The Cardiff Times

KERNICK'S I VEGETABLE PILLS. 7}d, 13 §d, and 2s 9d per boz. AN UNEQUALLED FAMILY MEDICINH Sold by all Chemists.

BY MABON, M.P DURHAM MINERS' WAGES. -ili K*16 c?uarter'y meeting of the Durham Con- '°n anc' Wages Board, held in Darbam City j,y, 01 two ago, it was decided to reduce wages cent., Sir D. Dale being the independent "•airmau. I l&L en 'bat board met on February 7 last the II en asked for 2 per cent. advance, and the oyers offered It per cent., which the work- ce accePted, sending the wages back to 35 per • above the wages of 1879 for all men below ^Oand, and 32 per cent. for those "as t'le sur^ace- 111 November last there 'he 110 ckanSe- The present award places ,ue w ges of underground workmen, banks. 41813, anginemou, mechanics, and cokemen cent, above the standard of 1879, and the jjjj6* c^a83es 30i above the same. This is the board in the United Kingdom at the present 'Bat> I believe, that takes the price of coal 0nly factor in the regulation of wages, fg to thl'a fact alone I most attribute the Why the wa £ es regulated thereby have tt0r,a 80 far below the wages paid to colliery t fitnen in other parts of the United Kingdom. believe that the same ridiculous Gj of the price of coal by the coal toic m that district is the reason why hence wages have gone so low there. allow me to append a report from one jpf iewcastle papers published in the first week )f the Rresent month The London Gas Coat Contracts. n ereat in the coal trade still centres in the etrooolitan Gas Company's contracts .H,tj n Pr°cess of completion. As we have before *&tl yte^' ^ar8e quantities of Northumberland IOi^kshire gas coal have been purchased at t0 a ton' *or the most part the Dur- S colheries are still holding outtfor the higher 8 wbich they first quoted. But it is said h^Ve°De or two of the collieries in that district tlje accepted certain quantities without fixing f'ce, that to be determined later by the 1#cttreS otber Durham collieries will •Pile o(co Correspondent adds that that "method ?tract'DR 'a not regarded with favour by the **Hi ra^e' and has been the subject of some VVasCl8tU 011 'Change." I saould think so I ever anything more unfair and ruinous tbis of selling the product of work- hd^8 'abour on trust ? It is extremely unfair to P'odJ^6 coa'owners who are holding out for the Price, as well as of all the working men in tJjjj ,8tr'ct. But such is the conduct of non- *• vp ?'8Ql wberever met. The non-Union workers t0 e' 8,9 these non-Union colliery oWnerB trust Hj ers to fight for everything that is good Jfe- Wll,cb is bad they could Weil do themselves. tj kind of under-handed work is only prac- le in a falling market, in a coal- s' where a sliding scale is in force aye trusting to the operation of W 8ca'e to adjust the wages to the trices secured by their aid. The employers w°rkmea in that district; I am informed on Ik* 8003 authority- are getting sorely tired of ^oif'h*5688' ancl noti surprising to hear k employers aa well as their workmen bra becomin disgusted with such a ruinous tj0&> 'ce- This can be no other than a combina- een these few colliery owners and the l^8 °f the coal, which is arranged doubtless 6(°* ultimate benefit to both, at the expensB 5011 •6 w'10''0 'he district. What the unrham 18 lel'y owners generally may expect now Xte as soon as the year's prices w arranged the gas company will re- "^ir comrades in reduction by giving ljjQ lbe best portion of their demand for cotfc004'" This kind of undermining the other Paniea that are endeavouring to keep up the ''kef8 aQ^ 'ower'D8 the wages just now is enough to have a most bitter effect qp the ai vi lely workers of the county of Durham. The 0ft °n there with regard to the present mode 1 ^'ating wages is sore enough already, and | t^^blication of these two facts jnat at the e foment will certainly make it sorer still. » tt Rail way men's Risks. .Iee to be a favourite saying of that veteran chairman, the late Sir Edward Watkin, 0lle t^e safest places in the wide world li*^ Iailway carriage on any of the British '°*tj That, I must admit, is a thought com- ^or people in general, and is borne out to a *6^Qte the figures contained in aninteresting ,S8uet^ as a Blue Book last week giving to tJi "^atB of accidents and casualties reported Of Board of Trade by the railway companies^ United Kingdom during last year. 01 accidents to trains, rolling stock, etc., ^#3assengers were killed and 732 injured. This compare favourably with the previous .Iecord, when none were killed and only 6H0t^0lred) but, regarded in the light of the number of persons travelling, the ^oes not materially affect the dictnm a^ove' From other causes 123 were c0tj)es' 88 against 135 in 1901. It is when one .to the workers that the death roll and f^tl y list assume their more serious character, l4il e realises that the peaceful avocation of li^a servant is hedged about with more ^ti K an^ 1'ua'> '^an is the calling of a I 8°ldier. To put it in another way, the mortality among shunters in their e,nployment is higher than that of the I tbe Isb officer during such an abnormal time as 106id tLCent South African war. It may be *0*^ the railwaymcn are not ofBcers, but e *ank and file of the service. But that 8^ea t^le comparison more remarkable, ^one knows that in the war the per* °' billed and wounded among the officer*" b^r-eater than that among the men. n Sure^ last year there were killed 477, and I Ho(e 823. Now regarding these figures as a 5t«yl0' atlcl simply with an eye to those of the ig3 year> they have their hopeful side— 'lad a net decrease of 64 railway servants 4(t,gatlc* a decrease of 420 among the injured. paasenKers there ^as been a decrease of ?^Sea respectively. Taking the total of all '^irecj 6 *8 a decrease °* killed and 79 the figures are far too high to be k^ay of *;he representatives of these cStise C°mpan,es seem to think they shoald kll ed the railway companies in America are J °d b 10 kill so many more than are !S Ifc was with this kind of argument 1 ?V-H°use of Commons was shocked the j ^at'ng the debate on the hours of qtje°n. ra'lway3 in the United Kingdom. a.n estjon deserves far more serious attention t.*e9idenfll0w Siven to it by our eaay-going 18 0V( of the Board of Trade. He proved by atjH returns that some of the engine. the 8'okerB are even in these days ,Qti)-a'of 6n^,r>e footplates for 12, 15, and 18 to*1*1 thea,stret;cfj. Shunting operations naturally jg6 line of danger in railway work; NoUpj.1,16,1 were killed while coupling and Ve^icle3. No one after this will dare fj Se value of automatic couplings. Jn- 6 b]0tr! same work numbered 5CI. "What lo6 ta'6 's ^ere t0^ of loss of legs, loss of Sg8.0^ fractures of limbs, disloca- atSClds, etc-, etc. Forty.seven railway a 08t tlleir feet and 25 their arms or r**ther< DT tlle list coutd be continued much ^creas j atronRly noints to the dire necessity '\)})lia.n!lsed nse of all available methods and ces.

