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

STRICT ETIQUETTE.—Mrs. Slummite.—Which I begs your parding, y6ur Rile 'Ighnus, but we jest looked in, a-tliinking as you might be offended if tee dtdn t return your tvisit!—Funny Folks,

THE FORMATION OF PETROLEUM. We know that coal has been produced by plant life, so, when we extract petroleum from it, we naturally look to organic matters as its ultimate source. Never- theless petroleum occurs in many geological forma- tions where organic life has only sparsely existed. Nor does petroleum, when examined by the micro- scope, exhibit the least traces of organised structures. The range of geological formations in which it is found is considerable. In the Caspian Sea it is found in tertiary sands, having a comparatively modern origin in a geological sense. But in Canada it occurs as low down as the Silurian formation and in the lower parts of the Devonian, while in Pennsylvania it is in the upper series of the Devonian, below the coal measures. An elementary knowledge of geology shows that these facts render it difficult to connect petroleum with pre-existing organic debris. Ordinary rocks result from the waste of pre-existing systems, or are pushed up by volcanic energy from central depths. Neptunists could not explain the formation of petro- leum by aqueous action; for it is so light that it would float on the top of water, and would not be buried by deposit. V ulcanists of the old school would be equally perplexed, because petroleum is so volatile hat heat would convert it into vapour, and it would be dissipated. Is, then, petroleum cosmic ? Perhaps the question is not so absurd as it appears. Recent observations on the tail of the great comet which adorned the heavens not long since showed that it contained hydro-carbons very similar to petroleum. I do not mean to indicate that the comet was a huge petroleum lamp rushing through space still tne detection of hydrocarbons in it is a significant fact. It lends considerable support to the idea that petro- leum is being continually formed anew in the deeper parts of the earth. In all petroleum wells water is also found. In the depths of the earth there is pro- bably a large abundance of compounds of the metals with carbon, for we find them in basaltic and other rocks. When the crust of the earth becomes fissured, water would reach these at a high temperature and be decomposed, its oxygen passing over to the metals, whilst the carbon and hydrogen would unite to pro- duce hydrocarbons, the most common form of which is petroleum. The gaseous hydrocarbons, formed by the same action, are pent up in these cavities, and when a boring is made for a well, force up the petro- leum frequently as high fountains. Wells of this substance are generally found at, the base of moun- tain ranges, as of the Alleghanies in America, or of the Caucasus in Russia. These elevations indicate cavities, fissures, or crevasses below, and into these as into a receiver, the hydrocarbons may have been distilled and become condensed. This is only a theory, but it is the one which is the most satisfactory to my mind; and, if it be true, it is a comforting one, for while we find forests disappearing from the earth, the coal being exhausted without being formed afresh, petroleum, which as fuel has about twice the value of coal, is being constantly formed and deposited in nature's reservoirs.- Good Words,

HINTS ON PIG-KEEPING. The Gardeners' Magazine says that pigs are most useful animals on the home farm, for with but little aid from purchased food a goodly number in propor- tion to the size of the holding can be kept with what is but little better than waste. They, for example, will convert into meat the skim milk, buttermilk, the wash from the mansion, and the refuse vegetables from the kitchen garden, and will also produce a liberal supply of manure, not so valuable perhaps as that obtained from the stable, but not to be despised either for the garden or farm. Since the large im- portations of bacon and hams from America have de- pressed values so considerably the keeping of pigs by those who have had to purchase all or a very large proportion of the food has been anything but profit- able but even now the keeping of pigs, where nearly the whole of the food produced at home, and much of it would otherwise be wasted, will afford a good return. Whether the pigs are profitable or not depends very much upon the selection of a breed suitable to the purpose for which it is required, and judicious management. Large framed pigs are much less useful than those of medium or small size, for they consume quite as much food in proportion to their weight, or even more, than small pigs, which, when killed, are worth quite thirty per cent. more, as witness the market reports published from week to week. The best breeds for pork are the Essex and Sussex, both of which are of comparatively small size, for they lay on flesh at a rapid rate, and are comparatively speaking very delicate. A good, if not the best, breed for bacon is the Berkshire, and as it is so often met with out of character, owing to crossing with other and in many instances larger breeds, due care should be taken to obtain a true stock. A warm and rather sunny posi- tion should be selected for the styes, which must be provided with spacious yards and be perfectly water- tight, for, although pigs are not the most tender or the cleanest of animals, they thrive much better when they have warm quarters and a dry bed provided for them. In the feeding of pigs the fact must not be lost sight of that at all times they should be well kept, and that from the first they should have daily a moderate quantity of bran or pollard, with a little corn occasionally, for if kept when young entirely upon vegetables, milk and wash, the flesh Jacks firm- ness, and is extremely wasteful when cooked. All corn and other dry food should be either cooked or scalded before it is given to the animals, as they then take it more readily, and obtain a greater degree of nourishment from it. The styes must be cleaned out at. regular intervals, and the bed be provided and maintained in a clean and comfortable condition, but it is not imperatively necessary to maintain the same degree of cleanliness as in the habitations of other animals.

