The North Wales Weekly News

P n .1111'1111111111111111111 Ejmanm j j T LU^HrOYAL for ANIMALS^^Ui (J 1 )r See the EUtman E.F. A. Booklet UNIVERSAL for HUMAN USE 1 I See the Elliman R.E.P. Booklet found enclosed with bottles of Elliman's The Name Is F-Iliman L | ELLIMAN, SONS A CO. SLOUGH, ENGLAND. NOW IS THE TIME for FARMERS WITH CAPITAL to turn their attention to the money-making possibilities of WESTERN AUSTRALIA Special selected Government- surveyed and cleared areas are available for settlement. ASSISTED PASSAGES. For illustrated pamphlets and furthei particulars, apply to the AGENT-GENERAI. for WESTERN AUSTRALIA. iS, Victoria Street. London, S.W. CARTRIDGES. CARTRIDGES Kynoch's Smokeless Telax 6/10 per 100 Nobell's Sporting Clyde 8/6 per 100 Curtis' and Harvey's Diamond Smokeless 10/6 per 100 A GOOD SELECTION OF RELIABLE GUNS from 30/- to S20 in Stock. THE NEW SMOKELESS OIL STOVES from 15/6 each. ANTHRACITE STOVES from 37/6 to £ s, plain and in colours. A large Stock of WIRE NETTING, CORRU- GATED SHEETS, KITCHEN RANGES, GRATES and MANTELPIECES, JOINERS' and PLUMBERS' TOOLS, CUTLERY, ELECTRO PLATE and HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS of all kinds at Lowest Prices at MARFELL'S IRONMONGERY STORES, ABERGELE ROAD, COLWYN BAY. Tel 2X. 137 Established 1884. THOMAS DAVIES Wheelwright and Coach Builder, Waggon, Van, Cart and Lurry Builder, ABERGELE ROAD, —— COLWYN BAY. —— Mangle Rollers ot the best Maple Wood supplied and fitted at the lowest rates. Wheelbarrows for Contractors and Farmers. ESTIMATES FREE. TERMS MONTHLY. T. T. ROBERTS, PENMAENMAWR. Family Grocer & Provision Dealer. GENUINE HOME-MADE BREAD DAILY. Home-cured Hams, Bacon, and Wiltshire Smoked. Sole Agent for Lord Vernon Butter. Homer's Devonshire Cream and Cream Cheeses. Sole Agent for W. & A. Gilbey's Wines and Spirits. Purity and Genuineness guaranteed on the labels. (Trice list of 330 varieties on Application to the Agent). Ale and Porter Stores. In Firkins, Pins, and Bottles. Telephone No. S. 26 DAVIES BROTHERS WHOLESALE DTTTrUUPC and RETAIL OU lV/XlliKO. Only the Primest Quality of Meat Supplied. Windsor House, Abergele Road, COLWYN BAY, AND AT DOUGHTY BUILDINGS, Conway Road. Tel. No. 95. Telephone No. 17. Telegraphic Address Davies Bros, Colwyn Bay. 468 1 Cerdd Drysor y Plant. CASGLIAD 0 DONAU at wasanaeth y Band of Hope, yr Ysgol Sul, a'r Gymanfa. Pris, 2L-. Telerau Gostyngol i Ysgolion Sabbothol, &c. Cyhoeddedig ac i'w gael gan Mri. R. E. Jones a'i Frodyr, Swyddfa'r Weekly News," Conwy. FD ATT Motor and General • XJiV. 1 I Engineer, Millwright Iron & Brass Founder, Reliance Works, CONWAY. Marine Motors supplied & installed, Sparking Plugs, Batteries, Coils, &c. Sole Agent for the BROOKE MARINE MOTOR. M™.™' C"Sc" » Speciality. Aw App*ratuv Hydri^i £ lR!JfLPomPs' Heating MoW Kd"h" Motor, Gas, and other OiU i Strict personal attention given"*to'af" "Bait, Co.Wto I

[ÂLL BNITI RISBBVBD]. The Crystal Goblet BY DRUID GRAYL, Author of Satan's Snare," "The Body in the Box," No Clue," &c. iae voice within th, room went easily on; so, biting lii.s under lip, and forcing a smile, he turned the handle slowly, and went ill, "A prize, a prize for you, sir," he ejacu- lated exultantly; "pardon my breaking in on your reading, Clare, but here ie some thing the like of which I have never scei. before." He took the goblet from its case and held it on a level with their eyes for inspection. Clare looked brightly at the object, saying. "What a beautiful glass"; and Antonio, had he dared, would have replied: "There is but one beauty in the roomYourseIf "-and in truth he would not have erred greatly, for the rich complexion, goklen-red hair, and great blue eyes of the lovely young woman made everything else in the apartment cold and lifeless by comparison. Mr. Markham, a tall, picturesque, but pallid and grey-haired man, remarked quietly, in a low and tired voice: "A rutx- cryatal goblet I perceive; where did you get it, and what was the price?" "Three hundred and sixty guineas, sir—not too much, I believe—for it is practically unique, as I will prove presently. ft put up at Marshall's Sale Roon;s. I strolled in bv chance. Levi was there, and a foreigner whom I did not know, with him. They went up to a hundred, and other bid ders mounted by degrees till ] outstripped them. Observe, sir, there is the phoenix badge of some noble Italian family on the foot; but the stem is hollow and contains a fluid-a great rarity in crystals, I learned." "The badge is that ot some disciple of Paracelsus, the physician," answered the tired voice. Antonio started, and his olive face went a shade lighter as he replied, somewhat despon- dently, "I hope I have not laid out the money to bad advantage, sir." "O dear no. judiciously sold, the goblet would realise