Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

BLACK ROSES. When a minim pote wishes to be particularly pleasant to his lady-love, he invariably describes her as a "red, red rose," although occasionally be com- pares her to a white one, or whitey-brown, as the case may be. But when he has wedded her, as some minor poets do, and the marriage has proved a failure, he has always been at a loss to find a suitable poetical plant for comparison with her, and has had generally to go to the animal world. Happily, owing to the perseverance and horticultural skill of a German, this exodus from the realm of botany will no longer be necessary. A gardener in the Rhineland has succeeded, after much thought, study, and blending, in producing black roses. Some of them come out entirely the colour of soot, while in others the leaves are variegated with crimson which almost touches the funereal. If the poet be disappointed with his wife he has therefore only to compare her to a "black, black rose in an extreme case, and in lighter disputes he may vary the colour to a darkly crimson one, according to the shade of his chagrin. A poetico-horticultural difficulty is thus satisfac- torily solved.

EVER since his election, the French President has, it is said, made a practice of devoting at least two mornings a week to visiting hospitals. Instead of contenting himself with marching formally through the narrow wards, he makes a point of going from bed to bed, shaking hands with the patients, in- quiring into their condition, and encouraging them with cheering words. It is especially by the bedside of sick children that he tarries longest, and when he asks the little sufferers what he can do to give them pleasure, the answer invariably is une poupee." Then down goes the child's name on the tablet of one of the President's aides-de-camp, with the result that on the following morning there arrive at the hospital several boxes containing superb dolls. It is said that M. Faure has given away over 1000 dolls since he became President. ¡

FOR GALLANTRY. The following rewards have been made by the Ger. man Emperor to the master and crew of the Lowestoft gmack Wild Flower, which picked np and brought to Lowestoft the 20 survivors of the Elbe. To the rikipper, Wright, a gold watch and chain and £ 15; to James Long, mate, a gold watch and 15; to Henry ¡ Field, Charles Pipe, and Ernest Hutchins, the rest of the crew, a silver watch and £10 each. The watches have the Emperor's portrait and monogram engraved, with inscription: In recognition of the rescue of the survivors of the Lloyd steamer Elbe, Jan. 30, 1S95." Sir Donald Currie, M.P., presided recently at a meeting held for the presentation of various gifts from the owners of the barque Fascadale (Messrs. J. and A. Roxburgh, of Glasgow) to the commander and officers of the R.M.S. Norham Castle, who assisted in the rescue of the crew of the Fascadale, which was wrecked off the Natal coast some months ago. The presentations comprised a handsome timepiece to Captain R. Duncan, a valuable gold watch to the chief officer, Mr. Whitehead, R.N.R., and a binocular glass to Mr. Jenkins, the second officer of the Norham Castle. Sir Donald Currie announced that, in addition to other awards previously made at home and in South Africa to the officers concerned, the Board of Trade and the Royal Humane Society had also awarded medals to Mr. Whitehead and to Mr. R. G. Ferries, one of the apprentices of the Fascadale, whose gallantry materially contributed to the rescue of the shipwrecked crew.

FORGOTTEN PROPERTY. An interesting page in the Dublin police statistics just issued as a Blue-book relates to property found forgotten in cabriolets or on hackney carriages by drivers, &c., and how disposed of. There were 435 articles of property surrendered to the police by drivers during the year, of which number 275 articles were claimed by and given up to owners at the Carriage Department, Exchange-court, and eight at police-stations through the city and suburbs, making a total of 283 articles claimed, the remainder being sent to store at the general depot for property, Lower Castle-yard. The articles surrendered included 180 umbrellas, 3 gold finger rings, 3 gold bracelets, 2 gold lockets, F,2 10s. in gold, a pair of gold-mounted spectacles, 1 gold scarf pin, 2 silver watches, several purses (one containing a one- pound note, another 15s.), several waterproof coats, opera glasses, carriage rugs, &c. Eight sovereigns and 16 half-sovereigns were surrendered by drivers during the year, having been received by them for fares in mistake for silver coins. Four sovereigns and four half-sovereigns were afterwards claimed and given up to owners, and the remainder sent to police store, and at the expiration of 12 months, if still unclaimed, the coins will be handed to the finders. In eight in- stances sums of money, amounting to £5 12s. 9id., exclusive of above gold coins, were found in vehicles and surrendered to police by drivers £ 4 16s. 9d. of that sum was claimed, and remainder sent to store Property when surrendered at police-stations, except' those of "F," or Kingstown Division, if not claimed immediately, is forwarded to the Carriage Depart- ment, Exchange-court, where it remains for a week, and if not claimed within that time, is sent to police store, and after 12 months all articles of property (except cash) still remaining unclaimed at this general store are disposed of at Annual Sale." Recipients of property during the year left re- wards for drivers who surrendered same to the amount of £10 2s. There was also some pro- perty surrendered direct to owners. The police- constables employed on carriage duty, in the course of their inquiries after property reported as forgotten on hackney cars and cabs, ascertained that the drivers had surrendered direct to owners at their residences, hotels, &c., the following articles, viz.: Money to the amount of £ 2, a case of surgical instru- ments, a valuable sealskin jacket, many portmanteaus, r/vercoats, &c. The constables also discovered the following articles at hotels, railway stations, &c., which were reported as being left in cabs, or on out- side cars, and had same restored to owners, namely: Two purses (one containing £ 6 7s., the other £ 7), 3 gold bracelets, a valuable diamond ring, 4 port- manteaus containing clothing, and several other valuable articles.

A GIFT OF DIAMONDS. In 1868 M. Robillard, a solicitor, of Montreuil, received from one of his clients, Mdme. Levalleo, a large envelope, which was to be opened after her death. Mdme. LevaDée died last year, after having made a lady friend her universal legatee. When the envelope was opened it was found to contain a magnificent riviere of diamonds, worth 20,000f. A letter accompanying it stated that it was given to M. Robillard as a present for that gentleman's wife. The universal legatee claimed the diamonds, and has just gained her case in the Civil Court, because the solicitor, not having tnown the contents of the envelope till after Mdme. Levallee's death, could not be regarded as having re- vived the diamonds as a gift during Mdme. Levallee's lifetime. The will naming a universal egatee having been made since 1868, the diamond* belonged to that legatee.

