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■ WORKMEN'S TOPICS.
■ WORKMEN'S TOPICS. THE COAL TAX. I BY MABON, M.P, MINER AND MINE-OWNER. COMPARISON OF PROFITS AND WAGES SINCE 1896. Parliamentary return moved for by Mr T^ald Balfour, which was issued on Saturday ee*, gives some remarkable details as to coal- profits and miners' wages for the last 14 £ ea*s. The salient points in the return are set Itt as follow :— yT^tity of coal raised, tons 157,518,000 M at pit's moufcli £ 38,146.000 | I.. 1885. yT^tity of coal raised, tons 157,518,000 at pit's moufcli £ 38,146.000 | iters' wages 26,396,000 ^owners' profits 11,750.000 G„ 1900. « 8-tttity of coal raised, tons 225,170,000 ll; pit's month £ 121,649,009 r^ers'wages 64,433,000 jjj'owners' profits 57,216,000 I wring the same period the average value of 1 at the pit's mouth has varied from a fraction 4s 10d per ion to a shade over 10s 9*d per ff 1900. The number of miners has risen Oj0rn 519,970 to 780,052, and their average rate w^ges has gone up from 21s Id per week in to 33s 13d last year. In 1899, however, the j^'age was only 29s, and from 1895 to 1897 it was only a little over 25s. re are some instructive comparisons drawn 0,5:1 the tables in the return :— I Miners' Wages. Owners' Profits. }S90 29s 6d £ 29,789,000 «92 27s 3d 19,848,000 *893 28s Id 9,037,000 1894 26s 6d 17.150.000 j897 25s 5d 16,834,000 |S98 27s 3d 17.386,000 1899 29s Od 32.098,000 t'q mpared with 1897, the wages paid in lyoo ^ed an increase of £ 16,650,000, while owners' Pfits were augmented by a sum of £ 38,475,000. to* Government has evidently come to the Ck °'t!sion that the mere assertion of the v teller of the Exchequer regarding the sup- ed enormous profits of the coalowners was sufficient for its purpose, for it ultimately t^^Pted Mr Gerald Balfour, the President of f0* °ard of Trade, to ask the Board of Trade lio a return upon the subject. I see clearly tb. 'i<¡ thQ.t they will be grievously disappointed if th are, as they must have been, of the opinion *8a,' Case won^ have been strengthened the trade by the publication of this return. re^urn in all its bearings is a most 3hady t}je' The statistics therein, as far as concern ba °u'Put and value of coal raised in 1886, are tj. ou the published Home Office reports of On but the value of coal in 1900 is based J^tistical returns which will be included in 1 III. of the forthcoming General Report of an<^ Quarries. e.statistics of the average weakly wages of Of .'j, Miners are based on the results of the Board ra^e Census of Wages, 1886, modified by the changes of miners' wages recorded that date. And the rates of wages have tJ9> calculated on the assumption that the ) Ilt;aSe changes of hewers' wages have Hoi applicable to the wages of the 6 body of miners. But the most stupid 1 V.ding Part 01 1:i tbe approximation it division of values received for coal e pit's mouth between workmen's wages and f^^iowners' profits without deducting a single 10g from the latter sum on account of the I J ei'ous remaining expenses other than wages, ft report itself it is stated that there are trials for framing a statistical estimate of e eXI) exi5enses of coal production other than the tli 8 ai!c^ ^e coalowners' profits. It also states *°oJk t^le absence of accurate figures the the assumption may perhaps be made that **as been an average increase of not more 5,^ ^d per ton in these expenses since 1897 at- alone would reduce the total amount 'teji".1 head of profits by about 5$mil lions JO ,1Jg on the output for 1900. This 6d per ton is on the average margin of the value tig after deducting wages in 1897, accord- ^Ut ^a^es S*ven iQ Table I. of the report, 'f this is so, what is the margin left for when the whole cost of production, 8'Ce from workmen's wages, is deducted Of not be worth the while of the mineowners Oth Wales to work out this proposition for Ves, and thus help to demonstrate how unreliable have been the statements made, *0^ ,0;v absolutely unjustifiable has been the it'l, In its first inception ? | aitles Joicey, writing to the Times hist t4a.t t'llrns the figures of the return against all Alj0 as been said from the Ministerial Benches. Is 6d per ton to cover all expenses other IfySg !^es, Sir James shows that in the years °93, and 1895 there was either no profit or ioss, while in the years 1887 and 1896 ^'as only a moderate profit. Altogether, ^)gb' first ii years with which the return averag° profit on an estimated capital s -°00,000 is no more than £ 3 4s per cent. For the whole 15 YCRrs-1886 to 1900 ^tter year is, of course, the year of the 111 )—the average profit is only £ 6 lis per "0iCfe Times, in its comment upon Sir Tamer, K{j1 '-tier, says :—" These figures are rather to the plain man, still an average bitattl of 6 per cent. over 15 years does not Itoe:¡ -y spell ruin or clissster." No, possibly it Nit apell disaster, but it disproves the igno- ^clje^ ^meiits of the Chancellor and his ^hich misled the House of Commons 11 "Vill the Government its large majority. It Mi t^le coa' trade has been no more profit- j5,11 any other trade, and it demonstrates 5 i^l4'rnoss the iniquity of the duty which laid upon a part, and, taking things i Perhaps the least profitable part, or ^tade. t JheTax in its Incidence Political, ^en to task at the beginning of the gainst the imposition for sayir.g that, st^S a P°^itical one. But that opinion is .^gly and pretty generally now. In cCoiltention that it is not political is as I ^ves a,t^°Us as the tax itself. Both Co^servA- VeRit)}1. libera,Is in the ccal indivit;? are now feel that it i3 more in shape of than anything else. One of the Jstinc>[S the Crown (Mr Har.bury) gires it a Political charrvctei: and I can now ^ther, and eav that it is intended to M e m'ners *or K°t voting Tory. Ilftre is 1 ^^bury actually said Thev had to 3e tlle fact that colliers as a role belonged ° ca,l party. To a grc»t exSeat Lanca- l 1JOt". no exc Ktion, but Lancashire was a wise ftoj1 )1var'y otl<r;r respect,3. If the colliers Allowed their collcrugats under the Ijnioniinii, but still lagged behind ° j^-nner cf Little E^glanders, it was t,lcy had not tb^ir home markets to r f;-r!!3 '^Pon, or their foreign markets, where their protected thorn against any 0| 0:1 wN<,(;evx;r, and they were the only v' t thG in. this country who had not r*0' CccSfiit7 i'«r foreign markets, and had v igorensly the policy of a Gnt who s^id these markets were to be Is '^Pi! Gr° anything clearer than that the tax ,,] -llV' upon coal because of the Little v '° «ayiSr" r"l liadicalism of the colliers ? That Qc|'5'standing all the men from the th-t, vent to the front, all the Cor»iivl-nt £ -cl to aid the wives and the i f., Ild orphans of the soldiers I lC"ly themselves are to be spe- > 5 r-°aln ° a 'A1' they did not favour, and *Q^rl ^or profits they never made. cc 'r^ lricre illogical, more glaringly j cri,> T'eu from a Tory Government'? j That part of Mr Hanbury's speech referring to 1 the colliers being under the banner of Little Englandism was utterly contemptible. Such talk only demonstrated that the man who was capable of delivering such meaningless rantings was himself under the banner, or spell, of little mindedness and meanness of motive.