at least five hundred guineas. I was merely correcting your error as to the emblem. "I'm so glad," said Antonio, with evident relief "for there's sure to be a paragraph in the papers about the sale, and your collection must not be decried, sir. I ought to mention, too, that I noticed that fellow Couch—about whom Detective Parsotii warned us-in the sale-room. "Indeed," retorted Mr. Markham, a little uneasily adding, However, he's not likely to pay me a visit for a breakable and come paratively valueless article. Still, his pre- sence there is significant. Thank you for your afternoon's work all round." The young man bowed, and the three people 0 then admirod the new possession as only col- lectors can—every aspect- of the design and every liue of the engraving receiving its due rai praise and appreciation. Finally, the goblet was replaced in the case and set on a high bracket and they went into the supper-room, where Mr. Markham s^oke learnedly, at intervale, of crystal and turly workers in the material. Antonio re- curred again and again to the subject of the man Couch and his class, but Mr. Markham expressed no further uneasiness, and Clare remarked in the subtly sarcastic style she Bometimea affected, that dogs occasionally ate "conch" as a medicine—a remark which puzzled Antonio so that he asked for an ex- planation, and was laughingly informed that triticum repenb-otherwise couch-grass—was indeed good natural physic for dogs, and likewise afforded an excellent pun. Antonio, who was without humour, immediately sub- sided, but Mr. Markham gave one of his rare laughs, and Clare resumed her ordinary manner for the rest of the evening, to the younger man's evident relief. Nevertheless, one of the ground-floor win- dows was cut with a diamond a night or so later, and the dogs had made no sign. An- toi io was full of the matter, vowing that he would lie awake for a week of nights, if ne- cessary, and shoot any intruder at sight. Then a most unexpected thing happened. The crystal goblet, case and all, was missing from the bracket one morning, though nothing else had been touched. Mr. Markham, curiously enough, made light of the incident, declaring that he would not be bothered about the affair at present. Clare said nothing, so Antonio, after a little volubility, was forced to keep silence, though plainly uneasy of mind. For the next night or so he lay upon the bed in his dresiing-gown, with the door ajar, listening for any unusual noise without or within the house, and then his patience had its reward. The doors of "The Belvedere" were too well hung to creak, and the carpeted corri- dors gave no sound of a footfall, but a thin pencil of light gradually widened on the land- ing, so Antonio leaped from the bed and peered through the chink of his doorway. In another moment he could see the tall, spare figure of Mr. Markham walking from his bedroom along the lobby, carrying a crystal goblet in one hand, whilst shielding it with the other. Looking neither to the right nor left he made his way to the sitting-room, opened the door cautiously, switched on the electric ligh and passed within. In another moment there was a sharp ring- ing noise as of snapped glass, a crash on the parquetry, and then a stifled exclamation, fol- lowed by a deep-drawn sigh. Antonio had seen and heard enough to satisfy himself. He closed his door quietly, slipped out of dressing-gown and slippers, and slid quickly into bed. But not to sleep. He iay there thinking and planning till the ordinary noises of the house began at early morning, and then he began to tremble slightly, and his heart beat tumultuously for a while. He began to dres43 at the treual time, listen- ing intently; but nothing out of the usual course happened. He was forced to steady his nerves with a nip of neat spirit from his pocket-flask just before the man brought hot shaving water, and when the domestic had retired without any special communication, he had recourse to the flask again, for his hand shook visibly, and the circles beneath his eves were as if artificially darkened with purple pigment. But the alcohol had its effect before he was finally dressed; his spirits lifted, andshe carefully rinsed away the odour of the cognac from is breath with an aromatic wash, and .Jl::d tft fo* hrf nkfast-room. • if^Tentered"eipecTTng tc-ffn(r Clare there aloae but Mr. Markham was seated at her right, and behind him, on the bracket, was the crystal goblet* intact from its case, glint- ing in the sunlight. He started palpably, and, for all his ficti- tious courage, could not repress a slight "Ah!" 9 Mr. Markham smiled. "I see you are sur- prised, Carl," he said, kindly. "YeB, the goblet is safe. It's a long story, and Clare will tell it better than I-after breakfast. Fall to, lad."