A MOTLEY CREW. Here is a picture of a portion of the Chinese army as it went forth to do battle with the Japanese. We extract it from the Daily Graphic special com- missioner's story: The bulk of the battalion strolled or hurried along according to the taste of the indi- vidual. The men, singly or in small parties, twos and threes, carried baskets, buckets, bundles, and tents slimgon poles, muskets or magazine rifles, with impartiality; while tent-poles, huge shallow cooking pans, mattresses, spades, picks, teapots, stools, paper lanterns, formed part of the cargo, besides umbrellas, of which tach man possessed one, if not two. Some staggered under wheelbarrows, some were seated on donkeys, with the peasants carrying the rifles or muskets-the latter appear to be of Chinese manufacture. Most were on foot, of course, many being barefooted, some footsore, and the foot- gear itself included, sandals (straw), shoes, and boots.

SOMETIMES School Board officers are very officious and arrogant in manner. An elderly but fresh-looking woman opened her door to one lately, and answered the following questions: Have you any children ?" Yes." How many ?" Three." Are the}' all at school ?" No." Are any of them ?" "No." We must see to that," said the man, pompously, taking out a note-book. Now, your name and address?" Gliven. "Your children's names?"' Also given. •" Now their ages ?" Well, let me think," answered the woman, with a gleam of fun in her eyes; Wrillie, the youngest, is 30, and was married last week." Thunder and lightning," roared the man, why didn't you tell me that at first ?" "Becausa you didn't, ngk me." she answered. quieMy. TilE making of the Siberian Railway has been re- sumed after an interruption of three months, during winter. The most considerable structure on the rail- way is the great bridge over the Obi, upon which a large number of Swiss and Italian workmen are now engaged. Of the 7000 versts of the great line 1150 are now open to traffic. and rails have been laid over 1500. OWING to the death of Professor Goodheart, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gladstone are letting their suite of rooms in Whitehall Court, and are staying with Lord Rendel at Hatchlands, so that Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, when they come south in the first week in June, will not be able to stop there, but will probably put up for a few days at Lord Rendel's house in Carlton House-terrace. TIIR Tablet announces that Dr. Knight, Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury, ha resigned his bishopric. The Right Rev. Dr. Carroll succeeds as bishop of the diocese

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. In the Woman at Home is an interesting bio- graphical and anecdotic account of the Conservative leader in tho House of Commons, from the per. of "a Parliamentary Hand." The writer says The appearance of Mr. Balfour has been rendered famihar by the caricaturist. As a rule, the artists have been fairly kind. There is not much to carica- ture, except his deep chin and his long. legs. hy does Mr. Balfour put his feet on the table ?' asks the genteel young lady in the gallery. The only answer is to be found in the length of his legs. This little fail- ing in manners on the part of Mr. Arthur setves to prevent him from being a perfect Chesterfield. The attitude in which he reclines on the bench adds to the natural inconvenience of his legs. When in medita- tive mood, instead of sitting upright he glides down till he rests on the small of his back, and becomes lost to the view of those behind him. Mr. Gladstone crouched in such a manner that he seemed to lose part, of his height, but the further that Mr. Balfour slides down the more puzzling is the problem, how to dispose of his limbs. Frequently he solves it by resting them on the table." It is further said of Mr. Balfour that: His costume in the House seldom varies, except in colour with the seasons. Usually be wears a long black frock coat, unlike the short morning coat of most other members, and always a small black tie. He has a fondness for gaiters. The hat question is an interesting one for an assembly in which mem- bers may sit with head covered or uncovered, as they please. Mr. Balfour r.ever wears his hat in the House. In this respect he follows the fashion set by Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone. Sir William Harcourt, on the other hand, is never without his hat. Yet MJ". Balfour's hat is worth seeing. His head looks small, but the hat is certainly large, and has a wide rim. It reminds one of Lord Salisbury's, which is usually in need of the brush, after he makes it dance on his knee. Front bench men do their writing in various attitudes and with various instruments. One uses a quill, another an ordinary steel pen. Mr. Balfour carries a self- feeder, which gives him some trouble, when the ink comes on his fingers, or when it. does not come at all. He bends low over a pad held fin his knees." Of Mr. Balfour's prowess as a golfer, the magazinist remarks On many greens and link, may Mr. Balfour be fcen. He spends a Saturday afternoon now and again on the Tooting course and when in Scotland he plays a great deal at North Berwick, within a few miles of his own home. Not only has he been captain at Tooting, but he occupies a similar position in the Royal and Ancient Club of "It,. Andrews. Mr. Balfour is an agreeable opponent in a game, and, what is more rare, a sympathetic partner. It is interesting to see him striding across the links. How jauntily he goes, with his head erect, exulting in the fresh air, and absorbed in the game. He wears generally a blue suit, with a deer-stalker cap. When the weather is fine and a fresh breeze blowing, he takes off his cap and hands it to the caddie. This is quite characteristic of Mr. Balfour at golf you may often recognise him at. a seaside course by his bare head. He is very fond of a foursome, and likes to have a professional on his side. His guests at Whittinghame can have a game over a short course marked out in the grounds."

LAWYERS AND THE TICHBORNE TRIALS. Apropos of the published confession of tho Tich- borne Claimant," we are reminded that death haa been very busy with the illustrious lawyers concerned an the Tichborne trial. All the judges who were connected with the case--Chief Justice Bovill, Lord Chief Justice Cockburn, Mr. Justice Mellor, and Mr. -Justice Lush-bave long since passed away, and there are many vacancies in the long array of counsel Engaged in the case. Of the advocates who appeared for the Claimant at the civil trial, Mr. Serjeant JJallantine and Mr. W. B. Rose are dead' JUr. Ilardinge Giffard (now Lord Ilalsbiiry), 31r. Jeune (now the President of the Probate' Divorce, and Admiralty Division), and Mr. Pollard are stdi with us. The representatives cf the defen- dants were Sir John Coleridge, Q.C., Sir George Honeyman, Q.C Mr. Hawkins, Q.C., Mr. Chapman Barber, and Air. Charles Bowen. Of these only Mr. just ice Hawkins remains. At the criminal trial the counsel for the prosecution were Mr. Hawkins, Q.C., Jdr. Serjeant Parry, Mr. Chapman Barber, Mr. J. C. Mallow (now Mr. Justice Mathew), and Mr. Bowen. he (Claimant was represented by Dr. Kenealy, Q.C., and Mr. McMahon, M.P.

