The Cardiff Times

When Lord Aberdeen was dyings a party of gentlemen were travelling; up to tewn m the train. Among them was De'ane, cf the London Timet, who took a printed slip out of his pocket and read portions of it. was the ohitu&ry notioe. AU criticised it» To^nd various faults. One said it did not deal fairt-v with him. All I can say is," said the editor, that he bts ap- proved it himself r

In 1893 (perhaps)-" Queer that I've forgotten that lady's name Her countenance seems familiar: but- "Why, that's Miss Lakeshore, Jack. You sure'y haven't forgotten your old friend Miss Lakesore, have you?" Nonsense I've known Miss Lakeshore many years. She is a brunette while that girl is a Jecided blonde." But you've forgotten, old fellow, that the new smoke-consumers have cleared up several deeper mysteries than a woman's complexion. We see things clearer now, you know-no more 'as through a glass darkly.' It is always well to be charitable. The woman who enters a theatre after the performance has commenced may have been obliged to wait until she washed up her dinner dishes.

ECHOES FROM THE CALENDAR. MARCH. 13. SUNDAY.—Second Sunday in Lent. 14. MONDAT.—Reform Act, 18.31-2, read first time, 1831. Execution of Admiral Byng. 15. TUESDAY.—Julius Caesar assassiuated B.C. 44. 16. WEDNESDAY.—Dncliess of Kent died 1861. 17. THURSDAY—St. Patrick's Day. 18. FRIDAY.—Laurence Sterne died 1768. 19. SATURDAY.—Murder of Murdock Grant. 1830. Death of Admiral Byng. The execution of Admiral Byng for not doing the utmost with his, fleet for the relief of Port Mahon, in May, 1756, was one of the events of last century which made the greatest impression on the popular mind. The account of his death in Voltaire's Candide is an exquisite bit of French epigrammatic writing Talking thus, we approached Portsmouth. A multitude of people covered the shore, looking attentively at a stout gentleman who was on his knees with his eyes bandaged, on the quarter- deok of one of the vessels of the fleet. Four soldiers, placed in front of him, put each three balls in his head, in the most peaceable manner, and all the assembly dispersed quite satisfied. 'What is all this?' quoth Candide, and what devil reigns here ?' He asked who was the stout gentleman who came to die in this ceremonious manner. It is our admiral,' they answered. 'And why kill the admiral?' 'It is because he has not killed enough of other people. He had to give battle to a French admiral, and they find that be did not go near enough to him.' But,' said Candide, the French admiral was as far from him as he was from the French admiral.' That is very true,' replied they; but in this country it is useful to kill an admiral now and then, just to encourage the rest (pour rager les auires). Marriage Fortunes. Under the 15th March, 1735, the Gentleman's Magazine records-" John Parry, Esq., of Car- marthenshire (married), to a daughter of Walter Lloyd, Esq., member for that county a fortune of £ 8,000." It seems to us indecorous thus to trumpet ferth a little domestic particular of no importance to any but the persons concerned but it was a regular custom in the reign "ef George II,, and even considerably later. St. Patrick. St Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland, was born about 396, in the British-Roman province of Valentia, probably at Nemthur, on the Clyde, where Dumbarton now is. His father was a decurion in the Roman army, whence, at the age of 16, Patrick was carried off by a band of marauders and sold as a slave to the Irish Picks of County Antrim. After six years he made his escape, and, resolving to devote himself to the conversion of Ireland, prepared himself for the priest- hood. Having been ordained a bishop, and reoeived the Papal benediction from Celestine I., he went over to Ireland about the year 432. Here lie is said to have founded over 360 churches, baptised with his own hands more than 12,000 persons, and ordained a great number of priests. The date of his death is probaly 469; it took place at a place called Saul, near Down- patrick, and his relics were preserved at Down- patrick till the time of the Reformation. His authentic literary remains consist of his Con- fessions and a Letter addressed to Corohc, a Welsh chief. Many miraculous things are recorded of St Patrick, the greatest of which was that of driving the venomous reptiles out of Ireland, A popular legend relates that the saint and his followers found themselves one cold morning on a mountain without fire to cook their breakfast or warm their frozen limb& Unheeding their complaints, St Patrick desired them to- oettect a pile of ice and snow-balls, which, having been done, he breathed upon it, and it instantaneously became a pleasant fire. The shamrock or white clover is almost universally worn in the hat over all Ireland on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th. Murder of Murdoch Grant. The wild and sequestered district of Assynt, iiP Sutherlandshire, was, in the spring of 1830, the scene of a murder, remarkable on account of the allegation of one of the witnesses at the subse- quent trial, that be had been prompted to a know- ledge of some of the circumstances in a dream. Murdoch Grant, an itinerant fiddler, had attended a rustic wedding and merry-making at the hamlet of Assynt, on the 19th of March, in the above year, and for some time after be was not heard of. When four weeks had elapsed a farm servant passing a lonely mountain lake called Loch- tor-na-eigin, observed a dead body in the water, and, on this being dragged ashore, the features of the missing pedlar were recognised. From the marks of violence about the bead, and the fact of the pockets being turned inside out, no doubt was entertained that he had met with his death by foul means. But for some time all efforts to discover the perpetrator of the deed proved vain. A tailor named Kenneth Fraser came forward and stated that he bad had a dream, in which some particulars of the murder were revealed. In his sleep the image of Hugh Macleod's cottage was presented to him, and a voice said to him in Gaelic, "The merchant's, pack is lying in a cairn of stones in a hole near their bouse." Phearticles which formed thepedlar's pack were found, and accidentally it was after- wards discovered that Hugh Macleod was in possession of a pair of stocking" which had be- longed to the pedlar. He was tried, found guilty, and condemned, and before h:s execution con- fessed that he had murdered Grant. A, similar case was that of Corder, who was tried at Sury St. Edmunds in August, 1828, for the murder of Maria Martin at Polsted, in Suffolk, about 16 months before. Corder, after murdering his victim, concealed her body in a solitary building called the Red Barn. The stepmother of the deceased, a witness at the trial, gave testimony that she had received in a dream that knowledge of the situation of the body which led to the de. tection of the murder.

OUR DOMESTICS. WAYFABJCB "Please, sir, can't you give me a meal ? I'm near starving." MB ROWSON LOT* "I would, gladly, my man, if I could; but I can't. I'll fcive you a letter of introduction, however, to my cook. She may be willing to help you."

