The Cambrian

THE RECENT TOY EXHIBITION Uncia Robin has received many congratu- lations upon the success of the first Toy fly- hibition. But what would he have done without the help of the children, and with- out Miss Jones (Rutland-street School), Mrs. Paton, Mrs. Cadwalladr, Mrs. T. Edgar John. Mrs. Martin Curnow, Mrs. Tudor Jones aud Mrs. Robinson ? The following letters have been received since last week FROM MRS. C. H. GLASCODINE. Mrs. C. H. Glascodine is very sorry she "has not been able to write earlier to thank Uncle Robin" for his kind gifts of toy books and games for the Waifs a.nd Strays at the Mumbles Home. The children were de- lighted with the things, and in consequence of their arrival spent a very happy Christ- mas." Ca.e Pare, Swansea, January 2, 1901. FROM MISS LLEWELYN, CASWELL. DEAR SIB,—Thank you very much for the lovely box of dolls which arrived to-day. They were greeted with great admiration, and the children are writing a letter of their own composition to thank you for them. With very many thanks,—yours faithfully, G. LLEWFLYN. Caswell, Mumbles, R.S.O., Jan. 2, 1901. The following is the letter referred to Caswell, Mumbles, R.S.O., Glam. DEAR Sib.,—We all thank you very much for the beautiful dolls you sent us. We all chose which one we liked best. Wishing you a happy New Year, and again thanking you for the dolls sent us, we are, yours respect- fully, Daisy Talbot, Maggie Calford, Lily McClushy, Gwonny Sharp, Isabel .Newman, Gladys Sharpe, (for) Alice Addis (for) Jennie Addis. FROM THE MATRON OF THE ORPHAN HOME. Dt&Mt "UNCLE ROBIN,"—I must apologise for BS £ writing earlier to thank you for the lovely 'things you so kindly eent the children. It is extremely good of you to take so much trouble. I can assure you your efforts are much appreciated by the little ones. With all good wishes for the new year, ,-yonrs very faithfully, E. WALLIXER, Matron, Orphan Home, Swansea. 28th December, 3900. "FROM THE CLERK TO THE GUARDIANS DEAR "UNCLE ROBIN/'—I bog to acknow- ledge your kind gift of toys for Workhouse ami Cottage Homes children, which will be duly reported to the Guardians at their next meeting—Yours faithfully, LLEWELLYN JENKINS, Clerk. iSwansea Union Offices, Alexandra-road, Swansea- 23th December, lOCO. TROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE COTTAGE HOMES. DEAR" UNCLE ROBIN,"—On behalf of the 'Cottage Homes children, I !-eg most heartily to thank you for the splendid lot of toys you sent them. The dolls are dressed lovely, and give grea.t credit to the many little dress- makers. The musical instruments, boxes of tools, etc., were greatly appreciated by the bigger boys, as well as the interesting games many of them received. I can assure you that each recipient was highly delighted with their presents, and to use the words of the Xady Guardians—Mrs. Paton, Mrs. Perkins, and Mrs. Williams—who (list,ributed them this afternoon "If only the givers of the toys could have seen the children when they received their presents they would have been jpmply rewarded." Wishing you the compliments of the sea- tIOn.- Yours faithfully, JNO. E. ELLIOTT, Superintendent, Cottage Homes. rfopeatfach, near Swansea. PROM THE GIRLS' INDUSTRIAL HOME, MUMBLES. Girl's Industrial Home, Overland-road, Mumbles. December 29th, 1900. DEAR SIR,—Please accept our most grate- ful thanks for the lovely box of (food things you so kindly sent to our little ones. You should have seen the delighted faces when one thing after another was drawn forth. It was certainly a most fascinating box I Only wish we poor old "grown ups" could raise a kind Uncle Robin to cater for our comfort and pleasure like the little ones. "With warmest and most grateful thanks from all you have made so happy,—I am, dear air, jours faithfully, „ CICELY FITZGERALD. 15, Mansel-street, Swansea. December 23th, 1900. 16,Sea View-terrace, Swansea, Dec. 15, 190C. DEAR UNCLE RoBiN.—I beg to thank you for the beautiful book which I won in con- nection with your essay competition. Tt :s a. most interesting, and, at the sa:ne time, a useful book, being the biography of one who, in some future years, will be the Consort of our ruler. Wishing you the compliments of the season, I remain, your affectionate nephew, ARTHUR JONES." MISS GARLICK'S SCHOOL. At the annual prize distribution a few ~»eeks ago, Uncle Robin offered a book prize, 'value 10s. 6d., for the best account of the proceedings. The competitors include Mig« Maud Evelyn Davie. aged years, 14, Mel- bourne-place, Mise Effie Bere?ford, Miss G. ;Shepherd, Miss Marjorie Legg, Miss Mere .dith Elsie Mears, Miss Maud Bullerwell, Miss M. Excell (23. Kensington-crescent), Miss Cissie Hopton (7, Uplands-orescent), aui Miss May Weston, "Gothey" \18, Bryn- Toad). Uncle Robin regrets he is unable to :give hi9 award this week. It will appear in next week's issue. DEAR UNCLE ROBIN,-Thank you very much for the very nico prize I had. I thought I might perhaps got a prizo, but I did not ex- pect the first. I hope the exhibition was a success. I was sorry I could not attend it, as I have been very poorly. I must close, wishing you a happy new year when it comes. -—I remain yours truly, j BASIL -TONES. u- All teachers are invited to send to UNCLS RoBIN, The Cambrian," Wind-street, Swansea, farlicnlare of anything suitable for publi- cation in connection with their schools-in- teresting personal notes about the children i (with names, etc.) curious sayings, note- worthy examination results, etc. A HANDSOME PRIZE Will be given eve'ry week to the boy or girl who sends in the best letter. Be brief and definite, and strive to write that which you think will interest. TO SCHOOLMASTERS AND OTHERS. Uncle Robin will give a handsome prize to the boy or girl who sends in the beat report of any sonool concert. Schoolmasters and teachers whose concerts have not yet been held would oblige by making this known to their scholars. UNCLE ROBIN'S PRIZE ESSAYS. Arrangements have be-i made with the Committee of the Swansea Branch of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the dis- tribution of a series of prizes to boys and girls who contribute the best original essays on the following subject GIVE SIX GOOD REASONS WH £ ALL BOYS AND GIRLS SHOULD BECOME MEMBERS OF THE DICKY BIRD SOCIETY. The prizes will take the form of bocks to the value of £2 10s. Od. There will be six prizes for boys and six for girls, all of whom must be between the ages of 10 and 15. The first prize in each class will be worth 7s.. the second 6s. Sd., the third 5s.. the fourth, 3s., the fifth 2s., the sixth Is. 6d. Every com- petitor must be the sole author of his own composition. The essay should be copied on foolscap paper, should be written on one side of the caper only, and should occupy not more than four pages. Each essay must be headed by a word or motto, and must be ac- companied by a private letter. All the manuscripts must be sent to un.:le Robin, marked Prize Essay," not later than Monday, February 4th. Particulars of how the prizes will be dis- tributed will be given in another issue. WOULD YOU LIKE A PRETTY BROOCII? Of course you would. Well, Uncle Robin will present such a brooch to the school-girl who introduces the greatest number of new members to the Dicky Bird Society by Tues- day, January 29th, 1901. The list must