Nature's Sugar is the Best, and is found in currants in greater quantity than in any other fruit. By using currants yo!i require less of the ordinary sugar and eat nature's product instead. A wise course indeed, and one winch should commend it- self to every housewife who studies health and economy. Whenever you want a de- licious sweet use currants the presence of the little Grecian grape ensures a charm- ing flavour and a liberal amount of pure nutriment. Don't think it is difficult to cook with currants. Nothing could be simpler. A most useful little Currant cook- ery book is being given away quite free by all the leading grocers. Ask for a copy to- day. Here is a recipe which will please you and make you want to proceed with currant cookery. Courtin Cake. i lb. flour, i lb. butter, i lb. currants, 1 teaspoonful baking powder, 5 eggs, pinch salt. METHOD.—Rub the butter in the flour, then add the other ingredients, lastly the eggs-well beaten up; mix all together and divide into five flat cakes, put on floured tin, and bake in a moderate even till light brown. If not eaten as soon as baked, put m Oven to get hot, slice, and butter them. Antonio rejoiaed, "Well, of all wonders," as he sat down but his roiei to himsel] joanded like the hollow echo of another's. Notwithstanding, self-possession and a cer- .a-,n relief began to come over him gradu- ally, and he made a fair show of breakfasting. When the meal was over Clare said, "Now for the tale but you won't want to hear it again, uncle. Moreover, I've something else to say to Carl: he and I will go into the library, with your permission." "Certainly, my dear; though the relation would not really distress me, I assure you." Yes, it would, dear. Come along, Carl." The young fellow opened the door for her, and followed to the other room, with new courage and a new hope, for he thought he saw his way to a declaration of love, or at least the intimation of it, when the confi- dential talk was over. But a glance at her face, and the first sen- tence she uttered, in cold, hard tones, froze the blood in his veins-and nerve failed him utterly. "We must understand each other, Mr. An- tonio," she said as she seated herself. "You'd better sit down for a few minutes, too." Un—der—stand each other," he stam- mered, sinking into a chair. "Yes, with reference to the crystal goblet, and—other things." He fixed dilated eyes on her, and his face went ghastly. For the next minutes he list- ened to her unfaltering statement like one in a mesmerised trance. "You bought that goblet with a sinister motive," said she, plainly; "because the liquid in the stem suggested possibilities. You drilled the foot, let the origintl liquid out, put some other in its place, doubtless, and sealed the tiny hole again, cunningly but not so cunningly that I—who have long suspected that you had evil intentions—was deceived. You know, as well as I do, that Uncle is anaemic, and has slight atrophy of the thyroid gland, which causes him to walk in his sleep occasionally. Of this you took advantage, craftily. First of all you acted on his mind by suggestions of robbery, knowing well that his sleep would be troubled, and that he would most likely get up and hide the glass. You imitated an attempt at housebreaking to aid the design, and hid the case of the goblet one night. Uncle did walk in his sleep and secrete the glass, and then your horrid plan was one step nearer success, for you were con- scious that the cause of its disappearance would occur to him, and that he would re- place it when false sleep again revealed the hiding place to his distressed mind. "And now your unnatural-yes, fiendish plot, has almost come to a head. You put a sharp-edged bronze on the bracket, so that when he reached up to replace the goblet, the glass would shatt-er against it, and cast the contents into his face. But I watched you throughout-two can lie awake and creep about a house in turn, you know-and saved you from crime. "Learn that I stole the original goblet my- self, putting a harmless one of similar shape in its place. Early this morning only, after the worthless, harmless glass was broken, did I put the crystal back on the bracket-for the play was played out. You have only to tell me where the case is, and find an excuse to leave the house for ever. There's the tale. It has been a long one, and Uncle is unaware of your part; but can you deny its truth?" I cannot," replied Antonio, rising quickly. "There was hydrocyanic acid in the stem and a spot, or the fumes of it, would have killed Mr. Markham. You say you have long suspected me. But you never guessed my real motive. You think me a vulgar, sordid criminal desirous to get a portion of the estate before due time. Well, that would have been a means, not an end. I was pre- pared to sell my very eternal soul to gain an earthly heaven—life with you. I love you as no one in your day ever will. That is my one and sole excuse before we part for ever." The young woman looked at him with an indescribable expression. Surprise was blended with dismay, and behind both was a growing terror at the man's passion. She clenched the nails into her tender palms, and bit her lower lip, whilst her bosom rose and fell rapidly. It was a full moment before she could collect herself to reply. Lifting herself by the arms of the chair, she said quietly, You have your excuse for going without suspicion. Say you proposed to me, and I rejected you unconditionally, which makes life together in