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[No title]
A MEMBER of Parliament, well known for his ready and unfailing humour, had lately to undergo a serious operation in the leg. It was at one time feared that amputation would be necessary. Just as the operation was about to begm the honourable member quietly remarked to the surgeon, "Remember that if you cut off my leg I can't stand for the borough any more. But," he added, after a pause, as if for consideration, after all, l shall be able to stump the country."
[No title]
1 HE MESSAGE Ot THE BELLS.—in a Scottish town, where were a large Established and a small tree Kirk, on opposite sides of tha street, the beadles of the same were once comparing notes. Said the Free Kirk beadle D'ye ken what your muckle, great ding-dong bell o' yours aye minds me of ? It's aye sayin', 4 Cauld kail het again! caul kail het again.' The other replied Ay, ay, but do ye no ken what your wee tink-tinklin' bell's aye claverin' ?" Na—-What is'FC ?* It C'Jection: c'lection I clection
THE MAHDI'S DOOM.
THE MAHDI'S DOOM. The Soudan drama seems (says the London Star) to be entering on its fifth act. The wide empire which the Mahdi built up for himself out of the elements of dis- content and oppression on the one side and religious fanaticism with its transcendental gleams of hope on the other, has crumbled away, and his suc- cessor, the present Khalifa, sits at Omdurman, with the south in insurrection behind him the north languishing in a scarcity of food which drives its in- habitants daily over the frontier the remnants of his beaten armies returning dejectedly from every point to which he has sent them the circle of his enemies drawing daily closer about him; and, to complete the picture, A KHARTOUM IN RUINS under his eyes, serving as a sign of the general des- truction to which his own end may soon put the last touch. Fighting to the east and north was put an end to by the defeat of Abou Hanga on the Abyssinian frontier and our own successes at Suakin, and all the strength of the Mahdist movement is now thrown against the advance of the forces from Wadai. The Khalifa himself is no soldier. He began life as a village schoolmaster, and circumstances do not seem to have developed in him the smallest capacity for governing or leading men. Zebehr Pasha, who knew him in his early days, talks of him with contempt as a vain and ignorant dummy, fit only to loll on a divan smoking and giving orders in time of prosperity, without thought of how the orders are to be executed, and ready in times of adversity to cower and grovel in the dust for fear. His conduct seems to bear out this account. We do not hear of any action on his own part in the face of the danger with which he is threatened, but, from various sources, that he REMAINS As IF PARALYSED at Omdurman. The General, Abou Hanga, who was unsuccessful on the Abyssinian frontier, was sent against the Army of Wadai, but he did not succeed in stopping its advance, and was killed, together with the other Mahdist chief, in the last defeat inflicted upon the Dervishes, near Bara, on the road from EI Obeid to Khartoum. The account given now of the raising of the Senoussist army is that it is raised with the sanction of the Sheik El Senoussi. The miseries endured by the population of the Soudan and the' avowed intention of the Khalifa to attack the rich and comparatively settled country of Wadai and compel the adherence of its inhabitants to the tenets of Mahdism, combine to make it likely that, as the spiritual leader of the great mass of the inhabitants of those districts, he may have signified his approval and expressed his sympathy with the undertaking. The matter of practical importance is the fact that an army of overpowering strength is advancing from the south-west upon Khartoum, with the avowed intention of making an end of the Khalifa and restoring order in the Soudan. Though all the remaining forces of the Khalifa have been sent against it, it has PASSED OVER THEM so far without a check. We heard of it victorious first on the borders of Darfour, then at El Fascher, tren at Obeid, a fortnight ago at Bara, and the latest tele- graphic reports from Suakin state that it is now close to Khartoum, having twice defeated the Dervishes, and inflicted upon them altogether a loss which they estimate at 20,000 men. The numbers are, of course, quite unreliable, and only serve to show the impres- sion whhieh has been created of the strength and quality of the advancing aamy. The panic of defeat has set in on the Mahdist side, and the Khalifia is re- ported as usual to be in a state of great alarm; The moment is drawing near when some effect may be given to the wishes of the party which has urged in season and out of season the RENEWAL OF RELATIONS WITH THE SOUDAN. What was impossible with an enemy like the Mahdi, who tore up the letters which reached him, cursed our messengers, and refused to listen to negotiations, may at least become possible with a force which has declared itself to be on the side of law and order, and of which one of the reputed leaders-Saleh Bey, the chief of the Kabbabish—is an old ally. In the petition of the syndicate of the merchants in- terested in the affairs of the Soudan, which was laid before the Khedive at the time that the abandonment of the southern provinces was decided upon, it was stated that the imports of the Soudan amounted in value to nearly two millions a year, and the exports to about the same figure; that there were 3000 Egyptian and 1000 European commercial establishments in the Soudan, of which the actual value in buildings and plant was estimated at over half a million; and that there were also at the moment at which the protest was made half a million's worth of merchandise waiting at Cairo and Suakin to be sent up.
A LOVER'S REVENGE.
A LOVER'S REVENGE. At the Birmingham Police-court the other day, John Whitehead, 28, was charged on remand with assaulting and attempting to murder Lucy Harris, widow, residing in Bellbarn-road. There was a further charge of burglariously entering the above premises and stealing certain goods belonging to the prosecutrix. The prisoner has been paying his addresses to Mrs. Harris, but she wanted to sever the acquaintance. Early on the morning of las'a Sunday,, fortnight he broke into the woman's house, and as, saulted her with a coal hammer in a most brutali manner as she lay in bed, leaving her in an insen- sible condition. She was taken to the Queen's Hos- pital. After the assault the prisoner waiked to Broms- grove, where he gavo himself up to, the police. He. said, I want to give myself up Jar murdering my girl last night, or rather this moraing." He after.. wards wrote the following letter « Mrs. Harris,-I am not sorry for what I have done. I have 'add it on mye mind for the last past wesk i intended to murdes. ing you but i think i did not. You have been my Down fall and i never forgat it you will break my Mother's Hart and i think break my good Home up i have been to the place to try to get a knife but Could not but i cum up my mind that i cum and see you on Saturday and I cum i think it would." [The words which followed cannot be deciphered.] The prisoner, who offered PO defence, was committed for trW to th*- Aggizei: 0
--GOSSIP ON DRESS.
