The Cardiff Times

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WORKMEN'S TOPICS. I By MABON, M.P. I CONDI riONS OF LABOUR AND WAGES IN THE NORTH OF SPAIN The total number of persons employed in the toining districts of Spain in the year 1895 was feepectivelyMen, 8,734; women, 62; boys. 208; total, 9,005. And we were very glad to find that this once proud race has not yet lost its self-respect, and especially its respect for its women. The employment of women in I and about mines is being discouraged very much, and consequently the number employed is becoming less every year. The outpnt over the whole district was Approximately 4,650,000 tons, thus giving as the annual output of each person employed 5164 tons. Evidently this is below the average per taan actually working at the mines. The hours worked are allotted to three periods Of the year, and are by the workmen themselves Calculated to be an average of nine hours working day throughout the year. In November, December, January, and February the specified hours are from 6.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., with Subsof two hours—half an hour for breakfast, an bonr midday, and half an hour for tea. In March and April, September and October, they Work from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with rests of two hours, divided as before. But during the Bummer months in some mines they work from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.. and in others from 5 a.m. to fa p.m., with tbree hours rest; two hours off being taken midday. This calculation shows that they work more than an average day of nine hours throughout the year. But the answer, and a very Statural one, is that in the winter quarter actual work cannot commence before 7 a.m., and even some days later than that, and so in the evening they have more than half their time to leave off before 5.30. We were informed that the cost of raising and I loading the ore has not varied much since the fear 1882; if anything, that of labour is slightly few, when reckoned in English money, owing to I e increase in the rate of exchange, and on the Aber band, all material ordered from abroad 108ft a linle more. Mr Thomson, the manager of the Camargo Sroup of Mines in the province of Santander, Mid worked by Messrs Wm. Baird and Company for many years past, informed us that the wages, or the average of wages, in the mines in this province would not be more than 2" a day. Be this as it may, there can be little doubt that labour, generally speaking, is cheap-far too Sheap—in the North of Spain. Still, one cannot but come to the conclusion that in the compara- tive value of the remuneration received and the labour given for it with that Ilm Great Britain, there is not a great variance after all. That the skilled drilling miners we saw, and the work generally done b, them is underpaid is far beyond a doubt. But, On the other hand, the work done by them is being done in Great Britain by the aid of drilling tnaobines, considering the vast amount of time as Veil as labour saved, at a cheaper rate than it is done by them. Moreover, the drawling, dragging, bardly moving sort of a fashion the common Uboont does his work in would not be tolerated here for a day. Tbe rake and banket, carried on the back or in the arms, would be very soon anperseded by the rake, a curling-box, and a wheelbarrow and more than double, if not treble* the amount of labour would be demanded. This is obvious and evident to me in the different speed by which the long-day men and the task men even do their work in the mines around Bilbao. On inquiry we found that the specified working hours are modified greatly by the almost universal custom of task work at Present prevailing in the distriot; so many Waggons of ore and rubbish being allotted to each gang as a day's work. On the completion of these the men as a rule go home. Hence it so happens that the tasks in the quarries are finished by 4 o'olock in the afternoon, notwithstanding that these men, like all others, take their hour or two hours, as the case may be, of rest midday. At other times, if the demand for labour is brisk, a supplemental task is often given and paid for Ie overtime. Another example of the value of the labour given for the remuneration received we got one day as we went up the line between Portugelete ted Bilbao. A number of men were loading a truok of steel bars, and my attention was called [to the fact by one of the company, who, by the way, was an employer of labour in that line himself. I Was asked if I knew what per day those men Meeived for that kind of work. and on being told that it was two pesetas, was asked also what I thought of it. And on looking around and reflecting upon what was evident to everybody at the time, I said that It Was not a bad pay considering." And on being asked for an explanation of such an extraordinary answer, I asked the gentleman in turn to reckon the number of men that handled each bar. In doing so he found out the joke, for there were no lsft than eight full-grown men handling each bar, with two lookers-on waving and ordering as well, I then asked the friend how many men he ftpposed would be put to fill these bars at home, and when he answered two—one at each end of the bar-he was asked to kindly divide the 20 pesetas between the two men at home, and it became pretty clear even to him that their pay Would not be a bad one. Feast days, we were told, were numerous, and that with these and bad weather the number of effective working days in the year may be taken 285 only. Labour troubles, though rare, are not un- known as a number of Socialist advocates, and are occasionally found stirring up the men to a SOUE of dnty to themselves and families. But tbeae men were chiefly spoken of as agitators, Who sought to sow discord between employers And workmen. Of course we know such as these to be called by similar names in other countries. With regard to the sanitary condition of the ■mining district some improvement is alleged to have been effected in recent years. But if those IIIowexisting were judged by modern standards, the lodging, clothing, nutrition, and hygienic Surroundings, these would fall very far short of What they should be yet compared with other Provinces of Spain their Job is not unenviable. The district is not without evidence that an attempt baa been made to improve these con- ditions. Sets of workmen's cottages were to be found here and there where single families ÐOuld live alone. But this kind of a home, Seemingly, did not recommend itself to the Spanilh miners, and the old modes and customs of heaping one upon the other and of huddling together in the dirtiest, filthiest unfurnished flat aylbein being preferred by them. The single tenement cottages became disused and allowed to fall to almost as dilapidated a condition as the older dwellings. Notwithstanding this state of things, the districts around Bilbao are not Without sums good point*. Thanks to Mr Brown, the railway manager at Portugalete, we found out that in the mountains and for the miners and their families there have been established a most aot3Plete and efficient hospital system that has a beneficent influence, not only in the case of sick. 81- and the treatment of the numerous cases of dent. but also in watching against spread of zymotic diseases, so that StOan-Pox and typhoid fever are said 60 have disappeared. This association is IQPporbed jointly by the employers and their "o*kmen. The former pay a tonnage rate upon iron ore raised, and in return deduct 2 per J^t.fjom the men, wbioh partially recouped them "or their contribution. In return for this 2 per the men were entitled to— Medioal and surgical attendance, with &A"dlOine and food, as an indoor patient at either Of three hospitals, in case of sickness or injury. • Medical advice, attendance, and medicine himself and family at his home in case of It is also said that there is some compensation to the workman himself for loss of sight or limb, and to his widow in case of death from injury. This, we are afraid, is not much owing to scarcity of fands. l, however small as the sum received may be, an excellent principle is thereby acknowledged, and one that may be improved with the better condition and education of the people themselves. Elementary education is amply provided by local authorities, but not being compulsory they have great difficulty in these mining distriots to keep children at school because of the wages they earn. For here we were assured, notwith- standing our protesting against its being low, that the boys earned almost more than adults in other provinces. Such is the way of the world Female labour, thank goodness, is not as prevalent as it was some 10 or 15 years ago. Mining accidents are not so frequent as might be supposed. Those that occur are principally oaused by waggons running over persons or by falls of rock; very few by explosions, which is very remarkable, seeing the careless way in which the dynamite and caps are handled. We were also informed that a code of new regulations for the mines has been in preparation for the past two years, but has not yet appeared, and it was admitted that they were sadly needed. -¡-

