of Marrington Hall As one of t::e ties will not be in the neighbourhood till Easter, the other three, as thorough good sportsmen, decided amongst themselves to poet- pone playinj it out till then. Dr Walker, one off the quartette, deserves much praise for hie b,riiiiaiiit performance. It is a stiff tas.k to be all-square with bogey with a handicap of only one on this difficult course. He has only lately joined the club, and should be a great acquisi- tion. Mr W. R. Shaw, of cricket renown, is a very promising player, and keepe steadily im- proving. He is to be congratulated on his posi- tion in the competition, and it will not 'be long before we find him amongst the front rank of golfers. Our old friend, Mr D. Jones, lis again to the fore even with his reduced handicap. He has any amount of confidence and scorns the handicapper. If only his driving was, as good as the rest of hie play, he would hold his Olwn amongst the best of them. It is very gratifying to see Mr M. Nash has regained his old form. He played a grand game with both weather and luck against him. i:\f.r Fred M. White. the popular writer and novelist, on being asked to express his opinion on the fascination of golf, has replied as, fol- lows :—To my mind the fascination of golf lies in its splendid republicaniiem. It has a free- masonry all its own. The man who plays a passable gaime of golf, be he as. shy and retir- ing as they are made, can pack his bag and play golf from St. Andrew's to Westward Ho! and find all the good fellows and pleasant acquaint- ances he needs right away." If he is en garcon," he will eoon be asked to dinner and bridge; if his wife is with him, the other fel- lows' people will call on her. Anyway that's my experience. So much for the social side of this glorious game. You play golf all the time. You play it all the year round; and you are alwavs "in." No leather hunting, no two days' loatu.f out of three, as is possible in cricket. However badly you play you aire getting all the exercise vou need. A series of bad holes is succeeded by two or three good ones, and, best of all, your partner never suffers from your "muscular stupidity," as a friend of mine calls it. I remember T. P. O'Connor once remairk- ing to. me that in a round of golf every hole is an epic." Well, so it is, despite the fact that most epics are tragedies. Perhaps here is the secret of the fascination of golf. Popularity of the game in Edinburgh.—There were 172,251 players on Edinburgh's three pub- lic courses during 1908. These courses belong to the Municipality and are situate at Braid Hills, Saughton, and Portobello. A charge of 2d. per round of 18 holes is made, and working men are more numerous on these greens than any other class. » Breeks."—The caddie of the old-fashioned sort was a firm believer im the equality of man on the golf links. He was not impertinent; he was merely outspoken. And his humour was ma.tive and unconscious of all attempt at "smartness." A caddie who has contributed Lalrgely to the humour oif the links was Sandy Smith, of North Berwick. What is perhaps the classic" golf story centres round his name. The Lard Justice Clerk off Scotland, Lord Kingsburgh, while playing at North Berwick, attracted the attention of Sandy's employer who asked who that big. distinguished-looking man was. Div' ye no ke.n him ?" cried Sandy That's Lord Kingsburgh. Him and me's great frien's. Them's his breeks I've got on." More than likely this was the caddie, who, on being asked his name, replied: Ma maiden name's Sandy, but they ca' me breeka.

♦ —• CAERSWS. CHCRca DEFENCK—A Church Defence lecture will be gi' en in i he Church Room on Friday, Feb. 19th The lecturer, the Rev J. P. Lewis, Vicar of Llauystumdwy, is known throughout the Prin- cipality as a ch-nnpiftn of the Church schools. The meeting is intended for the neighbouring parishes and not for Caeraws only. All are cordially invited.

NOIKS UN FOOTBALL. lBf "VETERAN."] The Montgomeryshire League gonaeti sro much more interesting and excitsng this year than they have been for some years. Aberyst- wyth for two or three seasons were so much bet- ter than 'i-ie rest of the teaisis in. the league that interest waned very consuleraoly. Thanks t:, the areat- improvement shown hy most of tne other teams there is quite a revival and the contests are ,getting quite exciting. 'This was- the case in the match at Aberystwyth Satur- day, when Towyn were the visitors. Ifie le- scilt was a draw of one goal each, ami I think Towyn were lucky to escape with this. Tue homesters began in a manner that promisee} great things, but the three inside forwards were .poor in the extreme and left .no end of chances oi doing the needful slip by, their kicking and filial euorts being very wild. One wondered whet my old friends, J. Garner, J. C. Rea, and the brothers Peake would have done with such chances, but it is no use wondering or longing for past gloiies, though it is pleasant to an old fogey like Veteran to do so some- times. The interval arrived with a. blank sheet. In the second half Aberystwyth went away with & aood burst, and for some 15 minutes or so the Towynites were penned in and did not cross the half-way lire for quite a long time. In a rush Albert Lloyd scored; the goalkeeper got to the ball but failed to clear. This .put more life in- to the game, &nd in a.bout five xrunutes Moiris equalised. For Towyn, L. Jones, in goal, dealt with all shots in an able manner. T. Jones and Evans were a splendid pair of backs—the latter without a doubt saved his side from defeat on several occasions. The halves stuck to their work well, Roberts being in particularly good form The forwards never rose to what they are undoubtedly capable of, and no doubt they felt the loss of H. Jones. For Aberystwyth Davies made one mistake when he left his charge and Morris scored. The kicking and tackling of Jenkins and Green was always s^e_ Tommy Rees was the pick of the halves, and I take this opportunity of congratulating him and his club on his selection in the Welsh Trial match on Monday, a.nd I have no hesitation in saving that he will do full justice to himself and his side. Roberts also played a bustling game. Of the forwards little can be said. The best work was done on the left wing, Wright sending in some lovely centres. Albert Lloyd was not great, but he made a few nice passes.

