Monmouthshire Merlin

It is but fair to state that the Earl of Enniskillen has written to a. Dublin paper, enclosing copies of a correspondence with Captain Butler, the Chief Con- stable of Fermanagh, which strongly affect the credi- bility of Mr. Irvine's narrative. Captain Butler also expresses regret that Mr. Irvine should shock the peaceable inhabitants of Fermanagh and Enniskillen by driviog about with revolvers displayed, and a rifle barrel appearing at both sides of his carriage. THE CASE OF MR. JOHN BINGHAM.—There is a curious story current in connection with the detective who recently apprehended this prisoner on his landing at Margate, on a charge of forgery. It appears that the inspector, Nathaniel Druscovich, is an extraor- dinarily clever fellow, and a wonderful linguist and having got the warrant to apprehend Mr. Bingham, he followed him until he met him at Baden-Baden, where the inspector passed under the designation of a Russian nobleman, and male himself very agreeable to Mr. Bingham, as they dined together, played billiards together, and became very intimate. After they had been there for some time, there was a point upon which Mr. Bingham wished to furnish himself with certain credentials, but being doubtful as to the prudence of returning to England, he consulted his friend the Russian nobleman, who advised him to do so, and said as he had no other particular engagement himself, he would accompany him on his journey. And so they travelled and got on very pleasantly to- gether. Judge, however, of Mr. Bingham's unpleasant surprise, when, on putting his foot on English soil, his noble and Russian friend suddenly became an English detective, and tapping him on shoulder, apprehended him by virtue of the warrant which he had had all this time in his pocket for his "good English friend." ° Coughs, colds, asthma, shortness of breath, spitting blood, and affections of the chest and lungs, effectually cured by Lambert's Asthmatic Balsam. Persons sub- ject to, or suffering from any of these complaints, should immediately take a few doses of this extraordi- nary medicine, which is a certain and efficacious re- medy it frequently cures persons whom the faculty pronounces incurable, and there is no other medicine known that is so cert tin and effectual. Extract of a letter dated Jauuary 30 1868, from Hohb's chemist, 14, Bridge-street, CamiJridge-" To Mr William Lam- bert, chemist. Sir,—I am much pleased to tell you that your asthmatic balsam sells largely here this season and 1 have frequently of late met with numerous in- stances in which it has been the means of doing great good. Only this morning an aged gentleman told me of the great relief he had experienced through its use, although he had been 'or several years a great sufferer from confirmed asthma." Prepared only and sold by W Lambert, chemist, 8. King William street Charing Cross, Lcjndon. Iu bottles, Is li, and three times the quantity. 2s 9d each. Sold aiso by most druggists and booksellers in the Unite Kingdom N B -Be careful to ask for Lambert's Ashtuatic Balsam, and to observe the name engraved on the Government stamp [14,869 CHRONIC BRONCHITIS AND COUGHS MOST SUCCKSS- FULLY TREATED WITH DR DE JONGH'S LIGHT-BROWN COD LIVER OIL.- This very simple and safe remedy— containing peculiar curative principles which thera- peutic experience has proved to be totally wanting in the pale oil-has been prescribed by the faculty with the greatest success in numerous cases of chroni ■ bron- chitis and cough. The actual benefit derived in a most severe case of laryngeal irritation is thus conclusively stated by Arthur Cridland, Esq., surgeon :—The effect of Dr. de Jongh's Oil on myself last winter was re markable. 1 suffered from excessive iritatiol1 of the larynx consequently, I was greatly reduced in strength and appearance, and quite unable to att nd to my pro- fessional duties It occurred to me that the Oil which I was frequently prescribing would benefit my o vn case, and, after taking it a few days, its good effects commenced, and at the end of six weeks I regained my usual health and strength, and had entirely lo^t the laryngeal irritation, which was of a most harassing and fearfully distressing character Dr. de Jon/h s Light- Brown Cod Liver Oil is sold only in capsuled imperial half-pints, 2s 6d; pints, 4s. 9J quarts, 9s. labelled with his stamp and signature, without which none can possibly be genuine, by his sole consignees, Ansar, Harford, and Co., 77, Strand, ^London and respect- able chemists. [3 CURES OF CORGH, COLDS, AND ASTHMA BY DR. LOCOCK s PULMONIC WAFERS. -From Mr. William J. Dale, Chemist, 65, Queen-street, Portsea From the immense sale I have had of Dr. Locock's Wafers throughout this populous locality, I must do you the justice to say that I consider them invaluable for coughs, colds, asthma, &c., and the overflowing testimony I have voluntarily received from all classes who have benefited by their virtues, fully warrants me in stating the above.—W. J. I)ALS. -They give instant relief to asthma, consumption, coughs, and all disorders of the breath and lungs. To Singers and Public Speakers they are invaluable, for clearing and strengthening the voice, and have a pleasant taste. Price Is. 14d., 2s. 9d., and 4s. 9d. per box. Sold by all Chemists. [1-4 HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILL- -Diseases and casualties incidental to youth may be safely treated by the use of these excellent medicaments according to the printed directions folded round each pot and box. Nor is this ointment alone applicable to external ail- ments conjointly with the pills it exercises the most salutary influence in checking inflammotion situatfed in the interior of the body when rubbed upon the back and chest it gives the most sensible relief in asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, and threatening con- sumption. Holloway's remedies are especially ser- viceable in liver and stomach complaints. For the cure of bad legs, all sorts of wounds, sores, and like- wise scrofula and scorbutic affections, this ointment produces a cooling and soothing feeling most accept- able to the sufferer.