PAST EVEN IS OUR ISLAND RECALLED. OCTOBER 5TH. 1714-(George 1.)-Charles, Lord Halifax, Sir Richard Onslow, Sir Wm. St. Quintin, Paul Methuen, and Edward Wortley Montague were appointed Lords Commis- sioners of the Treasury. The Duke of Argyle was made Governor of Port Mahon and the Island of Minorca. 1761-(George III.)-William Pitt having resigned, a pension was given him and bis wife was created Baroness Chatham. 1782-(George IIL)-The Ville de Paris, with others of Rodney's prizes, and some of his own fleet, were lost in a violent gale. 1804—(George III.)—Some Spanish frigates, with their cargoes of treasures, were captured. 1805-(George 111.)-Lord Cornwallis. Governor. General of India, died. OCTOBER 6TH. 1711-(Anne)-Preliminaries of the Peace of Utrecht, signed in 1713, were settled at London. 1715-(George I. )-Mr Forster, who was ap. pointed General for the Pretender, assembled a foroe at Greenrig, Northum- berland, whereupon the Government detached troops to secure Newcastle. 1716-(George I.)—Several of the masters of the London Charity Schools were removed from their employments on suspioion of their being disaffected to the Government. 1720—(George L)-The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury went to the Bank of England and subscribed, in the King's name and on his behalf, the sum of P,100,000 towards supporting the public credit. 1798—(George III.)—Following the Battle of the Nile, which was fought on August 1st, Nelson was created a Peer. 1806-(George IIL) The Fourth Coalition against France was formed by England, Prussia, Russia, and Saxony. OCTOBER 7ia. 1715-(George I.) —Sir Wm. Wyndham was committed to the Tower. InS- (George 1.)-The Marquis de Montelone, the Spanish Ambassador, on his recall had a farewell audience of the King. 1727—(George IL )—JamesReynolds wasappointed Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in Ireland, and Michael Ward a Justice of the King's Bench in that kingdom. 1769—(George Ul.)-Riote in Spitalfields. 1793-(George III.)—The English Embassy. headed by Lord Macartney, was dismissed from China. 1813—(George III.)—The passage of the river Bidassoa, Spain, was forced by Wellington, when Soult was defeated, and the entrance into France effected. OCTOBER 8TH. 1702—(Anne)—Commodore Benbow, who was wounded when his attack on the French Fleet in the West Indies failed through the cowardice of his captains on August 19th, died, 1714—(George L)-The Earl of Dorset was made Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle, in place of the Duke of Ormond. 1731—(George II.)—Dr. Francis Hare, Bishop of St. Asaph, was translated to the See of Chichester. Dr. Tanner was nominated Bishop of St. Asaph. 1774—(George III,)—John Wilkes was elected Lord Mayor of London. 1782-(George III.)—The Independence of the United States was acknowledged by a treaty concluded at the Hague—the provisional Treaty of Independence was not signed by England till November 30th. 1796—(George III.)—Spain deolared war against England. 1813—(George m.)—The British Army, under Lord Wellington, entered France by the Pyrenees. OCTOBER 9TH. 1711—(Anne)—An expedition to Canada, under Sir Hovenden Walker and Brigadier Hill, shattered by a- storm, returned to Ports- mouth. 1722—(George L)-A new Parliament met and elected Spencer Compton Speaker. 1727—(George M)-]Kdward Walpole, second son of Sir Robert Walpole, was made Master of the Exchequer Office in Lincoln's Inn. 1734—(George II.)—Seven hundred soldiers were sent from Gibraltar to Jamaica to defend the English plantations against the run. away negroes in the mountains there. 1738—(George II.) A French company of comedians, attempting to act at the Haymarket Theatre, London, a play called L'Embarras des Richesses," were driven off the stage by the audience. 1779—(George III.)—Riots in Manchester to destroy the machinery used in spinning cotton. 1810-(George III.)—Lord Wellington occupied the lines of Torres Vedras. OCTOBER 10TH. 1714—(George I.)—The Lords-Lieutenant and Deputy-Lieutenants were altered almost all over England. 1715—(George I.)-Three regiments of dragoons were sent towards Northumberland. Mr Forster, for the Pretender, marched to Morpeth, where he was joined by 70 Scotch gentlemen from the borders. 1722 -(George I.)—The King, having made a speech to the Houses acquainting them with a conspiracy in favour of the Pre- tender, and the measures taken for the defence of the Government, withdrew, when the Duke of Grafton proposed the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act for a year, which motion was carried after warm debates. 1723-(George L)-William, Eiirl Cowper, who had been twice Lord Chancellor of England, died. 1812—(George III.)—The new Drury-lane Theatre was opened. OCTOBER 11TH. 1715—(George .I.)-A Proclamation was issued offering a reward of 2100 for the apprehen- sion of Jarne8 Painter and others, of St. Colombo, Cornwall, who had proclaimed the Pretender. 1727~(George 11.)-The King and Queen Caroline were crowned in Westminster Abbey, with great splendour. 1775-(Georg- III.)—The merchants of London and Bristol petitioned for the termination of the struggle with the American Colonies. 1776—(George III.)—The American Squadron on Lrke Cham plain was defeated. 1797—(George III.)—Battle of Camperdown, Holland. The Dutch fleet, under De Winter, was severely defeated by the Bntish, uuder Admiral Duncau. For this victory Duncan was raised to the Peerage by the title of Lord Duncan of Camper- down. 1812-(George Ill.)- W ar wardeclared against the United States.

I RFALLYP I II How long have you been _w. uear f' t Why, ever sinoe my husband died I"