With Hints en Poultry and…
With Hints en Poultry and Stack, By COUNTRY COUSIN. The Centaurias This is an important family of plants, of which the most beautiful of all is the blue cornflower. The various species display considerable diver- sity of form, some, such as C. babylonica, being fitted more for the rougher parts of the garden. The following are the kinds arranged alphabe- tically :-C. arfentea has fern-like silvery leaves, and its bright colour and compact growth adapt it for bedding, but it mast always be used with caution. Silver-foliaged plants such as these must not be overdone. C. babylonica is a very distinct plant, and in good ground will grow 10ft. to 12ft. in height. The flowers are yellow, but the silvery leaves are the more attractive. A free sandy loam will suit it best. C. clementei is a charming silvery-grey leaved plant, and retains its foliage throughout the season. The flowers are of very little account and should be picked off. A lovely native flower, of which too much cannot be written, is C. cyanns. The ordinary blue variety is far more beautiful than the rose and other shades. This is an annual plant, and very easy to grow in fact, it sows itself, and the young plants standing the hardest winters flower better grown in this way than when sown in spring. C. gymnocarpa has silvery downy leaves and arching, very prettily cut. C. plumosa, a variety of the foregoing, has the leaves more divided, and not so white. Both these will require greenhouse treatment in winter. The great golden knapweed, C. macrocephala, grows from 4ft. to 5ft. in height, and has beauti- ful large rich yellow flowers. In deep rich soil it forms an effective mass, and the flowers are very effective when cut and arranged with other blooms, or even alone with their own leaves. C. montana, the mountain knapweed, is much more grown as a border plant than formerly. There are several varieties, the rich purple, white The Yellow Sweet Sultan (C. suaveolens.) I a,nd rose being the most effective. C. Mosohata, better known 9,S sweet sultan, is a pleasing annual. It may be had in creamy-white or delicate purple. The latter, however, produces the finest flowers. C. Ragusina is a half-hardy silvery-leaved plant, useful for the summer garden, but requires to bo cautiously planted. C suaveolens. or the yellow sweet sultan, illus- trated above, is a favourite old hardy annual and border flower with citron-yellow blooms, which it bears in rich profusion. It will thrive best in a light dry soil. The Dairy Cleaning Wooden Utensils. Chnrws, feuiter workers, and .all wooden uten- sils used for handling butter should have any small particles of Witter loosely adhering to them removed with cold water immediately after use. Then scald with the first wash water if no albumen is present, which is gener- ally the case on the butter worker and smaller wooden articles and on the churn when the butter has been washed in it. Of all articles the churn is the one most likely to be slighted in cleaning. Pour some boiling water in the churn and a, little of some cleaning material; give the A Barrel Churn. I churn a few turns, and follow by givin" ?. thorough rinsing with hot water. It should then be very carefully inspected, and, if it is found necessary, again thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. Always keep the inside of. the churn perfectly smooth it will be much easier to lreep clean, and there will lie less danger of any dirt re- maining. For ihis reason the employment of any rough materials for cleaning are most objec- tionable, as is also the use 6f large pieces of ice for cooling the cream ir the churn. All wooden utensils should be scalded after washing, or, still better, steamed. This treatment is especially necessary for the churn. Steam will penetrate every joint and corner, and soaks ido the wood sufficiently to melt all fat that has been soared up. After the churn has been washed, it takes but little time to attach a hose to the buttermilk outlet and thoroughly steam the interior. Do not fasten the cover down while thia is being dene, or some damage may probably ensue, owing to the pressure of steam being too great. Be careful not to allow the churn to bo exposed I too long to the pressnro of steam, or it might cause it to shrink and allow the joints to loosen and also take great care to loosen the nuts on the binding rods of all new churns in order to allow the wood to swell. After wooden utensils are cleansed and sterilised, invert them in a clean place, where they can drain and be dried by the air. It will bo aa well tt) stand tho utensils in tbe sun for & short time, hut not long- enough to crack them. Before the butter printer, ladle?, and other wooden articles are used, soak them ia Hot vro,fN and rinse in cold water. The firs, treatment causes the wood to swell, thus closing the pores, and the cold water chills the surface, co t*a»t tlie butter fat coming in contact with it is made hard and does not stick to ifc. Our illustration shows a barrel churn. Hints ov Srcwlrtg Melons. Melons like R held ins or firm soil. Loose, light soil, Wil;.ch co.cnrobers would revel in, is not good for melorii-. Soil deficient in lime should have a dressing of mortar-rubble or burnt wood ashes this will encourage a short growth, as in too rich or loose a soil they refuse to set fruits and make fI, /rroas growth, which is to be avoided. Plant firmly and place a, support to each plant. Uso topid water and syringe twice daily close early, and only admit air in bright weather. When the plants are two feet long stop them, and when the laterals show their joints stop the points, tie in, and when in flower fertilise by adding pollen of mule to female blooms. Keep the house dry at the time, and endeavour to get all fruits to set at the same time, and then feed freely, stopping shoots two joints from fruit and other gross growths. Keep the house at 65 degs. to 70 degs. at night, and from 10 degs. to 15 degs. higher oy day and as the fruits colour give more air and lesi food and moisture. The raising of plants izj frames is very similar to that in a special house, and so also is the soil, which should be placed in a firm heap. Place two plants in the centre of each light, training one towards the top of the frame and the other to the bottom. When the growths are 18 inches long stop them, and train lateral or side shoots over unoccupied space, and again stop these when about 12 inches long, in order to produce fruit. The frnits must be quickly set. When set, feed the plants, syringe in the afternoon in bright weather, and leave four fruits on a plant. Close early to economise warmth, remove all weak, useless growths, and in watering either house or frame plants be very eareful not to wet the stems, as this produces canker. When the fruits are set, give a good rich top dressing. Poultry Notes for June. Do not allow any hen to bring off a brood within a few days of midsummer if it can be managed. The middle of July will be quite early enough to bring out new hatches in all cases where late chickens are wanted for table purposes. The cocks which are to be used later for breeding purposes now should be given a rest, so that they may be in full vigour next month when the pens are again made up. If hens are troublesome on the nest, and it is intended to keep them another season, suffer them to sit a weeK or two on dummy eggs this will hasten on the moult, and induce them to lay earlier in tha autumn than they otherwise would. All adult cocks not intended to be kept should be sold for just what they will bring, and their food and room saved. Deal with aged ducks in the ?ame way 2s at the present time is better than 2s 6d .J, or 3s at Christmas. Of course, if they are still laying the case is very different. Nearly all the chickens in weli-reguiated yards ought to be able to take care of themselves now. Coop up newly- hatched birds on fresh ground, and not upon plots already fouled by other fowls. Provide a roomy run to each coop. and do not allow the older birds to knock them about. If the coops have been already used this year, they should be well washed, and as soon as they are thoroughly dried by the sun lime-washed, particular atten- tion being paid to the crevices. Water must be given freely, but it must not be allowed to stand in the sun for several hours at a stretch. The March broods should have the cockerels separated from the pullets and pushed along for killing on the other hand, the pullets will do best il allowed to take a more leisurely course. In hot weather chickens are sometimes troubled with diarrhoea. When this is noticed mix a little powdered chalk with the soft food. If milk is given it .must be sweet and not allowed to stand in the sun. All drinking and feeding vessels must be regularly washed "and cleansed, and the birds kept as cool as possible during the hot part of the day. To get large birds, feed regularly, and mix a good sprinkling of bone meal with the soft food at midday a slight feed of any scraps, and before they go to roost give some good sound grain. If there is no grass run supply fresh green food, but do not allow any to lie in the sun to decay. Sprinkle the nests with sulphur or some insect-powder and charred refuse, and old potting soil, in fact, any roosts clean and well sprinkled with carbolic acid.