I JUtvu. .—♦—. The Prince of Wales will hold a levee at St. Tames's Palace, on behalf of her Majesty, on Mon- day the 30th inst. A piano has been specially manufactured by Messrs Collard and Collard for the Earl of Breadal- bane at a cost of JB800 the selling price of which is £ 1,000. It is of the largest size, measuring 8t feet by 6t, and with the rather unusual compass of n octaves. HEAVY SENTENCE UPON A FORGER.—At the High Court of Justice, Edinburgh, on Tuesday, Lord Ardmillan presiding, James Thomas Hardie, com- mission agent, Leith, was charged with the forgery of bills of exchange and promissory notes to the value of £ 43,692 Is 6d and with uttering them in the Bank of Scotland, Leith. The prisoner pleaded guilty to forging and uttering bills amounting in all to £ 32,598 lis 10d and he wassentenced to 25 years penal servitude. DEATH BY CHLOROFORM.-On Monday, Dr. Lan- kester held an inquest at University College Hos- pital, London, on the body of a man named John Middly, alias Clark, a French polisher. The deceased who was a ticket-of-leave man, had been suffering from a painful disease, and it was found necessary to perform an operation upon him. Chloroform was administered previously, and he suddenly ex- pired from the flowing of blood to the brain. The jury returned a verdict of Death from an over- dose of chloroform by misadventure." AN INFANT ATTACKED BY RATS.—An infant, named Emma Woodgate, aged two months, whose parents reside at 81, Judd-street, Euston-road, London, was on Monday evening lying on the bed, her mother being out of the room at the time, when two large rats got on the bed and tried to bite out the child's eyes. She put her hand up to save her face, and her hand was severely bitten. A neigh- bour happening to go into the room, the rats made off, and it was then found that the child was covered with blood. She was taken to the Royal Free Hospital, Gray's-inn-road, where she now lies in a very precarious condition. SUICIDE IN A FIT OF PASSION.-On Tuesday, Mr. Driffield held an inquest at Downholland on the body if Mary Caddick, 26 years of age, who committed suicide on Saturday morning by drowning herself. The deceased was the daughter of a small farmer at Downholland. Her mother was taken ill a few weeks ago, and since then she had the control of the money, which she took to spending on drink. On Friday night her father quarrelled with her, in con- sequence of her being drunk, and she thereupon left the house in a great rage. Her father followed, but could not find her. On Saturday afternoon she was found in a pit not far from her home.—The jury returned a verdict of Suicide from temporary in- sanity from drinking to excess, and her passion being aroused by her parent's remonstrances." RAID UPON BETTING MEN IN LIVERPOOL.—On Tuesdaymorning the following persons were brought up at the borough police-court, Dale-street, before Mr. J. G. Livingston, charged on warrants with being concerned in betting practices :—Thomas Hugh Scragg, publican, Dale-street, charged with being the proprietor of premises devoted to purposes of betting Robert Carr, William James Patterson, and Wm. Wells, charged with betting therein and Thomas Coe, charged with occupying a room in in, Crown-street, for purposes of betting. Mr. Davies prosecuted and Mr. Cobb defended the prisoners. No evidence was given. Mr. Cobb applied for a remand and to have the prisoners admitted to bail. Mr. Davies would not object to a remand until Thursday nor to the prisoners being out on bail if substantial security was given. Mr. Livingston re- manded the prisoners, and fixed the amount of bai] in the case of Scragg at two sureties in £ 100 each and himself in £ 200, half those amounts being fixed in each other case. FALL OF A CHURCH.—On Monday afternoon, a serious accident occurred in Bernard-street, Bridge- ton, Glasgow, whereby five men were rather severely injured, one, it is feared, fatally. A temporary wooden church was being erected at the east end of the street, in connection with the Independent body. The building, which measured about 50 feet in length by 20 feet broad, and 18 feet to the top of the side walls, bad made considerable progress to- wards completion, the woodwork of the roof having been finished, and the slaters having begun opera- tions. On Monday afternoon the sides of the build- ing suddenly gave way, and the roof fell in with a loud crash. Two men who had been employed inside wi re buried in the ruins, and three who had been working on the roof came down along with it. One man, named John Kelly, a slater, residing in Park- street, Bridgeton, was very severely cut and bruised about the head, arms, and legs, and was conveyed to the Infirmary, where immediate attention was paid to his injuries, but fears are entertained as to Eiis recovery. The other men, who were all less seriously hurt, were taken home. They are named Charles Kelly, Cathcart-street, bruised about the right arm; Andrew Barr, joiner, Centre-street, col- lar bone broken; Charles Clelland, Kinning-street, bruised about the head and arms and Felix Kelly, a labourer, cut about the head and severely bruised. The cause of the accident is not known. There was a religious service in the church on Sunday evening, at which about 200 persons were present.-Glasgow Herald. SUNDAY GAMBLERS.—At the Lambeth Police Court, London, on Monday, eleven persons, named Phipps, Carr, Cumming, Crawley, Willis, Trinks, Coll, Stagg, Ward, Adams, and Shea, were charged by the police with gambling on Sunday, in Gar- dener's Yard, Lambeth Walk. The ages of the pri- soners varied from nineteen to thirty. Mr. Baxter, the Superintendent of the L Division, informed the magistrates that the prisoners formed part of a. gang who did no work, but made a living by gambling in the streets. The police in Southwark had taken measures against persons of this class, and many of them had removed to the district of this court. It seemed that a trap had been set for the defendants. Two constables in plain clothes were concealed in a public thoroughfare called Gardener's Yard on Sunday afternoon. The prisoners and others were gambling and making use of foul language. The prisoner Phipps had lost his money, and he offered to sell his shirt to gamble with the money. By a preconcerted arrangement, at four o'clock, a bodv of police blocked the outlet of the place, and after a determined struggle succeeded in capturing the prisoners. Others of the gang got away by climb- ing over a wall. It was stated to the magistrates that tossing was carried on every Sunday, and some- times during the week by candle-light. The pri- soners denied the charge. Mr. Elliott said the of- fence had been abundantly proved, and be should endeavour to put a stop to it. Without imposing a fine he accordingly sentenced the prisoners to be imprisoned with hard labour for a period of ten days. At the rising of the Court, Coll and Shea were discharged, and two others fined, or, in de- fault, imprisoned. SENTENCES ON THE BRIDGWATER AND NORWICH nRIBERs,-The Court of Queen's Bench gave judg- ment on Tuesday in the case of the persons convic- ved of bribery at Bridgwater and Norwich, Mr. Fennelly, Dr. Kinglake, Hardiraent, and Hulme. The Lord Chief Justice proceeded in the first in- stance to pass sentence upon Mr. Fennelly. Hav- ing declared the defendant to have been found n'udty of an offence which went to sap the founda- tions of our representative system and of the insti- tutions of the country,he said the case was presented under the mitigating circumstances that he was not himself a candidate at the election. At the same time, what he had done had not been upon the spur of the moment, but was done with deliberate fore- thought. It was plain that he had arranged an artful series of contrivances by which money was to be remitted to Bridgwater, for the purposes of corruption, at any moment it might be required. The sentence in his case was that he be imprisoned as a first-class misdemeanant for a period of twelve months, and pay a fine of £ 1,000- His Lordship next declared the sentence in Dr. Kinglake's case. The court came to the conclusion that Dr. Kinglake had acted without deliberation, and that he had speedily repented of his conduct by canceling the cheque given for the purposes of corruption at al- most the earliest moment; it was therefore thought that the merits of the case would be adequately met by the infliction of a fine of £ 200. Mr. Justice Blackburn declared the sentences in Hardiment's and Hulme's cases; Hardiment to undergo a term often months' imprisonment as a first class misde- meanant, and topay a fine of £ 100; Hulme, in con- sideration of the affidavits put in, that he was suffering from a cancerous tumour, would not be subjected to imprisonment, which might have the effect of shortening his life, but he must pay a fine or £100. Mr. Lopes, Q.C., applied that the execu- tion of the sentence in Fennelly's case should be rcspited, and opportunity might be allowed for an appeal to the Home Office. The Chief Justice said I that could not be done. It would look as if the l Court questioned the justness of the conviction. The Court intimated that in the future, all persons convicted of similar offences would be treated as second class misdemeanants.

