The Brecon Reporter and South Wales General Advertiser

THE belief in approaching war between France and Prussia has been greatly strengthened by the evident reluctance of either party to re- cede from the position taken up some weeks ago, and is causing much injury now to the trading ^nd commercial interests of our own and other lands. The rumour of war, and the probability of its outbreak act sometimes as 1 prejudicially as war itself on the course of commercial affairs; and, indeed, it has occa- sionally been seen that the depression arising from the mere anticipation of conflict is greater than that accompanying the actual commence- ment of hostilities. War, so to speak, is dis- counted in the markets, and when it comes its eventualities have already been calculated upon as the bias of business operations; Something very like this has been witnessed amongst us within the last few days. By no complication that it is possible at present to foresee, is England likely itself to be drawn into a struggle between France and Germany for the possesion, of Luxemburg; and the ap- prehensions of the most timid are not founded upon such a possibility. But, nevertheless, some branches of our business have been af- fected almost as much as if England were one of the principal parties concerned. In the money market, the general decline in securi- ties has inflicted a severe loss upon many who can ill afford to bear it, and a much larger proportion of the community must necessarily suffer from the check given to many branches of the trade, which were only just reviving after the partial paralysis of last year, by the uncertainty which prevails as to the imme- diate future. In these lesser evils attendant upon national dissension, we may, perhaps, already have seen the worst, but the latest advices from the Con- tinent are not reassuring. Prussia is firm as ever in its claim to a virtual protectorate over Luxemburg, and holds the great advantage of having a garrison in actual possession of the duchy. Now, a Prussian garrison in posses- sion has elsewhere proved simply a prelimin- ary to annexation; and although Bismarck would be a bolder man than even the world takes him for, if a step were made to this end at present, it is quite possible that the object is distinctly kept in view in the Prussian counsels. Here we may find a reason for the persistence of the Emperor Napoleon as strong as that which exists in the desire to attach the province to France. To either country its possession would be of great importance, as an outwork for purposes either of defence or at- tack and next in importance to securing the duchy for himself would be to keep it from the hands of his rival. The claim to purchase which has been lately made, and so steadily adhered to by the Emperor, may suffice at least to effect this second object, and it is hardly likely to be withdrawn while Prussia remains in possession. The best hope of peace rests now in the dip- lomatic influence of the other great Powers of Europe to secure the absolute neutrality of the duchy, or its incorporation with the kingdom of Holland. This can only be done by pres- sing upon both the Cabinets concerned the necessity of moderation, although how one or both may receive the advice at present appears doubtful. But, for a pacific settlement, each has something to yield. France must renounce its claim to the purchase, and Prussia its own to the occupation. Such a solution as this ap- pears the only way out of the difficulty to avoid the calamity of war.