con- tain not less than 20 new names, and the names must be in the proposed new members' owr writing. The contributor introducing the members must forward the list or lists, which should be sent all at one time, stating thfc numbers introduced. Artistic certifi- cates of membership will be sent to the new members when enrolled. PRIZES FOR TEACHERS. The Strand Magazine," Pall Mall i Magazine," and Scribner's Magazine thioe very valuable publications—will be pre- sented for six months to the three teachers, male or female, who influences the greatest number of scholars to join the Dicky Bird Society. The names must be in tlu proposed now members' own writing,apd should reach Uncle Robin not later than Wednesday, Jan- uary 30th. Some very interesting letters were recently received about Sir Philip Sydney. The writers included Beartie Hodges, aged 11, 4, Western-street James Cronin, aged 11, 124, Western-street Willie Jenkins, aged 11, 16, Milton-terrace, Mount Pleasant Ernest Rcw, aged 11, 132, Westerr-street A. Eaton, aged 12, 82, Rhondda-street Tom Jackson, aged 11, 13, James-street Tom Lewis, aged 10. 20. Milton-terrace and Fred Fielder, aged 12, 4, Goat-street-all of stand- ard IV. at the National Higher Grade School, Oxford-street. The following is adjudged the best letter DEAR "UNCLB ROBIN,"—As I know you like to hoar about noble deeds, I will tell you about Sir Philip Sydney. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, she had some of her nobles to help her to rule England. The best and greatest man in her court was Sir Philip Sydney. All who knew him loved him. There was war going on over the sea, and Sir Philip was sent to fight for Queen and coun- try. In one of the battles he was hurt very much and fell down. He was very thirsty, indeed. At last one of his oervants found him some water. He held out his hand eag- erly for it .but his eyes fell upon a dying soldier. "Give it to him first," said Sir Philip, "for he needs it more than I do." Was this not a grand deed, and it is good to be a Briton. Teacher hopes we will Ml grow up such noble-hearted gentlemen.—I remain, your little friend, FRED FIELDER. Will Master Fielder please call at The Cambrian-" Office, to-morrow (Saturday) at 12 o'clock, when a very nice book will be pre- sented him. DEAR "UNCLE ROBIN,"—I am very sorry I have not written before. I have been away to school, and only just returned home for my Christmas holidays. I like my school very much. The master is very kind, but strict. We have a football club in the school, and play against other schools. We go for long walks with the masters, and enjoy ourselves. There were two large hay-stacks on fira opposite our school. It was a very pretty sight, but a great loss to the owners, who did not have sufficient water to put the fire out. The master gave the school a, party the evening before we came home.—With kind regards, and wishing you a happy Christmas, from your affectionate nephew, VICTOR THOMAS. 4, Priorton Villa, Swansea. A SWEET LITTLE DOLL." This charming little poem is by the late Kingsley, famous for his love of children. I once hal a sweet little doll, dears, The prettiest doll, in the world Her checks were so white and so red, dears, And her hair was so vharmingly curled. But I lost my poor little doll, dears, As I played in the heath one day And I cried fo'r her more than e week,dears, But I never could find where she lay. I found my poor little doll, dears, As I played in the heath one day Folks say she is terribly changed, dears, For her paint is all washed away, And her arms trodden off by the cows,dears, And her hair not the least bit curled Yet for old sakes' sake, she is still, dears, The prettiest doll in the world. THE CHILD. You never know what child in rags and pitiful squalor that meets you in the street may have in him the germ or gifts that might add new treasures to the storehouse of beau- tiful things or noble acts. In that great storm of terror that swept over France in 1793, a certain man who was every hour ex- pecting to be led off to the guillotine, uttered this memorable sentiment Even at this incomprehensible moment," he said, "when mortality, enlightenment, love of country— all of them only make death at the prison door or on the scaffold more certain—yes, on the fatal tumbril itself, with nothing free but my voice, I could stiil cry Take care,' to a child that should come too near to the wheel perhaps I may save his life, perhaps he may one day save his country." This is a. generous and inspiring thought—one to which the roughest-handed man or woman may respond as honestly and heartily as the philosopher who wrote it. it ought to shame the littleness with which so many of us see the great phantasmagoria of life pass before us.—JOHN MORLEY. BONFIRES. I remember reading somewhere, a long time ago, that in olden times, long before the days of telegraphs and telephones, and in days when war wa& much more common than now, that men used to have great piles of in- flammable material upon mountain tops.and when any enemy was pxpected would 00 pre- pared to light them if the enemy came. Those upon the side of the country where the enemy was first exp<;e!ed would be es- pecially watchful, and nt the first "igns of danger, or the first appioach of the foe, would light their bonfire at c'nce. The first fire would sometimes be seen by the enemy almost as soon as by the friends. The enemy would quench it as soon as they could. Sometimes they would kill the men who kindled it. but before they could do this the long warning arms of light would beckon the news out into the darkness, the lonely watcher upon some distant mountain top would catch the blazing message, and soon, mountain top flashing the news to mountain top, the whole country would be aroused, and when morning dawned the entire nation would be prepared to meet the foe. Thus it is with a good deed thus it is with the brave, true actions of any man or woman, any boy or girl. The deed we do may not be a great thing, and may in itself at- tract but little attention, and may soon be forgotten, but its influence upon other peopia and other deeds will never end. Shakespeare says— How far that little caudle throws his beams Thus shines a good deed in this naughty world." The boy in school who lights the bonfire of protest against cowardice, or dishonesty, or bad language, or bad books, or any other onemy, may not attract much attention him- self, but he will heljj other boys to do the same thing, and may thus be the means of earning a whole school against the approach of the enemy. EVERY ANIMAL ITS OWN DOCTOR. Animals get rid of their parasites by using dust, mud, clay, etc. Thote suffering from fever drink water, and sometimes plunge in- to it. When a dog has lost its appetite it cats that species of grass kLown as dog's grars. Cats also oc.t grass. Sheep and cows when :11 will seek out certain hergs, and ani- mals suffering from chronic rheumatism keen as far as possible in tho sun. The warrior ants hr-ve regularly organised ambulances. Latrcillc cut the ontenuae of the ant, and other ants came end covered tho woundi?d part with a transparent fluid secreted in their mouths. If a chimpanzee is wotancled, it stops the bleeding by placing its hands on the wound or dressing it with loaves and grass.