DIARY OF GARDEN WORK.
DIARY OF GARDEN WORK. Week ending June 8th. Flower'Garden.—Snails,'slugs, and similar gar- den pests will be causing trouble now, particularly so in badly cultivated gardens. Good cultivation is the best remedy for insect pests, and this will include not only deep working and fairly liberal manuring, but keeping the surface loose and open, by frequent hoeing, or in positions where the hoe cannot be used stirring with the small hand fork. Of course there are other aids, such as lime, soot, salt, &c., but these, unless accompanied by good cultivation and surface- stirring, are not remedies, but simply mitiga- tior.g. Tender things, such a9 geraniums, verbenas, heliotropes, petunias, &c., may be safely planted now. Where the soil is light and rather poor, petunias willmaJre a, gay sliow. Before planting tread it rather firm, unless it happens to ne wet, and plant when the surface is dry. Early-sown annuals will now be grow- ing last if they have been properly thinned, but crowding means ruin. As soon as dahlias are planted t stake them and secure each plant with a tie loosely. Cut box edgings, during showery weather if possible. Mow lawns weekly, and keep the edges neatly trimmed. At this season there is always work among roses. Insects must be destroyed, suckers promptly dealt with, and mulched and watered in dry weather. It is also a good plan to thin the buds of some varieties, as it extends the season. A sprinkling of artificial manure-water will be a help now. bow a few more annuals for late blooming. Fruit Garden—Prompt steps should be taken to deal with aDV caterpillars on apple trees. The Bordeaux mixture is easily applied with a syringe, and there are several petroleum prepa- rations that make short work of insects and caterpillars. This work has been sadly neglected in many places. Apples on the Paradise, espe- cially if they are carrying heavy crops, should be mulched with manure or manarial compost—that is, a compost composed of manure, charred refuse, and old potting soil in fact, anything which has any manurial value may be added, and two inches or so spread over the surface of the ground, at least one yard in diameter round the tree. It is very seldom that sufficient lime is used about cherry trees, consequently many fall during the stoning. Cherry trees struggling to retain a heavy crop will find a top-dressing of super-phosphate very useful. r Disbud grape vines on walls and buildings. Very few persons sufficiently thin the young wood of vines either outdoor org indoor, hence poor fruit, small both in hunch and berry. Vegetable Garden.—Sow lettuces fortnightly on a cool site, and thin to 12 inches. Sow endive and treat it in the same way. Sutton's Mammoth White Cos lettuce and Incomparable Green endive are excellent sorts for present sowing. Plant leeks in manured trenches. Thin all young vegetables promptly, leaving the best Elants. Kemove flowers from sea kale and rhu- arb. Plant out cauliflowers, autumn giant, and Walcheren especially. Plant celeria two feet apart where the land has been well manured. Keep young celery pla.uts in nursery beds nice and moist, as a check now would be injurious. Mulch Globe artichokes and soak with liquid manure. Plant tomatoes against sqnny-walls .a:T\d fences mulch and water. Rub off Sill side shoots. and keep main stem regularly trained. Plant out ridge cucumbers and Vegetable mar- rows. S-iick peas before the tendrils begin to run. Sow Canadian Wonder beans and Sutton's Mammoth white runners. Earth-up potatoes and top-dress cucumbers in frames, pinching young shoots one leaf beyond the fruit. Give a little air not later than 8 a.m., and as the sun increases in power increase the ventilation sprinkle with chilled water early in the after- noon, and close by 3.50 p.m. Make up mush- room beds on the north side of a wall. Greenhouse.—Sow primulas and cinerarias at once in a little warmth. Autumn-sown cycla- mens may be moved to a close, cool frame, and shaded when the sun is hot. Forced plants, such as deutzias, Gheut and Japanese azaleas, must be kept under glass till the wood is getting a bit firm. Plant out lily of the valley, Dielytra spectabilis, spireas, &c., in good soil. Zonal geraniums may be kept in cold frames a little longer, but all the flowers should be picked off. Tuberous begonias are now coming into bloom, and may haTe a little weak stimulant now and again. Shade camellias making growth, and if necessary repot. Prune acacias and genistas a little to put them into e-ood shape. Window Garden.—tlse good soil for window boxes, and only strong, healthy plants. Use the sponge freely on foliage plants to remove dust. A teaspoonful of artificial manure may be given to aspidistras and other plants which have filled their pots with roots.
[No title]
Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun, in a letter to the Marqni*: of MODtro"e, wrote I know a very wi 3(5 man that helievetl tlmt if a man were permitGed to make all the ballads lie need not care who should make tbe laws of the uatioll."
JUDAS.
JUDAS. Tbere walks Judas, he who sold Yesterday his Lord for gold, Sold God's presence in his heart For a proud step in the mart He hath dealt in flesh and blood, At the bank is name is good, At the bank—and only there— 'Tis a marketable ware. In his eyes that stealthy gleam Was not learned of sky or streffm But it has the cold, hard glint Of new dollars from the mint, Open now your spirit's eyes, Look through that poor clay disguise Which has thickened, day by day, Till it keeps all light at bay, And his soul, in pitchy gloom, Gropes about its narrow tomb, From whose dank and slimy walls Drop by drop the horror falls. Look, a serpent lank and cold Hugs his spirit fold on fold From his heart, all day and night. It doth suck God's blessed light. Drink it will, and drink it must, Till the cup holds naught but dust, Till the spirit ebbs away Into the absorbing clay. Buried, beyond hope of light, In the body's haunted night. —LOWELL.
TO MAY.
TO MAY. Welcome dawn of summer's day, Youthful, verdant, balmy May Sunny fields and shady bowers. Spangled meads and blooming flowers, Crystal fountains—limpid streams, Where the sun of nature beams, As the sigh of morn reposes, Sweetly on its bed of roses Welcome scenes of fond delight, Welcome eyes with rapture bright— Maiden's sighs—and lover's vows— Fluttering hearts—and open brows And welcome all that's bright and gay, To hail the ba.lmy dawn of May I —J. L. STEVENS.