AGRICULTURAL DISTRESS IN FRANCE. In the French Senate M. de St. Vallier called at tention to agricultural distress in the Aisne,. where owners cannot find tenants, even on condition of merely paying the taxes, while a single arrondisse- ment contains forty-five farms lying fallow. He at- tributed this to migration into the towns and to foreign competition; and advocated a commis- sion of inquiry on the spot, as Aisne was suffering more than other departments, the local agriculture and manufactures being both exposed to depression. M. Meline, Minister of Agriculture, replied that agricultural products, were excluded from com- mercial treaties, and that Parliament could at any moment increase the customs duties on such pro- ducts. But he could not pledge the Government on this point. He admitted that Aisne was feeling a serious reaction from a state of prosperity, one reason being the existence of a crisis in the beet- root sugar industry, a bill to remedy which was pending. Cereals, moreover, could not be sold at a profit; but high productive duties would be detri- mental to the general interests of the country. Migra- tion to the towns had also made labour dear. He suggested that the agriculturists had neglected the duty of laying by for bad times, but he had appointed a commission to visit the Aisne and to report, espe- cially on the question of the empty farms. Mean- while the exodus to the towns had stopped, as wages were no longer rising there, and he was confident that agriculture would tide over the crisis.

GARDENING FOR THE WEEK. CONSERVATORY AND GREENHOUSE. Annuals ought to be growing freely now in a genial atmosphere, and very near the glass. If they are running up and becoming spmdled, prick them out and plant them in a fresh soil deep enough to cure their legginess. Bedding Plagits.-Cuttings put in now will bear more heat than those put in a month ago, as vegeta- tion is more active with the advance of the season. There is plenty of time now to raise stock of verbenas, petunias, fuchsias, and lobelias, and they will bear a moist temperature of 75 deg. to advantage. Pot off into thumb-pots newly-struck cuttings as soon as they begin to make new growth at the points. Young plants that want a shift to larger pots, and which are to be stopped to make them bushy, should be stopped first, and the repotting delayed till the side shoots begin to break. Camellias out of bloom to have a higher tempera- ture and a moist atmosphere, to promote the new growth. Any that require a shift may have it now; but the general shifting is best delayed till the wood is ripe or ripening. Cinerarias are now coming finely into flower, and must have constant attention. Neglect of watering will cause the lower leaves to shrivel, and too much water will cause the colours of the blooms to run. Tie out specimens in good time. Those only just showing their trusses may have a shift, so as to form Ine plants late n the season. Fuchsias are growing finely now, and plenty of cuttings may be obtained without distressing the old plants in fact, the stoppings of shoots will do, for it matters not how short and soft the cuttings are they always root instantly if put into sand in a nice heat. It is no use to grow fuchsias slowly; let them have the warmest berth possible, with plenty of mois- ture and only a little air. FORCING AND ORCHARD HOUSES. Ctw,u.rfibers.-It will be more difficult now to keep the heat of bearing beds up to the mark than it has been all the winter, for the east winds will cool them more rapidly than the rains. Linings will now be of great value. In giving air guard against the entrance of parching cold wind; a mat hung over will allow of an exchange of atmosphere through it without permitting the entrance of a killing draught. French Beans in the forcing pit must be kept very near the light, and have a brisk temperature. Give air early on fine mornings while the plants are mode- rately dry, to promote the setting of the fruit. Crops that have been gathered from to have the help of soot- water, or a solution of guano, half an ounce to the gallon, to promote a luxuriant growth. Figs in the early house are now swelling their fruit nicely, and require plenty of water. If allowed to root through their pots into rotten leaves and other such plunge material, liquid manure will perhaps not be needed. If in pots, and not plunged, they must have liquid manure. Melons to be grown in frames to be planted at once, so as to have the full benefit of sun-heat when the temperature of the beds is declining, and to ensure a perfect ripening of the fruit. Put them out on a good depth of strong loam, without manure. Peaches and Plums must be carefully managed while the fruits are stoning. Any excess of fire-beat, or