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

« YLOWER." AN EPISODE OF THE WEST. Little; FamJ?lo«6r they called her in the,c(", pany--the "Barncr Comedian Troupe," o< which she "IU. a member, Mies Franofs Flower would have- been nuuvh more correct and dignified, no doubt, but by far too stately an address, every ons agreed. Such a pretty little face Fan Flower had, with a look about, it which no one could resist and to which no manager could say nay. A gentle, diminu- tivejnouth, with its .infantile, pathetic underlip; -a. retrows^p,, a pair of soft appealing Gyps, whicfh had never a harsh gleam in them. Who Could resist Bitch a face ? And was she not like her name, with her dark-Line eyes, soft yellowy hair, and the fluted blue capfe-in"which she fluttered about, with a bird- like grace all her, own ? And how she could shrug thosQ pretty little shoulders every one will xemember who knew her. IV%ta ^nerally conceded that little Fan -Flower had; gained a, plncejon the stage more by reason of bar personal chann than from any marked histrionic ability, But abiliiy or the lack of it counted the same at the present epoch of the Barner Coinedians' for- tunes, for the company had failed upon the road. A few of the actors continued on the route further west- yardj liffe^ tQ San .Francisco by the hope of regain- ing success there. -Fan Flower was one of these, but all her. efforts to .secure a position proving vain, she tr set forth "again on the return route, discouraged .and sad at he^t, hoging to find a place, however insignifi- cant, in a company then^touring throngh Illinois, and thus earn her way back to-tfew York. Neair her, I; palace car, was seated one who had th;weHY sad face, with a sympathetic Interer III Its owner whioh at. Jast led to the proffer of Boaie-RMpectful attention. This was a gentleman :n the rrime oK I ife, ivhose complexion wis inibrowne-d hy contllued sojourn in the tropics. Until* Sve years -previoire lie had Spellt most of his time in battling the slings and arrows of outrageous fortnne, so when little Fan Flower told him of her chase after that fickle lady, he understood more thoroughly .than she knew. He read between the lines, and became more and more interested until, on Ùl third, day out, he found himself so deeply in love that. hasked her to marry him. Frances Flower, having been through a sea of troubles during the past season-for times had been hard all through the year—appreciated the sympathy and the honour he paid her. So, although like Juliet., she admonished him that this bud of love was too sudden in its growth, too rash, too like the lightning that. doth cease to be ere one can say it lightens," she, nevertheless, uttered not that baleful nay" which leaves all hope behind in the heart of the suitor. Luck had changed for him during 'the last five years, he d' tetl-> her minee and plantations had come iPltoïltis hands.' It was therefore rtot remark-1- abta-when, out on the plains; his ijiterefet in a ranch made It necessary for him to interrupt his journey at one of the "military posts, Here, under the care of the officers' wives in the fort, Fan Flower decided to await his:retu:rn; and see something of this phase °f Western life. • It was not, however, irntii Colonel palrfat spokff of-Egerton Livermore as one of the leading millionaires of the country, that the little actress discovered what a fortune dainty had stepped toward her out of the clouds of ill-luek. When Livermore returned to the fort it was to announce his intention to give a big time "down on the ranch. Thanksgiving was at hand, and what wore appropriate than a "husking" to be followed by a dance ? Of course the soldiers from the fort, with their Wives, would be present, for festivities thereabout was not so plentiful as to be declined, especially when led off by a man of Egerton Livermore's prestige. So little Miss Flower pulled one of her few fine dresses from her trunk and began to refurbish it for the occasion. When Egerton had proposed that she should visit -this wild spot., surrounded as it was by Indian tribes, Fan Flower had admitted to some feeling of timidity. Assured, however, that peaceable relations now existed, and being placed in a position where fre- quent opportunity occurred for familiar observation \of thesedreaded, redskins, fear merged into interest ,and amusement. On one pretext and another, various ^members of the tribe were constantly coming and ;gomg to and from the post, and Miss Flower soon found herself the object of their special regard. They how-hoWed among themselves over Little White they called her, natil pfrknoel -Fairfax warned her to beware, and related the story of an officer's wife who so captivated the heart of a Sioux Indian that he came to the fort one day with a pony, n two squaws, a dog, and a quantity of other merchan- dise, which he offered in exchange for the white man's squaw.. Among those who visited the fort was a young half-breed, who watched Fan Flower surreptitiously, but never talked of her as did the others. Harry Howe," said the colonel, "is the son of Colonel Henry Howe and a Cheyenne squaw. He was wall broughfc/up, and received a good education at a well-known academy in this West. But his roam- ing disposition asserted itself, and he joined a band of Cheyennes. He occasionally visits his father's ranch, but he is one of the greatest scamps among the Indians. He speaks English perfectly, but nothing will lure him into a civilised life. His intelli- gence and command of English render him a con- venient messenger." Who is that handsome fellow with the Spanish look ?" It was on the occasion of the husking dance, where were gathered all the beauty and the chivalry that section of Stianfc civilisation boasted. "A