WELSH DICKY BIRD SOCIETY. FOUNDED BY UNCLJ: ROBIN, MARCH, 1899. FOR THE PROMOTION OF KINDNESS TOWARDS BIRDS AND ALL LIVING THINGS. RULES.—MEMBERS' PLEDGE. I hereby promise to be kind to all living things, to protect them to the utmost of my power, to feed the birds in the winter time, and never take or destroy a nest. I also promise to get as many girls and boys as possible to join the Dicky Bird Society. GENERAL RULES. Every boy or girl is admitted a member on taking the above pledge. Each new mem- her must sign his or her name to any list sent to Uncle Robin. Each list must be ac- companied by a letter attesting the genuine- ness of the signatures, signed by the teacher of the school which the proposed members attend, or by the parents or relatives of the girls and boys who wish to join our Society. The names, when thus guaranteed, will be entered in the Big Book, and printed in The Cambrian. All letters, which bhould be addressed to "Uncle Robin," c.o. Editor, The Cambrian, Wind-street, Swansea, must be written on one side of the paper only.

OUR LITERARY BUREAU. Tho Problem of Conduct A Study in tho Phonomonology of Ethics," by A. E. Tay- lor, published by Messrs. Macmillan, is an essay which obtained the Green Moral Philo- sophy Priza at Oxford in 1899—and which is strongly marked by a polemic directed against certain of Green's metaphysical as- sumptions in his Prolegomena, to Ethics, Book-kocping for Business Men,' by J. and S. W. Thompson, is a work designed to [ explain the principles of good book-keeping and their application in such a way as to en- able the young reader to construct, keep, and balance a. sot of account-books suited to his business. The first four chapters explain the principles of double entry. Then in the model system" which follows Reader and Thornton go into partnership and open a set of books. Transactions are detailed, the ac- counts of which ?how how to meet book-keep- ing "difficulties" of all kinds. A New History of the Book of Common Prayer with a Rationale of its Offices," is a revision of Proctor's well-known book in the light of subsequent Liturgical Studies, exe- cuted by the Rev. W. H. Frere. In addition to considerable rewriting of the history of the Prayer book aince the Reformation, Mr. Frere has greatly expanded the account of the old Service Books from which it deseend- od, and of the old Services. Certain portions of the original work have been omitted,where the information contained had become avail- able in fuller form elsewhere but all the information for which it was recessary to turn to Proctor will still bo found in the work. Templo Bar" for January will contain (besides the serials from the well-contrasted pens of Mr. Crockett and Mr. and Mrs. EKel ton Castle already announced) a. vivid and minute account of the Siege of Lady- smith, by Mr. Balfour, a young surgeon. His simple, straight-forward narrative, given in lotters home, shows the courage, endurance, and hard work required from non-combatants ac well as combatants during that long straggle. An amusing and original etery, The Apotheosis of Anne," adds variety to an interesting number.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO 1 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO The postage on a single letter" from London to Brighton was 8d.. to Manchester lid., to Edinburgh 1,3id., and to Cork 17d., instead of as now, Id. If, however, the letter weighed ovor It oz., the postage was—to Prighton, 4s. 8d., to Manchester 6s. 5d., to Edinburgh 7s. 7 £ d., and to Cork 9s. lid. ONE HUNDRED YEABS AGO So scarce was change that people often took 10s. or 15s. in halfpence to enable them to change £1 note, and these for the most part were perhaps not worth a tenth of their nominal value. In 1800 a Bank of England £5 note was worth only 92s., its value sank as low as 73s. in 1813, and did not: become worth 100s. until 1820. One hundred years ago the population of Great Britain was 15.717,000. The figures are now returned at 40,909,925. The last cen- sus was taken in 1891. In 1800 the value of our imports was re- turned at £24,100.000, ?nd th^ exports £ 43,200,000,making the total trade. £ 67,?.00,000 Thews totals ma.y be contrasted with the fig- gures for 1899—imports, £485,035.583; ex- ports, £328,534,658. The trade of 3800 works out at £ 6 8s. per head of the population the figures for 1899 give per head £ 20 Is. 8d. Up to 1784 the letter-bags were carried by post hoys, who took about forty hours. for example, to do the journey between Lon- don and Bath. =======

"HOME" AGAIN. The charms of "Home" go with us, where- over duty or pleasure calls, whether inpeaceful occupations, or in the stern neces- sities of war. How intensely precious must Home be to those who are returning from the struggles and hardships endured in South Africa. Think of the sick and wounded in- valided "Home," to the care of mother, wife, or frieds, who are only too anxious to have their dear ones with them again,to nurse them back into a new life of perfect health and strength. At such a time, the great recuper- ative Tonic is Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters. It gives power to the weak limbs, it steadies the nerves, brightens the eye, in- fuses new hope, and builds up the system anew. Many patients that have been suffer- ing from Enteric and ether wasting diseases, simply require to be systematically treated with a tonic restorative. A complete rest and a reviving tonic, is all they require. In Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters, this will be found in its highest perfection. Sold in bottles, 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each.