[No title]
With the merits of the case in which Mr Justice Ridley recently came into collision with the counsel for the "defendant we are not con- cerncd. What we desire to point out is a, strange departure from the traditions of the Bench. One of the defendant's witnesses while under ex- amination volunteered a statement as brief as it was legitimate, whereupon Mr Justice Ridley said, It is very kind of you to make a state- ment which you were not asked for." The credi- bility of the witness was a matter entirely for the jury, and Mr Justice Ridley's statement was even more gratuitous than that which he rebuked.— Law Journal." Might Need Them.—Husband (going to his rich uncle's funeral) Put a couple of large handkerchiefs into my pocket, dear. The old gentleman promised to leave me JE10,000, and I shall want to shed some appropriate tears.— Wife But suppose when the will is read you find that he hasn't left you anything —Hus- band: To provide for that contingency yon had better put in three. Indicated.—May That gentleman over there has faced his most deadly perils in the coolest possible way.—Bella: Oh, I could love such a miln. Who is he :>-May; He's an Arctic ex- plorer.
r Illustrated Fashions. --------
r Illustrated Fashions. Bright skies demand gay clothes, and so the dressmakers are now besieged with orders for dainty toilettes by all those women who have postponed to the last minute the selection of new gowns, and permitted the idle days of storm and shower to become lost opportunities for leisurely deciding how they shall be clad in the days of summer sunshine. This year (owing to the period of national mourning) the fashions were not so early in view, but came, as ic were. with a rush. Nearly everybody seems to have simultaneously arrived at the fact that new gowns and hats are immediate'necessities. Grey. of course, is a very favourite oolour, and some very smart toilettes are trimmed With lace incrustations, while on I one gown more than one shade of lace is often used as a trimming-a rather unusual and cer- tainly novel idea. My sketch exhibits an exceedingly up-to-date and fashionable grey gown. which both in the bodice a.nd skirt is elaborately tucked, while A Fashionable Grey Gown, j Maltese lace is liberally appliqued with excellent effect. A little touch of Parisian taste is shown in the small but ornate gold buttons which apparently fasten the front of the pouched bodice. The sleeves likewise are tucked, and finish at tbe wrists in a puff with lace applique. The material employed in the con- struction of this charming gown was an almost transparent grey canvas cloth over silk of the same tone. The matter of expense must be taken into consideration by the would-be-possessor of such a dress, as the amount of tiny tucks required adds materially to the cost thereof. Both on foulards and light cloth gowns, black and white lace incrustations are used both separately and together with the material, cut away behind to show the lining underneath. If the home-dress- maker should contemplate undertaking such a task herself it is wise to remembes to choose a lace which breaks up well and easily into separate sprays, a floral pattern being best for such a purpose. Cutting away the material beneath requires the greatest care, and a. very sharp pair of embroid- ery scissors shonld be used. It is, of course, easier to merely applique the lace to the material with fine sewing silk without afterwards cutting out the back, and then it looks naarly as pretty as the other style, though less effective, as it does not admit of a contrasting lining showing through the lace. Blouses seem to grow prettier every day, and to become mor$and more highly appreciated as one of the mostnaeful articles of dress. The one I have chosen to illustrate is particularly original in design and exceedingly elegant in wear. It is expressed in rose pink chine silk, and the upper part, where it terminates over a swathed and I pouched front, is trimmed with cream lace I A "Chic" Blouse. I applique interthreaded with black velvet ribbon. The same trimming appears at the wrist. The lower portion of the front is cunningly draped to simulate a. pouched front over a swathed band,but is really cut in one. Naturally tucks once again play a, not unimportant part in its "creation, as where can one find a smart garment of any nature which is not tucked more or less pro- fusely ? Lace also is omnipresent on everything, and lace gowns are still considered smart for dressy occasions, though their charm as a novelty is included in the annals of several seasons past. The lace bolero is destined to be much worn this season, as its uses in smartening up a plain toilette or blouse are unanimously acknowledged. The girl whose clever fingers manufacture the thousand androne little accessories of dress at home should set about without further delay to fashion a bolero of either guipure or Irish lace, as it requires little skill and comparatively slight knowledge of dressmaking. The bolero should be cut to reach a short distance below the bust, and should nearly—but not quite—meet in front, while the neck is cut out to come a little below I v A Useful Hat. the collarband. The handsomeness of appear- ance can be added to by tracing the pattern of the lace in gold pr silver thread or fine cord. This pretty hat is of deep cream, straw-trim- med, with a wide-spread bow (or rather a draping arranged in bow-form) of white muslin patterned in pinks and greens of delicate tones, while round the back and across the centre of bow comes a, swathing of pink silk caught &t one side by an ornamental buckle. It is an eminently I useful hat and at the same time becoming to almost any face. The hat, which is an echo of the old-fashioned mushroom hats so much favoured by our mothers, is very popular for sea- side wear, and is trimmed solely with a bow of black or violet velvet ribbon, arranged to faJl across the front of the brim, and caught in the 1 centre front of crown by a buckle. COQUETTE.
MUSIC IN WALES. I
MUSIC IN WALES. I BY D. EMLYN EVANS. Mr C. F. Ltoyd. Mus. Bac., on Eisteddfodic Reform and Choral Singing. No Welsh musician's name is more respected in the Principality, nor any music more esteemed than that of the late J*hn Ambrose Lloyd a younger son of whom is Mr C. Francis Lloyd, now well known to the musical eisteddfodist as an able and straight-spoken adjudicator, which post he has occupied at many of our chief I eisteddfodic gatherings. national and local. during the past nine or ten years. He has also made his mark in England as a successful writer of songs and other forms of composition and filled important offices in the North as organist, hoirmaster, and choral conductor. The opinion of such an one, therefore, on'such questions as the Eisteddfod in its relation to music and choral-S^feging cannot fail to be of in- terest and deservii^ of the close attention of those concerned in such matters and as Mr Lloyd has formulated &s views for publication in the June numbat of the Cerddor "—Welsh musical monthly—^in connection with a biogra- phical sketch of his appearing in that periodical, probably a presentation of those views here in their English garb may be not out of place. As regards Eisteddfodic Reform, Mr Francis Lloyd would like to see :— 1. The formation of a National Eisteddfod Musical Council, to which should be entrusted all matters relating to the musical competitions, such as the selection of test pieces—a very im- portant matter in his opinion—and the nature of the competitions, Ac. He holds that it is im- possible to make good progress with a newly-con- stituted committee each year, consisting largely of members with no particular musical qualifica- tion; whereas a permanent council of fully- qualified men would profit by experience year by year, and would bs able to introduce improve- ments where most needed. 