young Mexican, I am told," replied Mrs. Fair- f to her husband's question." "He came in com- pany with a ypung fellow interested in a ranch on Purgatory Biver." "He is making up to our Flower, I see, went on ) the colonel, glancing toward the spot where Fan ,;Flower stood talking to a tall, picturesque youth, J (wnose flashing black eyes, aquiline nose, romantically long hair, and strange, half-Spanhsh garb gave him an air distinguS, and rendered him a noticeable per- sonality even in that assorted company. » But the colonel's eye followed them uneasily when he saw the two leave the dancing pavilion which had been built for the occasion, and step forth upon the open verandah which led across an out-door space to the ranchmen's cabin where the huskers were engaged. The moonlight fell white over the plains, softening, into ach&in of smooth, glistening opals the surrounding' hills. On one side sounded'the tinkling of the fiddlers; on the other the merry laugh and jest of the huskers. Little wonder if Fan Flower paused there t6 quaff for a ipoment the beauty and silence of the tfight—to feel." the .spell of the place and the hour. Twenty minutes later Egerton Livermore came up to Mfy. Fairfax. ? ".What haVe ybu1 done With my little Fan Flower, adfue .:w.vEfYQu spirited her off? I can dis- cover her nowhere. If sh £ lis jio longer Visible to our mundane vision, ehe hastoeen Vp'tniB away ;liy an agency more iorpbreal thah mine/" laughingly replied th'e lady. For I saw her, ndt long since, in charge of a most fascinating mortal-a veritable Romeo from the banks of the Bio Grande." That confounded Mexican! Everybody here to-night" isJ talking of him. He is probaMVa half- breed. I don't like to have little Fan with'him too Mauch. Nobody knows anything about him And Livermore continued his search, while Mrs. Fairfax Amused herself by wondering if Egerton had > anyBeriqus intentions with regard to Miss trances Plover, or if, as he gave them to understand, he was simply acting as her guardian. For it had been the little actress's, wish that their contemplated relation- ship should 00 kept a secret until their arrival in the ".Ee,st. eitherhad the fact of her professional life t been revealed,it being generally understood that she •was the daughter efcan old friend of Livermore's. But Mrs. Fairfax's .-ijiind had wandered far from these personal, conjectures, when, some time later, the colonel joined her, his brow knit in half-serious perplexity over their proUgte's prolonged absence from the scene. Parhaps one has taken her to the sheds to see the ponies,suggested -Mrs. Fairfax. At that moment a confused noise at the door arrested their attention, and the next instant an Indian, ysrell known at the post, entered, gesticulating vand chattering. "Reduce carry off White DoeL.-take- -her to old equaw lip mountain trail to the hunting-grounds!" •v flow <Jid he know? He had heard young buck tel 'liDg d :sqpa.,w. Who was the red-face ? He Was iHal Howe, white.man's brave. <• And feLHowQ ^n& .the young t M^icdn are °*|e 1" exclaimed M^s. Pai^ai, decisiypy, ?n the • midst of,tlje panic thai, ensnfed. v _^eti Indjan-went on to M Howe was to leave his captive in the retreat, in charge ot the squaw, and return to the- Indian- camp to-night, and that if they pursued at once the cap- tive might be recovered, as he would steal into the forest, and bring them word when the half-breed Lad departed. But no delay, qr Indian would be missed from Uie .village, J c f", There was iiot much delay indeed. Livermore "was .on hi^'best horse and away before the messenger had finished his tale. He had more faith in rapid riding and his revolver than in the story of the Sioux. However, arrived at the trail-,1 he was persuaded into awaiting-the redskin's return, who presently re- -opeared, signalled the pursuers by waving his arm tbri^timesy as agreed, and rode off with-great speed tow&flds the camp. i The officers now followed-up the trail until at last a .-faint light Jn the. -diatonco revealed the retreat jwhem as the Indian hald predicted, the outlaw had encamped* But upon arriving at the spotf-what was their horror and dismay to find the place utterlyLde- -selfted. The camp-fire still smouldered, but-no mortal was to be seen anywhere i» the-vioinity, although search was made in every direction. I believe thewhole business is a mere ruse on the part' of the Indians I" exclaimed the officer. They are .planning some outbreak or devilry, and have adopted this scheme, fancying the force sent from the fort in pursuit of the outlaw will give them an advantage. In my opinion.. We, had better feturn to the fort, otherwise' every ranch-owner for miles ftVound may be butchered, and xiis stock jjarried off. Ctiii- best ftieans of recovering Miss Flower will be to 'nt a price'on Hal Howe in case Of capture, deaa or 'alive. They will retain their captive until convinced ttiat their plan has failed; a council with the chiefs nltiy then effect her release." The soldiers and officers returned to the fort,- with the exception of two;'who reitiafried with Livermore, the latter being bent on dontinfiing the chase. He regarded the sitiiation from a lover's standpoint, and while he sent despatches ih all directions, offering large rewards for the capture of Hal Howe, he 'believed the scoundrel had conspired with -no strategies of principles of warfare save that which h-ts i-,cen practised from time immemorial-narnely, that All is fair-in love and v.;ar. For, although theirs had been a case of love at first sight, the sympathy which existed between Egerton -and Fan Flower-was none the less sincere^ and^the thought of his fiancce's possible fate rendered it im- possible for Egerton to remain passive.' Action, how- ever