^y• in her new book of Poets and >e8t' 5 8 fchis story, which she heard in *» 'asloe A ^re^and- There was a man in m whose insanity seemed to.be I Mte. he used often to be raking about was a clock over the gate, and Mrv*, svhh 6 doctor was going out, he took his If • is nnhCOtl'paiecl to the clock. That ^ahlt Wa. he muttered to himself. wouldn't bid here," eai^ «he|

Illustrated Humour. When trains are telescoped the poor passengers see stan. "Do you think smoking is injurious ?" asked the carefol friend. "I'm sure of it answered Mr Meekton. Notbing is worse for lace-curtains than smok- ing." She Who is that ? He Mr Mashem. She How sad he looks. Has he been disap- pointed in love ? He: Yes, the girl's father failed the week after Mashem married her. One Feature. I Visitor Why, my dear, that picture's an old master. t Mrs Newriche: Ye-es, but the frame's new. Lady (engaging a footman): Are you clever h t table ? James Yes, mum. Lady: And you know your way to announce? James: Well, mum, I know my weight to a pound or so, but I should hardly like to say to an ounce. At a Reception Sir, allow me to shake hands with you, just by way of showing that I know somebody here.. Vvith pleasure, sir, as I am precisely in the same boat as yourself." I., The Value of Love. I Milly I'm writing to Dolly. Have you any message for her ? Tilly What, writing to that horrid creature ? Well, give her my love. Why don't you take up shooting, Miss Brown ?" Because I think it's such a shame to kill the poor innocent little birds. Besides, I can never hit anything!" Prue (engaged a week) George and I have never had a quarrel. Mrs De Termincd Oh, I think you ought to have one before yon are married, otherwise you can't be quite sure whether you are going to have your own way or not. Quite Visible. x I Magistrate (to prisoner): Have yon any visible means of support ? Prisoner: Yes, sir, your Honour. (To his wife a laundress) Bridget, stand up, so that the Coart can see yez. A Different Meaning. I M How did you-get on in the last match, Capt. Hardup ?" Oh, caught, as usual I" Why, father told me you were always fairly stumped."

Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun, in a letter ø the Ifarqnis of Montrose, wrote :—" I know a very wise man thac believed that if a man were permitted to make all the ballads he need not care who should make the laws of the nation."

BE HOPEFUL. Fain would I hold my lamp of life aloft, Like yonder tower built high above the reef; Steadfast though tempests rave ot winds blow soft, Clear, though the sky dissolve in tears of grief. For darkness passes, storms shall not abide, A little patience and the fog is past; After the scrrow of the ebbing tide, The singing flood returns in joy at last. The night jj long and pain weighs heavily, Bnt God will bold His world above despair. Look to the east, where up the lucid sky The morning climbs! The day shall yet be fair. Celia Thaxler.

IN AN OLD TRUNK. Fancy," said Constance to Rose (Both were so young and so fair), II Wearing those quaint furbelows, Such an odd hat and such hair, Curling in ringlets of tan Coyly each side of one's nose; Fancy Aunt Prim, if you can, Smiling demurely through those I What can this be? Ob, my dear, This is Aunt Prim's valentine, » Happy when thou, love, art near. When thou art gone I repine.' How did she ever get this ? She with that obdurate face? Could she have yielded a kiss Once in a moment of grace ? Think of her. Rose, with a bean Did the man ever propose ? Fancy her thundering no, Liftmg that Dante-esqne nose. Yet there's a nictnre she keeps; Even Aunt Prim may have dreams Each afternoon when she Bleeps— ? Dew me, bow seems*' jdqrgeo pHii