WELSH GLEANINGS. The Welsh University Court will meet at Bangor on October 16th, and as it will be the first visit of the Court to Bangor the Mayor and Corporation are arranging to give it a suitable reception. The Guild of Graduates will meet on the following morning, when papers will be read by, among others, Mr T. E. Ellis, M.P. Mr Rhys Williams (barrister) waxed eloquent at the Pontypridd Licensing Sessions over the application for the removal of a licence from Llantrisant to Gilfach Gocb. "The other side," he said, built with their eyes wide open, but we With yoar eyes shut wickedly chimed in Mr S. T. Evans (who appeared for the other side) sotto voce. The Welsh University as yet has no endow- ments to provide for post-graduate work, with the solitary exception of a Gilchrist travelling studentship. This is a matter which deserves the earnest consideration of the benefactors of Welsh education. Those who have money to give for any Welsh educational object would confer a very real benefit upon the University, and would be assisting the highest kind of educational work, by founding one or two scholarships or fellowships for post-graduate stndy. The following translation of Cowper's famous lines to the miser, starting with the words. Man wants but little here below," is the work of the celebrated Dafydd Datis, of Castell Hywel :— Dyn nis gofyn ond yohydig, na'r ychydig hyny'n hir Yn eubeddau caiff cybyddion, en digonedd bawb o dir Tir a gol a'r gakra, a'r ddau lygad lan Nes bo'r geg yn gwaeddi" Digon," gair na chlyw'd erioed o'r blaen. The new session of the University College of North Wales will open with an inaugural address, to be delivered on Wednesday evening next by Professor W. Ramsay, Ph.D., F.R.S., who occu- pies the chair of chemistry at University College, London. Professor Ramsay's subject, II Educa. tion in Science in Britain and Germany," is one on which he is specially qualified to speak by long residence in Germany and intimate acquaintance with the leading scientific men of that country. What can't the Joneses do ? One of the family, and perhaps the most prominent member in the oricket world just now, seems to do pretty much what be likeB with the folks across the herrin' pond. In their second engagement with the Australians the U.S. team was disposed of for the startling total of 28, while their opponents scored 67 without the loss of a single wicket. The feature of the match was the unplayable bowling of Ernest Jones, who dismissed dumbfounded and in quick succession no fewer than eight batsmen for the cost of only six runs. Campus, Jones Sir Joseph Russell Bailey, Bart., the Lord- Lieutenant of Breoonshire, is one of the busiest men in that county, and his whole time appears to be devoted to public affairs. Sir Joseph is not only the chairman of the Quarter Sessions, but occupies also a like position on the Crickhowell Board of Guardians (28 years), Crickhowell District Council, and Llangattock Parish Council. He is a County Councillor, a District Councillor, and Parish Councillor; and is chairman of four and member of seven committees of the County Council. Mr David Shepherd, the man at the helm of the temperance movement in Cardiff, made an amusing slip at the Cory Hall on Saturday night. He was announcing a coming lecture, and added, The subject will be The Devil in White,' and I am sure you will all be glad to see him The idea of a Cory Hall congregation hob-nobbing on friendly terms withhisjdusky majesty was too much for the meeting, and the audience was convulsed with laughter, white the speaker scarcely im- proved matters by his hurried explanation that it was the leoturer they would welcome and not the subjeot. Two white-haired and somewhat representative gentlemen engaged in a tilt at the Merthyr Assessment Committee, on Saturday. Both laboured under a disadvantage. Mr Graham, for instance, was not the chairman, and tbe chair- man, by reason of his blindness, did not realise the influenoe of the telling smile which he bad to cope against. But even Mr Proaser's witness < would not allow that Tredegar was a decaying place, although Mr Rhys declared emphatically —and continued to do so until the end of the chapter—that Trebarris must certainly not be compared with the Monmouthshire town for purposes of rating value. Newport Nonconformity is not on the decline. F. J. a correspondent in the British Weekly who made the assertion, is supplied with a tew faots to the contrary by An Offioer of the Tabernacle Church," who writes :—" Noncon- formity in Newport was never so alive as it is to-day. Many new churches have been erected, and others enlarged since the visit of F. J. F.' The New Tabernacle (Congregational Church) was opened two years ago with sitting accommo- dation for 250 more than tbe old one—upwards of £ 2,000 has been paid towards the debt incurred— the officers have been obliged to refuse sittings. The evening congregation is the largest in the town, and tbe morning congregation is increasing. If such facts spell decline, then F. J. F. must have a curiously constructed imagination." Dr. Herber Evans is the subject rf a pleasantly. written and weil-illiisbrated character sketch by Mr D. Paton in the current number of the Sunday Magazine. The interviewer appears to have done more of the talking than his subject, bat" Berber" said one or two interesting things. He expressed the belief that the Welsh pulpit is not now, as it used to do, getting the best that Wales can give. Men of power go into other spheres, in which the pay is better, and they have almost equal opportunities of doing good. Few Welsh Congregational Churches give a stipend of more than £200, and not many give so muoh. The men of to-day may have greater culture and a finer literary style, but he questions whether they have as much power and earnestness. Among Herber*s" pet schemes are the dissolution of the sectarian spirit and the federation of the Welsh Theological Colleges. "Your correspondent," writes a Carmarthen- shire Welshman, who stated in this column on Wednesday that tbe words 'Rliyddid gwerin ffyniant prominent at the inauguration of the Llandovery Intermediate School, was the motto of that ancient town, fell into an error which cannot but be misleading to many of your readers. The words are the motto, not of the town of Llandovery, but of the Oarmarthenshire County Council, and, as suoh, naturally find, a prominent place in functions connected with the establishing of intermediate and technical sohools under the control of that body. When this County Counoil met to consider the seal and motto which they should adopt, a number of mottoes were submitted by various members for the consideration of the Council, and Rhyddid gwerin ffyniant gwlad,' meaning A free people, a prosperous country,' but literally translated is The freedom of the people, tbe prosperity of the country,' was adopted. Mr Gwilym Evans, of Llanelly, is accredited with being tbe author of this motto at least, it was he who submitted it to the consideration of the Council," Some time ago there appeared in this column a curiosity in Welsh hymnology, consisting of a strikingly tender hymn which had been composed in alternate lines by the Revs. O. R, Owen, Glandwr, and Elveb Lewis. Now we have another, and in some sense still more remarkable instance of the same kind, in which throe well- known ministers collaborated, these being the Revs. Ben Davies, Panteg, Rhys J. Huws, Bethel, and W. Oscar Owen, Bndgend. Return- ing from preaching services at Llaniestyu they whiled away the time by bardic converse, and finally the chaired Ben challenged his friends by a metrical line, the result being the com- position of the following, to which eaeh of the three contributed in turn :— Mae fcaith yr anialwch yn flin Ond geilir ei rhodio drwy ras, ■kr trymed' er garwed yr hin Eneidiau y saint wneir yn fras. Cawn gyrhaedd i Ganaanoyuihir Mae'r grawnwin iw cael ar y daith, o dan yabrydoliaeth y gwir A llwyr ymgyflwyniad gwaith.