fruitless, was necessary to him. Bit days, weeks, went by, bringing no rigw. The Indian who had bwii ktiiejr guide and mes- senger reported that Hal Howe had not returned to I he village since the night of the capture. That he had found hiui there upon his return, and that he was certain he-had seen thevAqaw and1" WhiTe Doe," "'bat- that they must have hidden, at the squaw was i,ifraid- of "white man's bmro,and had, perhaps, seen Hftn (the guide) tlW-ougli,ths:trees. sflal'Howe had apparently deserted luii.tribe, and it was suspected-he would ultimately-be heard from ■tm'ong the Comanches. Livermore had; therefore, decided to prosecute his swtrfeh in TeraS, Winter was^ setting In. 0The first snow was whitening the plains, when, pacing his "lodge in a 'vast Nvgderness-on'$-daj t esir,'Ydisety, he gazed forth upon the dreary prospect, and shuddered to think that the delicate little Fan Flower might be perishing of cold in the rough, exposed existence to which she was now subject, if indeed ehe were not already dead. And it was he who wfis responsible for her suffering—he who had brouorht (te-I into this wildcountry. Goadexl by this remorse, so oft repeated, he was re- suming his restless walk and the plans for renewed effort itever aroused, when the flutter of some vague, dark thing caught his eye from the window. Then a feint, distant, sound-was,it the wind? He opened the door of his room, ther an outer door, and, driven in by the wind and the snow, some frail object fell across the threshold at his feet. He lifted it, threw back the dark hood from the face, and bore the slight. form to the fire. By its light/he saw upturned, faintly smiling into his, the fair, sweet eyes of Fan Flower. White, wasted, almost unconscious from weakness though she was, Itlie smile was Fan Flower's own. He believed at first she was dying but there is no 'moré effective restorative than true love, and- und-er its influence the little actress recovered; A year later, Mrs. Fairfax,-by the side of Mrs. Egerton Livermore, bowled* alontf the lendid,road if- hacienda. Around- thefrr'tfae CSftrpo t.1t:' Al- stretched itself, carpeted with soft verdure, ltnd intersected with, lines of young fig-trees, while Aipon either side of them, protected by hedges of 'cactus, coffee-trees breathed their perfume. Little wonder you are happy, Mistress Fan, to live in such a paradise as this," quoth M*s.-Fairfax. And to think you owe this happy conclusion to your 'woful tale all to an old squaw. "Yes, poor creature. She was so kicked about among the tribe, you know, that she was glad to 'leave them, so we have bkought: her with us. You see, that night, after I had told her I loved another brave, she became sympathetic and grew quite fond !of me. I told her everything while he was absent at the village, and she said if I would promise not to try to escape until he was out of the country, she would "hide m'e, but If he caught her he would kill hor. She was mortally afraid of him. For this reason she Would never venture from the bretreat., although I was half starved and half frozen. At last she consented to let me seek the ranch in a rough disguise made from, her blanket." "°And that swarthy Lochinar of yours has at last /been discovered among the Comanches, where he is still known as the worst Indian o» the plains. But woe betide him if he ever encounters any of the soldiers who attended Livermore's husking party."

COUNTY COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIPS. f According to the report of the London County Council Technical Education Board, out of the art scholarships and exhibitions, awarded annually, 20 scholarships go to art students who can study in the daytime, 30 Scholarships td those who are engaged in earning their, living aid can otdydevote a com- paratively small time, except, in the: evieriings; to school work; mid 100 junior -Evening exhibitions;,of .which, although they are not, confined to artisaris, a large majority1 go to "the vounger tiaeuihere of the ira&e-ealrnitYg.,clug. I The schools of: art scholarships •p^6vide £ 20 "per anWum 4iid free education in. art for two yearg,' the !&.rtrsah; ?lrfc scholarships t £ 10 to £ ^0 per, annum and free training^ in technical »rt schools for three years, and the junior artisan ep.ing apt exhibitions are of the value oT" ^5 per .annum and tenable for two years., i, On somewhat similar, lines there are annually awarded 100 exhibitions of £ 5 per annuo) for five years, almost exclusively to young artisans and apprentices-for the encouragement of pr -9 the study; of science and technology. For the ex- amination which is now being held, there are 635 candidates.

,j- 'i TirEMresults of the Vintage in France in 1897 were far from satisfactory; The quantity of wine mnde, howeveir, is in excess of that made in the years lSBq to 1892, and in the year 1895. The total vintage of 1897 is given as 711,715,884 gallons, 'which' is 270719;482 gallons lessi than in 1896, and 20,401,788 galltiris below the Average total-yield of France; during the last decade.: The average yield per. acre in 1897 was 170 galloiie, or a "decrease of about 60 gallons per acrfe from 1'896. IN his new book, "Five Years in Siam," Mr. Warrington Smith gives this picture of travel in the jungle: Monotony, long monotony, is the keynote of the, jungle. 'For days the same—the saiiieeverlasting grqen, the' same ta.ll trunks, the saAie' dust and, lleat, the same hunger,the same'' thirst and weari- ness', the same great; Are, blazing overhead; the same Y6 gtarIn sky teyGiid-aild only nowvand then Sou t j, orious bit o^ih'ountairf-toD or vivTcl coTo'iir., a. resti anaa full 'v-: i e.