GOSSIP ON DRESS. BONXET.U)'!I the Housewife) are wore perfectly flat, and the most favourite shape resembles an oy ster- shell. just a little raised by a coronet in front. Brims no longer exist, and the most important point about a bonnet is that it should fit the shape of the head. A pretty bonnet seen at a famous London milliner's was exactly the sbalJe of an oyster-shed, carried out in fine black straw, and raised a little in front by means of a ruche of poppy-red tulle edged with a b<Sbe ribbon of the same shade. Two scarves of black lace were fastened at the back of the bonnet, meant to float at the back, or to be fastened in front, according to the fancy of the wearer. Another bon- net was in willow-green fancy straw, plaited with gold tinsel, and trimmed with willow green ribbons, and a bunch of pale pink roses. The iuside of bon- nets is quite as pretty as the outside, Sow, the one just described was lined throughout with pleatings of pale green areophane, which turned up on to the brim. These straws, mLtl with tinsel, are very effective and are made in Mot and silver, and red and gold, and all manner of pretty colours. Satin straw has been brought to great perfection of late, and a bonnet of this kind seen at the estib ishrnent already Alluded to, had all the gloss of tho materia, aft< r which it was named. The shape was p rfeetly fht, and the pretty grey straw made a lovely harmony with the spray ot pink hyacinth, with which it was trimmed. This bonnet had so caught the fancy of a br.de that she had ordered five in different colours to be it,ciuded in her tr.ra s au. One bonnet had no crown at all, and was little mere than a coronet cf black Uce embroidered in go Id, surrounded with a garland of mignonette. The strings were of black velvet, and not more than a..couple of iuohes wide, Such being the fashionable witith. THE use for borderings for gowns still (observes the 11 ( rhl ',f Fo-hion) continues, and for a short time at least will be seasonable. Pretty bridesmaids' dresses of white cloth are bordered with white ast/akan; and beaver on biscuit cloth is lovely. With a plain skirt edged rouild the front with fur, and folded back, the bouice ciose-fitting, with beaver vest, and cloth revers, collar andcu'fs, a daintily stylish costume is devised or it is equally nice with panalied skirt, fur bordered underskirt and fur vet-t, and the panels and revers braided with fine darker biscuit braid. Brocaded woollens aro attrac- tive, and make pretty gowns for young ladies. The groundwork is usually shot, and the pattern exe- cuted in one of the colours. Electric and pale terra- cotta, woven together with leaves in terra-cotta, is light and young-looking. Materials wi'h heavy bi aided borders are to be procured by the yard, and as borders are still in the front rank of fashion, these o:Ter a complete change to those woven in the fabric, or in silk and tinsel. A good example is a fawn gown braided border of fawn and gold metal braid. For evening half-mourning wear, black silk net, covered entirely with designs arranged in stripes, worked with white silk, is new. An imitation China silk, goft and transparent, drapes beautifully, and is greatly employed for young ladies' gowns. It is -dved in every ono of the new colours, and costs niuch less than the original article. It should be made up over one ot the soft non-crushable siiks, p,nge or surah, in crevette, perle or pomme for -blondes, and niel, bouton d'or, or mis for brunes. Dresses of net, tulle, moussline de chiffon and gauze are always in demand in all the pale colours, '-n black over some of the gleaming vivid silks or p :?" Gold and silver metallic thread embroideries are distingue on white or cream. Trimmings of tinsel and metallic embroideries promise to be as much worn, if not more, than last year. A girlish evening gown is of white net over white surah, a little draped, bordered with a light running pattern in silver threads. A narrow ruche, silver finished, edges the bottom. The bodice is low and full, with a band of silver passementerie across the front, and silver butterflies among the puffs of net making the shoulder bands. An evening gown for a young matron of cream surah is worked down the left side in gold thread and gold braid as a narrow panel, the front and right side are folded and draped, and the back is full with a small train. The bodice of empire cut has shaped bands from under the arms, getting quite narrow at the waist, worked in gold. W aistband to match. The sleeves are small puffs with gold orna- ments. Gold to be worn in the hair. FANCY ribbons are to be worn. with plain edges. A uumber are black with trailing patterns down one side only of bright flowers and leaves. The haute mode in ribbons is to have the ribbon plain and this one streak of vivid colour. Tiny roses and pansies, lilies of the valley, and many other flowers are repre- sented. One design of maidenhair fern leaves, in delicate grey-green on a pale vieux rose, is exquisite both in colour and design. Stripes are everywhere in ribbons, and two or three contrasting colours are piaced in juxtaposition. Thus, a ribbon of moire and faille will have a groundwork of cream, and two stripes of red and another of brown at the edge, and another ribbon has stripes of cream, blue, and red. Ribbons with broche borders, and faille ribbons with borders of broche and tinsel, and broche and moire ia two colours, or self-coloured, a-e certainly some of the prettiest of the fresh goods in the market. LAcE and passementerie in very deep points (remarks a fashion correspondent of the Doi 111 Sews) are both in favour. A foulard dress in serpent green is made with a blouse bodice caught in at the waist with a piece of this vandyked lace in black. One of the long points goes up the front of the dress to the threat, and the next, shortened by a skilful touch at the waist, points to the shoulder. From here the points turn downward and lose them- selves in the folds of the skirt at the back. Very often these deep points arc inverted alorg the edge of the dress, rising almost to the knee in gold and black or other colours that either harmonise or con- trast with that of the dress itself. APPLE green is much worn at present, and it, too, is trimmed with black, a dress of it made for a young girl being made to open over a panel of black moire ik, and a large sash of the same being tied at the r therside. The deeper tones of green lend them- selves more readily to black accompaniments than the paler, but the eye will soon become accustomed to the union, and learn to approve it. Black dresses are, in their turn, trimmed with green or terra-cotta, which seems reversing the regular order of things. A green moire silk dress has a black striped velvet and silk sash, and the Directoire coat is turned back with biact of the same texture. Another black dress is in plain Genoa velvet, made Princess shape, and opening over a skirt of Pompeiian red striped silk. Epaulets, vest, and under sleeves of the latter make a splendid effect under the dark softness of the black velvet. The long outer sleeves in this latter material are lined with the rompeiian red striped silk. It would be impossible to enumerate the different ways in which colour and blackness are now commingled, and with subtle art made to react upon each other so as to produce artistic effect. Heliotrope and prune are in favour, too, but more for evening wear than in afternoon dresse3. In a reddish tone of satin the new lid o- trope proves very becoming to good complexions, whether they be dark or fair. So long as they are clear of tint the bright colour sets them forth, and ahows them at their best. But sallowness and a muddy thickness are fatal when