The Cardiff Times

WORKMEN'S TOPICS. (By MABON, M,P.) Arsons in Charge of Steam Engines ani Beifers Bill. I* is intended that this Act shall come into Rotation on tha first day of January, 1903. hether this will be so or not is not quite cer- The Bill is now before a Special Commit- and evidence thereon is being taken, so that ultimate success is now almost assured. hether it can be carried to a successful issue year or not I have had for a number of eWs the great pleasure of being recognised as of the foremost friends of this measure, for some years I have called the attention of those whom it will directly affect In this coalfield, but with little effect. This 1'. however, it promises well, and this coalfield be representated and give evidence before "e Committee. b The Bill itself provides in the first place that e term boiler shall mean and include only close vessel having a steam pressure of lOlbs. the square inch aDd upwards, as may be used f generating steam or heating water, or for eatIng- other liquids, or into which steam is ^Oiitted for heating, steaming, boiling or other lllUiJar Purposes. The term engine means any engine used the production of motive power and worked by eanj from a boiler. ^he teim *'horse-power means nominal 0rse-power. Application of the Act. This Act will net apply to any boiler or engine td exclusively for domestic, agricultural, or Ing purposes, or to any boiler or engine in the service of his Majesty, or to any Jler or engine used by a railway company, or any boiler or engine used on board a steamship T^ng a certificate from the Board of Trade, or road traction engine or steam roller. tIOtwithstanding these exemptions, it is pro- ved for those that will come under the opera- Ion of the Bill, as well as all connected with ^lieries, that after the commencement of the ct it shall not be lawful for any person to take 6 charge or control of, or to employ another to take the charge or control of, any or engine to which this Act applies unless he person so taking charge or control is quali- ed as required by the Act. Qualifications. The qualifications required will be- —A person taking charge or control of any filers or engines of five-horse power or upwards, St of any engine used for winding workmen or "minerals up or down the shaft of a mine, must ^°ld a first-class certificate or a special certifi- eQ.te of service under this Act. And 2—A person taking charge or control of any boiler or engine must be the holder of either a first-class or second-class certificate. Provided lys that, in the case of any works or mine "ütè there i8 more than one boiler or engine, it 1 h;dl be i'iSoitiH if thócy are under the constant ^Perviaion of one person possessing the qualica- on required in respect of them by the Act, so: °0wever, that no one person shall undertake the 611Ptvision of a greater number of boilers or enlDes, or of boilers or engines situated at a Sweater distance from one another than may be Inscribed by any regulations of the Board of Tade for the time being in force and that the oa.rd may make for future purposes. Taking Charge Without Qualification. person who takes charge or control—save case of sudden emergency—of a boiler or blagide to which this Act applies without possess- g the required qualifications shall be liable a fine not exceeding 40s for the first and £ 10 for the second or any: "sequent offence; and any person that employs °ther person for the said purpose, but in a e of sudden emmergencv, and the one sp ^Ployed without the required qualifications, » a'l be liable to a fine not exceeding £ 10 for tjle offence, and £ 50 for the second or any sgb- equent offence. Certificates. Person who has passed the examinatio n held thder this Act will be entitled to receive a first- ftss certificate from the Secretary of State. And person who within three months before or tu commencement of the Act produces to Secretary of State satisfactory evidence that 6 has for no less than twelve months wiXhin the PiotIS five years had the practical charge or COMMI of a boiler or engine of five-hotse-power upwards shall be entitled to receive, from the Rse-tetary of State a special certificate of service, le the purposesof this Act shalTbe eqniva- nt to a first-class certificate. Person prodacing to the Secretary- of "State tes- .ooials from at least two persons,which satisfy e Secretary of State that he is in point of cha- ^cteri knowledge, physical ability, and ex- fit to receive a second-clites certificate t der this Act, shall on so satisfying the Secre- cy °f State be entitled to revive a second certificate. X* Fees for Certificates. An applicant for a certificate under this Act pay to the Secretary of State such fee as be from time to time prescribed by the State not exceeding in the case of a first J"88 certificate the sum of Is and in the case of y other certificate 2s (yj. Such certificates be made in duplicate". One of the parts be delivered to the ..person entitled to the jjt'tieate and the other will be preserved at the °Oie Office, where a gscord of certificates, of the suspending, cancelling, or altering, » of any other matter affecting them will be j.Pt in such manner the Secretary of State And any sn £ £ h certificate and record ^der this section shall be admissible in idence. i the holder of either of these certificates *°*es to the satisfaction of the Secretary of that he has, Without fault on his part,, t or been deprives of the certificate already *nted to him, the Secretary of State shall, on 6ayiient of the then prescribed fee, cause another 5 to be delivered to him, which copy shall all the effect of the original. 4ily person who forges or fraudulently alters in misusing any one of these certificates way whatever shall in respect of each be guilty of misdemeanour. Cancelling Certificates. •hv • Ibe Secretary of State, on good cause shown, cancel or suspend any certificate granted this Act, and may, on appeal being made "to by the person whose certificate has been and the necessary evidence in support 1 appeal being produced, restore the It is also proposed that a first or second Certificate granted to an engineer under the Shipping Act, 1894, shall for the of this Act be deemed to be equivalent utst class certificate granted under this Act. .cro 5w!isi?.ns are also made that the Secretary of I "t sball as often as he deem necessary cause Of **aii>in^tions shall be held for the purpose j the qualifications of candidates for 8,88 C0rtificat«s under this Act. It will be ale^t8to°d that all the foregoing clauses at 'he 8,18 Propositions in the Bill now before Select Committee, which may be svifl ^bened or modified according to the *tjt?Dce given. My chief object in Uto^^ tbia explanation of it is to draw that 10q to it, and more especially to the fact ^ect Committee is now meeting with \»eelj to't in the House cf Commons twice a i'bisj\316 i°"viting evidence bearing upon it. a IQatter of the gravest importance to '^ite ) wil1 be affected both directly and tial th°l *ts Prov'si°ns- Hence it is essen- re^uisite evidence in support of its <0*4 there is for such a Bill, the it will effect—will be forthcoming. All V in favour of it, among enginemen and stokers, as well &3 the host of underground workers that hope to secure by it a greater degree of safety while being lowered and raised into and from our mines, should give evidence before this Com- mittee.