-+- MONTGOMERYSHIRE LEAGUE. ABERYSTWYTH v. TOWYN. The match at Aberystwyth on Saturday was between the above teams, who met iin the Mom- eomervshire and District League tourney. The weather was fine, and a good crowd turned out to witness the match. The teams lined up as ^°Abervstwyth J. Davies; Mansel Jenkins and Oswald Green T. Rees, John Roberts, aind W. Jones. Jack Jones, John Jones, Albert Lloyd, Jack Warrington, and P. Wright, Towyn: Lewis Jones; Tom Jones and L. i. Evans"; Dr Davies, Gladstone Davies, and a. 0. Roberts; G. R. Francis, J. D. Jones, I. Wynn, G. R. Morris, and Harry Edwards. Referee, Mr George Eagles, Newtown. Rees won the toss, and the Towynites were nut to defend the town goal with a strong sun m theiT eves. Wynn set the ball rolling, and the homesters securing went away with a burst and Jones was called upon to save from ar- rinetan. Pryce Evans sent well up the held, and Davies brought off a good save from Wynn. Roberts was penalised for an, ilIlfrimgement upon Morris. Prvce Evans took the kick, but Fran- cis finished" weakly. Harry Edwards with a fine centre landed the leather in the goalmouth, but J. D. Jones failed to turn it to account and a.n excellent opportunity of securing the ball was lost. The homesters forced a corner, but this was cleared by Pryce Evans, and play was fr-r some time confined to midfield. The Towyn iter, raced iaway., and Morris shot against the cross-bar, and at the other end John Jones who had an open goal at his mercy, shot wretch- edly. A little later John Jones who had an- other open goal, sent wide. Pop Wright made a. fine run on the home left. He finished by Bending the ball right across the goalmouth, and had the home forwards met it they would certainly ha.ve scored. Jack Jones once sent the ball into the goalmouth, all the home for- wards hesitated to shoot, and Torn Jones cleared. The game continued in a ding-dong fashion until half-time when both teams crossed over with a blank sheet. On resuming, the homesters were the first to attack, but Lloyd placed wide. Towyn took up the running, asd J. D. Jones with an open goal sent yards wide. The homesters pressed, and Tom Jcnes through a mis-kick, nearly let his side down, hut Pryce Evans appeared on. the Hotme find cleared. The homesters forced a cp. ner but nothing accrued. Mansel JenVws with a hot shot struck the crossbar, the ball eventu- ally going over. From a forward rush Albert Lloyd scored for Abeerystwyth. This aroused the visitors who Immediately made tracks .or the home goal, but a. brilliant effort by J. Ed- waorda was nullified by the other forwards get- ting in on offside position. Town again at- tacked, and Morris receiving the ball in his own half, raced away with no opposition to meet, and with a good shot sent into the corner of the net. M-(d thus equalised. Both teams made valient, efforts to secure the lead, and once 0. Green .with a long kick nearly did the needful, but Jones marvellously tipped over the bar. Aberystwyth were still pressing when time was called with the score reading Aberystwyth one goal, Towyn one goal. R.W.W. t. ABERYSTWYTH COLLEGE. A most enjoyable match was t.he result of the meeting of these teams at Newtown OIl Saturday, when Mr E. V. Davies had charge of the game. Play for some time after the kick off was rather fame, but when the playere warmed to their work there were some really sparkling exchanges. W. Joneti. cleverly stop- ped a run on the visitors' left, and then a cor- ner fell to the U.W.W, team. Beautifully placed by Garnett, A. U"< needed to Norman Jones, and that player headed just. over. T. Evans was -nastily tripped by an opponent and after kick the home team kept the play well up in their oppünents half, tB fruitiest* cor- ner falling to them. Then Bert Jame", had 1,bout thie. firat really good chance of scoring for the visitors, but sent wide. The two sets of for- wards now pegged away pluckily and with some method. play being exhilarating. W. Owen got the ball in front of goal' and shot into the net. Theftight of the bull was 8omoewnatob, ■t?eured to Roberts, by the delfend-eris in front of him. iDurnediktely from the centre-kick, W. J. James got and passing in a wriggling fashing he equalised with a, shot with which Gough had no chaince whatever. Another dan- ger menaced the home goal for the same player got the ball i>n front from Harold Evans and beaded just outside the post. The two James on the wing got uip by beautiful play and T. J. centred the ball, but Gough caught it. Kti/fely and threw out. The same player got up a-nd tested Gough just before 'the1 interval, but tlie home custodian was safe. In the. second half p'ay became more interesting. Almost im- mediately after the start the home goal nearly feU. The visitors- attacked in grand fashion and Bent Jame* phot hard at Gough, who ,only '/>»rt4«43jjr cleared. The ball ftll at bis wide, -ai,(T I was almost over the linet until Gough recover- ed and scooped it away. At this period the visitors' forwards wer.