water, or cold draughts will cause the fruit to fall at that critical period. As they commence swelling after the stoning period, the heat may be slightly raised, and the trees to have frequent showers from the syringe. Peaches in the early house to have a temperature by day of 75 deg. to 80 deg.; by night 55 deg. On dull days the temperature not to rise above 65 deg. FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUNDS. Auriculas to have plenty of water and air, but during driving rains it is best to keep them sheltered. Remove all secondary trusses, and thin the pips of the trusses left for blooming. Box Edgings made now will do far better than in autumn. If the weather is dry after planting, keep newly-planted box well watered, as if a few plants die the unsightly gaps are not easily mended in the height of summer. Verbena venosa is a very easy subject to manage, for it is only needful to keep the roots safe from frost from the time of taking up till now to secure any amount of stock of it. Put the roots into shallow boxes, and place them in a propagating pit at once. They may, however, be put in small pots if more convenient. KITCHEN GARDEN. Asparagus beds to be lightly pointed over and dressed with salt at the rate of a pound and a half to every square yard. Sow seed for new beds. Celery sown early will now require to be pricked out into boxes on a slight hotbed. Sow now for the main crop. Potatoes may be planted for main crops. The sets should be hard, dark green the sprouts short and purple; the soil in a dry state, and quite pulverulent; the sets trenched in. THE HOUSE. It may perhaps be useful to remind those who keep feathered songsters in living rooms that the birds re- quire rather closer attention than usual just now, and as the season opens out and the weather becomes more genial they should enjoy a breath of fresh air daily, either by the opening of the windows or by being placed in airy quarters. Exposure to draughts ought to be avoided. In the matter of feeding they should have a liberal supply of food, which ought to be of a simple yet nourishing character. Canary seed should DOW, as at other seasons of the year, form the staple, and to this may be added rape and millet in comparatively small proportions. Birds intended for breeding ought to have in addition a little bruised hemp or poppy seed occasionally, the hemp being preferable. The necessity for a daily supply of fresh water may well be pointed out., for it is too much the practice of renewing the water twice a week or so, to the injury of the birds. It will not suffice to add a little water to that in the glasses these receptacles must be emptied and entirely refilled. More liberal supplies of green food will become necessary, and just now the tender tops of radishes and the leaves of let- tuces from the frames, and the tops of water-cresses, are particularly suitable for birds confined in cages.— Gardeners'lvIagaziJl.e.

WILLS AND BEQUESTS. (From the Illustrated London News.) The will, with three codicils, of Henrietta Elisa- betlie Sophie Durand, Baroness de Lesser, late of No. 12, Rue Volney, Paris, who died on October 26 last, was proved in London on January 21 by Auguste Louis Ferdinand, Baron Creuze de Lesser, the son, the value of the personal estate in England amounting to over £43,000. The testatrix leaves to her said son her mansion, No. 12, Rue St. Arnaud, with the furni- ture, bronzes, and movable effects; to her son Alexis Creuze de Lesser, her farm, Voisins de Bretonneux, with everything belonging to the same and there are other specific gifts to her two sons. She also leaves 3000f. to the work of the Misericorde de Marseilles, of which her father was administrator; 30,000f. to be distributed by her children in the best works they are cognisant of without intervention; specific bequests to relatives and others, and pecuniary legacies to domestics servants. The will (dated May 9, 1880) of the Right Hon. Sir Richard Paul Amphlett, P.C., formerly one of her Majesty's Judges of Appeal, late of No. 32, Wimpole- street, and of Wychbold Ilall, Worcestershire, who died on Dec. 7 last, was proved on the 2nd ult. by Dame Sarah Amelia Amphlett, the widow, Richard Holmden Amphlett, the nephew, and Richard Ryder Dean, the surviving executors, the value of the per- sonal estate amounting to over £ 31,000. The testator gives S500, his house in Wimpole-street, and all his furniture, horses, carriages, and farming stock to his wife; his law library to his nephew, Richard Holmden Amphlett; his plate, diamonds, point lace, and por- trait by Oulesss to go as heirlooms with Wychbold Hall; and legacies to relatives, clerk, and servants. The residue of the personalty is to be held, upon trust, for his wife for life, and