F A C F, T I A New Orleans gentleman calls the negro a tt reIIl- nant of the dark ages." throne like afl Why is an heir apparent to a ready for umbrella in dry weather ?—Because the next reign. por- An old wag being asked his opinion _e cloa £ trait of his son who had been taken m „oinInoniy said he thought that the cloak was like. r, far- e whv are A Scotchman asked an Irishman, things coined in England ?" Pat's g^gcrib* ■—" To give Scotchmen an opportunity ing to charitable institutions." was At a meeting of antiquaries tie mooted as to the origin of the term wassail- 0 nclusioIl a lengthy discussion they came to the c that it was called so because there was ale MEDICAL FEES.—The late Lord Dudley and was in the habit of presenting his e whatever happened to be in his pocket at whether it was a bunch of keys or a purse o {4 A Rhode Island newspaper prints the fo among its marriage notices :—"In -nafa$ November 20th, by the Rev. L. W. -MasS-> Briggs, to Sarah L. Greenleaf, of Auburn, after a long and tedious courtship of over fiye y d 1)r, KEEPING UP AN ARGUME.NT.- ae in and sell Johnson disputing on a literary subject, J°„ quoted Greek, I do not understand Gre^ uadef' Macklin. "A man who argues should <(ygry stand every language," replied Johnson. t"tio:a well," said Macklin, and he gave him a qUO from the Irish. ffØS An orator in tbe Irish House of cb*' describing the inordinate love of praise wbic racterised an opponent. ''The honourable* ber," said he, is so fond of being praised, really believe he would be content to give ^jie- ghost, if it were but to look up and read the S cutter's puff on his grave." fog Lord Chesterfield one day, at a tavern whe^gr0 dined, complained that the plates and dishes very dirty. The waiter, with a degree of Pe observed, It is said every one must eat a dirt before he dies." That may be true, Lord Chesterfield, but no one is obliged to e all of it at one meal, you dirty dog." e WANTED TO KNOW.—What kind of ropes hoof used by a thimble-rigger ? How many knots aQ g can a parson tie ? The difference between m10 the train and training the mind ? Whether tbe « of a pari y has anything to do with the dandeh « Whether a funeral carriage is an inky"13. Whether one is (h)aunted who receives daily vl from his mother's sister ? SCOTT AND A SCOTCH LADY—Mrs. Murrey a venerable Scotch lady, from whom Sir } a^j<J Scott derived many of the traditional anecdotes wrought up in his admirable Fi0*^ taxed him one day with the authorship, whi°. as usual, stoutly denied. What old lady, d'ye think I dinna ken my ain o among other folks' kail ?" Massa," said a black steward to his caP they fell in with a homeward bound vessel, you would write a few lines for me to de ole "^ppef 'cause I can't write." The good-natured AS complied, and wrote all that Pompey dictatedøpe1 the captain was about to seal up the letter, reminded him that he had omitted to say, 'scuse de bad writin' and spellin' one DESTITUTION OF THE SMITH A IID allel morning a pompous little man called upo^ Smith, saying that, being about to compile a r.e of distinguished families in Somersetshire, ° called to obtain the Smith arms. I regi' .^ute said the reverend wit, my inability to co»t to so valuable a work; but the Smiths neve any arms, and have invariably sealed their with their thumbs." It is told of the late Sir G. Cor.ne^!o ^e^was in when canvassing Herefordshire tei the midst of an enquiry into tne „r. cases of longevity. This inquiry w s flatly most in his thoughts, that when a oi^ _gS, declined to support his candidature, he p aci J ponded, "I am sorry you can't give me your vol but perhaps you can tell me whether any per so died in your parish at an extraordinary age One very hot day, Marshal Turenne wearing nightcap and jacket, was indulging himself in °9:g ing from his ante-chamber window, when one of household came quietly into the room, and, decei^f\ by the dress, mistook the marshal for one of men-servants with whom he could take a libe* and stealing softly behind, with a hand by no light, gave him a hearty slap on what an Irish would call the broad of his back." The valet's dismay may be conceived when, on ift8' marshal's turning round, he discovered the. e", elf grious error he had committed. He threw ra; upon his knees, and exclaimed, I ask your >' ship's pardon, but indeed I thought it was Well, and if it had been George," replied TureIiy you need not have slapped so hard." How HE BROUGHT IN HIS GAME.—A gold at Pike's Peak took his gun and strayed a short tance from the camp, and ehotacub not observing the same time the old bear, which was near ready to avenge the death of her offspring The >f ter approached his game with an exultant air> £ %f m his success, and anticipating the astonishtpg&t his companions to see him march into the* with an ample supply of his tender bear me^> ^rds to his surprise, he saw a large bear bounding to wlie liim veiy much determined to demolish meal. Our hero dropped his gnn, and started off J1* a frightened deer down the hill. His companion saw him coming through the bush, and sung out him "What's the matter Gi-gi-gi-git y°^t guns—ready for a shot ?" stammered he, almost °|„ of breath;" I am bringing her right into thecadP • -American Paper. of HOSPITABLE TO A FAULT.—Lord Norbury, i0 time Chief Justice of the Court of Common In land, was more noted for giving invitation3, hiS for hospitality. His invitations were always t- jB- country seat, Cabra, his town residence 0ld conveniently accessible. On one the counle were simple enough to believe hT £ L?" When will you spend a week with me at °a „ the reallv meant what it expressed; and packing "P at requisites for a visit, they presented tbemselve. the country house. Lord Norbury received with his blandest smile; and his presence ° did not quail as the lady's maid, the band b°* t'iie heavy imperial, and other indications of a V tracted sojourn, made their appearance. RadJ with delight he exclaimed—"My kind friends, dear old friends, this is so very like you Now, excuses—not a word—not a word. I must posits insist on your staying to dinner SAM no ON STENOGRAPHY.—A Richmond to show the literary character of some of groes who have been chosen delegates to the » g iiian Convention, gives the following report o speech recently made in that Convention oU question of the employment of a stenographist the Hon. Lewis Lindsay, coloured. It say8 sS, the 1, >n gentlemen is also a candidate for Co^f-d- ima declares the report to be verbatim. late say said, "Mis-iar President, I hope in dlS heeTi hour ob de struggle that Ole Verginny ^e^oSe impei'.lied that no free-thinkin' man can for a moment dat we desires to misripersint dat we cant qualify de ability ob de stenogf*etlr for dis convention. I hope evy good-thinki11 .gpo* terman willobsarve de necessity of having a s gerphy, an' dat dey will be willin' in de de giiin de ability of the commonwealth of ,per to see dat de gentleman is justly de-sarve. 