GOSSIPS' CORNER. — Lord and Lady Brassey have arrived with their yacht Sunbeam at Jamaica. Lord Bute has sent j320 towards the restoration of Llanthony Abbey Parish Church. General Sir John Luther Vaughan, K.C.B., a brother of the Dean of Llandaff, was 71 on Sub- day. » Mr E. Stanford, manager of the Elwood (Ind.) American Tin Company, is a Welshman from < Bryn-troedgam. The Scottish prima donna, MissMacintyre, has signed a contract with Sir Augustus Harris as prima donna for the Royal Italian Opera season this year. Mr Ben Evans, the well-known Swansea draper, has left Egypt for the Riviera. We regret that Mr Evans's health is still somewhat unsatis- factory. Lady Bute some time ago purchased the old hospital at Ayr, and has now turned it into a refuge for orphan children, managed by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The opening scene of Mr T. Terrell's novel, "The City of the Just," is laid in the black mountains of Carmarthenshire. Mr Terrell lived for some time in the neighbourbood of Llanelly. A correspondent states that strawberries have been gathered at Burghley Gardens, the Marquis of Exeter's Lincolnshire seat, since the 17th of February, the variety being the celebrated "John Ruskin." The fruit averaged half-an-ounoe each in weight, and were of fine perfume and quality. In Covent-garden they fetched 40s- per lb. The French Council of State has just autho- rised Madame and MdIJe. Eyraud, the wife and daughter of the murderer of M. Gouffe, to assume the name of Bourgeois, which was madame's maiden name. The Council has also authorised Joseph Bazaine, capta.in in the army, to assume the name of Beauclair. News has come to hand of a fatal accident to Joseph S- Lloyd m a coal-mine at Soddy, Tennes. see. He was one of the most prominent Welsh- men in the State. A capable musician, be had led a chosen body of vocalists to victory after victory, one of the choir's last achievements being the winning of the prize in the chief competition at Chattanooga. Mr J. M. Barrie is a young Scotchman who was born at Kerrimuir in 1860, three miles from GIamis Castle, where Macbeth murdered Duncan. He is small and thin, smokes incessantly, and has a quaint humour of his own. He is at work on an historical novel, also another on "Thrums." He is fond of dramatic composition, is rather surprised at the success of Walker, London, and contemplates serious dramatic work in the near future. Mr Lambert, the general manager of the Great Western Railway, was down at Newport on Saturday taking a look round at railway matters, and got his attention especially directed to the congested state of the High-street Station. If there had been a scudding shower or two, and Mr Lambert had had to go by a Western Valleys train, from the roofless open platform, no doubp he would have carried away a firm determination to get a covering put over the siding for the HiNt traffic at the earliest opporturity. V James Nobba, the last of the old raai! -co" guards, who has just severed his connection with the General Post-offices has had some wonderful experiences..Pace in demanding the road over Plinlimmon, ooaoh, horses, passengers, driver, and guard fell 60 feet down a precipice in a terrible snowstorm into a snowdrift. The passengers who were inside were cut by the broken glass, and two of the horses were killed, but, owing to the depth of the snow. the driver and guard escaped with a severe shaking. Welshmen in London are preparing a testi- monial for Mr Stephen Evans, J.P., late Man-, | Chester warehouseman, of Old-change, who ha retired from business after 40 years of active life in the City of London. The committee include Mr Deputy Hughes, Rev R. Roberts, Mr T. J. Thomas, Whitecross-street Mr Ex-church. warden Davies, of Clerkenwell (treasurer); Mr D. Jones, and Mr E. Jones. The hon. secretary is Mr D. Thomas, of Eckington-road, Stamford- bill. Professor J. E. Lloyd, of Aberystwyth College. who is a candidate for the Principalship of the Nbrth Wales Congregational College, was a scholar of Lincoln College, Oxford. In Moder- ations he took a first class in Classics, and taking Modem History in his finals (a very rare com- bination), he was oneoffour who were placed in the first class in 1885. He is a distinguished Welsh scholar, a lecturer in Welsh and in History at Aberystwyth, and was one of the three who were finally selected for the Principalship of'that College. Mr Thomas Gee states to a Welsh Press repre- sentative that he has several times declined the invitation of the Lord-Lieutenant of Denbighshire to be placed on the commission of the peace. He objected to a Lord-Lieutenant havmg power to make magistrates, and further, being a newspaper proprietor, he occasionally criticised magisterial decisions, and he preferred the glories of a free Press to all the honour promotion to the Bench could confer upon him. Quite the most magnificent nail on record is that given by Mrs. Richards, of Montana, U.S., to be driven last into the Woman's Building in that State. This nail will be twelve-penny in size, and composed of the principal mineral pro- ducts of the State. The nail, when driven in, will pass through a medallion of elaborate design, including the Montana coat-of-arms, a setting sun behind a mountain line. The glorious sunset will be represented entirely by sapphires; the mountains will be of gold and the valleys of silver —quite a foreshadowing of Jerusalem the Golden. The Deputy-Chairman of the Monmouthshire County Council, Mr S. C. Bosanquet, has re- tired from the representation of the Raglan division m favour of Sir Henry Jackson, the erstwhile Liberal champion, who tilted at Colonel Morgan's seat in 1885. It is probable Mr Bosan- quet will be made an alderman—that is, if the example in regard to the Chairman (Mr Edwin Grove) be followed. On Wednesday Mr Grove, who has ceased a 45 years' connection with the Ebbw Vale Works, gave his constituents an amount of bis stewardship, and bade them far-- f well There are limits even to the omniscience of the Post Office, and A Welsh Nationalist" writes r~" I wrote a letter last week to a nuftia- tenal friend in a neighbouring village, and ad. dressed it, as I had written it, in Welsh. I wat » JpJfdy reply to my missive, but it did not arrive, for the simple reason that my letter did not reach its destination. I had it returned yesterday through the Dead Letter Office, the addressee being marked as not known. The envelope was addressed tiius:-Ipmoh Edward Owen, Gweinidog y Methodistiaid, Clyn- corrwg, ger Penybont.' I live at Porthoawl, and Clyncorrwg is about a score of miles from here." The lady who wields all power at Ha warden at present is little Miss Drew, Mr Gladstone's two- year-old grandchild. A recent visitor to Hawar- den says I never saw a prettier sight tbaa when she ran through the open door which divides the drawing-room from the Grand Old Man's sanctuary, and, pulling at the lapels of hie dressing-gown, drew him imperiously away from Homer or the Blue book, or whatever was en- gaging him. The first intimation we had in the next room was a peal of laughter on Mr Glad. stone's part at the obvious necessity of capitulat- ing to that daring invasion, as musical and hearty as ever came from human lips, for his laugh is one of his greavest attractions." Mr Ernest Bowen Rowlands who, with the Hon. A. Ponsonby, was triumphantly returned for Central Finsbury in the Progressive interest, is, says the Times, a young man of exceptional attainments and promise. After a distinguished career as a student of law, be was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of Gray's InD. I at the same time taking the LL.B. degree of London University. He is a son of Mr W. Bowen Rowlands, Q.C., M.P., and in addition to his practice at the Bar he finds time to edit tha Welsh Review and take an active part in poli- being a leading member of the Eighty Club.