BY D. EMLYN EV/W& WELSH VOCALISTS IN ENGLAND. A complete list of the singers, male and female, who have figured for awhile on our plat- forms say daring the last quarter of a century, who have gone up to the Academy," and who were fondly believed or authoritatively asserted by their friends to be Adelina Pattis, or Sims Reeveses, 'or Charles Santleys in embryo, hut who have in a brief time entirely disappeared from public ken, would be interesting as to its reminiscences perhaps, but—we fear more dis- couraging than"otherwi8e in the lessons which it would carry. Probably this may be more true of us in Wales than of other people elsewhere. although the numerous eisteddfodau and other I competitive meetings held amongst us may, and probably do, produce a large number of aspirants in this direction. Pospibly a small nation like oars would feel it more than our English neigh- bours, for instance- would be more sensithe to the individual touch, apart from what arguments, to our credit or our confusion, might be advanced in connection with the matter of temperament. At any|rate the fact which is indicated above remains, and it is one which the Welsh musician anxious for our success as a musical people- cannot view with unconcern. On the other hand he naturally finds encour- agement and satisfaction in the exploits of those who survive, who remain on the field, some striving successfully, and some perhaps only holding their limited vantage ground by a hard struggle. It is to be feared that we their country- men are not as mindful, as liberal in practical support—the only mark of real sympathy after all—in this direction as we should and often could be. It must not be supposed that under these remarks lies the cloven foot of protection, or

The Insane Policy of Wales for the Welsh." ndependently of other and weightier considerations, that would effectually dispose of the raison d'etre for our present subject matter—Welsh vocalists in England. The natural response to the cry of Wales for the Welsh," would be England for the English," and then it would go hard indeed with the Welsh artistes, vocalists and instru- mentalists, who reside in the English Metropolis and who draw by far the greater portion of their income from their adopted country. If we scan the pages of the leading English musical journal, the Musical Times," just for the present month, we find it recorded that Miss Maggie Davies and Mr Mansell Lewis sang in Spohr's Last Judgment at Chelmsford, Mr Gwilym Richards at Guernsey—the two days' programme consisting of Verdi's "Requiem, Bridge's Flag of England," and the Messiah Mr Seth Hughes in Elijah at Sandwich Miss Maggie Purvis, Miss MargaVet Thomas, and Mr Daniel Price in Mendelssohn's St. Paul at Tunbridge Wells Mr Price. again in Henry Smart's Jacob at Yarmouth Miss Purvis and Mr Trevor Evans in "St. Paul," and Madame Juanita Jones lMrs Tom Thomas), Mr John Renry, and Mr David Hughes in Samson" at Liverpool Mr Ffrangcon Davies at the Middlesbrough Festival, and in Gaul's Prince of Peace at Hanley and Mr Ivor Foster in Elgar's Caractacus at Finsbury, of whom we read Where the quartette was so good it seems almost invidious to single out Mr Ivor Foster for the great dignity (aided by splendid vocalisation) which be imparted to the role of the hero" Various other Welsh names appear in the number, but as we are not acquainted with the owners' nationality they have not been added the above, however, is a very satisfactory record, emanating as it does from merely the one month's same source of information.

Dr. Joseph Parry- An In Memoriam Anthem. In Memoriam anthems to departed public men are not uncommon in Wales, and a good many meritorious works have been produced here in that connection since Tanymarian wrote his requiem or funetal anthem in memory of John Jones, Talysarn. None could be more worthy of this mark of honour and esteem than the eminent musician so recently lost to us—Dr. Joseph Parry and none could more appropriately voice those sentiments that his m?st able, and also one of his lirat pupils at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, Mr David Jenkins (Mus. Bac.), whose anthem Dryll- iwyd y Delyn" (The Broken Harp), just issued from the preas, now lies before us. Thewords. by the Rev. Elvet Lewis, are in our opinion just what a text written for such a purpose should bo a simple, natural, song of mourning, as unhackneyed as unforced. And these characteristics eminently mark the musical setting more or less from the pathetic opening by the sopranos— The music is hushed the harp strings are loosened," to the grandiose ending— Above all the clotids and the shadows of time, The^ream of the singfer shall God make sublime." We do not often indulge in prophecy, but we shall be Considerably surprised if this anthem fails to find ready and wide acceptance, both on account of him whom it commemorates, and its, fown intrinsic merit.

An In Memoriam Prize. In connection with this subject we would call the attention of our young composers to the important prize offered by the committee of the Llandudno Eisteddfod, New Year's Day next, for a musical composition n memory of Dr. Parry. We do not know that the history of prize musical composi- tions of this class in"tbe past.written to order in a manner, encourages us to expect any very excep- tional results from composition; and as in some previous instances a plethora of productions may ensue, hardly productivo of satisfaction in the aggregate, still, the liberal prize offered at Llandudno should induce a numerous competi. tion, and also serve as an incentive to those writers who may enter to give of their best to the theme in. hand.