then upon trusts of his marriage settlement. All his real estate in the county of Worcester or elsewhere is devised to the use of his wife for life, then, in default of children, to the use of his nephew, the said Richard Holmden Amphlett, for life, with remainder to his first and other sons, according to priority of birth in tail male. The will (dated Dec. 30, 1883) of Mr. William George Cartwright, J.P., D.L., late of Springfield, Newport, Monmouthshire, who died on Jan. 2 last, was proved on the 16th ult. by Mrs. Maria Anne Cartwriglit, the widow, Frederick Fox Cartwright, and Charles Henry Lonsdale, the executors, the value of the personal estate in the United Kingdom amounting to upwards of £ 147,000. The testator bequeaths the racing cups and plate won by his late father as follows viz., the Ascot Cup, won by Ely, to his son William John the Goodwood Cup, won by Ely, to his son Thomas George; the Upton Cup, won by Monmouthshire, to his son Frederick Steward the Beaufort (Monmouth) Cup, won by Princess of Wales, to his son Hervey Edward; the Beaufort (Monmouth) Cup, won by Wrougliton, to his son Harold; the Beaufort (Bath) Cup, won by Ely, to his daughter Alice Jean; and the Queen's Vase Ascot, ton by Albert Victor, to his daughter Winnifred Maud. He leaves to his wife E2500, all his consumable stores, a carriage and a pair of horses; and, for life, the re- mainder of his plate, all his furniture, jewellery, pic- tures, and household effects at his principal re idenc, and an annuity of £ 800; upon trust, for each of his sons other than William John and Thomas George, £ 15,000; upon trust, for each of his daughters, £ 10,000; upon trust, for his clerk, George, James Bawn, for life, X5000, and at his death one-half of the income of the said sum to his wife, Mrs. Selina Bawn (if she survives him), for her life and to his executor, Mr. Lonsdale, £ 100. The residue of his real and per- sonal estate is to be held, upon trust, for his two sons, William John and Thomas George. The will (dated Feb. 16, 1882) of Mr. John William Wright, late of East Morton, Bingley, Yorkshire, paper manufacturer, who died on December 14 last, was proved on Jan. 31 by Henry Wright and Holmes Wright, the brothers, and Thomas Stratten, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to upwards of S81,000. The testator bequeaths to his wife, Mrs. Mary Frances Wright, £ 500, all his furniture, plate, pictures, household effects, horses and carriages, and an annuity of X1000 for life; to his nephews and nieces by consanguinity, £100. each; and legacies to domestic servants, and to servants of the firm of H. and J. W. Wright. He also bequeaths E200 each to the Baptist College at Rawdon, near Leeds, and the Baptist Missionary Society; £100 each to the Independent College at Heaton, near Bradford, the London Missionary Society, and the Bradford joint Hospital Fund S50 to the Royal Albert Asylum for Lunatics, Lancaster; and X506 to the trustees of Morton Independent Chapel at East Morton for a minister's house and outbuildings. The residue of his real and personal estate is to be held in trust for all his children in equal shares. The will (dated Sept. 10, 1880), with five codicils (dated Oct. 16, 24, and 25, and Dec. 6, 1§81, and March 21, 1882), of Mr. Robert Dugdale Marshfield, late of Wareham, Dorset, who died on Aug. 20 last at Weymouth was proved on the 30th ult. by Robert Coleman Hutchings, one of the executors, the value of the personal estate exceeding S23,000. The testator leaves S8000 Consols, upon trust, for his daughter Susannah Louisa Marshfield, and some other bequests; and he mentions that he has given in his lifetime to his daughter Mrs. Agnes Ann Hutch- ings the gold repeater watch taken from Napoleon Bonaparte's carriage at the Battle of Waterloo, which belonged to the Empress Josephine. All his real and leasehold property at Wareham and Swanage he gives to his said two daughters, and the residue of the personalty is to be held, upon trust, for tl\ein. The will (dated March 9, 1881), with a codicil (dated March 14, 1882), of Colonel Edward Chaplin, formerly of the Coldstream Guards, late of No. 25, Charles-street, Berkeley-square, who died on Dec. 23 last, was proved on Jan. 21 by Lady Guendolen Theresa Chaplin, the widow, and Cecil Chaplin, the brother, the executors, the value of the personal estate exceeding £ 22,000. The testator leaves his land at Metheringbam to his brother Cecil; 1 00 to Mary Sefton, a nurse in his family for many years and the residue of his real and personal estate, upon trust, to pay the income to his wife, for life, and then for all his children, in equal shares He appoints his executors guardians of his infant children. The de- ea sed was M.P. for Lincoln from 1874 to 1.