IMPROVED '1 WATERPROOF COVERS AND RICK-SHEETS. QHARLES D. pHILLIPS, MAKER, NEWPORT, MON. ——— 14702 SEND FOR PRICES.

GREAT CLEARANCE SALE NOW PROCEEDING. OETZMANN & cd; 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, AND 79, HAMPSTEAD-ROAD, LONDON, W. (Near Tottenham Court-road and Gower-street Station). SPECIAL SALE CATALOGUE POST FREE. DURING THIS SALE WILL BE OFFERED THE STOCK OF A CARPET MANUFACTURER, Purchased for Cash at an Immense Reduction. THE STOCK OF A WHOLESALE CITY BUSINESS. Messrs Botcherbf and Co., of Friday-street, E.C., Purchased by Private Contract at a Discount of 45 ALL CARPETS MADE UP FREE OF CHAJRGK. 4100

WORKMEN'S TOPICS, BY MABON, M.P. THE COAL CRISIS. According to the most reliable source of information, there is no prospect of the Miners connected with the Miners' Federa- tion retracting the notices and the threat to stop work on the 12th inst. The Man- cheater organisation, at the last meeting, carefully noted all the information from the various districts, coming to the conclusion *«at 400,000 men throughout Great Britain will be called upon to obey the strike order. A Conference was held at Leeds between the coalowners and repre- sentatives of the men, with a view of an lUmodation of the difference existing between them, but the effort has failed. The employers will not, because they say they cannot, comply with the claims made tlpon them. Therefore, in such circum- stances, the stoppage must take place, and there is no course but to face it, let the Consequences fall severely upon whom they We find that the total quantity of coal kised in 1890 was 181,000,000 tons. A fortnights supply will average 7,000,000, j*>ns. Suppose the stopage effected s»000,000 tons of coal it would reduce the *^11 ual supply to 176,000,000. The first effects of this non-supply of that quantity of coal will be generally tn diminish consumption. The coal trains will not be required, the railway companies will run fewer goods trains. The Passenger trains must be reduced in JJumber. Every householder will reduce his number of fires. Many of the ironworks &iusfc be idle, as half-supplies are useless, ad they take about one-third of the coal in the country. In thes^. ways the effect of a withdrawal will be much discounted. The stocks accumulated in rail- way yards, at gas works, in manufactories, in private cellars will be drawn upon., the period of cessation is over, many of the economies will still be practised, Whilst the supply will come in more freely *rpm men who will naturally desire to recover loss of wages they have experienced." ■The argument is that the consumers .will tnae up to themselves for the higher prices by !triet economies, both in the household and III the manufactories, and that after the Labour difficulty is past, at least fofc the tiwue the economies will continue, the 8QPply demanded will be restricted, or if Continued at its high point prices will fall. f11 the end the men must suffer in the numbers, employed 44d in the rate of wages. Two things are certain—that the country generally "ill be poorer for the fortnight's cessation tk and that the causes which effect condition of wages will remain in opera- tion. The reasons for the low price of coal af6 not far to seek. They are said to be so Widespread and general that no effort of Blich a spasmodic character can influence them ffcaterially. The iron manufacturer in Scot- and in Yorkshire cannot prodnce *jijs iron at the present market price, fience, unfortunately, unless the price of 9°»1 and other material comes down, •places will be blown out, ironworks laid and more coal than ever known on the fiaarket. The constant increase in the annual quantity of coal worked, the exports from Continent, the traffic returns fef the J^flway Companies, the returns of Trade vnions themselves, and especially the °^rd of Trade, returns, all plainly ldicate the reasons for the decline in coal Prices which the miners in all parts of the country so much deplore, and which this Movement attempts to avert. j, T^ese efforts, it is found, instead of "fuiging increased prosperity and hap- less, will add to the troubles which at the foment threaten both labour and capital ,111 the coal trade. As asual there are disputes as to the facts the contention, and one branch of the federation has passed the following r"olution:- I Seeing that the public Press is stating that the actIon of the agents of the miners in stopping for J*e week or more is to obtain an advance of whereas our only object is to retain the ares and that the action we intend to take is tb, result of a large number of colliery owners gating that they must reduce the wages in conse- Hlence of the fall of the prices of coals, this rating of the Midland Federation of Miners protest against such misleading statements iS^ thrown broadcast to the public. This resolution is a most important one, and manifestly the case must be vastly Wronger, which would warrant a reduction ?f wages of miners than that which would Justify a refusal to increase wages. The Coalowners and employers are bound to show that the reductions they seek is im- perative in order to relieve themselves from the imputation of having been in any way aggressors. doubtless this applies to the Durham 4 tnployers at the present moment more than j* any other part of the country. There •hey have given their men notice rif a reduction of 10 per cent. 1n their wages, which they after- wards reduced to 1% per cent. The miners ^ould not accept any reduction. The em- Payers then said, Unless you will accept per cent, immediate reduction, and 5 cent, on the 1st of May, we shall ter- tnlnate our engagement with you." In • *?cordance with that decision the employers pve their men the fortnight's notice to agreements—which means that the miners between this time and ^*rch 12th decide by ballot to accept the ^ployer' terms there will be a general lock- C)u,t, leading to an entire stoppage. This will add at least another 40,000 more 331OU ceasing work on the 12th inst. In • this matter, to say the least, the Durham '^ployayg have acted indiscreetly. The R^estions have been under discussion for last ten months. Certainly at the end of that period things bad not changed to the MPIO tic* at the very time that would force upon the ?jen the necessity of co-operating with the Oners' Federation, and with a much stronger case than the opposite side. But, I Possibly, after all it will tend to speed the Ultimate results. It will shorten the Joggle certainly, if a struggle there will And may be the co-operation thus fed upon the men by the employers will be the means of solving the §reat problem so much desired, and creating the- possibility of all the miners of the Suited Kingdom joining together, and upon ?n.e common basis to work out their own industrial salvation. If it does not do this, I apprehend no continued benefit to the ,lniners themselves. At present the activity in the market £ en*fits merchants who have coals on and certain coUiery proprietors "ho are still in a position to meet the de- mand upon them, but the miners are not richer one penny, so far, while the general public, ftpecially the small holders and the poorest of the people who buy cos4 from week to I' au^ om t0 day, have to suffer in I P^ket very considerably. If matters go on I rv further there v-ill be mauy of the ■ ?v>orer folk in London who who will literally j »rv* during the present month.