The Author of St. Stephen's." Not many hymn tunes are betterknown,oftener sung, or more esteemed than the above, and which may be found probably in every psalmody collection of note, whether English or Welsh, published during the last century or so. All that the musical dictionaries tell us v is that the author, Rev. William Jones, known as Jones of Nayland "— and which place must not be confused with Neyland (New Milford) Pembrokeshire — was born at ;Lowick, Northamptonshire, July 30th, 1726 that he was educated at the Charterhouse, London, and at Oxford that he was vicar and rector successively of various places in Kent, 1764-1798 and that he died at Nayland, Suffolk, Februa.ry 6th. 1800. where he was perpetual curate frdbi 1776, Welsh writers, assummgfiom the surname, that he may have been of Welsh extraction. • The writer of an interesting article in this month's Musical Times however, furnishes us with further particulars and a portrait of the reverend composer, and distinctly states that he was a descendant of Colonel John Jones," the regicide "-whose father, Williams's "Eminent Welshmen tells us, was a Thosnas ab John, or Jones, of Maes y-Garnedd, near the wild pass called Drws Arduddwy, and his mother, Ellen, one of the daughters of Robert Wynn ap Ievan. Esq., of Taltreuddyn, in the same neighbour- hood." The Rev. W. Jones, who was M.A. and F.R.S., always kept January 30th as a day of humiliation for the sins of his ancestor" according to the Musical Times" be was evidently an erudite man; was one of the most prominent Churchmen of his day "—to quote again from the same journal a zealous student of music and of natural science, as well as of theology." He also wrote a treatise on the Art of Musick," and the fol- lowing extract from his preface to the Ten Church Pieces," in which" St. Stephen's was first published, may be of use in these more spacious organ days :— "I use the organ chiefly in the diapasons, the swell, and the chorus, as best accommodated to the music of the Church. A stop approaching to vocality, such as the bassoon, Cremona, or vox-humana, has a very agreeable effect, and may well.be admitted when used with discretion but I must confess myself much less affected potand tarn-

Illustrated Fashions, J Those who have to study economy in dress should treat their possessions with care, and they would soon find that they were well repaid for the extra.,trouble entailed by the smart appear- ance retained by their clothes generally. Indeed, mothers are far too neglectful on this point in the bringing up of their daughters, and do not teach them to put everything that belongs to them in its own proper place as neatly and smoothly as when it was new—a habit which, when once acquired, l^sts a lifetime and is inva- luable. Women do not seem at all to grasp the fact that most of their belongings are lying idle more than they are worn, or they would, lam A Pretty Toque. I

SUM, be more attentive to these little niceties, which are little things in themselves, but go so far \towards a trimness of appearance. A girl who1 knows how to make her clothes wear well when she comes in from a walk does not hang her coat up by the loop which is generally placed inside the collar, but uses » coat-hanger, which keeps the garment in proper shape. The pretty toque sketched is one of those deli- cate affairs which do require careful treatment, being made of pleated creamy tulle, with a clus- ter of blush roses and their leaves resting on the hair at the back. The shape is a fashionable one, and a dressy toque of this style will make an otherwise plain toiletteguite smart and suited to many social functions. To keep a blouse well in shape it should always be hung up by the loops which are generally attached to the armholes, wjiile the more elabo- rate ones for afternoon wear should be stuffed with tissne paper and laid carefully in a. drawer Gloves, likewise, demand their share of careful attention if they are expected to wear well; and one should never forget, when removing them, to turn them wrong side out, afterwards palling each fiuger back again into shape and A Dainty Gown. I

folding the glove into as near as possible the shape it was when first purchased. In regard to foot-wear, never on any account wear the same pair of shoes day after day, as*shoes, like their wearers, demand a certain amount of rest. If possible slip a pair of trees into the shoes when- ever they are taken off, as this keeps them in shape. If one cannot afford trees (although the price of these is now greatly reduced), a good substitute is found in a newspaper stuffed tightly into the shoe. It will also help to prolong the existence of one's boots or shoes if time i3 taken by the forelock and they are selected a few months before they are brought into active work, as in this way the stitches are allowed to set and the rawness to pass off. A dainty gown forms the subject of the second illustration. It is made of pastel-pink cashmere, and has a deep collar ol fine spotted muslin finished with lace. An applique of white silk gives a finish to the front of the gown and the loose upper sleeve3, the under sleeves being of fine net to match the collar, caught in at the wrist. by a band of soft silk. This gown would look well lined with cream-coloured silk, or if that is too expensive, sateen, either contrasting or matching the colour of the cashmere. This gown is at once simple and elegant, and Nvouldw, ^A Charming Hat.

do equally well as a morning or a tea. gown, It is loose, and yet tha outline of the figure is slightly defined at the sides in a becoming manner. If for afternoon wear, its dressiness could be emphasised by the addition to the front, just where the points of the collar fasten, of a bow and long ends of soft silk or chiffon, while lace treated in the same way would also look attractive. Every day the average woman seems to more and more realise the cosiness of a gown of this description, which is easily slipped on and off, and always looks and feels comfortable. Of course, one could evolve it into a much more elaboratevaffarr if Oillt or satin were substitnted for cashmere, or fine mnslin interspersed with lace insertions. But it is not everyone who would find such dainty garments suited to their requirements and surroondiuge. Very well suited to the young face of a girl of twelve or forrteen years of age is the cljariiring hat depicted. Ic is made of fine green straw, with light folds of lace softening the curves of the brim, The sole trimming is a large bow of soft white silk ribbon spotted with black. The hat is really quite simple- and its brim can be curved and bent to suit the face of the wearer. Thre are many ornamental and lovely bats com- posed of silk and lace, or lace entirely, which will be well worn later on in the season. There are very many fanciful straws this sea- son, which are so lacy in design as to form the trimming for many smart samples of millinery. These are twisted into rosettes or bows, and look very smart. Some of the best models depend on their shape alone for their smartness, as there is little or no trimming on them. Picture bats, however, continue to be adorned with wreaths of flowers and foliage, but it is noticeable that the flowers are all of the graceful drooping cha- charaeter, such as the fuchsia or convolvulus, whose soft tones of colour harmonise with any schemeof dress. COQUETTE,