market news.. .L \J r.J. y ( «" ■■ 1 MARK-LANE.—The relapseyvhich set in a few dayi back has been arrested, and the market has pursued a more even course, while buyers have shown rathei less hesitaney in responding to offers. The attend- ance' has been moderate^ business being again re? strict ed. The market for home-grown wheat has remained steady, and supplies continue to become even more scarce. English white quoted at 46s to 55s red at 43s ,to 50s. Foreign descriptions meet wMh rmore inquiry. No. 1 hard Manitoba quoted at 55s ex-ship; Walla Walla and red Winter nominal. South Russian ranging "at 47s to 52s, according to quality. Flour meets withqiiiet support. The London Millers' Association have put down the price of town household to 41s, and to 44s per sack. Of country makes, patents quoted at 41 s to 42s; roller, 38* to ii.'s; stone, 3,58 to 38s American first patents, 408 to 42s; second ditto, 36s to 39s; first bakers, 35s to 38s; and second, 33s to' 35s; Californians ranging at 36s to 39s,' and Hungarian at 48s t6 53s per tick. Barley fairly inaintain'ed. Odessa quoted at 18s 6d ei-ship, 19s ex-quay. Dariubians nominal. Oats rather cheaper. American mixed clipped,' 17s 3d ex-ship, and 17s 9d ex-quay; undipped, '17s ex-shrp; and white clipped, 18s to 18s 3d ex-ship.. Shipments are lighter. Maiz^ bat^ly maiirtahred. American mixed, 17s 3d to 17s 6d ex-ship- -Odessa, 20s 6d to 20s 9d ex-quay. Beans contjnue to meet with little atten- tion. Egyptian, splits be^d for 21s ex-mill New Zealand, 3^s 63, 3os ex-storp.; and peas continue very scarce and^rm, trade being' suspended. Canadian white rule at 30s 6d landed. LONDON '.METROPOL'ITAN CATTLE.—Fat beasts,* bulli, ».ipd rough cattle, wcjre ^loj^ and eafifp. Fat cows supportea lafe currencies. "Scotch quoted'"4s Od" to 4s 2d ;'D'evoris,' 4s"ld Norfolks, "4§ '6d to 4s'Id shorthorns, 3s 8d to 3s lOd; fat cows, 3s 4d to 3s Od Irish £ 10 to £ 13 per head. Sheep pens were fairly well filled,1 and trade for neat wethers ruled steady, but heavy descriptions favoured buyers. Ewes were a slow sale and occasionally easier; t to 8-stone Down wethers, 's 2d; 9-stohe, 5s"; 1'Ü-:slohe,1š 8d to 4s lOd 10-storie. half- hreds, 4s 6d 11-st one Hampshi'res,' 4s, 4d to 4B' 8d; 12-^stone Li'iicdlhs, '4s 10-stones Down ewes. 3s 83 t<5 3^103. Ldmb' trade steady for the better classes 5-stone fat Dbwn'S, 7s to 7s 2d 6- stone, 6s 2d to 0s 4d. Calf trade^nominal. Pigs were a slow sale. Neat small',?4s t6!'4ss2d p^r 8lfe., sinking the offal. Milch cows, £ 15 to £ 2l TOs pei' heacf. Coarse arid inferibr beasts q^o'ted' 2s 4d to* 2s lOd; second qujility, ditto, 3s t!b' 3s'6d prime large oxen, 3s 8<?' tb 4s Od ditto Sc6ts, i £ cv 4s Od 'to 4s 2d'; coarse and inferior sHeep,' 2s l&d to 3s 6d; second quality,.ditto,. 3s lOd io 4s 4d | and first.quality, ft 8d tH 5s 2d j inferior "laiitbs,-5s' 8d to''5a lOd; second quality, "6s 2d tcf 6s;M'j and first quality! 6s lOd to 76 2d laxg^'eoar^ hogs, 2s 4d to 3s0d second- quality, 3s 4d to 8s 8d arid first,'4s 0d to 4s 4d per §lb. SMITUFIELD MEAT.—Fair supplies were received, but the weather btnng against the trade a slow tone 'prevailed. 'B^'f 'supplifes' included about 80'tons of Scotch, 11O Liverpool sdès, hmdquarths and 600 fore-qiiarters American refrigerated. Scotch, 3s 6d to 4s Od; English, 3s |3d American, Dept- fordkilld, 3s 2d to 3s 4d; Liverpool, 3§, e I, 11 t :ifi 3s 2d AmerIcan, refrigerated, hind-quarters, 8 tW -Si 8<1' ayle'ra'*g"e, fore-quarters, Is 3d to 2s Od; avprage, Is lOd. Mutton: Scotch, 4sOa to 4s 8d; English wethers," 3s 9s to 4s Od ewes, 2s 6d to 2s lOd German wethers, 4s Od to 4s 2d Argen- tine, 3s Od to 8s 2d. English, lamb, 4s 8d'to 5s8d. Veal English, 48 Od' to 4s '4d; Dutch, 8d to 4s 0d. Pork: Dutch, 3s 6d kb 3s 8d and Irish, 3s 2d to 3s 4d per Sib. POULTRY: AND GAME.—Trade firm. Scowls Surrey, 5s to 5ti"6d," Susses, '4s^Boston, 2s 6d to 3s 3d Essex, 2s 6d t6 3s 6d; WeMi, 2sr6d to 3s; Irish, Is 9d to 2s 6d ducklings (Aylesbury), 3s 3d to 3s 9d; goslings, 4s to. 4s'9d Güinea.' ró,wls' 3s to Ss 6d; Russian fowls, Is 4d to Is 9d; ditto ducks, 2s 6d Russian partridges, Is 3d wild rabbits 8d to lOd; tame ditto, Is Id to Is 3d each; Australian ditto, 8s to 10s per } <JótI; feathered pigeons, 9d; Bordeaux, lid to Is id; fat quail, Is 4d to Is 6dT; medium ditto 9d to Is live ditto, 65d each; p!:6yer9'e|gs'(Diitch).:2s 6d'perdozeni BiLLitfGSGATE Fialri.Scofeh sahnorH i« 7d to Is 9d f Irish, Is od to la 7d is 'cgd;'IFtroút Is lOd to 2s soles, lOd to Is; slips, 6d to 9d; red mullet, Is to Is 6d per lb; lurbot, 5s to 8s; brill, 6s to 8s halibut, 5s to 7s lemon soles, 3s 6d to 5s; plaice, 3s to 4s per stone; steamer ditto, 24s to 25a per trunk whiting, 5s to 7s hake, 6s to 10s skate, 7s to 10s cod, live, 8s to 12s dead, 5a to 8s per box English mackerel, 68 to 8e per 6071'ish. 18s to 24s per i20 fresh haddorkgi.% to 9s per trnnk; eels, live, 18s'to 20s; deWd, 148 to I6s per draft; lobsters, 20s to,37. 6d per score^ clabs, 16s_ per hamper; Dutch .oysters, 8s; French, 6s per 100; winkles, 7s- whelks^ 4s. per bushel museels, 2s to 3s per bag;' bioatert', '2s 6d to-3s .'per • box; kippers, 2s to 2s 6d per box smoked haddocks, 2s to 8s per dozen smoked salmon, 3s to 3s 6d per lb. WIITTECHARBL HAY AKD STB.A.w.Superior picked hay, 82s to 65s; good clover hay, 74s to 78s inferior, 55s to 65s best old clover^ 92s to 96s; good sound clover, 844s to 88s; inferior, 60s to 70s; and straw, 28s to 38s per load. COVENT GARDEN. Apples, Tasmanian, cases, various, comprising Sburmer, N.Y. Pips., Adams' Pearmai-tf, 6c.Nonpaueib, F. Crabs, &c., lOs, to 15s; ditto, South Australians, comprising Wellingtons and various sorts, per case, 15s to 20s; bananas, bunch, 8s to I5&; cherries^ per bok, la 3d to 2s 6d; ditto, sieves, 7s to 8s 6d; flats, 6a; figs, per dozen, 4s to 6s grapes, Enoigll,-Hamburgb. per-lb., 2s to 