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

A DEATH WARNING. Towards the close of November, 1770, Lord Lyttelton had gone down from London to Pit Place for the purpose of spending a week or two in field sports or other recreation, and he had taken with him a gay party of friends. On the 24th of that month be had retired to bed at midnight, after spending the evening at cards with his guests, when his attention was attracted by the fluttering of a bird, apparently a dove or a pigeon, tapping at the window of his bed- chamber. He started, for he had only just put out his light, and was about to compose himself to rest. and sat up in bed to listen. He had gazed and listened for a minute or so, when lie saw, or at all events fancied that lie saw. a female clothed in white enter—whether by the door or by the window we are not informed—and quietly approach the foot of his bed. He was somewhat surprised, and not agreeably surprised, when the figure opened its pale lips and told him that three days from that very hour he should cease to live. In whatever manner this intimation, real or unreal, from the other world was conveyed to him, whether by sound of the voice or by any other mode of communication, one thing is cer- tain, that Lord Lyttelton regarded it as a reality, and a message from the world of spirits. The third night came, and everything had gone on as usual. The guests had sat down to dinner, played their rubbers of whist, and retired; but none of them had dared to rally the young Lord Lyttelton on the de- pression of spirits under which he laboured. Eleven o'clock came the party broke up, and went to their several rooms, wishing each other good night, and heartily desiring that the night were past and gone, so restless, anxious, and uncomfortable did they feel without exception. Twelve o'clock came, and Lord Lyttelton was sitting up in bed, having given his servant orders to mix him a dose of rhubarb, though apparently in the best of health. The dose was poured out, and he was just about to take it when he found that there was no teaspoon. A little out of patience with the valet for neglecting to have a spoon at hand, he ordered him to go and fetch one from the pantry at the foot of the stairs. The man was not absent from the room for more than a minute, or possibly a minute and a half, but when he returned ne found his master lying back at full length upon the bed speechless and motionless. No efforts to restore animation were of any avail, and no symptom of consciousness showed itself. His lordship was dead, having died on the third day, as the spectre had foretold.—Cassett's Greater London.

A WORD TCT^OUNG CRICKETERS. Now that the cricket season has commenced, it may be as well to address a word of caution to young bowlers, especially since, at a great meeting of cricket authorities, it has been decided to rigidly enforce rule 10, which ordains that the ball must be bowled, and not thrown or jerked. For some years past, a custom has gradually been gaining ground of raising the arm high above the head in bowling, and, in fact, of throw- ing the ball; and not only have young players been in the habit of offending in this way, but also many well-known professionals. Moreover, most umpires seem to have habitually neglected their duty in this matter, and have not called out "no ball," as provided in the rules, so that it was beginning to be considered in many quarters that the law on the subject was out of date, and need not be observed. Fortunately, how- ever, the question has now been taken up in earnest, and throwing will no more be winked at," as it has been in recent years. Bearing in mind this resolve to put a stop to throwing and jerking, and knowing how im- portant a matter good bowling is, young bowlers should study diligently to acquire a good and correct style of delivery. They should remember, too, that it is not everything to be able to bowl almost every consecutive ball straight at the middle stump; a fair man will play straight bowling for hours, provided it is easy. A good bowler should know the best spot on which to make the ball pitch, and lie should be able to impart a spin to the ball so that it may twist and curl and jump up in directions quite different from those in which the batsman expects it to travel. Moreover, he should bowl "with his head," as the cricket phrase goes- that is to say, he should find out the weak spots in a batsman's defence, and accommo- date his bowling so as to make it the most destruc- tive. Pitch, pace, and style—all should be varied according to the special circumstances of the case.— Littte Folks Magazine.

TARTAR HORSES. In ordinary times they made raids on their own account into Poland, or campaigned against the Cos- sacks, who were kept up by the Russians as a check upon them. Being often pursued and hard pushed on these occasions, their animals were obliged to be "fit." The training the best of them often underwent as a preparation for the business was something appalling, and to any one unacquainted with the strength of constitution and iron hardness of the Tartar ponies would be completely incredible. Their method of training a horse, or rather the ordeal they made him pass through before lie was con- sidered suitable for the" wfir-path which they admit used to kill two out of five who under- went it, and was, of course, only compatible with the possession of an unlimited number of animals costing nothing or next to nothing to keep being grazed on the steppe all the summer, and half starved on a little dry fodder during the winter-was in this wise After picking out a likely one, rising seven or eight—before which age no horse was allowed to be selected for raiding—they loaded him on a saddle with a sack of earth or sand, at first only the weight of the rider, but gradually increased for eight days, till the horse carried 20 stone or 22 stone. As the weight was increased, the horse's ration of food and water was diminished. He was trotted and walked six or seven miles daily. After the first eight days they gradually, for other eight days, decreased the load, still, however, decreasing the feed until the sack was empty; finally giving him for two or three days absolutely nothing at all, but merely tightening up the girths at intervals. About the nineteenth day they worked him hard until he sweated, when they unsaddled him, and poured buckets of ice-cold water over the animal from head to tail. He was then picketed, all wet, to a peg on the open steppe, allowed to graze, or fed sparingly, giving him every day a little more feed and more rope for seven or eight days more, after which lie was turned loose to run with the herd as usual. A horse that had undergone this discipline was considered a valuable animal, and a sort of fortune to a man, being able to travel almost continuously for four or live days together, with only a handful of fodder once in eight or ten hours, an a drink of water once in the twenty-four. This training was, of course, a sort of epitome of what the animals often had to go through on an actual foray, when they had frequently to swim semi-frozen rivers, to carry great weights, to go for days almost without tood, to be picketed on the steppes, perhaps sweating trom a long journey, in snow and sleet, without any covering," &c.-—The Boole of the Horse.

