Weekly Mail

Hoses Under Glass. J*a"tage of being able t.,t grow roses !tS Jl't tbcjr 11110 bu<k and valuable h opea ^r seclured in full beauty before is \vH)\ ?nes iave rea% to form. !?%ht after • rMe flow'fcrs are much i ^iaed jr. +• times, but if they can be -^erve all t\ ?le I?iUC-'i priced, and they to b<rmffe+>,attentioa ca'J be given §ro\ni in perfection. They may /"a' £ ied as cliniK^0 WaJs—planted cut and t«a var; ,°r in r'ots as (hvarf tt^r purpose, and „ tles ar« the best for the r.f'1 and Gloir de Jv] c?i^bei-s the Marecha,] £ foi™er it is two good types, alf iits bl^so^Pa°ssib!o to speak too is ana ^c«Jtal>le I \n'!> 1 to ;r 1- attention 4 I,L ?CM. If net a h6^' do tWs that VhT>0l!lJ I>t? pne' a11 ind°°r VhT>0l!lJ I>t? pne' all mdoor out some of -• iu» is done by <ir' are crowded and s^°°t«s where ^h?ts ™ ether cases, sc growths to grow from the bottom"? Cf, Overcrowding Kiist be avoided. s should have their best .shoots left ui! lenft-th, or nearlv so, v.iien buds and wlrs will-be emitted froin each joint. As a« pruned, syringe then quite clean, and there are no insects on them. This lrr*portant throu all their growth, £ ee* or any other pest takes posses- **Ve tile youus- shoots the bloom will be a a+t whe^ gro\Hh begins and is pro- a. musfc be ket)t free from pests. ^"B-y f»miA^ted or syringed caw i, water- T!'« roots, too, must ^-atore: If they have been kept fW r.T cf late, be sure they receive c'f "^ater r,o-\v. Ihej should receive Kk°!K aoure water once a week, and a. V 2 everhoa--] with clean water once a t!'e Plants in pots and those tW eut rcuch the same attention ^YS, and in the case of the plants V-l it should be seen that the dvainasre at 5^er °f the p?ts is in ,cwJ working ^'ore growth begins. A surface dres- th ^il generally helps them, too, 6y all require generous treatment. aa(^ Iffaaure Added a Mistake' be expected (writes "Y-orkshire- that all farmers have a knowledge of i^Van! ^V'Ugh it would be much to their 56 if they hvi. They wwuld then T Un^rRtaiid what so.saiure» to add to the produce certain crops, and it would j fu e th^m to avoid adding one material her that counteracts then' virtues and both of the;r fertilising powers. A hastanoe r;i this may L^e fre- SfeO- notice^ ia fe"ivi.T-: lime and manure 4 Cr1"' may r't bo actually mixed in ttS together, but the mai-vre is s;;read the lime is giA-ea on tie top, which th n as much as if they were put before beawTr put on the land. n/61" ^a?" is to feed sheep on the turnips t,Toun'i' aBfd so s>on thev are taken 4 (irl .befc>re t^e P^o^nd is further cultivated ^0*?° of lime is ,?iv £ n, and then all is ^oed 0ver. This is very generally d'one, 15 ali a mistake. Th-e nia-uure neither 1?or deprives the lime of its rxnver, but I "Ire ooBsuTJiess the best poarts of the i^ili a:> rea^es it all bat useless as a %jSer-_ It reduces its bulk, but that is the it, as t&e eating up <nf i,ts fertilising leitfs is the worst part c-f it. That it there is no doubt, b~A every time ilwa*re a?plieJ together is so mr.ch waste of material—a. wa^te which can l^e ill- and is so easily prevente-1. I am a a* i',{Ter in PvJ'r^ tlvs soil lime. It is m'ast productive materials that can ^i)V? t° it for all kir.d.s of crops, but it Eever given in the same vea-r as the to The lattrt- is rerslr ple.rtif'jl enough j,cT^-so n'ich of tho 1!7.I:! as is desired, T'/I^ If Uroe is TO or.e OT two fields and t n"?e fo others: all will receive an add;- p their fertility; ?.V, it is thris that will to l:,aT- 1 kr. w sufficient- of 4 to tl?- a,r-d I have it in practice for ma^y years. K. Early Pweet Poas. ^'il Sweet pea. is a-m-n^st the most delight- N all Sowers. It is VKry old-fashioned, ^jvj^l be rerrembTed as a' favourite in all +■>? 53 j haok as any of my readers ^t ha^s been improved verv rfcoent years variety of colour, and! ^ir.\00711 s h«.ve als.> lieeja increased in size. ^ake t^em mrtre valuable. All possess V>!e .^r-ftjice ffbi'h is distinct and a^rree- k..t this fiovrer. The seed is cfeeap, the l i* »»>'i some of them sTn'uM in every carder., but moTe of this fi th« reea/time it vrill be admitted lir* CTCh fine and desirable flowers "]] should be made to have them in ,ty early and late, and I Ictww of no tb t OATI 'IE snwr. vfrx to f.ivduce flowers su-r^er or from April mwards. t^aP<* verTF ea^iiv jT".naged ii this wav, V t (vaEr *K~> n-s've much enre in trvine to rrt,a,i plants to (grow and flower at the theJl"nf^ lV'*ly vfry partially succeed, while, Tr°1JM OTXTV EIRE ordinarv attention to thoy wmild be richly rewarded', _lr'1"bt. The varieties that are new htit re need not be sown at present, i ol«k(r kinds may be dealt ^cnow any more satis- •' ««ian a mixture of seed OT varieties of colours. Half 611 a. number of three-inch pots with any kiai of rich soil. Into each put from a. dozen to a score of seed, and cover it over with more saul. The pots should then be put into a gentle beat, whea the seed will germinate fresly. They should afterwards be kept in a growing atmosphere, aud well in the ligjlt. Do not keep them very ckse, but give tiiem air frequentiy. When they are a few inches high, put them iato 6in. pots, return them to their growing quarters, and put some twigs or little branches round them to keep them up. They may be fowered in the 6in. pots, or they may be re-potted again into larger ones when they have filled the others. They will require supporting as they grow, and plenty &f clean water. They are not subject to the ravages of in-sects, and will give no trouble in that way. In April and May they will succeed in any greenhouse or conservatory, and ne other class of flowers will he more appreciated, either as seen on the plants or if cut and put in glasses in rooms. Where there is much demand for flowers a large batch may be grown, or, if the accommodation is limited, a doz&c. potfuls only will be found valuable. Profitable Fowls-A Minorca- Plymouth Rock Cross. Mr. A. Wright, Worstead, near Norwich, writes thanking and complimenting "Henwife" on her poultry advice as given in these notes, and says that an "Old Fancier," who wrote recently on Plymouth Rocks, would improve their laying qualities by cros- sing them with Biack Mincrcas, using a cock of the latter breed with Rock hens. From birds produced in this way, Mr. Wright's laying record in nine months, from January to September, 1896, was as fellows from ten hens:—January, 121 eggs; February, 142; March, 183; April, 221; May, 147; June, 126; July, 160; August, 172; and Septem- ber, 187. During that time live lots of chicks were reared by the same hens. At the end of September six pullets hatched in Marcih began to lay. Five two-year-old hens were killed off for the table, and with eleven laying hens 139 eggs were produced in October, 143 in November, and 175 in December—giving 1,921 eggs for the year. Early Oucumbers. Many will now be thinking of begin- ning to grow their first cucumbers. They may be cultivated in two ways—in manure frames and glass-houses. It is as ye.t rather too early to begin with the frame o-nes. In February and March they require more heat than these can afford till April. The houses in which they are grown should be well heated. They should be fur- nished with bottom heat, as well as top