The Cambrian

LIFE AND ADVENTURES IN GOWER- LAND. WITH THE GHOSTS, GOBLINS AND WITCHES. BY C. D. M. I think I will leave the lineal descendants and heirs-at- law of the Witch of Endor at peace for a bit, as it is a pity for his sooty majesty to be left cut in the cold and treated uncourteously. If he ever was in Gower, I think he is there now, although he has had to conform to the conventionisms of the time, and cannot frighten the natives by appearing in the shape of some strange animal. He had it all his own way in the days before School Boards existed. Now he has to mind his p's and q's. We have policemen and Petty Sessions in the Peninsula, so the gentleman must be on his good behaviour, and has to adapt himself to the altered condition of things but there is no doubt that he is well represented at present. Of course, there are sceptics who will deny his existence, for Men don't believe in a devil now, as their fathers used to do They forced the door of the broadest creed to let his Majesty through. There isn't a print of his cloven foot, or a fiery dart from his bow, To be found in earth or air to-day, for the world has voted so. But who is mixing the fatal draught, that palsies heart and brain ? And loads the bier of each passing year with ten hundred thousand slain ? Who blights the bloom of the land to-day with the fiery breath of hell ? If the devil isn't and never was? Would somebody rise and tell ? Who dogs the steps of the toiling saint, and digs the pit for his feet? Who sows the tares in the field of time, where'er God sows his wheat ? The devil is voted not to be, and of course the thing is true But who is doing the kind of work the devil alone should do P We are told he does not go around, like a roaring lion now; But who shall we hold responsible for the everlasting row To be heard in home, iu church and state, to the earth's remotest bound P If the devil by a unanimous vote is nowhere to be found. Won't somebody step to the front forthwith and make their bow, and show How the frauds and the crimes of a single day spring up? We waut to know.. The devil was fairly voted out. and of course the devil is gone, But simple people would tike to know who carries his business oni Yes, this is what we should like to know; and would ask the question in every city, town, and hamlet in the land. Indeed, I think the arch enemy is as potent as ever, and far more subtle. In the primitive days in Gower he was very harmless he had his hunting ground, and frightened a few midnight wanderersj but I never heard of his doing any mischief. There is a story that he attempted to take away a young lady from Park Mill by appearing as a gentleman, but was frus- trated in his design, and that he did make an awful to-do by creating a terrific storm, and carried the girl some distance, and hurled a huge rock into Ilston river, where it may still be seen; but this was all he could do. Generally he came in the shape of a black dog, or calf, an i would trot away before the frightened peasant, increasing in size,aud ttien would gooff in a flame One poor fellow in Llangenny was awfully scared one Sunday night. He had been courting, and was returning home at midnight. He had ju,t reached tbe f"rm, when he beheld a hideous object.; he had never beheld such a thing before; it was black, he thought, and had huge ears on its head, aud slowly it approached poor Jim, who retreated backwards towards the house, when the creature opened its mouth and made a most unearthly sound. The poor fellow cleared the wall and dashed in through the wiudow, smashing all before him, so terrified that he knew not what he was doing. The noise re-echoed through the slumbering village, and the inmates were as much terrified as Jim. In the morning they went out, and lo what was it but a young donkey that some man had brought from Bristol, and none of the people had ever seen a donkey. This was the first ever seen in Gower; but we have plenty there to-day of all sorts. Another poor fellow was awfully scared. It was midnight, and the moon shone brightly, nearly as clear as daylight. when this farmer's boy was returning home- There had been a wreck in Broughton Bay, and some of the crew were saved, and among them was a black man, a veritable giant, standing six feet six. This man had got drunk in the village public-house, and lay down to sleep by the roadside. As the young fellow passing by saw a man asleep, as he thought, he went to rouse him up, when, horror of horrors, the black man arose up and the boy beheld his frightful face, black as jet, made hideous by the moonlight. The poor soul gave one piercing shriek, and bolted for life, and the black after him, making a dreadful noise. Into the house the boy dashed, with the pursuer at his heels. They were at supper, but when they saw the look of inexpressible terror on the boy's face, and heard his groans, and then saw the nigger, they all skedaddled through the back door for very life, leaving Sambo in full possession. They roused the neighbours, who gathered around the house, and as they peeped in through the window, there was the nigger standing up, his head almost reaching the ceiling, the whites of his eyes and white teeth made up suoh a picture that sent them away flying, and not a soul came back until day- light dawned, and then in great terror, and they were actually afraid to approach the house until someone, who knew that a black man had been saved from the wreck, explained it tq them but the poor boy hardly ever got over the fright. I would here remark the belief in the existence of Old Miak IVM iIOJirmly rootdd in them that they concluded at once it was the Old Gentleman. People may laugh at the idea of anyone being so easily frightened but the Old Boy was an entity in Gower, and marvellous tales were told of him. I remember two men being terribly frightened one night. They were fishing in Pennard or Penmaen Bay. They were what they call drawing—that is, fishing with a net. It was a splendid moonlight night, and, as often happens at a particular season of the year, the sea is lit up with a phosphorescent light. The two young men were out in the bay, when they saw a nude form 1 ave a nook in the rocks, and walk out towards them. As he splashed in tho waves they appeared like fire, and as this object plunged head-foremost the waves seemed ablaze. They dropped the net, left the basket with the fish they had caught, and ran for their very lives to Parkmill. The story they told was awful, of course. They had magnified it tremendously, and vowed they would never go fishing again but next day, after all the villagers had been awe-stricken, the circum-tance was explained. A young gentleman of very eccentric habits was lodging at Park-place, and always went bathing at night, and if this had not been made known they would never have gone out fishing by night again. But there is one story I have never hea.rd cleared up. Near Parkmill there is a haunted lane, where his Satanic Majesty has been often seen, and one night a couple of boys saw what they supposed wan their horse, which they were in search of. "There's the pony," said one. "'Aye," said the other, "there a is," and as they went to catch the animal, all at once it assumed the appearance of a man with the eyes of fire, and the orthodox ball in the mouth. Of course they bolted, and this has been a mystery ever since, and no one could ever persuade the boys that it was not the devil himself. Gower is full of those old stories, and they delighted me. I used to listen with awe to the recital of them, and I shall be sorry to find them die out. I have wandered at all hours of the night through the haunted lanes and haunted houses, but never stumbled upon the nocturnal spectre. But many a time I have felt considerable dread in passing some of the places, and greatly relieved when I had got safely to the village. I always had my dark lantern, and sometimes my re- volver, or I should not have dared to have gone to many places in the midnight hour. I have lived all alone in a haunted house, where a man handed himself, and have heard mysterious noises, yet never saw anything or anyone from the nether world, but of this, more at some future time- I have often thought that Auld Cloute," as Burns calls him, is not black as he is painted, and I cannot think, however, h could have been so ridiculous as to go about at mid- ht scaring the simple ones. He is evidently much nlF „ to-day, and is up to more wiles, and has some W able fellows, who will give General Booth Ver^ thine' to do to circumvent them. There is no discord in the Old Chap's «amp He has sin and the lH with him, and holds divided empire with world K"in2." There's no divided council with him. Heaven at rayed against his is split up—the ^hereas a„ainst the Low, the Ranter against the High Oh gQ jjis Majesty marches on to victory, Calvin a antag0nists fighting among themselves leaving n nd he must have a sly laugh to him- HKEKI'KENNY CAG. MAMMON> EGFFING. self as he s loaves and fishes. But I must them on to fight ror ° finish for tbe Pre^,Q continued.)

THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADS. • nf the maintenance of roads in urban The question greatiy agitating many of the local districts has oec of and the96 gentlemen are authorities in Co to Btjr np feeling, and very naturally 8 ^ad iut0 other couuties. It is no make the agitauon p ^y of the small towns which doubt a bard case of bejng county boroughs do not enjoy thepa cil Bb0uld be bound to undertake that the C?UD^n £ Banceof aroa^upto tue very point the care and wainte" th# r of the urbau where tbe t°*n De* d 8hould be bound to resume authority comffiencee, Qse at the other end of the that responsibility Kg once more into the country town where the road eni t ortioD of the road which runs district, but that for bicj, i8 au indispensable aud through the town, ana Unt iinks in the continuity indeed one of tfce most whole. tbe Oounly Couucit ahd?J8euUlne88of tber°hilitv or expense whatever. Of should bear no responsibility better 0ff# They have, course the county boroughs a .j thejr own share independently of the Con"4'? u „re appropriated for o the grants from the StateW uOC-COunty borosghs main road maintenan0e.^ Theama lnocco_g y^r, have not this advantage, and thelJ f granted that hard one. It may however, be ^e„a Se t reasonable unless the County Councils generally j ftQ already view of the situation (mauv of them have done so aireaay, and either grant subsidies to the Ws'lature direetly ID maintaining the urbau roads), the Legislature will certainly interfere to put matters straight. In the meanwhile an association of Cornish urban districts nas been formed to ventilate the subject and obtain informa- ) tion from other parts of the country in reference to it.— County Council Timet.

BONUSES FOR LARCH FAMILIES.—In the annual report of the Department of Agriculture in the province of Quebec, just issued, it is stated that no fewer than 1,009 fathers have applied for the 100 acres of Crown land offered for every family of 12 living children, and that 12,447 children altogether are represented by these applicants. The new landowners are to be collected in groups, which may form parishes later on. In future an applicant will not have to produce a certificate of birth for each child, as that involves an expenditure sometimes reaching £10. ANOTHER RAILWAY DISASTER. — An accident took place on the Loudon and South-Western Railway at Bro..dstooe, near Wimberne, on Tuesday, resulting in the death of one lady and severe injuries to several other persons. The shock of the collision threw the engine of tbe fast train off the line, doing considerable damage to it, and the van and first carriage were teleacoped and smashed to pieces. The driver, Frank Cribb, and the fireman, Edward White, of the fast train, were severely thakea but not otherwise injured. A lady named Miss Worthingtou, who was travelling from Birmingham to Ponle. was killed. Her sister, Miss Sarah Worthington had her light leg fracturcd and left wrist dislocated; and she was also badly cnt about the face- Mrs. Phillips travelling from Shropshire to join ber husband at Bournemouth, bad her right ear almost torn off, and she was otherwise badly bruised; and another lady, whose name has not transpired, was also much shaken but Was. able to proceed to Baurnemouth. The injured passengers were conveyed to the Railway Inn, and in a short time Drs. Spreat, Graham, Parkinson, and Wyketsmitb were in attendance from Wimborne. The line was blocked and a gang of men were busy all night clearing the wreckage. ° RAILWAY STRIKE IN SCOTLAND.—it an early hour on Monday morning the men employed on the Caledonia North British, and Glasgow and North-Western Railway Companies struck work for a readjustment of the hours of labour. On Monday morning some 3,000 men had gone on strike, and this number was greatly increased as the day advanced. The companies are making arrangements to carry on the traffic as usual; but great delays are taking place, and in some districts traffic is completely paralysed. In the case of the Caledonian Company, none of the passenger trains were withdrawn on Monday the strike only affecting the goods traffic. Many of the'eoal and iron masters of the district have placed their loco- motives, tegether with the drivers and firemen, at the service of the companies. The reports received on Tuesday from various districts of Scotland conqected with the North British system, show that the strike was spreading to other towns and extending among the men in the districts previously affected. The consequence was increasing delay and derangement of traffic through- oat the day. One of the most serious incidents of Tuesday was the inclusion of Edinburgh, which on Monday was unaffected, in the zone of active conflict. p

+ SOME OF THE PITH OF HIGH •'PAGAN" TEACHING. Says Marcus Aurelius, the Emperor of Rame, and the purest soul of Paganism —Bear in mind that every man lives only this present time, which is an indivisible point, and that all the rest of his life is either past or is uncertain. If thou workest at that which is before thee, following right reason seriously, vigorously, calmly, without allowing anything else to distract thee, but keeping thy divine part pure, as if thoci shouldst be bound to give it back immediately; and if thou holdest to this, expecting nothing, fearing nothing, but 8s.t13fied wIth thy proQ9ut antivity according to Nature and with heroic truth in every word and sound which thou utterest, thou wilt Jive happy. And there is no man who is able to prevent this. Says Seneca :—The greatest man is he who chooses right with the most invincible resolution who resists the sorest temptation from within and without; who bears the heaviest burdens cheerfully who is calmest in storms, and most fearless under menaces and frowns whose reliance on truth, on virtue, and on God, is most unfaltering. Seneca and Marcus Aurelius are both denominated Pagans. Whatever they were, they taught a lofty morality and pointed the way to the highest life. Con- sidering what progress was made during five or six centuries of Grecian and Roman civilisation, the world has very little to boast of in the progress made since, ( and particularly with the additional advantage of the matchless teachings and example of Christ, says The Echo. An indication of the new feeling of the Europeam populations for peace is afforded by the German Emperor's visit this week to Vienna. When the Emperor went to Vienna nearly two years aero the population showed no interest in him. They rather sulked. Soldiers, not civilian citizens, lined the streets. But this week what happened? The soldiers were scarcely visible; but the town population, the working and small industrial classes in particular, turned out to give him an enthusiastic welcome. Undoubtedly the reason of this was that the Viennese appreciated their visitor's ambition to figure in the world less as a soldier than as a social reformer. ♦