A VISIT TO ZOBEHR. The Daily News reprints a letter from its correspon- dent at Souakim, describing a visit lately paid by liim to Zobehr, and from which we make the following extracts: I have paid several visits to the renowned Slave Hunter, to whom, in its extremity, the Egyptian Government has turned for counsel and assistance in its contest with the Black Prophet. That, in their attempt to suppress rebellion and slavery, English officers (though in Egyptian pay) should be associs ^ed with a man who himself was the greatest rebel of his time, and whose slave depots once extended over a country double the size of France—all this may well shock Exeter Hall. But if there is to be a Soudan expedition, Sultan Zobehr's share in it will be a neces- sity. He is the only native in Egypt who is likely to possess any personal influence over the chiefs in the Soudan provinces. Of course, his prestige may count for nothing against a Prophet whose uninter- rupted successes are regarded as the sufficient proofs of his Divine mission but where Zobehr fails, no other African will prosper. Guns are not enough," said Sultan Zobehr, you must have management besides." By management he meant presents (not to use an impoliter word) for tl)lj holy Mahomet Achmet's followers. Zobehr s assurance on this point is worthy of the respect due to a unique knowledge and experience; for when Zobehr first came to Cairo, thirteen years ago, with the cup of his iniquities runnmg over, and a request for fresh honours and dignities, he distributed (so it is said) XIOO,(M in "preseds," among the Cairo Pashas. But let us now see Sultan Zobehr as he is at home, getting together his black soldiers, and compiling Horanic exhortations for distribution in the revolted provinces. If you expect to find him in a palace, like his old semi-Royal residence in the Soudan, you will be mistaken. Near the Shoobra-road (which is the Rotten-row of Cairo), close to the barge-laden canal in whose muddy water naked brown-skinned small Arabs waddle, and among the fields of sugar-cane, stand the dilapidated barrack where the Sultan lives, with his immense number of retainers of both sexes. Hundreds of Negroes and Nubians, glossy black as one's boot, lounge about the gatewway. There the head steward, a negro, awaits the arrival of the master's visitor. He salaams profoundly as the latter ap- proaches, and with his right hand bearing up the other's left arm he leads the visitor through a series of pas- sages, courts, and gardens, a long tail of black slaves following in the rear. When the visitor ascends a step, his guide gently hoists him up; when he descends one, the guide assists him to perform the feat softly. In the doorway stands Sultan Zobehr, to whom the steward makes over his charge, and who then welcomes the latter with another salaam, and, taking him by the hand, conducts him to the seat of honour in his Excellency's reception room. Though the Sultan is a Pasha of Egyptian creation, he has laid aside his Stambouli coat with the gold em- broidered sleeves; he is dressed in crimson and yellow-stripped silken vest, long flowing white robe, and white turban, an attire which admirably becomes his tall, slim figure. He stands until his guest is seated, and then, sitting down by his side, inquires after the stranger's health, thanks Allah for the comforting response, expresses his unbounded pride and happiness that his house has been honoured by so distinguished a visitor, and begs him to consider rs his own whatever he sees about him. Then comes the illustrious visitors turn. He, too, salaams, and thanks Allah, the Compassionate and the Merciful, for the health of his Excellency, whose name—" may it endure for ever;" and he has long looked forward to the delight of a visit to a ruler whose fame has reached far distant climes. Then the host bows again, raises his hand to his forehead, and replies that the presence of his guest is as a spring of water in a thirsty desert. Then ensues a pause. Gradually the room becomes filled with people, principally the Sultan's chief attendants and neigh- bours of his acquaintance. They all salaam to their host as they take their seats on the divans which line the four walls of the apart- ment. The room is hardly worthy of a personage who was lately one of the greatest of Central African potentates. The yellow damask curtains are torn and soiled, the bare walls are blotched and grimy, the plaster peeling off them; a small, rickety table, of the "jerry" style of European upholstery, stands in the middle of the floor except the divans, there is no other furniture but a vulgar chandelier, and a big staring looking-glass, which too faithfully depicts the general squalor. The passages are no lees grimy. In them, too, the plaster is falling off, and the red bricks protrude. The rest of the palace is in a similar condition; but do not forget that European art" is greatly responsible for the result. Just as you are finishing your survey of his Excellency's environment the bearers of coffee and cigarettes file in, the former with their silver trays and tiny cups. And, lastly, there follows a family ceremony, devised, I believe, for my particular benefit. A picked detach- ment of the slaves of the household was paraded before me. In they marched in Indian file. They were drawn up on the three sides of the square, the cushion shared by his Excellency and myself forming the fourth. They wore the most wonderful variety of costumes, and their complexions ranged from darkish brown to jet black. Each in his turn approached Zobehr, half knelt before him, raised his Excellency's hand to his forehead, and kissed it. Then the favoured guest was honoured in exactly the same way. And when the last man finished they all filed out again. At last the conversation began. I will give you," said my host, "my opinion about the Soudan in a parable. Once upon a time, a man parading the streets cried out that lie would sell bags containing a thousand pence for a penny apiece. A man rushed up with a penny, Go, slovenly creature,' said the vendor, and patch that hole in your cloak— that will be worth a thousand pence to you.' The lazy Egyptian Government," continued Zobehr, might have stopped thcLhdi three years ago if they had only sent a handful of Bashi Bazouks. Now they will have to send a thousand handfuls, and it will take a very wise man to accomplish much, even with the thousand." He thought that the Mahdi would avoid Khartoum, and push on by the desert route to Don- gola, thus intercepting the communications between Khartoum and Upper Egypt. I suggested that he, Zobehr himself might be the wise man destined by Providence to correct the mistakes of people who don't know that a stitch in time saves nine. In- shallah, the will of God be done," replied Zobehr, with a profound obeisance, and he remarked that it was gratifying to hear the suggestion from one who, like myself, was a citizen of the great nation which had always taken so much interest in the civilisation of his native country—the Soudan. May the Ingelezi prosper," added his Excellency. Once upon a time," he continued, there were many slave- traders in the Soudan, and the people were miserable and the country was depopulated but the Khedive and the benevolent Europeans had put down the traffic; the Soudanis would no longer be afraid to till their fields. It was the work of the Almighty; and as for himself, Zobehr, he trusted to be a humble instrument in hastening so excellent a change." As he said this lie touched his forehead with his long, thin fingers, and contemplated the ceiling. Only the frog-like, gurgling sound of his Excellency's pipe broke the decorous silence which followed. One of Zobehr's servants then brought in a crimson silken bag, containing two letters, one of them addressed to Sheikh Osman Ali, a chief of the Souakim Bedouins, and the other to the Holy Sheikh" El Tahir, both partisans of theMahdi. Both the letters are really remarkable for the dignity and eloquence of their style, especially, perhaps, the despatch to Sheikh Osman, in which the latter is re- minded of other days, when he and the writer were friends and adventurers together. Both letters abound in exclamations of piety, laudation of the persons to whom they are addressed encouraging assurances to those who will return to their allegiance, and dire threats against those who will persevere in the evil of their ways.