Householder "I am going to move to the suburbs next Monday, and I'd like you to do the job." Mover "How many loads ?" "I don't know. You moved me once, you may remember." "Yes; I needed three vans to get through but that was some years vgo. Have you moved since ?" Yes, in- deed, half a dozen times." "Hum I guess cne van will carry all you have left." AS A SArK, FKKMAIfgNT, A9l> WAKKANTIP CURE lor Pimples, Scrofula. Scnrvy, Bad Lege, 8kin arid Blood JDisea««s, Pimple<> un<# Sore* of an k jrub, we can with confidence recommend Clarke's Wortd-famert Wood Mixture, "tt h cert.ainl v ttte finest Blood Purifier that science aud medical skill hare brought to listi* nf W"oode.f'¡1 ,!ures have been effected tly U. Hold everywhere, at 2.¡. 90. per bottle Beware of worthless Imitation

STORY OF THE CAREER OF TIT-BITS." It was in October, 1881, that Mr. Newnes, then thirty years of age, began to utilise the idea, so simple although so charged with destiny, of "Tit-Bits." Starting in the humblest manner, the progress of nineteen years has built up from that Lilliputian com- mencement one of the greatest publishing businesses of modern times. It was in a room in Essex-street, Manches- ter, rented at a few shillings weekly, that "Tit-Bits" was born. Its parent was de- lighted when it achieved a circulation of 5,000 copies, and by its seventh number it had won its way to Smith's bookstalls. Mr. Ncwncs, who was at first his own entire editorial staff, found the thing growing so rapidly that he had to get a colleague or two an!, after an immediate n'ovc to Albert-square, Manchester, he brought the lusty Joung infant up to London,taking offices in f arrington-street. This was in 1884. By 1835 the journal had inaugurated its own system of life insurance, under which it has since paid JB12,900 in claims to ncxc-of- kin, and by this time its prize^givings had become a most important feature. Its then unprecedented offer of a seven-roomed house. to the value of £ 500, as a prize for the best short story, original or scissored, created a great sensation, and many were the doubts expressed as to its genuineness. Neverthe- less, no less than 22,000 people competed, and the prize was won by a private soldier in the 8th Hussars. About two years after the paper came to London,a fresh source of revenue was tapped. The paper had started entirely without ad- vertisements. But with the great sale it had attained it became to be eyed greedily by agents and principals. For a long while its conductor stood out stoutly against all the offers of advertisers, tempting as they were but at last he, "swearing he would ne'ør con- sent, consented." The company's publications arc now many in number beyond the parent "Tit-Bits" an:1 its child 'The Strand" and now it is taking up book-publishing.Betweofu 600 and 700 people are employed at the Southamptin- btreet building bnt if one counts in the folk at work outside the number runs well into four figures. \vhat do you think of his scheme of tele- graphing without wires F" "That's nothing new. My wife has kicked my shins under the table for twenty years." Biikins "IHd you ever notice how much money butchers have in their pockets when they are picking out your change ? Wilkins "No-o. but I've often noticed how little I've had in my pockets after I got my change." Mrs. Brown "I must be going back to the city at once. I've had three letters from my husband in two days." Mrs. Gray "Why, you poor clear I know just how you feel. Two would be suspiciously attentive- but three I am really afiaid he has been doing something very reprehensible."

THE DEAD CENTURY. Farewell! departed year now past and gone, Now ever numbered with the dead art thou. Thy heart that throbbed is still, and knows no more e stirring scenes that thou did'.t brinf to life. Thy darker and thy brighter deeds are past, Their record lives,but thou no more doth live, Thy day", no more for good or ill return, Thy lot is cast and cannot be recalled. What memories untold around thee cling As we look back to thee. We fain would wish That over again thy days may come to us, That we may live again, and better live. How oft we wish our childhood hours again, To start afresh our life on higher plains Of nobler purposes and a better life. Thick crowd upon us many things not done We resolved to do, and things ill-done, We tried to do, marred by human frailty. There are a few still left among the aged, Who saw the past century in its dawn. They have Icing passed the common span of life, With feeble step they stand upon the new, Their days but few, and they shall with the past Sleep death's sleep, and bid the world adieu. And some there are whose life runs o'er more than Half the century past, and feel how swift The years glide by, how short the longest life. And there are some that stand wth fresh young life Upon the dawn of this new century. They stand with ardent hope and high resolve To make thi future better than the past. 'Tis theirs to make or mar the years to be, For good or ill to write its history. We stand upon the threshold of the new, Review the past, and dimly gaze into The vast unknown yet not unknown to Him Whose purposes fail not, but ripening are That shall bring in the golden age of peace, When war fend strife shall cease for evermore. G.M.

Can I have some money to go to the cir- cus This was the modest; and reasonable request of little Johnny Whittaker, one evening last week, sent at what he considered an auspicious time in the direction of his sire. Hey ?" said Mr. Whittaker. Johnny preferred his request for the second time with faltering voice and indications of rain on his part. Johnny and. the circus were zones apart at that moment. "Want to go to the circus, eh ? And you are going to Sunday school every week ? Don't you know that circuses are wicked ? I never wanted to go to the circus when I was a boy." While this was not a deliberate "fib" on Mr. Whit- taker's part, it was certainly a perversion of the truth. "And what do you want to see at the circus F" "I—I—w—want to see the w—wild &aid Johnny, beginning to blubber in earnest. Want to see the wild animals,eh ? Don't you twist the cat's tail often enough ? Where did you get your love for wild anima's P I never ca.red for them." "I_I—I— inherited it." "Inher- ited it Well, what next And who from ?" H F-from N—Noah," sobbed the despairing hopeful. The promptness of Johnny's reply, combined with the evidence that his religious instruction had not been wasted en the de- sert air, was too much for tho old gentleman, and he came down at once with the neces- sary coin.

There lx Security In CARTER'S WITTLE IIVER Small Pill. IB DIE I A Toie. BR i ILLS SnuOlPrice Absolutely cure Sick Head- ache, Biliousness. Dizziness, Torpid Liver, Constipation, Indigestion, Furred Tongue. They Touch the Liver. t< mrt thty Me CARTERS. A few drop. on the tootkbnufe ersry morning of SOZODONT Will Sweeten the Breath an day. irirl make.all elle difference be. tween- Good Teeth and Bad Teeth. White Teeth and Yellow Teeth. Pretty Teeth and USly Teeth. Complete in Toilet Case, witft Tooth Powder, ajt).