MUSICINWALES. By D. EMLYN EVANS. Duw Badwo'n Teyrn." The accents of gladness usually associated with the British National anthem — whatever may be the language in which it is voiced—have had to give way to those, of deepest solicitude and anxiety and it may be safely stated that nowhere has the public concern been more mani- fest and the expression of sympathy more gen- uine than in the Principality .from which the King drew the title which he wore for so many years, and proved himself by general consent to be the most popular Prince that had thitherto borne the ancient name of Prince of Wales." The history of what has been adopted as our own national anthem, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," as well as that which has been termed the second English national song, Ar D'wysog Gwlad y Bryniatt (" God Bless the Prince of Wales "), is simple and well known but that of God Save the King is more complex and uncertain. Looked at from the standpoint of the critics. perhaps none of them can lay claim to any high degree of merit; but when fervidly sung and felt by a mass of people the effect cannot be gainsaid the hymn-tnniness of the Hen Wlad is as un- perceived as the rhythmic incongruities of God Save the King "and in these anxious days there are millions who re-echo the prayer— Goi save onr gracious King, Long live our noble King, God save the King Short Courses in Music at the U C.W., Aberystwyth, We are glad to draw attention again to the short courses in music announced for this year at the University College, Aberystwyth, and which will be held from August 11th to September 6th. As usual, the courses will include vocal, instru- mental, and theoretical subjects, the instructors in the several departments being,las in previous years, Messrs Duvid Jenkins, B. Otterhead, J. E. Leah, Wilfrftl Jones, and W. T. Samuel. The terms are very moderate, and we trust that an increasing number of students, both male and female, will avail themselves of the excellent ad- vantages which these courses offer. Our churches, too—Conformist as well as Nonconformist—may help not only-'individuals, but the cause of sacred music, by assisting promising students in the mat- ter of expenses.:To some, also, the attractions of a popular watenug-place, such as Aberystwyth— combining study with pleasure and recreation— may be additional inducements and in any case th £ ardent pnpil has here an opportunity that he should profit by, if in any way possible. Eisteddfodauand Welsh Musical Works. The committees of onr leading Eisteddfodau, National pr otherwise, often have unique oppor- tunities to help the advancement of music—and Welsh music iu particular—if they woold and it is satisfactory to find that some, at least, rise to the level Of the occasion and the duty. All Welsh musicians were gratified to learn of the successful performance of Mr David Jenkins's "Enchanted Isle" at the recent Eisteddfod held at Brecon, the author's native county toWn. Brecon Eiateddfodists have a good past record, and their production of this opera—though, naturally^liot in operatic guise—can only tend to advancB their reputation. As is already known to the w^Jl-informed reader, the Bangor National Eisteddfod Committee have selected a new work for performance at one. of its concerts by Mt D. C. Williams, of Merthyr, one oi our most talented young musicians. We also just been informed, on very good authority, that Mr David Jenkins's Dewi Sant will be performed at Llanelly's National gathering next year. We believe that the usual objection raised to performances of new Welsh works is that they do not pay but if we are not much mistaken the receipts in the majority of caSes prove the contrary—from the production of Owain Alaw's Prince of Wales," our first prize cantata, at Carnarvon in 1862, to present times, and in this aspect of the matter the evi- dence of figures-the receipts—is conclusive. New Music, &0. Various pieces of music and musical publica- tions sent in for review from this country and America we hope to notice shortly. Inquirer is informed that the publishing office of Music," containing Mr Tom Thomas's articles on singing, previously noticed in this column, ial86, Wardour-street, London, W.

Songs for the People. £ Andrew Fletcher of Baltoun, in a letter to fch Uarqnis of Montrose, wrote I know a very wise man thai, believed that if a man were permitted te make all the ballads be need net care who aheald tit. laws ol the aatieii."

Te-DAY. Wh&te'er the fature holds of sad or sweet, Be glad to-day Drink of life's passing joy, for swift and fleet Glides time away. Live in the present, hoping this alone— That love will last; Letting the sweetness of this day atone For all the past. Seeknot to lift the veil from future honrs, Blessing and pain Will come to us. Alike the thorns, theffowers,, If love remains.

THE BROeK Go forth nponthy journey, little-one, Make haste and rim Long miles on miles thy liquid foot must creep, Ere thou have leave to sleep, Uncounted loops and windings slialt thou pass, Moistening much grass And hidden roots of herbs, ere the great sea. Cry out to welcome thee. There shalt thou sleep at last, thy toil all done, Thy long race run; Shalt sleep, and haply dream for evermore One sweet dream o'er and o'er. Henry Johnstone.

Economy in Pawning. Can I get a dollar on this?" asked a well- dressed man as he tendered a handsome fur lined overcoat to the pawnbroker. Well, I should say so," replied the money lender, visibly surprised, and a lot more, if you want it.' "No; one dollat's enough," was the mans answer as he took the ticket after the usual pre- liminaries had been gone through with. Later in the day the owner of the coat came back, paid the pawnbroker the dollar with the legal charge of three cents, and took his pro- perty back. Say, said the man of loans, handing over the coat regretfully, you're a queer customer. Don't you know you might have left the garment here for a month and it would only have cost you three cents, just what you have paid for the use of the dollar for one day ?" Oh, I didn't need the dollar," answered the customer, and in proof of his assertion he polled out a roll of bills li largeenoughto choke a cow," as a. sporting man would say. That beats me," said the pawnbroker, now thoroughly interested. What did you pawn it for, then Simply for safe keeping." cooly replied the cuetomer. You see, its like this Its a warm d, and I didn't want to lug the coat around with me. I'm not stopping at a hotel, because I m only in town between trains. At the depot parcel-room the boy in charge wanted ten cents for checking it, so I concluded to make seven cents by letting you take care of it for me."

The proprietor of a tan-yard built a stand in one of the main streets of a town in Virginia for the purpose of selling leather and buying raw hides. When he had completed the building he considered fori a. long time what sort of a sign to put up to attract attention to the new estab- lishment. At last a happy thought struck him. He bored an auger hole through the door post and stuck a calf's tail into it with the tufted tail outside. After a while he saw a, solemn- faced man standing near the door looking at the sign, his eyes round and meditative behind his spectacles. The tanner watched him for a minute, and the stepped ont and addressed him. Good morning, sir," he said. Morning said the other, without taking his eyes off the sign. Want to buy leather ?" asked the tanner. "No." "Got any hides to sell?" No." Are yon a farmer ?" No." Mer- chant ?" No." Lawyer?" No." What areou, then 9" I'm a philosopher. I've been standing here for an hour trying to figure out bow got through that augerJag]#.