H' k^?*8 wiper: John, I wish you would dress w *»v!fr*~I*enw'per: It takes all the money I can scrape to pay for. your clothes.—Mrs %o^T}P9r 1 ■ too DM I I'M actnaUv ashamed '"alk oo* wiib you! 4"1 :a M

SMALL CULTURE, I By Major Morant. f Author of Rabbits as a Food Supply," &:c. J Many books have been published, and some of them beautifully illustrated, describing the various breeds of rabbits, bub the object of a rabbit farmer is to select a breed, the young of which will grow rapidly to a marketable weight, and which is hardy and prolific. VARIOUS BREEDS. The breed known as Flemish Giants reach an enormous wdght, some of them weighing as much as 201b., but they do not stand cold as well as some breeds, and very large rabbits are not so saleable as those of a moderate size. The Belgian Hare rabbits are general favourites. No rabbits are heavier for their size, or have more delicate white meat than wild rabbits, and a cross of their blood greatly improves the Belgian Hare.. Tame wild rabbits can be obtained by taking some young ones from their nest when they are about a week old, and putting them into the nest of a tame doe whose young are of the same age, but if they are not kept where they are constantly seen and handled they will grow up perfect savages, and will be of no use. They will struggle desperately and scratch viciously when- ever they are taken hold of, and will always be watching for a chance to escape. A PROFITABLE CROSS. We have found the pretty little Himalayan rabbit, which is about the size and shape of a wild rabbit, a very good cross with larger does, weighing 81b. or 91b. each. It is a very plump little rabbit, and the cross-bred young ones grow very fast, and are alway fat. We have killed them when only nine weeks old, weighing nearly 41b. each. ON FKKDING AND TENDING. A thriving young rabbit of a good breed will increase in weight at the rate of one pound in two or three weeks. The first four weeks of its life it will lite almost entirely, and the next four weeks principally, on its mother's milk. A doe that is giving suck should have all the green food she will eat given to her, and in addition a handful of bran, or oats and bran mixed, twioe a day. When green food is scarce, mangolds, swede turnips, or carrots supply Its place. Twenty- four hours' neglect at this time may rum a whole litter, as if the doe's milk dries up it will not return, and the young will pine away. Her rack should be filled every evening, or the hutch should be moved into fresh grass, as rabbits feed a good deal at night. Rabbits eat greedily and turn into meat worth from some 6d to 8d per pound, not only grass, but potato tops, pea haulms, lawn sweepings, hedge trimmings, the leaves of most trees, carrot tops, cabbage leaves, and gorse and broom in fact, nearly everything that grows in our gardens. But it is important that succulent vegetables, particularly plants of the cabbage tribe, should not be given to young rabbits in a very wet con- dition. The green food should be collected in dry weather as much as possible. THE SECRET OF SUCCESS. The secret of successful rabbit rearing consists in not separating the young from their mother too soon; and certainly no farmer would think of depriving a lamb of its mother's milk if he meant to sell it as a fat lamb, fit for the butcher. Where rabbits are kept in the ordinary hutches, hay and sweet oat-straw are their staple food in the winter months, and rabbit keepers can secure in the summer a quantity of coarse hay and trimmings from hedge banks, &c., which other stock will not care to eat. Bran is as cheap as hay, being generally about jE4 a ton, and is a very useful food to milk-producing animals and to all young growing animals, as it helps to form their bonea. Two bushels of bran mized with one bnAhel of em and Mtttr, to < vety good tad 9b5p mixture for rabbitM. It wiU not cost Id per lb-, and a handiul a day in dry weather and two haodfuls in wet weather seems to keep grass-fed rabbits in perfect health. Indian corn is very fattening, and it improves the quality of the manure, but it should be given cracked. Barley meal is too expensive to be given alone, but a little mixed with the small potatoes, which are generally given to pigs, boiled, is excellent food. Ship's biscuits, brewer's grains, and malt calms are also often given, where they can be procured cheaply. Grass can either be cut and brought to the hutches, or if the* rabbits are kept in movable hutches, they are fed by simply moving the hutch. Babbits are very found of carrots, turnips, mangolds and swade turnips, but mangolds and swedes are most easily grown. A quarter of an acre of well cultivated ground will grow from five to ten tons of these roots. Some large cow cab- bages are very useful food for rabbits in winter, and are better than roots to give to does that are in young, in very oold weather, as these some- times cause abortion; chicory and gorse are other useful wholesome foods. Where clover and seeds are grown for other stock, what a num- ber of rabbits eat is scarcely noticed, and when it is cut and carted ta the sheds a bundle can be thrown off for them. ON BBKEDXN&. Rabbits will breed in January, if the weather is not very severe, and the first litter will be born in February. The does will nearly always breed again when the young are three days old, and will produce another litter in thirty days; but it is a mistake to allow them to, as it necessitates weaning their young when they are only one month old. If a young doe has only three or four young ones the first time, when these are a week old they may be added to another small litter, and she may breed again directly, but as a rule a doe should not have more than four litters in a year. She should have a litter in February or March, in May or June, and in ^uly or August. And if she is well fed she will generally have a litter in December. We have found that young born in September, Ootober, and November seldom thrive, and wild rabbits seldom breed in these months. The does are changing their coats, and do not seem to give much milk when doing this; and the young ones, born in comparatively warm weather, get their growth checked as the nights get colder. GENERAL. Large rabbits always sell much better skinned. They should also have their ears and feet out off, and then they pass for imported rabbits, and are bought by the London dealers at so much per stone of 81b. We nerereold any at less than 4s 4d per stone, or 6%d per lb. A fat young rabbit which weighs 7lb alivewi11 give a carcase weight of 51b to Slb, and this is a very saleable size. To keep a breed which will arrive at this weight when 18 weeks old, and to feed them on the least costly food, should be the object of a rabbit rearer. It is dangerous to handle the young, or even to let a young doe see that you are looking at them, before they are a week old. The doe may very likely desert them, addict them die of hanger. Does with much wild blood in them are very troublesome in this rospeetL It is better to have of the wild blood on the ba.1". We keep only four sorts of ani.1s on our farms, and the despised rabbit will certainly produce a greater quantity of meat in proportion to ita size, and at a lesser cost, than either oattle, sheep, or pw if we manage it properly, while we should not forget the fact that we pay foreigners over £200,000 a year for tame rabbits which we import.