Our Country Column. Cabbages and Broccoli, Among the cabbage family, early and late broccoli, Brussel sprouts and early cabbages pay fairly well. Broccoli needs a firm deep soil of good staple, and the plants want plenty of room, at least 30 inches apart every way. From the seed bed to the final stations they need to be kept as sturdy as possible, and in no case should they become drawn and weak. Local sorts which have been proved to thrive well in the immediate locality should be selected, and care shonld be taken that they be raised from seed which is true to name. Broccoli should only be grown where there is a fairly large piece of garden land, as they do not answer when in confined spaces, as they become soft and succulent. Brussel sprouts pay well on fairly large pieces of ground, and the longer the season of growth the better will they be in regard to cropping capabilities. Imported seed is best for all general purposes, the sorts with fancy names being no better for sale. Spring cabbages are sown in August, and the plants pull out rather thickly when large enough, so that half of them may be pulled out should all survive the winter. Those which are left should come in about Lady Day, being worth about eighteen- pence a dozen, or more, acoording to what the previous winter has been. The best sort to select is that which is proved to do well in the neighbourhood. Early York and other quick. growing small kinds make good catch crops with which to fill unoccupied spaces, and if unsaleable can easily be given to the pigs. Treatment of Sow. A knowledge of the management of pigs is essential to success, but it is soon gained, for so many persons in all classes of life are acquainted with the habits of the gintleman that doesn't Eay the rint." A sow farrows almost to a day, we ad almost said an hour. Tbe first indication is the swelling of the udder, next the animal will be fonnd carrying mouthfuls of litter to a chosen spot, and making her bed. She should then be watched, and, unless her habits are known, a low rail should be fixed eight or nine inches from the wall, and at a height of nine inches, in order to prevent the young pigs being laid upon. Some sows resent interference, others allow their young to be removed into a basket as they are born, and kept warm until she is littered afresh, fed, and ready to receive and suckle them, for the little chaps are quite at home in the world after a few minutes' introduction. Young pigs never require too large a quantity of straw in their beds, and this should be wheat or oat straw, certainly not barley straw. The bed should be on a dry floor, preferably a wooden bench over brick or concrete; but brick or earth floors over a chalk foundation will do very well if the brick is grouted in cement, and either are kept thoroughly clean. A sow should never be allowed to get poor in condition before farrowing, as the pigs suffer in size and constitution. Without being fat, her condition should be good, and this may be retained in well- bred stock by very small rations. Grazing and a few hanifuls of beans or oats daily in summer, or a few swedes or mangolds, with housewash daily, and three pecks of middlings, randan, or fine sharps to last a week, in winter. General Purpose Fowls. Plymouth Rooks (three colours) came to us from America, and are large, heavy bodied, hardy fowls have barred plumage, i.e., each feather is marked by transverse bars fair table fowls, good winter layers, close sitters, and good mothers. Wyandottes (three colours), also of American production good size of body, moderate in flesh development, hardy splendid winter layers (gold laoed best in this respect), good sitters and mothers. Brahmas (two colours), feather legged, and thus handicapped fair on table and as layers the light Brahma best for practical purposes, but not nearly as good as formerly. Langshans, large, with rather long legs and upright carriage good vhble fowls (best of this section); excellent winter layers, eggs deeply tinted and rioh in flavour; good sitters and mothers a little slow in growth and feathering. Orpingtons (two kinds) produced by an amalgam of Langshans, Plymouth Rocks, and Minoroas sometimes called clean-legged Langshans, and very similar, but shorter on the leg. For choice we should select Wyandottes as the best winter layers, Langshans and Orping. tons coming next. Excellent orosses are made between Langshans and Wyandottes with Leg- horns and Mmorcas: also Leghorns and Plymouth Rocks make a good cross, giving big fowls, with well-developed laying qualities. Rabbit Hulohes. All hutohes and buildings in which rabbits are oonfined should be furnished with racks to hold their hay and green food, to prevent them tread- ing on it and soiling it. They are easily made of 1%-inch wire netting. If the mesh is larger the young rabbits get through; if smaller, they cannot easily draw out the food. The best sort of trough is the common earthenware saucer used for flower-pots. They are easily cleaned, and the rabbits cannot gnaw them. At least a dozen rabbits can feed oomfortably round two of them. The cheapest way to obtain wood to make hutches is to buy old boxes and knock them to pieces. Match boarding, which can be bought ready planed at about 10s the hundred square feet, is draught- proof, and can easily be made watertight with putty and paint, for the Boors. There is not much difference between the price of the fixed hutoh and the movable hutoh. One roof will cover three fixed hutches, but they each require a good wooden floor, while the wire floors of the movable hutch only oost 4d each.. If the fixed hutches have backs, the floors can project a oouple of inches, through slits in the backs l-inch wide, and a long wooden box with dry earth in it can stand under them, and then the zinc trays are not necessary. If the boxes are furnished with wheels they can easily be dragged away, and the manure can be buried in the garden. Hutohes can be painted with black varnish at a cost of about one half-penny each, and the iron roofs should be white-washed or painted white, or on very hot days the beat will occasionally kill a rabbit. Damsons. Damsons are grown extensively in most fruit- growing districts, and as the trees are generally good bearers, and of a robust nature, it seems probable that tbe production of this fruit will continue to a greater extent. Again, the demand for damsons is very large, in many years, beyond the supply. Not only are damsons used for eating raw, for culinary, preserving, bottling and confec- tionary purposes, but large quantities are sold for dyeing and oolouring some even state the fruit is employed in the manufacture of port wine. The damson will thrive on land of a poorer quahty than the plum; for this reason many fruit growers, when makinga plantatio planll damsons instead of plums as a top crop, with fruit bushes under them. Owing to their hardness and their power of resisting the bad effects of cold and expo- sure. the trees are frequently placed on the outside of plantations and orchards as a protection to fruit of a more tender nature. The damson does not often grow to a large size, and on this account it is useiu! for filling up, and is especially valuable for small holders, cottagers, and allotment holders, as well as for putting in vacant place and corners. Hedges made of damsons are some- times met with. The damson requires but little attention, except somewhat heavy pruning the first couple of years; but, as it is such a large cropper, if rank ond weak wood are allowed to be formed, the branches break with the weight of the fruit. After a well-shaped head has been formed the tree does better if the knife is used sparingly. Manure should be freely applied. The trees can be grown as standards, half standards, and bushes; the latter form is advisable if the situation Is much exposed. Owing to the trees coming into bloom early in spring, in some seasons the fruit is muoh injured by the frosts, this has a counterbalancing advan- tage, as in suoh years the fruit often returns very good prices. It is said that one grower, in a year when damsons were scarce, grew 3,000 bushels, and sold them at 14s a bushel; and again, in another year at 25s a bushel. The average price, however, for damsons in the London market is, from 2s 6d to 39 6d per bushel. Answers to Correspondents. "Treatment of oleanders."—In the first place, you over-pot your oleander, and until the pot is filled with roots you will not get the flowers to stand. Further than this, you do not water properly, as these plants require to be thoroughly soaked at the roots two or three times a day, while it is necessary that they do not stand in saucers of water. We should advise you to allow the plant to become somewhat pot-bound, and then keep it in vigorous condition by supplying liquid manure during the flowering season, and while foliaceous growth is being made. If J. L." (.BarJbury).-K<,epm the pulletsup is the last tbiug you should do. You have facility, so let them have a full range. If you feed well and house warmly, you will probably have eggs this month. All the varieties of Leghorn are piecocious.

Cornered. M Did yez see me in the p'rade f said Mr Dolan to his wife. Oi did." Wasn't Oi a foine soight, thin 1" Yez wor, indade. I bad ty look twoioe ty reliae thot the mon thot sshtepped along so 10lvelyan aisy ty the music wor my own husband thot warn't able ty walk the cOIner ty the grocery lasht noight because av the rheumatism."

Conlan Where did yez git that broken nose and yer eye out t—Dolan It was from meeting O'Flannigan wid me girrul. Conlan Did yez lick him ?—Dolan Well, that was a matter of puzzlemint to me from thin till now. Yez see, whin I came to me sinses O'Flannigan wtw gone an' to this minnit I don't know which wan av QB got liolndr

THE HOUSEHOLD. I MUSING the Ie ones sounds a most fascinating occupation to anyone who has not been forced under all oircomstances to at- tempt the undertaking. One may feel especially sympathetic with the small atom of humanity, but when, with the fractious. ness brought about by the heat or the pain of cutting teeth, it refuses to lie still, as indeed we should ourselves, refuses proffered toys, turns a frowning face on our persistent smiles, and exhibits sufricient temper to wear out the patience of the most devoted baby-lover, the utmost dip- lomacy is required, In the first place one most sympathise with the child. But this should be held well in reserve, or else all the terms IPOR BABY'G AMUMENT. I of endearment, all the toys, games of bo-peep. and every idea, from the swinging of the window- blind tassel to watching the kettle puff smoke into the room, will be exhausted before a quarter of the time is whiled away that is necessary. The point is to keep on with one thing as long as you can, introducing novelties only as a last resource. I am speaking now of the child that is really ill or in pain but a healthy child shonld never be humoured in this fashion, or nursery discipline would be at an end. When, however, a baby is more or lees an invalid for the time being he will greatly enjoy being carried about in firm, restful arms, and shown different things, and amongst these I find a kind of book banner has a peculiar and lasting fascination. To begin with, it is made of very firm. different coloured calicoes, that the little fingers can pull and tug and rample the leaves up without doing any serious injury. There should be about half a dozen leaves at the most, and on different colours. Over these should be pasted little coloured cut-out scraps something that a tale can be invented to beiuar grouped together on each page is a good idea each page should be prettily bound with ribbon and hung up against the wall here and there. They would be found of the utmost use to the worn-out nurse or another. The screen-settee is one of the greatest novelties in furnishing at the present moment, and is remarkably effective, and a most comfort- able temporary resting-plaoe. Screens are inevitable in some rooms, and where there Is not a great deal of space they sometimes take up rather more than their share. I gave a drawmg of the screen in its most picturesque position, that is to say with a bend in the middle whioh forms three-cornered seats. The sides are very easily swung round when the screen becomes a comfortable A SOBAXN-SZTTIR. I settee instead of having two separate seats. In this way the waste space usually devoted to a screen is entirely done away with, for it contrives a cosy corner at the same time as a draught excluder, and breaks up the monotony of a long. straight room. I am not prepared to say that any amateur would find it an easy matter to construct the foundation of such a screen-settee with necessary firmness, but having had the wooden part made by a professional, the additional ornamentation might very well be managed at home. The seats consist of aanvas with a slight amount of stuffing, and a covering of brocade fastened to the wood with ornamental nails. or tacked, and then covered with furniture braid in harmonising colours. There is no doubt about it that we may expect more reformation in the matter of doorways than perhaps in any other fixture of our rooms. They will no longer consist of panelled pieces of wood swinging on binges from the wall with positively nothing to recommend them; they have no beauty, it is almosb impossible to shut them noiselessly, and they seem to concentrate draught rather than exclude it. The moments when a person enters a room and departs usually contain a certain amount of dramatic element; therefore, it is somewhat extraordinary that during later years it has not been thougiii; necessary to pay much attention to the picturesque side of what is an important background. In earlier architecture we find the means of ingress and egress of a far more decorative kind. To go back to primitive days, the finely-cut archway in stone, with its arras cloth drapery pushed on one side for entrance, gave considerable scope for character- istic expression of those who came and went. We cannot all build ourselves sbately castles; we cannot even build the doorways that we would but we can maka the best of what we have, and a good many of us don't do that. The little porch entrauoes that can be built on the inside of a room are an immense addition to its decorative appear- ance, and really they are not half so expensive as people might suppose. Ordinary white wood can be used for it, and it takes a very good mahogany or rosewood stain if it be desired to match dark woodwork. On the other hand, there is no end of its possibilities of ornamentation. AN AR5P18TIC DOORWAY. If paint be indulged in. pare white enamel is always fresh and good to look ab. while the eye that revels in colour may be gratified by means of iuexpensive iridescent gilding, a sort of gold shot with blue effect, all of which is to be had out of sundry cheap bottles and a little patient applica- tion. A kind of orange lacquer work background, against which are turquoise blue jars, have a most delightful appearance, is a colour highly to be recommended, while all sorts of quaint bits of brocade 01 plain coloured soft silks come to our rescue in the matter of the tied back curtains. One feels indeed that one has stepped into a room out of the common—in fact, artistic—when one has passed through such a portal as this, and the outward world, with its rush and roar, seems further off when tbeee curtains are dropped than when one gazes at the common panelled door with its usually aggressive handle and intensely ugly key in the lock. ETHRL.

