The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

POINTS FOR FARMERS. THE WIRRAL ARBITRATION AWARD. [COMMUNICATED.] The arbitration case of Shaw v. the representa- tives of J. Price, deceased (alluded to in our inner pages), which was recently tried at Birkenhead, in reference to the Arrowe and Greasby Green- house Farms in Wirral, embraces so many points of interest to farmers in Cheshire, and so impresses the necessity for all agriculturists both to examine carefully the conditions of their tenancies and to keep accurate accounts, that no apology is needed for setting out shortly the main points raised therein. The late Mr. Price, of Arrowe, was tenant of the above farms (of about 400 acres) on the conditions of an old lease which was said to have been drawn under the direction of the Court of Chancery. The term of the lease was to be com- puted from the 2nd day of February. There was a clause compelling the tenant to give up the land in stubble before the 1st November previously to the time of quitting. Also a clause to the following effect, viz., that the tenant might up to and until the first day of May in the last year of the said term put stock on all the pasture lands of the said farms not less than two years old, but should not put any stock on the young grasses after the 1st day of November of such year. Nothing whatever was said in the lease about the retention of house buildings or any bdosey pasture as such up to May 1st after the giving up of the land on February 2nd. The late tenant, however, on entering did not get the house building or pastures until May 1st, and his representatives, when the term expired in 1889, expected to quit according to the method of entering, and also according to the custom of the country. They had on the farm on the 2nd February, 1899, over four hundred half fat sheep, which it was prac- tically impossible to sell until March without serious loss. The landlords claimed that under the lease the tenant was obliged to give up house land and buildings on 2nd February, and that the words 1st May in the above covenant as to the pastures meant the May before 2nd February, 1899. The tenants claimed that the words 1st May meant the May after 2nd February, 1899, and that the words "last year of the term" did not mean that these dates of May and November must be the same year anno domini, or otherwise the covenant would force them to leave the grass to rot on the ground in the summer of 1898, because they would on that construction be pre- vented from pasturing their stock that year. Also that the custom of the country applied. They accordingly declined to quit the house buildings and pastures until 1st May, 1899. An action for ejectment was consequently brought by the land- lords early in 1899, claiming possession and damages. There being a clause in the lease com- pelling all disputes to be referred to arbitration, the tenants applied for, and obtained, a stay of this action on this ground, and referring the same to arbitration. Later on the further claims for dilapidations and bad farming were lodged, a copy of which is below:—Arrowe House and Greasby Green Farms. Landlords claim for dilapidations and breaches of the conditions of tenancy. Par- ticulars of the items comprised in the sum of 1;1,656 6s. mentioned in claimant's notice of 24th May, 1899: Dilapidations at Arrowe House Farm (including Bell's and Parr's cottages), L18 12s.; Ditto at Green House Farm, E27 6s 3d.; archi- tect's fee for valuing dilapidations, X4 4s.; com- pensation for negligent and wrongful cultivation, treatment and use, and for breaches of tenancy conditions in respect of Arrowe House Farm, viz: Failure to manure after a second "grain" crop in the years 1896 and 1898, £ 57 2s. 6d.; inferior root of permanent grass, £10. On account of produce sold during the years 1895-6-7 and 8, without bringing back manure, viz.: 180 tons oats, 1;69 10s.; 31 tons clover hay, £ 62; 40 tons upland hay, L57 3s. 4d.; 75 tons straw, JB57 10s.; 216 tons potatoes, U69 6s.; 150 tons oats, JB225 15s.; 46 tons wheat, JE65 14s. 10d.; for deficiency in land seeded down and impoverish- ment of same through excessive cropping in 1897 and 1898, £99 4s.; for deficiency in land twice grain-cropped without manure in 1897 and 1898, £ 19 4s.; bad clover root, j619 4s.; loss of season for young clover through improper cropping in 1898, and not manuring, £ 9; neglect to apply bones (5 years), JE50. Compensation for negligent and wrongful cultivation, treatment, and use, and for breaches of tenancy conditions in respect of Green House Farm, Greasby, viz.: Failure to manure after a second "grain" crop in the years 1895 and 1896, J671 5s.; mowing twice in one year without manure (1896), JEil8 15s. On account of produce sold during 1895, 1896, 1897, and 1898 without bringing back manure, viz.: 150 tons oats, J386 17s. 6d.; 52 tons clover hay, £ 124; 40 tons upland hay, 1;57 3s. 4d.; 24 tons straw, Ul2; 200 tons potatoes, J664 3s. 4d.; 125 tons oats, L186 9s. 2d.; 15 tons wheat, C21 8s. 9d.; for deficiency in land seeded down and impoverishment of same through excessive corn cropping in 1897 and 1898, £ 41 12s.; for land twice cropped with oats without manure in 1896 and 1897, £ 24; for foul and im- proper cropping in 1898, £ 9; for bad clover root, £ 60 16a.; total, £ 1,656 6s. This claim and that for possession were tried before arbitrators and an umpire, the latter being Mr. George Sills, Recorder of Lincoln. The land- lords were represented by Mr.