2s 3d; ditto, Channel Isles, per lb.r la 6d to 2s; ditto, Belgian, per Ib., Is to Is 6d; aitto., Muscats, per lb., 5s to 8s; goosebeiries4- per sieve, 7s to 8s; melotas, each, Is 9d to 2s 6d; nectarines, Per dozen, 12s to 18s; peaclies, per dozen, (acoording to size), 15s to 24s; ditto, second, quality, 4s to 8s; pines, each, from .2s to, 4s 6d strawberries, per lb., 2s 6dto.4s ditto, second quality, Is to Is 6d Asparagus, English, natural,.per bundle,3s tq 4s; ditto Worcester, Is to Is 3d; ditto English, sprue, bundles, 6d ditto Victoria, large,-6s to 7s 6d; ditto Argen- teui1,As!3d; ditto Spanish and,varies, bd to Is; ditto,, Totiloose, Is 3d to Is 9d; artichokes. Globe, per dozen, 2e 6d to 3s 6d; ditto Jerusalem, sieve, Is beans, English (Dwarf), lb., Is; ditto Channel Islands, perlb.i Is B. beans, flatS( 4s 6d; ditto^paper packets (Dwad); Jod; beetroots,, per bushel, 2& 6d ditto per tally of 60, 4s; broccoli, per dozen, 6dto Is; ditto i crates,-2».to 6s d-itto, pot Is; dlttO. bushel, 6A cah- bage, open,, pep dozen, 6d to 8jdditto .tied, per tally, 9d to Is; ditto bushel, 6d;; ditto pqps, open, Is; cres8r.dozen punnets, Is 6d ;ppleworts;: or greens, per bushel, 6d; carrots, in Df^s, washed, 2s, fed to 3s; ditto iii bunches 2s; ditto, new, bunches, per dozen, 58 to 6s; ditto, new round, per hunch, 4d to 5d celery, old, per bundle, Is to Is 6d; cucumbers, per dozen, 2s to 3s 6d; endive,, new, per dozen, ls.6d; garlic, perilb,4d,; horseradish, foreigp, per hun,dle,.9d to Is; ditto, Cheshire (loose), per. dozeq, 2$; leeks, per dozen bunches, ,le 6q to ,2s 6d; lettuce, cabbage; per dozen, 6d to lQd ditto, cos, per dozen, Is §4. to 2s 6d; mint, per dozen bunches, is to 2s 6d; mushrooms, per Jb., 6d to 8d; Onions E°"vptian, bags, 6s 9d;. ditto, greexi, per dozen bunches Is 6d to 2s 6d ditto, new French, per dozen bunches, 4s parsnips, per ba€, Is 6d; parsley, per sieve, -3d; 4ft^ pe* dozert bunches, lsto Is6d; peas,flats,2s6dto3s6d ;ditto Telephone, perlb.,9d to Is; potatoes Channel Isles, k.dneys per twtv,20s to 21a; ditto; Malta kidneys, pewt„16st0 lgs, ditto, round, per, cwt., l2s ISs ditto Canary kids, per .cwt.y.lSs to 18s ditto, Lisbon .roundfper boi, 6s 6d, rad.shes,ro^nd, per dozen bunches (home grown), 8d .,to Is/0d dltt0» per tally, 2s 6d to 3s rhubarb per dozen (home-grown), natural, Is to 2s 6d;. salad. amal punnet^ per dozen, Is 3d shallots, per. Ihj 2d > bushel, 6d to 9d; tomatoes, Enghsh, per 6d to 9d; ditto, Channel Isles,- per lb. 6d d,tto, Canary, deep boxes, 2s: 6d to Od; turnips old, per dozen bunches, 2s ditto, neTi, French 6d to 8d watercress, per dozen bunches, 4d to 8d. SEED TRADE.—Sowing requirements are naturally small, whilst no speculation exists. ard, owing to an export demand ^or.. mf 1 J, ,eaier. Rapeseed firm. Occasional small or ers r p in or tares. Rye is. wanted, Birdseeds dull. A few Florida,iVelvet. beans,offer ^t r9' Per Peas and haricots slow. lentils improving. • CAMBRIDGE CATTLE.—Slow trade for store! beastsall round. Fat beasts a fair show, prices unchanged. A good, number of fat sheep, with lit,tle alteration in prions', i 'A (pw lots of stores, and fairtmae. Lamhs a large show ahd better trade. FaU«gs a brisk trade at more money; Hay, straw, and roots short sup- plies. PricesBeef,-6s to Tsj- mutton, 3s 10d to a 84; lanib, 9d to lOd; p<;rk,' 6s, 6d to 7s, Od

-MIL,L- The .epgrmous.difficulty of .the taking <jf census of the world's inhabitants, which* it ?g proposed to publish at Berne in 1901, becomes appaient (remarks i writer ih'the J)dih/'MdU) when one considers'thnt it least two-thirds, and, perhaps, three-quarters, of :he inhabitants of our planet dwell in la-ndsnone of which have yet been fully civilised, and many of which still remain in a condition of savagery. Yrt he purpose is; as far as possible/to include in the snumeration every human being on whom the sun rises on a-particular day in the.year 1900. Explorers md census-takers are to be sent to every attainable point on the globe for the purpose. Such is the scheme. It looks impracticable. An attempt has recently been made to take a oonrplete census of Russia, and this will aid the new undertaking im- mensely. During his tour in. Europe Li Hung Chang became, interested in the proposed oensus,, of the world and, it is asserted, promised his co-operation and assistance in the work. China forms the greatest factor of uncertainty in estimating the population of the globe. Estimates of the number of inhabitants in China vary some- times by one or two hundred millions, and even tJlE population of thechief cities can only be guessed at So too, Africa presents aa enormous field of mysteries and difficulties. Estimates of its total population are constantly varying, becauso explorers frequently come upon knots and centres of population the rea) extent of which is unknown. The most careful statisticians admit that their estimates of the popula- tion of Africa may be as mucb as 50,000,000 out of it. West of India are the yast lands that Alexande; overran in his OOD, Persia, anc Turkey in Asia. How many scores of million? oi even hundreds of millions1 may they not contain i Many of the uplands of Persia are practically un- known to the civilised world, but they <tan support a great population; No one knows how people Arabia contains. < Nobody kflows how many Esquimaux there are dwelling in the lands of eternal ioe that encircle the North Pole many of the islands of-the vast Pacific swarm with inhabitants living on the open bounty of Nature, whose free and careless life has captivated tm imagination of highlv cultivated mca like Robert Louis Stevenson ana wnen the census is completed, if it proves practicable, what will it probably show the total population of the globe to be ?