JUST So !-Two countrymen stood staring at a fashionable hatter's window contemplating with mingled surprise aud admiration a newly-patented hat, in tht, inside of which a small mirror was carefully concealed. I wonder, now, what is the use of that looking-glass inside that bat ?" at length exclaimed one of them. Well, you mast be a stoopidl" replied his oompanion,willb a soperailioaB air. Why, so that whoever buys the ball may see if it suits him. of course."

The Welsh Press. (BY AP IDANTBYN.) WALES AND ARMENIA. There is no phase of this~horrible Armenian business that is not discussed to the very shreds in the Welsh joarnals to hand. It i. almoetl the exclusive topic of the leaders, both in the national and the denominational papers. Wales, it is clear, has been stirred to its very depths. The situation remains practically what it was a week ago. exoept in so far as it may have been affected by the wave of indignation that is passing over the United Kingdom; and consequently there is no change in the policy advocated byonr Welsh contemporaries, which is the dethronement of tbe Saltan at all costs. For them the bogey of a European war has no terrors or perhaps a more accurate way of putting it would be that they with a remarkable unanimity decline to believe that any such a catastrophe would ensae upon the adoption by Lord Salisbury of a strong and vigorous policy. In this connection it is remarkable to find that even the GwjfUcdydd the peace-loving organ of the Welsh Wesleyans, does not shrink from an appeal to arms. It realises that this may follow any attempt to distarb the status quo, but it adds, wmantly- If we must go to war-if we uuwt let us war against the Power that is snob a terrible come to the world, and not in support of it, as we did in time gone by. If war, then war against an adulterer and a murderer, and for troth and all goodness." We are told," remarbllbe Tytt, the representative journal of the Welsh Oongre. gationalists, that Lord Salisbury has hitherto been held in check by the fear of a European war, which, no doubt, would be a terrible thing to contemplate. But there is one thing to oonsider even before war and everything else, and that is —what is right. It is argued that for Britain to wage war single-handed against the Powers would mean its annihilation. Bnt that does not follow. Besides, some of us still oling to the belief that God is alive. and numbers are as nothing in His sight. But why should there be war ?" If Russia is the chief obstacle, then the Tyst would let the Czar and his subjoots take Constantinople, believing that the remainder of the Turkish dominions oould be apportioned without any appeal to arms. Tbe Stren., that speaks for the Welsh Baptists, argues that if the British Navy forced a passage up the Dar. danelles not a single Power would lift a finger in opposition out of any desire to maintain tbe rotten Government of the Sultan. If war resulted," it continues, it would be a war between the Continental Powers for the spoil, and not a war against England. This is a question not of consequences, but of justice and humanity." The Cymro hopes for some bene- ficial understanding between Russia and Britain as a result of the Czar's visit to our shores, but," it adds, in the meantime the duty of every Briton is to agitate, protest, [speak out, and pray on behalf of the persecuted AI" menians and in favour of extracting the fangs of the beast that preys upon them." The Lion (Church of England) is more oantioas; though its horror of the atrocities is not a whit less intense. It recounts the obstacles in the way of any effective intervention by Britain, and urges that we should count the cost before a blow is struck. The Tariem (Labour) puts it that Wales is aflame with indignation," and is impatient with those that would restrain in the least the progress of tbe national outcry against the inhuman batcher at Constantinople, and who argae that it is better to bear the ills we have than to fly to others we know not of. This is not the old British spirit," says the Tarian, II it isnot this that made it the refuge of the persecuted and the fear of tyrants. It is not this that won for it its present position among the Powers of the world and let as add it is not this that will retain for it that position. We do not advocate a rushing to war but it is well to bear in mind that we were forced to the verge of boetilities by the Earl of Beaconsfield when the Russians were approaching Constantinople, and the Tories then lauded him to the skies for his courage. Now, when the claims of humanity are in question, many Tories and Liberals are as quiet as mice." The Tarian evidently would not stop at half measures, for it adds: Were the British Governmenll to arm the Armenians, to dispatch half a dozen ironclads to bombard Constantinople, to hang the Saltan by the neck, and take possession of the city until order and good fovernment be restored, we do not believe any 'owei8 woald interfere to stop a* Any attempt to take permanent possession of the Turkish capital would no doubt be vigorously resented, but, adds the Tarian, Britain has no need of extending its territories, and once let us con. vince the world of this, we can do as we like in Turkey without any fear of interference." The Bemer, the OenedZ, and the Herald, whose views we published extensively last week, write also in the same strain, and all thejoumalawibboutl distinction anticipate that the inevitable result of the Czar's visit, coupled with the speech of the Grand Old Man at Liverpool, will be to stimulate the European Powers to aotivity on a question which will brook no further delay. APOSTOLIC SOOOESSIOS. Mr Gladstone's remarkable letter on the question of Anglican orders helped to focus public attention in Wales upon the efforts of Lord Halifax and bis party to induce the Pope to pronounce in favour of the validity of those orders, and the subject has been much discussed. Indeed, every movement which may directly or indirectly help to popularise Roman Catholicism in the Principality is being closely watched. The Herald Cymraeg is not without hope that the emphatic rejection by the Pope of the claims of the Anglican Church may have many beneficial results. Tbe finding of his Holiness, states the Herald, is of immense importance to the Posey- ites, and it will not be surprised to find thousands of clergymen and laymen turningtbeir backs upon the English Churoh. and seeking admission into that of Rome. Of course," it adds, II there are thousands of others to whom it will be too great a task to abandon the Anglican loaves and fishes. They dare not henceforth assert that the verdict of the Pope is of no value. To Craar they appealed, and that Caspar has condemned them. We may now, we believe, anticipate a little less arrogance among the clergy of the alien Churoh in Wales, and a little more brotherliness in their dealings with the ministers of the Churches. Should any ecclesiastic in future boast of bis Holy orders, and compare Nonconformist ministers to Corah, Dathan, and Abiram, it will be just as well to ask him whether he has not heard of that proclamation of the Pope that begins with Apostolioa F This deoision of the Pope, remarks the Cymro, is a severe rap on tbe knuckles of those arrogant clergy- men who wili never concede the rev.' to their Nonconformist brethren, nor regard them except as a set of impostors. The Pope by his firmness has done much towards bringing eaolesiasticat orders of all kinds into ridicule." '.Discussing the question whether Wales can be converted to Koman Catholicism, the Cymro observes—" This depends entirely upon the Welsh Nonconformists. The Church was the bulwark against Popery up to a few years ago. that ts, if we accept the Churchman's assurance on the point. But where the bulwark once stood there is now in many places the highway