heliotrope is rear. It should never be permitted to approach an indif- ferent complexion. It is certain to insult it, whi'e it fitt ers and caresses those clear, soft tints of c!u < V and brow that go under the generic title of a good nm nlexion." PARTS is making one of its periodical attempts (observes the Lad/I) to introduce tartan. One of our lpadi-ig modistes is showing a model in brown cloth. the bodice of which is made with a loose, front and back (like a Garibaldi), but with tignt-fitting side pieces, and a broad waistcoat of tartan satin. The skirt, which bangs in long square fo^s zhowizhne of the tartan satin down the right side. This is a very rhic toilette, but decidedly for carnage wear VVe have heard a good deal about the advent of a simpler style, but the new models do no., exni I Some of the newest demand very serious considt ra- cion as to how you are to get into them, the being as elaborate as ever. One is made with the redingote top cut in one piece with the skirt. This costume has no pad. It is of stone-coloured d Ith, and iastens over the left in a way that sets you wondering how the wearer could have put it on. METAL belts and small flat girdles or cords, en graved and embossed in an'ique silver, often studded with stones, are (according to the Court Journal) among the fashionablezppurtenances for Paris after- noon reception dresses made in Renaissance style, being used to drape the overskirts. The cord starts from a waistband of the same fabric, and, after loop- ing up the stuff, uUv faUs down as a pendant Otidrop. AMOXGST new jewellery a diamond lnhin, PERCHED on a branch of pearls, is a conspicuous liar A realistic figure of a polar bear in silver. on a mass of glass, resembling ice, makes an odd pap-r-weight A tiny gold basket, with a spray of violets, in ename!, tra.iling over the sides, makes a charming pendant for a Queen chain. ORNAMENTS of gold and silver, representing kittens with jewelled eyes (cat's eyes by preference) are a whim of the hour for ladies'wear. THE crown or tiara of the new Empress of China is described as being in three storeys, the groundwork being gold, the cap of Siberian winter sable fringed with vermillion, garnished with strings of pearls several hundreds in number, and the top feathers of the golden pheasant. Twenty skilled workmen were daily employed on it inside the palace.
LOST PROPERTY -"
LOST PROPERTY The majority of articles left by their owners in public carriages (says a contributor to lime) consist of such things as umbrellas, sticks, handbags, wraps, cigar cases, and opera and field glasses. It is easy to understand how such small items of personal in p ".iimm'a as these may be left behind, especially after dark for although some of the better class of hansoms now carry inside lamps, this luxury has not yet been extended to the greater proportion of them, or to any of the four-wheel cabs. But it is astonishing to find what a number of really valuable properties have been left in cabs in the metropolis during the last few years. The following is a list of some of the principal ones, with tho values. upon which the rewards to the drivers were based: A bag of jewellery, valued at £ 15(^0, and another at E 1000 a case containing £1000 in -aaak of England notes a diamondnecklet, valueLIGOO; adiamondtiara, worth XS,50 several packets of bonds, valued at £ 3000, £ 1500, and £1000 respectively; silver plate weighing one thousand and thirty-four ounces, valued at £ 240; a parcel of bank notes for £ 830; and numerous other items of the same nature, but rather less valuable. Of course all the articles and properties just named were claimed by the owners, the drivers of the cabs in which they were found receiving pecuniary rewards but although it cannot be said that the sums paid were inadequate, they certainly cannot be considered excessive. Thus for the diamond tiara, valued at j6850, the reward was X35. In cases, bow- ever, where bank notes or bags of gold are deposited, the sums awarded are very properly based upon a considerably higher scale. The most valuable deposit was made some few years ago, when a thought- less clerk, belonging to a bank situated not a hun- dred yards from Scotland Yard, left notes and securities amounting to several thousand pounds in a cab that he discharged at the door of the bank. Within two minutes of being paid his fare the driver had deposited them in the Lost Property Office. It is a nice point in ethics whether, as the cabman knew to whom the property belonged, he was justified in taking it to the Lost Property Department. Self-interest, however, and a literal interpretation of the statute on the subject, out- weighed any conscientious scruples the cab-driver may have had on that score; and the result, to him at all events, was satisfactory, as he received a re- ward sufficiently large to enable him to start as a small cab proprietor with a couple of horses and a hansom cab. It may seem a strange assertion to make, but it is nevertheless true, that the owners of some of the articles found in cabs have been by no means anxious to claim them. Indeed, some of their misfortunes in life have been directly traceable to a momentary forgetfulness on their part when leaving one of those useful vehicles. Stowed away in the pigeon holes of the Metropolitan Police Department are to be found documents and letters which, being taken to the Lost Property Office, gave a timely warning to the police of some intended fraud or outrage, cleared up a doubtful clue, or possibly led to the arrest of a swindler who had long been preying upon the credulity of the pub!ic. If rumour is to be believed, even some police officers themselves have not the pleasantest recollections of some unfortunate lapses of memory which were the means of bringing to light papers (left by them in cabs) that were never intended for the eyes of their official superiors. Tne Lost Property Office, too, has been the scene of many an unfortunate rencontre. It would be difficult to do justice to the feelings of the young undergraduate who, while relating one morn- ing to an officer of the Lost Property Department his various wanderings the night before in a "hansom" cab in which he had left his cigar case, discovered at his elbow an affectionate parent of whom he had taken farewell en route to Oxford on the previous day) bent on a somewhat similar inquiry after a favourite umbrella. More than one matrimonial jar, too, has been traceable to the unexpected meeting at Scotland-yard of husband and wife, intent on the re- covery of property lost on journeys in which their mutual interests were by no means concerned. For such misfortunes as these, however, the department is not responsible. Few people can have any idea of the immense amount of trouble the Lost Property Office takes to retrieve for the inhabitants and visitors of the metropolis losses that their own carelessness has brought upon them. It is certainly not the fault of this useful department that no owners can be found for nearly half the articles deposited with it. Every publicity is given by advertising them in the daily papers; and notices of properties found are sent to occupiers of houses, managers of hotels and theatres, in all cases in which the driver gives the number of the house, hotel, &c., whence he was hired. Weekly advices are now sent to the Lost Luggage Department of the Railway Clearing House in Drummond-street, Euston Square, of articles found in cabs when they have taken up or set down their fares at railway stations. These advices are very useful aids to the recovery of lost property, as claims are frequently made on the railway companies for articles which are subsequently found to have been left in cabs.