WELSH GLEANINGS. .6- The visit of the Prin and Princess of Wales to Carnarvon and Bangor involved an expendi- ture of £2,817, which was JE300 above the estimate, and there is a deficit of £200. The luncheon at Bangor cost JE700. Mr G. F. Adams, one of the assistant inspectors of mines for the Cardiff district, has left for India, he having been lent by the Brittish authorities to the Indian Government for three years, to act as inspector of mines in India. A sermon by the Rev. J. Solon Rees, of Aber- aman, appears in the Christian Common- wealth this week. It is some time since a full report of a sermon by a Welsh minister has appeared in this weekly, and we understand that 1 sermons by other Welsh preachers are to follow. During the first half of the present year over 60 wills of deceased colliers residing in South Wales and Monmouthshire have been proved in the usual way by solicitors at the Probate Office, Llandaff. Some of them were for very satisfac- tory amounts. One was a remarkable document consisting of thirteen folios. The Welsh lady preacher and lecturer. Llinos Taf, late of Pontypridd, who emigrated to the United States in 1888, is now on a visit to her old home, and preached with great acceptance at Llantwit Vardre last Sunday. Eisteddfodwyr will remember that Llinos Taf shared the nrize for a poem with Mrs Owena Pritchard, of Holy- head, at the Caidiff National Eisteddfod, 1883. Sir Charles Bright McLaren, M.P., one of the new Coronation baronets, has extensive estates in North Wales, and lives near Prestatyn in Flintshire. His wife (Lady Laura McLaren) is the only daughter of Mr Henry D. Pochin, Bod- nant Ball, Conway. She is one of the most eloquent lady speakers in Great Britain, her speeches being marked by literary grace and flavour. The Society of Welsh Rabbits was the striking name given to a society formed by » band of English scholars and literary men for climbing Snowdon in winter, their headquarters being at Penygwryd. They ascended the moun- tain when it was most deeply covered with snow, being frequently accompanied by famous Swiss guides, such as Melchior Anderegg. The Pembroke-terrace Calvinistic Methodist Church, Cardiff, had a somewhat unpleasant ex perience last Sunday. It was the occasion of the church's anniversary services, but owing to illness the two special preachers engaged, viz., the Rev. P. ll. Griffiths, Swansea, and the Rev. T. Charles Williams, Menai Bridge, failed to put in an appearance. Happily excellent substi- tutes were found in the Rev. J. Glyn Davies, Newport, and Rev. T. C. Jones, Penarth. Wesleyan writes calling attention to a rumour circulated in Quaker's Yard that Horeb Welsh Wealeyan Chapel in that village, one of the oldest Wesleyan chapels in South Wales, and which was sold last June, is to be converted intoa workmen's club, where intoxicants are to be sold. I think," he adds, if anything of the sort took place it would be a great sin, and I cannot let the rumonr pass without raising a protest." Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P. (writes the London correspondent of the Manchester Guardian ') is:being warmly congratulated by his friends in the Devonshire Club and elsewhere on his knighthood. It is generally felt that the dis- tinction was meant as a compliment to Wales, Sir Alfred Thomas being chairman of the Welsh Parliamentary party, and having taken promi- nent part in the movement for securing the representation of the Red Dragon on the Prince of Wales's arms. Until Monday, I am told, Sir Alfred had no notion that he was to receive the distinction. The Merthyr Tydfil Urban District Council have recently constructed, at the foot of the Brecon Beacons, a reservoir which covers 60 acres of mountain land. The water was run in a year ago, and about 150 trout of about 3oz. were put in at the same time. A writer in the Field says that four anglers last week fished this reservoir with the following result:—13 each over four over llb, The fish were short, thick, very broad, and beautifullv shaped. The flAsh was quite red and the flavour like salmon. The writer is at a loss to account for this extraordi- nary growth from 3oz. to ljlb. in the short space of one year. A correspondent in Cymru for this month gives a charming account of the noted inn at Penygwryd, frequented by Huxley, Tyndall, Charles Kingsley, Tom Hughes, and many other eminent persons from time to time. Among other interesting news in this sketch we are told that Mr McDougall (now Sir John McDougall. one of the Coronation knights), the chairman of he London County Council, lived at Plas Aber- glaslyn, and was a noted mountain climber. The writer says that he has seen Sir John McDougall after walking up and down Snowdon going to help a widow lady to get her hay in, Sir John working in his shirt sleeves as vigorously as any labouring man. It had been arranged to run a special train to the summit of Snowdon on Coronation night. and to ignite a huge bonfire, the highest, of course, in England and Wales, one of the many which would have made the time of slumber as bright and busy as the day," with those twinkling points of fire. On the news of the King's illness the arrangement to light the bon- fire was cancelled, though the train was still to run. To the astonishment of the officials, how- ever, the huge pile was set on fire by some un- known person, and the king of the Welsh mountains flared up brilfiantly all through the summer night of the 26th of June. Though a few other hill tops had their lights, the bulk of the bonfires (some with watchmen guarding them) are still unlit,' waiting for the actual Coronation night.

A Potato Duel. Duelling is not only wicked, but absurd, and the man who makes it contemptible does a sterl- ing service to his generation. Experience has proven that duellists cannot be threatened or persuaded out of their barbarous beliefs, but they are sensitive to ridicule, and that is the best weapon to use against them. A story current in Kentucky tells how^'Bill Bowman," a noted circuit preacher and mus- cular Christian," used thiseffective weapon about sixty years ago. At one of his meetings a local desperado created a disturbance, and on being publicly re- buked by Bowman sent him a challenge to fight. Bowman, as the challenged party, had the choice of weapons. He selected a half bushel of Irish potatoes as big as his fist for each man, and stipulated that his opponent must stand fifteen paces distant and that only one potato at a time should be taken from the measure. The desperado was furious at being thus freahly insulted, and made an indignant pro- test, but Bowman insisted that he was the chal- lenged man and had a right to choose his own weapons, and threatened to denounce the des- perado as a coward if he failed to come to time. As there was no way out of the box but to fight, the desperado consented. The fight took place on the outskirts of the town. Everybody was present to see the fun. The seconds "arranged the two men in position, by the side of each being a balf bushel measure tilled with potatos, as hard as bricks. Bill Bowman threw the first potato. It struck his opponent and flew into a hundreo Pieces. A veil of delight went up from the crowd, which disconcerted the desperado, and his potato flew wide of the mark. Bowman watched his chance, and every .time his opponent stopped for a pota.to another one hit him in the side, leading a wet spot on his clothes and then scattering in pieces. He hit the desperado about five times, and then the sixth potato struck him in the short ribs, knocking the wind completely out of him and'doubling him up on the grass. The people were almost crazy with laughter, but Bill Bowman looked as sober as if he bad just finished preaching a funeral sermon. The despecado was taken home and put to-bed, and there he stayed for more than a weak before he recovered from the effects of his Irish potato dueL Tbat was the end of dueling in that re- gion.