THE OLD CENTURY DIES HARD. A DISASTROUS HURRICANE. The old century died hard. Throughout the British Isles King Boreas at the end of last week took matters in his own hands. He was particularly fierce dn Friday morn- ing. In township, hamlet, along the coast and inland, the Storm Fiend reigned su- preme. Coasting craft were whipped ashore as so much driftwood telegraph wires were ravelled and twisted into tangled meshes. From Holyhead to Bristol the elements created a veritable pandemonium, uprooting trees, unrocfing houses, sweeping away out- houses and windows. One had to be on the qui rive while walking through the streets of Swansea. Detective Roberts was badly hit by a falling sign-post. Most of the streets were strewn with broken slatee, chim- ney-pots, etc. Mr. LI. Jarvis had his new summer-house at Newton, Mumbles, seriously damaged a large tree fell against Mr. W. Weaver's resdence at Mumbles-in fact the storm did more or less damage every- where. In the opinion of an old inhabitant it was the worst storm on record." In Swansea bay the sea ran very high, and great fears were entertained for the shipping sheltering under the Mumbles Head. The Port Talbot pilot boat Minerva dragged her anchors early in the morning and commenced drifting into danger. Happily her position was seen by Captain Edwards, of the Swan- sea pilot boat Beaufort, and the Beaufort steamed to the rescue of the Minerva and was able to tow her into he Souh Dock. The Benufor was also able to render assistance to the fishing smack Mary Elizabeth, which had broken away from her moorings, and wou!(l nave become a wreck but for a tow to the South Dock. THE MUMBLES LIFEBOAT OUT. The craft at anchor off the Mumbles had a very exciting time, and all were in peril at any moment of breaking adrift and being dashed ashore. During the morning three ketches were observed flying signals of dis- tress, and at 12.30 it was decided to send the the Mumbles lifeboat to their assistance. The lifeboat crew had a very severe fight with the wind and sea, but after strenuous efforts the gallant men succeeded in visiting in turn each of the three ketches and safely taking off their crews, whom they success- fully landed. The three vessels were left at their moorings. The lifeboat remained in readiness to proceed at a moment's notice on any other errand of mercy, and it seemed, judging from the danger several vessels were in, that their services might again be re- quired. Eventually, however, the wind mod- erated. The three ketches were the D.W.T., of Plymouth (Captain Penderth) the Gorey Lass, of Ilfracombe (Captain Stevens) and the Lizzie, bound from Cardiff to Padetow. The owner of the fishing smack Mary Eliza- beth (Mr. Hancock), which was brought into safety by the Swansea steam pilot boat, in an interview said, I have been following the sea. for the rast 35 years, but never previous- ly have I had such a providential escape. Nor has it fallen to my lot to be out in such terrible weather as that of last night and this morning. Had it not been for the timely arrival of the Beaufort, I should un- doubtedly have been drowned. My vessel was being driven into, the Channel, having lost her anchor, and assistance ofily came in the nick of time." It appears that Mr. Han- cock was the only one on board. The skiff rolled and pitched in an extraordinary man- ner, and could not have remained afloat much longer. During the evening the wind fell, and Bev- oral of the vessels which had ridden out the gale in the Mumblea Roads took advantage of the opportunity of safely getting into Swansea docks. DRIVEN ASHORE AT ABERAVON. The steamer Penpol, of Falmouth, about 2,000 tons, was driven ashore on the Aber- avon Sands early on Friday morning. She. was making her way to Swansea, where she was to have loaded with tinplates, and when opposite Port TaJbot she encountered the full force of the hurricane. Signals of distress were hoisted, and her siren was continuously kept blowing. No lives were lost.

BANKER'S REFERENCES. An important case, bearing urrn the rela- tionship of bankers and their clients, has just been decided, after a two day's hearing at the Leeds Assizes. The action was one brought by a firm of Huddersfield merchants against the West Riding Union Banking Company and their Cleckheaton manager, Mr. Robert B. Hartley, for damages for fraudulent representation. It appears that tho plaintiffs asked the bank whether it con- sidered a certain firm trustworthy to the ex- tent of between £ 1,000 and £3,000. and also if the Company issued debentures. The roply, given in confidence, was that the par- ties referred to were respectable and appear- ed readily to obtain in the trade credit for the amount mentioned, and further, that the debentures were held privately. On the strength of this answer business to the amouut of J64,448 wav done, and afterwards the firm in question failed. In the end, the jury found for the plaintiffs, and judgment was given for £ 3,000, less dividends The case is undoubtedly one of great interest to the commercial community at large. It would appear from this decision that bank- ers, when they give references, really are only giving guarantees for the bona-fides of £ he firms about which enquiries are made. T.he Warehouseman and Draper."

"PAYS TO PLEASE THE WIFE." As an example of impudent cadging, the following letter, which has been forwarded us will be hard to beat We wish you a very happy New Year. We shall be pleased to receive a nice present from you. Some- thing for the children would be ;iice—aged 13 and 14, bo'y and girl. We shall trade more with you now we have left Manchester. I will be coming over to your place in a month We always get a Christmas box from the Manchester firms, and there is no reason why you should be behind them. I know it is enough to mention it. and we are already wondering what it will be. My husband does not know I am writing this but I need hardly tell you it sometimes pays to please the wife.-Believe me, yours sincerely, —" Boot and Shoe Trades' Journal."

DON'T BUY IMITATIONS. You are making a great mistake if you have not tried Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters Will you try it ? don't lose time. It is the best remedy for General Debility, Low Spirits, and Nervousness. Its tonic qualities infuse new life, and you soon see the sunny siao of nature again, and cheerful content comes with a gradual gain of strength. For Chest Affections, and to guard off Influenza, ti-y this excellent vegetable tonic restorative. Be sure that you get it, when you ask for it. Don't buy worthless imitations. Say you want Gwilym Evans' Quinine and Ft-e that the name "Gwilym Evans'" is on tho label, on the stamp, and on the bottle, without which none are genuine. Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters is sold in bottles 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each, bv Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors, cr will be sent, carriage free, direct from The Sole Proprietors Quinine Bitter's Manufacturing Canipanv Limited, Llanelly, South Wales.

Niece Ida "When does a woman really commence to grow old ? Aunt Broadhead. "When people^begin to tell her how young she is looking." Let me see some of your black kid gloves," said a lady to a shop assistant. These are not the latest style, are they Yes, ma' r»m," replied the young woman "we have them in stock only two days." I didn't thil n kthey were, because the fashion paper says black kids have tan stitches and vir-e vei-sa. I see the tan stitches, but not the vice versa." The. assistant said that vice versa, was French for seven luttons, to she sold three pairs.