In the old days in Western Pennsylvania, when the people bad little money to pay for teachers, and could spare their boys but little time from the work of the field, school kept" almost in- cessantly during the few weeks when it was in session, with no Saturday holidays and very brief recesses. At one little school-house among the mountains, an old-fashioned Irish school-master was once employed, who kept his boys grinding steadily at their tasks, but gave them permission to nibble from their lunch-baskets sometimes as they worked. One day, while the masterwae instructing a class in the rule of three, he noticed that one of his pupils was paying more attention to a piece of apple-pie th;vn to the lesson. Arrah, there said the master, "Jack Bales, be listenin5 to the lisson, will ye ?" I'm listening, sir," said the boy. Listenin', is it ?' exclaimed the master; then it's listenin' wid one ear ye are, an' atin' poi wid the other A Moslem priest once asked, all those of his congregation who loved God and feared their wives to stand up. "Instantly," says the nar- rator, "the whole gathering rose,8&ve one." When the priest observed this, he approached the solitary excepton, and said: I see you remain seated. Is it because you do not love God r No,' answered the man; I love God.' Then is it because you do not fear your wifef the contrary,' Was the reply, I am unable to rise because my wife pave me suoh a beating this naming that I am almost .#

I WELSH GLEANINGS. 0 By Uoffwr. Small Holdings. Approval of the fundamental basis of Mr Chaplin's Small Holdings Bill is expressed by the Ooleuad, which says that the measure is far better than might have been anticipated from a Conser- vative Government. Still, it contains many defects which may possibly be remedied in com- mittee. Its chief merit is that it points the way for future legislation. Absence of compulsory powers for the acquisition of land is the most serious blemish in the Bill, to the thinking of the Tyst. It contains the characteristic of most Tory measures taking away with one hand what it gives with the other. The Eisteddvod in Brisbane. A programme has come to hand of an eistedd- vod which is to be held at Brisbane, Queensland, next Good Friday, and of which Sir Samuel Griffith, Q.C., K.C.M.G., is president. The chief prize is 450 for the chorus, Oh, great is the depth" (Mendelssohn). Another important competition is the male chorus, Cydgan y Medelwyr" (Mr D. Jenkins), the chief prize in this case being 225. The eisteddvod conductor. Rev R. H. Boberfcs (Ap Nefydd), is a son of the late Dr Roberts, of Blaina, and half-brother of Mr LI. R. Edwards, schoolmaster, Ystrad. Dr. Bevan. A telegram in the Times this week throws some light upon the statement that Dr Llewelyn Bevan, of Melbourne, had refused to address a meeting of the unemployed. Upwards of a thousand men held a meeting on February 18th in Dr Bevan's schoolroom, in Melbourne. Dr Bevan promised to organise a labour bureau for the purpose of providing work, in conjunction with the Salvation Army, if the unemployed would detach themselves from party leaders. The meeting, however, broke up in disorder, and 100 men who were offered on the spot pick and shovel work in the country districts at 7s a day, abso- lutely refused to accept it. Dr Bevan is a native of Llanelly. Not a Welshman. It now transpires that John Williams, of Erromanga, the famous missionary, was not a Welshman. A correspondent of the Welsh Weekly has been in communication on the subject with the son of the martyred missionary, and has received the following reply, signed "S. Tamatoa Williams" Mr Jones, of the Missionary Society, has sent me your note of inquiry respecting my father, John Williams. He was not a, Welshman—though my ancestors in the reign of James L were persecuted out of Carnarvonshire by the Bishop of Bangor-married and settled at a little obscuro village in Oxfordshire (Coate), near Whitney, whence my family sprang." "Fagging" Welsh. This from the Cambrian News-At the Lon- don Welsh National Banquet on Saturday night one of the speeches was delivered by Dr John Williams in excellent Welsh. It is time to cry out Wales fot the Welsh when a Welshman can be sincerely complimented for being able to speak his own language. We understand that it is the Intention of the Welsh UtilizatiQu SodWW, as soon as Welsh County Court judges are ap- pointed, to test their knowledge of the old language by getting up cases in the courts and having them argued and tried throughout in Welsh. We believe there is a good deal of fagging Welsh going on just now amongst the natives of the Principality, who consider themselves to be eligible for County Court Judgeships. The National Memento. The monument subscribed for by the Welsh people, and now being erected in St. Asaph, in commemoration of the great work accomplished by Bishop Morgan in translating the Holy Scriptures into Welsh, is drawing towards com- pletion. Thesite is in front of the cathedral, and faces the main street of the city. The monument is an imposing structure, being some 30ft. from base to cross. It is designed in 15th-century style of architecture, octagon in form, and is built of red Stollington stone. There are several steps at the foot, which are composed of hard York stone. About 7ft. from the base there are eight niches, and upon pedestals of richly-carved capitals, eight figures of white stone, each figure draped in the various garments of the office the persons held. Facing the road is that of Bishop Morgan, robed and represented with the open Bjblo in his hands, and other figures are those of Bishop Parry, D. Davies, Pry- Goodman, Bishop Davies, Salesbury, Huet. The opening cere- mony will take place in a week or so. Et Caetera. The Seren contains an interesting biographical sketch of the late Mr Benjamin Jones, Dolycoed Hotel, Llanwrtyd, whose genial figure was familiar to hundreds of the frequenters of that popular summer resort. The Ooleuad protests against the language of the Welsh Review, which, commenting upon the Aberystwyth College Prinoipalship, declared that the time bad at last arrived when preachers of all sects should be made to understand that they are disqualified for any and every official position in connection with our national educational institutions." The Ckieuad remarks that it has no knowledge of the circumstances which called forth these remarks, but they show that the editor of the Welsh Review is earned away by the worldly-wisemen. "D. Ff. Dafis," in the ocit, urges the Welsh party in the House of Commons to adopt Irish methods. They won't win the respect of the House by being nice and respectable. Mr D. Emlyn Evans, one of the most acoom- plished of Welsh composers, has just completed a new cantata entitled Merch y Llyn (Daughter of the Lake). The libretto was written by the late Ceiriog Hughes.

A STRAIGHT ANSWER. Mr O. TuRlt: "Oi hear thot Micky war hurt fa th' blast yisterday." Mrs MoPma "Thruefuryou. Mr O. Tuim An' how is he gettm along r Mrs MoPUzz "Oh, be can't complain."

THE PROGRESS WAS TJmBB, WelJ, how 40 you like the town ?" asked CoL Bulger, after he bad piloted an Eastern investor all over his new city of Neplusultra, Neb. Can t say I m favourably impressed," replied the capitalist. Can't, eh ? Why, whafs the trouble ?" It doesn't look to me like a progressive town." Not progressive, podnerT Why, let me tell you that is the most progressive town in the West. O, nonsense "It's a fact, and I can prove it." Go ahead with your proof." "well sir. we used to play nothing but poker here at social gatherings, and now you never hear of a game outside of progressive euchre." New reporter (breathlessly): Big' railroad accident on the A. B. 0. road. Shall I so to the superintendent of the A. B. O. road for par ticulars f City editor Certainly not. Go to thf <iw«*rintendent of the X.Y.Z. road."