I EXORCISING THE FIEND.
EXORCISING THE FIEND. A modern magician, mountebank, quack, and ex- orciser has just experienced the malefic influences of Saturn. He is named Louis Crespin, and practised for some time as a mock-doctor in Paris. He was originally a dish-washer in a clerical college, and afterwards travelled about fairs dispensing nostrums from a gilded chariot, wherein sat a powdered lackey. This display made a powerful impression on the popular mind, and conveyed coin into the pockets of the quack. Crespin accordingly bethought himself of getting a medical degree, but he knew better than to undergo the drudgery of studying Latin and the Materia Medica, so he hired a Bohemian man of straw to attend lectures for him and to obtain a degree by proxy. The Bohemian, however, blabbed, either because he did not get money enough or by reason of rude treatment on the part of the charlatan. The murder was out, and he was arrested in the School of I Medicine just as he was about to pass his final ex- amination. Crespin put the frontier between him- self and the authorities, but he was eventually allowed to return to France, where he has lately been qualifying for a lengthened career in one of the national gaols. He opened a consulting headquarters as a "wise man" or "diviner" in a town in the I epartment of the Gers, and his practice developed so well that he founded branch offices. One of his latest customers was a truly rural person, who con- sulted Crespin relative to a sick porker. Oh, I know what's the matter," observed the wise man, the pig has the fiend inside of him, and in order to hunt him out you must pay ten pounds for Masses." The applicant disbursed the sum, which Crespin promised to lodge with the local Vicar for theMasses, but the porker grew worse than ever. Crespin was again applied to, and he said that Satan must have chosen the rustic's dwelling for his local habitation, and that it would cost another ten pounds to have him evicted. The expenses of a holy monk, who was to aid Crespin in his exorcisms, were also to be defrayed. The countryman cheerfully paid up once more, and was subsequently fleeced of other sums of money; but his son-in-law heard of the affair, and had the skilful exorciser and swindler arrested. The monkish accomplice, who appeared in the truly rural person's house with' Bell, Book, and Candle, and wearing a brown habit and sandals like a Franciscan, is still at liberty.
AGRICULTURAL ITEMS.
AGRICULTURAL ITEMS. IT IS A WELL-KNOWN fact ("E. A." observes in tho Mark Lane Express) that immediate cooling of fresh cow's-milk is of the greatest advantage in cases where the milk goes to distant towns, especially when the morning and evening milk would be mixed to- gether. It has happened that a quantity of un- skimmed, cold evening milk was put together with warm morning milk and went sour within an hour or two. But if the milk is cooled before mixing, it will remain sweet and useful for 10 to 24 hours. To AVOID COMPLAINTS of cu-tomers, the milk- dealer should make a point of delivering the morning and evening milk separate, especially during ti; spring and summer, when complaints about sour or spoilt milk are most frequent, and that simply be- cause cold and warm milk have b-en put together into the same vessel. The cooling down of fresh milk is of importance also to centrfngal dairies, most so if the milk is collected in larger quantities, because the cooling prevents its getting sour. FOR THESE REASONS it is generally believed also to be of advantage for the cheese manufactuiers to have the milk cooled, but I have it from experience that it is impossible to,make a first-class Stilton or Cheddar cheese from artifically cooled mi k, because this process takes away from the milk its strength and aroma, and the cheese made with such has always a peculiar bitter taste. Cheesemongers are well aware that cheese prepared from warm milk as it comes from the cow is superior to any other in taste as well as substance, and it is recommended therefore to lose no time in preparing the milk 'directly it comes from the cow, in its warm state. t3 CONSIDERING that cheese made with cooled mil^was a flat, almost bitter taste, is bad in substance, .Q,ud does not keep well, we should certainly pay attention to this matter. I would recommend to make a triad in this line with milk artificially cooled to 40 to 55 deg. fahr., and publish the result. Besides, every housewife knows that cooled milk lws in strength and taste; from this fact we can easily deduct the bad influence such milk must have upon cheese if it is. proved to be less valuable with coffee or tea. IN MY OPINION there is no harm giving feeding cakes at a reasonable rate, but the cooling of the milk is of disadvantage to the cheese manufacturer, and I am convinced that in many cases a much better result would be obtained by using the milk warm directly it comes from the cow. MANGEL (writes Professor Wrightson, in his Arjri- culturaVfiazette Seasonable Notes), requires liberal treatment. Its capacity for growth is extraordinary, and far surpasses that of either swedes or turnips and on the same principle as the Scotch farmer is lavish in his expenditure of manure for his turnip crops, so may the south country farmer indulge his mangels. INSUFFICIENT ATTENTION is given by farmers to the botanical differences between mangels and swedes or turnips. Both are looked upon as root crops,' and the treatment they receive is often almost identical. So far as manuring is concerned the requirements of the two classes of plants are very different. SCPERPHOSPHATES, which tell in a marked degree upon the turnip crop, including swedes, exert a much less evident effect upon mangel; and nitrates, which produce only a small effect upon turnips and swedes, tell powerfully upon mangel. Farmyard manure is a universal fertiliser; but its effect in producing a heavy yield per acre is seen more clearly in the cases of mangel even than when applied to turnips. The action of farmyard manure on mangel has been re- corded by many practical and scientific agricul- turists. Boussingault insisted upon its importance. Count de Gasparin stated many years ago that ono ton of dung will give an increase of 1 63 tons of mangel, and that for every ton applied; while M. Crudd considers that two tons increase in the crop is obtained for each ton of dung applied. The effect of common salt upon mangel is also very considerable, and should not be overlooked. As THE SUBJECT OF MANURING is a very important one, I shall enter upon it at some length, referrmg particularly to results obtained by Sir John Lawes. Rothamsted. These experiments were commenced in 1876, and have been continued ever since. During the entire period the system of continuous and con- secutive sowing of the same crop year after year, and the removal of the entire produce, has been adopted, and attention has been given not only to the yield of roots, but also to the weight per acre of leaves. This last item we propose to neglect, as the chief interest lies in the weight of dressed mangel per acre. In these experiments the effect of season is shown by the great fluctuations in weight per acre, varying from minimum returns of I t and 15 tons per acre in unfavourable seasons to 33 tons in good mangel years. THE CHIEF LESSONS to be learnt from these experi- ments are, first, the comparatively small effect of superphosphate of lime. Scarcely a ton an acre addi- tional crop is obtained over the continuously un- manured plot by this dressing when used alone, a result which may be partly ascribed to the depleted condition of the soil, owing to the continuous removal of the crops. But even during the first season (1876), when the land might be considered as con- taining the usual ebments of a cultivated soil, the result from the use of superphosphate was small and only amounted to one ton per acre. The effect of superphosphate upon the swede crop has already been dealt with, and the contrast between the two crops in respect of this popular fertiliser is made apparent by comparison. SUPERPHOSPHATE, whether applied alone or in com- bination with sulphate of potash, sulphate of mag- nesia, or chloride of sodium (common salt), or even farmyard manure, does not appear to affect mangel wurzel in the same degree in which ic affects and benefits turnips and swedes. Even when applied with farmyard manure and a heavy dressing of nitrate of soda or rape-cake, the effect is not greatly heightened by the superphosphate, being as frequently below as above the plots from which it was excluded. NEXT WE LEARN the paramount importance of ni- trogen as a fertiliser for mangel. The wonderful effectof farmyard manure must be primarily ascribed to its nitrogen, and the inexhaustible requirements of mangel for nitrogen are still further seen by the con- tinued increase when yet more nitrogen is added. Take, for example, the effects of fertilisers in the year 1876, the first of the series. We prefer this year, simply because the condition of the ground may bs considered to have more closely resembled that of an ordinary field, than after an abnormal or unusual ex- haustion owing to the removal of many crops of mangel. IT IS NOW Csays the Times) 12 years s'nce Miss E. A. Ormerod first issued a pamphlet giving the results of observations as to injurious insects in IS-, t3, and from that work has grown not only an important section of the work of the Royal Agricultural Hocie'y. but the appointment of a Government entomologist. The twelfth report dealing with insect injury in 1N88 has just been issued. It appears that last year almost all the ordinary crop attacks were reported, but at the same time, excepting locally or here and there, few of these ordinary attacks were of a serious extent. With the exception of orchard caterpillars the worst attacks of last season were of unusual kinds and occurred early in the year. The corn-ground beetle-maggot at young wheat plants, and the beet carrion beetle, and its woodlouse like grub at man- golds, have not previously been recorded, as far as Miss Ormerod is aware, as injurious crop-pests in England. The frit fly maggots to young oats and the wheat bulb maggot were injurious to quite an unusual extent, and so were bean seed beetles in the more southerly parts of England; and though the winter moth and other orchard caterpillars are no un- usual troubles, they ravaged the trees in most of the chief fruit-growing districts to quite an unusually serious extent. After the heavy midsummer rains serious injury ceased to be reported.
IGARDENING FOR THE WEEK.]