the house in- supportable. Travel, rule yourself, find a good woman to make you a good man, and look back on this terrible tempt&tion as an ugly dream. And oh in the name of all things sacred, ask for that fateful goblet as a parting gift, and shatter it for ever, when you go." A swift, utter revulsion of feeling swept over the wretched man. Tears sprang to his eyes, and a deep sob came from his; chest. "I can't ask you to take my hasid, Clare," he said brokenly, "but say Good-bye, Carl' for the last time." "Good-bye, Carl, and God guide you," re- plied the girl fervently. "Good-bye, and God bless you ever, Clare," he retorted, and walked out with- out looking at her again. He went straightway to Mr. Markham, and said what Clara had bidden him, as one re- peating a lesson. Mr. Markham took the communication gravely but kindly, finally concurring in the idea of travel for a while. "There is one thing I should like to ask you, sir, before I go my journey," said Antonio. It coHcerns my parentage. Do not spare me any unpleasant truth. You have said that the same blood flows in our veins. What is my relationship to you?" A pained look came over Mr. Markham's face. "You are no real relation," he said. "Do you actually wish me to tell you the truth? Better let the past rest in the grave, lad." "Tell me, sir, I implore you," was the reply and the elder man wondered at the look of relief which had come to the younger one's face. "Here it is, then, lad. When I was study- ing art in Italy, I rescued a woman and child from drowning—your mother and yourself, in short. Some time afterwards I was knocked on the head by brigands in the mountains, after showing tight foolishly. The chief's wife proved to be your mother, and in grati- tude she fetched a leech, and forced him to transfer her own healthy blood into my de- pleted veins and I recovered, partially, as you see. The band was broken up later, and your father suffered the last penalty of the law. This-and her sacrifice, I always think —sent your poor mother into a decline, and she died begging mo to do my best for you, her baby. I have respected her request as far as man could. I\ciw, don't worry about this, lad. Nobody knows the facts but you and I. Have a trip on the Continent, and come back again to us, cured of your unfortnate attach- ment. Have you money enough, and is there anything you would like to take with you as a Kiemento?" "More than I shall ever spend, thank you, sir," replied the young man, with face averted, and looking towards the crystal goblet. "May I take my last purchase, sir?" Yel, and welcome," said Mr. Markham, heartily, "if your mind is set on the trouble- some object; though it will prove an awk- ward travelling companion, I fear. Is there nothing you would like better?" "Nothing, sir, thank you," said Antonio, as he reached it down. "All blessings 00 yours for what you have done for me and mine. I can only repay you and requite my- tell-so." With a quick movement he snapped the cup off, put the stem to his lips, and drank. Then he fell headlong in instant death amongst the ruined fragments of the crystal goblet.

Flint Boroughs Poll. CURIOUS INCIDENT AT MOLD. An unusual incident happened at the Mold polling stition on Friday, where the presiding officer was a gentleman from Chester. The booths were arranged in a IOW. Corn plaint was made to the presiding ofi < er that the anangement was unfair and that voters were being overlooked. One elector declined to vote. The presiding officer refused to alter the arrangements whereupon Mr. F. Llewellyn Jones, election agent, telephoned to the Mayor of Flint, who is the returning officer. The Mayor travelled specially by motor-car to Mold, and after inspecting the booths he altered the arrangements, and the voting proceeded without further complaint.

Yuletide Tryst at Rhos-on-Sea. The anuual Yuletide Tryst, promoted by the Vicar and Mrs. Evans, took place at Rhos-on-Sea, on Thursday afternoon, and was the usual success. A fine Austrian pine tree adorned the centre of the room and was, as has been his custom for some years, the gift of Mr. Robert Barlow, Ayrshire Cottage. Much regret was expressed at the ab- sence of the Vicar, the Rev. E. James- Evans, through indisposition. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. Jones-Mortimer, of Bryn Eisteddfod, Glan Conway, who was accompanied by her husband, Mr. C. B. Jones-Mortimer, J.P. Mr. J. H. Glover, of Rhos Preparatory College, presided, and said:To use a time worn expression, this afternoon's per- formance savours very much of the play of Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark, and the understudy is, I am afraid, rather below the average of understudies generally. We all of us regret, no one more than my- self, the Vicar's absence; it is the Doctor's stem decree, which keeps him away, and I am sure I shall only be expressing what you all feeL if I offer our sympathy both tc him and Mrs. Evans in his unfortunate ill- ness, and wish him a speedy recovery. (Applause.) The task that has been thrust upon me this afternoon is really a very pleasant one, and perhaps somewhat super- fluous, since I have to introduce to you Mrs. Jones-Mortimer, who needs no intro- duction to the peole of Rhos. Mrs. Jones- Mortimer's kindness in coming amongst us to-day will conduce in no small measure to the success and happiness of our Yule Tide Tryst. (Applause.) I am sure you will join with me in giving her a very hearty welcome. (Applause.) There is