1 .^y 0f sar, dat evy genterman will now see de uecessi 3^ bavin' dis stenogerphy, so that we can den „ to understand de principles of dar preposit*00- The following anecdote is told of tbe Henry Fielding :—« The son of one BoaZ a a celebrated Jew, was on the point of to Christian lady. His father made no obje the intended wife's religion, but was g1-eaI% for. satisfied with the match on account of her sni tune, in consequence of which he refused his co The son, who was desperately in love, threaten father that he would marry her without, J tbat sent; and the father, m his turn, threatene jgW- be would not give him a shilling. The ^at answered that he would force him to do it; a if he refused dividing his substance with wc»:i ,1 get himself baptised to enjoy the bene the English law, which (then) assigned to a■ >g. child ecoming a Christian the half of his oropertv. Boaz, confounded at this answer, ro consult Fielding to know if such a law Ki -ding told him that it did exist, and was in orce but added, if he would give him ten gui ]i,. would put him in a way of frustrating bis 8 in.nes, so that be should not be able to get hinu'. Boaz instantly told down the ten gp111 i''i''ld:i\g having pocketed the money, .ni y remedy was to "turn Christian hiinse Prof. Wolff, of Zurich, bas brought out^the seC^ part of his exceedingly useful -M- matics and Astronomy." .0lIlIIII

i'oct's Corner. A FALLEN WOMAN'S STORY. [The Omaha Republican gives the following history of this production, which the London Spectator has pro- nounced the Finest Poem ever written in America. In the early part of the war, one dark Saturday night in the dead of winter, there died in the Commercial Hospital, in Cincinnati, a young woman over whose head only two and twenty summers had passed. She had been once possessed of an enviable share of beauty, and had been, as she herself says. "flattered and sought for the charms of her face," but, alas upon her fair brow had long been writ- ten that terrible word Once the pride of respec- table parentage, her first wrong step was the small be- ginning of the same old story over again, which has been the only history of thousands. Highly educated and ac- complished in manners, she might have shone in the best society. But the evil hour that proved her ruin came, and, having spent a young life in disgrace and shame, the poor friendless one died the melancholy death of a broken-hearted outcast. Among her personal effects was found in MS. "The Beautiful Snow," which was im- mediately carried to Enos B. Reed, a gentleman of cul- ture and literary talent, and the then editor of the National Union. In the coluinus of that paper, on the morning of the day following the girl s death, the poem appeared in print for the first time. "hen the paper containing the poem came out on Sunday morning, the body of the victim had not received burial. The attention of Thomas Buchannan Reed, one of the first American poets, was soon directed to the newly-published lines, and he was so taken with their stirring pathos that he immediately followed the corpse to its final resting place.] THE BEAUTIFUL SNOW. OH the snow, the beautiful snow, Filling the sky and the earth below Over the house-tops, over the street, Over the heads of the people you meet, Dancing, flirting, skimming along; Beautiful snow, it can do nothing wrong Flying to kiss a fair lady's cheek, Clinging to lips in a frolicsome freak Beautiful snow from the heavens above, Pure as an angel, gentle as love Oh the snow, the beautiful snow, How the flakes gather and laugh as they go Whirling about in their maddening fun It plays in its glee with everyone— Chasing, laughing, hurrying by, It lights on the face and sparkles the eye, And the dogs, with a bark and a bound, Snap at the crystals that eddy around— The town is alive and its heart in a glow, To welcome the coming of beautiful snow. How widely the crowd goes swaying along, Hailing each other with humour and song How the gay sledges like meteors flash by, Bright for a moment, then lost to the eye Ringing, swinging, dashing they go, Over the crust of the beautiful snow— Snow so pure when it falls from the sky, As to make one regret to see it lie To be trampled and tracked by the thousands of feet, Till it blends with the filth in the horrible street. Once I was pure as the snow, but I fell, Fell like the snow flakes from heaven to hell Fell to be trampled as filth in the street; Fell to be scoffed, to be spit on and beat, Pleading, cursing, dreading to die, Selling my soul to whoever would buy Dealing in shame for a morsel of bread, Hating the living and fearing the dead. Merciful God have I fallen so low ? And yet I was once like the beautiful snow Once I was fair as the beautiful snow. With an eye like its crystal, a heart like its glow Once I was loved for my innocent grace- Flattered and sought for the charms of my face Father, mother, sister, and all, God and myself. I have lost by my fall; The veriest wretch that goes shivering by Will make a wide swoop lest I wander too nigh: For all that is on or above me I know There's nothing so pure as the beautiful snow. How strange it should be that this beautiful snow Should fall on a sinner with nowhere to go How strange should it be, when night comes again, If the snow and the ice struck my desperate brain! Fainting, freezing, dying alone, Too wicked for prayer, too weak for a moan To be heard in the streets of the crazy town, Gone mad in the joy of the snow coming down To be and to die in my terrible woe, With a bed and a shroud of the beautiful snow. Helpless and foul as the trampled snow. Sinner, despair not Christ stoopeth low To rescue the soul that is lost in its sin, And raise it to life and enjoyment again, Groaning, bleeding, dying for thee, The Crucified hung on the accursed tree, His accents of mercy fell soft on thine ear- Is there mercy for me ? Will he heed my prayer ? Oh God in the stream that for sinners did flow, Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