IRON AND COAL. The iron trade of South Staffordshire and East Worcestershire keeps fairly steady. Orders hare not been quite so numerous of late, but most of the lead- ing works are occupied with fair regularity. Export specifications are slowly increasing. A good business is reported in leading branded sorts of bar iron and mild steel for Australian markets. Orders on Indian account show more expansion. South American in- quiries are dull. Fair orders have been placed for bars, sheets, &c., for Japanese contracts. Home business is fairly well maintained. Ordinary sizei of rounds, flats, and squares, in best and ordinary qualities, show no large orders, but an improved tendency is shown by the increased number of in- quiries. Shoe bars are in fairly steady request, and be3t classes of tyre flats and half rounds are in good 'demand, both in iron and steel. Orders for cable bars show no change. Inquiries are being made for large parcels for forward delivery. Small chain iron is in irioderately brisk sale. Bolt rods and nut bars are Belling rather more freely. The hoop mills are more regularly employed. Makers of tube strips report Tery little increase in business. Mild steel descrip- tions for hinge purposes remain in medium sale. Iron sorts are in somewhat backward sale. Angle and tee sections are in active demand for bridge and roofing work. Channel and joist bars are in fair request. 'Current business in steel rivet bars is still maintained. Large steel rounds for turning, &c., are in improved request. Blooms and billets are in regular inquiry. The tinplate and tinned sheet departments are steadily employed, and best sorts are in ready sale. Pip iron is in moderate demand on account of con- tracts. The coal trade is moderately brisk in salea of fuel for works purposes. House coal is in fair demand.

THE RAILWAY CONGRESS. British railway officials aie showing commendable energy in making arrangements to return the hospi- talities and courtesies shown to them at the previous International Railway Congresses which have been held abroad. In connection with the Congress, to meet in London on June 26, an excellent pro- gramme of excursions to points of railway interest in Lancashire and elsewhere has just been published. The three great companies leading to the north west will run special trains on Thursday, June 27, and two follow- ing days, to afford delegates an opportunity of visit- ing their principal points. The Great Western pro- gramme includes Swindon, the Severn Tunnel, Car- diff, and the adjacent coal ports of the Bristol Channel. The North-Western and Midland will both Carry passengers to Liverpool and Manchester, whero they will be invited to visit the Mersey Tunnel, the Liverpool Overhead Railway, the Manchester Ship Canal and more especially the new locomotive works hf the' Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway at Horwich, and the carriage works of the same company at Miles Platting. On their way to Lancashire, visits will be paid to Crewe in the case of those who travel by the North-Western, and to Derby, not only the locomo- tive and carriage works, but also the shuntmg yards in the neighbourood, by those who select the Midland route. The North-Western will also run a separate train on Saturday to their carriage shops at Wolverton. The Great Northern is arranging a special trip to the Royal Agricultural Show at Darlington for Thursday, June 27, but otherwise it reserves itself for a later stage. Arrangements are in progress under which the southern companies will organise short-distance excursions on one afternoon in the week commencing July 1, and also on Saturday, Ju!v G and after the conclusion of the Congress there will probably be trips to Scotland, more •anftfiallr to the Forth Bridge, to the Great Eastern district to Ireland, to Wales, and to the English lakes In addition to the above, the delegates and visitors will have the privilege of travelling by trains of any of the companies to and from any other points or places of interest they may select.. The compame. Sarrving to places south of London will gi •nd special excursion trains, if required, for e eg s wishing to make week-end excursions or to VISit places of interest in the southern counties, and tne northern companies will offer facilities for excursions & various parts of Great Britain and Ireland, com- mencing °n Wednesday, July 10, the day after the lermination of the Congress.

I TUB Queen has forwarded, through Sir Fleetwood Edwards, a donation of £ 50 to the Royal Maternity Charity wiflfis (quoting). ^There's nothing like leather,' you know, old boy." Waggs; 11 IS11't there, though ? You never saw any of the pie-crusts that our- new cook turns out.' You seom to have all the late novels, Jimson. What do you think of them ? "I haven't read them yet," answered Jimson; my wife is reading them to see if they are fit for me. Do birds think ?" asks a writer in opening a cur- rent aiticle. If they do, we would like to know what canary bird thinks of the woman who stands up in a chair and "talks baby" through the wires of the CBgo. <( PA," said young Jarphley, I've got a scheme." Ah, what is it for, my son ?" cautiously asked his father. To raIse money-lots of it enthusiastIcally responded the Jarphley heir. "How?" "Why, you get on a tram-oar, and fall off and break your leg, «na a» and 1U tjte eomoany."