Members for Merthyr. [By W, R. WILLIAMS, SOLICITOR, TALYBONT.] Among the many changes which the Reform Act of 1832 wrought, it was impossible that the important county of Glamorgan should not have a share in the additional representation which fell to the lot of most of the rising constituencies in lieu of the electoral privileges so long enjoyed by decayed and decrepit boroughs, and they accordingly enfranchised the Boroughs of Merthyr Tyyfil and Swansea, to eadfl of whom it accorded the privilege of returning one member to Westminster. Merthyr therefore held its first election on 11th December, 1832, and unanimous- ly chose as its first member the man who did so touch to develope its native industries, and especially the great Dowlais Ironworks—the late Josiah John Guest, Esq., of Dowlais House. Mr Guest was the grandson of John Guest, of Dowlais, ironmaster, and was born February, 1785, and having carried on the family business of ironmaster, which he developed and extended to a great extent, aided by the invention and development of the railway system, he succeeded in attaining a position of great opulence, and became a man of considerable influence in the county. He was chosen member for Merthyr, December, 1832, and being re-elected nearly always without opposition, at the suc- ceeding general elections of January, 1835, July, 1837, June, 1841, July, 1847, and July, 1852, he held the seat until his decease in Novem- ber, 1852. At the election of 1837, following the accession of Queen Victoria, he also came for- ward as a candidate for the county in the Liberal interest, but without success; and he also at the same time had to fight for his seat at Merthyr, where, however, he had an easy vic- tory, defeating Mr John Bruce Bruce by 309 votes to 135, Mr Guest married (1) March. 1817, Maria Elizabeth, daughter of William Ranken. She died s.p. the following January. and he mamed (2) July, 1833, Lady Charlotte Elizabeth Bertie, only daughter of Albemarle, 9th Earl of Lindsey. In 1838 a baronetcy was conferred upon him, and at the age of 67 he died, November. 1852, leaving five sons and five daughters. He was succeeded in the title by his eldest son, Ivor Bertie, who was born 1835 married, in 1868, Lady Cornelia, daughter of the late Duke of Marlborough, K.G., and sister of Lord Randolph Churchill, M.P., and having unsuccessfully contested the county as a Conservative in February, 1874, Poole Mfcy, 1874, and Bristol 1878, was raised to the peerage as Lord Wimborne April, 1880. The second son, Thomas Merthyr Guest, married the youngest sister of the Duke of Westminster in 1877 the third son. Montague John, was M.P. torYoughal 1869-74, and Wsyehain 1880-5, as a Liberal; and tbe fifth son, Arthur Edward, was M.P. tor Poole 1868-74, when he was defeated, and unsuccess- fully contested Cardiff m 1886, and Southampton 1888. Dec., 1852.—Henry Austin Bruce, Esq., vice Sir Josiah Guest. Bart., deceased. This gentle- man, better known by his present title of Lord Aberdare, is the second son of John Bruce Bruce- Pryce, of Duffryn, who assumed the surname of Pryce, 1837, and unsuccessfully contested Merthyr, 1837, and nephew to the late Sir J. L. Knight Bruce, Lord Justice of Appeal, was born 16th April, 1815; married (1) 6th Jan., 1846, Annabella, only daughter of Richard Beadon, of Clifton; she died 28th July, 1852, and he married (2) 17th Aug., 1854, Norah Creina Blanche, youngest daughter of Lieut.- General Sir Wm. Napier, K.C.B. Mr Bruce was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn, November, 1837, and was stipendiarv magistrate for Merthyr Tydfil from May, 1847. to Decern l»r, 1852. when he resigned that appointment lb order to stand for Parliament. He was re-clected April, 1857, May, 1859 (when he defeated Charles Meyrick Elderton by 800 votes to 106), April, 1864 (on accepting effics), and July, 1865, b" was defeated November, 1868, and sat for Renfrewshire January,. 1869, to August, 1873, when he was created a Peer by the title 21 if*°*"d Aberdare. His lordship was Under-Secretary for top Home Depart- ment November, 1862-4, Vice-President of Education April, 1864, to July, 1866, sworn a member of the Privy Council ApriL 1C64; Second Church Estates Commissioner, Novem- ber, 1865, to August, 1866 a member of the Committee of the Privy Council on Education December, 1868, to August, 1873; and also in Scotland. August, 1872 to August, 1873; an Ecclesiastical Commissioner for England, 1869. to February, 1874; Secretary of State for the Home Department December, 1868, to August, 1873 and Lord President of tha Council, August, 1873, to February, 1874. Lord Aberdare has been a magistrate and deputy-lieutenant for Glamorganshire since 1847, and was, as far back as 1858, vice-chairman of the court of quarter- sessions, and was also at the same time deputy- chairman of the Vale of Neath Railway Company. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, and of the Royal Geographical Society, of which latter in- stitution he has been president, and has been president of the University College of Wales, at Aberystwyth,since 1875. Lord Aberdare is seated at Duffryn, near Aberdare. ( To be concluded.)

HIS WIFE WAS SIOK. An old fellow from Pussum Ridge was in town in quest of a doctor, and after cDnsiderableinquiry succeeded in locating one. Striding across the street the old chap entered the office of a young M.D., and addressing a man who was reading a newspaper said— How'r'ye, mister." U Good morning, sir." "Say, air yer the feller what runs this yer con- cern 1" "Sir?" cried the M.D., severely. I axed if yer the chap what hangs out at this shop. "I am the physician who offices here, sir ?" Oh Jest so. That's what I wnz drivin' at, so it's all right. It's your business to fling medi- cine, I reckon 1" I prescribe medicine for the silk." "Yer do whut?" "Prescribe medicine. Tell people what to take and how to take it." Uh, huh. Then yer the feller I wuz lookin' fer. I want some medicine fer the old 'oman." What kind of medicine T' Oh, I haint particular 'bout the kind. Jest anything that's convenient and cheap." But, man, we must give a remedy to fit the case. What do you think ails your wife 2" Hain't no idea what." Is she very sick ?' Wal, no, not very. She's jest sorter under the weather." Just complaining, eh ?" No; she don't complain over much, but she grunts a power." Is she able to get about V Hain't been out o' bed since harvest time. She was uncommonly stout up to that time, an' made a full band in the harvest eve^ day. But senoe that she ain't been wuth shucks." She overdone herself, perhaps f Reckon not. I worked right along the side of 'er, doin' ever' bit an' grain as much work as she did, an' it never got me down." Yes. Well, what do you think is the trouble 1" Goshamity, mister, I hain't a ghost of a no. tion. I know, though, she's blamed bad tuok." How is her appetite ?" I'm afeered it ain't rale fustrate." Rather weak, you think ?" I dunno if it haint artier." What does she eat V •t Wal. she haint eat nothin' jfc three days." Nothing *'Not er bite, mister." Well, I should say ber appetite was DOfImn rate." I was afeerd it was fail in' Haven't you done anything for her V Why, yes, yer bet I have. I've done every. thing I could think of." Have you given her medicine of any kind 1" Lots of it. What have you given her V* Wal, ever'thing there was about the house. I've give 'er pokeroot tea, polecat oil, condition powders, an' last night I gtlV 'er a big dose 0' hoss liniment. I thought shoo that last fetch 'er right out. but it didn't 'pear to hope 'er a derned bit. In quere, too, for it's powerful good ter bosses." Well, well, that beats me." "Yer bet. It beats me, too, dock. I nevva would a believed that thar hoss liniment would a faded. Reckon the ole 'oman must be aorta porely when none o' them tricks won't face 'er." It's a wonder, man, that she isn't dead." "Thinkso? Reckonmebby, then, she would a been dead if I hadn't doctoped her up so keerfully. Man, it's a downright shame to bave that worn in lying there like that." Yer right it is, dock, fer asides the expense, it's a heap of trouble 00 tend on her. Then ther's the corn getbenn an' the winter wood gettin' comm on, an', by jinks, it begins to look like I was goin' to have all the work to do myself. It's not only a downright shame to have 'er lyin' ther, dock, but it's blamed unhandy. Ever'thing is goin' to rack 'bout the place, the fences gettin all •down, an' the taters rottin', an' ever'thing, since she haint been able to look after 'em. I thought I she oft to be got up out o' the bed someway, so I reckoned I'd git a little medicine from you. Even if it costs me five or ten cents, I low it 'ud be cheaper in the eend than to let 'er hføg on wear the thing ont." úM

Andrew Fletcher, of Saltoan, 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 make the laws of the nation."