TitE RULING PASSION.-Doctor: "No, inydear sir, we must keep ourselves quiet for the present. No stimu- lants—nothing more exciting than gruel. Gruel for breakfast, gruel for luncheon, gruel for dinner, gruel for Peter Pundoleful (a noted burlesque writer—though you wouldn't have thought it to look at him—rousing himself suddenly): "Ah! my dear doctor, why is there not a Society for the Prevention of Gruelty to Animals ?"—Punch. "TEMPORA MUTANTUK."—Snookson: "Yes.; Hast- ings is a charming place, and has quite a peculiar—a —and lialf-melancholy interest for me. We came over with the Conqueror, you know!" Fair Bostonian (late from Paris): "Ah, that must have been very trying We came over with the Calazs-Doltvres. [S. tries n-ot to took foolish. Punch.

A POOR RULE, BUT UNIVERSAL. Mr. Slow was a philosopher, and he never lost an opportunity to enforce a moral lesson. Particularly did he desire that his son should grow up in the right way. Furthermore, he was liberal in his quotations of old saws and maxims for the regulation of the con- duct of his household. Father," said Aminadab, one day, didn't you tell me this morning that it was a poor rule that didn't work both ways ? I did, my son." Then come and behold, 0, my father." And the lad led his father out into the yard, where he had set many bricks on end in a long row. "Now, father, observe: I topple this head brick over against its neighbour what is the result ? All the bricks fall. Now I raise the last brick that went down—does that set the rest upright? No. So, what becomes of the rule?" "Ah, my son," said Mr. Slow, shaking his head sadly, that rule, though a poor one, is nevertheless universal. Those bricks are like men. The fall of one brings down many; but the rising of one does not so readily lift up others. Men knock each other down in the great race and battle of life without compunction, but they don't care to waste strength and time in pulling each other up. In short, my son, I never saw a man so low, and poor, and outcast, that he didn't like company; but when a man begins to rise, to soar, to grow rich and powerful, he likes to stand alone, with all else below him Think of it, my son." Aminadab gazed upon the prostrate bricks, and meditated.

WHY OLDER MEN SUCCEED BETTER. It has been stated, as a statistical fact, that the percentage of failures among business men is much larger of those who begin on their own account- before they are thirty years of age, than those who. begin later. Assuming this to be correct, as we pr sume it to be, why is it so ? Younger men, generally, though not always, are more energetic. We presume the great reason why they are not equally successful is because they do not comprehend so thoroughly the difficulties that lie in the way of success. If they did they would more frequently overcome them. Experience teaches the liability to many a slip—the necessity of systematic effort, and of sleepless vigi- lance. The young are more confident, and, as a con- sequence, less careful. The realisation of this truth—if it be possible for youth to realise it-would be of the greatest advantage to those entering into business on their own account at a very early age. A danger understood is more apt to be guarded against. Young men should be taught that their greatest peril may be found in their too sanguine feelings; that success is ever, in the nature of things, difficult of achievement, and that no one of its many conditions can safely be omitted. An old head may succeed all the better on young shoulders —but the old head must be there, either through I sturdy and firm resolve, or through years!