I THE YEAR'S AGRICULTURAL ) RETURNS. A Parliamentary paper has just been issued con- taining the agricultural returns for Great Britain during 1894, and showing the acreage and produce of crops, prices of corn, and number of Jive stock, together with summaries of agriculinral statistics for the United Kingdom, British possessions, and foreign countries. The returns are preceded by a report signed by Major P. G. Craigio (director of the intelligence and statistical department of the Board of Agriculture), and by a coloured map of Great, Britain, in agricultural division?, prepared by the Ordnance Survey Department. The map appears for the first time with the returns now issued, and is :Lii interesting and useful addition to them. In the past year, as in the case of the yearly returns since 1887, statements have been furnished by the occupiers in- dicating the total extent of the lai d under crop, bare fallow, or grass, which is farmed by its owners or by tenants, respectively. Last year, of the 32,030,000 acres returned, 4,643,000 acres, or 14 per cent., were reported to be farmed by the owners. As compared with 4,672,000 acres farmed by owners in 1893 the difference shown is too small to be of any material consequence. The mountain and heath grazing lands for Great Britain were returned as 12,451,000 acres, of which total Scotland returned more than three-fourths. The cultivated" land of Great Britain in 1804 embraced 32,630,000 acres, an aggregate less bv 14,000 acres than that returned :'n 1893. This is relatively a very small variation, and one to which, owing to various causes, no statistical importance attaches. The amount of arable land was 16,165,000 acres, and of pasture 16,465,000 acres. A comparison between the crop areas of 1S94 and 1893 discloses the fact, now somewhat unusual, of an increase of the area under wheat in Great Britain amounting in the aggregate to 30,000 acres. This, however, is a recovery of less than one out of every 10 acres withdrawn in 1893, for it follows the remarkable loss of 322,000 acres of wheat in that year. This wheat extension of 1894 was, however, by no means uniform. Barley was more largely grown in 1894 than in 1893, the net advance in England, how- ever, being only 14,500 acres, or less than one per cent. In Scotland, the increase of barley acreage was 3 per cent., or upwards of 6000 acres. Oats show an advance of more than half as much again as the entire extension in wheat and barley together, bringing the total under this cereal up to 3,253,000 acres in Great Britain—the largest extent yet returned under this crop. Rye has made a re- markable advance in area in 1894, the increase being 34,688 acres, or nearly 62 per cent. Beans have again declined, while peas cover an area greater by 15 per cent. than in 1893. The cultivation of potatoes has decreased. Only 375,701 acres are reported as bare fallow-a smaller figure by at least 53,000 acres than was returned in 1891, hitherto the smallest fallow year on record. In the st'06rnl classes of grass, including clover, sainfoin, and ..U MI grasses, as well as permanent pasture, whether for hay or grazing, the aggregate for Great Britain falls slightly below the figures for 1893, but the extent of the grass area which has been cut for hay in Great Britain shows a considerable recovery. The breadth of permnnent grass cut for hay in England in- creased by 572,000 acres, or nearly 16 per cent. Considerably more permanent grass was mown in England in 1894 than in any year since 1889. Flax shows an exceptional increase, and hops have also been more extensively cultivated while small Ariiit of all kinds continues to claim larger areas. I Orchards also are apparently extending. The live- stock returns show that the horses used solely for agriculture have diminished by 8576. Unbroken horses and mares kept solely for breading continue to increase in number. The diminution in cattle is shown in every class, and the decline in sheep and lambs has continued. The Irish corn crops continue to show a still increasing acreage of oats,and a decline in wheat and barley. Clover and rotation grasses show an increase, whiie a slightly diminished acreage is returned under permanent pasture. The area under flax has again begun to rise in Ireland. There is a reduction shown in the area devoted to potatoes in Ireland, and an Irish increase of 20 per cent. in pigs. There is also an increase in Great Britain in pigs. The statistical tables appended to the report are very voluminous aud important.

REFRESHERS." Few legal institutions have earned greater respect from the higher branch of the profession (says the Daily Telegraph) than refreshers." Without them, the whole machinery of the law would be inoperative, and clients would plead for justice in vain for, curiously enough, the best instructed man at the Bar forgets the whole contents of his brief as soon as the courts have risen for the day. In vain does he pore over his proofs and his papers in the morning, unless his memory has been awakened under the influence of a cheque. This mental peculiarity of counsel has been recognised by the State, and a barrister has long been entitled to a stimulus to recollection at every adjourned hearing. The inviolability of refreshers was further vindicated by Mr. Justice Bruce the other day, when a litigant sought to de- prive counsel of fees under the following circum- stances: A steamship was saved by two vessels in succession, and each claimed its share of the salvage. Separate actions were brought, and the counsel retained in the second considered it their duty to be present at the hearing of the first, and claimed to be remunerated in respect of such attendance. The learned judge held that, in circumstances of that kind, the Court was entitled to the assistance of the lawyers engaged in both, and allowed the refreshers accordingly, without, however, com- mitting himself as to their amcmnt. This delicate point is to be determined by the Registrar.

MISSIONARY Ah, you have a pet, I see." Con- vict Yes—this rat. I feeds him every day. I think more o' that 'ere rat than any other living creature." Missionary: "Ah, in every man there's something of the angel left, if one can only find it. How eam-e you to take such a fancy to that rat ?" Convict: He bit a gaoler." ALTHOUGH poor, he loved the girl with tropical warmth and Oriental splendour. "Darling," he whispered to her in the fervour of his soul, there is nothing you could ask of me that I would not willingly grant. Well, Charlie," she responded, gin.e me a chance to marry somebody who has a little—just a little bit more mcaey than you have• that's a LWod bov: • IT has been said that the largest tax-paver in the world is Herr Krupp, the famous cannon founder of Essen. But it appears that he is eclipsed as a con- tributor to the revenues of the State by a Roumanian brewer, M Marinesco Bragadir, whoso monster brewery at Bucharest yields in various taxes and im- posts the enormous annual value to the Roumanian Government of £ 88,000.. AN atrocious outrage has been perpetrated in Inniscarra Churchyard, the family vault of Sir Geo. Colthurst, Bart., having been forcibly entered. Seven coffins were broken open and the contents so dis- arranged as to lead to the belief that the ghouls had searched for jewellery. No arrests have been made. A CURIOUS ill-luck seems to dog the course of La Crascogne. It is but a few weeks since this sensa- tional French liner was almost, given up for lost, and the hopes of those who had friends on board had fallen to zero before the vessel came in'o port, having suffered no worse damage than the breaking of a piston-rod. And now, strangely enough, this irre- sponsible vessel has gone through an exactly similar performance, due- more strangely ot,*Lit to the breaking of the rod of the same piston in the same »nginc'