BRECONSHIRE VOLUNTEER REVIEW. The annual review of the Breconshire Volunteers took place on Monday last, at the Barrack square, in this town. The review was to have taken place on Llangorse common, but, irf consequence of the recent heavy falls of rain, the common was com- pletely flooded, prevented the volunteers assem- bling there as on previous occasions. The day was very wet, and the Barrack square in a very state was the result. Notwithstanding the heavy and continual fall of rain, there was a large num- ber of spectators present. The numbers of com- panies present were six, and consisted respectively as follows: Brecon, No. 1 company.—Capt. P. Lloyd, 1 Ensigns, 2 Surgeon, 1 Staff, 2 Sergeants, 6 Bugler, 1; Band, 14; Rank and File, 58; total, 85. Brynmawr, No. 2.—Captain Crawshay Bailey, I Lieutenant, 1 Sergeants, 5 Bugler, 1; Band, 11 Rank and File, 12 total, 40. Crickhowell, No. 3.—Captain J. Hotchkis, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Ensigns, 2; Staff, I Sergeants, 4; Buglers 2 Band, 8 Rank and File, 44; total, 63. Hay, No. 4.-Ensign Llewellyn, 1 Sergeants, 3 Buglers, 2 Rank and File, 30 total, 40. Builth, No. 5.—Captain H. G. Howells, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Sergeants, 2; Bugler, '1 Rank rge and File, 30 total, 35. Talgarth, No. 6.-Lieutenant E. Williams, 1 Ensign, 1; Sergeant, 1 Rank and File, 12 total 15. The battalion having been arranged into five companies of equal strength, fell in in open column, and the command was taken by Col. Lindsay. The battalion wheeled into line and again formed open column, and marched past in quick time. They then formed quarter distance column, and again marched past in quick time. The battalion de- ployed into line on No. 1 company—advanced in line, and retired by fours from the right of compa- nies to the rear. No. 1 company afterwards skir- mished to the front, the remaining companies for- ming support. No. 1 company when skirmishing kept up an incessant fire, but was once or twice obliged, from being overpowered by numbers, to retire from the face. of the supposed enemy, and was ultimately forced to retreat, pursued by the enemy's cavalry, to the support where a four deep square was formed, and the advance of the cavalry of the enemy checked, and their retreat with con- siderable loss affected. Quarter distance column was then formed and took ground to the left by fours. The battalion formed line, after which they advanced in direct eschellon of companies from the right. The eschellon changed direction to the left and halted. Line was then formed on No, 1 com- pany. Major Gwvnne then put the men through the manual and platoon exercises. The command was reassumed by Col Lindsay, and the battalion was put through several other manoeuvres, A two deep square facing inwards was formed, and Col. Lindsay, Major Gwynne, and the officers entered. The battalion was addressed by Col. Lindsay, as follows :— Major Gwynne, Officers, and Volunteers,—I must thank you very much for coming here to-day in spite of such bad weather, and eiviiio, me this opportunity of personally taking leave of you, and expressing to you my deep regret at being obliged 6 to relinquish the command of the Breconshire Volunteers. Since one day in August, 1859, when I believe I was the first man in this county sworn in as a volunteer, and through my different grades as captain of No. 1 company, major, and lieut- colonel, to this moment I can safely say that when on parade all my orders have been obeyed with the greatest alacrity, and off parade I haveTeceived nothing but kindness and courtesy from you all. I feel proud that during the eight years I have commanded the battalion, you have greatly im- proved in drill and shooting, and each year you -nave increased in numbers, and I feel sure that under the command of such an excellent officer, and enthusiastic volunteer, as Major Gwynne, you will continue to do so. I must thank you Major Gwynne for the invarible support and assistance you have "given me—and you, gentlemen, com- manding the Brecon, Brynmawr, Crickhowell, Hay, Builth, and Talgarth corps, and also thank you for the great zeal and interest you have shown in your several corps, and you Captain Hughes for your constant attention to your duties as adjutant, and to all the other officers and volunteers for giving up their time and energies to the volunteer cause, which has been the means of bringing this batta- lion to its present state of efficiency. I must again express my sorrow at parting from you all, but trust that although I shall cease to be your com- manding officer, I may still be regarded as a friend and old comrade by you all. (Great cheering.) Major Gwynne then in very complimentary terms addressed Col. Lindsay and the corps, ex- pressing his great regret, and also that of tlies corps at large, at parting with their gallant colonel. Three cheers,were then given for Major Gwynne, which concluded the review.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. These Sessions were held on Tuesday last, in the Town Hall, before John Prothero, Esq., ex-mayor, Joseph Joseph, Esq., and James Williams, Esq. AN AsSAULT,-George Lewis, William Lewis, and Thomas Hargest, were summoned by Jonathan Beswick, superintendent for the river Usk Associ- ation at Brecon, charged with assaulting him on the night of the 8th inst. Mr. Phillips appeared for the Association, and informed their worships that there had been too much of that kind of work going on, and he thought that an example ought to be made so as to prevent any further breaches of the peace matters of late had become very serious between the poachers and the river bailiffs, and full time that that kind of work should be stopped. He would call Mr. Beswick, who would put their worships in possession of the facts. Jonathan Beswick deposed that he was return- ing home after being on duty on the night in question, about half-past 9 o'clock on Llanfaes bridge he saw the three defendants he requested them to get out of the way, that he might pass on; they were all standing together and would not move he said that if they would not get out of the way, he would go back and get the assistance of the police they still prevented him passing, and as he turned back, they struck him in the face and made use of most foul language. The three were committed for one month, without the option of paying a fine. John Williams, haulier, was summoned, charged with obstructing the streets with his horse and cart.-—Dismissed with a caution on payment of costs. There were several cases of assault, which were allowed to be settled out of court. There were also a great number of summonses issued against parties for non-payment of water rates and Board of Health rates, which were allowed to be settled out of court. Ellen Ball summoned Robert BucJcham, charging him with being the reputed father of her illegiti- mate child. This case was left to stand over in consequence of some informality in adjourning the petty sessions from Monday to Tuesday.