HOW TO BETTER ONE'S CONDITION. What State would be the best for a young man to go to better his condition ? is a question which is asked us by many young men every week (says a New York paper). The notion that the right place" for a young man to make his fortune can be found by travelling in search of it seems to be almost universal. But in the majority of cases, this will be found to be a mistake. Of course, the best place, as a rule, for anybody to get remunerative employment is the place where such work as he can best do is the most in de- mand. It does not follow, however, that it would be wke for a young man to spend his time in hunting for that precise place. It would be better for him to go to work where he is already known, and where people have confidence in him. Of course, if those who know him best have no confi- fidence in his ability and integrity, the first thing for him to do is to amend his ways, and so live as to deserve and win the confidence of his fellow-citizens. That having once been done, his success is assured, according to the measure of his ability, his industry, and his economy. When it is known in any community, that a certain man can be depended upon to keep his business en- gagements or that he will always have his work faith- fully done at the time agreed upon, or that his cha- racter for truthfulness and integrity is worthy of perfect confidence, he need not travel to any distant State to find a place to better his condition." Such a man can alway3 do well enough at home, and as his reputation spreads abroad he will be sought for posi- tions of higher trust and increased emoluments.

"GOING CIRCUIT" ON A TRICYCLE. Certain privileges are enjoyed by our Colonial fel- low subjects which we of the old country have out- grown or have not yet reached, remarks the Evening Standard. They do what they like to a considerable extent. There are parts of England where an elderly gentleman of station, of that girth also which is not unbecoming to years and dignity, would not be treated with reverence if perched upon a tricycle. But in Australia, as Chief Justice Williams assures the Council of the National Cyclists' Union, he can and does go circuit" on the top of a bicycle, which is even less like the car of Themis. And the popula- tion hail him with respectful admiration, turning out each man upon his wheel "—and each woman, also, for what we know—to escort the majesty of the law in procession. We conclude from this in- teresting story that judges in Australia do not enter the assize town in their robes. Perhaps the ingenious mind of man could not conceive a figure more ridi- culous than that of a venerable gentleman in knee breeches and a gown, to say nothing of a wig,' flashing through the country astride of a bicycle. We may come to the Australian ways. There is no reason in logic, or in common sense, why an archbishop should not perform his visitations in a go-cart, if that con- veyance suit his mood. But before the days arrive when we are guided by pure reason, unalloyed with sentiment, very many of the ideas and principles which are now thought natural and becoming to mankind will be thrown overboard, wisely or no.

LAW OF HUSBAND AND WIFE. The Married Woman's Property Act, which has now been some time in operation, is found to work unequally as regards the two sexes, the balance being on this occasion against the stronger sex (remarks the Queen). Under this Act criminal proceedings cannot even now be taken by the wife against the husband, nor by the husband against the wife, in regard to property, whilst they are living together. A wife cohabiting with her husband may pawn or sell his property without rendering herself liable to be prosecuted for robbery, which would be the case should she be living separately; and the same law applies equally, mutatis rrtutantis, to the husband as regards the property inherited or earned by the wife. But should they be living apart, the Act immediately comes into operation, and it also applies to property wrongfully taken by one when about to leave the other. This remedies an injustice, which previously was not infrequently committed. A wife could formerly leave her husband, carrying off all the portable valuables available, without rendering herself liable to any prosecution on that account; and in a similar manner a husband could take the property earned by or belonging to his wife. This state of things no longer exists; either party can take criminal proceedings against the other for the wrongful abstrac- tion of their goods and chattels. So far the present law treats both sexes'equally; but beyond this point there is a difference, and it is against the husband. If the prosecution I is com- menced by the wife for the unlawful abstraction of her property, she can give evidence against her hus- band, and his evidence is also received. But, as the man is usually the bread-winner and sole producer of the property accumulated, it more frequently happens that a woman leaving her home takes property belong- ing to her husband, in which case he can take pro- ceedings against her but there appears considerable doubt in the present state of the law whether he can be a witness in his own case, or give any evidence personally. This is so obviously an injustice that a short bill to remedy the evil has been introduced into Parliament by Sir Richard Cross, one of the' members for Lancashire, and Mr. Hinde Palmer, member for Lincoln; and as it is merely to remedy a'technical evil which was obviously the result of an oversight on the part of those officers who drafted the Married Woman's Property Act, it will probably be passed without opposition, as it is in no sense a party measure, its proposers sitting on opposite sides of the House of Commons, Mr. Palmer occupying the Ministerial side and Sir Richard Cross being in the ranks-of the Opposition.