The author of The Autocrat of the Break- fast Table was discussing with a friend, who was also a doctor, the. subject of age. 1, Yoti re five years my junior," said Dr. Holmes, but I don't think I envy you." I can't see why you should," said his friend. You carry your years much more lightly than-lao urine." "^That's -natnzat, said tas <

By Or. ANDREW WILSON, F.R.I.E., 80. About Sprue. In last week's article I referred to the medicinal uses of strawberries, and incidentally mentioned that a bad case of sprue bad been reported as having been cured by the administration of strawberries as food. I have had several inquiries from readers of this column asking the nature of the disease in question. It ie, no doubt, a term with whieh English readers and non- medical persons at large could hardly be ex- pected to be familiar. Sprue is a disease which is peculiar to India, Ceylon, and other tropical regions. It really constitutes a very peculiar form of diarrhoea, and is also known under the name of white diarrhoea, or hill diarrhoea, receiving this latter name on account of its frequent occurrence at Himalayan hill stations. In addition to the symptom of the disease just indicated, it would appear that certain symptoms occur early in the disease oonnected with the mouth. The gums become tender and the tongue sore, and later on the digestive troubles supervene. I hava consulted the most recent authorities on this, subject, and I find it stated that the im- mediate cause of the disease is unknown. It was believed to be due to the presence of parasitic worms, whilst another opinion credits tainted food, or at loast food of some improper kind, as the cause of the ailment. Occasionally there has appeared an announcement that the cause of sprue has been found in the shape of a microbe, but further investigation has shown this opinion to be untenable. Europeans seem to be much more liable to the disease than natives. Out of 203 cases, 171 were Europeans, and only 32 natives. Sprue is always regarded as a sBrious disease, and it is said that in persons over 50 years of age recovery is rare. Regarding the treatment, this has been variously carried out by means of milk, which, however, is said not to be suc- cessful. One authority gives meat diet in place of milk. With regard to the fruit cure, it was Dr. Van Der BuTg, in Java, who gave in sprue large quanti ties of strawberries, apricots, peaches, apples and other fruits. Strawberries, aa I showed last week, have been found peculiarly efficacious. Such are the general features of this curious ailment, which, happily for us, is limited to tropical regions.

The Tongue and Speech. A very interesting question arises in con- nection with the physiology of speech concern- ing the part played by the tongue in rendering our articulation distinct. This subject was treated very ably by the Hon. Edward Twistleton in the year 1873 in the course of a volume entitled" The Tongue not essential to Speech." The author gave numerous cases in which persons who had been deprived of their tongues either as an act of barbarity or by opera- tion for the removal of disease were able to articulate with a fair amount of distinctness. In one of these cases under the care of the late Mr Nunneley, surgeon, of Leeds, the whole tongue was removed, and yet in a letter fiom the patient, written in 1862, some months after the operation, he says that he can converse intelligibly with his neighbours, and does so habitually. He adds that he can pronounce all vowels and con- sonants without diiffculty, but not quite so clear since the operation. His speech he describes as mending ever since the date upon which he was operated. He had no difficulty in swallow- ing. This patient was examined by such eminent men as Sir Charles Lyell, Professor Huxley, Professor Owen and Professor Faraday. They also found that, with the exception of certain slight peculiarities of speech his articulation was fairly distinct.

The Conclusion. Mr Twistleton as the result of the examination of a very considerable number of cases con- cludes that the tongue is not indispensable for purposes of speech. If only a small portion of the tongue is removed no difference in the Rpeech can be perceived, but even with larger portions removed, as in the case of Mr Nunneley. there does not appear to be that amount of deficiency of articulation which one would naturally expect. In connection with this subject it is curious to note that ancient accounts of speech being possible in persons whose tongues have been removed as the result of barbarity by savage tribes by which they were taken prisoners, such results were ascribed to miraculous intervention, it was believed in short that these persons subjected to cruelties being holy man received back from heaven their gift of tongues. We now see that this belief was founded entirely upon an rror, and Mr Twistleton's researches confirm very clearly the idea that with the loss even of the whole tongae the faculty of speech may be carried out in a very distinct fashion.

