Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
10 articles on this Page
FARMING NOTES. -
FARMING NOTES. (From the" Agricultural Ga.-ette.") TBRTIWTY IMPARTED BY MAURIG, AND DK!UYE» FROM ATMOSPHERIC SOURCES. After an instructive, well-prepared lecture en the necessity of keeping land in good cultivation, de- livered by Mr. Howman at the Gloucestershire Chamber of Agriculture, Mr. James Berkeley, took exception to the lecturer's advocacy '.[ artificial manuring. Critical examination of iiu lecture shows that. nothing was advanced mure tlimi has been generally accepted as proper- and right, fm- the part treating on the enip'o\ment of ciie;n;C-JII fertilisers bore almost entirely on the advantage of making them supplement farmyard dung ivhefit-ver there was an insufficiency of the l'ltter to key;) Lii;>! in a proper stale for yielding maximum produce, and 1.0 more encononiical means was available to tii-iire good condition. Mr. Howman did, it is true, "lILtrge somewhat on the utility of fanners ascertaining the dominant ingredient of fertility required by thd crop before applying any thing; but Mr. Peter's criticism had not hi ay *o do with that feature of the subject, for it almost amounted to a condemnation of ar iiio-ial manuring generally on the ground of the enormous losses farmers have sustained by depending on them. He even went the length of asserting that a large number of farmers had suffered more from this than any other cause, and that consequently public opinion had produced a very general feeling that if the farm required extraordinary assistance it should be carried out by feeding stock on oilcakes and other feeding-stuffs rather than by resorting to artificial manures. Farmers, however, might have avoided losi arising from fraud by daalin with respectable firms, and by purchasing only on a guaranteed analysis. But there is anothor source of loss—that of injudicious and improper applications. Farmers have often fed their crops with the wrong kinds, and frequently at the wrong times also. Nor is this all, for they have often mixed superphosphate and nitrate of soda to- gether, which anyone at all acquainted with chemistry knows should never be done as the disintegration of elements which would ensue would cause the nitrogen to be driven off to the atmosphere. But all such in- judicious applications and improper mixings are owing to want of knowledge on the part of farmers. Consequently, whatever may be the amount of their losses, either on these scores or by reason of fraud, it is entirely their own fault; they have themselves to blame for want of caution and business aptitude, and above all, for defect of knowledge. We perceive at this point that there are far more economical ways of sustaining land in high fertil.ty than by the application of artificial manures, although that may be the moat direct and quickest way of accomplishing the object. Our agricultural chemists will now tell us that there are two ways of grasping that very volatile element nitrogen from the atmos- phere and reducing it to service for enhancing soil fertility. The other way is that of cultivating legu- minous crops, the plants of which have nodules at their roots which are supposed to attract and appro- priate nitrogen from the air itself. Probably some may think that it is only those who occupy deep, fertile loams, or soils deep in vegetable mould, who can do much in the way of growing leguminous crops; but this is not so. Spring beans, of course, require such deep-stapled soils, but there are peas, vetches, and buckwheat, together with sainfoin and some of the clovers, which are well adapted for a wider range of soils. Whenever any great store of nitrogen is derived from atmospheric sources, the crops in which it is incorporated by being fed on the farm by live stock are sure to enhance the latter very much in fertility. In justioe to Mr. Howman, it should be stated that his lecture was on the most economical systems of keeping land in good condition, and that artificial manuring only formed one portion of it. In fact, he alluded to the growing system of lengthening out occasional pastures to four or five years quite as much as to artificial manuring, and he correctly acserted that by the proper seeding and management of occasional pastures, and the feeding of live stock oa them, land would be kept more economically in good condition than by any other way. This would be so partly by the attraction and appropriation of nitrogen from atmospheric scources and partly by the fertility occasioned by the droppings of live stock. The question may appropriately be asked why many old pastures do not seem to be more benefited by the enormous nitrification which must take place on their surfaces. As a rule they exhibit no signs of additional fertility having been derired, whatever may have been the kind of autumn and winter pre- viously experienced. There can be little doubt about the cause. They have no minerals at their surfaces or in their upper strata within reach of, the rootlets of the grass plants, so as to keep them in a condition fit for taking up the nitrates, and most likely all such slumbering, stagnant pastures lose the benefit of nitri- fication. Hence the necessity of spreading lime and marl compost on the surfaces of old pastures, which would put them in fit condition for atmospheric nitrates to be appropriated, and this is the reason why old pastures so treated look as fresh in spring as newly-laid-down grass layers. The latter of course find abundant minerals available in the upper strata Of their soil- But it must be admitted that statements are some- times circulated for the benefit of farmers which are misleading. For instance, a paragraph has recently been going the round of the pipers to the effect that. M. Grandeau, Inspector-General of Agricultural Stations in France, has, in one of the leading French periodicals, strongly advised top-dressings of nitrate of soda to be applied this spring, because the incessant rains of the past winter must have had the effect of washirg the nitrates derived from atmospheric sources out of the -oil. Probably a great many English farmers, seeing this, might rush off to their manure merchant for nitrate of soda, that they may give top-dressing3 to their wheat fields and grass lands; but this should have been done before if there was any extraordinary necessity for it. The pastures requiring artificial manuring should have the appli- cation in February, and wheat fields not later than March, unless they have to be hoed in April, when the nitrate should be sown immediately before tbt) hoeing takes place. Very often serious losses arise from top-dressings, both for corn and