GARDENING FOR THE WEEK. ] WINTER-FLOWERING STOVE PLANTS.—It is now time (Mr. Thomas Baines writes) to propagate the different kinds of autumn and winter-blooming stove plants that are usually grown from cuttings struck in spring. Where the propagation is deferred later than this the plants have not time to attain the requisite strength before autumn that will admit of their producing a full crop of flowers. ERANTHEMUM PULCHELLUM. — This blue-flowered species is a free grower, and blooms pro'usely m either a small or a large state. When required, the plants can be kept for several years by cutting the branches in freely after the flowering is over. Plants that have been cut in and kept in an ordinary stove temperature since they bloomed will now have pushed shoots from three inches to four inches Ion,, that will make cuttings. These may be put five or six together in pots filled with sand; they must be covered with propagating glasses or enclosed in a cutting frame and kept moist and shaded when the weather is sunny. In an ordinary stove temperature they will strike in three or four weeks, when they must be moved singly into four-inch or five-inch pots; give them a mixture of loam, leaf-mould, rotten manure, and sand. When a little top-growth has been made pinch out the points of the shoots to induce the formation of side-growths. The plant is an erect grower, and unless stopped once or twice the speci- mens will be leggy. SALVIAS.-The autumn-flowering Salvias, though not requiring artificial warmth to grow in aiter the plants have got well established, need heat to strike the cuttings in. Plants that after blooming have since been kept in artificial warmth will now be full of young growth that will afford plenty of cuttings. The shoots should be from 2 inches to 3 inches long they may be either taken off at the point where they spring from the mature wood, or at a joint higher up. Put them 3 inches apart in 4-inch or 0-inch po's filled with sand. They will require keeping close and moist, so as not to al!ow them to flag. For the same reason they must be closely shaded. They will strike in a moderate stove temperature—say with a heat of about 60 degs. As soon as they are well rooted put them singly in 3-inch or 4-inch pots, and keep them for a few weeks in a temperature not much lower than that in which they were struck. Stop the shoots early, so as to have the plants well furnished down to the bottom. The best and most distinct of the autumn-flowering kinds are S. splendens llruanti, scarlet; S. Bethelli. pink and S. l'itcheri, blue. The last mentioned is not so large a grower as the two first, neither does it strike so freely. PLUMBAGO HosEA.-This is one of the best winter- flowering stove plants. It is a remarkably free bloomer, and is easily grown where there is a warm stove temperature at command, without which it does not thrive well. The flowers are borne in long branch- ing terminal panicles the individual blooms in appearance are much like those of Phlox Drummondi, and nearly as large. They are bright rosy-crimson in colour. Cuttings put in now and grown on through the summer in a warm stove will make fair sized flowering examples by the time chat their season for blooming arrives. The shoots when three inches or four inches long, should be taken off with a heel. In this way they are more certain to strike than if cut at a joint. Put them, three or four together, in 4in. or 5in. pots, drained and half-filled with a mixture of half sand and sifted loam, the top all sand. The cut- tings are softer than those of somethings, consequently require keeping somewhat closer to prevent their flagging. They will strike in a warm stove without bottom heat if it is not convenient to give them this. They must be kept fairly moist and be closely shaded from the sun. Treated in this manner they will root in three or four weeks sufficiently to bear the glasses removing. In ten days or a fortnight after put them singly in three-inch pots, filled with sifted loam, to which add a little leaf-mould, rotten manure, and sand. Keep them in a temperature similar to that in which the cuttings were struck. When a little top growth has been made pinch out the points of the shoots, and as soon as the pots have got moderately filled with roots shift them into others seven inches in diameter, using soil as before, except that it will not now require sifting. By the middle of July again stop the shoots. The plants, from the time they are struck onwards through the summer, must be shaded from the sun, and should be stolId near the glass. Give air in quantity such as required by ordinary warm stove subjects, but never admit it to an extent that will dry the atmosphere too much, or that will cause the leaves to flag, as when this is done it rarely fails to bring an attack of red- spider on this Plumbago, and any other plants on which the insect will live. OUTDOOR GARDEN.