^ playing a truly brilliant game, and the home defence wa-, practically mesmerised to all intents and pui poses. Shot sufter shot went towards Gough's chnrge, but DOlle took effect. Oftle player threw an early chance away by failing to touch the ball ac, it ralTed slowly to is toe. On another occasion Harold Evans shot hard and struck the upright and W. J. Evans secured the rebound and banged the bail just outside. After this the home forwards had more of the play, and the whole forward line made commendable efforts to get the lead. In this they were splendidly red by th.e three halves who in fact played a starling game throughout. Eventually they were rewarded. A shot from the right struck the crossbar, and Gannett got the rebound into the net from his head. This taste of blood made the RoyailLsts eager, and it took out much of the crispnetse and sting which characterised the play of the Co'lege forwards. Garnett ag'ain shone and put hie side safe from defeat with a long swift shot which entered the corner of ,the net. This was the result of a. ber, utiful run be- tween Garnett-, W. Owen, and Norman Jones. Soon a.fter this time was called, the homo- ;er.s, though not by any means the beet team on the diav's play, being the victors by three to one. The teame were •» fd,jfows R.W.W. E. Gough; W. Jones and C. Chatl- linor J. Jones, R. Evans, and' H. Morgan; T. Evans, W. Owen, Norman Jones, A. Owen, and E. Garnett. College: H. Roberts; R. P. Evans and E. 0. Parry: W. D. Thomae, P. W Edwards, Gwilym Evane T. J. James.. H, V. James, W. J. Jones, H. L.Evans, and R. R. Jones

THE MUM'GOVILIUYSM ji. CD P. A FRIGHT FOR LLANIDLOES Ne-vtowtfi Excelsiors were visitors to Ll,anid- loes on Saturday in the second round of the Montgomeryshire Cup competition. There wa's a fairly good gate present, for the hom>3 sup- porters looked' with great confidence' to see their pets, win again. Owing to the absence of members of the first eleven through illne-sis and other causes the Llanidloes execdtive were com- piled to bring into their ranks ,three, of their reserve eleven. Two of these, Pugh and Hewitt, have taken part in Cup tie. football in previous seasons, but Morris, who figured at out.sidle right, made his first appe,araince with the first eleven. The latter at first suffered from what may be c.aiiled "stage fright," but after a. little wbi'e he began to feel his feet and showed won- derful control over the ball. Now that the home- sters are so badly in need of forwards it is to be hoped that they v, IM not lose eight of Mor- ris, for he is sure to -prove a valuable asset to them. Hewitt s-eemed -to, b, rather out of train- ing awd lacked vim, though he, too, improved during the, latter portion of the game. Pugh in goal proved himself a capable understudy to Roberts, and couM not in any way be, blamed for the goo.s scored against him. C. Smith was tried! at right half, but he was not a success herre, and his. brother Bert took his place in the eeoomd portion of the. game, and the' change proved very beneficial. The visitors are to be congratulated on the exceptionally fine, defence they possess, and specia,1 mention should be nmcU of LL Edwards in goal and Norton Leiwis at left Ihack, both of whom performed re ally splendidly. The visitors won the toss and decided to play down the slight slope, the home men having to start, without. Pugh. The vuaitom at once put the home on the defensive, a.nd Watkins and T. P. Hamer cleared ugly rushes in turn. A pretty movemnt by the home men brought them into close proximity to' the visit ore' citadel, but Lewi's cleverly repulsed Hughes, and a.cpa:in the Excellsiors were attacking. The defence of Watkins and Ford, however, prevailed. Pugh now appeared between the sticks for Llanidloes. Both ends were visited in turn, and both Ed- wards .and Pugh were tested. It wae left to the visitors to draw first blood, Pugh being beaten by A. James, who received a well-judged pass from WiTiame after Pugh had once saved from Hughes. From the centre-kick the home- sHems got off the mark welf, and Ed'wairdls brought off & good, save' from Davies at. the ex- pense of a fruitless' corner. The home men kept up the pressure' and were eventually award- ed a penalty which, however, Hamer put high over the. bar. Be-rt Smith next sent in a. lovely shot which only mieaedt the mark by inches. A minute later however, Morris 6001. in a. loveily centre which Davies met, and equalised. Ed- Wardis 5om afterwards Slaved a, magnificent shot from B. Morris in a clean style. The. Excel- sior quintette now got going and tried Pugh, but. he wa.9 saifo, and kicked we'l away. Sorae mid-field play followed for WIDe time. but .at length the visitors broke away, and Willi,ams. after beating C. 'Smith, put his side ahead again, Pugh throwing himself at fU:'1 Length in his ef- fort to save. Jones very shortly afterwards Wenit through from over the half-way line. and' added the third goaOi for the visitors. HnHf. time arrived with the Excelsiors "teadinff by three goafe to one. On resuming, Llanidloes began to feel' their position, and forced three corners in quic-k .succession. For a quarter of an hour the visitors' goal was laterally bom- barded, but Lewis and Edward's deifended in fine style. Then the, home mm were awarded another penalty, and T. Hughe- this time, made no mieitak^ with his shot. all,[ beat Edward.s. PI ay for the greater part of the second half was confined to the visitors'' quartern, and shot;^ were s«cnt in from .œ1.1¡ petition*. A. Evans and B. Morris putting in '81 couple off extremely fine efforts. The visitors were only able to cet away occasionally, when the.y were repulsed by the hotaw. defence. Altf Evans added onei goal and C. Smith addled1 two to the* «core. of the homesters, who eventually run out winmiere by fiv,, gccls to three. Teams — Llanidloes: Pugh; Ford and Watkins; C. Smith, Hamer and Hewi'tfc; Morris, Hughes, Davies. B. Smith and Evans. Newtown Excelsiors Edwards; P. Owm and Lewil3; Parry, Pickup, and Bri dare winter; Hughes, JonreS:, Jarnes, R. Owen end WiFiamtS. Referee, Mr T. CMtwright, Aberystwyth.

'+- Mr Haro!d Edwards, son of the Bishop of St. Asaph, has intimated to the Conservative leaders his desire to retire from the candidature for Flint Connty.