ThoagBrtfal.—President of Foreign Missions How in the world did all these sofa-cushions and fairy-lamps come to be in this box for the Fiji Islanders ?—Miss Hairbrain (earnestly) W-wby, I thought with all their spears and war clubs that if they only had a few cushions and jewelled lamps they could WMe auob perfectly lovely cozy corners.

A Wekly Columnef Pepular Culture EDITED The objects of the column Tire to give a simple course of elementary eaucattaa of an attractive character, suitable to t-he needs the great class cf young people, who, having recoiwd the usual Board ? £ Yol.lmUfv, School education desire to increase their knowledge with a view to profit and pleasure. A leading feature of the column is its correspond- ence. Questions, for instance. Me invited from any reader as to the moat profitable books to study on any particular subject, or any <2i4&ault> points in their course of self-education ate b<ialU explained. Another attractive feature is an occasionalnota from some distinguished nemOn el viae ad rice ts> those on the lower rungs of the iadder of suceess. Questions are invited as to the beat and most up- to-date books that the Editor can recommend for »ny particular subject. Any other questions of educa- tional interest will be answerM?5rie«y.

THE ART OF CONVERSATION. Most people born with a tongue between their teeth know how to talk more«rlMii, but between talk and conversation there is as much differ- ence as between the beating of a nigger's tom- tom and a. fantasia, oflj jjae piano by aPaderewski. Conversation with most people is an unknown art. So dense is their ignorance of it that they are more than likely to dispute that it is an art at all. They entertain no doubt that conversa- tion comes as natural to a m. in as blowing his nose. And yet they are mistaken. This is ono of the most difficult of aiie, more difficult than music on any wind or stringed instrument, as difficult indeed as life itself for tine conversation comes only from fine character, and that is a material not easy to produce. A Fine English gentleman Conversation as distinct Ifom mere talking reached a higher standard with our forefathers than is now maintained. We have grown slip- shod in our speech, careless of mirase, jerking out ill-formed and disconnected tSBitences that but barely express our thoughts. 'She English man of culture of the olden time hifl more dignity of language. It may have been more artificial it may have hidden rather thai revealed his JD. most thought (though this is ttonbtful), but there was a fine, grace in the tneBLof his phrase, as there was in the flourish of lÎiø three-cornered hat and th asy elegance of the bow with which he greeted his friend. Conversation was then looked upon as an art not onlJworth cultivating, but indeed as one of the m accessary branches of education. A man might be wicked—the flesh is weak and the heart of man prone to pV11- but to be a dull dogincompanv was an unpardon- able offence that ostracised a n from society. Salons of the Otti Regime, The French carried convar«%tion to its finest pitch in the days immediately before the great Revolution, In the clubs of the philosophers, whose destructive theories tvore to plaoge their nation into a whirlpool of ;u. chy, in the salons ^11 women like~ Jfadame Geollrin, Mdlle. do 1 tspinasse, and MWame de Stael, at the htle dinners" of literary men and patrons like the Baron d Holbach, conversation was^ the only purpose and tha sole attraction of gatherings which were attended by the keenest, the ^brightest wits, the mo.st arilliant personali- tiest not only of France, but <! Europe. In these salons of old Fran<j# the conversation that made the long evening.. like a brief minute sparkled with a constant gaiety and a brilliance kept alive oy repartee, quick rallying, by pungent epigram, by bright anecdote, by keen flash of wit, leavened sometimes by an under- current of deeper thought and a revelation of that new philosophy which was to shake the foundations of the old world. Conversations of the Gwaat. In .England there haae bee:, coteries in which the art of;conversation has e celled. Conversa- tion flourished and saw griJden days when Shakespeasfftnd Ben Jonson SIotÜIe Mer- maid, an when, as one who Jaeua those rare encounters of genius has isported, Jonson's eloquence was like a heavy epwnish galleon, while Shakespeare waslike &);. English frigate that tacked about swiftly, throwing in shot on every side of the enemy. Conversation was golden, too, in those same elo ioor Elizabethan days when Walter Raleigh, Pili Sidney, and Edmund Spenser were brilliaj V j,rsinthe Court of Queen Bess in the clubs Queen Anne's oracle— ungainly, snuffy, grease-siamad, but neverthe- less an oracle with words of golden wisdom— with such literary worthies as "Noll" Gold smith, the patient Boswell, the fiery Garrick, and the bright-^yed Ooshua Reynolds when Addison, Steel, and Swift discussed papers, for <! The Tatler in the latter days when Alfred Tennyson, Arthur HaHam, and that reverend jester Brookefield made soaring thought the boon companion of side-snhtting laughter. Intellectual Delight. There are some of the famous where I conversation has reached its highest pitch of ex- cellence, but always in the world, and still, there have been a.nd are little companies of men and women in which this delightful art is on no vulgar plane. What greater pleasure is there than to enter such a circleto listen to the rallying banter of bright wit, to stand by while two well-matched minds fight out a duel on the tilting-grouud of argument with the skill and vigour and with the courteous grace of wsll- trained combatants to follow the thread of dis- course, which leads on to a hundred different subjects, wending maze-like in and out, yet never broken or disconnected'? But conversation is best when only two tongues have the wagging. No enjoyment is there greater among life's few real pleasures than that which two friends may have who. unlocking the little door which leads to the inner chamber of their soul, give one to the other those gifts which have been gathered along life's pathway—wild flowers of thongbt plucked from places beyond the common rea-ih, dead rose-leaves that have the fragrance of past joys, and now and then a few bitter herbs of thoughts garnered in pain and sorrowing. This great pleasure of conversation comes not fcy nature's free gift alone. It must be culti- vated, trained, and practised. As a man may have a world of music in his soul and yet, placed before an instrument is by lack of training unable to give it expression or to produce anything but ugly and discordant sounds, so may ne also have fine thoughts lying deep in the caverns of his mind, like diamonds bedded in a rock, and for lack of training cannot bring them to outward expression, nor present them with any charm of polished speech. Rules for Conversation. What, then, are the rules for this art of con- versation ? Certainly they are not to be laid down like tram-lines so that anyone following them may reach the highest summit of the art. Conversation has a thousand styles like any other art, and it is intimately bound up with temperament, which is of infinite variety. Nevertheless there are certain broad and general rules which may be set down in our text-book. The person who wishes to become a master of the art must first store his mind with much varied knowledge. To talk merely fine phrases with- out solid information behind them (and such a thing is possible and frequent) is to create an in- strument of torture, for all who come Within earshot of that clacking. This knowledge should not be of books only, but of men and things, More valuable even than knowledge is thought —thought developed by meditations, by wrest- lings in secret with some of the problems of life and the soul, by keen and patient observation of the little things as well as the big things of existence, by an inquiring and interested mind upon everyday subjects. It is good to have a memory for anecdotes, lines from the poets and quotations from great writers. A lively anec- dote, a happy quotation, to illustrate a passing topic of conversation lends a brightness and piquancy that is not to be lightly valued. On the other hand, to have a limited stock °'^ anecdotes, a repertory of familiar quots and to trot them out glibly in every company is to label oneself Bore in letters of advertising size. Preserve me from any such It msst never be forgotten that good conversa- tion also means good listening. A one-sided con- versation is an impertinence of the talker and a martyrdom of the listener. It is like a game of tennis with the balls always served from one court and never returned. The man who mono- Polises the conversation is to be put down as a public enemy. On the other hand a man mwjt not be afraid of having his little aay. of holding the stage awhile with a good .set speech. Con- versation which is a mere volleying of one-phrase sentences keeps one's nerves on the jig. The Untying Recipe. Next among the ingredients of good conversa- tion I recommend humour as the best seasoning. It eradiates a conversation like the sun shining upon a town turns all to gold. The best of humour is that good-tempered, happy sort which sees the ludicrous in the commonplace, comicality in inconveniences, and touches every topic with a quaint ridicule. Men and women of this quality are benefactors to their kind. Then must you add to the recipe a bountiful supply of sympathy. In conversation there must be a quick response of sentiment between the speakers. Each must enter into the other's mood, and as a stringed instrument vibrates to the touch of the musician, so should a speaker feel that be has stirred the chords in the hearts of his company. And now for two maxims to round off this monologue. Remember that speech mrst be trained continually if one wonld express one's thoughts felicitously. When Dr. Johnson was asked for the secret of his eloquence he said that he had always made it a rule to utter his ideas in the most careful, clear and appropriate lan- guage he could find. Remember also that to speak well one must live well, for speech is the expression of one's character, and although that is a witty epigram which says" speech is given us:to conœa.lour thoughts," it is not a tne ODe. and a man who would hide his real self must keep silent. I say again, to speak well one most live well, and he who would excel in conversation mast first find charity andsympathy and modesty, which three virtues go far to make ? man a gotd fellow and a gentleman.