NOT DEAD, BUT BURIED." In view of the movement that has been started for the erection of a memorial to Bishop Butler in Stan- hope, of which the famous authorof the "Analogy was rector from 1725 till 1740,. it being at Stanhope that the Analogy was written, a story is told that while Butler was at Stanhope, Queen Caroline, the consort of'George II., told Archbishop Blackburne that she thought Butler was dead. No, madame," \V|f the reply, "he is not dead, but he is buried."

We Give this Beautiful I' GOLD WATCH FREE. f. H II .1 I t, 1 01 IN r quickly ^nttjodrroe our new; Family Magazine, "Homeland," to 10,000 readers of this paper, we have decided to give away 10,000 Gold Watches absolutely free of cost. The Watches are real Gold, Hall ^Marked, and at retail woitld cost upwards of Five Guineas. If you want one, write to us without delay. With: your letter send ms 1.. 6d., by Postal Order, for which we will I send you each issue of our 36-page Magazine,4* Homeland," for one year, awl our offer, on complying with which the Watch will be sent free kv registeree: poPL H'- aliad!l is filled with most inte stories, good articles on timely topics, beau, tifal piotnres, and is a high-class magazine of pure literature teat will delight everyone in the family circle, ir reason for giving away the watches that you may talk about, and Twntn. mend a^r Magazine to all your frienda, ao that we mu quickly secure a very large circnUttoo. R«*d what a Sabooribor i»y» i—"m, Slouie Strfet.. itmilpn, s!w. Q«tleS»en,r-The Gold W*tch Jurt to hand, and It is a bemAt' 1* j« utonUhing bo* juu c*n give >way/o fiiie a watcb. It la beyond all tut «ip€ct«tiCna.G. StAne»hy." Address,-The Homeland" Publishing Coi, Wo 23 De- partment, US, Newgate Street, London, E.C" ¡, ,i Silver Medal, Edinburgh, 1889. Gold Medal,, ramaica, 1891. Gold Medal, Derby, 1891. Highest Award at Chicago. Exhibition. Altogether Six Gold Medals received. COLEMAN'S Is a delicious beuerage and tonic made from Port Wine, Liebig's Extract of Meat, and Extract of Matt. WlWfAPWIQ i* a Name Registered to prevent »T IllVillVniO fraudulent imitations. OVER SIX THOUSAND Unsolicited Testimonials have been received from Medical Men. file following Important Testimonial has fceen reoeived from Dr. FLETCHEB. Applecross, Rosshire, N.B., July and,, 1897. Dear Sirs,—I^fease forward quarter-of-a dozen "Wintamis" Anmediately, as my patient's supply is about ddhe. '< I trust there will be no delay, as he takes no other nourish- Stent, and has been sustained and gained strength by Wincarnis for twelve weeks. Yours faithfully, c DUHCAN FIjSTCSER, L.R.CP. A D\1IC is solid by all Druggists, Wine Merchants, *V InVAKniO and Patent Medicine Vendors. A-k foil Coleman's Wincarnis," andj&ec that the word "Wincarnis" is on the shoulder of the bottle. Sold in Bottled, as. 9d. and 4s. 6d. everywhere. r Sole Proprietors and Manufacturers of the above, COLEMAN & CO." Limited, NORWICH and LONDON. Sample Bottle sent free by Post on receipt of full Postal Address. 85' ,Øi '0?1: .a' '(A 'ë5 f2 3: > ,J, ::ø lupply direct WwLic±a* Note.—J. B. DENT & SONS, ^oWRrtSOMBTER MAKERS to tie lOBCS X\f ATCH,Anl^R*T-Tr •I# tha'BKlTJSH #uFp^'Seir tN|lVALLBJ) KE- t BiliVJEB WATCH 'tor 80s. i»st free. «JYears. Ditto I*diS»_8iz& same reduced i#rice. sSa BnyerPGuide eintfree. Applica- A^»ss j.-B. BHtiah vtnntnh ?ToirtaCial Watch toPnOM.,g^?,flas«anaa.Xondon 1 wA at 61,

ART AND LITERATURE. A COLOSSAL statue of the poet Burns, 9ft. high, is to, be erected at Leith. The wax model has been already sculpted. The artist, Mr. D. W. Stevenson, I R.S.A., is taking the pose of the figure from The Vision." ACCORDING to the French papers M. Victorien Sardou has returned to his beautiful country seat at Marly, where he is engaged in completing a play called "Robespierre," which he is writing for Sir Henry Irving. TIIB drawings, engravings, and miniatures, by artists of the last century, collected by the Fine Art Society make up an exhibition of singular attractive- ness. The; men represented are all recognised masters of their craft, and the examples of their work are mostly of notable quality. The chief features of the show are the miniatures by Cosway, and the singularly delicate and elegant drawings by J. Downman, an early A.R.A.; but there are besides many things which represent quite adequately the other workers who helped to establish the school which has set the standard to which modern artists are as yet vainly striving to attain. The collection is a large one, and nearly everything in it is thoroughly characteristic. A LITTLE selection of extracts, entitled A Roll of Thoughts from Gladstone," arranged by E. S. Dalton, will be appreciated by many at the present time. It Contains a short passage for every month and day in the year, culled either from the writings or the speeches of the great English Statesman, and though in most cases tlie quotation is not specially suitable for the particular date, the choice lias on the whole been judicious. At the present moment there is, per- haps, a particular force in a question and its answer taken from a speech made in the House of Commons in 1840: How comes it to pass that the sight of the British flag always raises the spirit of Englishmen: It is because it has always been associated with the cause of justice, with opposition to oppression, with respect for national rights, with honourable commer- cial enterprise." THIS year's Royal Academy Exhibition has in Ernest W. Appleby's "The Sound of Bells" an admirable example of the poetic treatment of life. The arrested attention of the well-posed female figure in the foreground of a harmoniously-toned evening landscape fascinates the spectator by its dreamy character, and this happy effect will materially enhance an already