THE DUTY ON DOGS. Mr. J. Sargent, one of the secretaries for the Inland Revenue Office, writes as followsto the Standard "In your impression of to-day there is a letter signed,'A Dog Owner,' stating that it would be a 11 great convenience to persons who have been in the habit of paying the assess tax on dogs if some au- p "I thoritative statement were made as to the effect of the Act 30th Vict., cap. 5, in regard to that tax. I am directed by the Board of Inland Revenue to state that, in addition to the excise license duty of 5s. payable under the recent Act, for each dog kept after the 5th of the present month, the'as- sessed tax duty continues chargeable for the our- rent year, which commenced on the 6th instant, in respect of dogs kept at any time during the pre- ceding year; consequently, persons are chargeable: under the Assessed, Tax Acts, for 1867, ending 5th April, 1868, for the greatest number of dogs kept by them at one time between the 5th of April, 1866, and the 6th of April, 1867. This duty has, however, been reduced from 12s. to 7s. for each dog, so that the assessed tax duty and the license duty together amount to no greater sum than that which was' before chargeable for the assessed tax duty alone. The assessed tax of 7s. is chargeable for the current year, because the liability had been incurred by the keeping of the dogs in the previ- ous year. But after the 6th of April, 1868, the assessed tax duty will cease altogether, leaving the license duty of 5s.1 only chargeable.