A Garden Pest. One of the best ways of destroying woodlice is to pour boiling water over them if one can find out where they congregate. They are fond of hiding under bricks, slates, tiles, pieces of board, &e. Lay some of these about and lift them every morning. They also may be poisoned by boil- ing small pieces of potato in water in which arsenic has been boiled. Phosphorus paste spread on briead and butter has also been recom- mended. Another way is to fold long strips of paper in half lengthwise, and smear one side with treacle and beer, laying them about in the haunts of the woodlice. No insecticide has any effect on them, their skins being so hard. The Rose Maggot. This maggot is very annoying to the Rose grower, boring into the best buds, and destroy- ing many a. cherished hope of fine flowers. There seems to be no possibility of escape from it; every year it makes its appearance, and if not destroyed in the spring as it comes to life scarcely a perfect flower will be obtained, especially early in the season. At the time of pruning, every bit of the prunings, with the pips, if any remain, should be carefully gathered up and burnt. As scon as the shoots begin to push, and the leaves expand, the larvae will make their appearance. They may easily be detected by the web they spin, coiling themselves up in the young leaves. It is here they must be looked for with care and destroyed, going over the trees once a week, crushing them with the fingers for, it allowed to remain, as soon as the buds make their appearance they will spoil them. In confined beds and-over sheltered Rose gardens this insect is much more prevalent and destructive than in the extensive open grounds. The more exposed situations appear to be uncongenial to this and other insects that infest the Rose. Pot Mignonette. Mignonette is always acceptable, but never more so than in the winter and spring months, when it cannot be had out of doors. Only rarely and in dry weather does Mignonette smell so sweet out of doors as it does when well-grown under glass, where the flowers can be kept dry and grossness of growth is checked. To have a good stock for cutting all through the winter and spring months requires some forethought and care, for, though the plants must be kept growing, very little fire-heat checks the develop- ment of the flower spikes and causes them to be- come blind, while it forces new shoots to develop from just under the spikes, only to become blind in their turn. Any attempt to force the plants on is sure to result in failure, but if grown along steadily fine spikes may be had all through the dull season. Growers for market bear the palm for producing good pot Mignonette all through the year round, and only in rare cases do we see anything at all equal to their productions in private gardens. This, no doobt, is partly owing to the unsuitability of the large houses common in private gardens and the mixed collections of plants which have usually to be grown in them. Fancy- trained specimen plants, such as standards or trellis-trained, are of very little use for produc- ing spikes for cutting, the best plants for this purpose being grown three in a 6-in. or one in a 4j-in. pot. Sow the seed directly into the pots in which the plants are to flower, as re-potting; unless done with great care, gives the plants a check from which they never recover. If the proper soil is used, the pots well drained, and watering carried oat, there is no fear of the soil becoming sour or stagnant. The best soil is half loam and a quarter each of well-dried and de- cayed cow-manure and lime-rubble from some old hair plaster if possible. The loam should ba at least six months stacked, free from common worms, which would soon block the drainage, and from wireworms and other grubs. Lime in some form is an absolute necessity, and no kind seems so acceptable to the plants as that from plaster. Two sowings—one made about the third week in July and the other a month later— will be sufficient for winter and early spring flowering. Bouvardias- One of the prettiest flowering plants for green- house and table decoration is the Bouvardia. Those who have old specimens will find on them in the half-ripened wood plenty of material for propagating. Cuttings should be selected a, few inches long,and planted firmly in pans of loam, with which have been mixed leaf-mould and sand, placing the pans in a propagator If it is not convenient to do this then cuttings should be inserted round the edges of a pot, covering it with a bell. glass, letting it have the advantage of the warmest position in the house. Some bottom heat, if at all possible, should be given, as this will aid matters considerably. As soon as the cuttings have struck and growth is proceeding they should be potted off singly, using a similar compost to that just described, keeping the surroundings moist, and so pushing them on until ready again for further shift. until the blooming pots are reached, for which size 6-in. pots will be found ample. When the young plants have reached a height of several inches the leader should be stopped, as this will in- duce side shoots to form, and so result in a bushy habit. Rose Soleil D'or. Those who do not already possess this fine novelty should make a point of doing so. I am much pleased with it, and consider it a great gain, says a writer in" Gardening Illustrated." In the forcing house the variety has been very conspicuous, the goiden-yellow of its medium- sized blossoms having a very cheerful effect during the dull months. In some respects it resembles one of the parents—Persian Yellow. The roundish buds are similar, but the flowers are larger, and. moreover, the reddish tint upon the central petals gives this rose a. most unique appearance. Then, again, the perfumers delightful. The raiser claims for this Rose that it is perpetual. It will make an excellent garden variety, as the growths that produce the flowers are not straggling but quite short and compact, so that every blossom is well displayed. Until we obtain a really good golden-yellow Tea Rose of a hardy nature Soleil d'Or will be in much demand because it is just the colour wanting. There are very many golden-yellow Roses, but only one or two sturdy enough to plant in large quantities for massing. The Orchard. In the fruit gardon the present time is an impor- tant one. A generous supply of food and water is of the utmost importance just now, whilethe trees are making rapid growth. Abundant liquid manure should be frequently given to the roots, or a dressing of complete artificial m anure. rich in nitrogen, should be spread over the sur- face soil above the roots when the weather is showery. If washed in, so much the better, as the roots of fruit trees — especially against walls-go dry when the fact would not be sus- pected. The porous bricks of the walls, per- haps, suck up the moisture. As regards manurial food, it is one of the puzzles of science that fruit trees and plants distinctlv repay supplies of nitrogenous fertility, although the fruit produced shows little nitrogen in its composition upon analysis. Liquid manure should not be applied on dry soil. The soil should first be saturated with pure water, and the liquid manure applied an hour or two later. The Kitchen Garden. In the vegetable garden, successional Peas, Spinach, Lettuce, Radish, and Turnip rooted Beet should now be sown. Early Winter Greens may be planted out as ready. If, perchance, the weather should be dry at the time of sowing-a possible off-chance the ground should be heavily watered and left for an hour or two. Then the plants can be put in but planting shonid never be done on dry soil, or the mois- ture from them will be sucked quickly away, and many may never recover. Early potatoes should be lifted as ripe, and the ground filled with sum- mer crops and winter greens. Tomatoes should be planted out, and the plants kept to one stem by pinching off the superfluous side shoots. This should be done before the shoots attain much length, because all such waste growths are a call on the energies of the plant, and waate^ the strength required for development and fruit- setting.