WILLS AND BEQUESTS. The Irish probate of the will (dated June 6, 1837), with four codicils (dated Dec. 19, 1889; Nov. 6, 1891 and May 18 and July 26, 1894), of Mr. Joseph Gubbins, J.P., of Kllflllsh, hnocklong, Limerick, who died on Fob. 20 on board his yacht Ladve MaiVry, on a voyage to Algiers, granted at Dublin to Francis Joseph Beresford Gubbins and Frederic William Beresford Gubbins, the sons, and William Milward Jones, J.P., the executors, has just been reeealed in London, the value of the personal estate in England and Ireland amounting to £ 182 594. The testator provides an annuity of £ 1500 for his wife, Mrs. Francis Thomasina Gubbins' and bequeaths E'00 to his executor, Mr. Jones. As to his real estate he settles three ninths each upon his sons Francis Joseph and Frederic William; and one ninth each upon his sons Marcus Stamer Lucius Burston, and Quintus Evelyn. The residue of his personal estate is to be divided between his five sons in the same proportion as his real estate. The will (dated Aug. 29, 1892), with two codicils (dated Feb. 8 and June 1, 1894), of Mr. Henry Whiting, of 174, Lavender-hill, Wandsworth, who died on Dec. 8, was proved on May 11 by Henry Paul Whiting and Matt hew Noel Whiting, the sons, and William Stewart Foster, the surviving execu- tors, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 143,059. The testator gives certain plate to his son Henry Paul such two of his horses as he may select to his brother Noel; all his household furni- ture and effects and E200 to Iiis wifl,, Afi-s. Juliette Antoinette Whiting his residence to his wife during widowhood, and in the event of her electing not to reside there, S:200 per annum in lieu thereof during the same period; JE2000 per annum to his wife during widowhood, and in the evont of her marrying again E300 per annum and he conarms the settle- ments made on his daughter. Subject to these dis- positions, the testator leaves all his real and per- sonal estate to his two sons Henry Paul and Matthew Noel equally. The will (dated Sept. 4, 1879), with two codicils (dated Oct. 25, 1887, and Sept. 8, 1891), of Mr. James Kingsford, formerly of 23, Essex-street, Strand, and late of Sydenham-hill, Kent, who died on March 23, was proved on May 8 by James Henry Kingsford and Frank Kingsford, the sons, the surviving executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 50,700. The testator bequeaths £ 2400 to his son James Henry, and £ 20,000 to be divided between his sons James Henry and Frank, and his daughters, Edith and Mary Jeken. The residue of his real and personal estate he leaves to his said four children and to his son Robert Kennett; but the share of the latter is not to be less than £ 10,000, and is to be held upon trust for him. The will (dated May 11, 1887), with two codicils (dated May 4 and Dec. 12, 1894), of Dame Amelia Erie, widow of the Right Hon. Sir William Erie, formerly Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, of Bramshott Grange, Liphook, Hants, who died on March 17, was proved on May 9 by Edward William Hansell and Reginald Goddard Hansell, the nephews, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 50,011. The testatrix bequeaths the furniture and household effects, set out in an inventory attached to the will, to her late husband's nephew, Twynihoe William Erie, if he shall be owner of Bramshott Grange at the time of her death £4500 to her niece, Mary Beatrice Graham Y,4000 to her nephew, Edward William Hansell; P-2500 to her nephew, Arthur David Hansell; and considerable legacies to other nephews and nieces and sisters. There are also some bequests to servants and others. The residue of her property she leaves to her nephews and niece, Edward William Hansell, Mary Beatrice Graham, Reginald Goddard Hansell, and Arthur David Hansell, in equal shares. The will (dated Aug. 20, 1886), with a codicil (dated Jan. 8, 1890), of the Rev. Edmund Venables, precentor and canon residentiary of the cathedral church of Lincoln, who died on March 5, was proved at the Lincoln District Registry on April 17 by Edmund Ernesi, Venables, the son, and Walter Turner Toynbee, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 20,787. The tes- tator bequeaths all his household furniture and effects and Z200 to his wife, Mrs. Caroline Mary Venables (since deceased) £ 1000 and his shares in the London Stock Exchange to his son, Edmund Ernest; and one or two other legacies. The residue of his real and personal estate he leaves, upon trust, for his wife, for life, and then for all his daughters in equal shares. The will (dated Sept. 9, 1893) of Mr. George Pad- dock, D.L., J.P., of Ynysbir, Glandovey, Cardigan- shire, who died on April 16, was proved on May 14 by Mrs. Annie Paddock, the widow, and George Frank Paddock and Albert Edward Paddock, the sons, the executors, the vaiue of the personal estate amounting to £ 25,329. The testator bequeaths all his household furniture and effects, horses, carriages, hay, and cattle, and £ 200 to his wife his residence, Ynyshir, to his wife during widowhood; but if she should elect not to reside there, E150 per annum alOOO per annum to his wife during widowhood, and in the event of her marrying again, £ 200 per annum E15,000, upon trust, for his daughter Margaret £ 9000, upon trust, for his three frandchildren, George Leslie, William Albert, and 'lorence, the children of his late son William £ 2000 each to his said grandchildren P.9500, upon trust, for his son Albert Edward and other legacies. Hart- well Hall, Barlaston, Staffordshire, to his son George Frank during the life of his wife, and on her death he settles the same and certain farms and lands upon him. The freehold property at Longton, Stafford- shire, he bought of the Duke of Suthetland he settles on his son Albert Edward. As to the residue of his real and personal estate, he leaves one third each to his sons George Frank and Albert Edward, and one third to his said three grandchildren. The will of Sir Joseph Needham, Chief Justice cf Vancouver, 1865-70, and of Trinidad, 1870-85, of The Ferns, Weybridge, Surrey, who died on March 23, was proved on May 14: bv Dame Jane Needham, the widow, and Mrs. Genevieve Mary Roxby, the daughter, the executrixes the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 11,809. The will of Lord Walter Charles Montngn- Douglas-Scott, of Boughton House, Kettering, Notts, who died on March 3, was proved on May 14 by Francis Walter Montagu-Douglas-Scott and Charles Henry Montagu Douglas Scott, the sons, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 20,090. Letters of administration of the personal estate of Mr. George Edmund Wicksted, J.P., of Betley Hall, near Crewe, Staffordshire, who died on Feb. 27 at 10, Dover-street, intestate, were granted on April 20 to Mrs. Margaret Mary Teresa Wicksted, the widow, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 9135.' Letters of administration of the personal estate of Sir William Edmund Pole, Bart., of Shute, Devon, who died on March 21 intestate, a widower, were granted on May 8 to Sir Edmund Reginald Talbot. De la Pole, the son and one of the next of kin, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 8604. The will of Colonel Richard Ilarbord, J.P.. formerly 7th Royal Fusiliers, of 14, Beaufort East, Bath, who died on Nov. 9, was proved at the Bristol District Registry on April 23 by the Rev. Canon Richard Charles Mordaunt Harbord, the son, one of the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 7103. The will of Sir John Maclean, Kt.,F.S.A., formerly Deputy Auditor of the Ordnance Department of the War Office, of Glasbury House, Richmond-hill, Clifton, who died on March 5, was proved on April 22 at the Bristol District Registry by Dame Mary Maclean, the widow, the sole executrix, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 4420. The will and codicil of Mr. William Major Cooke, senior magistrate at the Marylebone Police-court, of 123, Westbourne-terrace, Hyde-park, who died on April 27, were proved on May 14 by John Temple Ashwell Cooke, William Russell Cooke, and Henry Paget Cooke, the sons, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 3022.—Illustrated London Ntus.