AX EVANGELICAL SISTERHOOD. A new Society has risen up. It consists of nuns without vows; Sisters of Mercy who have neither crucifix, rosary, no conventual garb female Protes- tants who make nursing the sick and soothing the dying the business of their lives, and who work with- out fee or hope of temporal reward. This is the "Evangelical Protestant Deaconesses Institute and Training Hospital." The acting director of the Hos- pital and Institute, whose single-minded enthusiasm is beyond praise, is a German physician, Dr. Laseron, but his eight co-trustees are Englishmen, as are his fellow-members of the council. The Society held its second annual meeting on Saturday afternoon. Of the Sisterhood, seventeen are now in training, and a proportion of them ready at a moment's notice to go out as nurses to the sick wherever and whenever the occasion arise. This is the great aim and object of the Sisterhood. The Sisters who devote themselves to such places as the Newport Market Refuge and the excellent Home of Charity in Soho, have accustomed us to the fact of Englishwomen, gently born and nur- tured, giving up their lives to good works. Those ladies, however, are all supposed to be of the High Church party. One at least of the Sisters at the New- port Market Refuge has left it to join the Church of Rome. while the special characteristics of the Evan- gelical deaconesses is that they are Protestants among Protestants. The whole tone of Saturday's gathering showed this. Mr. Samuel Morley, M. P., presided; and was supported by Mr. John Morley, the munifi- cent donor of the Society's freehold land and house; Mr. George Moore, the Rev. Thomas Binney, and others, while the ministers of various denominations, who spoke in commendation of Dr. Laseron and his scheme, all testified to the pure Evangelicism of their doctrines. Luther and Calvin, the Reformation, and the Christian Church, in the largest sense of the words, were all honoured and those who shrink from the word deaconess,and scent in it Popery in dis- guise, might do worse than make a journey to Tot- tenham Green, there to test how thoroughly and es- sentially Protestant are the principles inculcated and acted on. Mr. Samuel Morley described the institu- tion as a re-action from the stern iconoclastic spirit which would have none of the things of Roman Ca- tholicism, good or bad, and which in its eagerness to put down monasteries and convents, had lost sight of the good aDdholy principle which those much abused institutions claimed to foster. The tendency of mo- dern legislation was, he said, to sever the care of the poor too exclusively from religion, and to make of it a dry and hard obligation like the payment of taxes and rates. The Evangelical sisterhood unite the doc- trines of Protestantism with the exercise of practical charity and its members look like so many Dinah Morrises, ready and eager to do battle with the evils of this life. There is nothing secret about the institution. It may be visited freely, and if, as was suggested on y I Saturday, Mr. Newdegate's wishes became law, there is no establishment where the commissioners of in- quiry would be more warmly welcomed than at Tot- tenham Green. The association is primarily a volun- tary one of Christian women, united for the perfor- mance of works of active benevolence, and has in connection with it a free hospital for the sick poor, nd an industrial Home for orphan girls. It is intended to comprise members from all ranks of society, and "that neither wealth nor poverty should form a bar- rier to admission to the sisterh.wd." Its original pros- pecuts explained that it would comprise persons be- longing to various branches of the Church of Christ, provided they all hold evangelical truth and are wil- ling to partake of trie Lord s Supper in common." Candidates must bring a satisfactory recommenda- tion from the pastor of the Church to which they belong, and a medical certificate that they are in good health. If approved 'by the director and council, they are received as probationary sisters for twelve months or longer. After this probation, they are solemnly set apart for their calling, and are expected to remain in it, though it must be again dis- tinctly understood that no vows are made. The deaconess has to declare, however, that she has formed no engagement for marriage, and will not form one without consulting the managers of the in- stitution she has joined. That this obligation does not operate very severely seems proved by the recent marriage of a deaconess while the costumes of the sisters, though plain, do not imply any severe renun- ciation of the world. Brown or chocolate stuff dresses, with neat white aprons and caps, cheerful, smiling, young faces, bright eyes, and a quiet intelli- gence, which is very apparent, are the impressions left by the Sisterhood, the majority of whom are young, and, if we may say so, pretty. Among the salutary rules they are called on to observe is "to ask no questions as to the limit or extent of the private means of any Sister or Probationary Sister, and to refrain from trying to influence one another in the 'disposal of any private means." They must before admission promise to be content with the simple maintenance provided for all the deaconesses, and they are not allowed to make any large donation to the funds of the institute without consulting "their natural friends or legitimate advisers." The rules to be observed by and to the sisters who nurse in private families have been well considered. The sister's duty is to nurse, wash, and attend her patient, and to follow out conscientiously every di- rection of the doctor. If absolutely necessary she will also undertake to keep in order and cleanliness the patient's room, and she is to take all her meals either with the patient or in an adjoining chamber. When the sister has been watching during the night she must be allowed five hours sleep in a room to her- self next day; she is not permitted to watch more frequently than every second night, and when the watching is required for more than a fortnight, not more than every third night. No charge is made for her services, and she is not allowed to accept presents either from patients or their relations or friends. If. however it be desired to make a thank offering to the institution, she is permitted to receive it, and to hand it over to the director on her return, which must be directly the patient recovers or in case of death. Such are briefly the conditions under which the Evan- gelical Sisterhood serve, and on which their assistance can be obtained. Whether viewed as an exceptional development of eeling and faith, or as a strenuous effort for the alleviation of human suffering, it will be readily ad- mitted that the new Sisterhood deserves attention from all interested in the religious and philanthropic movements of our day. As an experiment it is unique, for it claims to unite the organization, drill- ing, and machinery of Catholicism with the purity and toleration of the Reformed faith. —Abridged from the Daily Neics.