WATCH COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Swansea Watch Commit- tee todk place on Tuesday afternoon. In the absence of Dr. J. A. Rawlings, the chair was filled by Mr. Fred. Bradford. There were also present the Mayor (Mr. Wm. Watkin Messrs. W. H. Spring, Gwilym Morgan, G. Davies, D. Jenkins, J. H. Lee, Dr. O'Sulli- van, W. Evans, the Head: Constable (Capt. Colquhoun), and the deputy-clerk (Mr. U. C. Johns). CHIEF CONSTABLE'S KEPORT. The Chief Constable', in his usual monthly report, stated that he had visited the new Empire, where he found the provisions made for the accommodation of the public excel- lent,whilst arrangements made to meet a case of fire could not be improved. Swine fever had broken out at the Union farm and Glan- mor farm, both cases being under observa- tion. Captain Colquhcun also drew atten- tion to what he termed a very dangero as practice people placing buckets with ashes in the streets. It was decided to call the attention of the Streets Committee to the matter. WAS THERE AN ELEMENT OF DANGER ? Mr. Wm. Fvans referred to a meritorious act performed by P. C. Johnson, stationed at Landore, who removed children from a bed- room in a house which was on fire. He suid it was a very plucky bit of work which should be rewarded. The Chief Constable said he always recommended officers for luerit badges in where there was an element of doii- ger but there did rot appear to be any in the case mentioned by Mr. Evans. THE CONDITION OF THE OLD EMPIRE. Mr. D. Jenkins asked what was going tc be done with the old Empire in High-street. The Head Sonstable replied that certain par- ties intended re-opening it under the existing lease. Ho had notified the people that he intended opposing the renewal of the licence at the next Licensing Sessions (in October) as in its present condition the place was not safe.—Mr. Jenkins remarked that in case of a fire the old building would be. simply a death trap, because there was r.o proper exit at all.—The Chairman pointed out that any application for a license to perform stage plays would have to be made to the Council. so Mr. Jenkins could make his protest then. THE PROPOSED CENTRAL POLICE STATION. Mr. Gwilym Morgan complained of the question of the proposed central police sta- tion having been deferred at the previous meeting. He said they had played battle- dore and shuttlecock long enough with the question,and it was time something was done. Swansea stood in great need of a central pol- ice station.—After a brief discussion the Chairman, the vice-chairman, and the Mayor were appointed to see the Property Commit- tee with the object of bringing things to a head. PROPOSED HORSE AMBULANCE. At the last meeting of the Council it was resolved to purchase a horse ambulance for use in the borough at a cost not exceding £ 150.—Upon the matter now being men- tioned, the Chief Constable remarked that when eight or nine years ago he re- commended the provision of a horse, ambulance, the Committee adopted his recommendation, but the Council threw it out. Since then things had changed, and the need for a horse rmbulance was not now felt so much. He did not see why the Watch Committer should now be saddled with the expense besides, they had no place to keep one in.—The Deputy Town-Clerk suggested that they might charge the ex- pense to the Fire Brigade account, and ask the Local Government Board to sanction a loan of £ ."50.—The matter was referred to the Property and General Purposes Committee.

THE ROYAL JUBILEE METAL EXCHANGE (INCORPORATED). SWANSEA, Tuesday, January 1st, 1901. PIG IRON.-There was a fair attendance on 'Change to-day, but in the absence of any quotations—the market being closed-no figures can be given in this respect. FINISHED IRON AND STEEL.—There seems to be no buainesa to be reported in this department, everything apparently being suspended until the forthcoming Quarter Day. TINPLATKS.—The shipments appear to be short of the receipts from the works, and a slight increase in stocks is consequent. The prices of Tinplates quoted below must be deemed nominal as no business can be reported. PIG IRON.—No market quotation. KIDD LIMSBO RO'No. 3, no market quotation. HEMATITE.—Warrants, no market quotation. WELSH HEMATITE.—No market quotation. WELSH BARS.- £ 8 Oil Od to C8 2s 6d. Angles, &c., at nsnal extras, f.o.t. at works. SHEET IRON.— £ 8 5s Od to JM 7a 6d, f.o.t. at works. STEIU. RAILS.—Heavy sections, £6 Os Od to £6 2s 61i; light do., E7 Os Od to 97 15s Od, f .o t.; sleepers, angles, channels, fcc., according to section and specification. STEEL SHEETS.— £ 8 29 6d to £8 10s Od, with the usual extras ior the bigber gauges. BESSEMER STEEL.—Tinplate bars, X5 01. SIEMENS TINPLATE BARS.—Best, E5 5s Od. All delivered in the district; nett cash. TINPLATIr.R.-Makors' quotations for Bessemer steel coke, 13s Od to 130S 3d; Siemens (coke finish) 13s 3d to 13R 6d ternes, per doable box, 28 by 20 C., 24s 0<1, 26s, to 29s Od best charcoal, 14-3 Od to 15a Od, according to finis1. of brand wasters, 6d to 1s per box loni than primes. Odd sizes usual extras. All delivered in Prince of Wales Dock, Swansea; cash, less 3 and 1 per cent. Big sheets for galvanising, 6x3 x 30 gauge, per ton, f.o.t., £10 10s. The Swansea Harbour Trustees have furnishe*! the following official return of tin plates reooived from the works, shipped, and in Itock Week endiner Last week. Corresponding Dec. 29, 1900. week last year Boxes. Boxes. Boxes. Received 58.859 64,441 42,106 Shipped 37.609 81,299 17,609 In stock 142,747 121,495 187,640 COPPER (Chili Bars), BLOCK TIN, SPELTER, LEAD (English and Spanish), SILVER.—No market, quotation. ANTHRACITE COAL.—Finest hand-picked malt- ing, 22s Od to 28s Od second quality hatid- pioked malting, 20s Od best large. according to quality and selection, 15s Od to 16* Od; red vein or similar large, 12s 6d to 13s rubbly culm, per ton, 7s to 8s Od. All delivered f.o.b. Swansea, cash 30 days, less 21 per cent. STEAM COALS.—Large, 18s 6d to 19<; second quality do., 16< to 17s; bunkers, according to quality, 12a 9d to 13s 6d small, 8s Od to 9s Od per ton, delivered f.o.b. Swansea, cash 30 days, less 21 per cent. BITUMINOUS COALS.—Large (No. 2 Rhonddat, 15s 6d to 16R Od per ton. delivered f.o.b Swansea, cash 30 days, less 21 per cent. COKE.—Best foundry, 26- to 30s Od furnace, 19s to 21s per ton, f.o.b. Swansea, cash 30 days, less 21 per cent. PATENT FUEL.—16s Od to 17s Od. IRON ORES.—Tafna (per Naylor, Benson and Co.), 17s 6d. Rnbio, 18a per ton, ex-ship cash, 30 days. PITWOOD.—19s per ton into trneks, nett, cash 30 days.

ECCLESIASTICAL NEWS. The consolidated parishes of Silian-wilh- Llanwnen, near Lampeter, nave been oft>ird by the patron, the Lord Bishop of St. David's to the Rev. T. P. Lewis,curate of Langyf dr.ch at Penllergr.er, and have been accepted by him. Mr. Lewis ha3 been curate-iu-chargc of Penllergaer for the. last twelve vuars. The Rev. E. J. Newall, M.A., principal of the Portheawl College, having been clected bv his old co.kge. viz., Worcester College. Oxford, to the rectory of Nesn Sollors with Milsom. has been instituted by the Bishop of Hereford.