THE ANNEXATION OF MERV. At a recent meeting of the Balloon Society, at the Westminster Aquarium, Mr. Charles Marvin read a paper on the Annexation of Merv. Colonel Parker Gilmore presided over a large attendance. Having referred to the last Russo-Turkish war, and 'demon- strated what Russia had been able to accomplish in moving troops on the east and west shores of the Black Sea, Mr. Marvin quoted the opinion of General Skobeleff and other Russian officers that the best way of effecting the conquest of Turkey in future opera- tions would be by attacking English rule 'in India. The Russians would pose in the attitude of liberators in India from tyrannical English rule, and by draw- ing all our defensive forces to that quarter, Turkey wouldbecome an easy prey. Mr. Marvin wont on to show that Russia could with greater ease throw an immense army into Central Asia by way of Baku and the Caspian than into Turkey by way of the Danube. He de- scribed the rapid rise and progress of Baku, which he said had acquired an importance but imperfectly realised by England, and pointed out the ready means of access which Russia had to that port. It was' only at Michaelovsk that the army would come in contact with the immense deserts which the dressing-gown school of English politicians used to regard as a bar- rier to the Russian advance, and which even now were believed by many. It was absurd for Mr. Gladstone to say that many years would elapse before the dis- trict between Kizil Arvat and Herat could be peopled by Russian colonists. Remembering the progress at Baku and the fact that in a few weeks' time Merv will be in the postal union, there was every reason to think that progress would be as rapid there. From her own provinces Russia could send to Kizil Arvat as large an army as that with which she invaded Turkey, and far larger than any army Eiiglanq could despatch to India. The annexation of Merv had removed out of the way of Russia the formidable Turcoman cavalry, 50,000 strong, and left the road to Herat open. Ere long the railway would be extended from Kizil Arvat to Herat. The political effect of running a locomotive into the very key of India was wo-ith far more to Russia than the £ 2,500,00p that the line would cost. The speaker went on to show that Merv was on the road to India when the Russian advance lay through Turkestan, but there were two plans of advance contemplated by rival Russian administrators, and lie connected the annexation of Merv with the downfall of General Tchernaieff. Bearing all these facts in mind, the English Government ought to take measures, not only against the present position of Russia in Central Asia, but against her prospective position.

ABOUT SEALSKINS. It is often wondered why the price of sealskin goods should remain so high when the Arctic abounds with the animals from which the fur is taken, and the limit allowed by the existing laws, as they are con- strued by seal catchers, is comparatively boundless. The statement of the great cost of colouring and pre- paring the fur is not credited by many, and i,t does look rather strange that this should be the case. L. Gerstle, President of the Alaska Commercial Com- pany, dropped a hint or two to a Chronicle reporter recently on this subject. In speaking of the total catch for the season, which Mr. Gerstle says has been incorrectly reported, it was remarked that the market at the opening of the season of 1883 showed such an overstocked condition that it was thought necessary, in order to work off the remain- ing furs, as well as future catches, to take some steps to keep the demand and supply steady and make the transactions profitable to the company. But," asks the reporter, if the supply is so great as it is reported, why could not the trade be con- ducted on a cheaper and more extensive basis ? The round hearty countenance of the seal merchant was lighted up by a broad smile, and with a significant look in his eye he said: The idea is to have the popularity of the sealskin retained by the fashionable world." And you intend to do this by keeping up values ? Exactly; that is the only way, and it is in accordance with strict commercial principles. That is not all, however. If the sealskin should become cheap and common, other furs which are harder to procure would then be in demand." "How is the market regulated ? Well," said the, presi- dent, you know that we have a very extensive trade abroad, and, in fact, London and Paris are the chief centres of the fur trade. In March of each year a meeting of furriers or their delegates is held in London, and to these we make our report that they may know the outlook for trade from this source for the subsequent season. We gave them notice of our intention to reduce the supply of skins for the season of 1883, and have followed out that plan to the letter. Here is a copy of the report." On examination it was found that tne catch for the season was 40,000 skins less than last year's. The total number captured, or agreed to be captured, was 100,000. Of these 25,000 were Copper Island and 75,000 Alaska fur. Will the reduction of the annual catch be permanent ?" was asked. I cannot say as to that," replied Mr. Gerstle. Prior to this season the tone of the market had not been very healthy, prices settling from sale to sale, and no other remedy being afforded us, the present step was resolved on.Sall Francisco Chronicle.