THE FRIENDSHIP OF RATS. There are instances of the rat becoming tame, and showing its attachment to those who pet and fondle it. An interesting case of this kind is given in the Memoirs of M. de la Tude, of whose cruel detention for tbirt36ive years in the Bastille and other prisons an account will be found in another number of this series. "For a long time I enumerated among my greatest annoyances the presence of a crowd of rats, who came continually hunting for food and lodging in my straw. Sometimes, when I was asleep, they ran across my face and more than once, by biting me se- verely, occasioned the most acute suffering. Unable to get rid of them, and forced to live in their society, I conceived the idea of forming a friendship with them. "The dungeons of the Bastille are octagonal the one where I was confined had a loophole two feet and a half above the floor. On the inside it was two feet ong, and about eighteen inches wide but it gradually diminished towards the exterior, so that on the out- side wall it scarcely exceeded three inches in size. From this loophole alone I derived the only light and air I was permitted to enjoy the stone which formed the base of it served me also for chair and table. When tired of reclining on a foul and infected pallet, I dragged myself to the loophole to imbibe a little fresh air. To lighten the weight of my chains, I rested my elbows and arms on this horizontal stone. Being one day in this attitude, I saw a large rat ap- pear at the other extremity of the loophole I called him to me he looked at me, without shewing any fear I gently threw him apiece of bread, taking care not to frighten him away by a violent action. He ap- proached. took the bread, went to a little distance to eat it, and appeared to ask for a second piece I flung him another, but at a less distance a third, nearer still, and so on by degrees. This continued as long as I had bread to give him for, after satisfying his appetite, he carried off to a hole the fragments he had not devoured. The following day he came again. I treated him with the same generosity, and added even a morsel of meat, which he appeared to find more pa- latable than the bread for this time he ate in my presence, which before he had not done. The third day he became sufficiently familiar to take what I offered him from my fingers. I have no idea where his dwelling-place was be- fore, but he appeared inclined to change it, to approach nearer to me he discovered, on each side of the win- dow, a hole sufficiently large for his purpose he exa- mined them both, and fixed his abode in the one to the right, which appeared to him the most convenient. On the fifth day, for the first time, he came to sleep there. The following morning he paid me a very early visit I gave him his breakfast when he had eaten heartily he left me, and I saw no more of him till the next day, when he came according to custom. I saw, as soon as he had issaed from his hole, that he was not alone. I observed a female rat peeping from it, and apparently watching our proceedings- I tried to entice her out, by throwing her bread and meat she seemed much more timid than the other, and for some time refused to take them however, at last she ventured out of the hole by degrees, and seized what I threw half-way towards her. Sometimes she quarelled with the male, and when she proved either stronger or more skilful, ran back to the hole, carrying with her what she had taken. When this happened, the male rat crept close up to me for consolation, and, to revenge himself on the other, ate what I gave him too far from the hole for her to venture to dispute it with him, but always pretending to exhibit his prize, as if in bravado. He would then seat himself on his haunches, holding the meat or bread between his fore- paws, like a monkey, and nibbling it with an air of defiance. One day, the pride of the female conquered her shyness. She sprang out, and seized between her teeth the morsel which the other wa3 oeginning to munch. Neither would let go, and they rolled over each other to the hole, into which the female, who was the nearest to it, dragged the male after her. This extraordinary spectacle relieved, by contrast, the monotony of my ordinary sufferings and recollections. In the bustle of the world, it is difficult to conceive the pleasure I derived from such a trifling source, but there are sensitive minds who will readily under- stand it. "When my dinner was brought in, I called my companions the male ran to me directly the female, according to custom, came slowly and timidly, but at length approached close to me, and ventured to take what I offered her from my hand. Some time after, a third appeared, who was much less ceremonious than my first acquaintances. After his second visit he constituted himself one of the family, and made him- self so perfectly at home that he resolved to introduce his comrades. The next day he came, accompanied by two others, who in the course of a week brought five more and thus, in less than a fortnight, our family circle consisted of ten large rats and myself. I gave each of them names, which they learned to distinguish. When I called them, they came to eat with me, from the dish or off the same plate but I found this unpleasant, and was soon forced to find them a dish for themselves, on account of their slo- venly habits. They became so tame that they al- lowed me to scratch their necks, and appeared pleased when I did so but they would never permit me to touch them on the back. Sometimes I amused my- self with making them play, and joining in their gam» bols. Occasionally, I threw them a piece of meat scald- ing hot: the most eager ran to seize it, burned them- selves, cried out, and left it whilst the less greedy, who waited patiently, took it when it was cold, and Ll 1 escaped into a corner, where they divided their prize. Sometimes 1 made them jump up, by holding a piece of bread or meat suspended in the air. There was among them a female whom I had christened Rapino-Hirondelle, on account of her agility. I took great pleasure in making her jump and so confident was she of her superiority over all the others, that she never condescended to take what I held up for them she placed herself in the attitude of a dog pointing at game—allowed one of the rats to spring at the morsel offered him, and at the moment when he seized it, would dart forward, and snatch it out of his mouth. It was unlucky for him if she missed her spring for then she invariably seized him by the neck with her teeth, as sharp as needles the other, yelling with pain, would leave his prey at the mercy of Rapino-Hirondelle, and creep into a corner to cure the wounds she had inflicted on him. With these simple and innocent occupations, I contrived for two years to divert my mind from con- stantly brooding over my miseries and now and then I surprised myself in a sensation of positive enjoy- ment. A bountiful Deity had no doubt created this solace for me and when I gave myself up to it, in those happy moments, the world disappeared. I thought no longer of men and their barbarities, but as a dream. My intellectual horison was bounded by the walla of my prison my senses, my reason, and my imagination were centred within that narrow com- pass. 1 found myself in the midst of a family who loved and interested me why, then, should I wish to transport myself back into another hemisphere, where I had met with nothing but oppressors and exe- cutioners. Chambers's ,Miscellany-Revised Edition.