♦ VI.) TGOMERYSHIRE AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. Mr W. Forrester Addie, chairman of the execu. )vo, pteside'1 over the annual meeting of the Montgumeryshirf Agricultural Association at the Roval Oak Ho" i. Welshpool, < n Monaav afternoon. There werewlso present: Mesers E. Green, W. H. Mortis, R,. J. Edmunds, E R. MorriM, Wm. Evans, W H. Ltngford, Chirbury, Watkins, Lnggy, Wm. Jones, Cwm T S. Coilinson, Howard, Gwarthlow, od Mr Stanley Morris (for Messrs. MorriM, Marshall & Po"lp, Secretaries). The chairman read a letor iif apology for absence from the preside"t (Mr G. D Harrison), who was unable to be present fwiri!/ to the death of Mrs Naylor, of Leigh too Hull. The chairman's references fco the iate Mrs Na, 'or and the late General Herbert, will e found in < u; obituary notices. BALANCE SHUSBT. The baltiricn sheet for 1908, which was pre- sented, shewed the receipts (ii.rlu'iing R285 18s. 6<1, of subsc ription* and special pr ze?5, .266 6s. 6d from siate money and stand, and ;E67 16 9d. from !.ntn fees) to amount, to jE454 lis, 9d. The •-xpendirurr. amounted to R445 148 4,1. Th' balanc d lk )" the bank at the Hid of the year was. £ 19 8" 5d. compared with £ 28 5s. 10d. the preriuns In muvirjt' tin approval of the accounts, the chairman said t- af t.nkeii in conjunction with the- Shire flora- Society's accounts, he thought they might r*v»t«i t h«ra« as satisfaouny The incom^ showed a siigtv inelease, espeoiallv in ^ubsoriprioi's, which 81"01 that, more interest, waiÍ being taken in the Society There was a slight decrease in (xpendituie in a i departments. Thf-re was a balance • EI.9 8-1. 5..1. Hatiins' them, this was about zE9 less ihui the previous ear, init Hldwnrd Green seconded, and (,lie statemen* was adopted VOTiOS OF THAN KS. Mr Wil'iam Kvans proposed a vote of thanks to the Karl f Powis for allowing the Soci, ty the use of Maesgw i id as a -how ground. His lordship, he said, Imd LikiHl » keen interest in the progress of the and helped t,h"m greatly by giving such an excel ient site for the show, There was no better in the kingdom. — Mr R j. Edmunds seconded h- (notion, which wa., hnartilv carried. In proposing a?*vote of thanks to the retiriuy presioer rt" chairman said they had had mh ny excellent p-e-i'^nts and Mr Harrison had been no exception 0 the tule. He had sabHcriljed gener- '•udy, and lakf ti a keen ii\tere«t, in the show, at which f¡., t.t iHonally exhibited sto.-k.—The motion was seconded by Mr Watkins, Lnggy, and adopted Mr W H. Morns prupo.ed a vote of thanks to rflr Ad-iin hw the Society's chairman. Mr Addie, tie said, >>tiended to every detail. He did not think there was a man in the county who did mote in the public ino-rest than Mr Addie did (Cheers.) A vot.<- "j' i hanks was also accorded Air Martin, We lington, he hon. veterinary snttteon.—Sergt- Mnjor Had of the Welshpool squadron of the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry, was cordially thanked r the excellent Military display he organised at last h w PRESIDENT FOIl 1909 Mr Gre; n proposed the election of Mr S. D. Price-D'»vies, of Marrington Halt, us president for the 1909 shiw. HM said the propos; ion required no word-, to recommend it. There was no one who took a greater interest in the county than Mr Price D-tvies, who was a common-sense practical man—Mr Wm. Davies seconded the nomination, which was carried unanimously. It was agreed for the Show to be held as usual on the second Thursday in September.

T H I, MONTH I N THE y\A K L> 'As soon as the ground is in a good state to- ward's the end, of the monich,, the sowing of P.36ti may commence, and be continued at in- tervals, according to the 'requirements. For the firBlt sowing, a, warm border of light soil should be eie'eoted whelre possible, th,) speeds be- ing sown very thinly in drills. To sow thickly is an error, for crowded plants are allwaye weak- elr than those that have eirood alone; and the laibour of thinning becomes neceGsary. It is imperative thait the cloeesit wa,tch be kept upon the young pLainite for slugs, .and birds widll cause trouble unless meiamis be taken to keep them away. Mice also aire, frequently trouble some, but the most serious p:st (especially to the later varieties) is mildew, whiich wi:'¡¡, weaken the plants to the poim't df ruination. It ie the result of a. fungoid attack, and is worst in plants growing in art impoverished soil. Air oodily in. ire*s,t,ed! plafnts isfoouilldJ 'be burned, and those slightly -attacked should be encouraged to throw off the pest by specialty good, treatment. Broad beans may be sown any time from now tiffli the end of April, in rows about two feet aipart; veiry little trouble need be taken, with them 'afterwards, excepting an occasional hoe- ing .and to pinch out the tops as soon as flower- ing commences., which, in addition to destroy- ing the fly usually present, will assist the beans to mature in a marked way. Good varieties are Exhibition Long Pod, Bunyard's Exhibition and Leviathan among the loog pods, while for the shorter-podded ones Improved Windsor or Hart- iington aire abundant croppers. Lay potatoes thinly to sprout in, shallow box- es or on the floor oif a, dark room, secure from frost and cold winds. The chief advantage of sprouting is that growth is secured before the seed is planted', and the crop from sprouted eeed is ready for lifting severa.1 weeks before that from unsprouted seed. Another advantage gain- ed by sprouted seed is that the first bud is pre- served, and the plant is therefore more vigorous throughout the seaborn; whereas with unsprout- ed seed the first bud when it exists is tender and usually gets broken off. The sprouts shou'd be about two inches long, as if much longer they are apt to get broken, off unless very tenderly handled.. It is not ailiwaye possible, however, to regulate the length of the sprouts, but growth may be checked by exposing the seed, to li'ght and ;a,ir. When growth is desired exclude alf light. Exposure to light and air for some time before panting ie necessary in any ease in order to toughen the sprout and enable it to lie hand- led. Some gardeners cut their seed potatoes, 'and although the method has some advantages, the chief being the saving of seed effected, the practice is often carried to extremes, ais many us three or four sets being cut from a small tuber. This certainly saves seed, but it greatly reduces the yield. If, however, cutting is de- sired, the seed should be put to sprout, early, and when a tiiny shoot has been sent out it should be broken off. The potatoes will then bud from several eyes, but it is not advisable to cut it itnto more than two' pieces. Tubers should not be cut until immeddatelv before planting, and the cut surfaces should always be dusted1 over with air-slaked lime. The best re- suite may be expected when medium-sized, well-sprouted and uncut seed a.re planted1 about 15 inches aipart in the drills. 