AUSTRIA AND HUNGARY. ¡ The quarrel that has arisen between Austria and Hungary on the question of the Vienna cattle supply u rl continues to be carried on with great viguor. While Notes are being exchanged on the subject by the Pesth and Yienna Governments, a regular newspaper war has been opened by the chief organs of the press in the two halves of the Dual Monarchy. The Hungarian Cabinet on its part has already laid before the Emperor a detailed report on the dispute, and informed his Majesty that the Tisza Ministry will be unable to hold its ground against the popular indignation unless the grievances of which the Hungarians complain are redressed. At the same time the Magyars are occupying themselves with devising the most effective reprisals against Austrian commerce, in the event of the Yienna Government declining to concede the Hungarian demands. Great as is the noise the controversy is making for the moment, there can be no doubt that the quarrel will suddenly collapse, and end in a com- promise, giving to Count Tisza at least an apparent victory, as such a result is absolutely necessary to the triumph of the Ministerialists in the approaching General Election in Hungary. t>

PURITAN NOMENCLATURE. Many nations have exhibited quaint fancy in the matter of giving names to individuals, both in sur- names and in given names (says an American writer). The Moslem, and the North American Indian, were fond of sweet poetry in this direction; but, if occasion seemed to require, they could find names Plutonian enough. It remained for the English Puritan, how- ever, to cap the climax in the way of fanciful personal nomenclature. All the quaint ardour of their irre- pressible religion they revealed in the names which 'jthey assumed, and which they gave to their children. ,And faint traces of the custom have come down even .fio our day. I am acquainted with a family in Maine t?in which are (or were, fifteen years ago), three chil- dren named respectively Hate-Evil, Do-Good-Always, and Walk-Meekly. There is a touch of pathos in the name Dream-Sweetly-God's-Lamb, which a Puritan mother gave to her infant daughter; and there is almost a grim humour in the name which one of Cromwell's veterans assumed late in life—Praise-God Barebones. In an old work on English Surnames and Patro- nymics," I find the following. They are names taken from a jury list in Sussex County, in 1658, the year in which Richard Cromwell succeeded his father as Protector:— Faint-not Hewett, Accepted Trevor, Redeemed Coinpton, Make-Peace Heaton, God-Reward Smart, Stand-fast-on-high Stinger, Earth Adams, Called Lower, Meek Brewer, Be-courteous Cole, Repentance Avis, Search-the-Scriptures Morton, Kill-sin Pimple, Return Spelman, Be-faithful Joiner, Fly-debate Roberts, Fight-the-good-fight-of-faith White, More- fruit Fowler, Hope-for Bending, Graceful Harding, Weep-not Billing, Seek-wisdom Wood, Elected Mitchell, The-peace-of-God Knight." And yet, after all, it remained for a Rhode Island Puritan of the last century to put the finishing touch upon this style of Christian names. He had a son "whom he named Through-much-Tribulation-we- Enter-into-the-Kingdom-of-Heaven Clapp. As the lad grew up and mingled with the world's people, he came, for the sake of brevity, to be called Tribby."

THE GOVERNOR'S SCARECROW. He was governor of a New England state north of Massachusetts. I knew him well, and have spoken more than once from the stump with him. He was a good man, true to the core but he could never be a fashionable man. He had a superior education, but you would not h'1ve thought it to look at him. He was gaunt, muscular, and strong; dark of com- plexion and, when not smoking, he carried his short, black clay pipe inlis vest pocket. Had you asked him what was his profession, he would have told you he was a farmer. And he was a farmer, and a great fruit-grower, too. Directly back of his house was a magnificent orchard, wherén he spent much of his time during the summer months, usually clad in a long, faded, ill-setting dressing-gown, reaching almost to his heels, and fitting him about as a shirt would fit a handspike. One day a gentleman, exquisitely dressed—broad- th spotless, linen white and glossy, hat painfully tk and shining, and with lavender kids upon his s-called to see the governor. He was probably in quest of an office to which the great man could help him, if said office was not really the governor's to give. Mrs. Governor answered his summons at the door, and replied to his inquiry: He is not in just at present, but if you will walk in and take a seat, I think you will not have a long time to wait." The gentleman accepted the invitation with thanks, and having found himself seated in a plain and com- fortably furnished sitting-room, he entered into con- versation with the govenor's wife: Your husband is quite a farmer, I believe ?" Yes. He likes to be considered a farmer." "And an enthusiastic horticulturist, I should judge." Yes." I took particular notice of the extensive orchard as I approached your residence. That, I suppose, is his ?" Yes—it is his pride." And he is careful in the matter of its protection. I observed a scarecrow erected among the trees as I came along." Scarecrow repeated the lady, in surprise. You must be mistaken. I am sure there have never been any in the orchard." From where the gentleman sat he could see through the open window into the orchard. He looked, and J'ust at that moment he espied a quiet figure, clad in lingy overalls, a long, faded robe fluttering in the wind, with a fearfully demoralised slouched hat upon its head, perched upon a branch of one of the trees. Ah there it is now, madam," he said, pointing to the figure. I thought I could not be mistaken That—a scarecrow! Why, bless you, my dear man, that is my husband The gentleman had strength enough left to reach his hat, and find the door, having suddenly concluded that he would prefer to seek the governor in his orchard rather than trespass longer on the good lady's time.—American paper.