—Finish planting hardy edging plants (advises Mr. E. Hobday), and give the finishing touches to the beds and leave them to settle a little before the summer bedders go out. Where any system of double cropping is carried on it is neces- sary to be prepared with a heap of compost to apply a heavy top-dressing when the spring flowers come off. I always like to save, some of the charred materials from the rubbish heap, and dress heavily with it. The plants like it, and the roots get estab- lished immediately. Without something of this kind the summer display may be poor. Thin early sown annuals as soon as they are large enough to handle. It may not be advisable to thin out to the full distance at first; but open them out to let in the air among them. The singling may be done later. All annuals will transplant if ordinary care be used. A little shade is beneficial if the weather should be dry. A few small sprays of evergreens placed among them will be sufficient. Tender annuals sown in heat will require pricking off before they become crowded. Trays or boxes will be useful for this. A little warmth for two or three days, just to get the roots into work, will help them; afterwards they will do better in cold frames. Cuttings of Coleus, Alter- nantheras, and Iresines,raay yet be taken and planted in a warm pit or frame. The herbaceous borders will now be gay with many things. The pretty little hardy Heath, Erica carnea, is very effec- tive in large masses on the rockery, and to fill in the margins of the Rhododendron beds. Large circular patches of Iberis gibraltarica are very striking, espe- cially in the gloaming. The Dog's-tooth Violets are worth making a special feature in some warm, snug corner. Plant out Brompton Stocks which have wintered in frames. Pentstemons may also go out. Divide and transplant Pyrethrums. Place stakes to Carnations early, and tie the rising flower stems loosely to allow plenty of room for growth. FRUIT GARDEN.—Large Apple-trees of inferior sorts that were headed down before the sap began to move much may be grafted. A good deal has been written lately upon the evils of grafting. Good and evil are pretty much mixed in this world, and grafting has it 3 y 11 dark side; but rooting fruit trees from cuttings, except in the case of a few special kinds, is a slow process, and is not calculated to meet the wants of this go ahead age; but I like root grafting for all young stock better than placing the scions higher up the stem. The application of moisture to fruit houses and air giving will form important matters now, and mistakes may lead to serious consequences. It is best to bank up the fire with ashes early in the morning of a fine day, or better still, let it go out altogether and light it again early in the afternoon. The warmth of the sun when we can get it is a better forcing agent than hot pipes. The presence of red- spider in Vine and Peach-houses is frequently due to keeping the fire going in the morning when the sun is shining brightly. Ventilate little by little to meet the rising temperature, and keep pace wih it until fu:1 air is on. The position of the houses has to be con- sidered. I havehadto do with forcing houses in different places which varied a good deal in their require- ments in ventilation. Small houses soon get hot, and they cool as rapidly. The tying down of the N cii Y, shoots of late vines will absorb a good deal of time now. Some shoots will require delicate handling t" prevent them from splitting off. It is best to loop a string of raffia round them and draw them down till they begin to feel the pressure a little, and then wait a day or two, when a little more force may be used. Inside borders everywhere must be kept in a moist, healthy, growing condition. Liquid manure with the chill off will be very beneficial. The final thinning may be given to early peaches when the stoning is finished. It may seem unwise to leave any thinning to be done now; but in the event of a few fruits dropping, it may prevent a blank space on some part of the tree. Prune and train figs on walls. If filbert bushes are deficient in male blossoms, boughs covered with catkins may be cut from the woods or hedges and placed in the trees. VEGETABLE GARDEN.—Finish planting potatoes. In early districts the work is already done. There is no vegetable so generally useful as the potato, and it ssems a pity that many of the best (--xliit,itioll potatoes cut such a poor figure when tho test of tooking is applied. On heavy land in cold, damp districts it is best to plant on the surf-,ce and draw the soil in a ridge over the sets, r„nd instead of ¡ manuring with yard manure, do mrA-0 with artificials. t Superphosphate and muriate of ootash in mixture are beftet tftau either used ieP&fAtelY but in the application of artificial manures' the character of the soil must be considered, and I iMcy to a certain extent, or at any rate, everyone has to find out what is be&t for bis own land by direct t-Nperiiiier-r. Sow leeks for late use, and transplant m. vtH- manured trenches those raised in heat. Make new plantations of globe artichokes. Select strong offsets from the old stools and plant fear feet apart each way in well-prepared land. If the jdanrs are strong, a few heads will be obtained in the autumn. A light summer crop of some kind may be obtained from tho land between the rows the first season. Make up Mushroom beds in some shady position in the open air for summer use on the north side of a wall, and cover with straw hurdles or shutters. The spawn will run freely, and the Mush- rooms will come free from maggots. Beds in turns- s should be supported with stimulants, so as to take all the work out of them before the hot weather sets it: Damp the floors and walls twice a day to keep up a genial atmosphere. Fires will not be required now except in some special cases. Sow Walcheren Tauli- floweis for late use, and plant out a good breadr.h f Veitch's Autumn Giant. Sow peas fortnigh'ly Isolate the rows as much as possible, and as crowded plants cannot thrive, it is best to plant thinly in 'h" drills. All large seeds may with advantage be planted deeper now than was advisable early in the season. Sow seeds of Vegetable Marrows in a warm frame.—Gardening Illxstra ted.