heat. The bottom heat is generally supplied from pipes laid along the bottom of the bed, with a covering of stone or slate slabs on the top. The soil in which to grow them is put on the top of this. It should be placed in little mounds of about one bushel at a distance of one yard apart, and a thin layer should be spread all over the bed as well. Make the mounds very firm, and insert a good seed in the centre of each. Do not bury them more than two inches deep. With a bottom heat of 70deig. and a top heat cf the same or a few degrees lesS. the seed will soon germinate and the plants grow freelv. The .soil should con- sist of rather lumpy loam, to which has been added a little half-decayed manure. As soon as the plants begin to run up, put a stake to each, and tie them to it as fast as they ascend. Be sure and keep them free from insects. If any little warm corner can be given up to them. the seed can be sown in small pots, plunged in the warmth, and grown on here till they have formed rough leaves, when they may be put into the mounds. They may grew a little quicker in this way, but they may be checked somewhat for a brief time when transplanted, while thoso raised in the mounds will avoid this. In watering them at any time give them the water the same temperature as the house; cold water would check them and make them unhealthy. The variety named Cardiff Castle is the best for sowiritg at present. Pruning. I know there are some who have not yet given this most desirable and very necessary work any attention. Why it should be neglected is a mystery. All understand its benefits, and the,operation is not expensive to perform, but I suppose it is only in this as it is in many other things—putting off and off until it is too late. Although pruning is decidedly beneficial when done in season, it becomes very injurious if done at the wrong time, and that period extends over all the space that the trees are in leaf and the sap in the wood. If the weather is severe, the growths will remain dormant for several weeks yet, but if the weather be mild the buds will soon swell and interfere with pruning. It is, therefore, full time tha.t wherever it bae yet to be done it should be accomplished at once. I h&v* previously described how all kinds of bushes and fcpeeni ought to be primed, and, in any case, it is difficult to make a greater mis- take than to allow them to go on without being pruned at all. Vine Roots. Tae grape vine is a free feeding plant. Its roots in health are numerous; they run far and consume much food. The profuse growth the vine makes and the great quantity of large leaves it bears induces it to do this. Small leaves and inferior fruit generally denote a deficiency of root food. A check to the growth from dryness to the roots has the same effect, and if the vines are to be fully profit- able care should be taken that the soil in which the roots axe is thoroughly watered and well supplied with manure before the vines begin to grow. Now is the time to see to this, as their strength throughout tihe season depends a great deal 011 the mariner they begin to grow at first. If weak, they cannot be expected to yield fully, as even with the best of care it would be well on in the season before they could recover strength. Thomson's vine manure is the best artificial material that can be given them. If a thin layer of this is spread on the surface and forked in the roots as they begin to grow will take possession of it at once. and it will benefit the grapes all the season. Slightly decayed cow or horse droppings are good for vines. They, too, may be forked into the surface, or if the roots are very close to it a layer may spread on and allowed to remain there. This will do much igood, especially to vines with their roots in a border or bed that is outside the vinery. As to watering, this must be done thoroughly. If the roots are inside and the soil has become very dry it mav require to be watered twice or three times in one week before the bottom is saturated, and unless it is the growth will never be either free or healthy. Liquid manure, if not too strong, mav be given them with much advantage at this time. Where the bed is shallow and the soil well filled with roots a layer of nev soil may be put on the top before manure is given- Fork the old surface over first, and add the new soil afterwards It should be composed of turf from the sur- face of a pasture field and a quantity of Thom- son's manure, crushed bones, or the other manures should be mixed with it, but the eoal should not be dealt with when it is wet or sticky. Improving the Growth cf Hedges. Readers write frequently complaining tha.t their young hedges do not grew well, cr that their old ones are weak and scraggy in growth. This may sometimes be owing to their being grown in exposed positions, but it is far more often because they are starving at the root. Some hedges receive manure in planting them at first or later, but the bulk of them are allowed to grow and do the best they can without any feeding or improvement at the root. As the soil in the positions they a{e frequently planted in is often very j-cor, it is not to be wondered that they are not luxuriant or satisfactory in growta; but as the plants generally root very freely in poor soil they only wont feeding to impro-ve their condition. Of late years nurserymen seem to be careless in rearing and growing thorns lor hedges, for, if one orders plants of them, they are invariably small when received, and when small originally the grass and other vegeta- tion at the bottom soon grow up and smother the plants or prevent the air and sunshine from reaching them to such an ex- tent that the plants remain weakly or pro- bably perteh from decay. To prevent this all vegetation should be cleared away from each side of the hedge to the extent of a foot or so and the surface left bare. Even old hedges will benefit by this attention, and after cleaning them wherever the plants are weak put a layer of cow or horse droppings along each side of the plants. The "ain will wash the manure down to the roots, and an extra strong, healthy growth will be the result. If therp are any blanks in the hodge, a few plants should be put in tc fill them up before the bottoms are dressed. Newly Potted Chrysanthemums. "A Liverpool Grower" writes:—"The cutting's that have been in for some time will now be rooted. If any of the sorts ha.ve been shy in doing this, and there is likely to be a scarcity of them, lose no time in inserting more cuttings. During the time rooting has been going on the young plants may have been kept in a rather close atmosphere. They will bear this a little, but if kept in it after they are rooted mildew will soon appear on the foliage. This is very injuriofus to the plants, and will make a bad beginning for them—always a thing to be avoided. To prevent this place them in a position where they will be fully exposed to the light and where they will get fresh air daily. This will keep them robust, which is very desirable if high- class plants are desired. Do not let them suffer for want of water at the root, but avoid letting much of it go on the foliage, as this should be kept dry. I will deal with their first- potting shortly."