grass lands, being applied too late in spring. Last year there were a great many such, for the drought commenced in April, and the pasture which did not receive the' artificial manures in February and March displayed no benefit from them throughout the season. Nitrate of soda, of course, sometimes does an immense amount of good when put in with the barley crop, or with mangels or cabbages, or sown on a swede crop immediately before horse-hoeing takes place; but it should be covered with the soil after the present time when applied for arable crops, and great care is always requisite to prevent the nitrogen from going off to the atmosphere. Returning, however, to the alleged extraoi-dinary necessity for top-dressing wheat fields and pastures this spring, there does not, in the opinion of the writer, appear to be any such so far aa this country is concerned, whatever may be the stale of things across the Channel. We have, it is true, experienced a rainy winter, but it has also been an ex- traordinary mild one. The rains, too, have come often gently and periodically, with considerable in- tervals of fine weather between. No doubt, many lowlands have been well soaked, but there have beea no incessant washings out of uplands such as we have frequently had in former winters. There does not appear, then, to be any reason to consider any very great loss of the results of nitrification. In fact, the very mildness of the season, in connection with the wet, has caused nitrification to go on incessantly thougbout the winter. Verv reasonable would it be, then, to assume that instead of there having been an extraordinary loss sustained the balance bas been to the good. Not but that there must be always considerable washings out of the nitrates which are the result of nitrification whenever arable lands are kept in fallow the entire winter. To obtain utmost gain from this source of fertility many more catch crops ought to be grown than at present; which rightly have their name because they do catch fertility from atmospheric sources. Seemingly it would be rational that scarcely any stubble lands not seeded to mixed clovers and grasses should remain uncropped either to trifolium, vetches, rye, winter barley, or winter oats, the rootlets of which would take up the nitrates which are the fruit of nitrification, and prevent their being washed away. The generality of farmers at present only grow small breadths of these crops, just sufficient for their live stook to consume green in spring end summer, but the limit should not at all be drawn to serve this want, inas- much as all green crop not required to be consumed by flocks and live stock in summer could be converted to silage, and the lands would still be rid in good time for turoio sowing. J
--GARDENING GOSSIP.
GARDENING GOSSIP. (From Gardening Illustrated.") CONSERVATORY. Pelargoniums, if well grown, will be a special fea- ture now, and should be arranged thinly in groups with a few ferns or other green-leaved plants among them, as the pelargonium is rather an ungraceful plant and wants something to relievo the mass of colour. The usual way of propagation is to strike cuttings when the plants are cut down in August, after exposure in the open air to ripen the wood, but cuttings of the young shoots will strike now; in fact, market growers often steal a cutting or two off each plant before selling the plants. I am referring now to the old-fashioned or show pelargoniums. The fancies seem to have almost disappeared, which is a pity, I think, as the colours were more delicate. Fuchsias, unfortunately, are not so popular as they were 30 years ego, but a well- grown fuchsia is a graceful object in the conserva- tory, especially when planted out and trained up the rafters. The Acacias have been charming. Those who want to see how beautiful Acacias are should go to Hew end of March or beginning of April, when many of the plants will be in bloom. After flowering is over what pruning is required to keep the plants symmetrical should be done, and if the plants are grown in pots any repotting required should be done as soon as the growth begins to move. Some day there will be a rush after these and other hard- wooded plants again, and it is well to keep in touch with their culture. Acacias may be well grown in good yellow loam lightened a little with good peat or leaf-mould and sand. This is a good season to plant those very beautiful cool conservatory climbers, Lapagerias rubra and alba. Must have a well-drained bed of peat with a few rouph bits of turfy loam and some sand and charcoal to keep the soil open and sweet, as during the growing and flowering season abundant supplies of water must be given. Xhrips are rather fond of the hard, smooth leaves, and if permitted to get established will soon do serious injury, but sponging with an insecticide will keep them down if it is not convenient to vaporise with nicotine. Groups of Lilium Harrisi and longi- florum will be charming now. They look best arranged thinly among Ferns. I need not say green- By must be kept down, or the flowers will be spoilt. As Azaleas go out of bloom warm them a bit in a close pit or house to get the growth well started, syringing freely with pure water. Any plants which require repotting must be seen to now. Never pot a plant with a dry ball. Use only the best peat and clean sand, ram it as firm as possible, and keep the collar of the plant fairly well up-in other words, do not bury any part of the collar. STOVE. The new growth of Caladiums and other foliage plants will be coming away freely now, and a light shade will be necessary on bright daj s, but use as little shade and for as short a time as is consistent with the object sought. Sufficient moisture may be given to the atmosphere by syringing floors, stages, &c. It is not well to be always syringing the plants overhead. A light dewing over twice a day is desir- able if the water is pure, but the floors on bright days may require frequent damping. Gloxinias may be propagated from leaves when these can be spared. Saintpaulias may be increased in the same way, as may also all the fine-leaved Begonias of the Rex type. These are beautiful things for the amateur's stove, being easily managed, and they last in a good condition for some time in the rooms if carefully managed and the leaves not damaged by contact with anything. The Impatiens Balsams and Rivina humilis are charming little plants when well grown in 5-inch pots for room or table decoration. Cuttings of both will root quickly now in bottom-heat, and seedlings of the Rivina are easily raised; in fact, where the plant is grown there are nsually plenty of self-sown plants about the stove. Cissus discolor makes