'Sow mustard and cress in shallow boxes filled with ordinary mould. Press the soil down mod- erately firm, then sow the seeds, but do not cover with mould. Water thoroughly with tepid water and cover with brown paper to exclude light until the seeds germinate. Place in an ordinary heated greenhouse or warm room. 'Make two sowings of mustard! to one of cress. Any portion of the garden that has. been rid'ged or left rough for the winter frosts to mellow should now be levelled down if the soil be dry and friable. Parsnips, left in the ground must be lifted now and .staredr, as already they show signs of sending up new leaves. The ground occupied) by them must be dug at once, for its surface may become too dry for young ,qeedis, and plants to germinate in if left till the drying windls come. These diry winds aire valu- able helpers at this neriod' of the year, for they carry off excessive moisture, reduce the land to a fine, even tilth, and at the same time leave sufficient firmnees for the roots of the young plants. M'ake a, thin broadcast sowiing of radish in a f-ame so arranged that the surface of the bed (which should consist of about two feet of half- dccayedi stable mnnure covered with five or six inches oif fine .soil) i6 near the glass. Thin out the roots so that their tops do not touch, give air v/heneveir 'weartvher permits; andi 'protect with mats during frost being careful to admit M much light nB possible to prevent the tops becoming drawn. Woods' Fame and the forc- ing turnip kindis are the most suitable for this sowing. Plaint shallots an, inch deep in rowe from eight to twelve inches apa.rt, and six inches aoairt within the rows. The bulbs' must be firmly planted or they will throw themselves out of the ground' when the roots commence to STOW. A sprinkling of salt and lime will be beneficial, as it will cleanse the land; and malke 't more retentive of moisture. 'Seven pounds Of &alt and half a bushel of lime to eight square yard's would be a moderate dressing. Thie dtreSfSing will be beneficial to all kitchen garden crops, and the question of cost within the reach of all small gardeners. Doming the dormant months of winter every .means should be resorted, to Ifo;i- destroying the eggs and larvae of insects that are injurious to fruit trees during the period when vegetation is most active; and these always harbour on the hilirk and in its crevices,, there is no season of the year when thei.r haunts can be so easily in- vaded and the enemy dlislodged as now. For this purpose remove all filth and excrescences Prom the surface of the 'bark, such as old scales, moss, >amd! lichens, with a blunt scraper; then wash the stem and hranches, well with a mix- ture of brine and soft soao, applying it with a painte.r's' brush, <md .rubbing it well into the ore vice* Old' are also capital harbours .for insects, and these should receive a, thorough wiaehing of the same mixture as the trees. In some of the washes lime is recommended, but where the walls are of brick. or even df nice clean stone, thowe whitened1 patches always look nnsnghtly in a garden, and too much importance need) not be attached to the efficacy of the action rrf the lime ;i::s to consider it an essential ingredi- ent soft eoap and brine are both sufficiently injurious to insect life, and 'Dlfter their applica- tion they leave no unsightly effects behind1 them. All the bulbs Ipotted in the autumn are now in growth. It is a mistake to let them remain too long under the ashes or the covering- mater- ial put over them when newly potted. If the leaves, and flower buds are drawn up spindly, they will never regain a robust or acceptable growth. Tulips should be removed when two inches high, hyacinth three inches, and daffo- dils at four inches. Take all the ashes away from them, a.nd clear the surface of the soil round the bulbs; then place all in a frame. Do not water unless the roots aire very dry. Shade them from, the full light for a. week, and! cover them to exclude frost. 'They will then remain m a) state of inactivity, and can be placed in a greenhouse or w'a.rm room to induce flowering in batches to keep up a. succession. Chrysanthemum cuttin'gs may be inserted freely from this time forth. Should a frame be ii.tillitied, CIO not be afraid oif giving air, and iif the cuttinigis fiaig there irsi no reason to worry; they will soon assert themselves. Do not cod- dle the cuttings during the rooting process the old idea Qir maintaining them in. an air-tight fmaime has long siirace been exploded. Better results are obtained by standing the boxes idr pots of cuttings on the side benches of the greenhouse, on .a swbBtance of a, moist or cool mature. Plaint ranunculi, placing the tubers el awn- sid'e downwards, two inches deep, and four or five inches apart. A rich soil is indispensable, though rotten manure must not be permitted to come in contact with the .roots, and they must be protected from severe froet. Wallflowers should all be definitely trans- plILTIted1 to where they are to bloom.. No great- er muetake can be TnR4e than deferring doing so until they begin to show flower buds. Leave two or three inches between each plant, and with the diibber make the ground firm about their case and the few fibrous roots usually at- tached. Several distinctly coloured varieties aire obtainable cheaply by the hundred though probably the old blood red gives generally the most satisfaction. Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds never fails. 1/14, 2/9.