2. The establishment of a fund for the culti- vation of instrumental music in Wales, he being convinced that the only remedy for the present neglect of instrumental music in Wales is to give facilities for the acquirement of good orchestral instruments by those who cannot afford to pur- chase such and to engage competent teachers to give students the necessary instruction at a nominal cost. As music is that which chiefly ac- counts for such financial success as attends the National Eisteddfod, he thinks it not unreason- able to suggest that a certain percentage of the profits of each Eisteddfod should be set aside for the encouragement of the art no great advance being possible unless some impetus is given to the cultivation of orchestral music in our midst. £ That encouragement should be given to Welsh composers by their being commissioned to write works for production at the evening con- certs. as it has been proved that the offering of prizes for compositions is productive of very little good, because composers of reputation do not care to waete their time in writing works which may or may not obtain a prize, and which in any case would have little chance of being performed. But if commissioned to write a work for production at the Eisteddfod, there are few composers who would not eagerly avail them- selves of the opportunity. It is not meant that those works should in every case be of large dimensions. Songs, part-songs, and instru- mental pieces should be encouraged, and perhaps one or two larger works might be introduced at each Eisteddfod. Choral Singing. Asked as to how he accounted for the defeat of the Welsh choirs at the Liverpool National Eis- teddfod last year, Mr Lloyd states that the Welsh choirs sang well, as they generally do, but in the matter of refir-?nt they were somassed by the English choirs. In connection with the Welsh choirs sufficient attention had not been paid to the selection of voices and to voice pro- duction. One unsympathetic or badly-produced voice will effect incalculable harm in a choir. In pianissimo parts especially great attention should be paid to the production of the voice. Care should be taken that the chest registers are not forced up, and in delicate passages each voice should be tried individually, to be certain of securing the wished-for effect. Especially among contraltos and tenors is there a tendency to force the chest voices, which almost invariably results in faulty intonation. The defect is very easily remedied with a little care and patience. Another point to which greater attentiön should be paid is the explanation of the modulations which occur in a piece. Too oft on the members of a choir are left to grope their way about in the dark, trust- ing to chance that they may come somewhere near the mark whereas a little simple explana- tion and practical demonstration would make what often appears to be a mystery to them per- fectly clear and simple, and which would ensure absolute correctness of intonation. Another very important matter is for the conductor to read out the words of every work several times. making comments and explanations if necessary, before any singing of the piece is attempted, for a perfect appreciation of the sentiment of the words is absolutely necessary if an artistic rendering of the work is to be attained. This is a matter too often neglected. Of course, correct phrasing should be insisted upon, the breathing places being marked in every copy and strictly observed. The conductor must be absolute master of his choir, and his beat must be fol- lowed implicitly, otherwise perfect unanimity of attack and finish is impossible and here it may be remarked that as much care should be taken with the ending of phrases as with the attack." Mr Lloyd concludes by saying that there are other features of good singing to which he need not allude. but that in the foregoing remarks he bad simply endea- voured to point out the remedies for such defects as he had noticed in the singing of Welsh cboirs remedies which a long practical experience in choir training had taught him would produce the elfect-the improvement— desired." The Treorky Royal Welsh Male Choir. An interesting memento of a visit recently paid by this fine body of male voice choristers to Belfast is a brochure lately to hand—and excellently printed, as we may add—containing Press comments, portraits, an appre- ciation." and a poetic farewell. Mr William Thomas's accomplished vocalists evidently took the Irishmen—critics and all-by storm, and it is not surprising to find it an- nounced that they are due to visit the Green Isle again during the summer. The last verse of the farewell carries with it some of the raciness of the soil — Farewell, loving friends, your sweet songs remind us That Heaven after all is not far away Come back to old Ireland, and surely you'll find us With welcome as bright as the blossoms of May.
------THE CHEMISTRY OF CARBON.
THE CHEMISTRY OF CARBON. Professor Dewar has begun a course of lec- tures at the Royal Institution on The Chemistry of Carbon." Carbon most of us know as coal, charcoal, plumbago, or black-lead (which is not lead at all), and graphite, and many would like to know even more than they do of its crystal form, the diamond. It is essentially the same substance crystal or amorphous, and forms part of all organisms vegetable or animal. Sugar is charcoal (or carbon) and water, as the professor showed by the well-known experiment of driving off the water by heat and leaving a residuum of carbon behind. Newton two hundred years ago anticipated, for optical reasons, that the diamond would burn. In pure oxygen gas it barns actively. giving off sparkling scintillations and Professor Dewar exhibited a fragment of diamond in liquid oxygen. The crystal blazed with a bril- liant light and threw out such a bombardment I of particles of solid carbonic acid as to prevent its sinking, though considerably heavier than the liqnid. Carbon, as we have intimated, is the central element of organised nature. The leaf of every plant forms a delicate and beautiful ¡ chemical apparatus for abstracting carbon from the air, and animals burn it in their lungs to I provide heat for the body. In that rashly irra- tional book, "The Riddle of the Universe," Professor Haeckel treats carbon as if it were itself the font and origin of organic life. and in the index the element is actually described as carbon, the creator." It is as much a creator of the orgaaia»B«*ttd organic products of which it iorms a part as iron is of the locomotive, and no more.
¡Illustrated Humour. .
¡ Illustrated Humour. Small Boy: Wotcher mean by shying two stones at my dog? I don't care if he did bite yer. • Seeond Small Boy Garn, don't air yer igno- rance. Doncherknow the old proverb. Once bit twice shy ?" Little Darling. Grandma: Now, Willie, what are they going to do with you, when you grow up? What w yonr ambition ? Little Willie (putting down his "Deadwood Dick)" I'd like to have people tremble like aspen leaves at the very mention of my name. Wiie And how do yon like this pudding ? I made it all myself, out of Mrs Thingummy's cookery book. The Brute: Ah, that accounts for it. It must be the leather binding that makes it so tough, "Yon talk such a, lot in your sleep, John," said Mrs Nagger. It's the only chance I get," replied John, as he bolted under the bed. I A Fine Time. I Magistrate: Fined 40s. Prisoner: But it is impossible, yer worship, to raise it all at once; won't you give me time? Magistrate: Certainly. One month, without the option. Enthusiastic Home Rulei: The English can never be like the Irish, and the Irish can never be like the English. Unsympathetic Sassenach I believe you, my be- There will always be a "diffetraee be- tween-them. j She Are you superstitious, Professor Cram- mi u ? He Well, I am, in some things. I always think it's unlucky to be run over by an omnibus on a Friday. I Unsolicited Testimonial. Mrs Sampson (writing) Dear sirs,—Your "Lavender Lozenges for Lonely Ladies" are a wonderfully' strengthening medicine. Three weeks ago I was too weak to spank baby, and now I can thrash my husband. "At last." said the tired-looking man, "my efforts of the last two years have been crowned with success. Twenty-four long months have I laboured, and only to-day have I reaped my reward." What are you driving at?" scoffed his matter-of fact wife. You had better change and prepare to receive my mother." Nay, woman." continued the man. 'twill not be necemry. For two years I have been trying to teach the parrot to say • Go to H— and only succeeded just as yonr motber was entering the door half-an-hour ago. She departed promptly." I Latest Fashion. The Grey Mare (to partner): I am surprised at you nodding at Mrs Blue Roan in that hansom. She has one of last year's hats on. A True Story of the War. A certain company of Yeomanry bad been sur- rounded by Boers for four days at Lindley, and were in a desperate and starving condition. Sud- denly the Adjutant appears on the scene and takes command of a section. Boers are seen advancing. Adjutant: Ready—present—fire (Men scattered about behind rocks fire a volley rather irregularly.) Adjutant (furious): What a disgraceful volley! I want every trigger to be pulled at the same moment. If you can't fire better volleys than this, I'll stop the firing alto- gether !-By this time the Boers had crept up and a surrender followed. This is a fact. Usually Effective.—Capital punishment was being hotly debated. Now I ask you," said one man, "does hanging prevent murder?" Well," answered another quietly. I fancy it does. Cases are very rare of a. man committing murder after he has been hanged once or twice." In that Case.—Mrs Bricabrac Good gracious, Bridget, how could you have broken that precious vase ? Why, do you know, it was 400 years old. -Bridget tc&lmly) Oh. if it was an ould thing like that, yea cam take it out av me next week's wages, j
THE HOUSEHOLD.