A SCOTTISH VOCALIST AMONG THE MORMONS. Mr. Kennedy, the well-known Scottish vocalist, has during the last three years been making a professional tour in Canada and the United States. Among other places which he visited was the Salt Lake City. There he had an introduction to Brigham Young and his wives and other Mormon notables. The night before embarking on his return to his native land, Mr. Kennedy gave a concert at Quebec, and during the interval gave the following account of his experiences in Mormondom :— I arrived at Salt Lake City on the 1st of July. The city is on a level plain, touching the lake on the one hand and the mountain on the other. It is a city of suburbs the houses are scattered, and each house has its garden and trees the streets are wide and clean water is flowing everywhere. The place has a quiet, nice, genteel air about it. In the middle of the city-the business part—there are one or two blocks. Some of these struck me strangely. Over the door was a large circular sign, with the words Holiness unto the Lord." Beneath this was an eye painted, representing Omniscience, and below that these words, Zion Co-operative Store." (Laughter.) Some of these stores belong to the Gentiles, who do a good business, though they are not encouraged by Brigham. His gospel is, "Work hard, spend little, but what you spend, spend it in our shops don't encourage the Gentiles." While I was there I was asked to go and see the President. I found him in his office seated with a number of people talking to him. He is sorely troubled with visitors they come by every train, and bother him with questions more pointed than polite. I sat there silent for a while, watching the man. He is under size, 2401bs. in weight, 70 years old, or nearly so seems well preserved, hardly a wrinkle on his face, no appearance of being over-worked, enjoys life abundantly. He took me up to his house, having first sent a messenger before him to see that the way was clear. We-my daughter was with me—were shown into a large room, nicely furnished—a piano in it. Brigham said he bad to go to a neighbouring town on business-I learned he had wives there too i. fact, he has them scattered all over the country- and asked me to sing him a song. After the song a door opened, and in came an elderly lady, with a dark print dress and short apron, hands half dried she had evidently come from kitchen duties. The President rose and formally introduced Mrs. Young. It is the rule that the first wife is introduced on all occasions. We are the bosses," said an old Scotch lady to me, she being the first of her husband's three wives, (Laughter.) Presently in came another lady with a blue dress, narrow waist, black curls, which she shook in a coquettish sort of way. "Mrs. Young," again said the President. (Laughter.) Then we had more songs, and by-and-bye the door opened again, and in came a flock of children, plainly, but neatly dressed. Mr. Kennedy," said the President, "these are not all my children." Then he went amongst them as among a flock of sheep, and laid his hand on their heads in a kind, fatherly, patriarchal way-" This is mine," said he, and this is mine"—and, feeling some- what dubious, Yes, this is mine." (Loud laughter.) Then says he, As you've been singing me a song, I'll tell you a story. Tom Thumb is here just uow. The other evening, it is said, a friend of ours, a very tall fellow, was standing close beside Tom. Tom says to him, I don't believe in this polygamy I can't understand it.' 'Well,' says the tall fellow, looking down on Tom, When I was your size I couldn't understand it either. (Laughter). The Mormons i do not in conversation avoid the subject of polygamy on the contrary, they invite you to discuss it. The rule is that each man should have three wives many have none, others only one, so that many have more than three. When a married man has formed a wish to have a second or a third, or a fourth or a fifth, or a tenth wife—(laughter)—it is the duty of the oldest wife to see after all the arrangements, and, in fact, to be the-active agent of her husband in the matter. W omen go there from Scotland and from England, and other parts of the world, for the express purpose of getting married. For you must know the Mormons believe that a woman cannot go to Heaven unless she is married. Suppose these women firmly impressed with their belief, their conduct is quite intelligible. One evening I was at a Mormon's house—aScotchman's. He said to me, We are not allowed to drink but never mind, I have some good Scotch whisky, and you must make the toddy, and all the blame will rest on you." I went there, and we had the toddy, and en- joyed ourselves exceedingly well. A group of ladies were chattering in one corner. I raised a glass, and advancing towards them said, Here's to the ladies who wouldn't be a lady here?" One of them who was nearest to me said to me, in a serious tone, "I wonder who would be a lady here?" That was all I heard from the fair sex on the subject to me it was enough it began to dawn on my mind that it was not all gold that glittered. I met at this house the three wives of my former host, and in their pre- sence he was courting the daughter of Brigham Young, and Brigham Young's eldest son had married his daughter. I wonder what relation he was to his father-in-law? (Renewed laughter.) Brigham Young says in effect, "Young men, take warning if you don't marry the young ladies, we old fellows will: so look out." Under this state of things, when a man has six or seven or ten wives, the children are apt to get mixed, and lose their parentage, so far as the mother is concerned. So to avoid this difficulty, they 'e dress them differently-white, pink, blue, and so on. One old gentleman I found is an elder there. He had 13 wives and was wanting a fourteenth. (Laughter.) One of his wives, an old Scotch lady, said to me, My man canna laugh now all his front teeth are gone, and he wants to get a new wife, and has no chance till he gets a new set of front teeth."