a charming basket plant in summer. I have often used it for draping Fern-baskets, especially broad-fronded Ferns, such as Phlebodium aureum and Asplenium bulbiferuni. Train the young shoots of Allamandas and Dipladenias up into the light. ORCHARD HOUSE. Thin the young wood on trees in pots so as to permit of free circulation of air among the foliage. In disbudding leave a young shoot as near the base of each branch as possible. The young shoots of Plums may be pinched when fire or six leaves have been made. Treat apricots the same as Plums, but Peaches should be allowed to make more growth. Figs in cool-houses will only bear one crop, so need not be pinched, if the growth is kept thin so that the wood may ripen. Ventilate carefully so as to avoid cold draughts. Close by half-past three o'clock and syringe on bright days, but on mild, calm nights give a chink of air along the ridge. See that the trees get water enough to moisten all the roots. When the fruits are swelling freely, top-dress with old turf and manure, and give liquid-manure occasionally. EARLY PEACHES. When stoning is finished and the fruits commence their last swelling give a furthur sprinkle to the borders of some quick-acting stimulant. Peaches will pay for liberal treatment. Keep the young. shoots neatly tied in, so that the sunshine may reach the fruits to impart colour. Ventilate early in the morning when the sun shines, beginning with a small opening along the ridge, Increasing it as the sun gains power till full air is on, and close not later than half-past thre& o'clock in the afternoon, syringing to keep the leaves clean. STOPPING AND TYING DOWN LATERALS. This must be done promptly. Young shoots up against the glass are easily injured. The length of growth to be left beyond the pinch must be regulated by the space between the rods. When the rods are trained near each other one leaf has to do. When there is more space two or even three leaves may be left. Rub off all laterals below the bunches, and stop all above to one leaf. Do not crowd the foliage. One well-developed leaf is of more use than two small, puny leaves. Be prompt and careful with the ventilators, and keep a little warmth in the pipes. WINDOW GARDENING. The plants are now growing freely, and their wants in the matter of water will be more extensive, and all plants with pots filled with roots should have a little stimulant in the water twice a week. A good deal more might be done with window or room plants than is generally attempted. Every enthusiast should provide himself with a small case for propagating by striking cuttings and raising seedlings. FRUIT GARDEN. Cold winds and frosty nights have latterly been rather trying, but in our own immediate neighbour- hood scarcely any damage has been done, as during the coldest nights the blossoms were dry. Those who have used heavy curtains to protect the blossoms should uncover every fine day, and replace covers at night. There are plenty of ripe strawberries under glass now. To give flavour they must have a free ventila- tion to finish the fruit. Strawberries do well on shelves near the glass in span-roofed tomato-houses and the ventilation which suits the :tomatoes will suit the strawberries. Green and possibly black-fly will soon appeal on peaches on walls, especially if the trees were much infested last year. The beat remedy is tobacco-powder, and it is easily applied. There is more trouble in mixing washes, and they are more expensive. A shilling tin of tobacco-powder will go a long way if used promptly, but a shilling spent on liquid-insecticides will not have much result. But whatever the cost, insects must be kept down now. If insects appear on stone fruits under glass the vaporiser is the best and cheapest remedy, and it makes clean work, which is more than fumigation with Tobacco-paper usually does. Mealy-bug is a terrible pest on Vines, and even where an effective winter cleansing has been carried out, there will be a few stray bugs ieft, and when the sun shines—if the Tines are examined—the bugs may be observed moving about, and should be promptly destroyed. I have had to deal with bugs on Vines more than once, and know how important is close watchfulness in the early spring months, for if only one insect is left in the house they breed so fast that the Vines will soon be fully stocked again, and then there will be no good, clean Grapes.
[No title]
NEW YORK was treated to a genuine Mohammedan wedding the other night, with all the Oriental acces- sories, when Mohammed Ali made Ayesha his wife, at the Cairo Cafe, in the presence of a large number of I friends and curious spectators. INHABITANTS of Finchley have forwarded a memo- [ rial to the Government asking for such an alteration in the law as will allow the three cemeteries in the parish to be properly assessed. The value of property jn Finchley is said to have been prejudicially affected by the cemeteries, no fewer than 250 funerals taking place everv day.
- FUN AND FANCY. -
FUN AND FANCY. THE COLONEL So poor old Mike has committed suicide, has he ? Well, I should have thought that would have been the last thing he'd have done." Tenaat: Which it were, sor." BACON Let me shake your hand, dear boy. This is one of the happiest days of your life." Egbert: You're too previous, old man. I'm not to be mar- ried unt.il to-morrow." Bacon: That's what I say. This is one of the happiest days of your life." "WnAT brought you to this place, my good friend ?' inquired a visitor at the prison of a convict. A mere expression of opinion got me here, air." Impossible!" .No, sir. I expressed the opinion that I was innocent, and the jury expressed the opinion that I wasn't. It's a hard world, sir." MISS CUSHIKGTON (to young widow, whose husband has left a large fortune): That is the fourteenth mourning costume I have seen you wear in three days, and each lovelier and more becoming than the other." Young Widow Ob, my dear, I have forty But such a bother they were to have made! At one time I almost wished that poor, dear Samuel hadn't died!" AT a school in the country the sentence, "Mary milks the cow," was given out to be parsed. The last word was disposed of as follows Cow is a noun, feminine gender, singular number, third person, and stands for Mary." Stands for Mary said the excited pedagogue how do you make that out ?" "Because," answered the intelligent pupil, "if the cow didn't stand for Mary, how could Mary milk her?" THREE brothers bearing a remarkable resemblance to one another are in the habit of shaving at the same barber's shop. Not long since one of the brothers entered the shop early in the morning, and was shaved by a German who bad been at work in the shop only a few