HE LATE' MAJOR GENKRAL. H TIBKKT. INTERMENT AT WELSHPOOL. Much regret was felt when the sad intelli- gence was announced that Major General the Hon W. Henry Herbert, K.G., uncle of the Earl of Powis, had passed away on Friday evening of last week at his residence, Wineley Hall, Wetitbury TlW immediate cause off death was heart failure, but for some two months previously he had been seriously ill and hie condition was such as to hold out little pros pecc of recovery. The greatest sympathy with the Hon Mrs Herbert and family has been ex- tended in their bereavement. The deceased nobleman and distinguished soldier was born on 8th February, 1834, and was thus, at the date of his death, within a week of his 75th year. H, was the fifth son of the second Earl of Powis by that nobleman's marriage with Lady Lucy Gra- ham, third daughter of the Duke of Montrose, K.G. Educated at Eton, he entered the army in 1852, joining the 43rd Light Infantry on June 18th of that year. He was promoted lieutenant August 26th, 1854, became captain of the 46th Foot in November, 1855, and in March, 1867, wae promoted Major in the 84th Foot to which he had transferred. He became Lieut-Colonel of the 4th West India Regiment on April 25th, 1868, and Colonel on May 14th, 1874. He was assistant Adjutant General for Auxiliary Forces for the Northern Division from November, 1870, to March, 1873; Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-General of the Eastern District from April, 1873, to September, 1875, command- ed the Regimental District, Northampton, from October, 1877, to June. 1880, and the Regimen- tal District, Reading, from 1882 tol885, and was promoted Major-General in April, 1885. Major-General Herbert served in the Crimea with the 46th Regiment in 1855-1856, and was present at the siege and fall of Sebastopol. He received the medal and clasp for Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal. On his retirement from the army, General Herbert took an active part in public life. He was a magistrate for Shrop- shire and Northamptonshire; was one of the first members of the Salop County Council to which he was elected as an alderman and was an alderman for some years of the Shrewsbury Town Council, filling the office of mayor in 1899. He was at one time chairman of the Shrews- bury School Board and chairman of the Salop Infirmary Board, and in many other ways he identified himself with the life of the borough. In Montgomeryshire he was best known pub'icly perha.ps as an effective speaker on the Conser- vative platform. Some three years ago he took Winsley Hall from Captain Whitaker, and dur- ing his residence there made himself much liked throughout the district. General Her- bert was exceedingly kindly and generous to fiie poor, and many will miss him about West- bury. Latterly, when present he presided at the Ponteebury bench of magistrates. A strong Conservative and Churchman, he was master of the General Herbert Lodge of the National Congervatd\}e Leagna at Westbury. He was also a member of,the Carlton Club. He married in 1871 Sybella Augusta, elder daughter of the late Mr Mark William Vane Milbank, of Thorp Per row, Yorkshire, by whom he is survived. The remains of the late General were brought for interment from Winsley Hall to Welshpool on Monday evening and were deposited for the night in the chancel of Christ Church. Muffled notes were tolled from St Marys Church, where a flag was hoisted at half mast, and expression was given to the sympathy felt locally for the Powis family in their bereavement by the put- ting up of shutters and the drawing of blinds in business premises on Monday afternoon and on Tuesday. The obsequies, which were of a simple but impressiye character took place at noon on Tuesday when members of the family and a i-epresentative company of the public as- sembled at Christ Church. The service was choral and a full surplioed choir was present, with the organist, Mr E. Gwalchmai. The Vicar of Welshpool, the Rev D. Grimaldi Davis, was assisted by the Rev Douglaa Mor- gan, the Rev W. Leek. vicar of Lydbury North, and the Rev D. E. Rowlands, vicar of Middletown and Great Wollaston. The Vicar of Welshpool intoned the service in the church, and the lesson was read by the Rev Douglas Morgan. The hymn, "Peace, perfect peace," and the Nunc Dimittis were feelingly eung, and as the body was borne from the church the Dead March was played on the organ. Now the labourer's task: is o'er" wan sung at the grave, and the committal sentences were said by the Rev. W. Leek. The mourners were the Rev Percy Herbert (son) Miss Herbert, and Miss Alice Herbert (daughters), the Hon Mrs Ailing-ton^ the Earl of Powis (nephew), Sir Powlett Milbank, General William Mont- gomery, General Robert -Montgomery, Colonel Edward Herbert, C.B., Colonel the Hon G. Windsor Clive Major and Mrs H-ussoy, Lady Magdalen Herbert, Mr Cholmondeley, Lady Margaret Cholmondeley, Mrs R J. Har rison, and the Rev Percy Hales. The Corpora- tion of Welshpool attended officially, those pre- sent being the Mayor (Dr R. D. Thomas), the Town Clerk (Mr C. P. Yearsley), Councillors W. Humphreys J. Pryce Jones, T. F. Hiles, A. E. Bond, G. "Mac-queen, and T. J. Evans, and the following borough officials, Dr J. A. Cramp (medical officer), 'Messrs M. Powell (treasurer), C. Galloway (auditor),' T. Ellidge (collector), and J. Griffin (librarian). The borough of (Shrewsbury, with which General Herbert was closely identified, was represented bv the Mavor {Councillor B. Blower), tbe Town Clerk (Mr"H. C. Clarke), Alderman R. E. Jonea, Councillor Kearsley, Mr J. Williams (committee clerk), and Mr H. B. Weaver (of the Technical school). The Welshpool borough magistrates present who are not on the Council, were Messrs J. H. Davies, M: Jehu, D. Lloyd, and J. Jones. Messrs A. Chester and S. Lee represented the Westbury school managers, and the following were present from the Westbury Lodge of the National Conservative League-~Messrs A\iden, D. R. Musson. T. Bromley, Clifton, D. Morris, A. Vaughan, J. Tomlins. Paddock W. Oliver, and J. Arfcwright. Among others present wer» Colonel R. W. Williams-Wynn, D.S.O., Captain Mytton. Major Heber-Percy. Mr Corbett, Long- nor Hall, Mr Forrester Addi,e Mr R. H. New ell, Walc-ot, Mr H. D. Chapman, Kilbendre, Mr S. D. Price Davies, Captain Derriman, the Rev H. P. Alford Worthen, Messrs R. Salt, Shrews- bury, C. Shuker, E. Green, The Moors, W. II. Morris, Chirbury, W. P. Hole, Crowther's Hall J. E. Watkins, Welshpool, J. G. Tavendale; Coedydinas, Jones Bank, Pool Quay, and Jones, Farm, Pool Quay. A number of beautiful wreaths were laid oil the grave, including one from the widow and family. Others were from the Earl and Countess of Powis, Mrs A. E. Lloyd Oswell" In memory of a good and kind master, with deepest sym- pathy from his servants at Winsley Hall," "In kindly remembrance, from- the 'agent, office •staff,_ and officials, Powis Castle," With heart- felt regret and deepest sympathy from Aunt Alice," In loving memory, from Miss Mont- gomery and Miss Evelyn Montgomery Wilbra- ham Place, S.W. Lady Milbank, Norton Man- or. "With loving memory from Charlotte Har- rison," Lady Mary Herbert, In loving mem- ory from Lady Winney Withy," "In affection- ate remembrance of Uncle Willie from Edward and Beatrice," Captain C. F. Edwards, Ton- bridge, "With sincere sympathy from the mem- bers and Principal, secretary/and students of the Shrewsbury School df Art." Sympathetic references to the late General Herbert wore made on Tuesday at Shrewsbury Licensing Sessions by the chairman (Mr T. Cor- bett), at Shrewsbury Victoria Nursing Associa- tion uy Alderman Southam and Archdeacon Maude, and at Montgomeryshire Agricultural z;1 Association on Monday by Mr W. Forrester Addie, who said that General Herbert, as the youngest brother of the late Lord Powis had always taken a great .interest in the welfare of th-a county.