to Rome. The Nonconformity of Wales must decide the question. It is the pulpit and tbe Sunday-school of Wales that can withstand all the rushes of superstitious creeds. The national Press can render them assistance, and that is all. The Snnday soheol is being jerrymandered frightfully these days what with the matI llafur (subjects allotted for smdy). the public catechism, and more especially with the sale of books. The Roman Catholics will not permit their temptee"V> be converted into market houses, and ere Jmg the people will tell the Nonconformist authorities that it is the Roman Catholics, in this matter at any rate, that are in the right." There irao doubt a good deal to be said against the sale of books in the Sunday sohools, and many would welcome the discontinuance of the practice. Jerrymander- ing." however, is a singular term to apply, and in this connection is utterly unjustifiable. The few books that are on sale are strictly limited to Sunday school literature, text books, and commentaries. As to the maes llafur, even the Cymro must admit that the introduction of systematic teaching and periodical examinations, which this term implies, have resulted in raising the Sunday schools in Wales to a state ot efficiency never before attained. Tbe Tainan has no fear that Roman Catholicism will ever gain the ascendancy in Walee, nor does it share in the conviction that has been expressed that any special measures are needed to counteract the influenoe brought to bear upon the Principality by tbe miasionen of the Church of Rome. II We have faitb," declares tbe Tarian, in the truth, and in the enlighten- ment with which the truths of the Gospel are taught in Wales by the Nonconformists. Let them continue, as preachers and Sunday school teachers, to carry on their work thoroughly and with {perseverance, without being disconcerted by anything, and then the converts to Catholicism from among the people of Wales will be very few indeed." SCIEVOK AND RELIGION. Several references are made, especially in the North Wales papers, to the meetings of the British Association at Liverpool. The Oyrwr9 is reminded that even up to very recent times science was regarded with some degree of suspioion by tbe religious classes, bat that it would now be diffioult to decide which has made the greater progress—the soieaoes, or the opinions entertained by the religious classes with reference to them. While honesty and loftiness of aim characterise the investigations of the scientists, the religions classes need, it remarks, have no tear as to tbe stability of their creeds for every investigation, scientific and otherwise, must be prodnotive of incalculable benefit to the cause of Troth, and it is upon these revelations that the future success of the principles of Christianity largely depend. Whatever revelations may yet be made, we may feel assured, remarks the Cynuro, that the Rook of Truth will remain as unshaken as ever." In this matter the remarks of the Cymro may be fairly taken as typical of the Welsh Press generally, for the intolerant bigotry of the old days is fast disappearing, and now-a-days, as tbe Cymro puts it, "Christians are sufficiently broad* minded and wise to give the scientist a position of honour in the world of thought." WBLSHMBN AS BBADEBS OF MUSIC, Mr D. Jenkins, Muo. Bac., Aberystwyth, contributes to the current number of Y Oerddor a timely article on the importance of raising good readers of music in Wales. One of the weak points of all Welsh choirs, he tells us, and Mr Jenkins has had excellent opportunities of judging, is that they lack a sufficient number of good readers, and consequently the task of mastering a diffioult piece of musio is almost too heavy to bear and he suggests therefore that choir leaders should lighten their labours by establishing classes to teach the art of reading music. In this oonnection it is gratifying to note that the Newport Committee offer a substantial price at next year's Eisteddfod to the party of 25 that will best render a piece at sight. A curious fact which Mr Jenkins dwells upon is that the good readers are more deficient among the sopranos than among any of the other voices. Most of bbe girls who sing alto," he states, are excellent readers; it) is the exception to find a good contralto who is not also a good reader." The scarcity of readers oannot, however, be so very marked, for Mr Jenkins himself admits that the great majority of the 2,000 choristers that were taken to the Crystal Palace for the performance of the Psalm of Life were excellent readers, otherwise they could not have learnt the work so well as they did." Cardiffians may be interested to know that Mr Jenkins entertains a very exal^od opinion of the Triennial Festival Choir, whose achievements, he remarks, place the Welsh choirs in a very low position comparatively. To learn a dozen or more complete works," be proceeds, within a twelvemonth is a record not yet attained by any Welsh choir," and the writer hesitates not to tell his countrymen that it will be soon enough to boast of their excellence in choral music, if boast they must, when they will have learnt to excel the Cardiff Festival Choir as readers of music. Welsh musicians are notoriously sensitive, and possibly the susceptibilities of some of them may be wounded by this refreshing candour. The wise among them, however, will recognise that Mr David Jenkins speaks as one who has the best interests of his fellow countrymen at heart, and will proceed at once to remedy the defects which he points out.

Andrew Fletcher, ot Saltoun, in a letter to the Marquis of Montrose, wrote I know a very wise man that believed that if a man were permitted to make all the ballads he need not care who should mate the laws of the nation." TRIUMPH. The dawn came in through the bars of the btind- And the winter's dawn is gray— And said, However you cheat your mind, The hours are flying away. A ghost of a dawn, and pale and weak- Has the sun a heart, I said, To throw a morning flush on the cheek Whence a fairer flush has fled ? As a gray rose-leaf that is fading white Was the oheek where I set my kiss And on that side of the bed all night Death had watched, and I on this. I kissed her lips, they were half apart, Yet they made no answering sign Death's hand was on her failing heart. And his eyes said She is mine." I set my lips on the blue-veined lid, Half-veiled by her death-damp hair And ob, for the violet depths it hid, And the light I !onged for there Faint day and the fainter light awoke, And the night was overpast; And I said, Though never in life yoa spoke, Ob, speak with a look at last !n For the space of a heart-beat fluttered her breath, As a bird's wing spread to flee She turned her weary arms to Death, And the light of her eyes to me.

"OUR GOD IS MARCHING ON." I have seen the guilty prosper and the wicked win renown, I have seen the rioh oppressor crash the poor man deeply down, I have seen the widow tremble at a heartless landlord's frown. But our God is march ittg on. I have seen the healthy sicken for look of food and care, And the city toiler fading for want of rest and air I have seen the gorgeous follies of the pampered millionaire, But onr God is marching on. I have heard the sound of weeping where the children cry for bread, And seen the parents creeping cold and supperless to bed; But the time is coming, brothers, when the poorest shall be fed, For our God is marching on. Yes, the time is surely comingfor all things chaste and choice, When the fields shaU bloom like gardens, and the boiler's heart rejoice When women, men, and children shall sing with heart and voice. Oar God is marching on." Ob. rich man in yoar palace; oh, poor man in your cot I Give freely of your treasure, repine not at your lot, Remember, He who ruleth all, is One who changeth not; And He is marching on. S. W. NIOOL.