THE VALUE OF A TRADE. Karl Frostern, the old nail-maker of Luben, in Silesia, was a jolly, story-telling man, who sang at his work, and whose busy hammer made merry music. Not far away lived Herr von Koben, a wealthy land-owner, whose only son, when not at school, was wont to come to the nailer's shop, where he would sit by the hour and watch the bright sparks as they new in showers from the ringing anvil. Come, Master Conrad," said the nailer, one day in a jolly mood; why not set the world an example ? Show them that the son of a rich man can learn a trade. Who knows what it may profit you one of these days ?" The youth fell in with the humour of the thing, and, pulling off his fine jacket, he donned a leathern apron, and went to the anvil. He was a bright, quick lad, and when he had once attempted to make a nail, he had a pride to make it well; and so it came to pass that ere long he could make shoe nails as deftly and ad well as could old Karl. Time passed on, and Her von Koben died, leaving1 his great wealth to his son Conrad. A few years there- after the armies of Frederick came sweeping through Silesia, and Conrad's inheritance was lost. In poverty he wandered away towards the mountains of Bohemia, until lie came to a town where a host of shoemakers were at a stand for want of nails. Shoes were in great demand for the soldiers, and a great price was offered for nails. Here," thought Conrad, is my opportunity. Let us see how my trade will serve me." And he told the .shoemakers if they would help him to a shop and a forge, he would make nails for them. They furnished him what was required, and he went at the work in earnest. He made better nails than had ever before been seen in that section. He took apprentices, and enlarged his shop, and in time Yon Koben's nails were demanded on both sides of the mountains. By slow but sure degrees he arose to opulence as a manufacturer, honoured and respected as the founder of his own fortune. And it all came, as he wae proud to tell to his children in the after years, from his having learned.a trade in his youth.

A KICK ON TAXES. There came into the City Treasurer's office the other day a woman who desired to pay her city taxes, and she patiently stood holding some money in her hand until a clerk informed her that the amount was 26 dols. 15 cents. It can't be!" Oh yes it is." .1 But last year I only paid 21 dols Yes, but taxes are higher this year." For what reason ?"' Well, the Fire Department has had an increase." "Suppose it has! Am I a fireman? Has my house ever been on fire ? Don't I keep insured so as to get the worth of my house if it should burn? There can't no fire department increase my taxes, and don't you pretend it! "But the police department estimates are larger." A snap for the police Didn't a rascal break into my house in broad daylight and steal 7 dols. Have I ever been arrested ? Do I want anyone arrested? And if I did, would there be a blue-coat within a mile of the spot. I'll not pay one cent for the police "And you know the city bought Belle Isle for a park ? What's that to me ? Was I ever up there ? Am I ever going ? If I did go, wouldn't the boat blow up or the wharf break down, or I'd lose my purse or get a terrible cold ? The back yard up home is park enough for me, and I'm a woman who can't be cajoled." But you'll have to pay the tax." Never! Here's the 21 dols., and if you don't take it I'll walk out and calmly wait for a lawsuit." I can't take less than the full amount." "Very well, sir. If you was Nero himself I w ouldn't pay it! I'm a woman who drove a two- horse team to California and back, and you can't scare me for shucks "—American paper.

A KNOTTY PROBLEM. J This story was told to me years ago, and if it has ever been in print, I have not seen it (says a writer in an American paper) A jolly party was gathered, one winter's evening, around the blazing fire in the bar-room of Green's old tavern in Maiden. The great iron loggerheads were buried in the coals, and the aroma of flip floated gracefully upon the air. They agreed, finally-there were a dozen of them—to put knotty questions and problems, and the first one who should ask a question which he could not himself answer, should pay the flip for all hands. At it they went with many a laugh and jest: but, ere long. a few knotty problems, calling for serious thought, sobered them. Finally, Sam Emmer- ton, the village blacksmith, asked: "Why is it. that the common striped squirrel, though he may burrow a dozen feet under ground for winter quarters, never brings any dirt to the mouth of his hole ? They considered deeply, and gave it up. Why is it. Sam ? Because," answered Sam, with the utmost gravity, the squirrel, being naturally timid and suspicious, always commences to dig his hole at the bottom. That is one answer. I can give you another, and a philo- sophical one, if you want it." Yes," cried Jo. Nichols, in hot haste "but I'd just like to ask you, Sam Emmerton, how the squirrel gets down to the bottom of his hole to commence digging ? Ah, Jo., that is a question of your own asking. You must answer it." The only solution. Jo. could offer was to pay for the twelve mugs of hot flip.

LATE Cnops OF SEA KALE.—I find that late crops of sea kale are more highly valued than early ones. The late crops are considered to be better in flavour and more tender than those produced early. To secure a crop as late as it is possible to do so, we plant a row across one of the quarters of the kitchen garden, which is sufficient for a rather large family, as when once it begins to grow it does not last long in a condition fit. for use. We put out the crowns one foot apart in a single line, and find if medium-size crowns are put out in the spring, one season's growth is sufficient to form a crop the next year. When once planted, the same crowns will last in good condition four or five years. To blanch it fit for fable it must be covered up before it begins to grow, for if the growth once gets coloured it remains so. To effect | the blanching we simply make a ridge of soil over the crowns. The soil we get from each side of the row by digging out a trench and breaking the earth up fine before it is put on to f 5rm the ridge. e urj the crowns about nine or ten inches, making the ridge wider at the bottom and running it up is a sharp slope. When the kale is long enough to cub it may be | seen peeping through the sod. The earth is then carefully drawn »way and the stem exposed. By this simple means we get very excellent kale.—J, C. C.( in the Gardeners' Magazine. d