MARKETS. WELSHPOOL CORN, Mi-nouy. Quuriitioos: Whe-it, !5s 6d ti, 16s 6d per 240 I o,4, s 3s 0.1 to 14., Od "0 220^8; harlny, grinding 148 Od to 15,. Od; m'tlring, 16., Od to 19s Od per 280lbs. W H t. <-iK*EK* ,/1 .y. H. whola- alu, Is Id to Is 2d retail, 1- 3d to Os ad f».. I o nun it; wholesale, 12 to 0; retai; 11 for i 4 hickenft, 4h6d to 6s 6d hens, 3- Od to 4 i 61; duckling, 6s Od to 6s 6d; trapped rabbits, Is 4 i co is 711 per .-<»vtpU:. LLANIDLOES, Saturday.— Butter, retail, Is 3d to 1^-4d pn Ib j hen eggs, wholesale, 12 retail, 10 fur 18 Chickens, 4s 6d to 6s Od; hens, 3a 0 i to 48 Od per couple. MONTGOMERY, Thursday.—Butter, retait.ln Id to 1- 3 per lb; hen eggs, wholesale, 12 retail, 12 for IH chicke'.w, 4s 6d to 5«>6d hens, 3s Od to 4m 01; ducklii g", 5s|0d to 6a Od per couple •VEWTOWN, Tuesday. Batt.AI, retail, Is 21 to It- 4o pe: Ib; hen eggs, wh^esale, 0 to 12 retail, 11 1411' Is; chickens, 4s 0 j r, 5 0'; hens. 2s 6d to 3s 6d ducklings, 5s 6d to 68 Od trapped rabbits, ls4d to Is 6d per couple. OSWESTRY MONTHLY BUTTER AND CHEKSE FAIR.— There weie about 50 tubs of butter and 100 cheases pitched. Quotations Butter, 10d to lid per lb; heexe: Skims, 30s Od to 35s Od; half meated, 50s Od to 55., Od fat. 60.. Od to 70s ad per cwt; "am, 9! to LOti bacon Hi: ct-os, 7}d to 8d per lb. UfWissTKY WEEKLY CATTLE Pnu, W Theie was a good supply at the Smithfield, but trale •viin not, so brisk as usual. Messrs Whitfield & Sons 1c1 201 cattle and calvns, a.i i 528 sir "'1) md pi <3, Messrs Wm. Hall, Wateridgw -»nd O-ven, Vl^g-irs Whit.fic ri snd Rog TS, M W or.n ta,i,- Lti i Mr Moms Smith had their usual sales. Quotations Heef, 7d to 71d veal Ed to 8^d mutton, 7^1 to 8" lamb, 7d to 8d pf U) p wk pigs, 8* 6d to 9 0 !.1t",JfI pigs, 7s 0 86: ll.II ->oor« 'SWESTBY CORN MAtthET, WEDNESDAY l'be olluwing were the quo itiotiM: White *h-xit, 4s 6d to 5s Od red, 4s 01 to 5s Od pit- 75los; its (iihw j lis Od to 12^ 0 i i oi 13 0 14-Od i.er 200h>s; malting barlev, 18s Od to 20d OJ; ri•ling barley, 14s 6d to 15 Od per 280lbs. OSWESTRY GENERAL MARKET WEDUOSIAV.— Quotations:—Butter, Is Id t", Is 2d ner It) 8 o 10 o» Is fowls, 4s 0<( t.i 5 Od. rabbits, Is 8d i o 2f 0 i per couple duo", 5s G i to 6-t 01; geese, 8d to 81d per lb; swedes, Jd to Id per b; 2 relet j, iid perstick; potatoes, id per lb. .SHREWSBURY CORN, Saturday vV lOtib, 14* 9d to 15s 3d per2251bs; oat,s, new, 13s Od to 14s Jd pei 2251bs; beans, 15s Od to 16s Od per 2401bs; malting barley, 17s Od to 19.. Oki grinding barley, 14s to 15s Od per 2801bs. SHREWSBURY GKNRRAL VURKKT, Saturday.— Quotation* Fiesh butter I- 3d t", Is 4d p-i, Ib; hen eggs, 6 to 8 for la chickens, 5s Od ,o0s Od ducks, 6s Od to 68 6d rabbits. Is 6d to Is lOd per couple; geese, dressed, 7d to 8(1 per lb potatoes, 3s 6d per cwt. SHREWSBURY CATTLE,Tuesday -Larger supply of store cattle and better trade. Good supply of fat cattle and brisk trade. Good show calves and pigs and very fair business, but mutton trade sluggish. Good business in cows and calves, highest price reaching X23 10s. Quotations ;—B-ef, 6^ 1 to 71:d 4 bulls, 6d to 6Jd calves, 8d to 8|d; wethers, 7^d to 71d ewes,'6d to Od per lb; pork pigs, Os Od to 10s Od; bacons, 8s 3d to 8s 6d per score. Numbers-Cattle, 862; calves, 86; sheep, 471; fat pigs, 230; store pigs 214. ELLESMERE GENERAL, Tuesday. :— Wheat, 15s Od to 15a 6d per 225lbs barley, 198 Od to 20s Od per 2801bs; oats, 1 Is to 12s Od per 2001 bs eggs, 10 to 12 for Is; buttes Is Od 1.2d per lb; chickens, 4s Od to 6a Od; hens, 3s Od to 4" Od rabbits, Is 6d to Is lOd pei ,;oupla. WHITCHURCH, Friday.—Wheat, 148 Od to 15* 6d per 228lbs; barley, 08 Od to Os Od per 2801bs oata, lis Od to 15a per 220lbs eggs, 10 to 11 foi Is butter, Is 3d to Is 4d per lb fowls, 4s 6d t > 5 6d ducks, 8s 6d to 9s Od rabbits, 2s Od to 2s 2d per couple; geese, 9d per lb potatoes, 20lbs for 91; beef, 7d LO 9d; mutton, 8d to 9d; veal, 7d to 91 pork, 6;d to 7d lamb, 9d per lb apples, Id to 2d per lb, LIVERPOOL CORN, Tuesday.