well-wen reputation. IT is said that the Glasgow Corporation is showing some inclination to hesitate over the final comple- tion of the scheme which it formulated a little while ago for the decoration of the exterior of its new Art Gallery. The original idea (according to the Globe) was to spend some Elil,000 on sculpture for the front of the building, and the work was to be divided between Messrs. Lawson, Shannan, Young, Aumonier, and G. J. Frampton, and to this last artist was to be entrusted the general supervision of the whole undertaking. It would be a great pity if an idea so magnificent should be abandoned for something commonplace and unambitious, for nowhere would a fine archi- tectural effect be more appropriate than in the de- signing of an art gallery, and few British cities could with more justice assert a definite artistic taste than Glasgow, which is the centre of one of the most significant art movements of modern times. That Manchester should also be hesitating about the sug- gested arrangements for the re-mbdelling of its art gallery is, perhaps, more natural. The necessity for a proper provision for periodical art shows, as well as for a permanent collection, does not seem to have appealed latterly with sufficient force to the local con- viction, and a certain timidity is only to be expected in a community that has during recent years been exposed to a somewhat severe financial strain. But it is to be hoped that this timidity will soon give way to a broader view. No commercial centre can afford to ignore art, and Manchester, especially, must, if it is to hold its own anong its many competitors, show itself to be keen in the encouragement of artistic effort.. The best evidence it could give of good inten- tions would be the erection of a gallery really worthy of the city. LITERATURE is not correct in stating that "Lanoe Falconer" is a daughter of "the famous ) Hawker of Morwenstow." She is one of the Long- parish Hawkers. In the current issue of the journal Dean Hole, in his pleasant article Among My vBooks," has a reference to Colonel Hawker, of Long- parish. Robert Stephen Hawker, of Morwenstow. no relative whatever to Colonel Hawker, of Long- parish, was the author of the familiar: And shall Trelawny die, Here's twenty thousand Cornish men Will see the reason why. Ins earliest outcome of Mr. John Morley's recent literary activities will (the Outlook says) be his mono- fraph 6n Chatham, for1 the series which he edited imself, Twelve English Statesmen." It.was to this ,series that Lord Rosebery contributed his Pitt,' and in it Mr. Morley, has already writtten "Wal- pole." MR. FRAITK DICKSBE, R.A., has contented himself by sending two works to the Royal Academy this {'ear. One is a small water-colour, the other a rather arge oil, called An Offering," which hangs opposite the president's Skirt Dance." Already a purchaser has been found for An Offering," and it has changed hands for no less a sum than £ 1200. Since the year when he exhibited Harmony," Mr. Dicksee has had a wide popularity; at that time he was but 24, so success came to him early in life. Four years later .he was elected.an Associate of the R.A., and within the passing of a decade he enjoyed the privilege of full membership. M. PAUL BOYER, who is at present holding a photo- graphic exhibition at the Hanover Gallery, is one of the best known photographers in Paris. When President Felii Faure travels M. Boyer is generally attached to his suite, he was with him during his visit to Russia; and there are few State functions which are not put into lasting form by him. He is still a comparatively young man, and a typical Frenchman, he works at his business, when at home, both early and late. Since he has been in London he has had sittings from the Duko and Duchess. of York, and he has also been bidden to Windsor and Marlborough House. Like many of his countrymen, M. Boyer is a member of the Legion of Honour. THE tomb of William Cobbett at Famham, where he lived and died, is at last to4iave that attention which it has long awaited. Cobbett's name is rarely met with to-day, but for vigorous English we have no writer to compare with him. The student of style who neglects Cobbett neglects a master of force and simplicity. He was the last great worker in pure Saxon, if we except the orations of John Bright. His manuals on husbandry and housewifery, grammar, and the French language are excellent reading still; and his Rural Rides will be entertaining wheh many more professedly literary works on the open air, now fashionable, have become impossible. But for those in a hurry, perhaps the best place to study Cobbett is in the' parody of him in Rejected Addresses," which is, to our thinking, the best thing in that book. THE Athenaeum states that a small exhibition of books printed at the Kelmscott Press is now* on view ia the King's Library, British Museum, together with a selection froili the wood-blocks—both "SJr Edward Burne-Jonesls illustrations, and of Mr. Morris's title-pages, borders, and initials—recently, presented ta.the Museum. Along with the books are shown examples of the types of Jenson add Jacques Le Rouge 01 "Yeoice; .jfrom whichrjSXr. Morris took some suggestions for ral^l Golden Tj^M and tae German printers GimttinqjZainer, Scheetter, and Koberger, from wbomho: d slightly for ie TEOV TVOE" MESSRS. CASSELL AND COMPANY'S annual Exhibi- tion of Drawings in Black and WhitewH be opened on the 25th instant at the Cutlers Hall, Warwick- lane, E.C., and contain pictures by J. MacWhirter, R.A>, Alfred East, J. Pennell, H. G. Glindoni, H. M. and W. Paget, J. Charlton, Gordon Browne, H. A. Harper, W. H. Margetson, Sir J. D. Linton; T. Fulleylove, W Hatharell, Hal Hurst, P. Tarrant, C. Burton Barbt H. Overend, and many others.