HINTS TO AMATEURS. Roses must now be closely watched, and prompt steps taken against insect pests. If mildew appears flower of sulphur should be rubbed in. The orange fnngus on roses may be easily recog- nised by patches of orange colour appearing on the leaves. The remedy is to pick off the leaves and instantly spray the plant with a solution of sulphide of potassium, half an ounce being dis- solved in a gallon of water. The finest sprayer on the syringe should be used, so as to throw a film of moisture over the plants. Dahlias should now be planted out. An open, sunny position is almost indispensable for these natives of warm Mexico. In shaded places they suffer, and become the prey of abounding insect foes. Dahlias delight in a very rich soil, deeply worked, and must be upheld by a stake to each plant, which should be fixed firmly in the soil at the time of planting out. A little lime or soot sprinkled atound the roots will warn off slugs from the yoqing dahlias they so much covet. If the weather Is adverse, an inverted flower-pot on the top of the stake will give useful protection. The ricinus (castor oil plant) can also now be planted out in sunny beds or borders, as also solanums, cannas, nicotianas. and other foliage and flowering plants which tenant our British gardens from June to September or October.

SCIENCE AND HEALTH By Dr. ANDREW WILSON, F.R.B.S. About Eucalyptus. The virtues of the eucalyptus or bine gnm tree of Tasmania, a.s it is called, are by no means unknown to the general public. The oil of euca- lyptus, indeed, is itself included within the list of remedies to which the medical man is accustomed to appellol in his treatment of disease. The oil i", obtained from certain glands which are contained in the leaf of the full grown tree. This forms a straw coloured liquid which be- comes dark and thick when exposed to the air. The odour is of an aromatic character, and is extremely familiar The eucalyptus tree has long had the reputation of giving off to the air aromatic substances which have been credited with the power of rendering malarial or swampy districts healthy. In all probability, however, if this power on the part of the tree is to be credited as real, it may be rather said to be due to the action of the roots, which take up mois- ture from the soil and thus tend to absorb swampy areas. There is, however, no doubt that the oil itself possesses antiseptic powers of a, very high order. It would seem to be capable of reducing the temperature of the body, and undoubtedly acts as an antipyretic in cases in which blood poisoning has been arificially induced in animals. There can be no doubt of its easy diffusion through the blood, seeing that the breath will exhibit the odour for some hours after the oil has been administered. The kidney accretion also giyes off this substance. In addi- tion to its germ-destroying capacity, the leaf has been used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis, being made into a kindot tobacco the smoke of which has been inhaled. Otherwise it has also been much used for inhalatiou in various lung troubles, and I need hardly remark 3hat in the treatment of influenza. eucalyptus oil has also of late years played an important part. Some New Virtues, Very recently a new virtue has been claimed for eucalyptus. It would appear that a recently deceased Glasgow gentleman when travelling in New Zealand met a friend who informed him that he had suffered from diabetes, the ordinary treatment for which had little effect npon him. Later on. suffering from cold or inflcenza, a native lady advised him to take some of the fresh leaves of a species of eucalyptus tree, to make an infusion of them, and to take some of this infu- sion twice or thrice daily. Ho acted upon this advice, taking a small teacupful of an infusion ot the leaves night and morning, and according to his statement was cured not merely of his mfluenza, but also of his diabetes. Lately Dr. Fanlds, of Glasgow Royal Infirmary, has been erigaged in testing the alleged value of this remedy in diabetes. My readers will probably know that this ailment consists in the output of sugar from the body, this sugar not having been utilised as food. The disease is ordinarily a. wast- ing one, and unless checked by the administra- tion of proper foods at an early stage of its career, is apt to prove fatal. Dr. Faulds, accord- ing to the statement in the medical journal, took the dried leaves of the eucalyptus, an infusion being made by taking about sixty grains weight of the leaf, adding six ounces of water, and then adding a little saccharin by way of sweetener. The infusion in question was given twice daily. Dr. Faulds applied the remedy in 46 cases of diabetes. In fifteen of these the disease is reported to have totally disappeared, and appa- rently thus effected a complete cure. When eucalyptus oil itself was given no effect upon the disease was apparent. It is added that Dr. Faulds is unable to indicate to what special sub- stance in the infusion the effect in question on the disease was due. Such a discovery certainly warrants fuller investigation, seeing that ordi- nary remedies in diabetes, apart from careful superintendence of food, are of little avail. Brain Weight. In the Journal of Mental Science for last April an interesting case is published which forms a very interesting example in support of the argu- ment that brain weight taken by itself is a cri- terion of little or no value in determining the mental capacity of the individual, boraojtime ago in thie column I showed that the groat mass of oar brain is composed not of brain cells, but of what anatomists call white matter. This white matter itself consists of nerve fibres, and is de. voted to the carrying of messages to and from the the brain cells. Of itself it can initiate no messages whatever. Furthermore only a very small portion of the brain cells can be connected withtheactof ruling and governing our lives. In other words only a very limited number of these cells comparatively speaking is charged with what may be called intellectual functions. These facts alone should suffice to put the question of brain weight in reference to intellectual ability out of court altogether. The average weight of the male brain is about forty-eight ounces, but