HOW VICKY DONNELL GOT OFF. A STORY OF A CORNISH JURY. The following is one of the West-country stories which the late Sir Stafford Northcote was fond of tellingOne day as Mr. Hicks was going into Bodmin be met Mr.——, a farmer who lived near Launceston. Marnin, Mr. Hicks." Good morning, Mr. —; whj I tho?«lj' always kept Launceston Market?' Well, so I did till Vicky Donnell's trial." Now, Mr. Vincent Donnell was a veterinary surgeon, who had been tried on the accusa- tion of having poisoned his mother-in-law, an old lady who had died rather suddenly after an hearty supper on rabbit and onions. Vicky Donnell was acquitted to the great astonishment of the world at large. Ah that s another question," said Mr. Hicks; « you were foreman of the jury-how came you to let Vicky Donnell off ? Now Mr Hicks, you'm so bad as the rest of them tbey' re always asking why we let'n off, but I'll tall you bow 'twas We were shut up in a dark room without food, file or candle, and told we must find. a verdict, so when we talked some time, Genelmeu, I says, we can't sit here all night, thats certai^so we^l take opinions. What do you say, Mister — t sitting all roun' a long table, you know, and I spoke to the nearest Why. I think the man » had very hard measure • I don't thi.k be did it at all. She died of the rabbit and onions—what bizness has an ooman like her to be aitina rabbit and inioas at that time of night. Well savs Mr. Pengelly, who sat next I think twas the arsenic did it; they doctors be so frolicsome with their arsenic always trying things on S "till as twas to be experiments like I think 'twas much to his credit that he took an old woman to try it on; he might a took a young one.' So I think,' .ays Mr. Boase I should not like to hang Vicky SSnneil for the likes ef her-I ^kon she was a very tadious sort of old 'ooman. She's not the first tadious sort of oM 'ooman that's been put out of the way, «ot by many a wan. I shouldn't like to hang Vttky Donnell for the like* of her.' 'Nomore shouldn 11, says the next 'for Vicky Donnell he saved my wife s life in the scarlet fever she'd 'a died else. Yes, and be saved m/Xiu the measles,' says the fifth < so there's two lives fo^ one, i»ke it how you will. WeU, 1 next, I <j0 not tbdok we ought to let him off altogether. I think weoueht to give him six months on the debtors aide.' «Oh' fou can't do that, mister, says I, be neck or nothing-' 'Well then, says he I m for nothing, I'm sure.' Well, Mr. Hicks, I thought there was a good deal in it Mr. Hicks-a good deal, but I didn t like quite to make «P my mind, so I down the table—for 'twas grown so dark you oouldn t see ypur hand-to^ Abraham Smith, of Grampound-hmi with the squeaky voice yon know—us calls him Winnick for ■bort. « Mr Smith,' says I—for you know, Mr. Hicks, being foreman of the jury, I need not caU h1™ by jj18 short name—'Mr. Smith,' says I— Winnick, I adds, that he might know who I was speaking to— What do you say to it? l'»e as 800<Jan your as of any man at the table, and you live over against the man opp08" e ,ide the water as t'were, so you must know, what do you think ?' WeI1> mister, says he, what y°° say, I zay tu.' Sir,' says I, Winnick, says I, I shall respect your judgment the longest day I have to live. Then I asks the next two, and they said they d go with the majolity" Well," says I,' you go with as and you 11 be the maiolity.' So they went with us, and we were the majolity. And that's how Vicky Donnell got off.

The frost has severely affected two branches of recreation namely, the sport of the hunting man and tbe oyster supply t of the gourmet. The difficulty of procuring the suocatent "native" increases day by day, though up to now the storeage-pits of Whitstable and Colchester have not given out. Christmas without a plentiful supply of those ever-welcome barrelled presents would, as a gastronomical mourner observed, be as hopeless as caviare without leuaon-juice, or wild duck minus port-wine sauce."

jEocaI Intelligent. SAD DEATH OF AN OLD MAN. — On Monday, Mr. Edwm-d 11.,1,1 au inquest on the body of John Bevrtn, all old man, aged 89, of Miers-street, St. Thomas, whose body was found under a hedge near Sketty. It would appear that deceased was on his way to visit his son at Sketty, when he lost his way in the cold and darkness and died of exhaustion. A verdict to that effect was brought in. A SUCCESSFUL YOUNG COKNISHMAN.—Mr. J,imes Reynolds, eldest sou of (Japnani John Reynolds, Couk's Kitchen, who went to America from Camborne about six years ago, hall jUit pissed au examination in connec- tion with the Civil Service uuder the United Sutes Government. Out of 26 candidates who offered them- selves for examination in the State of Colorado, he came out third on the list, having obtained 89 out of a possible 100 marks. He was the only miner among the competitors. THE APPROACHING GRAND ORGAN RECITAL AT SWANSEA.—The date fixed for the opening of the Albert Hull organ is Thursday, Jauuary 8th. Mr. Lemaire, one of the most talented organists in England, will preside at the organ. We understand it is intended to perform one of the shorter sacred works of the great masters a~. writteu with organ part, and which will be interpreted by vocdl artistes witti full orchestra and chorus, the whule under the conductorship of Mr. W. F. Hulley, who has the a^ra .cements in hand. The second part of the programme for the evening will be devoted specially to organ and so!os, varied with a vocal selec- tion. Lovers of high-class music may anticipate no ordinary treat. FATAL ACCIDENT AT LANDORE.—On Saturday afternoon, Mr. Strick held an inquest at the Imperial Hotel, Landore, on the body of Ruth Davies, 61 years of age, of Neath-road. Plasmarl, who died that morning from the effects of injuries she received by accidentally falling into an ashpit in the melting dep irtment of the Mannesmaun Tube Works on Thursday evening in last week. From the evidence adduced it would appeer that deceased was accustomed to sell ginger beer to the workmen of the Tube Works, and when she was short of bottles, she used to go to the works to collect the empties. On going the round on the day in question, she, by some unknown means, fell into an ash-hole and sustained serious injuries to the head and body, fracturing her skull and ribs. Drs. Morgan, Jones and Sullivan attended to her injuries, but neither of them gave any hopes of her recovery, and she died on Saturday- After a short deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of Accidental death." COUNCILLOR GWILYM MORGAN AND HIS CONSTITUENTS. —On Friday evening Councillor Gwilym Morgan met his constituents in the Bryumelin Ward for the purpose of giving an account of his stewardship. The Rev. W. John presided over a fairly large gathering. Mr. Morgan was accorded a very hearty reception, and he delivered » very practical speech, which was most attentively listened to. He reminded the meeting of the improve- ments which hall been effected in some portions of tbe ward since he had represented it. He claimed that by fixing the town clerk's salary the town funds were healthier annually by .E500. He alluded to the abolition of the bridge tolls, and explained in detail his scheme for the provision of a central police brigade station. Other matters were reviewed, special reference being made to the encroachments at the South Diick aud in tbe direction of the Strand, which he promised to do his best to stop. In concluding he said thxt last year he attended 207 committee meetings. 17 general council meetings, 16 general library meetings, and 26 committees. —On the motion of Mr. Hally, seconded by Mr. Clancey, a hearty vote of confidence was passed in Mr. Morgan. SATURDAY NIGHT'S POPULAR CONCERT.