Law in Nature. A reader of this column, to whom 1 have been more than once'indebted for suggestions legarding topics of interest, suggests that some remarks on law as represented in nature might be acceptable to those who are given to ponder over some of the greater problems:which the universe presents to view. I daresay there are many scientific men who might object to the title law as applied to natural objects altogether, but that which at least is recognised as the essence of the law of nature is a certain series of conditions or circumstances which, as far as human observa- tion goes, inevitably presents the same relation- ship. The succession of the seasons, the varia- tion of the tides, the circumstances under which an apple fall?, and those whereby the planets are kept circling in their* orbits all illustrate what we term laws of nature, and conform to the definition I have just given. The poetspeaks of The law within the law," and science has often been taunted by those who perhaps least under- stand her deductions with total ignorance of the inner meaning of the laws and circumstances she chronicles. It is easy to show the illogical nature of such a contention for the man of science does not deal with any but second* any causes. We know there is such a thing as the Jaw of gravitation, because observation of accurate kind has convinced us of its existence. We come by this name to imply that. as far as we know, certain conditions relating to matter and force inevitably present to us the same relationship. If the question be asked why an apple should fall, or why there should be such a thing as gravitation at all, we must confess our- selves unable to answer this question. What J recent research into the constitution of matter has done has been to show us the possible cause of the movements which matter is perpetually exhibiting. In my recent remarks on radium I explained such views by way of accounting for the heat waves which this substance seems capable of giving.

Law in Life. When we come to deal with living bodies the. case is somewhat different. So long as we axe engaged with the non-living universe around us (as in the case "f the astronomer s field of observation), we can attain to tolerable, or. even mathematical, certainty, but when we enter the world of life, with its infinite variety, such certainty becomes impossible of attain- ment. The very nature of life itself is un- known to us. Even the causes of the variations) which living beings exhibit are also at present matters of dispute. Thai fact alone makes.. clear boundary line between the living ana the non-living universe, and we can never hope, under the alwavs varying phase of living things, to formulate the laws of their being with the same exactitude as, say, the astronomer formulates the conditions under which the planets are controlled. This, of course, brings us back to what one may call the great principle of the rela- tivity of knowledge. Man with finite knowledge can only attain a certain measure of informa- tion regarding his surroundings, and if one wanted a homely yet efficient illustration of the relative nature of things in living bodies one might quote the case of, say. half a dozen human • beings in respect of the effects of one and the same medicine upon them. The probability is that whilst we might find in so many of the subjects a certain general likeness of action of the drug exceptions to the result thus obtained would be foand in the others. It is much the same thing with foods and drinks. Each of us is essentially a law unto himself regarding what he eats and what he consumes in the way of drink. We should never forget therefore that when deal- ing with- animals and plants we cannot.expect.tho same certainty of result which the non-livwg wodd around us may afford at the hands of/the physicist.

Weather and Health. I think it will be admitted that the past season, or indeed that through which we are at present nassinu, has been one of the most severe and inclement that we have experienced for manv vears The conditions of temperature have been extreme. The weather itself has been of the most inclement description, with the result that a verT great amount of illness is prevalent. Even when the expectation of genial weather came upon us, a day reminded us that spring had come was succeeded by another of wintry cold- ness. Such weather changes mean a great deal to our health, for unless we are physically strong to start with and well acclimatised to weather changes, it is impossible to resist disease attack, and especially when it assumes the form of cold and chill and" their attendant troubles. A reader remarked the other day wittr reference to my observations regarding fresh air, and the necessity for breathing a-pnre atmosphere, that it was certain a large number of persons would suffer Rfivarelv if, fotlowm upon their habit of sleep- ing with their bedroom window shut, tbey attempted to follow out the advice I gave. I ad- mitted as much. however, in my original remarks. I do not think it necessary, in order to introduce the fresh air regime, that we should a.t once begin to sleep with windows wide open. Ahere is such a thing- as acclimatising ourselves to changes in our life and habits, and the essence of this process consists in the gradual adaptation of new habits rather than in therrsudden develop- ment In the case of the cold water bath, an admirahle-strengthening holds good. The man who takes his cold bath daily undoubtedly fortifies his system against cold, but it would be the height of foolishness for anyone unaccustomed to this measure to attempt to begin it. say, in the cold winter season with water at nearly the outside temperature. He should commence the morning dip in the ,summer, and by the time the cold season has arrived the process of acclimatisation will have probably taken place, and henceforth the good effects of the measure will be more likely to bw apparent.