PRESS BENEFIT SOCIETY, ANNUAL MEETING AT CARDIFF. The fourteenth annual meeting of the Press Benefit Society of South Wales and Monmouth- shire was held at the Grand Hotel, Cardiii, on Saturday. In the absence of Mr. Lascelles Carr, who wae confined to the house by a severe cold, the chair was occupied by Mr. E. H. Grafter, manager of the "Western Mail. -The annual report showed that the payments to sick members were much less than in the previous year, which enabled the committee to increase the credits by 4s. 8d. per share. The provident fund also showed an increase. The committee called special attention to thia fund, which not only serves the purpose of a savings' bank, but produces a far better rate of interest, as well as earning a portion of the honorary subscriptions. They thanked the honorary subscribers for their continued gene- rosity, and a.60 the Western Mail Limited for their great kindness in contributing 25 per cent, eaich year on their employes' contribu- tions. They expressed a hope that this example would soon be followed by other ] employers in the Principality. Reference was made to the lamented death of Mr. Daniel Owen, J.P., who had at all times extended his valuable aid and sympathy to the society, which the committee ventured to assert stood at the present time on a firmer financial basis than any other society of its kind in the whole of the United Kingdom.-The report and statement of accounts were considered very satisfactory, and, on the motion of the Chair- man, seconded by Mr. John Moore, they were unanimously adopted.- The Secretary (Mr, i W. E. Morgan) stated that the death of Air.! Daniel Owen had caused a vacancy in the office of president.—Mr. George Padfield pro- posed that Mr. Lascelles Carr, J.P., be asked to fill the position of president. As they all knew, Mr. Carr was the prime mover in the establishment of the society, and, although he was unable to attend the meetings very often, he still took a very great interest in its work. He had not been influenced by any selfish; spirit in bringing the society into existence, and, in spito of obloquy and misrepresenta- tion, lie had always stood by it. (Ap"plause.)- Mr. Palmer geconded the motion.—The Chair- man said Mr. Carr took a. greater interest in the Press Benefit Society than many of them imagined. He knew the rulea almost by heart, and was so satisfied with them that he was getting them printed in a modified form for another society.—The resolution was carried •with applause.-Colonel John Morgan, J.P. Brecon, and Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, M.P., Swansea, were elected vice-presidents of the: society, a position which is aiso held by Mr. J. M. Maclean, M.P.—On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Padfield, a vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Mr. Daniel Owen was pa.ssed.-A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to the executive com,, mittee and secretary for their services during the past year. A similar vote embracing the honorary subscribers and the newspaper pro- prietors who contribute 25 per cent, on the members' subscriptions was also passed.—It was resolved that the annual dinner be held on the Saturday following Easter Monday, and the secretary and Mr. T. 0. Davies were appointed stewards to make the necessary arrangements, a vote of thanks being also accorded to them for their able services in the same capacity last year.

CARDIFF MUD QUESTION DISAGREEMENT OF EXPERTS. The first meeting of the newly-formed com- mittee appointed to inquire into the present condition of the Cardiff streets and the best1 methods for improving them was held at the Town-hall, Cardiff, on Friday afternoon, when Alderman D. Jones presided.—Mr. Wooeey, the (Jhief of the scavenging department, in reply to a question, said that the matter had been previously reported upon by him in the year 1886, but nothing had been done. He thought the present muddy condition of the roads was due to the excessive use-oi limestone and the steam roller.—Mr. Harpar did no* aaree with this opinion. He though* it was due to the use of too much trravel and too little rolling. The gravel was used to consolidate the road quicker, so tlhat the roller could ba put -in use elsewhere. In the principal streets the surface of the road was of granite, over which limestone chip-pings were put. Lime- stone chipping was used, as it cemented the road together better, and formed it into a. homo- genoouis niass. Rotads composed solely of granite broke up quickly in dry weather. The principal streets of Cardiff had been repaired with gran U> for over twenty yeans.—Mr. Mildon thought that the present bad ftate of the streets was due tc the continual breaking up of the surface for gas, water, tram- way, and other purposes. Furthar than this, many of the atreots v ere built on a olay sub- soil, and the weight of the traffic caused the hard materials to sink into the clay, and so from holes ir the surface. Clare-road, he said, was an instance of this sort of 1 hing- .-Alder- man Jones -aid that Bute-road was another example and it had rot finished sinking yet.— It was at length decided, upon the motion (,f Mr. George. David, seconded by Mr. Veail, that Mr. Harpur should report to the next meeting as to the construction of the roads and the materials used, amd also what improvements he could suggest, and that Mr. W oo.sc" should report as to the system of cleanin.g and the state of the streets, and also to suggest in what way improvements could be effected.