brains of perfectly healthy character are known to exist both above and below this standard. The case to which I allude was that of a man who was an accountant, and is described as havin been a sober, hard-working man, successful in bnsiness. Until the age of 22 he had apparently been per- fectly healthy. Then he was seized with epileptic fits. At the age of 25 he was assaulted, and as a, consequence of the injuries received remained in an unconscious state for three days. The fits from which he had previously suffered tecame more frequent and severe after his in- juries. He then became affected with delusions, and had to be confined in an asylum. From this institution he was discharged as cored, bat a recurrence of his symptoms occurred, and he was re-admitted. His epileptic attacks con- tinued and ultimately he died last year. The interesting feature of this case, in so far as the question of brain weight is concerned, was the great size of the brain, which weighed sixty-nine ounces. I believe on one occasion a negro's brain attained this weight, the nearest brain of normal char- acter to this case being that ofCuvier, the French naturalist, whose brain is recorded as having weighed 64ounces. This case affords a striking example of the argument that in so far as the brain weight is concerned it bears no relation whatever to the intellectual status of the in- dividual. The subject whose case is thus de- scribed was undoubtedly an eminently success- ful business man, but who exhibited, apparently, no Qualities approaching to genius, and there- fore we may be well advised if in all dis- cussions regarding the biain the element of size be left out together. Sun Spots and Voleanic Phenomena. It has long been known to astronomers, as well as to all in a casual way having any acquain- tance with the science of the planets that the sun exhibits large cavities or hollows in the photo- sphere or bright part of the great orb of day. These spots are perpetually changing, and are often of tremendous size. Prob- ably depending upon the changes in the glowing gaseous mass of the sun, they have afforded to astronomers valuable indi- cations regarding the sun's rotation. Some of them are said to cover millions of square miles, and will remain visible for months. Others are much smaller, and may last a. very short time. Great variations exist in the number of spots which are visible at any given period, and as- tronomers tell us that there is what they call a minimum period when no spots can be sfeen for weeks at a time, and the maximum period when more spots are visible than at other times. It is stated that the interval between two of these minimum periods or two maximum afforded a subject of considerable interest from other points of view. It has, for example, been debated whether or not the oc- currence of these spots indicates temporary changes in the sun's constitution, capable of exercising a distinct effect upon earth in respect of the heat and light which the earth re- ceives. If this view be in any sense capable of being justified, we can see that human pros- perity in respect of the ripening of crops and other matters may be regarded as being con- siderably influencedhy the variations in the sun's behaviour. In connection with the regent dis- turbances 'in the West Indies, Sir Ttforman Locbyer has stated that such features are liable to ocsur at the minimum and/maximum periods of the sun's apots. I do not pow that the con- nection between the solar anj terrestrial events has been clearly traced out. Probably the scien- tific aspect of the matter is the mere observation of some degree of relationship between the two events. Be that as it may. it affords food for reflection to think that there may be a possi. bility of the centre of the solar system exer- cising some (Jfcfinite effect upon the central fires" which a441 remain in our earth's interior giving us a spurge of energy which proves in its liberation motrisastIjus to man. >Erateei;Wattfrs and Digestion- A reader of this cojumn has raised an interest- ing question fin communication I lately re- ceived, in whtch be inquires whether anything definite is knnl oegarding the effect of grated waters on ditipf1. He remarks that the sub- ject may be of me degree of social interest from the fact that abstainers from alcohol are accustomed n consume at meals large quantities of such substances. Fortuna.tely, in the ex. periments of the late Sir William Roberts, M.D., on digestion we have certain details which afford an answer |o question my correspondent pntif. It was fottticHthat a pure serated water—that4s one simply charged with carbonic acid gas—bid a distinct effect npon digestion in so far 'Bs it is carried out lb the mouth. In the month, as my readers juay know the saliva is charged wlth-Ahe duty of converting the starch of the food into sugar. £ the digestive mixture m the month containis 50 per cent, of the pore carbonated water its action was completely arrested., and even 10 per cent. of such water aelaved the action of saliva on starch for a very considerable time. It was found, however, that when such waters contained soda or potash their effect on digestion in the month was completely removedso that v in so far as digestion of starch in the mouth it concerned, no objection seemsto hold against the use of such waters; and it is also added that when added to wines or any other form of alcohol they may limit the action of these latter fluids upon the digestive act. With regard to digestion in the mouth, it was found that simple carbonated water rather hastened digestion than retarded it. The other waters containing soda. or potash were found to have what Sir William Roberts calls a very slow and insignificant effect in de- laying digestion in the stomach. He says it may be inferred from these observations that the stimulating wines are less hindering to diges- tion than the still wines, and when used in moder- ate proportions they act as stimulants to the se- cretion of gastric juice in the stomach,ana u.1 may accelerate the speed of the chemical pro- cesses which take place in the digestive organs. The effect of aerated waters is thus seen to be very distinctly opposed to the action of such fluids at tea and coffee .which retard digestion very ap- preciably.