========= THE VELOCITY OF WAVES. An American savant, as the result of studying the orm and height of the waves of the sea, claims that mder a moderate breeze their velocity was 24'6 feet per second, or 16*8 miles an hour, which is about the ',peed of a modern sailing vessel. As the wind rises, he size and speed of the waves increase. In a itrong breeze their length rises to 260 feet and their speed reaches 360 or 364 feet per second. Waves the period of which is nine seconds, the length 400 or 425 feet, and the speed 28 nautical miles per hour, are produced only in storms. During a sout h-ea^t- storm in the Southern Atlantic, he measured waves 690 feet long, and this was not a maximum for in latitude 28deg. south and longitude 39deg. east he observed waves of 15 seconds period which were 1150 feet long, with a velocity of 78'7 feet per second or 4Gk nautical miles an hour.

DRESSES AT THE DRAWING ROOM- At the last Drawing Room of the season, held by the Princess Louise, the Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos, presented on her marringe, wore (according to the Daily Graphic account) a silver-grey satin gown arranged with beautiful Irish rose point, and a train of white sa4in and antique gold brocade. TheCountess of Lonsdale was attired in a pale green satin cown, charmingly trimmed with lace and trails of shaded roses, and a train of yellow brocade with chene pattern of roses. The Countess of Ilchester, who presented Lady Muriel Fox-Strnngvrays, in a toilet of white s:ttin and chiffon, caught with white poppies, wore herself a gown of rich cream satin, with a beautiful and original embroidery carried out in little steel sequins, jet cabochons, and grey paillettes, forming a hand- some design. The train, matching the gown, was lined with reddish pansy violet velvet, and trimmed with large velvet pansies and wide black velvet ribbon. Lady Lettice Grosvenor wore a debutante's toilet of white satin, the bodice quaintly arranged with little chiffon frills. Lady Chesham was in helio- trope satin and broche with lovely lace. Lady Harris, wife of the late Governor of Bombay, was attired in ivory satin, flounced with old Point de Venise lace, and embroidered on the front of the skirt and bodice with fine seed pearls. The violet velvet train was lined with cream satin, and she wore the Order of the Star of India. Lady Victoria Manners was pre- sented in white satin arranged with soft folds of chiffon and white roses, and carried a Victoria shower of white roses. Lady Macpherson Grant wore a black and white brocade gown trimmed with plumes and steel embroidery, and a black satin train ornamented with black and white ostrich feathers. Miss Macpherson Grant's white satin gown was beau- tifully worked over in silver sequins, and worn with a train of mauve satin. Lady Musgrave, presented on her marriage, was in ivory satin prettily trimmed with lisse and Brussels point and soft white roses. Mrs. Farquharson, of Invercauld, also wore white satin, with a charming picture bodice attanged with large pink roses, chiffon, and a wide pale blue sash. The train was of blue velvet. Lady Colebrooke's cream satin gown was worn with a train of pale magenta pink brocade and a corsage ornamented with a broad moir6 eash to match and trails of shaded roses. The Marchioness of Ailesbury wore a train of deep pansy velvet lined with orchid mauve silk, and trimmed with beautiful lace and shaded roses, over a gown of yellow satin, with sprays of ferns worked in gold. Baroness de Stochel, of the Russian Embassy, was attired in black satin veiled in jetted net in scroll design, with a garland of black roses encircling the dceolletace. The white satin train was fully draped with black chiffon and lined with black striped silk, and a flight of jet butterflies was intro- duced amid the billowy folds of the chiffon with charming effect. The Countess of Normanton also wore black satin with a handsome black brocade train. The Countess of Leven and Melville's black satin gown was relieved with touches of white sat;n and splendid diamonds, and she carried mauve and white orchids. Adeliza, Countess of Clancarty, wore a rich white and gold-brocaded gown, trimmed with mauve velvet and Flemish lace, and a black velvet train ornamented with ostrich plumes. Lady Katherine Trench wore a gown of rose satin with embroidery of pink pearls, and a train of sea-green satin, lined with pink and turned back with groups of pink horse chestnut flowers. Lady Ashtown was attired in cream satin, with a train of cream broche lined with pale blue, and covered with costly lace. The Countess of Northesk wore a train of black satin lined with white over a white satin gown veiled in black figured grenadine. Lady Gwendoline Little chose a gown of white satin, beautifully embroidered in cut jet and crystals, and draped with fine Point de Gaze lace, and a train of black velvet. Viscountess Somerton was presented on her marriage in an ivory satin gown draped with Brussels lace, and a train of oyster satin brocaded in tapering bunches of pink flowers and foliage, and lined with pale green satin. Lady Helen Munro-Ferguson was in satin of a delicate and becoming shade of pink, artisticslly ornamented with crystal embroidery and lace applique, and a white satin train lined with pink. Lady Glyn was handsomely dressed in pink brocade, with a pattern of darker flowers, and a ruby velvet train lined with pink and bordered with Flemish lace. The Hon. Mrs. George Curzon, presented on her marriage, wore her wedding gown of rich white satin, with bodice arranged with folded tulle and silver wi*gs back and front, catching in the fulness of the lighter material The train of silver moire antique was lined with sea-green satin. She carried a bouquet of white orchids, and wore diamond and pearl ornaments. The Countess of Dalkeith wore a grey brocade train over a white satin gown trimmed with silver and jet spangled net. The embroidery of silver, crystals, and pearls which ornamented the ivory satin gown selected by the Hon. Mrs. Harry Bourke was very beautiful, and the toilet was completed by a bodice and train of blue brocade. The Hon. Mrs. Ruthven was pre- sented, on her marriage, in her wedding gown of white satin, draped with Old English needle-point lace, and a train lined with sea-green satin.