WINDFALL FOR A CARDIFF BOY. A young maai named Herbert Lloyd, employed by Messrs. Bartholomew Thomas and Co., tailors, of Park-dtreet, Bristol, as a. journey- man, has just been the recipient of a windfall. On Thursday Ll-oyd, who is about nineteen years of age, was waited upon by a private inquiry agent, and informed that a. relative in London had left him the substantial sum of nearly £ 1,000. On being interrogated as to his parents, Lloyd said he did not remember either his father or his mother. He lived with his uncle and aunt until he was six or seven years or a^e. when he was sent to Ely Schools, near Cardiff. After that time he does not remem- ber to have seen his relatives again, and when be left school he worked for a tailor near Cardiff. About a year ago he came to Bristol, a>;<1 was in very needy circumstances, and his fellow-workers used to help him. He had no idea, that money was coming to him, but the good news vvas confirmed by the visit on Friday of his cousin, Mr. J. H. Llovd, ironmonger, Constance-street, Newport. The latter gave him the address of an uncle, 47, Ooveny- fftreat, South Splotlands, Cardiff, and this Lloyd beLeves is the relative with whom he was brought up. The necipient of tihe windfall s ivs he means to invest the money in brewery shares.

GLAMORGAN ASSOCIATION OF HEADMASTERS. A meeting of the Association of Headmasters and Headmistresses of the Glamorgan County Softools was held on Saturday at the county school, Neath. Mr. R. W. Jones, B.A., head- master (of tfho Gelligaer School, presided over a nir of members. The Secretary (JUT. W, Jenkyn Thomas, M.A., Aberdairo) gave an account of the oonferenoe with the elementary teachers, and a discussion took place about the recommendations made with tcJ fixing a tyllabus for the examinations for scholar;hips tenable at the intermediate schools of the county.—Mr. H. R. Norm, M A., Barry, read an excellent and practical paper on Organised Science Schools."—It was decided to mvi+e the heads of the Cardiff and Swansea schools to become members of the association.—A general discussion took place with regard to travelling teachers, and several recommendations were agreed upon, which it was decided to send to the county governing lx>dy.—A letter from Mie-a Collin, hea/imi«tress of the Cardiff Intermediate School for Girls, was read, suggesting a conference en the pen- sions question, and her suarsrestion was accepted. —It was decided to hold the next meeting om April 3 at Cardiff.

A immediate "relief ^in^cases of ABTEleA immediate relief in case. of ABTLWAI WHEEZING and CHRONIC RaCliCEITlrx Appreciated by Physicians and sufferers all over the world. Bazy to use, certain In effect, and harmless in actios, they are recommended for use by yensg and old. May be had of all Chemist): and Stores in Boxes of 35 at 2/6, or post free from WILCOX is Co., 83, Mortimer St., Lond011.W. or-,a er mn VINOLIA SOAPnp; CAUSES NO BLOTCHES. I Keeps the Complexion Beautiful & Clear