GARDENING FOR THE WEEK. CONSERVATORY AND GREENHOUSE. Azaleas and Camellia*.—To ensure strong, thrifty plants, keep shaded while making their new growth, and syringe frequently. Remove all seed-pods and the few remaining flowers that abstract vigour from the new wood. Bedding Plants to be exposed as much as possible now night and day during warm weather. Be in no haste to plant, as we may yet have frosts and cold rains. Pot off plants nearly rooted, and let them taste a little bottom heat, to induce new roots to form. Remove zonal Pelargoniums. Verbenas, and other subjects to cold frames as soon as possible. Beds, if not covered with spar or similar material, should be stirred, and some fresh soil added, in order to maintain the plants in a vigorous condition. Fuchsias to be frequently syiinged, and grown steadily on in a warm moist atmosphere: long- jointed ones may be stopped, so as to produce bushy plants. Heaths and other hard-wooded plants coming into bloom should have plenty of air. Pelargoniurit# required for late blooming should be stopped now, and in such a manner as to make well- shaped plants. Young stock should now have a good shift. STOVE ANI) ORCHID HCfES. Orchid House should be shaded during bright weather with tiffanjr or some other suitable material, removing it early in the afternoon. P];uts requiring repotting must be attended to as soon as they are fairly in a growing state. Keep up the moisture in the atmosphere by sprinkling the paths and stages, and shut up early in the afternoon. Cattkyas. many of the Dendrobiums, Sobralies, Gongoras, Brassiss, and all similar orchids. uius.t*-hwc^. atmospheric moisture, as they are oovc The bloom of plants in Cower may be prolonged by removing them to a coul house where the atmosphere is drier. Plants suspended in baskets or on blocks will require the frequent and plentiful use of the syringe to keep them in health. Stove.—Maintain a brisk temperature ad a moist atmosphere, and allow no diminution of bottom heat, as most of the plants, and especially those which have been recently potted, are nuw making vigorous growths. All free-growing plants, such as Gesneras and Clerodendrons, should be shifted on as soon as they require it. FORCING AND ORCHARD HOUSES. Figs must be frequently syringerl until the fruit begins to change colour, and the roots must be aided with manure water. Stop the young shoots before they push too far; four joints are a good average. Peaches and SectariJles are now coming on well, and the trees must be assisted to swell the fruit to a good size. Give enough smtar, with liquid manure at least once a week. Pinch off laterals, tie in good wood, syringe early on fine mornings and when the house is shut up for the night, and always give air early. Pines are growing freely and must have plenty of water. In the fruiting house there must be a good heat kept up—65 deg. to 7v deg. by night, 8U deg. to 90 deg. by day. Pines fruiting require more air than growing plants to ensure a high flavour. Strawberries ripening to have less water and plenty of light temperature not lower than 55 deg. by night, nor higher than 70 deg. by day. Remove runners on plants coming into fruit. Vines in outside borders require the full power of the sun on their roots now, so remove the covering at once. Let there be no negleet in stopping and tying in, now that the vines are growing freely. Covered borders are usually very dry at this season, and a good soaking is necessary. FLOWEK GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUNDS. Grass Turf must have every necessary attention now, or the consequences will be a burnt-up lawn by July, and the predominance of coarse grasses. A sprinkling of guano or nitrate of soda at once when the turf is poor will be very beneficial. Grass newly up from seed to be handled very carefully, and not to be rolled or beaten till after it has been once mown. Hardy Herbaceous Plants turned out of pots into good borders now will take to their stations immedi- ately. If delayed longer they will not do so well unless frequently supplied with water and it is advis- able to grow these plants with as few artificial aids as possible. Polyanthu Seed may be sown on north borders on fine soil, and be very thinly covered. If the border is dry, water well before sowing. When the sowing is done, sprinkle a very thin coating of moss over the seed plot; this will preserve a sufficient degree of moisture till the plants appear. If this seed gets dry after being once made moist in the ground it perishes. KITCHEN GARDEN. Broccoli of any and every kind may be sown now. Any plants coming forward in seed pans to be made as hardy as possible by full exposure to air and sun- shine, preparatory to pricking out. Cabbage to be sown in considerable breadths, if the main sowing is not yet done. The seed sown now will give supplies from August to April next, if the seeds are well chosen. Cauliflowers that have stood the winter beneath handlights should have the soil loosened about them, and a little earth drawn to the stems. The glasses should now be removed, but be kept ready in case of keen north-east winds blowing, when they will be useful to put on at night, and, indeed, to leave on for a day or two, should the weather be really wintry, as is not unusual at this time of year. a day or two, should the weather be really wintry, as is not unusual at this time of year. Celery should be pricked out into boxes or on a slight hotbed, and at all favourable opportunities give air as soon as they have established themselves. If the main crop is not already sown, sow it at once in a gentle heat. Lettuces may be sown in open beds for main sum- mer crop. Any that are crowded in seed pans may be much benefited by pricking out on a bed, under a frame, to be lifted shortly with good balls, and planted out finally. If this treatment is carried out with care, so as to cause as little check as possible, some grand samples may be grown, manure and water being of necessity aids thereto. But if the plants are roughly handled, and suffer much, the check will cause them to bolt as soon as warm weather sets in. Potatoes making their appearance above ground should be protected by drawing earth ow, them. 1 Continue planting for the main crop until the work is finished. Sow w,ithout delay Turnip Radishes for succession, Scorzonera and Salsafy in drills one foot apart, Purs- lane on a warm .sunny border; Chou de Milan, Savoys, and Scotch Kale, Carrots for main crop, Brussels Sprouts for late supplies, Cabbage, Cauli- flowers, and Lettuces. THE HOUSE.- The skylark is., less suited to a state of captivity than canaries, bullfinches, and several other small birds that could be mentioned, but it is a great favourite with many for its exquisite song, and when kept in cages should have all the care necessary to its maintenance in the most perfect health. Without suggesting the general keeping of larks in cages, it appears desirable to point out, for the information of those who have a partiality for them, the conditions most conducive to their welfare. A beginning should be made with young birds, and it should be borne in mind that males are distinguished bv their bright yellowish hue. The cages ought, as "a rule, to be rather plain in construction, and they must be decidedly roomy. The smallest dimensions that can be well recommended are a length and height of eighteen inches, and a width of twelve inches. The receptacles for food and water should be fixed outside the cage, and low enough for the birds toreach them when standing upon the floor. The cage provided with a drawer deep enough to ho su sand to enable the birds to dust tile I to stretch a -r* i t,f .jf ia to stretch a Perches are not necessary but^t > piece of canvas about two^ £ lvea in their attempts prevent the birds injuring the^ I0?" fbrbottC of Se cage. Tlfe food most P ln f i„_ts under confinement is a paste made in with th. addition of poppy «eed. bruised hemp bread crumbs, and an abundance of green food. They are particu- larly fond of ant's eggs, and a little lean meat minced and an abundance of green food. They are particu- larly fond of ant's eggs, and a little lean meat minced up Very fine and given to them occasionally is decidedly beneficJal.-Gard('l,crs Magazine.