I THE Greenwich Hospital Pension of £50 a year for Paymasters, rendered vacant by the death of Pay- maeter-m-Chief Joseph Marten, has been awarded to Pavmaster-in-Chief Robert Deveson. DR. CHARLES WALDKRSTEfx, who was recently elected to the Slade professorship of art at Cain- bridge University, was at one time a resident in N«w York. He is esteemed by many as one of ibe ) greatest living authorities on Greek antiauities

-A MARKET NEWS. —The trade has been acthtf. The sales of home grown wheat in the leading markets of England and NValts during the 39 weeks of the season have been J,767,945qrs„ against 1,852.508qrs. last. season, of an average of 20s Id, against 8 per qr.; barley, 3,l2D,440qrs., against 2,872,689qrs., average 22s, against 2Rs per qr. and oats, 528,934qrs., against 518.767qrs., the average being 14s 3d, against 18s Id per qr. Eng- lish wheat was in fair request, and was 2s dearer on the week. Foreign wheat was also 2s per qr. higher, with a fair demand. Flour made 2s more money, with a steady inquiry. Barley was firm, and 3d dearer. Oats, with a steady inquiry, realised 3d advance. Maize was in full average request, at 6d improvement. Beans and peas were firm, and quite as dear. The market closed steadily. The top price of town-made flour has been advanced Is. MKTROFOLITA:* CATTLE. The cattle trade was F quieter, and prices were maintained y ith diffici'lty. There was a good show of beasts in point of number, but the quality was hardly as good as usual. Choice breeds moved off slowly, and were diooping in value, but rough cattle met with a fair demand and were quite as dear. The best Scotch made 4s 8d per Slb. polled Norfolks, 4s Gd shorthorns, 4s 2d to 4s Gd; heavy shorthorns, 4s to 4s 2d; and fat cows, 38 lOd to 4s. From Scotland we received 110, Ireland 20, Norfolk, Suffolk. and Essex 950, and from the Midland, Home, and Western Counties 350 head. The supply of sheep and lambs was shorter than usual, and included about 1008 from America. Sheep moved off slowly, but were firm in value, late rates being well maintained. The best 7 to 8-stone Downs made 5s 6d; 10-stone, 5s4d; 10-stonehalf-breds, 5s 2d; 12-stoneLincolns,4s 10d 7 to 7-stone Ameri- cans, 4s 8d and 10-stone Down ewes, 4s 2d per 81b. Lambs were quiet; 5-stone fat Downs made 7s 4d to 7s 6d per 81b. Calf trade normal. Pigs were very dull. Sixty English milch cows, P-15 to £ 22 10s per head. Quotations were as follows: Coarse and inferior beasts, 2s 8d to 3s 6d; second quality ditto, 3s 8d to 4s 2d; prime large oxen, 4s 4d to 4s 6d; ditto Scots, &c., 4s 6d to 4s 8d; coarse and inferior sheep, 4s Od to 4q 6d; second quality ditto, 4s 6d to 5s Od; prime coarse-wool led ditto, 5s Od to 5s 4d prime Soi.thdown ditto, 5s 4d to 5s 6d; lambs, 5s 8d to 7s 6d; large coarse calves, 3s 2d to 4s 2d; prime small ditto, 4s 4d to 5s 2d largs hogs, 2s 4d to 3s; and neat small porkers, 3s Od to 3s 6d per 81b to sink the offal. METROPOLITAN MEAT.—The trade was dull, and the supply being too heavy for the demand prices were lower and showed a drooping tendency at the finish. The market was not cleared, buyers being afraid of the warmer weather. Inferior beef, Is 8d to 2s 4d; middling ditto, 2s 8d to 3s 4d; prime ditto, 3s 4d to 3s lOd Scotch ditto, 3s Sd to 4s Scotch short sides ditto, 4s to 4s 4d American, Liverpool-killed, 3s 5d to 3s 7d; ditto, killed, hind- quarters, 3s 8d to 4s; ditto, fore-quarters, Is 8d to 2s; English veal, 3s 4d to 5s; Dutch ditto, 3s 4d to 4s 8d; inferior mutton, 2s Od to 2s 8d middling ditto, 3s 4d to 4s 4d; prime ditto, 4s 6d to 5s; Scotch ditto, 4s lOd to 5s 2d; New Zealand ditto, Is lOd to 2s 2d; American ditto, 2s 8d to 3s 4d; English lamb, 5s 4d to 6s 8d; large pork, 2s 4d to 2s 8d small ditto, 3s to 3s 4d; and Dutch ditto, 2s 4d to 3s per Sib. by the carcase. GAME AND POULTRY.—Live quails, 7s 6d to 9s fattened ditto, 14s to 17s 6d ptarmigans, 10s to lis 6d; plovers' eggs, 3s 6d to 4s 6d; pigeons, 8s to 8s 6d and French ditto, 12s Gd to 15s per dozen small chickens, 4s 6d to 5s, and ditto ducks, 5s to 5s 6d per couple fat ortolans, 3s to 3s 4d pea fowls, 5s 6d to 6s; Aylesbury ducklings, 5s to 6s goslings, 7s 6d to 8s 6d large English fowls, 4s 6d to 5s medium ditto, 3s 6d to 4s; large English ducks, 4s to 4s 6d; turkey poults, 4s 9d to 5s 4d; and spring chickens, 3s to 3s 4d each. BILLINGSGATE Fisii.