—The concert given in the Diill Hall ou Saturday night completed the series of six weekly concerts arranged by Mr. W. F. Hulley, musical director. The large audience in the Hall every Saturday night, and their warm appreciation of the playing of the band and the singing of the vocalists, testify to the popularity of these entertain- ments, which are to be continued with new programmes, presenting some very interesting and attractive features. Mr. Hulley is to be congratulated upon the success of his venture, and tbe music-loving circles in Swansea are under an obligation to him for the treats he has provided, and will continue to provide on each succeeding Saturday during the winter mon:hs. Our readers should take care not to forget the next popular concert on January 31st, especially as new pro- grammes—" Dramatic Nights," "National Nights," and other novelties" are in store. On last Saturday night the vocaliets were Miss Minnie Robitton, Madame Pollie Jenkins, and Mr. William Bradford, a talented trio, whose contributions were enthusiastically ap- plauded, and deservedly encored. The violin solo by Master Ernest Tomlinson was distinctly a feature of the evening—this juvenile player showing, for one so young, rare talents, and exceptional powers of execution. ENTHRONEMENT OF THE BISHOP OF BANGOR.—At last, after a protracted delay, the Bishop of Bangor was en- throned in the Cathedral cuurch, which, since his pre- decessor was similarly installed, has, under the auspices of Deans Vincent and Edwards, been so nobly restored, largely at the expense of the late Lord Penrhyn, though the first suggestion came from the late Mr. Henry Hoare, when on a visit to the first-named Dean. Considering the inclemency of the weather the attendance was large, nearly all the leading clergy of the diocese being present. A procession was then formed of choristers and ciemy— those from other dioceses going tint-and proceeded down the north aisle and up the nave, preceded by a cross-bearer, singing, The Church's One Foundation." The clergy being seated under the central tower, the Dean and Chapter went to the west door and met the Bishop, holding a pastoral staff in his hand given him by a friend, accompanied by Mr. Jeune, Q C., the Chancellor of the diocese; ME. R. B. Pritchard, his secretary his chaplains, and the Bishop of Dover, the installant. The Dean, formerly the Bishop's rector, said a few kindly words of welcome to his Lordship, after which the Bishop, Dean and Chapter and officials proceeded to the choir during the singing of the hymu, •' Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand." The anthem was Sing 0 Heavens" (Sullivan). The Bishop did net, as is now the modern custom, preach, and after tbe closing anthem, Whóso Dwelleth under the Defence of the Most High" (Martin), the procession returned in reverse order, the recessional being "Onward Christian Soldiers." THE CHIEF CONSTABLESHIP OF GLAMORGAN.—On Múnday 1\ meeting of the Standing Joint Committee of the Glamorganshire Quarter Sessions and County Council was held at the County Offices in Westgate-street, Cardiff, to consider applications received from candidates for the office of chief constable, and to select from sucb candidates a limited number to be invited to attend a further meeting of the committee. Judge Gwilym Williams presided, and there was a large attendance. The committee consists of 38 members, and there were present 16 county crJuncillJrs and 15 magistrates. A proposal was made in favour of selecting four candidates, from among whom the final seleation should be made; but an amendment was carried in favour of a selection of six, whose names are given beiow. Thirteen applications were received, viz. Superintendent William James, Pontypool; Head Constable William "Irwin, Dublin Acland Allen, Devon Constabulary; Superintendent Lindsay, Merthyr Harry Brooke Le Mesurier, Exeter Captain Benson, Surrey Captain Smyly, South Wales Borderers; Captain J. O. Nelson, Lancashire Fusiliers Captain R. Norton, Cowbridge Captain Eden, Princess of Wales Own Captain R. Ford, Chester Superintend- ent D. M. Scott, Llanelly; D. W. Morgan, master Merthyr Workhouse. These were reduced to six, and the result of the voting was the selection of the fo'low- ing six to appear before the committee on the 5th proximo, vizLindsay, 24 votes; Benson, 23 votes; Norton, 21 votes; Eden, 18 votes; Scott, 17 votes; Irwin, 13 votes. SCHOOL CHILDREN'S PLAY AT LLANDILO. — Miss McArthur, Llandilo, held her public school entertainment in the Drill Hall, Llandilo, on Wednesday in last week, and it was an unqualified success. A very attractive and varied programme was gone through to the credit both of Miss McArthur and her pupils. After an opening piano- forte solo by Miss M. A. Davies, a polonaise detfees was given. Those taking part in it were :—L. Lloyd, Katie and Winnie Fitt (Grand Hotel, Swansea), A. Georgina Jones, Olive Wild, Gwladys Morrison, Hilda M. Loekyer, L. Evans, L. Morris and Etta Thomas. The fairy play, "Blue Beard" followed. In this, the characters repre- sented were Ibrahim," Rose McArthur; "Selim," Ceinwen Evans; "Blue Beard," M. A. Morrison; "Fatima." Carrie McArthur; "Anne," Gwendolene Jones; 1st "Ghost," R. McArthur; 2nd "Ghost," E. Falconer. The whole of the characters were admirably sustained, and the audience did not forget to show its warm appreciation of tbe efforts of theyoang scholars to please and amuse. The Misses Winnie and Katie Fitt (daughters of Mr. Fitt, Grand Hotel, Swansea) were decidedly clever as Lord Broomstick" and the Yellow Dwarf." Their bright, vivacious acting caused a very favourable impression. Miss McArthur is to be con- gratulated upon this very successful and enjoyable "break-up" of her scholars. SWANSEA TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY. Lad Saturday's entertainment was admirable. Mr. Treharne's choir followed the devotional opening with a chorus. Mr. James Livingston was chairman, and opened the meeting with a stirring address. Miss Bennett (Mumbles) played on the pianoforte Selections of Scotch Music" with excellent execution Mr. Hitchings sang in a rollicking manner, A Merry Christmas Song," and as an encore. What shall we sing," at the con- clusion of every verse of the latter introducing a popular ehorus, in which the audience heartily joined. Miss Jones (Mumbles) delighted everyone with her rich rendering of The Old Country" end "The River of YearsWelsh airs on the flute by Mr. Rees gave satisfaction, as likewise did Mr. J. Thomas's baritone solo The Cooper's Song." Miss Willis humorously repeated Mrll. Caudle on Cold Mutton and no Pud- ding," and raised a hearty laugh by giving a couple or so of catchy lines, entitled If," in response to an un- deniable re-demand Miss Hitchins sang A Message from the Lord," while Master Rowe's violin solo was very effective, and blended well with the pianoforte I accompaniment played by his mother. Mr. Rees (Mumbles) sang with robustness and colour The Storm Fiend," and Mr. Tourneaux reoited with ability, The Attempt to Wreck the Dover Express." Mrs. Rowe, Misses S. Jones, Lillian Michael, Bennett, and Mr. Hitchings shared the piano accompaniments. Mr. W. Davies (Ivor Villa) proposed, and Councillor Chss. Davies seconded, a hearty vota ot- thanks to Mr: Livingston and the entertainers, which was carried, and, after the Secretary had wished the assembled com- pany a Merry Christmas," a most enjoyable meeting closed. Leprosy is on the inorease in the Baltic provinces, and it is therefore proposed to establish an asylum for lepers at Nenal next spring. Nenal is situated on the shores of Lake Pepuis, on the Dorpat St. Petersburg post-road. MAZAWATTEE TEAS are a household word in Wales: they rtoall the delicious teas of 30 years ago.