one thing which the Vicar would wish me to do be- fore I ask Mrs. Jones-Mortimer to declare the sale open, and that is to thank the stall-holders, the contributors and all the workers. You have the evidence of their efforts around you, and you can best shew your appreciation by buying freely of the pretty and useful articles provided. The most cheering news which Mrs. Evans can carry back to our Vicar this evening is the news that in spite of his absence our gathering has been no less successful than in former years. I have much pleasure in asking Mrs. Jones-Mortimer to declare the sale open. (Applause.) Mrs. Jones-Mortimer, who was cordially received, made a graceful little speech, ex- pressive of the pleasure it gave her to be present and to wish the event every success. She hoped everything upon the stalls would be sold ere the day closed. (Applause.) She had pleasure in declaring the sale open. (Applause.) Mr. Spencer proposed, and Mr. Barlow seconded, a vote of thanks to Mrs. Jones- Mortimer, which was carried. The following were in charge — Christmas Tree: Mr. and Mrs. R. Barlow. Fancy Stall: Mrs. E. James-Evans, Miss Shaw and Miss Everard. Thimble League Stall: Miss Jackson, Miss Potter and Mrs. Walker. Sweet and Cake Stall: The Misses Clint. Roulette: Nurse Cyhent, Mrs. and Miss Fletcher Robinson. Fancy Stall: Miss Chambres and Miss Herd, Miss Evans and Miss Fletcher Rus- sell. Refreshments: Mrs. Tozer, Mrs. Berts, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Shingler, assisted by the Misses Wooding Meadows, Nellie Roberts, Ward, Effie Tozer and Gladys Tozer. During the afternoon, a dialogue, Our at Home Day," was given by Miss Ghent, Miss Nellie Roberts and Miss G. Bywater, which caused much merriment. In the evening a musical programme was rendered by Master Fitzbrown, Miss G. Slater, Mr. Llewelyn Davies and Mr. Kenworthy. The dialogue was repeated. Mr. T. Griffiths, Llanerch-road; Mrs. Spencer, and Mr. Barlow acted as stewards.

Christmas Tree"and Sale of Work .a_ at Colwyn. On Monday afternoon a successful sale of work and Christmas Tree was held in the schoolroom of Hebron C.M. Chapel, Colwyn. Mr. Thomas Jones, Chester House, Col- wyn Bay, presided, and he was supported by the pastor, the Rev. Lewis Willliams, Penllyn, the Rev. G. B. File, and others. The Rev. Lewis Williams said that the Calvinistic Methodist Church in Colwyn would celebrate its fifty years jubilee in March next. The members of the old chapel about sax years ago had Hebron built for ^■4,000, and ac effort had been made to re- duce jthe debt some time ago, when the amount was brought down to £ 3,000. They, the Methodists, could claim as a body, witn others, represented the best spiritual life of North Wales. In South Wales it was different. They were not a political body, but were serving the spiritual needs of North Wales, and took a moderate position on theology as in other matters. Thet chair- man, Mr. T, Jones, and Mrs. Berth Jones, who was going to open the sale, were strong forces in Methodism. Mrs. Jones re- presented the new woman and the old woman. The latter was dignified and re- fined, whilst the former had pluck and courage. Laughter.) The chairman said they in Hebron had been (kind to them at Bethlehem, and it gave him pleasure to be present to support the good cause. Mrs. Berth Jones, who was heartily re- ceived, said it 6ave her pleasure to give a helping hand to the sisters of Hebron, and it afforded her great pleasure to declare the sale open. (Applause.) A vote of thanks was passed to the chair- man and Mrs. Jones, upon the proposal of Mr. T. Treleaven Jones, seconded by Mr. Wm. Hughes, Llys Cynwal. 0 That popular and gifted young lady, Miss Edith Shield, having artistically sung Dr. Cowen's Tears accompanied by Miss Maudie Williams, the sale was proceeded with. The schoolroom had been tastefully ar- ranged, and was well ret off with a large Christmas tree in the centre. The folllowing were the stallholders — Fancy Stall No. i :-President, Mrs. Davies, Fein Dale; treasurer, Mrs. Ro- berts, Llys Iorwerth; secretary, Mrs. Wynne, Victoria House; Mrs. Paton, Ivy Dale; Miss Lloyd, Plas y Coed; Miss Hughes, Reg)1t House; Miss Watkins. Fancy Stall No. 2:—President, Mrs. Parry, Gnmsby House; treasurer, Mrs. J. Lewis Jones, Gwenallt; secretary, Mrs. Moss, Post Office; Miss Hattie Hughes; Miss Griffith, Victoria House; Mrs Griffiths, Wood View; and Mrs. Roberts, Grindon Villa. General Stall:—Mr. William Hughes in charge. Refreshment Stall:—President, Mrs. Jones, Liverpool House; treasurer, Mrs. Parry Jones, Arfon House; secretary, Mrs. W. H. Jones, Regent House; Mrs. Jones, Henblas; Mrs. Jones, Ocean View; Mrs. Williams, Hendrewaelod; Mrs. Williams, Llys Cernyw; Mrs. Hughes, Llys Cynwal; Miss Lewis; Miss Roberts, Pentreuchaf; Miss Morris Miss Roberts, 'Arfon House Mrs. Parry, Glan Aber; Mrs. Evans, Wel- lington-road; and Mrs. Davies, Cernyw. terrace. Christmas Tree:—President, Miss Ro. berts, Coluncil School; treasurer, Miss Davies, Fern Dak; secretary, Miss Maudie Willilams, Glasfor. The Chairman of the Committee was the Rev. Lewis Williams; Vice-Chairman, Mr. T. Treleaven Jones; treasuier, Mr. R. M. Wynn, and Mr. W. S. Moss, secretary Teas and suppers were provided, and a miscellaneous entertainment was given in the evening by Miss E. M. Shield, Miss Gertrude Hoskins, Miss Winnie Jones, Mr. J. O. Davies, Mr. D. Llew Jones, Mr. W. O. Griffiths, Mr. Evan Jones, Biynhyfryd; Mr. Wm. Jones, Gwynfa, and Mr. Gwilym Jones.