III.—" HAPPY ALL THE DAY." I will be happy all the day, Let come what may," Twas early morning when the word was said, And like a journey 'cross a weary plain, There stretched the hours, but I was comforted, As heart and voice sung o'er the sweet refrain, I will be happy all the day. Let come what may.' "I will find peace and only peace, Tili day Shall cease." A rushing tide of battle ebr>s and flows* And right seems ever overwhelmed by wrong, Yet as the sounds of cruel discord rose, Again I caught the echo of my song: I will find peace and only peaces Till day shall cease." I will make hope and only hope My horoscope." The sombre, brooding clouds of discontent Oppress one's spirit like a throbbing pain, One frets and moaRS in one's environment, But with a look ahead, I sing again, I will make hope and only hope My horoscope." I will seek joy and only joy, Without alloy Amidst the tangled maze of doubt and sin, A sorrow seems to flit with dusky wing. Impending gloom seems slowly creeping in, But light breaks through the clouds as still I sing, • I will seek joy and only joy, Without alloy." "I will feel love and love alone, And self dethrone." A sordid spirit all about me reigns, The greed for gain in all around I see, And selfish Jaw our selfishness restrains; Amidst it all my song shall ever be, I will feel love and love alone, And self dethrone." I will be happy all the day, Let come what may." Each sombre jewel of experience Shall be so turned as to reflect the light, Each loss shall sbuw its glorious recompense, Each valley be exalted to a height, And happiness shall reign to-day, Let come what may. FREDERICK A. BZSBXZ.

To be Introduced to a Good Book is to make a Fri-ndship." OLIVER GOLDSMITH. To understand an author thoroughly, and to appreciate and enjoy his work, it is necessary to know something of his life. Fortunately, to-day, a great deal of attention is being given to biography by readers, students, writers, and publishers, and it is not difficult to get at the biography of writers of any standing. John Forster, the biographer of Dickens, has enabled the reader to understand Oliver Goldsmith, in a manner which would be almost impossible with- out the aid of his "Life and Times of Goldsmith." Oliver Goldsmith, who immortalised his name by writing that delightful story of the 'Vicar of Wak'fi«ld," was born in the Irish village of Pallas, in the county of Long- ford, in 1728. He was tie son o £ a clergyman, and wrote verses as soon k- he could form words with his pen. He suc- ceeded in nothing that his friends wished him to be successful with. Hisfather intended him or a clergyman; but he was denied orders; he practised as a physician, but withoutsuccess. His success lay in anothar direction, and that was writing. He had the misfortune to be disfigured by small-pox, and his -manners were always awkward. Still, while he was a mark for the jests and gibes of his contemporaries, he, never- theless, left his mark in English literature. Goethe, the greatest of Germans, was influenced by and appreciated the Irishman. He wrote to a friend, "It is not to be described the effect that Goldsmith's Vicar had upon me, just at the critical moment of mental development. That lofty and benevolent irony, that fair and indul- gent view of all infirmities and faults, that meek. ness under all calamities, that equanimity under all changes and chances, and the whole train of kindred virtues, whatever names they bear, proved my best education and in the end these are the thoughts and feelings which have re- claimed us from the errors of life." These ex. periences and lessons were enforced in this delightful book because the author had under. gone them all. Literature owes John Forster a great debt for his "Life and Times of Goldsmith," which the cheap publishing of the present day has placed within the means of the humblest student. In the Minerva Library" the volume may bo purchased for 2s, bound in cloth, and containing the original illustrations, portrait, and a facsimile letter of Goldsmith. Another shilling will purchase Mr Austin Dobson's "Life of Goldsmith in the "Great Writers" series, which includes the principal facts asoertained about Goldsmith since Forster wrote. We must com- plete our little library on Goldsmith by expending still another shilling on No. 29 of Mnrley's Universal Library, which contains the "Vicar of Wake6eld," and the "Plays and Ppems of Goldsmith." Thus for the expenditure of four shillings, or three shillings and fourpence Jess the discount, the reader may become the possessor of a life-long treasure of wisdom and entertainment contained in three small volumes fit for the book- shelves of a king. Ruskin, with his luminous perception, called hooks" king's treasures."

THE RHYL NATIONAL EISTEDDVOD. [BT DR JOSEPH PARRY.] All true lovers of yr hen selydliad cenedlnettol rejoice at the noble position it has won for itseJJl notwithstanding the scorn and sneers of strangers and from our own people. Even its very pro- moters, by illuse and abuse, of (en stained the purity of this our National poetie and musical musical feast. Our divine art has ever contri- buted much to the dignity, popularity, and financial prosperity of Yr Eisteddfod," but in no part of its history and Usefulness has musio done more for the Eisteddvod than at Eistedd- vodau of our own time. Its musical competitions are now the attraction. Choirs bring their hundreds, and concert artistes and eisteddvod ohoirs make the whole festival a success. Its composers, may we hope, add a little tone also, as well as oontribute to the development and history of the music of Gwalia. The Rhyl Committee have broken new ground by taking a leaf out of the book of all our great English musical festivals, by the bringing out of a new oratorio, Saul of Tarsus, or Scenes from the Life of St. Paul, which is one of the works to be performed at the pardiff Triennial Musical Festival. The work has been well received by the Rhyl Committee, and great interest is being manifested in its production.