THE HOUSEHOLD. It is quite wonderful how quickly books and papers accumulate. One has no sooner filled one bookcase before we have ample material to fill another and it is almost impossible to buy a sufficient number of cases withoat considerable expense. Therefore, I feel sure that a suggestion of a means for supplying this need by a little ingenuity on our own parts without expenditure will be most welcome. The case which I have illustrated is made from three potato-boxes placed on top of the other. If you do not happen to possess a sufficient number of boxes of this shape, your greengrocer will probably have several which he will be glad to let you have. The boxes must be well planed before putting them together when this is done place them in position and-screw then together. It is better A Pretty Bookcase. I to use screws whenever possible, as the rtieap wood used for packing-cases is very apt to get split when nailed. In the illustration the lid of the bottom one is fastened on with hinges, thus forming a very useful cupboard for newspapers, which are too untidy for the shelf above. If any member of the family is clever at carving they can render the bookcase much more effective with :t simple border on the edges and round the shelves and a bold design on the door of the cup- board. When all the decorations of this kind are complete the whole structure must be either painted or stained to match the other furniture of the room in which it is to stand. There is another great advantage to these bookcases besides that of cheapness, for as the books in- crease. so may they. Another potato-box decora- ted to match the others can be screwed on to the top at any time, and this may continue as long as the room will hold it when this becomes im- possible. then another one must be commenced. My next illustration is the outside of a blotter, which, although it is apparently very elaborate, is really auite simple in execution. First of all cut out two pifcees of cardboard about one foot by ten inches, and tack a thin layer of wadding on to one side of each. Then make a case one foot wide by twenty-one inches long, sawing it all round except the top long sido. Slio the card- board in, keeping the wadding on the outside, and sew them firmly in position, leaving the extra inch as a hinge in the centre. This case should be made of soft Japanese silk to match A Design fot a Blotter. I or go with the other things on the writing-table. The design for the cover must then be carefully drawn, the correct size, on a piece of thick white drawing-paper, with a sharp pencil. Then make a firm outline round the design, also putting in the details of shading and drawing. When this is quite dry—it is not advisable to use blotting- paper with black ink. as it is especially liable to smudge-place the drawing on a piece of glass, and with a sharp penknife cut away the back- ground, following the outline with the utmost care. The open-work paper pattern thus ob- tained is fastened to the silk with firm paste made of stanch, great attention being paid to the edges of the pattern in order that they may not come away from the silk. The effect of the white paper on the coloured background is most decorative. The variety in babies' basketsJis almost count- less. They can be costly confections of satin and lace, or they can be simply made of muslin, with an infinite range of differences in between. The one I mean to tell you about was one of the simple muslin kind, but was so dainty and pretty that I am sureagreat many mothers would like to copy it. Whether a basket is to be lined with silk or cotton, the way to set about it is always the How to Make a Baby's Basket. I. same;:therefore, if the actual materials here des- cribed are not used the directions for their em- ployment may prove useful. In choosing the basket, let it be as light a one as possible. It can be left its original colour if this is a good white. Cut a long strip of pale blue sateen of sufficient length to go ali round inside the basket, and deep enough to allow about two inches to go under the bottom cushion. Tack this into position. Then cat a strip of muslin a good deal longer, and about four incbes wider, in order to make a heading about two inches wide at the top of the basket. A narrow edge of lace should be put on the edge of this heading. and under it three rows of baby ribbon to match the sateen may be run. A place should then be made for a draw-string to tie it round the top of the basket. All the numerous pockets to hold the small odds and ends necessary for the making of baby s toilette should be made and sewn on to the strip of muslin before fastening it into the basket. One of the most important of the fittings for this basket is the powder-puff, Wff. can be manu- factured at home quite easily. Cut a large cir- cular piece of washleather, and notch out the edge. Sew a smaller round piece of down into the centre, run a baby ribbon down the centre, and it is complete the flat back being better than the ordinary handle, as it is less likely to hurt the baby, being soft. When all the details --such as pincushion, needle-book, powder-pot, and brush—are executed, all that remains is to. tie in the lining and make a pad of cotton-wool covered with silk to fit the bottom. This should be put in last to keep the lining of the sides in position. ETHEL.

Look here, Tommy," said young Willoughby —" I Believe you were in the garden last night when your sister accompanied me to the gate. I-er-I'd rather you didn't mention anything you happened tc overhear. You can keep your mouth shut for half-a-crown, I expect ?" But the young imp shook his head. I'm afraid not," he answered "this is one of those cases in which silence is golden, you know." And Wiilongfcby 1

Neu Wreichion Oddiar yr Eingio" BY CADRA WD. Witchcraft. Some weeks ago I mentioned where a number of old witches bad been tried It) English law and executed, in the 17th and 18tt centuries. In a book called Gardner's Griev ance," we have plates illustrating the hangman adjusting the rope round the neck of one of a number of witches dangling in the air, while tilt others, miserable creatures, appear with thaix bands also bound cowering at the scaffold foot. Looking the other day over some old files of papers, I came across the report of a case which occurred during the last century, at an assizes in Monmouth, which goes to show that the .people of WaJes were not backward in believing in the sorcerer's power, which was attributed to the Witch of Endor; and it is doubtful whethu these superstitions have altogether died oat in every district in Wales even to this day. The trial took place in April, 1827. William Watkins, a respectable farmer John Prosser, a constable; and Thomas Jenkins and Henry Evans, farm servants, were charged with creat- ing a riot and with assaulting Mary Nicholas. Mr Meule said he was truly surprised aad sorry to have to lay a case of this kind before a jury in this enlightened age. The prosecutrix was a very aged female, upwards of 90 years of age, whom the prisoners had most absurdly fancied to be a witch, and the prisoner Watkins having had several of his cattle dying suddenly, he fancied that she had bewitched them. Under this notion the four prisoners came up to this old woman on the road and dragged her by fospt to the foldyard of the prisoner Watkins. By this time a large number of persons were attracted, as the scene of the outrage was only about one mile from Abergavenny. When they got the unfortunate old woman there they placed her behind a colt, and obliged her to kneel on theground.and take the animal's tail in her buid and repeat some form of prayer, which was to protect the cattle against her spells. This she did, and the prisoners, under the stupid notion that if you draw blood from a witch she cannot hurt you any more, took a bough of wild roses out of the hedge, and drew it across her arm sa as to make it bleed. They proposed to duck her, but at the earnest entreaties of her daughter they liberated ber. The advocate for the defendants said that ho was not there to deny the assault, and he was surprised to find that so much superstition could exist either in England or Wales It should, how. ever, be recollected that one of the most eminent judges that ever sat in this country, Sir Matthew Hale, believed in all this absurdity as implicitlj as tbe prisoners did. That the prisoners had acted in aftrm belief that the poor woman was a witch was quite clear, as they drew her blood which was understood to disarm the power of a witch. They cut off her hair because it was said that a witch's hair would not burn, and the ducking of her was not for the purpose of drown. ing her, but because one of the tests of a witch was that she would float on the water. The prisoners offered every compensation in their power after they had realised their position and seen their folly, and it appears that they were thoroughly convinced of the delusion titfdM which they had laboured. But the prosecutors would receive no apology. Baron Vaughan, in pronouncing judgment, said he thought the riot was not proved, but that beyond all question a most brutal assault had been committed. That the prisoners had acted under a delusion founded on superstition war. quite clear, and he regretted that there was 1ty. one in the kingdom who should have been guilty of such an act, and so deplorably ignorant as tt have fallen into such an error. The prisoners were punished for assault Ar-