NATIONAL MUSICAL ASSOCIATION FOR WALES. PRIZES FOR INSTRUMENTAL COMPETITION AT SWANSEA NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. AN excellent Society, under the above name, has been started, under the presidency of Mr. John Thomas and the vice-presidency of Mr. D. Emlyn Evans. It is generally acknowledged that Wales has now attained a very bigh position as regards its vocal, and especially its choral music, but Welsh musicians, aud those interested in the further development mid culture of the art in W'les, have for years fdt the serious disadvantage under which we labour ou account of the backward state of instiumeiitd music in out midst, and there seems to be at piesent a generjl consensus of opinion tbat in order to remedy this condition of things, an Association, such as the above, is needed, devotieg itself eotirely to muscd matters, and uufettered by any organization that mie,ht hamper its operations, and that [he country is ripe for it. After preliminary rnce'ings in South Waies, a meeting w"s held at Wrexham in 18S8, with the view of ventilat- ing this question, at which a valuable paper by Mr. Joseph Bennett, on "The possibilities of Welsh mus'c, was read. The result of that meeting was the formalioa of this Association; and both at, Brecon, in the following year, and at Bangor, this year, various meetings have been held by the Society, the Executive Committee having also met at Shrewsbury on other occasions. Papers bearing I'\pon the business of tbe Association were read by some of the members at each of the annual meet- ings and at Bangor, bfsides an interesting aJriress by Principal Reichel, Mr. John Triomas (Peneerdd Gwalia). Harpist to htr Majesty the Queen, gave, with Miss lUda. Scott, J\Ierthyr, perforuJauces ot pieces for hnrn Hnd violin, which were much appreciated. It is proposed thut this initiative shall be followed at fut ure annual mtt.t ngs. The Association also proposes offering prizes for ill>L: u- mental competitions at the furthcoming Svv»n>ea Nation.il eisteddfod, and it further hopes tJ bl: able to eocC\:lr.ge in other ways the study of orchest a! instruments and the composition of orchestral works. T" enable it to carry out these projects fully and successfully, tbe com nil tee are constrailoeJ to make lin mgent appeal to Welsh musical art-lovers and t j the c >'iLit>y ^eri- rally, to assist them with eubscrip ions and donations. Air ai'y, Orchestral Societies are multiplying in the Principality, and increasing in \:excellence-dne, in some instmces at least, it is believed, to the efforts already made by this Association, and ttle committee trust by making an energetic and a united dÍHt uow, Wales wil1 ere loug shew a still more distinct advancement in the same direction.

CELEBRATION OF A SWANSEA SILVER WEDDING. AN ARTISTIC TEETOTAL AND SEMIC-CIVIC GATHERING. [BY ONB WHO WAS THERE.] THB kindly invitation, printed in silver on a silver- bordered card, was in the following words •'High-street, Swansea. I Mr. and Mrs. Alderman Chapman present their compliments to I and ask the pleasure of company at the Albert Hall, Friday, December the 19th, 1890, to commemorate theirsilver wedding. Carriages 2.30. R.8.V.P." At the hour appointed a large number of carriages drove up to the De-la-Beohe- street. entrance of the Albert Hall and debouched their occupants in all the freedom and gaiety of evening dress. The weather outside was exceedingly cold. There had been a thaw and some rain following upon previous frost, but at about 8 o'clock in the evening another frost set in with such vigour that the whole of the streets of the town were practically im- passable for horses and vehicles, except at a walk. Mansel-street may be said to have been one sheet of ice from top to bottom, and such pedestrians as were abroad had to walk with the greatest care for fear of falling upon their noses. This state of things prevented the attendance of many families from a distance. The interior of the hall presented an appearance of brightness and gaiety. Alderman Chapman had secured the whole of the premises—the great hall, the minor hall, the retir- ing rooms, the card room, &c., &c. The whole were flung open for the comfort of the visitors. The great hall, which was the ball-room, was most artistically decorated by Mr Eddershaw, of High-street. Coloured draperies, Japanese fans, coloured grasses arranged in groups, ornamental lamps, fixed by Mr. Legg flowers, foliage, luxurious furniture, carpets, hangings, &c., &c.— all were disposed with so excellent an effect as to elicit very warm praise of Mr. Eddershaw's taste and resources. The dance programme set up in the centre of the orchestra, and the menu tablets in the supper-room had been beautifully painted with floial adornments by Mr. Sam Chapman, and may be worthily described as works of art. The guests crowded in in good time, and there were present about 130, the sexes being fairly balanced. There were a good many members of the County Council, School Board, and Board of Guardians present, with members of their families. The relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman themselves made up a goodly contingent, from Swansea, Bristol and other parts of the country. The enjoyment of the evening consisted of a capital programme of fashionable dances to the strains of one of Mr. Hulley's bands, interspersed with singing, sentimen- tal and comic. Among those who contributed towards the enjoyment of the evening were Miss Catrie Curnow, the Swansea contralto, who, by the way, sang much more effectively than on the previous nigbt; Miss Phoebe Davies, Mr. Fred. Tunbridge, Mr. T. Protheroe, of Bristol, who is quite an artiste in platform entertain- ment; Mr. Councillor J. Viner Leeder, Mr. Isaacs, Mr. D. Jones Powell, &c. The dancing was entered upon with tbe greatest possible spirit, and was maintained to the end unflaggingly. The floor of the hall presented a very pretty picture, there being so many juveniles present, The little lasses dancing with grown ruen, and grown ladies dancing with sprightly little lads, lent a variety to the scene, and gave it the elements of a most pleasant family re-uuion. Light refreshments and a substantial supper were provided in the Minor Hall, which was decorated as a drawing-room, the walls being hung with attractive pictures and ornaments, as well as with coloured draperies. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman devoted themselves to the enjoyment of their guests, and received the compliments of all present upon the attainment of their silver wedding, and upon the success of the re-union. We understand that Alderman and Mrs. Chapman are the recipients of a large number of valuable presents from all over the country, aud that they have received no end of expressions of sincere good wishes from all sides. The host and hostess looked so young and so spirited as to lead many of their guests to express the lively hope that a similar re-uuiou may be given by them in celebration of their golden wedding 25 years hence! A Double Acrostic to Mr. and Mrs. Alderman H. A. Chapman, QII, the celebration of their silver Wedding. H eaven's brightest joys be yours this silv'ry morn, A nd may its peace yuur happy hearth adorn, Cheering your hearts with E very perfect gift, H eartsUiat to G-od, their L oviug praise uplift; A nd may your home in I nnocence abound, p roving its love with Z eal, no greater found, M ay He who reigns with A 1l sublirnest ray, A thousand blessings grant you-thus we pray, W or may they cease till comes a 11 Golden Day." J! BED. VV ATKINS. Swansea, Dec. 19th, 1890. LIST OF PRESENTS. Macniflcent silver tea service, from their children massive itvpreuei-Kue. Mr and Mrs T. Protheroe, Bristol; silver sugar •Iwr enerene Mr and Mrs T. Protheroe, Bristol; silver sugar »nd sifter. Kev Oscar and Mrs Snelling massive silver m iu Councillor J. Griffiths; valuable silver biscuit, £ hMM and butter stand and servers, Mr and Mr, T. toyshon, 5, ^n?h rase of 12 silver Apostle spoons and tongs, Aldermaa Per -rnin Birchgrove; silver bread tray, Mr and Mrs and Mrs M Aberdare richly designed silver inkstand, Howard, B West[ake. gilk and Irish flax toble Councillor ana McConnell, Bach Bank, Belfast; case cover, Alderm lift and button hook, Mr Tom Thomas, of silver and ivory sn^er preserye spoon8) Kate, Mary, and Newport; cast> g^^nts silver and Worcester china Lena, Mrs and Mrs Oharles Davies; silver tart biscuit box, count Brader siiver and ruby sugar basin and server, Mr and mi8 • yorath; richly chased silver grape sifter, Mr and M rs xj^vid. Davies. YV. B. Wesilake, 8. and fruit stand, CoUprice j M Mayne> Wm. tTsher, David L Francis. Thomas r uowens, J. Viner Leeder silver Harr™, Fred. Bradford, J»m«d (1_ a Brenholy, Bi. ming- and pearl fruit serrn8, m F Mitctlel silver and china ham silver toast rack, Home s,iverink stand, Mr preserve stand, Mr a shields silver sugar tongs, Mr and Charles T Bulhen, bouth am protheroe case of silver Mrs Xendell; silver puvse aud M,s Pascoe silver salt cellars and sP00"i„VI^l desig. Mr W. Savage and the double heart frame, ong giIver sugar tongs, Miss Lizzie Misses Cooper, Lon^if' Afi-ss Phoebe Davies; Indian scent Thomas silver cake k"^ ,s*ilver barometer, Mr and Mr» St™y jar, Mrs Osman, Leiceste > lld (vory butter knife, Mr J. a d INDWTY NEWARK; FVORY^PICKLEFORUS M^SE, Miss M RrAfipf pair Mrs Nicholas, silvei ana Martin wedgev^od floral^f^n; enamel picture> Mr ruby scent bottle, Mr a" -tjery, Trapp ttndDc.°\' Offerlin, Loudon case of c u are a Brick, Mr and solid silver brick, inscribed M»ggie Mrs Chris. James; silver mate h box, Several telegrams and cards.