The strongest man feels the influence of woman's gentlest thoughts, as the mightiest oak quivers in the softest breeze. When two women with new hats on pass each other in the street there is a pair of back stares built immediately.

BLUE BEARD. A recent writer says During the summer of 1842, being in Nantes, I took a boat up the beautiful Erdre, viewing some of the prettiest scenery of the Depart- ment of the Loire Inferieure, with a touch, here and there, of scenes wild and grand. A sail of three hours brought us in view of the ruins of an old castle, known as the Chateau de la Yerrier, to see which we had pulled an extra five miles, for here were the crumbling walls of the grim old castle of Blue Beard, celebrated in nursery tale and fireside legend. If we may believe the peasants of the neighbourhood—and they are unanimous in the assertion—the dread Blue Beard was not altogether a creature of fancy, and the stirring story of Fatima and Sister Anne had been told for years in the valley of the Erdre before the record found immortality in the world of letters. According to this tradition, the formidable per- sonage handed down to us as Blue Beard was the Baron Gilles de Laval Retz, born about 1390, and executed in 1440. He distinguished himself in the service of Charles VII. against the English, and fought under the banner of the Maid of Or- leans, and finally obtained a marshal's baton. Serious irregularities of life at length led to his retirement to his castle on the banks of the Erdre, where he became a terror to all honest people in that section. At length, the rumours of his wicked deeds becoming fearfully notorious, the Bishop (f Nantes summoned him to be tried before a tOoiniission of temporal and spiritual judges or- ganised for that purpose. It was proved that for a period of fourteen years he had practised most diabolical deeds of magic, playing abject homage to the infernal powers, and that during that time he had enticed into his castle several hundred children of both sexes, and also a number of grown-up maidens, many of whom had been sacrificed in his horrible rites. He was handed over to the civil authority, and condemned to be burned at the stake. Out of con- sideration for his dignity as a marshal ofFrance, how- ever the Duke of Bretange caused him to be strangled before he was tied to the take. A complete record of the monster's life and death is still preserved in the archives of Nantes.

LEGISLATIVE HUMOUR. At a recent social gathering Judge McWayne, of Vermont, related an anecdote worth repeating. It was towards the close of the session of the Vermont Legislature, more than a score of years ago, and a school bill was under discussion. A long-faced, vinegar-visaged member, from one of the large towns, complained that the schoolboys had lost their politeness. It is not as it was when I was a boy," said he. Then boys took off their hats to their elders, and children were in every way respectful to grown-up people. I wish we could frame our school bill to meet the emergency." Mr. Bartlett, of Lyndon, oftentimes jocose, arose, and, with the utmost gravity, said Mr. Speaker, I am forced to acknowledge the truth of the gentleman's remarks. When I was a boy I was forced to take off my cat-skin cap to every grown-up passer-by. Now, no boy thinks of uncover- ing his head out of doors. Last winter I was ridinsr through Orleans county in my sleigh. It was a calm, pleasant day, though recent thaws had rendered the travelling somewhat bad. In a narrow track I overtook a boy who might have attained to the age of nine or ten years. He stepped out of the road to let me pass. As I came up I drew in the rein. There stood the boy, calmly erect, with steady, unflinching eye, bold and aspiring. He did not prepare to doff his cap- not at all. Said I: My lad, you should always take off your cap to a gentleman.' Said he-I I always do. sir." to

The wind always finds something to blow about even if it only blows about one's ears. A man may be very well behaved before marriage, but after the knot is tied he is inevitably "made fast." A man's great ambition is to be credited with some great feat; a woman's, to be credited with sma feet The young lady who was blamed for j glove to be discovered, in a young man s pocke that she bad no hand in it.