—W<ie»it, good trade, old Plates moderate, others about Id over Friday- 1 Manitoba, new, 8s 4Jd to 8s 5d, 2, 8s 2d, 3, 8s. Maize, quiet trade and easier- Galveston, 5s5^d to 58 5§d Plato, 5a 7Jd to 58 8d, Beans, Saidi, un- changed. Peas, Canadian, 7s 7d to 7s 73>d; Odessa, 6s lOd to 6s 10^d. Oats, old white, 3s 2d to 3s 3d; new, 28 6d to 28 9d. Flour, 6d dearer. BIRMINGHAM CATTLE, Tuesday.—Poor supply and not much business passing*. Quotations: Best Here- fords, 7d shorthorns, 61d to 63d bulls and c,)-vq, 4 4d to 5^d 5 calves, 7d to 7-il wether sheep, 7|1 to 8d; ewes and rams, 4^d to 51(1 per lb bacon 2 pigs, Os Od to 9s Od; porkets, 9.:1 9d to 103 Od sows, 7s 2d to 7s 3d per score. LIVERPOOL CATTLE Monday. A.L market: — Cattle, 1,252 sheep, 4,517. Quotations :-Beef, 5d to 6^d; mutton, Scotch, 5d to 8d, Irish, Sd to 4 7|d per lb. CORK BUTTER, Tuesday.—Firsts, 99s; seconds, 91s thirds, 84s; fourths, -s. Mild cured Supeifine,—s; fine mild, -s; choicest boxes, -g, Fresh butter, 104s. Demand languid; prices easier; supply average. LONDON HAY AND STRAW, Tuesday.—Prioea :— Best clover, 72s Od to 78a Od inferior do., 66a Od to 70s Od; specially picked hay, 76s Od good do. 63s Od to 72a Od inferior do 50a Od to 60s Od mixture and sainfoin, 67s Od to 75s Od straw, 24a to 28s per load.

-+- I MACHYNLLETH. AcciMNT.—On Monday afternoon, as the three- year-old son of Mr Joseph Jones, Nowlyn farm, was crossing the road he was run over by a motor- car. Fortunately the child escaped with only an injury to his toes. MUSICAL.—Mr II R Humphreys won the chal- lenge solo at Bont, Llanbrynmair, on Jan. 28th. The prize was £ 2, and Mr Humphreys sang" 0 Divine Redeemer." Mr Maldwyn Evans won the second prize of 10s. Messrs Humphreys and Evans took the challenge duett also. riaey sang Martial Spirits." The prize was JEl la. TEMPERANCE.—The members of the Machynlleth branch of the North Wales Temperance Union met at the English Presbyterian Schoolroom on Friday afternoon, and entertained the members of the Aberhosan, Melinbyrhedyn, Soar, Penegoes and Corris branches to tea. There were nearly 150 members present, and the chair was taken by Mrs Davies, Royal House. Reports on the work done was given by members of the various branches. Short addresses were delivered by Lady Herbert Roberts, Mrs Davies, Menai Bridge, Miss Pritchard, Oswestry, Miss Jones, Llanllyfrii, and Mrs Hum- phreys, Rochdale. In the evening a public meet. ing was held at the English Presbyterian Chapel. NEGLECTING TO REJ-ORT SHEEP. ScAin.- Before Dr Edwards, MajorlH. E. Bonsall, Dr A. O. Davies, and Mr Richard Gillart, on Wednesday, John Jones, Cefngwyngrug, Penegoes, was charged with having neglected to report a case of sheep-scab. P.C. Parry, of Trefeglwys, said he found the affected sheep on the bills and put it in the Bron- baul buildings. He informed P.S. Owen and the sheep was afterwards examined by a veterinary surgeon. Defendant pleaded ignorance of the scab, and as this was the first offence he was fined 5s including costs.—Rifchard Jarman, Brynhedin, was charged with a like offence. P.C. Parry said he viaited the farm on January 21, and among two lots of eheep totalling over 100 be found several affected sheep and some of them very badly taken with acab. Fined 10s including coata.-D. Wil- liams, Rhoswydol, Melinbyrhedin, Penegoes, was also summoned for this offence. P.C. Parry said he found one sheep affected with scab. Defendant said he always dipped his sheep. Mr Richard Gillart said he was glad to hear that. Defendant said he knew nothing of this cate of scab. Fined S. including costs. I