ANECDOTES AND SKETCHES OF THE IRON AGE. BY CHARLES WILIUNS, F.G.S. THOMAS EVANS. In accordance with my promise, I give par- ticulars of the remarkable career of one of the old. agents at Dowlais Works. He is buried in vaynor Churchyard, a piace just without sight, but not of sound, of the great works, ana to a reflective mind there is interest in the little mound and monument of the dead- nothing to distinguish him save a few lines from the farmer and the ploughman lying by. Strangers looking around at the secluded graveyard would naturally think that the little God s acre—and it is not much more in extent I -was devoted to the natives of the hamlet, who here ended their peaceful history oblivious of the great world. But how often is the imagination at fault 1 Underneath lies one who was in the councils of tihe great Czar of Russia, the friend of Sir John Guest, potent as an ambassador. Not a representative of political factions, but of industries, a deputy from the iron kingdom, and from one of the ablest of the Iron Kings. He is described in the "History of Merthyr Tydfil" as possessed, .gentlemanly man, with a greatex evenness of temper than his brother had, but lacking that brother's indomitable energy. "He was fitted," the author states, "tor a sphere more elevated and policed t an Dowlais Works could yield, and a 0 this is given by an incident in his brief out honourable carear." The historian then mters upon the subject of the visit of Thomas to Russia, which we extract:—"Durino earlier part of the career of that rem Czar, Nicholas, Emperor of Russia, and bei the weird spirit of ambition had taien Pf sion of his soul and lured him to h» the ruling powers at Dowlais thought be a politic step to despatch a mm^tei trading purposes to Russia, and °PeIl ,rf brg, tad a new field. Tne mm Wertfi to this semi-diplomatic purpose was Mr. Evans. He went, and prospered. liked him so well, and so great vvas JLble(i fluence with the autocrat, that he ^)aa t0 above all other men to give an railway enterprise in Russia, and tai > !mt o4 Dowta Work., Which large Russian orders, but the ge»era| i^r fk)mc mercial interests of his country. "y ^nvt,iais, great services for the iron divide of aQU the time came when failing efcieno t(ie energy bade retirement, and his fur^a em. old churchyard of Vaynor was well bered throughout his generation. the for a secluded spot for the final re«t r fact that a similar yearning led Mendau select the mountain graveyard of P«naer for his grave, and for Robert, last o Kings, (to choose Vaynor. W e can u^efra<lill<T the prominent idea in the mind of ? ironmasters. Their lives had been fud o > the whirl of wheels, the roar of^J'tS time of iron had been ever present When the U e came for "seeking rest, what mo § attraction than that of a mountain Ltude outside the margin of unceasing conflict between Natures riches and mens ability and resources J ability and resources J WILLIAM JENKLNb, Better known as of Uonsett, was a Dowlais boy during the Iron Age, gravitating irorn souooi to cue ottice, wnwfl- giouQCle<i ixua wen in tne tinaiwaai matters ol an ironworks, WAlle. (lis Keen iniem^ijuce imiAbea year alter year ail the necessary details oi ipoinnaking and the government ot men. iiis iatiUer «as a native c1 the Vate ot Glamorgan, and: was uariy uz- tracted to the great iron world, which ottered sucii line scope to the pustorai vale, where men botjet a vegewiting kind of disposition akin to ina,t arounu. tnem. Action is never visible in Nature only -by results. No iiower is seen to grow, or plant or tree to move in the mys- terious progress iroin the seed to the prime. jsjature'e wlieng in their slow, cireamy meuhods faii into siiiiuar .grooves. Great workshops oiler more congenial openings for men of enter- prise than the scene where rhomias dentins tirst drew bteaitth, and no wonder he sought the wonderful mountain side of Dowtais, where if men fell surely as on Alma, there were 'bolder prospects of future comfort, neater reward. Tnomas Jenkins never lived to see other than a fair poawon attained by his family, as it was only a the prima of hfe th-a>t his eon, William, tof™.7 bu\that his field of lalbour, like that cf his fathers, would never be other than D^vlais W e must not pass by the father of Mr. William Jenkins too cursorily. He was echoo master at Dowlais, a man of ooMfidwable(ability a good Welsh scholar, and an excellent disciplinarian. It was his knowledge of Welsh in particular which brought him under the nouice of Lady Oharlotte G-uest, who from the first was an enthusiast in the language and it was under Mr Thomas Jenkins's tuition, and the later efforts of "Tegid," who frequently visited Dowlais, that she became so versed, not only in the mechanical structure of the language, but in the very spirit of elsh bterature, aa shown so convincingly in the "NUbinogion." When Lady Charlotte was engaged in her admirable lalbour, and Thomas Jenkins lending his earnest aid, William Jenkins was acquiring that mastery of the process of ironmaking which wias to serve him good stead aad reflect credit on Dowlais. Dowlais had for many years been aa excellent nursery. Num- bers of able men, well trained in thorough knowledge of blast furnace and the mills, had gone from there to take higher positions in the iron world, though at that time there was not the scientific skill which the age of steel has necessitated, and which has brought Mr. William Evans, general manager of Oyfarthfa, Mr Windsor Richards, and other Dowlais men to the front. Solid performance was always exacted ait Dowlais; nothing showy or pre- tentious. Hence it was that the merits of Mr. William Jenkins at Consett were soon appreciated, and his advance in the esteem of the directors was steady and progressive. For a time, there is no question, he felt the vast difference that existed between Dowlais and Consett, and in the handling of strangers he had to admit that he did not fe?l so much at home as in the old centre of industry, where he knew every man fairly well, and could gauge to a nicety the relative merits of every agent. This little difficulty time gradually swept away, and he became, not only the fare- most man in the industrial life, but one of the prominent in all the social life of the dis- trict. It would be a long but an interesting tale to tell of his career, the various excellent movements he initiated, and how thoroughly he had become a part of the place, so much so that his visits to Wales became less and less, and only on special occasions was be to be seen in his old neighbourhood. One of the last was at a time when he had passed the grand olimateric of life, and was visibly going down the hill. I had met him previously a few years before under the shadow of Carnarvon Castle, and passfxl an hour in pleasant retros- pect about the old days and the men who were gone, and was quite unprepared for the start- ling change which he exhibited on his last vis?t to Wales—literally "whitened for the harve«at." He had endeavoured to return home on the Saturday by a late train, but had failed, and so paced about noting the old scenes and t'he changes which bad been wrought in the lapse of years. So most men feel. Twentv years or, say. a quarter of a century away from one's old a/bode effect a complete meta- morpheas. The mem past their prime are brushed ahvav, boys are men. girls are women grown. So our notable man must have felt, and it was with some relief that he was able to set an early train, and hurry away from scenes which only aroused painful recollections. It wa.s not lone afterwards that the news came of ailing and retirement, and in another year he was gone. LDWARD WILLIAMS, OF MIDDLES- BuRubCxH, Was another leading spirit of the Iron Age as regards VYaies, leaving it just on the dawn of its appearance. As he had much to do with the development of tiie steel industry in the course of nis career, I have purposely selected him lor the ciuKing notice 01 the days of iron, and for appropriately leading up to my recoros of steel, wmkta will be prefaced with a valuable iianmive supplied to me by Sir iiemy I Bessemer. inward Wiiiiaais was a man whom anyone would be delighted in selecting I as the subject of a biography. There was such a marvebous individuality about him, singluig, him out frc-ai the world as one oi the burii leaders of iz.eu. His characteristics were st. prominent, so detined, lus magnetism j striking. lie eoyitrfrlied. with a look. Few i men cared to meet the indignation of his eye, the reproof of his voice. Lven his tread was significant. In fact, his individuality was un- questioned, and his physical conspicuousness was supported by a mental power far above the comunon, and a. moral dignity which no J •man ever tried to question or to asperse. This marked individuality whkih characterised ■him, and. a few others with whom it has been my lot to be associated in life—Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart., for example—reminds me of an incident in the life of Air. Robert Crawshay, the Iron King, with which I think fittingly the chapter may be closed. Mr. Crawshay was at one period of his life wonderfully taken up with photography, and many a perfect gem of art was turned cut by him, aided in an elementary way by a young man who was con- versant with the routine. He liked to take photographs of men in preference to those of scenes, and was always glad to get held of a distinctive man or woman. The oldest of the farmers, line., typical yeomen, ancient dames, old as the hills, who had never seea the world beyond the limits of the vailey-these were his favourites. One day he asked me did I know "So-an-d-So," naming a man who had a fad for platform work, but more ambitious to be prominent than ability to win notice-a little man, thin, faint-eyed, faint voice. "He came to me," added Mr. Crawshay, "t1t get his photograph taken He, he. he and he laugned heartily. "There's nothing ci him to take Ha, ha, ha and sa I refused. I don't like nonentities. Let me have a man, at all events. It was a lesson upon individualities i never forgot.