THE HOUSEHOLD. Now that we are beginning to have pots of flowers and plants about the house, the following J description of how to make a flower stand may be useful. Take three pieces of mottled bamboo cane, each about 5ft. 4in. long and lin. in dia- meter. If they are a little thicker it will not matter, but they should, as far as possible. match I in size. These form the uprights, and must be cut so that tbere is a joint or knot close to each end-this will prevent them from splitting. To make the shelves to which the uprights will be fastened procure some balf-inch deal and saw it into three triangles. nine inehes. twelve inches, and fifteen inches at the widest parts. Their under sides must have a fillet nailed on ail round, two inches mide. flush with the edge which when planed up will be about three-quarters of an inch thick. This wil prevent warping and strengthen the platform. The corners of the triangles'niust then be cut oil' and rounded in a slightly sloping direction, so that the uprights may rest in tliem securely. Fasten the uprights to the corners of the bottom triangle with t-wo-and-a-quarter inch rounded screws, not too thick. The holes for these will be nine inches from the end of the canes, which should be sloped, not cut straight across. Be careful to bore them very gently, or the bamboo may split. Fix the top shelf in the An Easily-made Bamboo Flower Stand. same way, boring the holes three and a half I inches from the end, then fit the middle plat- e form. If these directions have been properly carried out the stand will now be quite firm. To give the edges of the platform finished appear- ance they should be covered with pieces of split bamboo. You will require three pieces for each, nine inches, twelve inches. and fifteen inches long. Fit them carefully, and glue them to the j edges of the triangles. The deal woodwork should be stained and varnished or polished. A very pretty match-holder can be easily made from two day pipes as shown in the illustration. Run a steel knitting needle up the stem of each, j and stick it into a potato, off which a slice has i been cut to make it stand firmly. Then enamel them any colour you please. When dry and hard. cross the stems, with the bowls standing up- wards fix them together by means of a wire and ribbon bow and loop. Put some wax matches in each bowl, and the ornament is complete. In the same way they can be utilised for pincushions, In this case a circular piece of lining, two and a half inches in diameter, must be cut, and a running made near the edge. Draw it up bag shape, fill it with bran and fasten securely. Then cut a piece of silk or velvet half an inch larger all round, and cover the little cushion by I I A Novel Match-holder. I gathering or neatly pleating. You will find tbe extra half-inch gives it a stalk, which with some strong glue is fitted into the bowl of the pipe. When complete this makes a very pretty little pincushion. This is the season for making sorrel soup. Pick and wash three or four good handfuls of young sorrel, chop it up small. and stew with a little butter, one onion, and some savoury herbs. In a separate saucepan have a quart of boiling water, and into that put a thick slice, of white bread cut into small squares. When the sorrel is cooked, stir it into this, season well with salt and pepper, and let it boil gently for a few minutes. When ready to serve take the pan off the fire and stir in gradually the beaten yolks of two eggs and a pennyworth of cream. You will find that the eggs thicken the soup and correct the acidity of the sorrel. All those who have anything to do with children know what a joy it is to them to have a toy cart in which they can pull each other about. Now. these toys are somewhat expensive to buy, so I am going to give a picture of one, and teli you how to make it at home. In the first place it is most important that the wheels be made or thick, sound wood. and for them a plank of two inch wood should be procured. Drive a tack in the centre, fasten a string to it, and attach a soft pencil to the other end of the string. With this draw a circle about eight inches in diameter. A Home-ma.de Child s Cart. Then, with a handsaw. roughly cut out the wheel, being careful only to touch the circle with the saw, for if you cut through the circumference your wheel will be irregular. When you have sufficiently reduced the wneel. a sharp knife can then be used to complete the edge. The flange of the wheel is practically another wheel made of thinner wood, which must be securely nailed to the first wheel, the grain of the wood of each wheel crossing at right angles. One inch board is used for this small wheel, and to prevent its splitting it must be strengthened by a strip of wood, fastened on across the grain with screws. When you have finished the four wheels and have bored into the centre of each a hole sufficiently large for a good strong axle you can begin the cart itself. Make the axles of four bv four timber, and. with the aid of a sharp strong knife, trim off the ends roundly, so that they are small enough to allow the wheels to revolve on them freely. Next saw oat places in the sides of the cart into which the square parts of the axle will fit tightly. The bottom of the cart can be made of half-inch boards which are joined and nailed on to the cart, with their irregular ends protruding, after which, by means of a handsaw, these ends can be cut off even with the sideboards. Then nail in the two end-pieces, and the cart is com- plete, with the exception of slipping the wheels upon their axles. The wheels can be held in place by pegs of hard wood driven through holes in the hub made for that purpose. ETHEL.
WHERE CENTENARIANS RESIDE.
WHERE CENTENARIANS RESIDE. More people over 100 years old are found (says the Family Doctor ") in mild climates than in the higher latitudes. According to the last cen- sus of the German Empire, of a population of 55,000,000 only 78 have passed the hundredth year". France, with a population of 40,000,000, has 213 centenarians. In England there are 146 in Ireland, 578 and in Scotland, 46. Sweden has 10 and Norway 25 Belgium. 5 Denmark, 2 Switzerland, none. Spain, with a population of 18,000.000, has 401 persons over 100 years of age. Of the 2,250,000 inhabitants of Servia, 575 have passed the century mark.
[No title]
Nicely Put.—A well-known and witty writer was once praising the work of a fellow-author. You are very kind to him." said someone pre- sent, for he says very unpleasant things about your work." "Ah," said Mr but, then, both of us may be wrong t" If you wish to be agreeable in society you must consent to be taught many things which you know already.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH .
SCIENCE AND HEALTH By Dr. ANDREW WILSON, F.R.C.S. Finsen's Light Cure. Of late two very important advances in the 'Rcience of treating disease have been noted in the journals. and it may prove interesting if I ven- ture to allude to these points, if only by reason of the possibility that some readers of this column may be benefited thereby. 1 allude to the Finsen treatment of lupus and to the Tallerman treat- ment of chronic rheumatism and gout. In last week's newspapers it was announced that Mr A. Hannsworth had gifted £10.000 to the London Hospital for an additional installation of Finsen s apparatus. Dr. Finsen is a professor in the medical faculty at Copenhagen. and by means of the electric light, and by utilising certain rays of tbe light. allowed to play on a part affected with lupus, he combats the disease and ultimately effects a cure. Probably the light rays kill the microbes to the presence or which the disease is due. and favour the resisting powers of the tissues. This is essentially the substance of the light cure." Qupen Alexandra—alt honour to her—gave the first installation to the 'hospital, and I believe other London institutions will follow suit in establishing the cure. The installa- tion is :1 costly affair, and I would suggest again, as I have suggested elsewhere, that philan- thropic millionaires might spend a little of their surplus cash in endowing the hospitals of their districts with a Finsen light. If this new can. tury should see consumption limited anù its cure established on a firm basis—this has practically been accomplished—the cause of cancer dis- I covered. lupus cured, and chronic rheumatism and gout mastered, those who see the end of it will be a.ble to congratulate themselves on having witnessed scientific progress of no mean order. How It Is Applied. Lupus is a disease affecting the skin. and causing ravages which, to the popular eye, might appear to resemble those of cancer. It.is regarded as essentially tubercular in its nature— that is to say, it is related to consumption or tuberculosis-but that it also possesses some connection with other constitutional states (e.g. scrofula) seems very clear. It resembles ca.ncer in that it produces new cells which invade and destroy the healt hy tissues and canse deformities. The nose is especially liable to be attacked. Now a erne for a disease of this kind represents a great blessing to mankind, and under the Finsen treatment the active growth of lupus is checked, the cells which represent its invading principles are destroyed, and the injury they have caused is made to beal. The process of treat- ment is. however, a slew one. The patient has ment is. however, a slew one. The patient has to be exposed to the influence of tbe light rays for an hour or two at a time, and the sittings have to be repeated for a long while daily in I order to effect a cure. One installation of the light, 1 understand, can bs made to serve four patients at one time, and it can readily be seen tha.t, having regard to the number of cases to be treated, only a relatively small cotejie can receive the benefits of the installation at a hospital. What is required is a Finsen apparatus in every hospital, or special institutions might ba erected wherein both paying and poor patients could be received. A nurse, specially trained. has to watch each cas*1 during the application of the rays. Yve have here then a treatment system of great value, and it remains for the system of great value, and it remains for the public to support the efforts of tbose in charge of hospitals in order that the full benefits of the case may be afforded to all sufferers. Chronic Rheumatism. Lupus is, however, not a common disease in the sense in which we speak of the rheumatism being a widespread ailment. The spectacle of a man or woman crippled by rheumatism or rheumatic gout unable to walk, and with swollen and dis- torted joints, is truly one calculated to call forth our deepest sympathy. Many an otherwise active man or woman is laid aside by this disease in the very prime of his or her life. 8ud what this means to a family, when the breadwinner is the sufferer, we all may realise. I know of no ailment which tends so powerfully to pauperise j tbe masses as chronic rheumatism: The usun.1 j treatment is by drugging and by b«ihw. 7jfedi- j qmmb* are practically n^eUvsrjn cbrofVCftses, and "only the rich can afford to depart tojBfSh. 3?ux- ton, Aix la Chapelle, Homburg, and other resortr. where a long course of treatment implies expense, time, and utter laying aside from all idea of work. But there is now hope for the ordinary sufferer of a cure. Not that every case can be benefited. Many are beyond all aid in the sense of having the deformity removed, but when the disease is taken in time. and a special treatment 3 pplieJ. the effects seen in chronic cases can be largely or wholly avoided. The treat- ment to which I allude is called the Tallerman treatment, and from what I have seen of it, and from what I know of its history and success, I do not wonder that many medical men daily utilise it for 1 he relief of the cases they encounter. Last week I had a long chat with Mr Tallerman himself, and a rerasal of Dr. Shadwell's book. illustrated with photographs of cases before and after treatment. will give any one an admirable idea of the real value of the cura under discus- sian. The Tallerman Treatment. For many a day Mr Tallerman was boycotted bv the medical profession (lnd journals alike. Then the spirit of fairness asserted itself, and doctors began to inquire into this simple treat- ment which appeared to accomplish such unheard of results. Imitation being a form of sincere flattery, it is not surprising to find now that Mr Tallerman's ideas have been copied, in a fashion. I suppose, which avoids an action for infringe- ment of his patents. The one thing which im- pressed me is this—ihat so far from attempting to make money out of the treatment Mr Taller- man has spent money in founding institutes, both I in London and the provinces, where the poor can be treated free. In London there is such an institute in Weils-street, W., and another at Blackfriars. There is also one at Cardiff, and others in the Midlands. In London several great hospitals have been supplied with the apparatus. Bartholomew's. University College, King's College, and the German Hospital are among the institutions now using the treat- ment. Abroad, where a more liberal spirit appears to prevail regarding new medical dis- coveries. the Tallerman treatment has been enthusiastically adopted, and among others Pro. fessor J. Stewart, M.D.. of McGill University, Montreal, has testified to the value of this mode of cure in terms which admit of no cavil as regards their strength. The Tallerman institute for paying patients is at 50. Welbech-street, London. W., out the apparatus can lie used any- where, and tbe heat can be supplied by gas. oil, or electricity. What Hot Dry Air Can Do. The essence of this mode of cure is the pppliea tion of perfectly dry air at a. great heat to affected parts. What is used is a copper cylinder made to fit the pari, to be treated. The limb, say, is passed into this cylinder through an air- tight curtain which closes one end of it, and this curtain is then secured. At the other end of the cylinder is a "pf"cia1 opening-which allows the escape of the moisture at intervals, so as to main- tain the dryness of the air. Rows of gas burners rise from the stand on which the cylinder is supported and supply the heat. A thermometer indicates the temperature used. The patJeut may be in bed ol- hr. treated in any position. Before the limb is placed in the cylinder it is heated up to 150 degrees. Then the heat is gradually raised, and the air is regularly dried, so that a temperature of 250 or 300 degrees or even higher is maintained, and all without pain or even discomfort. From half an hout to an hour is the duration of each sitting, but longer periods are borne easily if need exists for the application being prolonged. What follows this treatment i3 the Ïin111ediate reli:f of the racking pain in rheumatic joints, while the patient is soothed, and looks forward to an uninterrupted night's rest. The effect on the joints, however, is that which concerns us. In time stiffened and deformed joints become released from the fetters in which rheumatism has bound them, r~-d after a course of treatment patients, who otherwise I would have ended their days as cripples, are restored to health and vigour. In the treatment of sprains, lumbago, and allied conditions, this mode is also of great service. A Simnle Cure. There are people who, like Naaman the Syrian, are apt to sneer at let remedy because of its sim- plicity, and I have heard opinions expressed on this ground to the effect that the Tallerman treatment cannot bring about the results claimed for it. All I say to these doubters is Go a.nd see for yourself. Interview patients who have been cured, or give a glance at the photographs in Dr. Shad well's book. Every inquirer will be welcomed by Mr Tallerman, and when I heard of the veritable struggle he has had to make his cure known, and the utter unthankfulness he has experienced in quarters that should have been the first to welcome his aid. I could not help remarlting that it was a pity he did not float a company and advertise his cure. Had he done so he might have been worth a good many thousands of pounds to-day, and I doubt not every sufferer would have run to be treated, because the cure would then have cost a fairly high sum of money.. Palmistry. I have received a few letters of late days on the subject of palmistry. I have already ex- pressed my opinion that successes 111 this art of reading the past tand future) are mostly of the nature of happy shots that hit the mark The professional palmist is au acute observer of his or her clients, and it takes no great skill in the of putting leading question* tø. extract < 6vOd deal 01 lntormation regarding a stranger out oi his own mouth. The other day I met with an American criticism of palmistry which appeared to me to sum up the value of the art in a highly practical fashion. The writer is speaking of the fact that the fine lady and the housemaid may equally be believers in palmistry and its foro- castings of fate. "Let us try an argument based on money," says the writer, which they both can understand. Has either of them stopped to reí1ect that a salary of 500.000 doBars a year is waiting for her at the office of the great life I insurance companies ? If all the accidents of flood and field, all perils, and the outcome of all diseases are integrated in th's one lino (' life Une ) why do the doctors waste time on the stetlioscopa ?