By BOAZ. 0 SHEEP NOTES. In cheep farming, agriculturists are apt to overlook the benefit accruing to land from what is known among breeders as the golden hoof." It is a fact that sheep improve land to a much greater extent than any other animals. Many a poor lean turf field has been brought into a very passable pas- turage by Tunnioi; sheep thereon and trough feeding generously. At the present time of the year the troughs may be brought into use to the greatest advantage, and that either on the turnip field or pasture. There is no more delicate subject on the farm to deal with than a weakly hogg, teg, or lamb, as it is variously called. The appetite is usually fastidious, the food, if not of precisely the right sort, disagrees, greater weakness i<- noticed in the subject every day, and the first really severe spell of winter that sets in it- liable to cause death. The subject must be pushed in some way, but we have to hasten slowly, else we kill with kindness. Oats, bran, and a little decorticated cotton cake in equal parts make as good food as can be given, and the patient may be allowed pretty well as much of this feed as it clears up with relish. Any generous diet that supports the carcase also supports the wood. When we find, as is often the case, at shearing what are known as "cots among the fleecer, that is tight fleeces, which have to be sold at half-price, we may generally call to mind some period in the past winter or spring when the. flock has had a check in its thriv- ing state. Then it is that the coat is stunted in growth, and does not do well afterwards. At this season of the year we need to lie doubly cai-efultbat the thriving state is kept up.

0 THE GREENHOUSE. It is necessary to be very economical in the use of fuel, so as to prevent waste. Fires require very careful management, and a con- siderable saving may often be effected by studying the workings of a good barometer, so as to be able to anticipate the sharp frosts which are calculated to do harm if the fire is low or not lighted. Wlitrc flowers must be had all the winter there must be a steady warmth at night and also on colfl days, but wlien the sun rises in a cloudless sky, even though the atmosphere may be a little sharp, it will be better to kt-cp dow n fires by banking up with ashes, or even to let the fire go out, and light again in the after- noon. This gives an opportunity to clean flues, etc., and the fire cannot do its work properly unless the flues are kept perfectly clean and free from deposits of soot. In cold weather do not water plnnts till they require it. Let them get a l.ttle drier than one would do in the summer, as the evapora- tion is so small now. Where the greenhouse is full of bedding plants, as many green- houses are now, give all the ventilation pos- sible on fiiie days. In such weather as often happens even now, the lights may be opened to the full width. In most houses the plants are crowded together in order to winter all, and unless abundance of air is given, the plants will draw each other up weakly. Just about this time much growth is not required. After the new year the days will be lengt hen- ing, and a little more warmth may be given. Plants will not require so much water now. The temperature must, to a large extent, be a guide as to the water supply. Of course, no potting will be done at present.

0 POULTRY: BREEDING STOCK. The month of December is an important period of the year for most classes of poultry-keepers who are considering the strength and quality of their breeding pens for the coming season, and even if hatching is not desired until February or later, it will be wise to make the selection without delay, It cannot be too strongly mentioned that the cock or cockerel employed, represents at least •one half of the breeding pen, and unless he is associated with vigour, type, and strain, the season's work will prove a failure. It is here that so many breeders fail, and need to be reminded that it is penny wise and pound foolish to stint the male bird, either in its original purchase or after treatment. If an improvement is desired in the stock, a few shillings spent will prove a wise investment to all who look for profit from their birds. An important fact should be noted, that while breeders look to the male bird for colour and type, it is the hen that gives size; therefore, if larger birds are desired, much greater care should be exercised in the selection of good-sixpd, vigorous, and good-type hens. This will apply equally as well to exhibitors as to utility poultry breeders. Many poultry keepers are often in doubt whether a cock or cockerel is the best to use, and here expert advice is sought. There must be strength, vigour, and full maturity on one side of the union, not only to have fertile eggs and successful hatches, with the absence of dead in shell," but in order that the progeny may thrive. Cases of weakly chickens and those which seldom live beyond a few weeks can generally be traced to the weakness of the germ.