GRATITUDE. the most pleasing features connected w ith the cures of rheumatism, sciatica, ond general > debility by the use of Mr. Phil -rhnijps electric appliance* is the desire that eome of the sufferers feel to express their prati- tude to Mr. Phillips for having restored them to health, probably after years of pain and misery that left life scarcely worth retaining. A short time since a Mr. John Daviett of Plummerstown, Sirhowy, wrote to Mr. Phillips thanking him for the great benefit he had received from wearing- his socks. It is useless to publish the details of this case, although a severe one, amd the cure a marvellous one, as hundreds of such cases have been already pub- lished but such an acknowledgment is gratify- ing to Mr. I who meets with many cases. Left anyone visit Mr. Phillips' place of business, Sit. Mary-street, Cardiff, any day, and witness the care and attention that he gives to those who attend for the purpose of undergoing the electric treatment from his batteries, placed on a table, round which the patients are seated. The payment for his appliances would not remunerate him for one- tanth of the time be devotes to his patients, and for which no charge is ever made. What he aim." at is the cure of the sufferer in the shortest possible time. This would be effected by bis appliances, but these are materially assisted by the battery treatment; and this is especially seen in cases of debility, where the whole system is re-invigorated a.nd endowed with new life by the electricity rtassing quietly and continuously through the system from his oookg, belts, &c., materially aided by the patient attending for an hour once or twice a. wefk and hclding in each haJld one of the wires from thq battery. Many marvellous cures have been effected in this way which have never been published..

DR. NANSEN IN LONDON. A vast and magnificent audience assembled at the Albert-hall, Kensington, on Monday night, under the auspices of the Royal Geo- graphical Societv, to welcome Dr. Nansen. Sir Clement Markham, president of the society, occupied the chair, and was supported on the right and left by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. The eminent explorer gave a graphic description of the voyage of the Fram. and illustrated his leoture by a very tine series of photographs. The object of the expedition, he said, was not to discover the North Pole, but to explore the vast unknown region in the neigh- bourhood of the Pole. The success of the expedition showed the theory on which he started was correct.—Admiral Sir Leopold M'Olmtock proposed, and Admiral Sir George Nares seconded, a vote of thanks, after which the Prince of Wales, in presenting Dr. Nan- sen with, the society's speoial gold medal, com- plimented the explorer on the interesting lec- ture. which must have been a 6evere strain upon him, seeing- that it was delivered in a language not his own. The gold modal had been specially struck in commemoration of the occasion.—Dr. Nansen expressed his grati tude at receiving this recognition from a society which comprised eome of the greatest expSorers in the world.

CIVIL SERVICE PAPERS MISSING. We have been informed from an authentic source that the prolonged delay in the issue of the results of a recent examination by the Civil Service Commissioners is due to the loss of a number df the candidates' papers. It appears that one of the subjects of examination is algebra, and that it is the crucial subject upon which the suocees of the candidates largely de- pends. It is a batch of these pajwrs that are missing. Attempts have 'been made at the Cml Service Commission to keep the matter secret, but it has leaked out, ajid a number of the candidates have petitioned to have the exa- mination in algebra held over again. There M, ho.we"er, the objection to this course that, as it would be necessary to set a. totally fresh paper, those who have done well in the first examination might fare badly in the second. Though nothing can definitely be stated of the manner in which the missing papers were lost, it is conjectured that they were accidentally burnt whilst in the possession of one of the examiners

MR. GLADSTONE AND THE POPE. A Stockport correspondent, having written to Mr. Gladstone on the subject of the 1 apai Bull on Arglican Orders, has reoeivcd the following reply: Dear Si, ,-In a few weeks I hope to publish a small volume of facts which wil contain what I have to gay upon the Papal I3uli condemning Anglican Orders. I leave to properlv-nualiiied persons the examina-tion and exposure of his feeble sirguments; b'Jt I offer a few comments upon the strange want of forethought, courage, a.nd precedence which, while doubtless acting with good intention, he has exhiblted,-yours very faithfully, "(Signed) W. E. GLADSTONE."

CURIOUS CASE. A curious 08S& was tried on Saturday before Mr. Justice Matthew, at Winchester, Amy Wodebouse being charged with making a. fabe statement at the Reds try Office ait Southamp- ton. Shehsd nursed Francis John Wcdahouae, a gentleman of Winchester, through a. very serious illness, aaid he, grateful for thia. and fascinated by her manner, married her, and she, to facilitate it, described herself as Mrs. Martin, widow, whereas it was stated she was the divorced wife of a bank manager, named Crone, of Bootle, Lancashire. Mr. Wodehouse had tried to get a divorce from her, and, failing this, had prosecuted her. He was the actual and cnlv prosecutor of his wife. The jury at once acquitted the woman, amidst applause, and the judge expressed his astonishment that Mr. Wodehouse had been allowed to give evidence befoue the justices.

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EXTENSION OF. CARDIFF j BOUNDARIES. MEETING OF GABALFA RATE- PAYERS. A meeting of the ratepayers of the Gabalfa Ward of the parish of Liandail was held at the Gabalfa Parish-room on Monday evening, the Rev. John Davies presiding. -It was reported to the meeting that notices had been issved stating that at the next county quarter ses-sions at tiuan--ea an application would be made for authoritv to divert the footpath from the Maindy Hotel to Crwys-roacL The pro- posed diversion would cause considerable incon- TCI.1ence to those who wished to go to the upper nart of Cathays. a., it would entail a further walk of about 200 vards.-On the motion, of Mr. Keene, it was resolved that the Llandaff Parish Council be asked to take steps to prevent the proposed diversion, anJ also to take measures to preserve other footpaths in the parish.—It was agreed to organise a volun- teer tire brigade in the ward, and the Chair- man reported t-hat lie had already been in communication with Messrs. Merryweatber and Co. as tc the cost of the necessary appliacces. and had found that an outfit that w," d, with the force of water at their dis- poaal, meet their requirements could be obtained for about J620. He proposed that this B!rtl should be raised by subscription, and this was carried unanimously.—The next master considered was the question of a burial ground. There is no place of burial in the ward, and, Llandaff Cemetery being closed, the inhabitants have to bury their dead eith-ei in the New Cemetery, Cardiff, or at Whitchurch. Both these places were very inconvenient, as at the cemetery they were charged double fees and Whitchurch being outside cf the parish, they wera liable to ba refused at any time.—Mr. Fitzgerald moved that the matter should be deferred for the present in order that they might see what would become of tho question cf the extension of the borough boundaries, and this proposal was carried.—One of the ratepayers present suggested that this would be a favour- able opportunity for testing the feeling -if the parish with regard to the proposed extension of rlio borough boundaries, and a resolution against the project was carried unanimously.