THE strike at Frystone Colliery, West Yorkshire where 800 hands were employed, has now lasted 12 months without any prospect of the employers' terms being accepted. As the owners are in a position to obtain large orders both from the home and foreign markets, they have resolved to introduce coal-getting machines into the pit. THE death has occurred at Jersey of Catherine de St. Croix, widow of Helier Belford. She was born in 1797, and was therefore in her 101st year. The de- ceased lady was twice married, and up to within a few months ago could read without glasses, walk un- aided Íli her room, knit, and sew, while her health and her memory were excellent,

ASTOUNDING TESTIMONY to the unapproachable merits of From all classes. From all quarters. ECLIPSES ALL. Just a special fabric lining and a special manner of con- struct ion—and a result that eclipses all previous efforts. It is wonderful." -Scottidt Wheel and Motor News. POUR MONTHS WITHOUT INFLATING. You wiU be interested to know that I ha-ve not had occa- sion to re-inflate my tyres since I purchased my machine, over four months ago, although I ride it several miles daily I have been out with friends on the worst roads about here, and am the only one of about twenty who has had no puncture. One of my friends had three punctures in one day, on another make of tyre with thickened edges at least twenty of my friends have decided to go in for A. -B. Non-Puncturable Tyres this season, and I think every cyclist in the world, who studies comfort, should do the same."—CHARLES WILSON, 22, Turville Road, Birmingham. The light roadster and road racing patterns are more durable than other make fall roadster. WHAT WHEELINGj SAYS. "We saw a machine fitted with A.-B. Non-Puncturable Tyres ridden over broken glass, and board with nails business ends up. For speed, comfort, and general immunity from punctures, we recommend the light roadster to the attention 01 our readers." FROM CYCLING. We have never seen a tyre submitted to sach tests before." WHAT TANDEM TYRES STAND. I can say that, I have ridden the tandem tyres supplied by you, some thousands of miles without a single puncture ot trouble of any kind.F. J. EVE, 58, Tytherton Road, Tufaell Park, N. Are immeasurably superior on all points to any other tyre on the market. TWO- YEARS WITHOUT PUNCTURING. I had your A.-B. Tyres on my last machine, and Had then, in constant use for two years without a single puncture."—Gao» HUBERT, 17, Coleman St., London, E.G JbJMOD The onfjr,fault I can find in your tyres is that they do not puncture sufficient to paq$e repairs, though, of course, it suits our customers and. m most cases meaps repeat orders for A.-B. Chelate j ^ana^er» Sovereign Cycle Mfg. Are the only light tyres in the world that are guaranteed. The guarantees that other firms brag about dodging yott round the world with refer to their heavy roadster tyre only. Their catalogues expressly state that they do not guaraateA their light tyres in any way. SUPERIOR TO ALL. I must say that A.-B. Non-Puncturable Tyres are, without doubt, the best I have ever seen and far superior to the othet tyres I have been riding up to the present."—H. H. GARNER* Belmont. VANITY FAIR SAYS. Those who set out on their travels with those tyrss may safely leave their mending apparatus at home." Would you waste money on old-fashioned heavy puncturing tyres in &C9 of opinions like these ? Write for free sample section, catalogue and farther proofs of their merits; (Mention this Paper.) Be wise in time. Whatever cycle yon buy INSIST upoa having filisn§E The Amalgamated Pneumatic Tyre Cos., Ltd., CLERKENWELL ROAD, LONDON, E.C. THE Attorney-General of Colorado has furnished an opiuum that there is no law authorising women in that Enl&te to drop their maiden name on the simple excuse of a wedding. The question calling for the decision came from a woman notary public who was recently married. She asked under what name shg should continue to exist officially, and was gratified with the announcement she must sign all documents as before marriage, for, the Attorney-General says, there is no authority for a change of name at mar- riage or at any other ti«e. MOST boys are fond, at some time or other in their earlier career, 6fmarbles and Mr. G. F. Watts. R.A., was no exception to thisrule. But the marbles he studied were the Elgin Marbles, a famous collection of statues and bas-reliefs in the British Museum; and he said that it was from these he got his first ideas of art. He started to draw and paint at a very earlj age, and exhibited his first picture when he was onl) seventeen years old. In the same year ho painted a portrait ot himself,

MAMptfDS IN BICYCLES! Owing to the heavy import duties on diamonds ana other precitvie stones levied by the United States Cusf arri s, the methodsof evasion that are now prac- tised often exhibit great ihgenuity. The apparently innocent and commonplace cyclist, returning from a tour abroad with his machine bearing honourable evi- denbe-of 'having travelled, has sometimes been dis- covered to have coaicealed- in the tubes of his bicycle precious stones of enormous value, which he is en- deavouring to Sttutggle- into the country. This dis- covery is expected, says the St. James's Budget, to lead to things being, made very, dnplmsant for nianya bona fide traveller who has ther A-tisfortane to come under the suspicion of the Custom House authorities for. aiter they have made a tjiorotigh investigation of the innermost recesses of his machine, theAatter will pro- bably require the- attention of ,a skilled mechanic before it is fit to ride again.