A CARD.—A If IMPORTANT DISCOVERY is announced in the Paris Figaro, of a valuable remedy for nervous debility, physical exhaustion, kidney diseases, and kindred complaints. The discovery was made by a missionary in old Mexico The Kev. Joseph Holmes, Bloomsbury Mansions Blooirisbury Square, London, W.C., will send the prescription free ot charge on receipt of a self-addressed tstamped envelope. Mention his paper. [81oi1 .8.

I THE" DEVIL" TAKE IT OB, GETTING UP THE WRONG WAY. [BY A LOCAL LADY.] It was an unlucky day; everybody has known such. I got up just one hour too late, and spent the whole day vainly trying to make it up. It was useless. Things were predestined to go wrong. I felt it. Hooks and eyes, strings and buttons were in the maddening conspiracy. Shoes and stockings were mismatched; there was a pin in the towel on which I wiped my face; my hair-brush and comb had absconded, and my tooth-brush and nail-brush had gone to keep them company. I ate a hurried breakfast; salting my coffee and sugaring my beefsteak; for I recollected that I had pressing business down town which required a cool head and punctual feet; as I looked at my watch I saw that it was already time that I was on my way. I wound up my watch with a jerk, snapping the crystal and dislocating a spring. Now my boot-lacings were knotted and twisted, and defied every attempt to coerce them into duty, and what was worse, upon looking for the MS. (the product of hours and days of labour), I found that I had burned it, in my absent state of mind, along with some waste paper, and recollected with agony how; indifferently I had snatched the last sparkling fragment as the wind merrily whistled it up the chimney. I held my head for one distracted minute! Was it possible to recall it as it was originally written ? Even suppose I could?—think of all that lost labour (an heavenly day, too, when the pleasant sunlight wooed me out of doors), and think of that jog-trot punctuating to be gone over again and by me, who hate stops—who believe only in an excla- mation point and a dash I who turn my back dis- dainfully upon an interrogation point, who despise coal-on—colon—(save in January), who religiously believe that a writer should no more be expected to fritter away his brains on stupid stops, than an artist should be required to manufacture with his own hands the wooden frames used for his pictures. Well, the MS. was gone—stops and ail—past pray- ing for. I had not even time to pine about it; I must go directly down town. I had the misfortune to be living at a boarding- house so every drawer, closet and cupboard must be locked before starting; for locking one's door is only a mere farce while there are duplicate keys in the house. Yes, I locked them, and unlocked them, too, twenty times or more, as I recollected some handkerchiefs, collars, or gloves, which I had forgotten to take out. All right now, said I, dolorously, as I put the rattling keys in my pocket, descended the intermin- able stairs and gained the street. I had passed two streets when I discovered that the pair of gloves I had brought out were both for one hand the thermometer was at nipping point, and I had left my muff behind I thrust one bare hand into my glove, shut my teeth together, and exclaimed, as I looked Fate full in the face—" Now do your worst! And so it did! Down came the rain; had I taken my umbrella not a drop would have fallen—everybody knows that. I looked at the omnibuses—they were full of great lazy, black-coated men I hate a black coat; I don't know why a man, unless he has received the right hand of fellowship" should button him- self up in one. Yes, there they sat, as solemn as so many parsons, with their hats slouched over their faces, thinking to save time (while they ruined their eyesight), by reading the morning papers as they joggled along to their offices. Meanwhile, down came the pitiless rain as I plodded along. Yes, plodded, for every wheelbarrow, box, bale, cask, cart and waggon, got purposely across my track and not for the life of me could I remember a sentence of that unlucky MS.! I tried not to meet anybody, and I met every- body, and everybody would speak to me; beggars stopped me, country folks singled me out to enquire the way. Me why Jnt! with a street full of people. Did I direct them wrong ? Let them learn to ask somebody next time who does not mourn a lost MS! somebody who is not required to write an article, with a stupid servant flitting in and out every ten minutes, leaving your door ajar, whirling your papers across the room, and scattering your ideas to the remorseless wind; somebody whose meals are not always not to be had, when type and printers wait for no woman. This is a digression. I reached the goal at last; simply and only because one who keeps moving must inevitably fetch up somewhere. I performed my errand—or thought I had, till I got halfway home, when I recollected an important fact omitted. N'importe—I was desperate now. Guns and pistols could not have turned my steps back again. How it blew how it snowed 1 did not hurry one step I took a savage pleasure in thinking of my spoiled bonnet-ribbon, wet feet, and draggled skirt. I even stopped as I observed some umbrella-shielded pedestrian looking wonderingly at md, and gazed with just a show of sublime indifference to the warring elements. I reached my room, by dint of climbing the obnoxious stairs. I turned the key, as I fondly hoped, on all my species. Rat, tat; rat, tat! Shall I hear it ? Not I! Rat, tat; rat, tat. It is of no use, I shall go mad with that thumping. I would rather face Cloven-foot himself than hear it; I open the door; it is my laundress. She has a huge pile of clothes to be counted, and sorted, and paid for, too She dumps them down on the floor, just as if every minute was not to me so much gold- dust until that MS. was resurrectionised. I look around for my list of clothes. It was not in the big dictionary, no; not in the Bible, no; not in the pocket of my blue, red, gray, green, or plaid dress. Bother! I exclaim, I can't find it. I dare say you have them all right," I said to the laundress so I commence taking them out and counting the pieces with an eye to her pay. What's that ? A dickey, two shirts, a vest! I hold them up to the light with the tips of my fingers. Woman alive what need has a female of such garments She had made a mistake. She had brought me Mr. 's clothes. I will not expose him by telling his name, for they were wretchedly ragged but as I turned the key on them and her, I squeezed this drop of comfort out of my misery thank heaven, I have not to mend those clothes Eat, tat, tat. Merciful man what now ? A bundle of proofs, big as my head, to read and return by the bearer immediately. I sat down. So did the printer's devil. I began to read, pen in hand. I could not remember, with my bewildered brain, whether stet" stood for H let it be," or take it out," or what ud" signified in a type-setter's alphabet. I read on. Could it be possible I ever wrote such a disconnected sentence as this. No, they have left out an entire line, and forgot to send the MS. copy too The Djvil take it I exclaim, and he does (the young imp !) and is out of sight before I can explain that the unorthodox exclamation was wrung out of me by the last drop in my brimming cup on that unlucky day.

FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL. SOME INTERESTING LOCAL REMINISCENCES, — In this mouth's Oou»ecr»i.H>n, a monthly magazine (oc the culture of the spiritual life, for fellowship, tettimooy and service," there appears a brief sketch of Frances Ridley Havergal. together with a portrait of this excellent authoress, "whose praise is in all the churches." Miss Havergal is known wherever the English language is spoken, and a more devoted Christian, a more unobtrusive chaiacter, and a more chaste alJd chastened spirit it would be bard to find iu the Church of this century. Her memorable consecration hymn is ever a f«vourite with those who are spiritually- minded," of whatever comiuuuion they may be. And while the ideal of that beautiful hymn is very high, it should never be forgotten that the whole is a figure of desire and aim, and not a declaration or assertion of attained experience or subjective realisatiou. Frances Ridley Havergal was born in 1837, in the rural village of Ashley, Worcestershire, where her father was Rector. Sbe was tenderly and lovingly brought up under religious training, surrounded by everything calculated to foster the beut of her mind in literary pursuits, and was regarded by the family as the choice spirit of the household." Miss Havergal was passionately fond of couutry and seaside life, aud spent some of her most pleasant days at Caswell B .y. Here she lodged with her sister at Park Villa, and during her stay there displayed thut gentle Christian spirit which endeared her to all who came in contact with her. She always had a word to say for her Master, aud waxed eloquent when she pointed out to some wayward person His loving kindness and mercy, and His power to saVø all sinners. Whilst at Caswell she had occasion to speak 10 a servant-man about his unruly tongue, and while her teachingll and pleadings did not seem to religiously affect him, be was always careful to restrain himself in her presence. Oneeveamg, however, some pigs got astray, aud wandered on to the front lawn. He went in search of them, and on finding ttiem attempted to drive them back to the yard. But his efforts were in vain. He became very much irritated, and he gave vent to rather unseemly expressions. At last be looked round for help, when he espied a female form in the front window of the heuse. Waving his hand to her, he shouted out, "Why the Beeliebub don't you come and help me with these blaming, flaming pigs? Quick. Jane, come!" He evidently mistook the figure for oue of the servants, and he waited to see what effect his entreaties would have. Imagine his surprise when the window was raised aud Miss Havergal stepped on to the lawn. She wore a pained expression on her face, and laying her band on the man's shoulders said, sadly, "I am sorry you have not yet given up the bad habit of sweariug." The poor fellow looked completely abashed. He hung his bead, and played with his cap. At last be blurted out, I am sorry, too, miss. I did not know 'twas you I was calling." Looking tenderly and pitifully at him, she said. It does not matter so much about me; but why will you swear?" Her mauner so overcame the waywaid servant, that he answered that he would never swear again. ♦

ST. PATRICK'S GRAVE DESECRATED. A Vacation Tourist" who has been visitiug Down- I patrick, writes on the condition of the grave of St* Patrick. He says:—" What I saw was this—a hole, such as animals or poultry (might scrape, with a few loose stoues apparently thrown iu where the earth had beeu taken out, and laid across the opening was a stoue slab —evidently of great age aDd with traces of carving upon it—broken into three fragments. There was nothing else. This was the grave of St. Patrick! Only a few feet distant, in the modern cemetery, was the resting place of those who have died in recent times, neatly kept, with headstones and flowers, testifying to thO:) respect which Irish men and women feel for Gheir relatives or ancestors who have passed away. But the one grave in which all Irish people are, or ought to be, interested, was in the condition I have endeavoured to describe- Of course, an explanation was forthcomiug. Such veneration, I was told, was attached to the grave by some that they could not be prevented from taking —or, in other words, stealing—the soil bit by bit. I pointed out that the soil must beloug to somebody, be it rector, churchwardens, or guardians of the poor, and that iu Downpatrick especially the rights of property, not to speak of common decency, might, one would think, have been enforced. It seems, however, that this is re- garded perhaps as an impossible, but certainly as an un. populllr course and no one has taken, or seems likely to tike, any trouble about it." The correspondent suggests that if reverential visitorsare in the habit of taking away the sotlas relics, they should at least be expected to bring with them at least as much earth as would repair the damage they cause.

GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHTING. Electrical engineers would do well to glance Oc. casioually at some of the journals devoted to the gas in- dustry. They will find au inveteinte opposition to electric lighting, as may naturally t'e expected. The ventilating power of gas, if we may use the exj reas on, is merely that of the furnace iu the upcist shall -if & mine. It depends quire as much upon the s'ult a, cn the turnacd the formrr may, iudeed, be said to be more tsteutial than tbe latter. Practically, the dtrsideraium is a sunlight jpith au ample flue. If electric litiht be used in the sunlight, it would he well to pot It few gas burners immediately abore them, within the flue; and as their light is not wanted, and their radiant heat is objectiouabie, Bunsen burners would be better—in fact, a good ordinary gas fire mis-ht be used. The belittling of rhe value of oxygen, or of its consumption, is carried rather too far by tbe writer of the anicle to which we have alluded. It is true that the occupants of a room need fresh air, but a gas burner needs seven times as much. The remarks about, the hall of the S.ici tv of Arts are none too strong, and for many years tbe ventilation of the theatre of the Royal Institution was a stlludirg disgrace. Electrician. Mrs. Pearcy was on Tuesday executed at Newgate for the murder of Mrs. Ho?g and her infant daughter at Hampstead. Before the fatal hour the convict acknowledged that the sentence was a just one. The report that Mr. Gladstone is laid up wlthl cold is said to be incorrect. The right hon. gentleman is in exctcllent health, and is looking forwrtnl to tbe enj »yment of his eighty-first birthday on Monday next. At a recent meeting of the members of the National Liberal Club, Professor T. W. Rhys Davids in the chair, it was decided to form within the club a Philosophical Circle, for the discussion of philosophical questions. It is now the fashion among the numerous millionaire ladies of America to have the purse, the cardcase, and the gloves all made of light beech-coloured or tan-tinted kid, the two former being embellished wi;h diamonds and bearing the monogram of the owner, also in diamonds. In accordance with the expressed wish of his congrega- tion, conveyed to him by his deacons, Mr. Spurgeun b; s consented to prolong his sojourn at Men tone by two more Sundays beyond the period originally fixed. He mar therefore, not be expected in London before the latt* r portion of January. All hope of the safety of the American liner Thanem^re, with a crew of 24 hands, bound with cattle, cotton, and corn for England, has been abandoned, and it is feared that the Oranmore. which left Baltimore for London on the 28th ult., has also been lost In proroguing, on Saturday, the Victorian Parliament, at Melbourne, the Governor, after dealing with l^c l politic, declared that, in spite of the recent industrial troubles, the financial position of the colony was sound, It all the productive industries being in a prosperous state. Sir J. Pope Hennessey (Nationalist) was on Tuesday returned as member for North Kilkenny, in place of the late Mr. Marum (N ). His antagonist was Mr. Vincent Scully (Parnellite). The Sub Sheriff for the County of Kilkenny (Mr. John Fa.nning) declared the result of the election at three o'clock on Tuesday afternoon as follows Sir J. Pope Hennessey, 2,527 Mr. Vincent Scully, 1,365; majority, 1,162. This is IOn exceptional year in the supply of mistletoe and bolly. The quantity appears equal to all require- ments of decoration and merry-making, and hardly any ODe can recall It season when the berries on both mistletoe and holly were so plentiful. Large clusters of red berries are common on the smallest branches of holly, and instead of a berry here and there on the mistletoe. the fruition is positively luxuriant. Weatherwise people will probably infer from this that the winter is to be ve-ry severe, and that the provision of fruit is intended for the birds. The B shop of Lincoln his issue! a pastoral letter on the subject of the recent judgment of tbe Archbishop of Canterbury in his own ca< expressing his satisfaction that it is b"s,d on inclependent enquiry, and recogniHa the continuity of the Establibhed Church. While retai ing his opinion as to a Synod being the proper tribunal by which a Bishop should be tried, he is glad that he call conscientiously obey the decision. He especially rejoices at the reteution of the mixed chalice and lighls, but says that the points decided in his favour are not oblig;.tjrv aud that he has never desired to force unaccustomed ritual on unwilling clergymen and congregations. A GOOD ADVERTISEMENT.—A quack, having in vented a wonderful hair-invigorating fluid, applied to an editor for a testimonial. He gave it in these terms — A little applied to the inkstand has given it a coat of bristles, making it a splendid penwiper at little cost. We applied some to a tenpenny nail, and the nail is no w the handsomest shaving-brush you ever saw with beautiful soft hair growing- from the end of it; some two or three inches in length. Applied to the door- stones, it does away with the use of the mat; applied to the floor, it will cause to grow therefrom hair sufficient for a Brussels carpet. A weak solutirn sprinkled over a barn makes it impervious to wind, rain or cold. It is good to sprinkle on the roadside or anywhere where luxuriant grass is wanted for use or ornament. It produces the effect in ten minutes." A COCK WITH A MEMORY.—Some time ago (Mies Florence Barford writes to the Spectator) we had a cock of the black single-comb Spanish breed. The farm-boy who lived about five hundred yards from the farm, WFI in the habit of encouraging this cock to spur at him, so that every morning, as he went to his work, a pugilistic encounter took place between the boy and c'ck. After a time, the boy left us and went to London. Returning at the end of six months, he paid a visit to his fel:.jw. labourers at the farm. He was immediately recognised by the cock, and on coming out of his cottage the ueit morning he found the bird waiting outside for him resdy again to face his opponent. This continued for several days, until one afternoon the boy came to the farm 10 wish his companions good-bye, as he wasreturnicg to London; and the next morning the cock omitted to pay his usual visit. We thus have an instance of the memory |of a bird stretching over the space of six months. TREES NEAR HOUSES.—The present is the right time for cutting down trees. Householders should bear this in mind, since many buildings are spoilt by the too close proximity of trees. It is not only houses, but public buildings, such as village schools, which are often injured by trees. The picturesque group of elms, shady in summer, casts in autumn thousands of leaves into futters and pipes. Hence damp and injury to walla nring the winter. Another point to be borne in mind at this season of the year is that trees are often planted too close to houses. It is forgotten that the young bushy coniferous tree, now 6 ft. high, will in a few years become a forest tree. It will be spoilt by proximity to a building, and it will also spoil the house But all over England examples may at this time of the year be seen of trees just placed in the ground by walks and walls, which in no long time they touch — Builder. MR. RUSKIN AS A LECTURER.—Perhaps the most effective piece of what may be called the lecturer' stage-play was one which occurred in the Rp^in^ in 'Modern Painter. Mr Ruskin was expatiating- as was his wont, on the vandalism of the modern ."r1.i. On an easel beside him was a water-colour drawing by Turner, of (I think) Leicester. The old stone briute is picturesque, he said, "isn't it? But of course you waut something more imposing5 nowaday* So you shall have it. And, taking his paint-box and brush, Mr. Ruskin rapidly sketched in on the glass what is known in modern specifications a "handsome nun structure. Th^n, he continued, you <11 want, of Bourse, sime tall factory thimneys, and I v II give them to you galore, which be proceeded to do, in hke fashion. "The blue sky of heaven "as pretty, but you car:not have everything, you kuow." And Mr. Ruskin painted clouds of black smoke over the Turner sky. "Your 'improvements, be went on, "are marvellous triumphs of modern industry, I know; but somehow thpy do not produce nobler men and women, and no modern town is complete without a gaol and a lunat c asylum to crown it. So here they aie for you." By which time not an inch of the Turner drawing was left visible under the improvements p inted upon the glass. "But for my part," said Mr. Ruskin, taking his sponge, and with one pass of the hand sweeping away those modern improvements against which he has in- veighed in vain in so many printed volumes.—"for my part, I prefer the oil.—tudvci in liuslin, by E. T. Cook.