BEST GAME FOR THE POLICE.—Hunting the slipper. -Judy INDIAN PRESENTS TO MRS. AND THE MISSES GLADSTONE. Hamid Ali Khan, of the North Western Provinces of India, having had the honour of sending to Mrs. and the Misses Gladstone three Indian fans with crimson braiding and silver handles, he has had the honour of receiving the following replies from the Premier and Mrs. Gladstone. The note from Mr. Gladstone is as follows:—" 10, Downing-street, White- hall, Feb. 29, 1884.—Sir,—I am requested by Mr. Gladstone to express his best thanks for your great courtesy in sending three Indian fans for presentation to Mrs. and the Misses Gladstone. They are greatly pleased with them, and Mrs. Gladstone much appre- ciates the warmth and kindness of your accompanying letter.—I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, G. W. SPENCER LYTTELTON." The following note is from Mrs. Gladstone :—" 10, Downing-street, Whitehall, Feb. 29.-Dear Sir,—On the part of my two daughters and mysel I thank you heartily for your kind presents. The Indian fans are beautiful, and the crimson braiding done by your mother does not escape our attention. We value it all very much, and perhaps more than all, your most kind words about my husband and family. Pray accept our best and warmest gratitude.—With best wishes for yourself and your kind mother, I remain, Sir, yours truly, CATSEEINE GLADSTONE,"

MEMORIAL TO LONGFELLOW IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY. On Saturday, Canon Prothero, sub-dean, unveiled the bust of Longfellow, executed by Mr. Brock, A.R.A., which has been placed in the Poet's Corner, at Westminster Abbey. Among a numerous and distinguished company assembled to witness the ceremony were Earl Granville, Mr. Childers, Mr. J. Russell Lowell (the American Minister), Miss Alice and Miss Anne Longfellow (daughters of the poet), Miss Macintosh (his niece), Canon Rowsell, Dr. W. C. Bennett, Sir Theodore Martin, &c. Previous to the ceremony a meeting was held in the Jerusalem Chamber, with the sub-dean in the chair. The Dean of Westminster was absent, in consequence of the death of a near relative. Dr. Bennett, the hon. secretary of the fund, read the report of the committee, and also a letter from the Prince of Wales, expressing regret that an engagement which he could not well postpone would prevent him from attending and showing his admira- tion and respect for the great American poet. Earl Granville, who was first called upon to speak, said I was a little startled this morning when I read in the newspapers that Lord Granville had promised to make a speech. That appeared to me to be rather a liberal construction to put upon the answer which I sent to a very courteous invitation. Not that there are wanting materials for a speech there are mate- rials of the richest description. There are first of all the high character, the refinement, and the personal charms of the late illustrious poet-if I may speak so in the presence of those who are so near and dear to him. There are also the characteristics of those works which have secured for them not a greater popularity in the United States themselves than in this island and all the English-speaking dependencies of the British Empire. There are also very large views in regard to the literature which are perfectly common to both the United States and our- selves in regard to the separate branches of litera- ture which have sprung up in each country, and in respect to which so much depends one upon another. There is also, above all, the international relations of a moral and intellectual character, which become bonds stronger and greater every day between the intellectual and cultivated classes of both these great countries. I am happy to say that with such materials there are persons here infinitely more fitted to deal than I could have done, even if I had had the time to bestow upon them the thought and labour necessary to condense into the limit of speech some of the considerations which I have just mentioned to you. I am glad that amongst those present there is one who is not only the official representative of the United States, but one who speaks with more authority than any one with regard to the literature condition of the United States. I beg to offer you, Mr. Sub-Dean, the bust which is to be presently un- veiled. Mr. J. Russell Lowell: I think I may take upon myself the responsibility in the name of the daughters of my beloved friend to express their gratitude to Lord Granville for having found time, amid he continual and arduous calls of his duty, to be present here this morning. Having occasion to speak in this place some two years ago, I remember that I then expressed the hope that some day or other the Abbey of Westminster would become the Walhalla of the whole English speaking race. I then little thought that a beginning would be made so soon-a beginning at once painful and gratifying in the highest degree to myself— with the bust of my friend. Every one of us has his own private Walhalla, and it is not apt to be populous. But the conditions of admission to this Abbey are very different. We ought never to be asked why is So-and-So here; and we ought always to be able to answer why is such a one not here. Nearly forty years ago I had occasion, in speaking of Mr. Longfellow, to suggest an analogy between him and the English poet Gray, and I have never since seen any reason to modify or change that opinion. There are very marked analogies between them. This is not the place for criticism, still less for eulogy, for eulogy is but too often disguised apology. But 1 have I been struck particularly with some of my late friend's sonnets, which seem to me to be some of the most beautiful and perfect. we have in the language. They remind me of one of those cabinets which I have some- times seen, in which many drawers are unlocked by a single key. I have seen sonnets in which there is a separate lock for every line, and after fumbling among our fourteen keys we find ourselves in certain con- fusion. But there was nothing of this in him. His mind always moved straight towards its object, and was always permeated with the emotion that gave it frankness and sincerity, and at the same time the most simple expression. I must add a few words with regard to the personal character of a man whose friend I was for thirty years. Never have I known a more beautiful character. I was familiar with it daily—with the constant charity of his hand and of his mind. His nature was consecrated ground, into which no unclean spirit could ever enter. I am unable to say anything adequate to the occasion, but I think I am authorised to accept in the name of America this tribute to not the least distinguished of her sons, to a man who in every way, both in public and in private, did honour to the country who gave, him birth. I cannot add anything more to what was so well said by Lord Granville, for I don't think these occasions are precisely the occasions for set discourses, but rather for a few words of feeling, of gratitude, and of appre- ciation. Mr. Childers, in moving a vote of thanks to Dr. Bennett and Mr. Bennock, the honorary secretary- and treasurer of the fund, said it gave him great pleasure to say a few words on this occasion. When- ever he had been in America, and whenever he had met Americans in this country, he had found there was one place which they looked upon as being as much theirs as ours, and that was the Abbey Church of Westminster. Dr. Bennett responded, and the company then pro- ceeded to Poets' Corner, where the sub-dean unveiled the bust, which was much admired, and was pro- nounced by several American gentlemen who had known Longfellow to be a faithful likeness. The same opinion had also been expressed by Longfellow's daughters and niece. It is inscribed as follows: Longfellow.—This bust was placed amongst the memorials of the Poets of England by the admirers of an American poet, 1884. Born at Portland, U.S.A., Feb. 27, 1807. Died at Cambridge, U.S.A.. March 24,1882." The Sub-Dean, standing near the bust and addressing the large assembly, said: I feel to-Jay that a double solemnity attaches to this occasion which calls us together. There is, first, the familiar fact that to-dav we are adding another name to the great roll of illustrious men whom we com- memorate within these walls. There is, again, the novel and peculiar fact which attaches to the erection of a monument here to the memory of Henry Long- fellow. In some sense poets—great poets like him- may be said to be natives of all lands. But never before have the great men of other countries, how- ever brilliant and widespread their fame, been admitted to a place in Westminster Abbey. May I not add, is it not a pledge that we give to each other that nothing can long and permanently sever nations who are bound together by the eternal ties of lan- guage, race, religion. and;common feeling ? The proceedings then terminated.