Welsh Tit-Bits. Neu Wreichion oddiar yrEingiGnc By CADRAW9. Wales Honoured. I think Wales is perfectly satisfied with the Coronation honours bestowed by his Majesty the King on her most dntiful sons, and could he but add to the number of those entitled to the new Order of Merit," I would suggest the name of Ivor Hael o Dredegar to be No. 13, jost as Monmouthshire has always been called MM thirteenth county of Wales. To Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P. Henffych Gymro, henffych frawd, Ffafryn Duw, a. dyu, a ffawd; Boed i chwi wisgo'r arwydd hwn. o barch ein Teyrn am waith mor grWIIt A byw yn hir i weled ftrwyth Eich aberth dros eich deuddeg llwyth, Syr Alfred, Cymru, a Chaerdydd, A Gwyr y Bont" yn benaf fydd. Ceronation Festivities. Coronation festivities at Llangynwyd Middle were carried ont entirely as arranged before the news came of his Majesty's illness. The village was profusely decorated with flags, bunting, and suitable mottoes. Amongst others were the mottoes of Cadair Tirlarll, "Cótlon wrth galon" (heart with heart); &nd of Cadair Morganwgt "Duw a phob daioni" (God and all good"), which wera most appropriate to the occasion. Many banners were inscribed with the words which are on the lips and hearts of the wholc Empire these last few days, and they are th. earnest desire and prayer of all—" God bless tOt King and Queen," God save the King," &c. The National School children met together at Pontrhydycnff at noon, and went through th< ceremony of crowning a king and queen chosen from among themselves. As the children ha3 provided imitation coronets and robes for tht purpose, the picture was a very pretty one. The. children, marshalled by their teachers, marched up the hill to the parish church. As the weather was everything that could be desired, the scent was picturesque in the extreme. A short service with an address and intercessory prayers was held, with the singing of appropriate hymns and the National Anthem. The Parish Council presenteileooh child with a medal, and Mr 9, H. Thomas, of the LynvJ. Valley Colliery, provided tea and sweats for all. In the evening sports suitable for children weri, held on Tyn-y-wain field. A display of firework, concluded a most pleasant and enjoyable holiday- one that will be long remembered by the tinmdreob of cbidren present. The Royal Dynasty. A correspondent wishes to knowbowthe Welsl blood is continued in the yeins of onr present Sovereign, since Elisabeth, Queen of England, the last of the Tcdors, having died childless, ana with her death that dynasty in consequence be. came extinct. The answer is as follows :-aret, the daughter of Elizabeth's grandfather, Henry VII— having married into the Royal Family of t- Stuarts of Scotland, gave claim to James VI. of, that coantry to succeed Elizabeth, as King ot England and Scotland, thence called Great Britain, by the title of James 1. When Queen Anne, the last of the Stuart race, died childless, the succession reverted to the Hanoverian family of the Hoose of Brunswick, in the person of George, who was, in the female line, descended from a daughter of King James I. Thus th. succession regularly follows to our present Kint Edward VII. The Seven Wonders of Wales. There are more than one version to the ver; old and familiar saying, "The Seven Wonders ot WaJes." In the" Gossiping Guide to Wa,les, ,( we have them enumerated as follows:—" Wrex. ham Steeple," Llangollen Bridge," "St. WiD" fred's W(ell." "Overton Churchyard," "Gres- ford Bells," "Pistyll Rhayadr," and Snowdon Mountain." The tower of the Church at Wrexham is very richly ornamented on three sides with rows ot saints placed iu rich Gothic niches. This tower was completed in the year 1457, and stands 1311 feet high. The Llangollen Bridge was founded by 9 Bishop of St. Asaph, John Trevor, who after. wards became one of the principal officers undetf Owen Glyndwr. He died in the yeajj 11357. Being included amongst the sevet. wonder* of Wales, this old bridge is als( called one of the three beauties o'^ the Principality. "It is, says Pennant, "more remarkable for its situation than structure view through the arches, which are five in num. her, either way, is extremely picturesque. 4 Winefred's Well.—This is considered wonderful from the quantity of wa.ter thrown ont, which it estimated at 84 hogsheads every minnte. It hac never been known to freeze, and scarcely evef varies in quantity, in either great drought or after long and continuous rain. The well is covered by a Gothic structure, said to be erected by Margaret, the mother of Henry VII., Harrl Tudnr, o Benmynydd Mon." The Roman Catholics still believe that the waters from thi. well of St. Winefred's, a famed fountain for: healing all kinds of diseases, have lost none of their virtues to this day. Overton Churchyard is reckoned on* of t. wonders of Wales on aceount of its handsome yew trees. Overton is a curacy in the parish Bangor, diocese of Chester. These old yews aif numerous and of extraordinary growth, Gresford Bells.—A l of twelve, the iMgeaf peal and finest in the Principality. Pistyll Rhayadr.—The largest waterfall if Wales. The fall is 210 feet. This celer, brated cataract terminates the precipitous eaf of a very narrow vallpy, and as it were divides t bold front of the BerWyn Mountains. Snowdon, the highest mountain, being 3,57/ feet in height. Father of hills! I greet thy friendly face, The last, best shelter of thy country's race. Sad die- back Towers. There are many of the charches of Gl&moxgftK the building of which dates from the 13th or 14tt centuries, with towers known to architects the saddle-back, a design not uncommon in othcU counties of the same period. In the middlf stage oftbese towers there are loop holes futnil** to thosaieen in medieval castles, for the aenvioc of cross-bows, whence it has been conjectured that the church was intended to be used as a plaot of refuge for the inhabitants, as much as a of worship, in caae of attaek, and that the towerf had been fitted up defenaively. This idea ap. pease to be a little far-fetched. Why should th inhabitants of a neighbourhood fly to the chorea wn there was close at hand a fortified manor, ha6 which would afford them much greater swurity Besides, how: poor a place oi rffuge the tower of a church would supposing the body of the same fell f he hands of the enemy < Fire wonki soon put an end to the defenders. In fact, tht r theory and the tower are alike untenable, aIlt. the one and the other would have fallen at the first attack. The loop-holes in the tower wen more likely pat in far no reason than a frrjak of the builder.

.J, One On Robson.—Thar Chicago Journal teUs this story :—" Robsen,do you know why yor are like a donkey 7" Like a donkey ?" echoer Robson, opening his eyes wide" I don't.* .BeMuse your better half is stubbornness itslf." The jest pleased Robson immenaeley, for he a/ once saw the opportunity for a glorious digS; his wife. So, when he got home he said Mir Robson, do yon know why I am like a donkey ? He waited a moment expecting his wife to giv? it up. But~she didn't. She looked at him some hat pityingly, as she anawqnd; "Ifrappo* it's because you were born so.