days. About noon another brother came in and underwent a similar operation at the hands of the same barber. In the evening the third brother made his appearance, when the German, dropping his razor in astonishment, exclaimed, Vell, upon my vord! dat man hash de fashtest beard I never saw I shaves him dis morning, shaves him at dinner-times, and he gomes back now mit his beard so long as it never vash!" SCRIBBLER Does your wife laugh at your jokes in the paper ?" Punster: Yes, but only on pay-day." "Is Miss Straitlace circumspect?" asked Miss Pert. Circumspect!" cried Miss Caustic. Why, she won't accompany a young man on the piano without a chaperon." DOCTOR: "I am exceedingly proud of the fact, Miss Chips, that since I have been in practice I have not lost a single patient 1" Miss Chips: How sad, doctor! And will the poor people ne7ar get better ?" "Yes, sir, I know one woman who can keep a secret." Please explain." My wife and I have been married for ten years now, and she has never yet consented to tell me how it is that she is always in need of money." SCENE: Aldershot Manoeuvres—Soldier supposed to have been wounded is brought to surgeon's tent by bearers. Bearer (reporting) Severe scalp wound, sir, accompanied with insensibeelity." Sur- geon Well, what have you done ?" Bearer: "Dressed the wound, sir, and gave him a little whuskey and water." Surgeon: II Whiskey-and- water! How did you expect an insensible man to swallow that ?" Bearer He axed for't, sir CALLER (on crutches and with a bandage over one eye) "I have come, sir, to make application for the amount due me on my accident insurance policy. I fell down a long flight of steps the other evening and sustained damages that will disable me for a month to come." President of the Company "Young man, I have taken the trouble to investigate your case, and I find you are not entitled to anything. It could not be called an accident. You knew the young woman's father was at home." I JIKT that girl face to face last night," said Cbolly. How did she stand the shock f" asked De Gruffe. "Do you believe in second sight?" "No; but my wife does. When I go shopping with her she always says to the assistant, I'll come in and look at these again.' A FAVOURITE story of Sir Andrew Lusk is that of an old Essex lady who wrote to him after he had passed a lieary sentence on a man for cruelty to a donkey, thanking him in her own name and in that of all the donkeys in England." WHAT a desirable thing it is to have a friend you can trust!" said R. Yes," replied S.—" or one that will trust you." I BELIEVE you men think more of your bicycles than you do of your wives." Why not ? We can get an improved make every year." WHAT are you doing, you young rascal ?" said a farmer to a small boy under a tree in his orchard with an apple in his hand. Please, eir, I was going to put thi* 'ere apple back on the tree, air!" "YoUIt wife gave us a splendid lecture on cooking last evening. Why weren't you there?" I was home with a terrible attack of dyspepsia." GRIGGS: Strange thing, Mirandy; every time you draw a breath somebody dies." Mrs. Griggs: Well, I ain't going to stop breathing on that account." REPORTER That fellow who wanted his name kept out of the paper called in to-day. Oh, he was mad Editor: What about ?" Reporter: "It seems we kept it out." "I AM tired to death," declared Mrs. Yetmg- husband, as she reached home from town the other evening. What's the matter ?" asked her husband. Been having the baby's portrait taken. They have a way of taking them instantaneously now, you know." How long were you at it ?" Three hours and a half." I WILL bet you a bottle of wine that you shall descend from that chair before I ask you twice." Done," said the gentleman, who seemed determined not to obey the summons so obediently. "Come down." I will not," was the reply. Then stop till I ask you a second time." The gentleman, having no desire toretain his good position till that period, came down from the chair, and his opponent won the wager. THE other day a lady was knocked down in Regent-street by a horse, but happily escaped with a few scratches. A gentleman rescued her and said: "Can I get you anything?" She (much out of breath and gasping with excitement) Oh—oh— can you kindly get me-" He Some brandy ?" She No—not drink-some safety pins. I feel I'm falling all to pieces." THE other day an excited individual accosted a street gamin with the question: I say, boy, which is the quickest way for me to got to the railway station ? Bun, sir," was the response. PLANKINGTON Come home to diuner with me to- night, old man. We've got a new cook." Blumer "Don't believe I can to-night. Won't to-morrow do?" Plankington Oh, no. Sho leaves to- morrow." A HEALTH journal is telling people "how to lie when asleep." If it could persuade them to tell the truth when awake, it would be doing real service. CUSTOMER (to barber): Can you give me a decent shave ?" Barber: II Yea, sir; yes, eir. In my I shop, satisfaction is guaranteed, or whiskers re- turned." PAPA I'm surprised that you are at the foot of your class, Tommy. Why aren't you at the head sometimes, like little Willie Bigbee?" Tommy: I, You see, papa, Willie's got an awful smart father, and I guess he takes after him." I rRopysBoit: You disturbed my lecture vqsterday by loud talking." Student: Impossible." Pro- ¡ fessor: "But I heard you." Student: "Then I must have talked in my sleep." A BURGLAR who was doing a neat job on a large safe was horrified on looking up to see a man stand- ing quietly beside him. He was about to retire when the gentleman said: "Go ahead, I am interested in this job." "Why?" asked the astonished burglar. I" Because I have lost the key. If you can get that safe open, I will make it worth your while." A MAN strolled into a fashionable churoh just before the service began. The sexton followed him up, and tapping him on the shoulder and pointing to a small eur that had followed him into the sacred edifice, •aid Dogs are not admitted.' That's not my dog," replied the visitor. "But he follows you." Well, so do you." The sexton growled, and imme- diately removed the dog with unnecessary violence. WilDS are your tickets, gentlemen i" asked the doorkeeper of a theatre to a line of men who con- fronted him in "Indian file." "It's all right," ihouted a man at the tail end of the line. I've got the tickets. There's six of us with me. Count 'em 60 they go in." In yon go, gents," said the door- keeper, and he tallied off five, who immediately mixed with the crowd within. The Cerberus turned to look for the bolder of the tickets, but he had dis- appeared, and five men saw the performance safe from identification in the tremendous throne of people.
I EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OF…
EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OF THE KING OF BENIN. On Saturdav, March 6, an expedition left Benin (says a correspondent of the Daily Telc!Jraph, writing from that city) Ctty in order to attack the farm at which Duboah was reported to be in kiding. Information had been gleaned from various sources as to the distance and nature of the road feufc the difficulty of gaining accurate information in this country is considerable, as the natives have not yet bad time to appreciate the fact that they will be better off under the white man's rule than under their former tyrants. The Consul-General, Mr. R. Moor, himself accom- panied the expedition, taking with him the following officers: Colonel Bruoe Hamilton, Captain Walter, Major Searle, Captain Roupell, Captain Burrows, Captain Carter, Dr. Felix Roth, and Mr. Turner, as intelligence officer. The force consisted of 70 men of the N.C.P. force, with two Maxim guns and a rocket tube, the latter being usually mistaken by natives for a cannon and of 140 carriers, this large number being necessary for carrying water. Starting from the King's compound in Benin City at seven in the morning, it must have been fully three-quarters of an hour before the last house of the town was left behind then, by a narrow winding- path through plantations of cassava and tobacco the water from which the town supply is drawn was reached about 9.30. This water is a stream about 20 yards wide, named Okoro. After a short halt, in order to fill water-cans, which had to be carried during the whole march, we came to a rising greund, and, passing through dense forest, arrived at a few houses forming a farmstead. The guide having given a wrong direction, we were obliged to retrace our steps a short distance, and cut into a bush path in a northerly direction. After two or three hours' march the village of Orio was reached, and our advanced guard, entering at the double, sur- prised a party of the old men of the village, deliber- ating on what they should do. The Consul-General requested one of the head men and two of his slaves to accompany us, and show the way. They were promised safe-conduct, provided they carried out what was required of them; but they were made to understand that any treachery or attempt to escape would be punishable with death. Several natives were met on the road, who s iid the King had passed their village a few days ago run- ning very quickly." When approaching the village of Oté, the Orio chief attempted to escape, whereupon he was fired on and wounded, but he contrived to get away. Passing through a small farm, a halt for the night was determined on at another farm named Ajala. Messengers came from the small town of Aynie, a few miles off, saying that there were many chiefs who wished to talk palaver, to which Mr. Moor replied that he would be willing to meet them. But the following morning, on seeing our advance party marching up the avenue leading to the town, they changed their minds, and ran Helter-skelter. It was only after a great trial of patience that a few of the minor chiefs could be spoken with, but no con- clusion was arrived at. It was then decided to con- tinue the march to a clearing in the forest, whither a slave who had been taken prisoner said he had taken food to the King two days previously. Passing the small village of Amoofa, after some five or six hours' march, the latter part by a very rough path, an extensive clearing, or, rather, a suc- cession of clearings, came to view; but, of course, no trace of the King, who must have had news of. our comiijg at least 24 hours beforehand. Along this road from Aynie ashes from torches weresean, showing that the people had been running away during the previous night. The following morning (Monday) a large com- pound of many houses was found in course of con- struction, no doubt for the King, which, with in- numerable smaller huts, was destroyed. The number of people with him is hard to estimate, but it cannot be less than 2000 or 3000. is to run after the King without knowing his exact whereabouts was obviously useless, and as our scouts. reported that they had made fruitless search in many directions, it was decided to retire to Aynie, and there to try tcgather their chiefs together. On the way to Aynie a night was spent at Amoofa, which was destroyed the following morning. -No natives could bo found, although many large encamp- ments were passed. After destroying these encampments, two days were spent at Aynie; which was found to be deserted, and no chiefs could be persuaded to come in, although two messengers were sent. Hence, on-the following day (March 11), a return was made to Benin City No further active hostility is anticipated. The total distance marched was 60 miles in a northerly direction.
LARISSA.
LARISSA. The traveller wiio descends to the plains of Thessaly from the Pindus Mountains sees (says a writer in the Glohe) a vast plain stretched out before him, level and intensely green, full of sheep, goats, horses, and cattle, and evidently a rich and agricultural country. To the north-east the great range of Olympus raises itself in the far distance above the lesser hills, and to the south is seen the peaks of Othryo. The plain is a great pasturage for sheep, and consequently is alive with d,,gs, which bark all night long. In the days of the Turks the great grey cranes stalked about the plains, and with theiu were great companies of storks, while the herons watched on the banks of the Salainbria or Peneus. Then further into the plain the land is no longer absolutely flat, but consists of great rolliDg downs or arable land, the undulations of which shut out the distant mountains. At last the minarets of Larissa come into view, and then the town, backed by Olympus, and with the river sweep- ing below it, and spanned by a fine bridge. Larissa, though the chief town of Thessaly, is not ns a place of any great importance, for it only contains, or did contain, some 13,000 inhabitants. It is finely situated on the banks of tho Peneus in the middle of the plain, and is the natural centre of a rich pastoral and agricultural district, m which Indian corn, wheat, and barley are grown. i-° now the terminus of the railway, a little single which runs northward from Volo along the olu eurkish high road, and by the branch at Velestina is also in connection with Trikhala and Kalambaka, near the Turkish frontier, on the upper waters of the Penens. The houses are built in the usnal fashion of Eastern Europe, and the old bouses of the better class Turks are built round the sides of a courtyard. A great peculiarity of the place under the Turks was the number of storks in the town. These birds are numerous in Thessaly, and there was a nest on nearly every house in Larissa. No one ever disturbed them, for they were considered to be under the protection of the Prophet, and a house was held to be highly honoured whpse roof was occupied by them. But it is possible now that the storks have deserted the town, for the Greeks shoot them, whereas the Turks protect them, and when Thessaly belonged to the Turks the storks used to flock there from the Greek territory which they had deserted. Larissa was ceded to the Greeks by the Treaty of Berlin, and was occupied by them in 1881. It is the seat of a Greek Archbishop.