M ANTHONY HOWELLS. AMERICAN CONSUL AT CARDIFF RESIGNS. The "Massillon Independent," Ohio, says:— The Hon. Anthony Howells, Consul to Car- diff, and now at home en leave of absence, wiz,s in the office of the Howells Mining Com- pany, at. Massillon, Ohio, when an "Indepen- dent" reporter asked him when he expected to rsuarn to Cardiff. "1 shall start from here either on the 9th or 16th of February," said Mr. Howells. "It is not a. pleasant time of the year for crossing tne ocean, but I want to go as soon as I can do so, in order to return that much the '-oner." "Why, do you intend coaling back again soon?" "Yes, I have made up my mind to resign, and will ask to be released from my duties as Consul for Cardiff so tha.t I will be able to return, if possible, in the latter part of May. The fact is, I have served my country -1 hope faithfully—for a long time, and, now that my private business reauires my atten- tion, have fully made up my mind to return, even though a re-appointment were offered me, thus making room for at least one person who is ambitious to rerve his country abroad." "Do you like your position?" "Yes and no, but, on the whole, very well. As I have before stated, my private business requires my attention, and, as I cannot give attention to both private and Governmental affairs, I prefer giving someone else the oppor- tunity to attend to the business of the Government at Cardiff." "Have you called on Mr. M'Kinley yet?" "No, I ha.ve been so busy, and, as I see the major has so many callers, I have thus far delaved it, but shall do so before returning to Cardiff."

ALLEGED FRAUD AT MERTHYR. At Merthyr Police-court on Monday Edgar Chapman was charged with stealing 9s., the moneys of John Stephen Ward, at whose house he had been lodging, in Cromwell-street.—It wa,s stated that on the 1st of February Mrs. Ward was about to send a little girl to pay some rent money to Mr. Seal, the agent of the owner of the house, when the prisoner volun- teered to take it. She handed the prisoner 9s., and he said that he would put to it 18s., which he owed her. He took the cash and the rent-book, and he brought the book back with an entry in it which purported to have been written by Mr. Seal acknow- ledging the receipt of 27s. The prisoner did, as a matter of fact, go to see Mr. Seal, but, it appeared, paid him nothing, and simply a^ked that the payment of the rent might be excused until Saturday as Mr. Ward was iH. When Mr. Ward eaw the entry ui the book he sus- pected its genuineness, and oommunicftted with Mr. Seal, with the result that he dis- covered it to be a forgery. Mr. Ward sub- sequently accused the prisoner of playing tilC confidence trick, whereupon the accused indignantly exclaimed, "Do you think a man in my position would do such a trick?" and wanted the police to be sent for, saving he would not have such a. scandal attached to his name. The prisoner afterwards deoamiped suddenly, and he was arrested at Newport.- Inasmuch as the prisoner is a convict on ticket- of-leave. the bench were precluded from dis- posing of the case, and ho was committed to take his trial at the next quairter sessions.

IN MEMORY OF A CARMARTHEN- SHIRE MAN. On Saturday afternoon there was an inte- resting gathering at the new St. Philip's Library, Bristol, when the unveiling of the bust of the late Mr. Christopher Thomas (a O&rmartheaishire man), given by Mr. Gbarles Thomas, took place.—Mr. Charles Thomas, in unveiling the bust, said it must be in the recollection of some of them that a marble bust of his late brother, Mr. Christopher Thomas, was accepted by the corporation, and it was honoured by a place in the council-house. The presentation was made in August, 1895, and one of their representatives, Mr. Moss Levy, expressed the wish that his constituents and others in St. Philip's might be permitted to inspect the bust.. That remark induced him to request the sculptor. Mr. Essex, to make a cast of the bust, with the intention of present- ing it to that library. The committee had been pleased *k> accept that gift, and they w^re met that day to unveil it.—Eulogistic j references were made to the memory of Mr. Thomas by other speakers, and, in reply, Mr. Charles Thomas said his brother came from South Wales in 1827, being about twenty years of age, and from that time until his' fleath he faithfully devoted himself to the benefit of the city.

OPEN SPACES AT CARDIFF. The Mayor of Cardiff (Alderman E. Beavan), when questioned1 at the oounoil meeting on Monday with reference to the purchase of Llan- daff Fields, stated that an important letter in reference to the question would come before the parks committee ait their next meeting. As he did not divulge the contents of the letter, there was an uneasy feeling that eome objection had been made to the corporation borrowing ■had been made to the corporation borrowing money far the purchase of land outside the borough, or thait some other difficulty had arisen. From inquiries we have made, ? ap- pears that the letter, which is from the Local Government Board, is net in any way opposed to the purchase. Certain information was asked for, and we understand that the letter has been already answered in a. wav which the mayor onu town-clerk think is satisfactory.

DENTISTRY OASES AT SWANSEA At Swansea Police-court on Monday the Stipendiary gave his decision in the cases of Sydney St. H. Tweney and C. Bundy, stating that on the evidence he could not find that the defendants used any description implying that they were registered dentists, and the oases, like the others, must bo dismissed. There was an attempt at applause in court, but the Stipen- diary rebuked those who caJised it.

CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL. MONTHLY MEETING. A monthly meeting of the Cardiff County Council was held on Monday, when the mayor (Alderman Ebenezer Beavan) occupied the chair. THE 'BUS SERVICE. Mr. Mildon asked the chairman of the cabs committee whether it would be possible to induce the tra.mwayg company to run more 'busses from the Docks up Corporation-road between the hours of five and six in the even- ing, for the convenience of the working-men.— Mr. Comley, chairman of the committee, pro- mised that the matter should receive atten- tion. ROATTI PARK RECREATION GROUND. Mr. Allen stated that the recreation ground 3ft Roath Park was little better than a qjtag- mire, and he desired to know whether anything could be done to improve it.—The Mayor said that, as the recreation ground was free to every- body, and as the weather had been so was impossible to improve the state Oi ground. He promised, however, that the mat- ter should receive the attention of the larks Committee. MORE LIGHT WANTED. Mr. George David inquired whether something could be done to improve the lighting a- the Albany-road and Stacey-road Board Schools. Elections had recently been held at those school! and the arrangements in regard to lighting the entrance and exits vere lamentable.—Alderman David Jones replied that it was not the duty of the school board to light the streets in front of the schools, but they had no objec- tion to tho corporation doing so."—Tie subject was referred to the lighting committ^a. IMPROVED ROADWAYS. Mr. Henry Jones mentioned the necessity of improving Costle-road, Richmond-road, ana Albany road by putting down some permanent material.—Alderman rlamsdale eai'l the cor- poration were about to lay wood pavements in St Mary-street, High-street, Queen-street, St. JohnVsquare, and a portion of Bute- street. They had no money to proceed with the streets named by Mr. Jonea, but these would follow in due course. LLANDAFF FIELDS. Mr. Ward asked for information on the question of nurehiasing Llandaff -The, Mayor stated that an important communi- cation would come before the parks committee at fheir next meeting, and at his request Mr. Ward did not prees the question. SITE FOR REFUSE DESTRUCTOR. Alderman Jacobs, in moving the adoption of the minutes of the health committee called attention to a paragraph by which the com- mittee agreed to purchase 4-a. Ir. 32p. of lana near Ely Common, as a sit* for areluse destructor, provided the price aeked exceed £ 600 per acre. Messrs. E. David, Williams, and David, Llandaff, had eince written offering to sell the land at the P named, and he took it that, if the minntei w™ adopted the land would be purchaied forth- with—Mr. Mildon asked whether the corpora- t tion had not purchased land in the isame neigh- bourhood for £ 300 an acre?-The Borough Engineer said the corporation paid ibuu ™ acre for land adjoining that -which *t proposed to purchase, but a piece on he side of the common with no access, had been bought for £ 300. CASTLE ARCADE SHOPS. Mr. F. J. Beavan called attention to a minute having reference to persons residing on premises in the Cag-tle Arcade, which were only passed as lock-up shops. Mr. Ivor Roberts, the secretary to the arcade company, had written to the town-clerk to the effect that only in two cases were persons residing at the shops, and hoped they could be considered caretakers.—The advised that they could not be treated as caretakers—Mr. Beavan reminded the health committee that they had taken very prompt measures against Mr. Samuel Lewis for S offence, and he wanted to know how they could justify their preset action, ine Town-okrk said Mr. Lewis defied the committee, wbereas the Castle Arcade Company had shown a disposition to meet their wishes. THE INSPECTION OF MEAT. Mr. White oalled attention to a resolution of the health committee recommending the ap- pointment of a veterinary surgeon at a salary of JE200 per a.nnum to devote his whole time to the inspection of all meat carcases in the Car- diff markets, and all cows in registered cow- eheds; and that he act under the supervision of the medical officer of health. This was the outcome of a report prepared by the medw-il omoeT._Dr. Walford, however, stated the dis- trict inspectors, although they had no practical exoeriiefficfc in the meat trade, had examination of the sanitary institute, in which a knowledge of diseases of animals was required. It was, said Dr. Walford. for the committee to decide whether they would improve their i>osi- tion by a further development of the system of veterinary inspection, bearing in mind that aa a sanitarv authority their first duty was to nro- teob the public from unwholesome food. whilst at the "ine time avoiding such undue inter- ference with an import trade as might diminish unnecessarily the amount of available meat, ana so raise the prioe.'—The question, B-id -M-n White, was a very important one, and should receive careful consideration.- -A.derman Jacobs said there was no desire to rwå this matter. The committee had received frin the chamber of commerce a (.•ommunkration, in which they stated that in their opinion the sys- tem of inspection at present :n force v as not sufficient. There were some diseases which could not be discovered unless a competent authority was present when the beast was slaughtered.—Mr. E. Thomas .aid a large pcf- tion of the m £ «&t sold in Cardiff was slaughtered outside the borough. He moved that the minute be referred l>oe!—Alderman ..acobs raid it was killed principally in Liverpool, where there was a trood system of inspection.-— Mr. White seconded the amendJcvoat, which was agreed to. THE NEW-STREET HOARDING. Mr. Brain read a letter from Messrs. Collett and Isaac, New-street, asking lor a. reduction in their ground rent, because of the injury they sustained in their business by the hoarding of the Canal Bank. This was a serious matter, and he would like to know what was be.n? dor* with the object of removing the hoarding.— Alderman David Jones said he had seen Sir William Thomas Lewis on the matftv, and hoped to have an early opportunity of again discussing the matter with him.—Mr. Mndon suggested that the corporation should erect hoardings which would make that on the canal useless.—Alderman David Jones said that if no arrangement could be arrived at he vfwd. be in favour of the corporation erecting Hoard- ings in Mill-lane and New-street. APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNOR OF THE UNIVERSITY. Allderman Sanders was re-elected e. member of the Court of Governors of the University of W ales. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS' ASSO- CIATION. Tho mayor, deputy-mayor, Mr. F. J. Beavan. and th-o town-clerk (iMr. J. L. WheafcJejo were appointed representatives of the^ cwrpoajMaon at the annual meeting of the Municipal Corpora- tions' Association in London. =

MR. VAUGH-AN DAVIES. M.P., AND ms COUNTRY SEAT. An adjourned meeting of the Abery,.qtvrith Rural District Council. Mr. J. B. Morgan presiding, was held on Monday afternoon, when the principal business was the receiving of the amended terms of compromise in the action commenced by the <*>^7 member m the Chancery Division of tiie Hign Court of Justice. The seal of the council was affixed to the com- promise, which was M fellows:—"The plaintiff Mid defendants agree to the action being with. drawn, each party to pay their own costs. The defendants admit that the plaintiff has the tTght to restrain the defendants, their servants, and agents from removing, damaging; or inter- fering with the fence mentioned in the proceed- ings. The plaintiff, in consideration of the above, agrees that the defendants shall from time to time and at all times hereafter have hill right to go on to the River Ystwifeh below Elm Oofctage and take such gravel and stones from there as may be required fT the purpose of repairing the highways in the neighbourhood of the river."

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