Welsh Tit-Bits. ---....
Welsh Tit-Bits. Ticyn o Dipynau Cymreig, By CADRAWD. Wales in the Middle of the Sixteenth Century. The history of the Gwedir family, which con- tains perhaps the fullest description of the state of Wales during the above period, very forcibly illustrates the gloomy barbarism of the times, and they are called the "bloody and irefn! qti&r- rells of those days. We are told that the tasbion was in those day" for gentlemen and their retainers to meet almost every clay to shoot matches. &c.; and that there was no gentleman of worih in the country but had a | wine-cellar of his own. which wine was sold to his profit. The feuds among the gentry in Eifionydd. we are told. occasioned perpetual murders between the ancestors of the Wynn family. We have llHlCh the same tale of this period told about the quarrels between the Herberts of AbergavenIJY and Swansea anù sup- porters, with the Carnes of Na&li and those who supported them, whieh ou several occasions caused Woodshed. 111 those days every man stood upon his guard, and went not abroad without being armed. They would prepare themselves to go to a fair as if they went to :t field of battle. The Gwedir historian tells that one durst not go to church on a Sunday, from his boose at Penmaen. but be must leave the ,;&T1lC guarded with men, and have the doors sure barred and bolted, and a watchman to stand at the Garreg during Divine service. The Garreg was a rock where the watchcr might see both the church and the house, and raise the cry if the home was assaulted. A Welshman's Epitaph. In the south porch of the church at Wolver- hampton, tised to be a stone bc&ring the follow- ing inscription in English :—" Near this spot lies the body of Claudius Phylips. whose contempt of riches and his incomparable skill on the violin made him to be extolled by ail who knew him. He was born in Wales, and he travelled all over Europe and alter he had tasted the smile and anger oi this world he died in 1/33." I have not seen this Welsh musician's name iff r.ny list, neither is he mentioned in any of oaf biographical dictionaries. The Revenue. The revenue of this country in 1800 was £36.728,000, but in 1815. in consequence of the wars against Xapoleon Bonaparte, the sum had increased to .£71,153.142. In the reign of William IV. the revenue of Great Britain was below fifty millions. The Late Mr John Oeffett Francis. No person in Wales during the last fifty yeMt so faithfully endeavoured, and at such a sacrifice, to educate his fellow-countrymen in the graphic art as my late friend Dyfcd o Abertawe." He ws born at Swansea, in 1815, and educated at tr.3 High School in that town. Having made up biltmind on the choice of a profession he went tc L<#$lon, after a course or strdias reached arrbonpurable position a.mong the leading artists of the day. During this time he made the acquaintance of J. Roger Herbert, R.A., Sir Edwin Landseer. R.A.. and others, under whose influence he made considerable progress, and painted portraits of well-known authors raid theatrical celebrities. His picture, "War in India," representing a combat between a lion and a tiger, was painted with much vigour and brilliancy of colour. Abort 1845 he painted Sir William Nott s portrait. also that of Mr Bowen Da vies, of Maesyerugiau, Carmarthenshire, both of which have been engraved. The following paintings by Mr Francis have been engraved :— 'Sir Robert Peel." "Goody Two Shoes, Hev. W. Hewson, D.D., Mdlle. Cherito." "La. Voliere." "Mdlle. Fanny Elssler," and others. He also drew in crayons the remarkable liie-sized portrait of tbe great Spanish dancer, Signora Perea Nena. under moonlight effect, in which the movement of the dancer is indicated with great force. At the Royal National Eisteddfod which was held at Cardifi in 1883, his Rising of the Lark" took the leading prize for oil paintings. At the same time he exhibited his "Perea Nena" and a portrait of Captain John Richardson Francis. For the last quarter of a century of his remark- able career he laboured diligently in making a collection of works of art which, long before his death, he presented to his native town. This fine collection, which is placed in the galleries of the Swansea Public Library, is undoubtedly tb6 best and largest in the Principality. Peculiar Old Welsh Hymns. (Eighth Instalment.) Gran nad y'm yn gwybod y fynyd na'r awr Bydd gftlwad i madael yu hollol a'r llawr, O! ceisiwn yr Iesu yu gyfaill i ni. Fe! caffom fynediad i'r gwynfyd sydd fry. Yr eiddo Cssar i Caesar. Telwch i Ctesar, telweb oil Wir eiddo Caesar yn ddigoll Ond eich cydwybod rhowch i Dduw, Ei eiddo Ef yn nnig y'.v. Cododd Fi or Pydew erchyll. Dyma bydew y pydewan. Dyma bydew erchyll iawn; Nis gall seraph na-g nn angel Draetlm dyfnder hWll yn iawil. Er mor ddyfned ydyw r pydew, Y mae tyrfa faith ddiri' Yn yr olchfayn cael eu golchi,— Gallant waeddi, Codwyd nit We have the word of the celebrated Brntna th&i the following were given out at a religious sec* vice in Wales the beginning of last century :~» Ceir pwel d Amalac ar y llawr, HaleJiwia Yn chwaren i faglsu er mor fawr, HaleUvoria Caiff ei lorio, caiff cyn hir, Haleliv.ia! Israel ddaw i enill tir, Haleliwia! Diawl, diawl. Ni fedd y cythranJ ddim un hMfl Ar neb a brymvyj ar y pawl; Na fedd. nag arnaf finan chwaithj Mi loriaf Satan dan fy nhra'd, Trwy byu o wlad tra ar fy nhaith. 'j, i J1.—1 l;
A SATURDAY SERMON.
A SATURDAY SERMON. The ra an will rot re-examine his coEfhuaoat. with endless repetitions and ho will not be cJe. layed long by consulting other neroons, after bit be has ceased to consult himself. He cannot bear to sit still among unexecuted decisions and ua- attemptcd projects. We wait to hear of his achievements, and are confident we shall not wait long. The possibility 0;: the means may not be obvious t.) ns. Imt we know that every- thing will he attempted, anil that a spirit of snch determined will is like a river, which, in whatever mvmer it may be obstructed, will make its way somewhere. It most ha-ve cost Cfrsar m;¡,n y' ansi<ws hours of deliberation before be decided tc pops the Rnhiepn but it ia probable he snffetwl bat, fe^to clapw (between the decision and the execution and anv one of his friends, who should ha*e bten apprised of his determination, and understood hts character, would have smiled contemptuorKly tc bear It insinuated that, though CwtiM had resolved, Caasar would not dare cr that tho^rh he might cross the Bubicon, whose opposite hank pre- sented to his no hostile legion?, he mi^Thf com* to other rivers which he would not fTOM at that either rivers, or any other ebst*clea. wtra!5 deter him from prosecuting his determination j from this ominous conan»ro;r;?t to Üe veiy last consequence. JOHN (Hnwysl.
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Not that which men do worthily, but t1z8t j -vhich they do successfully, is wir*: history maker I haste to record.