Old Superstition Respecting Sneezing. It was a common practice long ago that when anyone sneezed the nearest to him would say, May God preserve you," or words:to that effect. Dr. Stanley, Dean of St. Asaph, in his book, Cred a Buchedd Gwr o Eglwys Loegr," writes, of this custom, in 1688, for I reckon that the common custom of bowing to one that comes ill (to Church), .or to a friend that I see in Church, or to one that sneezetb, &c., is a kind of compliment." This superstition is said to have bad its origin in this country in the time of the great plague, when the act of sneezing was regarded as a premonitory symptom of that dreadful malady. The plague was so violent, saith one writer, that 800 men fell down dead in an hour in a religious procession which was organised to attend a Church in London to pray that the plague ceased. The men died in tilt act of sneezing, and whereupon the phrase*. God help thee," or God preserve thee," arose* We learn from the above book by the Dean ot: St. Asaph that the custom had become in fcif. time quite an unmeaning ceremony, and itt origin forgotteo.

Obsolete Glamorganshire Words. Clatsien a smack. "Fi rho's iddo glatsien,* I gave him a smack. Canad, in Glamorgan for caniatad i of a, con traction and corruption, very good, much pre. ferable to the other mongrel word which is. generally used, cennad, a messenger. Carllwyd. or carthglwyd, from cartha, cleanse. It was used by two men carrying it of a hand-barrow." Clasgu, for casglu to collect, &c. Coethder, in Glamorgan, is impertinence. "Gad dy goetbder," leave off thy impudenca. The word "coeth" means refined, pore. "A* aur coeth ar dywanas," and pure gold on thy brooch. Cranwg, cranwg o galch; a measure of W, Four llestraid equal ten Winchester bushels. Clwc-wy clwc; a rotten egg. The word Ic also used to denote a person who is poorly pf unwell, Y mae yn glwc iawnhe is not 6e|t well. Caseg wineu a bay mare. Ceffyl broc dark grizzle. Brocs, in Rftti Wales a wreck. Cwplo, for cwblhau to finish a. thing, Dyn Ilethig; an excessive eater. Dyn di 'mofal; a witty person. Dyncrygwrus; anaughty, mischievous person Dyn lysti an active person. Dyn lloriog; a sly, cunning, fawning, ciroam venting fellow. Dyn gwirion in Glamorgan, an inoffensive^ innocent man in North Wales, a fool. Dyn gwisgi a quick, nimble person. Titf word is used also in another sense,—cuau gwiagit slip-shelled nuts. Duw dishefon ni; a corruption of "Daw deilt yfwndi," a peculiar oath veryofn used; bat properly uttered would be a most appropriate ("prayer—Lord, -W6 beseech Thee. Duw dalo i ti; another qaild oath-tbe reward thee. Duw cato ni, or Daw'n cadwo ni; tbe Ijort protect us. Drendal: a bind of wooden vessel in wfcfcf butter was put after it was chained, salted, ul made into rolls. Draenu; this was a process in dressing wheaf for the market before threshing wilt invented, which cost a good deal of iabonc chiefly to the women, as it was looked upon M belonging to their department. It was done wiffr a close sieve, and in this way the tail any kind of wild seed was extracted from the wheat. Ewa an uncle, in fond speech. Ewn, for eofn bold. Ffrwmwndws, whalu ffrwmwndws nonsense. Ffrechan; asprinkling. tFtfeehtn owt&wmet eira, a sprinkling of rain or of snow.

''WIm- is your father's objection to iafe Millie ? asked the young man. "He says have no application, Gerald." H No ap tion 1 he echoed bitterly. "I wonder if5r knows I ve been coming to see you twice a W'88J:, for nearly six years 1" A well-blown author once strolled into a boob seller's shop and began to turn over some volumes. "Is this good ?" he asked the book. seller, taking up a book. I don't know ) have not read it," replied the shopkeeper. œb( author frowned. A bookseller," he said, one you don t read your own books ?" "If 1 were t druggist, would you expect me to take my owl drugs ? said the bookseller. School inspector, anxious to explain the natart of p. falsehood Now, supposing I brought yot a canary and told you it was blue, what wood# that be ?" .Student, with taste for natanT sir, tomHIt