What is the difference between a joke and a chestnut ? "A chestnut is a joke vou've heard often, and a joke is a 'chestnut' vou've heard for the first rime."

HAIR PRESERVED AND BEAUTIFIED BY USING Rowland's MACASSAR OIL.! It prevents baldness, eradicates scurf, is the !» 't dressing for ladies' hair and for Children it is invalu- able. Also in a Golden Colour for fair hair. Sizes 3s. 6d., 7s., 10s. 6d. Sold by Stores Chemists, & A. Rowland & Sons, Hatton Gardcn, London. '4 -Mf- 1 A PERFECT BEVERAGE. I PvmifflnvfonA Cocoal I is known and prized throughout ■ the whole world for its high fggA H quality and delicious natural JUa flavor. j vamfflnrieni Cocoal I Best & Goes Farthest. 1

SWANSEA SAVINGS BANK, j ANNUAL MEETING. SPEECH BY SIR JOHN LLEWELYN. The annual meeting of the trustees and managers of the Swansea Savings Bank was held at the Bank premises, Heathfield-street, on Friday. Sir John Llewolyn, Bart. (pre- siclent), was in the chair, and there were also present Messrs1. Wm. Williams (Maesy- gwernen), W. J. Reee, and E. D. Burnie :trustees), A. W. Halden, F. F. Hosford, T. Harlington Jones, Philip Jenkins, George Symons, and C. T. Ruthen (managers), Ed. James Morris (actury). Apologies were announced from Sir John Jones Jenkins (who is on the Continent), the Hon. Odo Vivian, and the Rev. Chancellor Smith. The annual report was as follows Balance, 20th November, 1900, £306,397 4s. 8d ditto, 20th November, 1899, £285,022 12s. lid. increase, £21,374 Us. 9d. Receipts from depositors for year ending November, 1900, £ 58,394 5s. Id. payments to depositors for year ending 20th November, 1900, JE44,049 Os. 9d. receipts being in excess of payments, £ 14,345 4s. 4d. Received from depositors during 1900, £ 58,394 5s. Id. ditto, 1899, £ 45,480 7e. lid. increase in receipts, JE12,913 17s. 2d. Payments to depositors during 1900, 44,049 Os. 9d. ditto, 1899, £45,705 18s. lid. decrease in payments, £ 1,656 18s. 2d. Number of new accounts opened,, 617 num- ber of accounts closed, 382 increase in num- ber of accounts, 235. Number of receipts, 9,134 number of payments, 5,114 total number of cash transactions, 14,248. Trans- fers to other Savings Banks, 2 j688 10s. 9d. Number of deposit accounts open, 8,934. The alterations in the law of Trustee Savings Banks, by the passing of the Savings Banks Acts, 1891 and 1893, enable depositors to in- crease their annual deposits from JB30 to £50, and their total deposits to JB200, exclusive of interest. They are also permitted to replace once during the year any specihed amount withdrawn (in one sum) during that year. Interest will bo allowed upon all amounts up to, but not exceeding, £ 200. During the year 2,805 deposit books have been. compared with the bank ledgers, by the auditors, dur- ing the hOt.rs of public business. Sir John Llewelyn moved the adoption of the report. He said he felt that the con- tinued increase in the work of the Bank tes- tified very strongly to its increased useful- iess, and also to the indebtedness of the depositors to the actuary and also to the trustees and managers, who had attended and taken an interest in the business. He had I noticed from the returns that there had been I a continued increase in the use of both the Post Office Savings Bank ani Trustees' Sav- ings Bank throughout the country, and that showed that such banks had the confidence I of the general public. Ho trusted that the better position of the bank under notice once I more testified to the fact that they had had good and prosperous times, and said that it Appeared to him that the increased receipts from the depositors, amounting to £ 58.ZP4, showed what a great amount of good the in- stitution was doing. He did not believe, how- ever, that the amount Of good could be ac- curately gauged by a good year any more than by a bad year, because in times of depression it was only natural for depositors to with- draw their savings. However, he believed that th> large number of accounts open— 8,934—together with the net increase of new accounts for the year, testified to the growing practice of thrift, and would not even be- lieve that this had been dropped in the case of the 382 closed accounts, because it was very likely that money had been withdrawn for more remunerative investment. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Bumie, seconded, and said that it ap- peared to him the bank was doing well in every detail. The progress had been remark- able certainly a record for the past ten years. The report was adopted. Mr. W. J. Reee proposed and Captain Sy- monds seconded and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Sir John Jones Jenkins and Mr. Frederic Edwards for their services as treasurers. On the motion of Mr. Wm. Williams, who observed that it was very gratifying to find the bank showing an increased number of depositors, increased receipts and decreased payments, seconded by the chairman, the managers were also thanked for their atten- tion to the business. Mr. A. W, Halden moved a vote of thanks to the actuary, who was, he said, most cour- teous and assiduous in his work. He did not know of any institution in the town where the work was done more satisfactorily that at that bEnk. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Philip Jenkins seconded, and the mo- tion was carried by acclamation. Some discussion ensued respecting the re- signation of Mr. James Rogers, one of the auditors, and it was eventually resolved to reappoint Messrs. Deloitte, Dozer, Griffiths, and Co. A vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr. Hosford, terminated the meeting. Mario "They tell me, Professor, ihat you have mastered all modern tojiglies." Pro- feasor "Not exactly—not exactly. All but two-my wife's and her mother's." Customer "How long will it take to put a small patch on this shoe ?" Cobbler "About ten minutes, I guess." Customer "Then I'll smoke a cirgar while I'm waiting." Cobbler (after the first whiff of the cigar) I will have it done in about two minutes, sir." Mrs. Rambo(on the inside cf the front cloer; "Ab-olom, you have been drinking again ?" Mr. Rambo (on the outside) "No, m'dear, I Mrs. Rambo "Say *prom-)t pay- ments patiently pursued produce prosperity. Mr. Rambo "'Prompt payments promptly prosued pos Mrs. Rambo Absalom, you can go up to your room by way of the I back door." CLAV,K E, s B 41 PILLS are warranted to cure, ID either sex, all acquired or constitutional discharge* from the Urin-try Organs, &ravel, and Painfc in tne Back. Free from Morsurv. Established upward- of 30 years. In B>xeg, 4r. fed. each, of all Chemists aud Patent Medicine Venlor« throughout the World; or gent lor sixty stamps by the Makers, THK LINCOLH ACD MISLAKV COCNTIKB Daua COMPACT. Lincoln, sent for flixty stamps by the Makers, TUR LINCOLN ACD MISLAKV COCNTIKB Daua COMPACT. Lincoln,