FOREIGN AND BRITISH BREEDS OF CATTLE. The following useful information to farmers and others, is taken from a pamphlet published by Messrs. Goulding, Artificial Manure Manufacturers' of Cork and Dublin, and will be continued weekly until the whole is published. The pamphlet is entitled, Cattle: Foreign and British Breeds." We commence with THE INTRODUCTION. The,HORSE though individually more valuable than ;the bull or cow is not more useful; milk, cheese, tallow, beef, hide, and horns are all of value; in the aggregate it will be found our cattle' consti- tute a; larger proportion of our country's wealth and are more identified with our agricultural pros- perity, and with the comforts and continuance of life. -From the earliest records of human society we cati trace the domestication of; the ox, it was one of the first mediums of traffic,- and hence its image came at length to be'stamped upon 'medals used as money. No animal occupies so conspicu- ous a part in early histpry. The. bull, became one of the signs of the Zodiac, and at an early period was the object of worship to the people of the east; and, even yet, in parts of India, is subject to" the adoration of many, The Egyptians were forbid- den to shed its blood except at sacrifices it en- tered largely into the mythological services of Greece and Rome. The Hindoos tell'us that the supreme Lord appointed three gods to create all the living beings upon the earth, and that the firs't, exercise of this power was the production of the ox. The respect shown to the ox by the Egyptians &c. was not lessened among the Romans, it .was considered the companion of their husbandmen, and the only beast of burden and for farming oper- ations their works on agriculture give many les- sons as to the treatment of theot which are char-' acterised by feelings of real humanity. They di- rect that the length of the furrow should not be more than 120 paces, or if otherwise that the ox get time for breathing plortghrden were required to shift the yoke of the oxen that their back? might not be galled; to moisten their mouths with water, and when fatigued togîve them some wine to strengthen them.- It would be a new feature in modern agriculture if one of the requisites of the farm-yard was a "wine cellar," for the restoration of fatigued animals. To destroy them wantonly was a capital crime. PLINY, the historian, tells us of a Roman citizen who was condemned to exile because he killed his labouring ox to gratify the appetite of a capricious boy who longed for a dish of tripe. Before entering upon the description of our British Ox, it may not be uninteresting and inap- propriate to preface our remarks by referring to some of the foreign breeds of cattle and probably foremost among these, as being now pretty gene- rally known and reared in many parts of Great Britain and Ireland, stands THE ALDERNEY." The Alderney have a voracious appetite, are not nice shaped, being angular and high shouldered their milk is extraordinarily rich, and yields more butter than the milk of any other cow. A fact de- serving notice is that they fatten with a rapidity that would scarcely be imagined from their very gaunt appearance. BISONS. In America there is a breed of BISONS similar to those found in the woods of Caucasus, India, and Russia the forest in Russia where the Bison are preserved, and protected by government, is 352 square miles—the number kept is about 700. It is not certain whether the American Bison is in all points identical with the European and Asiatic kinds. The Bisons are distinguished by round smooth horns and a slight musky odour which ex- hales from the skin; it has 15 ribs, while the European Bison, it is said, has only 14 his head is larger, short horns, a small clear eye; on the summit of the head there is a large shaggy top- ping of woolly hair hanging over the face the color in summer is light brown, in winter a brown- ish black the tail is about 18 inches long, termi- nating with a tuft of hair; the male, when full grown, has been known to weigh 2000 lbs., though the average weight is -said to be 12 to 14 cwt. These animals are said to be very migratory, fond of salt, and travel vast distances to reach springs impregnated with it; they swim with ease, are very swift, strong, and active they are fond of coolness, and frequent temperate parts in sum- mer they migrate northwards in immense flocks-- a traveller mentions that he saw one herd which could not number less than 20,000. The same traveller, on another occasion, saw a herd crossing the Missouri River at a place where it was one mile in breadth, and yet the animals stretched across from side to side as thick as they could swim the paths they make are as hard as a ma- cadamised road the flesh is considered good for food, especially the tongue; the skins are used by the Indians as blankets and cloaks. Still further north than the district frequented by the Bison, in the ice regions, there is another species of Bison, the" MUSK Ox." The size is about that of the small cattle of Scotland. It has no muzzle or naked place, around the nose, but, like sheep, is covered to the lips with hair; the coat is thick, partly of hair and wool the flesh is of a musky flavor, but highly prized by the Esqui- maux, whose country it inhabits. In South America there is an extensive tract of country densely covered with a race of cattle sup- posed to have originated by the introduction of seven cows and one bull from Spain, in 1556, These cattle, half-domesticated, are kept in large herds. One superintendent with four assistants are sufficient to tend 4,000 to 5,000 head of cattle, often over a space of 18 square miles. Individual proprietors have enormous herds, some as many as 40,000 head they are exceedingly valuable for their hides and tallow, and even now their bones, in the shape of Bone-Ash, are extensively used in potteries and manure works. BUFFALO. The COMMON BUFFALO is a native of India, its flesh is hard and coarse, its milk is excellent; the skin is very thick and durable, and highly esteemed by the Japanese and inhabitants of fhè Indian isles, who use it for making shields, &c. The Buf- falo is extensively domesticated in India, Siam, and China, it extends westward through Persia and Arabia and is found in Greece, Spain, Italy, Hungary, and in parts of Russia. The Buffalo ap- peared in Italy, where it is extensively used as a beast of labour, about 596., Some writers refer to them with a sort of horror, as a strange kind of oxen from Pagan land. The Buffalo has long been in use in Egypt, though not much cultivated by them. The Arabian Mahommedans refuse to eat its flesh on account of its; resemblance to the hog. They have a strange tradition that the Hog and the Buffalo were the only animals which the pro- phet was unable to convert to the true faith. IrrAfrica, especially in the Hottentot district, these animals are used for the purpose of war, and are assembled in troops with an Hottentot army on a given signal they rush upon the enemy with great fury, goring with their horns and trampling with their feet; individuals of them are also set to watch flocks and herds like shepherd's dogs. Some of the. African oxen are exceedingly large, they have been known to exceed 13 feet in length, their horns 9 feet—tip to tip—one horn has held 20 im- perial pints, they are very sharp pointed and so formidable that a lion has been kept at bayalli night. We have heard Dr. Livingstone describe the process by which the natives in Central Africa procure a supply of wild cattle and animals for the purposes of food and commercea large pit is dug in the ground and a hedge of wicker-work or branches of trees, &c. placed on each side of it, and carried out somewhat in the shape of a V the pit being at the bottom of the letter, the natives on horseback, scour the country all round; and drive' the cattle into the enclosure, when the maddened beasts rush" on, the enclosure gradually$opnng narrower and narrower, until at last they fall head-1 long into the huge pit hundreds of beasts are thus at once slaughtered. "1