--+- OLD FRUIT TREES. There are three methods of dealing with old and apparently exhausted fruit trees. The first is to cut down and clear them away entirely; but this is only possible where the occupier is owner of the ground, or where there is a long lease which admits of the old trees being replaced by others. This, how- ever, is not always the best course to take. because some years must elapse before young trees fully replace old ones. Then there is the second course of thoroughly renovating the old decaying trees by stripping off from over the roots for a diameter of at least from 14 to 16 feet of fully UiDe inches of the soil, and replacing it with fresh soil, with some good short manure added. Further, at the circumference of this top-dre-ssing, a broad trench should be taken out two feet deep, end this be filled with good fresh soil and some old manure. It would be no small labour thus to take the renovation of old trees in hand in this way, but, if the trees were not too far gone, the effects of such treatment would in a few years be surpris- ing. The application of sewage or liquid manure in spring and summer would also be very helpful. To these measures should be added hard thinning of the head. and cleansing the stem from all moss and lichen. The third plan is to entirely behead the trees in the spring and graft them afresh i! 1 ? r arRl better varieties. If further helped by top dressings and sewage water- ing, the trees will scon create very tine heads.

SERVING SWEDES. These roots are a great acquisition to the list of feeding stuffs for fattening cattle, and other kine, too, for that matter, at this season, and on until Lady Day. But on a great many farms these roots are all too care- lessly served. In the first place swedes are all the better for being matured a bit in tht clamps. They are over cold and waterv when taken up and served direct from the ground. Secondly, the roots should be pulped and mixed wtih chaff thirty-six hours before serving, so as to ferment and go to the boozen lukewarm. Indeed, by manag- ing it in a proper way, they may be made to warm various other foods, such as chaff, meals, and such like. Thirdly—and this is in important point—they should be served t1.. far apart from the drinking water as practicable. A bucket of water if taken immediately on a feed of roots wo\tl<l be very likely to bring OIl an attack of colic. Fourthly, the quantity served should be vary carefully regulated according to the more ur less relaxing qualities of the other food. For instance, a much larger amount may go with cotton cake than with linseed cake, more may be supplied with bean meal than with wheaten or barley meal, and more can be given without grass than with grass. Ill- deed, it is not advisable to serve swedes al all if the cattle roam over grass fields. On the other hand, they are almost absolutely essential in the straw yard where st-J'aw i- the sole fodder food. By watching the action 3f the bowels tho farmer may very easily see. how to regulate the quantity of these useful roots to be served.

TO FARMERS AND ESTATE AGENTS. GROUND LIME IN BAGS FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES For Prices, apply to the Manufacturers, RAYNES & CO., Llysfaen Quarries & Lime Works, Near COLWYN BAY, OR OF THEIR VARIOUS AGENTS. 162-44 IN THE EMPIRE. UNDER THE FUG. Whole Counties Given Away. HOMESTEADS OF 160 ACRES EACH GIVEN FREE BY CANADA (BRITAIN'S NEAREST OVERSEAS DOMINION) DURING EIGHT MONTHS EQUAL IN AREA NINB BRITISH COUNTIES. 20TH CENTURY IS CANADA'S. YOUR CHANCE OF A HOME AND A COMPETENCE. Place Yourself and Your Moneg There. WORK FOR ALL FARM LABOURERS AND DOMESTIC SERVANTS. For free maps, pamphlets and full particulars, apply to Mr. A. F. JURY, Canadian Government Emigration Agent, Old Castle Buildings, Preesons Row, Liverpool; or to Mr. J. OBED SMITH, Assistant Superintendent of Canadian Emigra- non, 11 and 12 Charing Cross, London, S.W. A Cooked Calf IYleal 'A'hl'ch builds up a powerful frame and a i ^7 j f W 3bB| I vfj 1 robust consti- tution. 1 CW*' ka*>' fen 'iMrta&JUfcaflU 15s- '■> v v-^ cwt. bag, I 8s. J cwt. bag, 45. 