CERDIC THE SAXON. Cerdic the Saxon laughed with scorn, As he dipt his beard to his glassy horn. We are not kin of Nathon-leod To fear the Druid or serve his need. We will woo if we wit the Briton maid By haie or pen, frith, drulshe, or glade. Thouch Hengist cowered to the Christian priest, We fear not these or Druid feast. We need not grove or Mona stone To mark our seasons, we know our own When to harry and when to burn, when itr garner and when to turn, Free as the air shall Saxon be, spirit or body and both swore he. Shall craft the might of Cerdic divide, Free as they lived our fathers died. Who rides the white steed may pale at death, Our spirit is tree as the mountain breath. Ihe changing earth shall not stay our feet, Free is the spirit for warriors meet, Twin barrows shall cover the ashes of all Whether they conquer or whether they fall. Ours be those who conquering died, Dead, mayhap, for an alien bride. Free as the flame of the funeral flare. Free to be free, free to dare, free, free as thet spirits of air. Though Widnams pass to a changing race, We have lived our life, we have marked our place. For endless seasons our burries are kissed By Heaven's free winds and shrouding mists Worn by the rains- of endless days, Dead to be free, the Saxon's praise. Our spirit shall live while the Heavens are wide. Our barks, our coursers on every tide With trampling feet in every clime O'er hills of glory, o'er hills of time Thick in the press of the halls of death Free to be free as the Saxcn's breath. M. A. B.

EMIGRATION TO CANADA. All indications point to the conclusion that the emigration from Wales to Canada will exceed, during the coming season, that of any previous year. There are several causes for this. Briefly, they may be stated as follow -During the South African trouble the part Canada played in the sending of her contin- gent and the noble conduct of her sons attracted public attention to the Dominion in a degree hitherto unknown, with the result that it is dawning upon the public mind that Canada contains unequalled inducements in free grant lands, in minerals, in forests, and in fisheries, all of which inducements pxist in a healthy climate and with all the safeguards of the British Constitution. It may be that Canadians say too little about the severity of their winter and too much about its "dry- ness," but it cannot be gainsaid that the British conception of the Canadian climate has been altogether too unfavourable. As Kipling says, It is a climate which puts iron and grit into men's bones, and is produc- ing a race of magnificent people." This an unpleasant climate would prevent. Then, too, grape3 and tomatoes ripen m the open in Canada, a fact which is not as familiar as it should be. Canadians claim, and with reason. that the coming century holds great develop- ments in store for her, as the last century did for the United States, whose people are now furnishing a fourth of Canadian immigra- tion.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating." The proof of I I. i 0X0 is in the drinking. is in the drinking. The New Fluid Beef.

FASHION NOTES. By MESSRS. BEN. EVANS AND CO., LIMITED, SWANSEA.] January is not a congenial time in any sense of the word, and whether it gains pre-eminence as the first month of an out-going century or heralds the advent of a new cycle, it still rcmains a period of bleak days and piercing winds. In spite of these drawbacks one's thought seems to centre on the subject of dress, whether front want of a more important topic or because the echo of Christmas gaieties is still with m it is hard to determine, bat the topio of where and withal we shall be clothed has from remote ages proved an interesting one to womankind in general, and even Mother Eve, we fancy, found some variety in the shading of the fig-leaf from vernal green to the rich tint of autnmn How- ever, the very thought of such sincere trust in nature aa a discerning modiste would be a matter of surprise to the elegante of to-day, who relies mere on the skill of her tailor as a builder of the latest creations, and the able manipulation of the mmsseuse for the preservation of her complex- ion and figure. The inclemency of the weather at this season of the year obliges us to rely on a m)re substaa tial garment than that adopted by our first ancestress, so paltry in every imaginable form figures prominently both in the creation of our garments and their trimmings. Never were furs so much in evide as now, and naturally the increase in the demand creates a corresponding advance in the price thereof—a fact not at all encouraging to those among us who have to consider the question of ways and means. A very smart fur coat which has ruled and reigned over our fancy during a couple of winter aeasona is a well out one of black caracal. This looks its best wLen contrasted with a white fur such as fox or ermine. A very effective sample of this has the latter regal trimming used, and lines the cosy storm collar and wide revers, while four fanciful buttons of enamel act as a fastening. It is worn in company with a stylish hat trimmed with handsome ostrich feathers which droop over the brim at the left side and curl round the rest of the hat. The front of the brim is bent over the face and is raised at the baok. Underneath those cosy jackets a blonse or front of silk, satin, lace or chiffon, or one or two of these materials intermingled together, is generally worn, and herein lies the raisin d'etre of the long-coutinued existence of the blouse is all its various forms. Its exceeding adaptability to circumstances has endeared it to our affections, and we much doubt if ever it will disappear from our wardrobes. Many people, however, find a blouse too bulky for wear beneath a coat, and now that our sleeves have become so elaborate in their construction, and, especially, as regards the bell sleeve, exceedingly awkward to get into an ordinary coat sleeve, they lay their blouses aside for indoor wear, and turn to the sleeveless front, which answers the purpose better. This is formed of piece lace with three bands of broad satin ribbon as a trimming and a neokband of folded satin. It buttons at the back, which is kept quite plain. It is a good plan when making one of these sleeveless blouses, as they ought to be termed, to have the lining of the front of silk or satin as most suitable, while sateen is all that is necessary for the formation of the remainder. In this way the expense of such an article of attire is greatly reduced. If preferred plain sleeves could be added, finished at the wrists by detachable puffed wristlets of lace, which always look nice Blightly showing below a coat sleeve. Of course in the case of s severely plain tailor-made sacque coat these would be extremely out of place, as they are only suited to a mere dressy style of garment, and hence we suggest that they should be made detachable. To-morrow (Saturday) sees the beginning of our winter sale. Any of our readers who do not receive a circular are respectfully asked to write for a copy, which will be sent post free.

Her father has told me never to enter his house again and never to speak to her in fu- ture, no matter where we may meet." "Whett does the wedding take placs ?" "You sketch with a free hand, Miss Brown- smitli, remarked the Professor, who had been critically examining her portfolio. Entirely free," said the young lady, as she cast down her eyes in soft confusion, anl waited for the Professor to follow up th& opening.