[No title]
Nzws has been received in Paris that the whole of the village of Richelieu, in Algeria, of comparatively recent creation, is to be seized by the Treasury. It is stated that not one of the colonists has been able to carry out his obligations, and that the Treasury Department has determined to proceed to extremities. ANYONE desirous of starting a small but variegated Davy on his own account will shortly have an ex- cellent opportunity of doing so, aa the Admiralty in- vite tenders for the purchase of eight or nine vessels for whose services her Majesty has no further need. Two French Anarchists and one Russian Anarchist who were arrested at Barcelona at the time of the dynamite outrage, by which a number of religious processionists were killed, will (says Reuter) be ex- pelled from Spanish territory. THREE HUNDRED years ago the House of Commons used to meet at six, seven, or eight o'clock in the morning and sit until eleven. The committees did their business in the afternoon. In the time of Charles II. the House sat from nine a.m. until MKS.'C'REICJJITOX, the wife of the Bishop of London, is one of the best speakers at Church Congresses. She is constantly addressing all kinds of religious and philanthropic meetings, and can make herself as well heard in a large hall as in a drawing-room. Mrs. Creighton is also an authoress of repute in the nursery, having written several volumes of history for children. The bishop's wife, who is of Russian descent, is still in the prime of life, and has hand- some. intellectual featpra- _,)
-------THIf: COURSE OF TRUE…
THIf: COURSE OF TRUE LOVE. Jack Thurlow and Minnie Sinclair were the happiest pair of lovers that oould be found between this and Gretna-green, though you searched from St. Valentine's Day to fairy time. First of all, there was no parental opposition to their engagement; next., Jack had the pleasant, prospect of being well provided for while his dear old dnd lived, and of becoming a wealthy man when the decree of nature should separate him from his beloved father and, finally, they were not only as beautiful a. couple as could be found in all Eng- land, but they bad the youth that gilds all enjoy- ments with a brighter light. It did not matter that Minnie was a poor orphan, and would be a portion- less bride, Jack having such golden prospects, and as the fathers of the bstrothed had been old friends, it was not a consideration with anybody concerned as to whence the money came which was to provide the young people with bread and cheese to eat with their kisses. But as Burns has said- The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang aft a'-gley." and poor Mr. Thurlow, with the unoriginal desire of increasing his store, speculated nearly all his monsy, and died of a broke* heart. Then Jack had to face the world, which is not half a bad thing for a young fellow to have to do, although we don't all like it. Jack bad to seek his fortune far from England, and with a heavy heart bade farewell to his dear little sweetheart, and started away to South Africa. tou.U write to me as often as you can, Jack dear, won't you ?" said Minnie. You may be sure of this, darling," he answered. if two months ever expire without your hearing from me, it will bo because I shall never bold a pen again." But Jack wrote regularly enough, aad was made as happy as he could be all that way off by Minnie's replies. Minnie had gone to live with her uncle, who kept house for the sake of the son and daughter of his deceased wife's brother. Perhaps they were both of them inclined to be jealous of Minnie's invasion, though the shrewd sister gave no little encouragement to her brother by reminding him that she was only waiting in England until Jack should send for her to join him in Africa. But all the mines of Africa are not stored with gold, and poor Jack had a bad time of it. Minnie was sad enough, yet she had a patient spirit, and her love for the man to whom she was affianced gave her hope and reliance that she would soon be united to him. Then came her uncle's ill- ness, then Jack's letters stopped, and at last her uncle died. Look here, Minnie," said her cousin, George Whitecroft, don't distress yourself about Thurlow; he is a bad lot or he wouldn't neglect a girl like you. As to our poor uncle, it is in the nature of things that the old go first, and we have all done our best to render life easy for him. Sophia and I have made up our minds to travel a bit to help to shake off the grief that we all feel." Where are you going?" asked Minnie, considering that the question was expected from her. Where would you like to go ?" he inquired. Sophia and I would choose a bit of Switzerland or Italy first of all, and finish up with a visit to some of the towns on our own coast." I could not afford to travel with you," she ex- plained. "Afford to travel," echoed George. "What would Sophia do without a companion-what should we both do without you ? if you don't care for us we are fond of you, and while we em afford to be happy, we will take care that you share our happiness." An invitation so affectionately given could not very well be declined, but it was with an aching re- luctance that Minnie packed her travelling trunk and resolved to leave the town where Jack's letters had been addressed. She felt that there was not a hope of her ever hearing from him again. Still their young lives had been so long bound by their love that Minnie could not bear to separate one link of the past. The consolation of travel to some extent modified Minnie's grief, and the companionship of her two cousins increased her friendship for them. We have had a happy time, Minnie," sighed Sophia, but I am afraid it baa been a, fatal tour for George." How do you mean, Sophia ?" inquired the other. Well, I ought not to have spoken about it," re- plied Sophia, but you must have been blind if you cannot guess my meaning." Minnie looked at her cousin, and the next second a tell-tale blush assured the latter that George's secret was divulged. Woman's nature is made up of discordant com- pounds. The checking of one impulse may, and frequently does, create another of a completely oppo- site character. Nay, woman's love and faithfulness are very often contravened by her compassion. Minnie eo pitied her cousin George's hopeless attach- ment that one might have ventured to predict that, in the end, it would not be altogether desperate, and that, in spite of her undying love for Jack Thurlow, she would, for pity's sake, sacrifice her own happi- ness in becoming the wife of George Whitecroft. It was towards the end of a hot day in June that a traveller arrived at the Waterloo terminus qf the London and Sonth-Western Railway. He bad that morning disembarked from the good steamship Plenty, just arrived from the Cape of Good Hope with a cargo of adventurers, so to speak, who, a few years ago, had gone out without money, and by the means of lucky mining enterprises had amassed enormous fortunes. The traveller to whom we have