■_ MARRIAGE. 1 1 James Jones, a farm servant at Treberfedd Hall, Talyjlyn, was married .to Eliza Michael, widow of the late James Michael, at the office, of the Registrar, and rpmarried at Talyjlyn Church. DEATH. On the 22nd in'st., 'Rhbda Elizabeth, daqgter" of Mr." Edward King, Bulwark, Brecon. r: The cattle plague has broken ojjt at

North Derbyshire, and the district, has been pro claimed. j. j ■; > t The value of farmers' live stock, in Ireland; last year, exceeded < £ 35,000,000;sterling; At Syracuse, a priest named Rizza, has married' a nun, and among the monks -who have become husbands, is.a Jesuit PerezDaVerra.

rPURE TEA.-—The Importations this season oil Messrs. Johnson, Johnson, J; (Jo" Lpndon, are admitted to be the Purest-, Strougat and Best, they are now sold Bi ht' illb' cheaper and g -peitce pe in packets only 'to prevent disappointment see that the name is on each. ackeh-it is «old by Agents in every Town. For Agents in this neigh- bourhood see advertisement in our columns.

BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY. HEREFORD, HAY, AND BRECON SECTION. DOWN TRAINS. l & 21 & 2,1 & 21,2,3. 1 a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. Hereford .depJ 9 45 1 0 3 10 8 10 Credenhill 9 57 1 13 3 22l 8 22 Moorhampton 10 8 1 26 3 32i 8 35 Kinnersley 10 18 1 35 3 40; 8 45 Eardisley. Il0 £ *1 45 3 46] 8 50 Whitney !l0 50 3 54 9 0 Hay ilO^J^ 0 4 2j 9 10 Glasbury. JlO qort^ 10 4 9| 9 20 Three Cocks Junction. 11, dateij 15 4 14 9 26 Talgarth .Ipught2 22 4 24 9 34 j Talyllyn Junction lfP™- t'2 35! 4 35 9 50 | Brecon "arr. If tiiej 2 45i 4 45jl0 0 | Dowlais 12 ^25 5'251. Merthyr (by coach). 1 15j 6 15| UP TRAINS 1)^,3,1 & 21 & 2 1, 2, 3- a.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. j Merthyr (by coach) 8 15 Dowlais 9 15 Brecon dep. 7 0 10 30 12 45 5 30 ) Talyllyn Junction 7 10 10 40 12 52 5 40 Talgarth 7 2210 50 1 5 5 55 Three Cocks Junction. 7 3011 0 1 14 6 5 Glasbury 7 3511 5 1 19 6 1C Hay 7 4511 15 1 28 6 25 Whitney 7 55 11 26 1 38; 6 35 Eardisley 8 311 35 1 45| 6 42 Kinnersley 8 1011 40 1 52| 6 47 Moorhampton 8 22;11 52 2 3 6 57 Moorhampton 8 22;11 52 2 3 6 57 Credenhill 8 35|12 3 7 10 I Hereford arr. 8 45 12 15 2 25 7 25

BRECON AND MERTHYR SECTION. DOWN TRAINS „ WEEK DAYS. j „ WEEK DAYS. j STATIONS. — — 1, 2, and 3 Class.. A.M. A.M. A.M., P.M. P.M. Brecon dep. 7 4511 20 4 20 Talyllyn 7 5511 35 4 35 Talybont 'J.8 511 45 4 45 Dolygaer 8 35 12 15 5 15 Pant ..arr. 8 45 12 25 5 25 Merthyr, by Coach 9 45 1 15 6 15 UP TRAINS. WEEK, DAYS. STATIONS. —————, STATIONS WEEK DAYS. A.M. A.M. A.M. P.M. P.M. Merthyr, by Coach 8 15 11 45 5 0 Dowlais or Pant. 9 1512 45 6 0 Dolygaer 9 2512 55 6 10 Talybont 9 50 1 30i 6 40 Talyllyn 10 0 1 50 6 50 Brecon, arr. 10 15 2 0 7 5