SONNET, Dear love. in whose fair bosom spotless beams A heaven here on earth, whose glowmg eyes Do point my musing soul of yon fair skies Aflame with love, as sweet as poets' dreams Could ever be thy soul doth dwell where streams Afresh the light of pare love and sighs, Nor tears, nor pain can dim the light that dies Not out from thee, and all my joy redeems Endsemonist am I in thee, thou sweet Evangelist of love, in whom I see Virtue enthroned—my Vishnu all complete, Adherent then forever, I to thee, Dear refuge from the world's unrest, replete Shekinah guiding to eternity. E.P.

IS THE CZAR A SCOTCHMAN ? It is not surprising (says the Pali Mall Gazette) that Scotchmen, who have gone so far as to claim that Erse was the language spoken in Eden, should put forward a claim that the Czar is to some extent a Scotchman." The foundation for the claim rests on a story to the effect that the Czar Paul, father of Niohiolas I., was, it is said, greatly impressed when he was in London by the charms of Miss Macgregor, a young lady noted for her beauty, whom he happened to see riding her Shetland pony in Hyde Park. It was, the story goes on to say, a case of love at first sight. Czar Paul got introduced to the lady and to her Sa rents, privately married her, and took her to iussia, where she became the mother of Nicholas L The present Czar is therefore her great grand' son, and consequently, aooording to Highland calculation and pedigree, a Maegragov. In such circumstances it is only reasonable to espeot that, 1 [to quote Jeanie Deans, his heart witt warm to the mrtan.

Afts BLiNice That horrid Mrs Winks says I'm a fool. MB. ELTKKS I am sure she would not make such an ill-natured remark. MBs BLUTRO Well, she didn't say that in so many words, bat that is what she meant. She said I believe everything you tell me.

In a Scotch regiment at the Battle of Waterloo the standard-bearer was killed, and he clasped the oolours so fast in death that a sergeant, in trying to no purpose to rescue them. on the near approach of the enemy, made a violent effort, and throwing the corpse, colours, and all over his shoulders carried them off together. The Frenob, seeing this, were charmed with the heroism of this aotton, and bailed it with load sboats of OPPIOVAW.

I Welsh Tit-Bits. Neu Wreiohion Oddiar yr Eingion. By Cadrawd. Musioians in Wales. The musical profession in Wales daring the first half of the present century was at a very low ebb, and very fewcolleotJions of oar national airs were printed. Ieuan Ddu. of Merthyr, author of the Cambrian Minstrels," about the year 1840 made inquiries of several aged and intelligent men respecting the harpers of Gwent and Morganwg to learn that no credible proof of the skill of any of them bad been preserved during the period which extended beyond the last sixty years from the above date. There wera harpers in every district, bat none skilful, and practised only on the single harp. They were employed much at Mabsantau," in publio-bouses, where much dancing took place, and was so popular at one time with the Welsh. A friend residinglÏn Liverpool, hailing from Glamorganshire, wrote to me a few weeks ago asking if I could glean anything about an ancestor of his, who was once popular as a harpist at Gellygaar, by the name of David Davies. I can only give him what Mr Thomas (leaan Ddu) wrote of him in his article, "The Harps and Harpers of Gwent and Morganwg," published in the second volume of the Cambrian Journal. Davies, of Gellygaer, or Dafydd Bencarreg, father of the present Davies (who was also a performer on tbe harp)" was a very indifferent harper. Nature never intended him for a harper; for his bands used to get con. founded in tbe simplest lays. He was afgood- lookmg man and much respected, though his performing possessed no charm whatever. He happened to win some medals, but the truth is, whatever be might say of tunes in books, he never bad a band for the harp, and it was pitiable to see the endeavour of a willing man fail to give satisfaction to such as respected him for his playing, no less than for his general conduct. His son seems to be a far superior perfoimer, and be is mentioned with Davies, of Mertbyr, each having a very good ear, but would not, as was the rule generally at that time, acknowledge and correct their faults by inquiring what more they ought to learn. Fifty years ago there was only one harpist in South Wales who could accompany a singer of Welsh melodies, and knew how to do justice to the lays of his country, and this was Williams, of Swansea; he could play from music, and bad mastered Parry's aocom. paniments with great skill. Following are the names of some of our harpers in South Wales of 60 years ago Wm. Jones, Wil y Gwehydd, and Edward his brother, and David Michael, of Merthyr; David James, or Dai Shon Siams. who made as well as played harps Edward Jones and his son John Jones, of Caerffili Die Shon Siams, Dai Bentre, Sian Cidweli, Mart Tri Thiwo, etc. About this time a man by the name of Bassett Jones, of Cardiff, was the manufacturer of harps for the Principality; and it is said that he bad succeeded in constructing a very melodious instrument. There is a harp of his make to be seen now at the Cardiff Museum. Black Army, Llantrisant. It is traditionally said that the original name ot Llantrisant was Y Dref Ddu, or Black Town that the old town was situated on the plain below the present one, and that on the spot now occupied by Llantrisant town there was no edifice in olden time except the ohurch and the castle. Tradition also gives as three reasons why the people of Llantrisant were called The Black Army." (1) They were so called because the first inhabitants of this place had black hair, beard, and eyes, and that a rim of cerolean hue encircled the black part of their eyes. (2) Because they dressed in black, probably after Cynan Ddu, or the black giant. (3) They were thas designated because of their valour in battle, which -was demonstrated in the conflict that took place in the war between them and the English at Gwaon Fiscyn, and that it was tbe latter who gave them tbe name of Black Army," because they had suffered so much in battle under their victorious and over. whelming power in the wars. Ue-bu-tro-trist. In the parish of Pendealwyo there is a place bearing tbe above name, which translated means, The place where was a sad event." This is a spot where it is said that the men of Glamorgan were totally defeated by Oliver Cromwell. A Welsh Musioian. In the porch of the Parish Chorch at Wolver- hampton there was an epitaph on one Phillips, a musician, written by the eminent Dr. Johnson, which reads as follows :— Near this place lies Charles Claudius Phillips, Whose absolute contempt of riohes and inimit- able performances upon the violin made him the admiration of all that knew him. He was born in Wales. Made a tour of Europe, and after the experience of both kinds of fortune, Died in 1732. Phillip, whose touch harmonious could remove The pang of guilty power, or helpless love, Rest here, distress'd by poverty no more, Here find that calm thou gav'st so oft before Sleep, undisturbed, within this peaceful shrine, Till angels wake thse with a note like thine. It would be highly interesting to Welshmen to know if this inscription is still extant, and whether it is possible to gather something more about this extraordinary man. The Cyole of the World and of Life. Poverty causes exertion; Exertion causes success Success causes wealth Wealth causes pride Pride causes contention Contention causes war; War causes poverty Poverty causes peace Peaoe causes exertion Exertion goes the same round as before. OATWG THE Will.

Satirizing Taxes. In the now scarce old book Blodeugerdd Oymry," is an old song dated 1708. satirizing oertain taxes imposed by Queen Anne. At this period the overseers received three pence for every child baptised, and something of the kind for every burial. There was also an Easter doty for widowers and widows, eaeh foor penoe. Fe ranwyd treth y leni, Erioed ni ordeiniodd Dow: Treth am gUddu'r meirw, r > A threth am eni'r byw Treth am ddwr yr afon, A threth am oleu'r dydd, A threth am fyn'd i'r cwlwm, A threth am fod yn rhydd. A obwedi geni'r plentyn, 'N fethsdig ao yn wan, Mae deu swlle; wedi selio I'w talu yn y man A pbedwar swllt am gladda, Aeth byny'n arian mawr, Y gwyr ar gwragedd mwynion. Morn bryd. rhoi arfau law,

IAn Evident Mistake. "I'm looking for a man named Jones," he said, as the door was opened to him by a woman almost six feet high and weighing nearly 200 pounds. Cy Jones she queried. Yes, I think that is the man. I'm a white- capper and have come to give him warning." What's Cy Jones been doing ?" Licking his wife, and he's got to stop it or we'll take him out and switch him." Did you ever see Cy Jones tit asked the woman as she drew herself up. "Not that I know of." She went back to the sitting-room, was gone a moment, and when she returned she was carrying a man about 4ft. lOin. long under her arm. She gave him a twist and put him on his feet and said— This is Oy Jones." "Your husband ?' stammered the whitecapper. The same, and I a in Cy Jones's wife I" Great Scott 1 There must be a mistake here, madam Yes, I think so 1" she drily replied as she tossed the little man in her arms. Sorry to have disturbed you, ma'am, but you see—" Yes, I see, and let me help you over the fenoe." And placing the little man carefully on his feet she picked up the caller and tossed him over the gate and went back to her work in the kitchen.