referred quitted his noisy friends and hurried to London. Not that he had any reason for being in a hurry, or, indeed, for leaving the companions of his voyage. What he was going to do, or try to do, might have been attempted a year ago, or a year hence in fact, the latter might have enlightened him as to the manner in which he should set about it, which was completely unknown to him as he entered the smoking-room of the M Hotel in Covent-garden. It was near midnight when the traveller woke up. He had sunk back in a large comfortable easy-chair, and had smoked his cigar until the charms of nicotine had yielded to those of slumber. The waiter had left him in the dark Not to disturb him, and thus his presence in the smoking-room was unknown to the other inmates of it, at that time reduced to two. 4t You see, we had advanced a pretty large sum to the Whitecrofts said the shorter man of the two, and when the uncle's will was proved we expected that they would be in clover. But a Miss Sinclair had wound her way into the old man's affections, and George Whitecroft and his sister found them- selves left out in the cold. They were not flesh and blood relations of the old man, and Miss Sinclair was. Any way, it was a surprise to them, as it was a shock to us, though the old man had told George Whitecroft what be meant to do." Is the girl married?" inquired his companion. No answered the other, and there our chance came in. Luckily, George and his sister had taken time by the forelock, and as soon as they heard that the girl had cut them out, George Whitecroft made up his mind to secure her as his wife. They managed to intercept the letters that were passing between Miss Sinclair and her lover, who was in Africa and after old Sinclair's death they took th& heiress abroad, so as to keep her away from the chance of being told of her big fortune, and to- morrow morning at half-past ten she will be married to George Whitecroft in Upton Dane Church." The unseen listener could hardly restrain the out- burst of rage provoked by the revelation of this abominable conspiracy, but be controlled his passion that he might hear any further disclosures. But, alas the tongue of time, as it tolltd the hour of midnight, silenced that of the traveller's informant, who, ringing for the waiter, paid his score and de- parted, accompanied by his companion, whom he deemed the sole depository of his secret. Left alone, Jack Thurlow (for, as our readers have doubtless guessed, the traveller was no othor) hurried from the hotel, and jumping into a hansom, bade the cabman drive to the Great Northern Railway, where he asked for a special engine and carriage to take him to Foxley Market, the nearest, station to Upton Dene, although it was ten miles off. This demand was met by a positive refusal: there was no such thing available. In fact, the line was encumbered by goods trains, and if an engine had been procurable, it could have made but slow progress until the night traffic had been disposed of. Then he asked him to allow him to send a telegram to the clergyman of the church, but he fotind that Upton Dene was out of the radios of telegraphic communi- cation. The wretched lover stood in despair as he realised tiae, fact that his knowledge of Whitecroft's villainy had come a few hours too late. < The morning after Xburlow bad heard tile indis- creet revelations of the self-congratulatory money- lender, Minnie prepared for the ceremony which would virtually place the large fortune bequeathed to her by her uncle at the disposal of George Whitecroft. Love had faded from her life with the conviction that Jack Thurlow was either dead, or dead to her. But, influenced by gratitude, or friendship, she had consented to become the wife of George Whitecroft, who had insisted upon having a deed diawn up by which husband and wife gave each other an equal share in their respective estates. As Minnie believed she had but little to surrender, the difficulty had been to induce her to accept what seemed to her so liberal a sacrifice on George's part, although her consent at last was due rather to her apathy than to the result of the arguments which she bad heard. This supineness, however, gave place to positive repugnance as she awoke on the morning that was to see her united to Whitecroft. A dull apprehension that her first love would haunt her life after she had made any return to it impossible, quickened into the fear that Jack might come back to her and remind her of their old troth. But the hours passed away, until the interval that had to elapse before she should have become George Whitecroft's wife was measured by minutes. She had stipulated that the marriage should be a strictly private one, and the lawyer, who was to perform the ceremony of giving away the bride, formed the only addition to the three peisons interested. By arrangement, the deed which should make the possessions of husband and wife common property, was to be signed on the return from church. George and Sophia were to meet Minnie before the altar, where the vows of husband and wife were to be interchanged, and the bride was to be escorted by the I old lawyer. It is twenty-five minutes past ten, Miss Sinclair," the latter said, and although the church is close te the hotel, three or four minutes soon slip away." Good Heaven she thought; can I not find some excuse for putting off this marriage ?" But she felt that she could set forth no other plea than that she had changed her mind, and she bad not the courage to admit it. So, tottering rather than walking, as she leaned upon the lawyer's arm, she crossed the little green to the path which led to the church porch. As they were entering the churchyard she saw a man travel-stained and exhausted forcing his way on a bicyle, which was as muddy as the rider. Only just in time Minnie, escape the machina- tions of a scoundrel who is marrying you for your money. He and his sister have intercepted our letters to make you think me untrue to you, because your uncle has made you his heiress." He sprang from the bicycle as he was speaking. I heard of this conspiracy by chance last night, and could not obtain any means of communicating with you in time. In my despair I jumped upon a bicycle that I saw waiting at a gate, and, luckily, having travelled to Foxley years ago, I was able to go along without asking my way. A hundred and ten miles since midnight isn't bad riding. At any rate, he had run the fox to earth. The lawyer, anxious for his reputation, hurried to Whitecroft, explained the situation, and withdrew. from the business. For a moment George thought of meeting Thurlow's accusation with denial, but reason told him of the utter futility of doing so, and he and Sophia got safely away to the Continent before their creditors could hear of the collapse of their conspiracy. About the dearest bicycle that could be bought in all Coventry solaced the owner of the abstracted one, which will be ever preserved by Mr. and Mrs. Thurlow as a family heirloom.