MID-WALES RAILWAY. | Mid-Wales Railway. (Brecon and| j Merthyr. | STATIONS. — UP TRAINS. a.m. p. m. Mer.(coach)d. 8 15 1145 Dowlais 9 15 1245 Dolygaer 9 25 1255 Talybont 950 1 30 Tzilyllyn J. ar. 10 0 1 40 ClassesonMd- 1,2, 3. 1,2,3. 1,2^3. 1,2,3 1,2,3 WalesRailwa a.m. mixed p.m. p.m. p.m. Brecon.dep 7 15 9 30 12 351 305 0 TalyllynJ.arr 7 25 9 40 12 45 1 40 5 10 Talyllyn J uc.d 7 2510 012 451 505 10 Trefinon Talgarth. 7 40ji0 30 1 0 2 20 5 26 3CocksJuc. d.l 7 45; 10 40 1 5 2 30 5 33 SCocks Juc.d. 7 4511 0~1 5 2 405 33 Boughrood. 7 M il 15 1 12,3 7 5 38 Erwood 8 611 35 1 2513 32 5 48 Builth (Wells)i 8 2212 10 1 40j4 22 6 3 Newbridge. 8 35 1 55 5 13 6 18 Doldowlod 8 45 2 5 6 28 Rhayader 8 52 2 12 6 3 6 38 Pantydwr 915 2 276 286 50 Tylwch .w .J Llanidloes arr. 9 30 2 42i6 50 7 10 MeThyr& Mid-Wales Railway. STATIONS. DOWN TRAINS. Classes on_Mid- 1,2,3.'1,2^3! 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 a. p.m. p.m. p.m. Llanidloes dep. 7 51 8 55 1 04 15 Tylwch r — Pantydwr. 7,37 9 15 1 184 33 Rhayader :8" 2) 9.301 35 4 53 Doldoiwlod 8 9! 9 40 1 46 5 3 Newbridge. 8 37 9 50 I 55 5 13 Builth (Wells). 8 54| 10 5 2 15 5 33 [Erwood 10 ,20]2 305 48 '■ Boughrood flO 30<2 40 5, 58 3 Cocks June. !l0' 38;2 45 6 8 3 Cocks Juc. dep. 10 382 456 8 "77.. Talgarth. 10 48[2 53 6 16 Trefinon .i. (Talyllyn Juc. ar. Ill 2|3 86 30 TalyllynJuc.dep Ill 2 3 10 6 30~. Brecon arr 11 15 3 206 40 Talyllyn Juc.dep 1 11 35 j4 35 Talybont. •••: 11 4514 45 Dolygaer ••• 12-155 -15- Dowlaig(forMer |;12 ?5i5 25

amiiSTox.! PAC KÉ.T ÂCOMPANV. JOHN PROTHERO '.l Respectfully informs the inhabitants of the Town of Brecon and neighbourhood, that he has just taken to the old established and well conducted Carrying Business of the late Mr. W. Thomas, and 'that all goods intended for conveyance by his Boats,,which!will arrive in Brecon froj}} Newport every other, dti Y) will receive his prompt attention. 411 goods, to be conveyed, by Prothero's Boats, from London, per Great Westeirn & South Wales 'Railway," Newport, from Liverpool, Manchester .Birmingham, an4 fronn the North of England, per ''London and North Western" to Newport, thence per PROTHEKO'S BOATS, ahd all goods from Bristol, per "Burton's Bristol Packet." Ut ,=-+- Goods carried awl delivered with care ■ and. at moderate charges. IW No more, complaints of delay inrdelivering ) goods.^prothero's, Boats will wait the srrival, of. the Packets at Newport, and be despatched wifrh promptness to Brecon three times a week. Brecon, 1st Ocf.1863. J ,{ Printed and Published by DAVID WILLIAMS, at hisresidenceon the Bulwark, in the Chapelry of Saint Mary, in the1 Parish of Saint John the Evangelist, in the County of Brecon.—SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1867. •;