--__---__--WILLS AND BEQUESTS.
WILLS AND BEQUESTS. The will (dated Aug. 6, 1884) of the Right Hon. Clementina Elizabeth Heathcote-Drummond Wil- loughby, Baroness Willoughby De Eresby, joint here- ditary Great Chamberlain, late of Grimsthorpe Castle. Lincoln; Drummond Castle, Crieff; Gwydyr Castle, Llanwrst, Wales; and No. 4, Belgrave-square, who died on Nov. 13, was proved on April 1 by the Right Hon. Gilbert Henry, Baron Willoughby de Eresby, the son, Hussey Packe, and Joseph Travers Smith, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to upwards of' £ 207,000. The testatrix bequeaths all arrears of rent on the Perth, Drummond, and the other Scotch estates, and certain pieces of Sevres china, to her son the furniture and effects at Grims- thorpe to her son, or the tenant for life, or in tail thereof; the remainder of her furniture, jewels, diamonds, and wardrobe between her two daughters; £1000 each to her grandchildren Evelyn Ileathcote-Drummond-Willoughby and George Clement Tryon; 9100 each to George Gordon Scott, Henry Curr, and her executors; X200 to the Hon. Rupert Clement Carrington; £1000 to Miss Marie Heathcote JE50 to Miss Georgiana Clementina Johnson; 9500 to the Rev. John P. Sharp JE200 to the Rev. Thomas Brown; and annuities to two ser- vants. The residue of her property she leaves, as to one half thereof, upon trust for her daughter the Ron. Charlotte Clementina Tryon, and the remaining half to her daughter the Hon. Elizabeth Sophia Heathcote- Drummond- Willoughby. She also directs that she is to be buried in the simplest manner possible, in the Heathcote family grave at Normanton, this direction is to be considered as very serious and particular, and from which her executors shall not in any way depart. The Scotch Confirmation, under seal of the Com- missariot of Clackmannan, of the trust settlement (dated July 26, 1872), with two codicils (dated Feb. 4, 1876, and March 28, 1882), of the Right Hon. Walter Henry Erskine, Earl of Mar and Kellie, Vis- count Fenton, Baron Erskine and Dirleton, late of AIloa House, Alloa, N.B., who died on Sept. 16 last, granted to Mary Anne, Countess of Mar and Kellie, the widow, the Hon. Augustus William Erskine, the brother, and John Houblon Forbes, jun., the execu- tors nominate, was resealed in London on April 3, the value of the personal estate in England and Scot- land being sworn to exceed £ 46,000. The will (dated Aug. 22, 1887) of the Rev. Henry Arkwright, late of Bodenham, Hereford, who died on Jan. 13, was proved on March 28 by the Rev. William Harry Arkwright and John Wigram, the nephew, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to upwards of £134,000. The testator bequeaths S5000, upon trust, for each of his daughters, Henri- etta Beck Arkwright and Sophia Mary Arkwright; £9000, upon trust, for his son Henry John Ark- wright Y,8000, upon trust, for each of his daugh- ters, Margery Bertha Arkwright, and Katherine Mary Streatfield, and for his son Charles Evelyn Arkwright; zC13,000, upon trust, for each of his daughters Ellen Amy Arkwright, Florence Ark- wright, and Augusta Janet Arkwright; E100 each to the Hereford County Infirmary, the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Church Missionary Society and the Church Pastoral Aid Society; t 1000 to the Vicar and Churchwardens of Bodenham, upon trust, to apply the income in the repair and support of the National Schools at Bodenham, and specific gifts and legacies to children, executors, and servants. The residue of his real and personal estates he leaves between his said nine children in equal shares as tenants in common. The will (dated June 30, 1886), with a codicil (dated Jan. 22, 1889) of Mr. Henry Upton, late of Aldwick, Pagham, near Bognor, Sussex, who died on Jan. 26, was proved on March 26 by Charles John Drewitt and Sir Robert George Raper, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to upwards of £ 110,000. The testator bequeaths £ 400 to the West Sussex, East Hampshire, and Chichester General, Infirmary, for general purposes, and Y,100 for the nursing part of that institution; JE200 each to the Royall Hospital for Incurables and the United Kingdom Beneficent Society; £ 100 each to the Irish Church Missions to the Roman Catholics, the London City Mission, and the Church Missionary Society; S4000 to Mr. Blackmoor JE2000 each to Miss Evans and Blanche Evans £ 6000 to his sister, Mrs. Charlotte Drewitt; X2000 to Sydney James Upton; t2000 each, upon trust, for George Henry Upton, Rose Upton, and Alice Upton; E2000 to his brother-in-law, Upton Eldridge; X200 to each executor; and other legacies. He gives and devises his farms, lands, hereditaments, and premises at Binstead, near Arundel, upon trust, for his nephew, Sydney James Upton, for life, with remainder to his first and other sons in seniority, but charged with the payment of JE50 per annum each to HenryGeorge Upton, Alice Upton, and Rose Upton during their respective lives: and his farms and lands at South Bersted to his sister, Mrs. Char- lotte Drewitt. The residue of his real and personal estate he leaves, as to one half thereof, to his said sister; and the remaining one half, as to one fourth thereof, to his said nephew, Sydney James Upton, and one fourth each, upon trust, for Henry George Upton, Rose Upton, and