A Bishop, who was fond of shooting, in one of his excursions met with his friend's gamekeeper, whom he sharply reproved for inattention to religious duties, exhorting him strenuously to "go to Chu c'), and read his Bible." The keeper, in an angry mood, responded, Why, I do read my Bible, sir but I don't find in it any mention of the Apostles going a shooting." "No, my good man, you are right," said the Bishop, the shooting was very bad in Palestine, so they went fishing instead." A rather interesting and high-sounding matrimonial advertisement appears in a "Vienna paper I am young, handsome, well-made, fascinating in manners, sweet disposition, not unlearned, descending from a noble family have a nice little country property near "Vienna. I desire a wife. Send photographs, which must show beauty, and she must be rich and culti- vated, but must not object to my being, as I am, a baker." An anecdote that might be used by many a long- expectant officer now a-days has cropped up again. It appears that the late Duke of York once remarked to Colonel W., at the mess of the 11th Regiment, that the colonel was uncommonly bald, and although a much younger man than His Royal Highness, he stood in more need of a wig. The colonel, who had been of very long standing in the service, and whose promotion had been by no meana rapid, informed His Royal Highness that his baldness could be easily ac- counted for. "In what manner?" asked the duke. To which Colonel W. replied, "By my junior officers stepping over my head." The duke was so pleased with the reply that the gallant colonel received pro- mo ion il a few days. FEMINIZE WOMEN.—"I think, if I marry." said Mr. Temple, glancing across at Florence, I shall educate my future wife to suit my requirements. I like a feminine woman, and in our day when the gentler 83X ccmpete for honour at the universities, and what, not it is time for men to want wives in the old sense of the word, to have a school of their own in which to educate them. Only a few days a^o, I read of single, married, and widow ladies having taken degrees. I grant there are some men who would like to marry a female M.D., but I am not among the number, for T belive we have round corners which need planing and polishing; and I hold that a women's tenderness and gentleness is the greatest safety that a man has, and therefore I do not wish her to lose her identity in gradgrind study. Let her be well-read by all means, but esohewcompetition with men. Only imagine a husband and wife going up to the counting-house bent on the same business. We have hardness enough to deal with daily. Why should women be educated in the same rough school ? Give me rather a womanly wife, who would be one with me in all my pursuits who would sympathise with me in all my difficulties who would cheer me with her honest advice and who would beguile me from money-making by her affection and not a manly woman, who would bore me with argument, weary me with her politics, or boast of her degree. "-Gold and Tinsel. LUXURIANT AND BEAUTIFUL HAIR.—Mrs. A. S Allen's World's Hair Restorer or Dressing" never fails to quickly restore Grey or Faded Hair to its youthful colour and beauty, and with the first applica- tion a beautiful gloss and delightful fragrance is given to the Hair. It stops Hair from falling off. It pre- vents baldness. It promotes luxuriant growth. It causes the Hair to grow thick and strong. It removes all dandruff. It contains neither oil nor dye. In large bottles—Price Six Shillings. Sold by all Che- mists and Perfumers. For Children's Hair, Mrs. Allen's Zylobalsamum" far exceeds any pomade or hair oil, and is a delightful Hair Dressing it is a rliB- tinct and separate preparation from the Restorer, and its use not required with it. Depot, 226, High Hol- born, London—Agent at Newport Mr. E. OSTLER, 59 High-street; and Mr. H. L. WILLIAMS, chemist, I 3, Commercial-street. [13,745

GARDEN OPERATIONS. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Finish thinning the crop of young apricots in all instances where necessary, for I can see that much work of this kind will be wanted at home. Those who have not attended to the disbudding of their peaches, nectarines, and apricots, where young and thriving, will run some risk of injuring the branches, unless a keen-edged knife is used, instead of the quicker finger and thumb. All negligence demands an additional tax, however, on our energies, and the rule applies perhaps as much to behind-hand work in connection with gardening as to any known calling. If the shoots are not numerous enough at the apex of branches upon young trees, the points alone may be pinched back, which will conduce to the more uniform growth of the whole, and during favourable seasons form, on some kinds of fruit, two or three shoots for one. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Do not delay longer to transplant edgings of Ceras- tium in all instances where this plant is grown. Cut off the fading heads of bloom on all Auriculas which have done blooming. Place the plants in a cool, properly-sheltered situation, and do not neglect their requirements now that their flowers are past for the year. Where older plants of carnations and the hardier kinds of pinks exist, they will require a pre- liminary support, as they grow apace now. Give the final shift to such as are intended to bloom in pots. Look carefully over all rose trees, and remove any form of maggots which have built to themselves a secure retreat amongst the young growing buds, and are subsisting upon them they bind the leaves so together that they are easily detected with a little close inspection. KITCHEN GARDEN. Take advantage of every shower to transplant all seedling plants which require it. Prepare the neces- sary beds or mounds for vegetable marrows or ridge cucumbers. The more stable litter you can pack together into a heap, damping it as it is made up if too dry, so much the better will the plants thrive. The first-crop peas, which have six or eight flowers expanded, should have the tops pinched off, if time is to be gained. Plant out in favourable situations, under sunny walls, tomatos, chilis, &c., putting a branch in front of them, if the weather is uugenial. TOWN GARDENING. Carnations and pinks will now be putting up their flower-stems, and should, therefore, be neatly staked and tied as they progress in growth. For carnations the sticks should be eighteen inches above the mould, and six inches for pinks and if large blooms are desired, all the side buds should be removed as fast as they appear, leaving only the terminal one. Pansies are most serviceable for town gardens, and if now planted in beds, in separate colours, they will make a great show during most of the summer months. If the plants are purchased, never select or have those with the roots compressed such only as have been merely lifted out of the ground are likely to succeed. Another sowing of Virginian stocks, Cape marigold, nemophila insignis, candytuft, and the dwarf nasturtiums, if sown now, and frequently sprinkled during their growth, will follow up the early sown plants, and make a good display in July and August. Mignonette and intermediate stocks should now be turned into the window boxes, and if a piece of board be fixed at each end it will be of great service as a protection from the wind. Coboea scandens or convolvulus major, if planted at the end of the box, will traiu nicely round the window on wire or striug. Suspended baskets, if filled now with the drooping saxifrage, commonly called mother of thousands, or tradescantia discolor, and hung in the window, will make pretty objects during summer. When placing the pots in the baskets it is advisable to pack moss round them, which will much assist in keeping them fresh and healthy.