WILLS AND BEQUESTS.
WILLS AND BEQUESTS. Personal estate of the value of £ 305,319 has been left by Mr. Thomas Winter Potter, of East Court, Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire, who died on Oct. 4 last, aged 54 years, eldest son of the late Thomai Smalley Potter, of Charlton Kings. The testator, J whose will bears date May 15, 1872, with a codicil made March 27, 1885, bequeathed to his wife, Mrs. Mary Evelyn Potter, 2500, his jewellery, horses, and carriages, and the income during her widowhood of a sum of Y.25,000, or in the event of her remarriage an annuity during the remainder of her life of £ 20G only. Subject to this provision for bis widow the J late Mr. Potter's residuary estate was left in trust in equal shares for all his children, or, on failure of this trust, as to his freehold, copyhold, and lease- hold estate for his brother, Edward Smalley Potter, and his heirs, and as to the residue of the personalty for his said brother and his sisters. The will (dated June 13, 1895) of Mr. William Townsend Shorthose, of 55, Westbourne-terrace, Hyde-park, and formerly of Gerards Bromley Hall, Staffordshire, who died on February 19, was proved on April 6 by Mrs. Charlotte Eliza Townsend Nicholson, the daughter and sole executrix, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 210,560. The bulk of his real and personal estate he leaves, as to one moiety, upon trust, for his son for life, and then to his children, and the other moiety, upon trust, for his daughter for her life, and then to her children. The will (dated Dee. 30, 1890), with a codicil (dated March 9, 1897), of Mr. John Ambrose- Preece, of Grove House, Hollywood-road, South Kensington, job master, who died on March 17, was proved OR April 8 by Ambrose Duncan Preece and James Duncan Preece, the sons, Miss Suzannne Catherine Preece, the daughter, and James Preece, the brother, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to £ 70,234. With a codicil (dated February 15, 1897) the will of Mr. William David, of 8, Hyde Park-terrace, and formerly of 15, Norfolk-street, who died on March 3, was proved on April 6 by Alfred Donnison, George Middleton, and John Alfred Donnison, the executors, the value of the personal estate being 943,948. After allowing for various legacies testator leaves the residue of his real and personal estate to Mrs. Ann Reeve, her heirs and assigns. By his will (dated March 8, 1882) Mr. "Henry Robinson, of 37, Albion-street, Hyde-park, and of Eastbourne, who died on March 19, at Northwood, Winterbourne, near Bristol, leaving personal estate amounting to £ 35,203, bequeaths all his property whatsoever and wheresoever to his wife absolutely. The will (dated July 7, 1890), with a codicil (dated November 20, 1896), of Mr. Job Ashton, of 5, Shooters-hill-road, and formerly of Bryan House, Blackbeath, who died on January 16, was proved on April 8 by Frederick Job Ashton and Arthur Charles Ashton, the sons and executors, the value of the per- sonal estate being 932,669. He bequeaths his house- hold furniture, plate, pictures, horses, and carriages, the polioy of insurance on his life in the Mutual Insurance Company, a mortgage of ;CIOOO, and £ 500 to his wife, Mrs. Rosina Mary Ashton. The will (dated September 28,1894) of Mrs. Susan Carter Baring, of I and 2, Grafton-street, Bond- street, and Wallsgrove House, High Beesh, Essex, who died on January 11, was proved on April 8 by Richard Combe Abdy and Barre Algernon Higbmore Goldie, the executors, the value of the personal estate being £ 31,908. The testatrix gives 91000 to her sister, Mrs. Charles Penrose Quioke £100 each to her nieces, Edith Penrose Quicke, Miss Minturn, and Susanna Beatrice Macy EJOO each to her executors her furniture and effects at Wallsgrove to her son Harold Harman John Baring; the furniture and effects at Grafton-square to her son Godfrey Nigel Everard Baring. As to the residue of her real and personal estate and all funds under the will of her father, Robert Browne Minturn, of New York, over which she has a power of appointment, she leaves three-eighths thereof to her son Harold Harman John Baring, two-eighths to her son Godfrey Nigel Everard Baring, and one-eighth each to her daughters, Mrs. Constance Mary Barter, Mrs. Susanna Beatrice Macy, and Muriel Ursula Baring, -Illustrated London News.
[No title]
MRS. MCKIHLBY, wife of the new President ot the United States, has been an invalid for years, and has lived a quiet and simple life in Canton, the provin- cial town in Ohio where Mr. McKinley's home has been during the whole of his married life. His wife is obliged to use a cane for support in walking, and spends most of her time in her arm-chair. She is too nervous to sew much, and can seldom sit oat to the end of the performance at the theatre; but she manages to keep in touch with all the important topics of the day. Her father was one of the oldeat residents in Canton, and her wedding is talked of to this day as the event of the season when it took place 26 years ago. On the 25th anniversary of it, celebrated last year, Mrs. McKinley wore her bridal gown, an ivory white satin, altered to suit the changed fashion of the time. She also wore it on the day when the news was re- ceived of her husband's election te the Presidency.