LIGHTNING STROKES IN FRANCE. M. Cochery, the French Minister of Posts and Telegraphs, has communicated to the French Academy of Sciences an elaborate report on the strokes of light- ning which were observed in France during the first half of last year—that is, from the beginning of January to the end of June. The report is the first of its kind, and is due to a resolution of the inter- national conference on electrical units held at Paris in 1882 expressing a wish that an international system of observations on lightning strokes should be organized, each country collecting its own data. M. Cocliery framed a list of questions which were distributed to all the postmasters in the various departments, and such agents of railway companies and others as were willing to assist in the work. The questions embraced the nature of the stroke, damage to life and property, and a general description of the conditions and effects. The result is the interesting document presented to the Academy, from which it appears that in January there was one stroke injur- ing a man who carried an open umbrella with metal ribs. In February there were no strokes at all. In March there were four strokes damaging unprotected buildings and a high oak tree. n P there were also four strokes, injuring an(j a„ some poplar trees, a weathercjck,a isolated building. In May-C £ S 1,3 ana mjuu g 1 houses. The trees were oaks, and several of the strokes attacked the chimneys of the houses. It is notable that a gilt wooden figure of Christ in front of the Church of Bonse- cours (Seine-Inférieure) was struck,although the church has a lightning rod on it. During the month of June the total number of strokes largely increased, there being no less than 113, or from three to four a day. The daily number varied during the month, but was, if anything, larger at the end than at the beginning of the month. Seven men were killed; about forty persons, men, women, and children, were injured. Some seventy animals were killed, including fifty sheep and a dog. Many trees—oaks, poplars, elms, firs-were struck. A common object struck is the bell of some church, the chimney of some house, or the weathercock of a barn. Some of the strokes observed were received by the lightning rods of build- ings, and did no damage, except perhaps fusing the point of the rod. On the other hand. several serious accidents to buildings, and in one case death to a horse, occurred within a comparatively short distance of a lightning rod (from fifty to eighty metres). Isolated trees and animals under them appeared to have suffered most. Rain and hail accompanied most of the storms.

THE INHABITED HOUSE DUTY In the House of Commons. Feb. 29, on the motion to go into Committee of Supply, Mr. Alderman Law- rence called attention to the prejudicial effect of the Inhabited House Duty Acts on the building of suitable dwellings for artisans and labourers. He had heard very few suggestions made how to avoid this tax, and he was aware of one case where it had been got rid of. That was in the instance of Sir Sydney Waterlow's buildings, which were so constructed that there was a staircase but no front doors. The Peabody Trustees and other trus- tees were not free of the tax unless they obtained a certificate from the Treasury. It might be said, "If you can get that certificate, what more do you want ?" This exemption, however, was not extended to build- ings erected by private individuals. This was a serious obstacle in the way of private individuals who desired to erect houses for the benefit of the working classes. In this climate there were three absolute necessaries of existence-food, clothing, and lodging but while the taxes had been removed from food and clothing, additional taxation had been placed upon lodging. The inhabited house duty, he contended, did a vast amount of mischief. There were many persons who held that a £20 limit of rateable value was a sufficient limit at which to fix the levying of this tax, but those persons could have but little idea of the class of dwellings which came within that limit in the metro- polis, as compared with the comfortable dwellings in country districts which were rated at the same amount. This showed the great inequality of the tax, in addition to which there were in the metro- polis restrictions as to occupancy, which made the impost still more harsh and galling—restrictions, he meant, such as that which compelled the occupier of a large block of warehouses and offices to pay in- habited house duty on the whole in the event of his allowing a junior clerk in his employ to sleep on the premises in the capacity of caretaker. Then, as to the amount of the tax, he asked whether it could be counted fair that the metropolitan district, which included parts of four counties only should bear more more than half of the whole tax levied in the United Kingdom. The whole tax, he con- tended, was a tax upon health, morality, and decency, and ought to be repealed in order that pri- vate individuals might be encouraged to invest their capital in the erection of dwellings suitable for the occupation of all classes in the community, with a reasonable hope of being able to secure a