3d. 14tb. bags, 2S 6d. I Agent on application. Solve 11 e == problem of 4 l how to Beach s GETEGGS IN Scld in Penny Packets. Cases of 72 Penny Aromatic Packets, 5s —^ Poultry J. Beach Spice I & Co., For increasing the EGG yield I THE MILLS, and for keeping Poultry healthy j it has no equal. Ip on. A THE CME CAKE MILLS Co. Offer for Sals, carriage paid, delivered I free to the nearest Railway Station in thi district, in Two-Ton lots and upwards DRIED ALE GRAINS I Containing "JT per Oil 7, Alb. 18, Carbo H 50, at ■ ton. MIXED GRAINS 8 Oil. Alb. 19, Carbo H. 50 H Am Specially recommended for I Stock Feeding, Sheep, etc. per ton. OUR SPECIALlTY- COOKED FEEDING MEAL & MOLASSES £ 7 per ton. I A relish and fattener for all classes of stock. For increasing yield of milk it is unequalled, We recommend a trial. Sample cwt, of any of the above would be sent at 8s" delivered free, cash with order sample lot of 5 cwt. 73. 6d per cwt. 5/ per ton allowed for bags returned in clean and sound condition, We are open to appoint an Agent for the Conway Valley district. THE ACME CAKE MILLS CO., Howe St., Pollard St., MANOHESTER. 74 RANSOMES' Ploughs and Cultivators To suit Every Requirement. Catalogues free on application to I Orwell Works, IPSWICH. 156 (SAFEGUARD YOUR HEALTH. NO MORE COLD OR*DAMP FEET. FELT-LINED" CLOGS. Thúu-mds Sold last year. READ TillS, Apnl 7, 191v SteUand View, Thornton lleath Dear Sirs,-Receivd clogs as to orde;, I am dehghted wIth thclU.-Yours truly, F. WEST As 3s. Gd. per pair post paid. All izes in l\Iens, Youths and Also in buckle, 45. lId, paid or High- 77, to '2,. Ild., post paid. No Waiting. LI■1f^J!i' J Mention size when IGs. tid. post paid hilcl- post paid. No Waiting. LI■1f^J!i' J Mention size when ordering. The BRITISH CLOG SUPPLY STORES, 82-412 Dept. W.N., 5o, Side, Newcastle-on>Tyne. 82-412 Dept. W.N., 5o, Side, Newcastle-on>Tyne. RATIN > I Is the best remedy in the rational war against" & RATS & MICE don estic animals. B Tin for Rats 3/6 Bottle for Mice 2 6. B Cash with order, post free from— UNION COURT H THE RATIN LABORATOR -IINI)ON, H.C. THE RATIN LABORATORY, OLl\ET. t '-1- iwi m | I BUY YOUR I D rect from tne Manufacturers, BLANKETS A. & J. MACNAUGHT0N, PITLOCHRY, | and you w»l get lovely, lifr-lnMin* on. at most rpas.in.ib.V- 9 prices. 12/, 13/6,15/, 17,6,20/6 per Pair. Carrie paid. Samples post free. >.■;11 niiss seeing them. PITLOCHRY S, TWEE OS for Ladies and Gentlemen. Mill "rico-. Patterns freo We give fine value in Kuos, Hosiery, Wincey. &c. iit^ ■ received for manufacture or e.xcliar.je. WW U U L. New J'aiu-rns and Price List free. Hnquiry invited. A. & J. Macnaughton, Manufacturers, Pitiochry, N.B. I I" WILMOrS PATENT PRIZE MEDAL "SHEEP FOOT BATH," PRICE £ 1/7/6. t f Imp!e"1 Dealers and Ironmongers, I he claws are opened in walking over theiidges. and solution (any gooi sheep dip) will penetra'e and keep feet sound and prevent maggots. >j W Laidlaw, Agricultural Inspector, Stralhpeffer, N. B.. says For the prevention of fot rot, I walked 200 sheep through it yesterday. The ridged bottom is a grand invention for opening the claws, and in using a proper sheep dip one may have no fear of any disease to the feet. I am highly pleased with it and shall recommend it," S. M WILMOT & Co., Ltd., BRISTOL. DENNISGS DENNIS'S*) JMKK "LINCOLNSHIRE" & I fHPlC POWDERSI The best medicine for PIGS and POULTRY. 9 B jWIMCBreall diseases to which Pigs are subject.] Sold everywhere lOd. per doz. Post free, Is. 9 from the Sole Proprietor— £ J.W. DenDiS. ChemiFt,Louth, Lincs.' Your Printing Order. We have a Thoroughly Up-to-date Plant for every class of Printing, and we keep an Experienced Staff to deal Promptly and Efficiently with every order we receive We turn out the very best work at prices which make it a Real Economy to favour us with your business. If you want Catalogues, Pamph- lets, Bill-heads, Circulars, Cards, Posters, or Private Printing, send to us for Particulars and Prices. R. E. JONES & BROS., Weekly News" Offices, 8, Station Road, COLWYN BAY, AND Rc' Hill Street & The Quay, CONWAY. TELEPHONE—Colwyn Bay, 31. Rose Hill Street, Conway, 12. The Quay, Conway, 12a. ■ X X A X Z X X Y X X T X X X X VVV WW Y Y MAAAA A AAAAAAAAAAA | TO BE AT YOUR BEST h you must get rid of any touch of dyspepsia, liver trouble or constipation, that may be troubling you. Fitness depends largely upon the healthy activity of the digestive processes. If the function of digestion is con- Hslderably disturbed, from whatever cause, general debility and depress. KJ Ion will ensue. If, on the other hand, your digestive organs are kept In 7\ good working order you will experience all the good effects of sound, £ 0 M robust health. Your aim should be to bring the m H • nfiwijr to a pitch oi efficiency •• TV hen they are at w their xyoa wui be »t your i>e«t. Excellence of digestion is the M ki usual reward of those wito £ TAKE 3 g BEECHAM'S PILLS. H Sold everywhere in boxes, price 1 /11 (50 pills) & 2/9 (168 pills). v y vwvy yvww ww