-Fair supply; good demand. Prices: Wholesale Salmon, Is 6d soles, Is to Is 3d red mullets, Is 6d per lb.; turbot, 10s to 12s brill, •s halibut, 6s Gd plaice, 5s 6d; lemon soles, 6s 6d per stone mackerel, 12s per pad cod, 12s; hake, 16s; gurnet, 8s; whitings, 6s to 7s; fresh herrings, 6s skate, 10s per box; fresh haddocks, 10s per trunk ditto, 20s per turn live eels, 19s dead eels, 15s per draft; whitebait, Is per quart lobsters, Is to 2s each; crabs, 21s per hamper; prawns, Gs per lb.; shrimps, 12s winkles, 8s; whelks, 4s per bushel; bloaters, 2s 6d; kippers, 3s per box dried haddocks, 3s to 6s 6d per dozen. Retail Salmon, Is 6d to 2s 2d; salmon trout, Is 9d; soles, Is 2d to Is 6d; lemon soles, 6d to 8d turbot, lOd to Is brill, 10d halibut, 8d plaice, 6d cod, 4d to 6d gurnets, 4d to 5d; red mullets, Is 6d to 2s; hake, 4d John Dorys, 6d; fresh haddocks, 4d live eels, Is 2d; dead eels, 9d to lid per lb. mackerel, 3d to 7d whiting, 3d to 4d lobsters, Is to 3s; crawfish, Is 6d to 3s 6a crabs, 6d to 3s; dried haddocks, 4d to 9d each prawns, Is 6d per dozen; whitebait, Is 3d to Is 6d per quart. BOROUGH AND SPITALFIELDS POTATO.—There was a large supply of potatoes on offer, which met with a fair demand at the following prices: Old Magnum Bonums, 60s to 100s; Main crops, 90s to 130s black- lands, 60s to 70s per ton; new Jersey kidneys, 18s to 20s Malta, ditto, 14s to lGs; and Lisbon rounds, 8s to lls per cwt. SEED TRADE.—A few small sowing orders still dropping in. Scarlet runners realise full prices. Mustard and rapeseed excite increasing attention, and Values favour holders. Canaryseed continues very lively. Telegrams from Turkey speak most gloomily of next season's crop, and stocks everywhere being remarkably light. Quotations exhibit a further substantial advance. Hempseed dearer. Haricots firm. Peas improving. WHITECHAI-EL HAY AND STRAW. Superior picked hay, 80s to 85s good hay, 70s to 75s inferior, 40s to 50s; best clover, 105s to 112s good clover, 90s to 100s inferior, 45s to 50s straw, 28s to 35s. ENGLISH WOOL.—English wool is a trifle quieter, the recent more lively feeling having toned down. This is in part due to the anticipation of the new clip increasing stocks, but chiefly to the fact that buyers have covered themselves for some little time, and need tempting in order to effect business. The con- sequence is that buyers now offer less than they were disposed to give a fortnight or so ago. Sellers still keep to their stocks, hence business is becoming rather more restricted. Colonial wools are about the same. Spinners are still well employed on old business, and, having fair stocks of wool, are not anxious to increase their stocks at the present time. Downs, 8d to lOd; 2 Kents, 9d half-breds, 8d to 9d. 2 CAMBRIDGE CATTLE.—Trade for fat sheep not quite so brisk. Lambs not so good trade as last week. Very few store sheep shown. No alteration in the trade for fat pigs stores slow at last week's prices. Hay, straw, and roots about the same. Beef, 73 to 8s; mutton, 4s 8d to 5s 4d; lamb, 9Bd to 1021-d; pork, 4s 3d to 5s 6d. READING CATTLE.—Beef plentiful and with a fair trade; best. qualities sold 4s 6d to 4s lOd secondary, 3s 8d to 4s 2d. Mutton was also in good supply and business proved dull; best, 5s 4d to 5s 8d secondary, 4s 6d to 5s. Lamb made a fair show, and best realised 6s 8d to 7s; secondary 6s to 6s 4d. Best veal, 5s 4d to 5s 6d secondary, from 4s 8d to 5s. CORK BUTTPP.. Ordinary: Firsts, 68s; seconds, 63s; thirds, 61s; fourths, 55s. Mild-cured firkins: Superfine, 73e; fine, 66s; mild, 62s. GRIMSBY FISII. Good supply good demand. Prices as follows Brill, Sd per lb. live cod, 2s 6d to bs; dead, 2s to 5s each salt, 12s per cwt; coalfish, 10s to 25s catfish, 10s to 305 per score; codlings, 10s to 13s gurnets, 6s to 8s per box i crabs, 48 per score; live halibut, 4s to 5s; dead halibut, 3s 6d per stone; haddocks, 30s to 36s per kit; round, ,s to 13s per box live, 8s to 10s per score; finnan, 3s Gd per stone; hake, 2s to 5s each live ling, _s bd to 5s; dead, 2s to 4s each lobsters, Is 3d per lb. oysters, unaltered plaice, 3s to 4s 6d per stone; roker, 10s to 15s per score; soles, Is 2d to Is per lb. lemon, 6s to 7s per stone; salmon, Is 2d to Is 6d per Ib sturgeon, 7s to 8s per stone; live skate, 3s to 5s- dead skate, 2s to 2s Gd each tusks, 10s to 20s per SCOre.

DURING slavery times Henrietta Martin, a negreea, ras sold, with other slaves, to a planter who lived in the western part of Texas. The war came and passed, and the shackles fell from thousands of the emanci- pated, but Henrietta Martin toiled on in the fields from year to year unconscious that freedom had come to her race. A year or two ago sho was brought to Missouri as a domestic in a family related to her Texas master. Not until she reached that State did ) the learn that she was not, and had not been for years, a slave in the eyes of the law. Her children, a boy and a girl, neither of whom is over 25 years of age, did not know they were no longer slaves. ONLY 290,842 tons of British coal and coke were • imported into Italy during last month, sock- I tared with 400.210 tons in Aoril. 184.