fair and re- munerative return upon their outlay. He was satisfied that the full advantages of the abolition of this tax could only be ascertained after "f wp- put an end to. It must be remembered that the on'j tax re- maining on the Statute-book tflnch mterfert^jich. the form of construction of any artic" JJ- huiLUng. The loss occasioned by the rep- of the tax might easily be made good out A the very hand- some surplus which was cer4in to realised at the cad ot the financial year. He trusted that the matter would Iie the consideration of the Government. He begged to i^io-ve the following reso- lution That, in order to afford facilities for add- ing buildings and parts of buddings for the occupation of the labouring poor, and in order to offer induce- ments for the erection of houses and block- of build- ings specially suitable fcr artisans and labourers, it is absolutely essential that the restrictions as to size and mode of construction at present entailed by the In- habited House Duty A e* should be removed and the tax repealed." In the course of the debate the Chancellor of the Exchequer said he had been appealed to by several members, and he wished now to answer that appeal. It had been asked whether the exemption from the payment of this tax which had been granted in 1866 was in the first instance to houses built by corpora- tions for housing the working classes, and whether that exemption had been extended, under the order issued during the recess, not only to future houses, but to past houses that may have been built. His hon. friend Mr. Peddie had specially referred to some houses constructed at a former date. He thought he could give a satisfactory answer to his question. The order was retrospective as well as prospective. If the tenements were really tenements and under the value of £20, the exemption would apply. If they were not separate tenements, then of course it would be impossible for the order to apply. The reason why in 1866 the exemption was only granted to houses built by a corporation or institution for the erection of improved dwellings for the working classes was because at that time a distinction had practically been made between them and the landlords of houses who might have let them out. Since that time, however, a custom had arisen in certain cases of landlords rearing houses of this character, those landlords not being corporations or public companies. He remembered that when the matter was previously considered the feeling was that it would not be easy to alter the prin- ciple of taking the letting value of houses by the year as the basis of assessment. That was the law, not only as to the house duty, but, also as to local rates. He was willing to look into points which had been raised in the discussion, but as to the proposal itself now before the House, he was afraid that he must ask his hon. friend (Mr. Alderman Lawrence) to allow it to be negatived. The repeal of a tax producing a revenue of £ 1,800,000 a year was a serious matter. He hoped that the time might come when, whether in connection with Imperial taxation or in some other way, that duty might be placed on a better footing. But beyond that he could not go. Objection might be taken almost to every tax, and he could not agree to that motion. Eventually the motion was negatived.

SILOS AND ENSILAGE. In an article on the "Agricultural Outlook," the Daily Tekgraph remarks that the popular interest in agricultural circles respecting silos and ensilage, so far from diminishing, appears to be greatly on the in- crease, the fact being that wherever experiments have been tried scarcely a silo has been opened with con- tents not in a condition sufficiently good for stock to relish the food contained therein when offered to them. The great obstacle to the spread of the system seems to have been the cost of constructing silos when formed of masonry with sides and floor rendered im- pregnable to the admission of water by linings or Portland cement. In view of this Lord 1° mache has generously offered to build silos any of his farms for the use of his tenan s> which he will charge them a i:;°dera eYerl rest on the outlay as additional the latter only on the'r_bemg wei ^ice. This improvement haying remk-red tb^^ kndlordg is an example which ehouidb farming generally, for m these •feprg^fc^ dog over the anything tending o ,ectecj. The popular mind, stile oug^lit no o (}isabused of the impression however, req^resjo^be^ tQ con_ tjlat s.^°s n jn America there are a great many made Sfoueh timber with boarded up sides, which do not C, require to be airtight if sufficient pressure can only be imposed, and we have it on the authority of Captain Bailey, of Massachusetts, that one costing only S50, and capable of containing 150 tons of ensilage, is found to be perfectly satisfactory.

CAUTIONS.—Railway Official.-Now, then, ma'am, you've got three hours to wait. Hadn't you better have your luggage put in the cloak room? Aunt Towzer.—Not if I know it, young man. You don catch me a-repositing my boxes in them cloak rooms, as are perfeck concussion caps,_ with thein renia ish diameters a-blowing 'em up in all directions wi iuie-juice glycerine.-FUnny Folks,