Alice Upton, for life, and then to their respective children. The will (dated Jan. 18, 1888) of Mr. John Brady, late of Clones, Monaghan, and Johnstown, Fermanagh, who died on Jan. 28, was proved in London on March 28 by William Brady, George Bartley Moore, and the Right Rev. Charles Maurice Stack, Lord Bishop of Clogher, the executors, the value of the personal estate exceeding £ 49,000. The testator bequeaths ;CSOOO, upon trust, for his daughter Mrs. Annie Moore; £ 5000, upon trust, for his daughter Mrs. Isabella Caroline Kelly; X5000 to his daughter Mrs. Jane Cochrane Knight; £ 1000 each to his nephew and niece, Robert Brady and Florence Brady JE1500 to his sister Mrs. Kitty Moore and her husband; and JB1500 to John Madden; £1000 to Andrew John Brady; E500 to Mary Brady; S2000 to the Representative Body of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Ireland, upon trust, for the poor parishes in the diocese of Clogher; £750 to the said body, upon trust, for the sustenta- tion fund of the parish of Aughadrumsee JE300 to Dr. Barnardo's Home; £1000 to the Protestant Bishop of Clogher, upon trust, for the Protestant Orphan Societies in the counties of Fermanagh and Monaghan; Y,1000 to the Primitive Church Methodist Missionary Society L250 each to the Rector and Parish Priest of Clones, and jElOOtotbo Presbyterian minister there, for the benefit of poor householders; alil arrears of rent and cattle, crops and farm implements to his son, William Brady; and other legacies to friends, ser- vants, and others. He devises all his real estate, and lands, houses, and premises in the counties of Fermanagh, Monaghan, Cavan, and Armagh, upon trust, for his son, William Brady, for life, with re- mainder to his grandson, John Cochrane Brady, for life, with remainder to his first and sther sons, according to seniority in tail Jsaale and all his estate and lands in the county of Leitrim to his grandsons Arthur, George, William, JoJin, and Alexander Moore, as joint tenants. The residue of his real and personal estate he leaves to his said son and thrpe daughters- viz., William Brady, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Knight, and Mrs. Kelly, in equal shares. The will (dated Oct. 30, 1886), with a codicil (dated Jan. 16, 1889), of Mr. Octavius Joseph Crawhall, late of No. 10, Queen-street, Mayfair, who died on Feb. 15, was proved on March 28 by Francis Woodhouse and Frederick Charlton Turner Challoner, the execu- I tors, the value of the personal estate exceeding 938,000, The testator gives his bouse at Nub Moncktou to tis second son, and in default of such son to his nepftww Edmund Isaac L. Clwhall; his share of a housff at Silksworth, Durhatfj, to his nephew George Charles Crawhall; E500 and the use, for life, of his house and furniture to his wife, Mr*. Clara Crawhall; and legacies to relatives and exe- cutors. He gives and rJerises his share in the Coast" wood Collieries, Durham, and his share in the Solwir Hematite Iron Company, Maryport, between hibo children, if any, and in default thereof, as to the' collieries, to his nephews Thomas F. W. C. Wilson and Edmund Isaac L. Crawhall, and the Solway iron shares between certain of his nephews and nieces. The residue of his property he leaves as to E 19,000, upon trust, to pay the income to his wife, for life; t&en to his children, if any; and then, subject to six legacies of X 100 each, between his nephews and nieces —viz., Thomas F. W. C. Wilson, Edmund Isaac L. Crawhall, Lionel William Crawhall, George Charles Crawhall, Henry Frank Crawhall, Lsrcy Crawhall, and Ethel Crawhall; and the ultimate residue to his said two nephews, Thomas F. W. C. Wilson and Edmund Isaac L. Crawhall. The will (dated May 21, 1883) of Mr. Nathaniel William John Strode, formerly of Camdenphee, Chislehurat, Kent, but late of Bray Court, Maiden- head, and Candie House, Linlithgow, N.B., who-died on Feb. 26, was proved on March 28 by Mrs. Eleanor Margaret Strode, the sole executrix, the value of the personal estate beinsr sworn to exceed £ 31,000. The testator bequeaths 100 guineas to his nephew, George Jackson; an annuity of 9150 to Miss Alice Sladfe-; E500 and all his furniture and household effects to- his wife; and £25,000 to each child of his, if he- should have any. The residue of his real and per- sonal estate he leaves, upon trust, for his wife, for life, and then to his children; but if he should have- no child who attains a vested interest hereunder, then' to his wife absolutely. The will (dated April 26, 1888) of William Henry Maturin, C.B., a retired Controller in her Majesty's service, late of No. 5, Courtfield-gardens, South Ken- sington, who died on March 2, was proved on March 26 by Mrs. Charlotte Owen Maturin, the widow, and Charles Samuel Bagot, the executors, the value of the personal estate exceeding £ 26,000. The testator gives X500 and his furniture and household effects to his wife; an annuity of E30 to his sister, Mrs. Olivia Kensington; and £ 50 to Mr. Bagot. The residue of his property he leaves, upon trust for his wife, for life; at her death each of his daughters is to receive X500, and the ultimate residue is to be divided between all his children, in equal shares. He also confirms the disposition of his property in South Aus- tralia.Illnstrated London News.