The ftob never tells why. It is only tile loeer ybo baa nuaaafor his defeat,

GOSSIPS' CORNER. Total abstainers form a large and influential section on the Breconsbire County Council. Chicago has a Welsh population of 5,434. They, of course, were not included in Mr Stead't denunciation of the awful city.' The other evening Mr Gravell, of Barry Port, while walking towards the sands, caught what if described as a golden eagle in one of the cranes at the dock. Visitors declare that although Tenby inspires love at sight its peculiar charm is that each succeeding day unfolds fresh revelations of its beauty. Dr. Alfred Daniell, LL.B., barrister-at-law, Edinburgh, has promised to deliver the inaugural lecture of the new session of the Llanelly Cymmrodorion Society. What has become of the stocks formerly in use at Cefn, and how long is it since they last held < malefactor in their grip Possibly some of tb6 older inhabitants could say. A well-known tradesman in a, tinplate tows down the line has a large pumpkin on view in hit window, and attached to it are the words, A candidate for the Town Council." This is a bit rough on the Council we should say. At a Llanelly chapel on Sunday last the minister grievously offended the Scotch element of the congregation by stating that Scotchmen never failed to sedulously keep the Sabbath-and everything else they could lay their hands on A Welsh clergyman, the Rev. J. Lodwick Davies, has been appointed to the assistant chaplaincy of the English Church at Trieste, Austria. Mr Davies, who is one of the curates 01 Llandudno, will leave for Trieste next month. A Llanelly policeman, while on beat one night last week, saw a tramp leaning against a wall. Move on I" cried the man in blue. The tramp replied in an injured tone," Well, if I cannot have the fat of the land, let me have a little of the lean in peace." Will D- a well-known character up the hills, used to say, People always blame me fot drinking it is always drink, drink they nevee speak of the thirst whioh I have. Poor WiU could never be made to see that the drink might accentuate his thirst. Mr Harry Giles, of Lammas-street, Carmar* then, has obtained a Royal College of Art Free Scholarship for 1896-7. Mr Giles has been studying with great assiduity at the Carmarthen School of Art. where, under the guidance of Mr Jones, the master, notable successes are yearly achieved by a large number of pupils. Holywell, which boasts of a miraculous wel which can cure all the diseases that flesh is heir to and of being the strongest Catholic centre in the Principality, now claims a third distinction—that of: having more public-houses in proportion to the number of the inhabitants than any town ia North Wales. Mr Belcher was in great form at the Cardiff Licensing Sessions on Monday, and several times fairly brought down the Bench by his wittioisms. I am trying to be accurate in my facts," quoth Mr Jackson on one occasion. Ab," retorted Bit Belcher, It is about the first time you did Poor Mr Jackson. There were several humorous incidents at the Aberdare Revision Court. One witness, referring to a lodge claimant, said, His wife informed me he was a married man t" In another case it transpired that a claimant for a lodger's vote only paid is a fortnight for his lodgings, his teas, and 'taters," and even then he grumbled The first thousand of Kilsby Jones," by Mr Vyrnwy Morgan, have been disposed of some weeks ago. The biography has been favourably received by the English Press in England, According to "The Sword and Trowel," "Firw farce, and fun seem to divide the book between them, and a very pleasant blend it is." The Porth Male Voice Choir, one of the Llandnduo winners, conducted by Mr Talieain Hopkin, will compete at the CardiC Exhibition Eisteddfod next Monday. This, it it said. is the first South Wales male choir to succeed in gaining a share of a first prise at, a National Eisteddfod when held in Norfcki Wales. The members of this organisation do not devote all their attention to male competitions.* The oratorio "Judas Maccabseus," for instance was performed by them last February, and "Samson "is now being rehearsed, and will be performed in Deoember. In a recent issue Antwers declares that all the Welsh counties swear by a drink called sow beer.' It is made from fourteen different field herbs, is harmless except for its sleeping effeob4 and resembles treacle more than anything. The Welsh villagers smoke a thin cigarette of dried sage when they drink sow beer. The stuff is toe complicated a mixture for the villagers to brewi but in all large towns there are dealers who makt it. The whole output is calculated at 800,001 pints already, and the average price runs to 41 a pint." Prodigious But will Answers kindly tell the Welsh people where in Wales tbit precious decoction can be found ? One gratifying result already achieved by the several literary societies of Carnarvon in joining their forces once a month for united meetings it to secure a large number of eminent speak en whose services would otherwise have been difficult to obtain. The published list includes such names as those of Dr. Kuno Meyer, ol Liverpool; Mr Thomas Darlington, H.M.LS., Professors Anwyl (Aberystwyth), Gray and Lloyd (Bangor). There is an object lesson which other towns might study with advantage, for it is a thousand pities that literary societies should continue to dissipate their strength and divide their forces on denominational lines. Every tows and village where these societies flourish should aim at a united meeting once a month, and that place themselves in a position to take advantage of the extension lectures which our University Colleges will readily arrange whenever all audience can be brought together. The Rev. John Davies, rector of Llaniestyn, writes I recently visited my good friend the t Rov. Lewis Prioe, vicar of Llandilo Fawr, and had the rare treat of glanoing at the the jhanowned vioar of Llywel>r. one of traMSrat Eminent preachers of bis day. The works left 1a MSS. consist of a hymn book containing upwards t of 300 hymns, being original compositions and t selections from various authors, sermons and sermonettes, favourite anecdotes, and letters and addressee. It is also contemplated to add a biography of the author. The vicar of Llandils generously offers to publish the above on the sole condition that he is exonerated from any pecuniary loss, and is prepared ,to bestow gratuitously the necessary time and laboal required in preparing the work for the press. At there is now a grand opportunity of securing these treasures in print, I trust that the vicar of Llaifr. dilo will be sufficiently encouraged to proceed at once with the publication, and that the writino of Parry may not be allowed to pass into oblirioe.

A SATURDAY SERMON. A nation is not a mere mass of bipeds, with at strength but their animal vigour, and no rolisebiv-t grandeur but that of their numbers. There it required to constitute that great creation, 5 people, some higher endowments, and some raret qualities-honour, and faitb, and juotice « national spirit fostered by national exploital a solemn creed expounded by a pure and learned priesthood a jurisprudence which is the aggrer gate wisdom of agfes the spirit of chivalry, fib" inspiration of religion, the supremacy of law f that free order and that natural gradation of ranks which are bnt a type and image of the economy ot the universe; a love of home ancf country, fostered by traditionary manners, and consecrated by customs that embalm ancestraf deeds learned establishments, the institutions of charity, a skill in refined and useful arts, the; discipline of fleets and armies and. above atl6 a national character, serious, and yet free; < character neither selfish nor oonoeited, bat which is consoious that- as it owes much to lw. allocators, so also it wiU not stand acquitted if <f neglect It" posterity. PKN. DlSRAKU-