The late General Meigs was responsible for that architectural monstrosity, as some people desig- nate it, known as the Pension Bureau. The storj goes, as Kate Field tells it, that General Meigs once took General Phil Sheridan to see the build- ing, and asked him what he thought of it. Well, Meigs," replied r-heridan, there is only one ob- jection, so far as I can see." What's tbat 1" I'm told the d—d thing is fire-proof." Mr Bronston "Miss Braney, the American girl who took all the prizes in the English univer- sities, has returned to this country, and I saw her in the street to-day." Mr Bronston (with in- terest) Did you ? How was she dressed ?" Smith met Jones on th" desk of an ocean- steamer one calm morning after several days of very rough weather. Why, I declare, Jones," said Smith, you look years older that when I last saw you No wonder," answered Jones I" 've had several birthdav s'lately THJE RESULT OF Too MUCH GBKEK.—First classic By the way, hadn't Dante got another name?" Second classic: "Yes. Alfien, I think- or else Alighieri." First classic: Ah, perhaps you're right. I had a notion it was Gabnel Bossetti or something

MEN AND MOVEMENTS OF THE DAY. [n BALM] No. 4.—GEORGE HOWELL, M.P., and Trades Unionism. George Howell, the historian of Trades Unionism, is a striking example of what an intelligent working man can accomplish by per- sistent effort and a burning zeal to benefit his fellows. Starting life in humble circumstances, and at a time when self-education, mental improvement and social advancement were hemmed in by almost insurmountable difficulties, yet by his own efforts and a constancy to his ideal, he has raised himself from the position of a working mason to that of a legislator. He has done something more, having constituted himself the historian of Trades Unionism and the Labour movement. His works are used and quoted from by all writers ot the present day, whether they are supporters or antagonists of the position he takes up on the question of Labour legislation. George Howell was an actual working man," for more than 20 years, and for nearly half a century he has given up much of his time, and what talents he possessed, to the cause of pro- gress, of civil and religious liberty. The improvement of the condition of the peo- ple, politically, so- cially, morally, and intellectually, has ever been his object. He is the son of a builder and contwactor, and was born in 1833, at Wrragfcon, in SomeMetshire, the birth-place of John Locke, the philosopher, and of Hannah More. He developed the love of reading early, and the present writer remembers bemgtold by Mr Howell that his only chance of self-education was rising at four o'clock in the morning two hours before his daily work commenced. He was born in troublous times for the working classes, and many events combined to make him a staunch Radical. He was living with his father at Newport and Pontypool at the time of the Newport riots, and remembers having been nursed and carried by George Shell, the young man who was shot at the Westgate Hotel. When on his march to Newport, Shell turned aside from the head of his party to take young Howell in his arms and kiss him. He was at Bristol in 1841, and remembers the faction fights which occurred at the exciting election of that year. He took part in the Reform movement under Dunn, Everett, and William Griffiths, and settled down in London at the age of 22, con- tinuing his education at classes in connection with the Science and Art Department and Working Men's Institutes. All through these early years he kept up his connection with the Chartists, having^Mr Ernest Jones for one of his friends. But it win connection with Trades Unionism that the Radical and Chartist was to make his mark in the world. He became a member of the committee of his Trades Union, and a zealous advocate of the interests of his fellow workmen. He was locked out in the great building trade disputes in 1859-60-61. On the formation df the London Trades Council he became its secretary, and was the first Parliamentary Secretary of the Trades Union Congress. He held this post till 1875, when the Employers and Workmen's Act was passed. In the following spring Mr Howell published his Handy Book of the Labour Laws," a. clever and fthomy exposition of the law in regard to labour, which at once took the position of a reliable work of reference. But it was in 1878 that he produced the work which will be more closely associated with his name than perhaps any other part of his work-his volume entitled "The Conflicts of Capital and Labour, .Historically and Economically Considered." This work is really what it was claimed to be, "A history and review of the Trades Unions of Great Britain, showing their origin, progress, constitu- tion, and objects, in their political, social, economical, and industrial aspects." So admir- ably did Mr Howell do his work that the book has obtained a permanent place in our literature as an authoriry on the subject with which it deals. Mr Howell put twelve months of hard work into his book, and achieved a success which has not yet decreased, a new edition brought down to date being called for last year. Driven by necessity, as well as impelled by choice, he has supported himself by writing since 1875, most of his contributions to the literature of the day being on Labour questions. Before Mr Howell took up his pen Trades Unions were little known, and were terribly abused and calumniated. His writings may be said to have turned the tide in their favour. Nothing did so much to suppress the frequent venemous and ignorant attacks on Trades Unionism as the publication of The History of the Conflict between Capital and Labour." To a large extent he may be said to have created the literature of Trades Unionism of the last twenty-five years. His latest issued work is published by Messrs Methuen & Co., "Trade Unionism, New and Old," which formed the first of a series of handbooks on "Social Questionsof the Day." The book is one of the most ad- lifirable manuals issued, the writing, printing, and binding being of more than usual excellence. This volume deals exhaustively with the later developments of Trades Unionism and the organisation of Labour, but at the same time includes a readable and comprehensive history of the growth of Trades Unionism from the early days of trade and other guilds. The little volume ought to be in the hands of everyone interested in Trades Unionism or Labour move- ments, and it is published at a price within the reach of the poorest worker. Mr Howell's career has been unique, and his r autobiography, could he be induced to write it, would be interesting and inspiring reading for young and old alike. Naturally enough, be has been associated with the friends and sup- porters of Poland, Hungary, and other oppressed nationalities, and was an enthusiastic worker for the Italian movement under Mazzini and Garibaldi. He was one of the founders of the International Working Men's Association a zealous cham- pion of the North during the American struggle, and holds letters from Charles Sumner and others testifying to the good service he rendered to the 'anti-slavery cause. There are, indeed, few reform movements with which Mr Howell has not been connected. When he first began political life the working classes were practically without votes, and when he commenced to take part in industrial questions Trades Unions were under the ban of the law. ttt all the reform movements which have followed Mr Howell has taken an important part, and many of the reforms in regard to -tablya,r are !arge!y. !f hot mainly, due to his unceasing efforts. Mr Howell has also done much for seamen since the year 1870, having helped Mr Plimsoll in all his move- ments, motions, Bills, and agitations. He was returned as the member for Bethnal Green in the election of 1885. Though Mr Howell's name is now associated with Old Trades Unionism, he is still the active friend of progress. He only differs from the New Trades Unionists on points of policy. The New Unionists believe in more law; he believes in less. As he says, I work for freedom, not for the shackles of legislation. A fair field and no favour—this is my motto." NKXT WMK TOM MANN AND THE NEW TRADES' UNIONISM.

HE WAS A CUSTOMER.—Drusrgist: No, sir, I cannot give you' the medicine without the money. Stranger: Don't you trust your cus- tomer?? "Sometimes, when we know them." I'm a customer of yours." "I don't recollect you." "Oh, you don't, eh? Well, sir, I want you to understand that I've always bought my postage stamps here. But I've bought my last. I'll go somewhere else in the future. Blamed if I don't." A young man who had been seeking employ- ment from an editor finally obtained leave to write an article on a subject assigned by the editor, and to bring it in person in a week. The article was brought at the appointed time. The editor read it, and knit his brows. "You have some good thoughts here," he said; but you write very badly." we] 4 you see, air, faltered the applioant, I was land of Beared. I never wrote iu public befor* 1",