- Collingwood Hope, instructed by Messrs. Garnett and Co., Liverpool, and the tenants by Mr. McKeevor, instructed by Mr. E. Brassey, Chester. By his awards Mr. kills found the tenant was right in his view as to time of quitting, and nothing was due from the tenant on the remaining claims, and awarding him the costs of the proceedings. A large amount of the above claims turned on the construction of an extraordinary covenant in the lease, the exact meaning of which had evidently been overlooked by both parties until after quitting, viz., that the tenant might during the last four years of the term sell any farm produce, including wheat, oats, barley, and beans, grown on the farm, on bringing back such quantity of good stable or cowhouse manure in lieu thereof as would be produced on the said farm if such produce were consumed thereon. It will be observed that under this wording the tenant was bound to bring back not the value of what was sold off, but the quantity in weight of what the farmyard beasts would have produced from it if they had eaten it. Statistics on this subject are not exact, but old comparative tables state that a horse would reject about 40 per cent. of amount consumed, a cow about 30, and a pig about four. As there averaged about 20 horses, 100 cattle, 20 pigs, and 400 sheep on the holding, the calculations of what each would have eaten in proportion to the total crop, and afterwards re- jected, came to as near a Chinese puzzle as could well be imagined. The tenant in this case was able to adduce evidence by bills and receipts, shewing that manure had been purchased amply sufficient to replace the sales. The portion of the claim for taking two grain crops without manuring was under the following covenant: -"Not to take (in succession) more than one grain crop, except a crop of barley or oats, after a wheat crop laid down with grass, with a top dressing of approved portable manure, after the rate of not less than 30s. per statute acre." What was the meaning of portable manure? Is there any manure which is not "portable?" Counsel humorously suggested that it might be a misprint for "potable," a liquid manure. The landlords claimed that the tenant was bound under this covenant to manure between the two grain crops. The tenant contended that it was bad fanning to do so, because the effect would prob- ably be to cause the outstraw to go down and injure the clover root, and that the manuring should be applied to the clover root after the second grain crop was taken. This contention was held to be right. The minor points in the case may be passed by, but these very useful morals may be drawn: (1) That it is both injurious for a landlord and tenant to have an agreement con- taining ambiguous or contradictory terms, and a tenant who finds himself under such is conferring a service on himself and his landlord .by pointing them out and getting them set right; (2) that if a tenant cannot leave so as to go on another holding on the same terms as he goes in, he is liable to suffer very grave loss and inconvenience, and he ought to see that his agreement is precise on this point; (3) that unless a tenant's understanding as to manures to be brought back is on a scale very much more easy to calculate than that under the above covenant, both he and landlord, with the best of good faith, may come to hopeless disagree- ment, and be caused very grave expense; (4) that unless a tenant keep accurate books and looks after his receipts he may be placed in a very disad- vantageous position when he has to shew on leaving that he has complied with his covenants.

WHEAT PRODUCTION IN ENGLAND. WILL IT BE MAINTAINED ? PART 2. [CONTRIBUTED.] As remarked under the above heading, Part 1, in last week's issue, the question, shall wheat- production be maintained in England? is indeed a momentous one—both agriculturally and nationally. But, as stated, the immediate crux of it is, how shall we proceed to relieve the situa- tion? The great mass of the urban population have become educated to the notion that the lowest priced loaf is the most desirable, regardless of the stability of the means of maintaining the supply. And so long as this apathetic blindness prevails, no Minister or Government appears likely to undertake the responsibility of reforming it Yet we will ask, is it not possible for the British farmer to successfully compete with the foreigner in wheat production—as in other things —if he puts his shoulder to the wheel? The progression of the times has opened up to the present day farmer many possibilities which were unknown in the reputedly "good old days" of his forefathers. Mention has been made of increased production overcoming the deadlock. Well, in- creased production has so reduced the cost of production in many matters as to convert a loss into a profit, so why not in wheat-growing? and as a matter of fact it has in thousands of cases done so, and that even in England. In regard to the misapprehension that has arisen as to the profitable manuring of wheat, we may explain that in the olden times there was not much manure except the yard manure, and but little of that, that the wheat lands rarely got too "fat." But as cakes, guano, nitrate of soda, etc., began to be introduced, and were found to have a highly stimulating effect on the growth, many enter- prising farmers did so freely use them as to presently find themselves with a lot of coarse, unsound straw, and but little grain. Yet in the meantime the notion has arisen that nitrogen was the manure and the only manure par excellence for the wheat crop, and during the forties and fifties that doctrine was widely propagated by Professor Wilson, Mr. Lawes, and many others, with, of course, a lot of smaller fry in their train. This fallacy speedily exploded itself, yet much mischief has been done, and, as we all know, it is a hard task to have to go back on our own published words. Mr. Lawes reported nearly fifty years ago on some experiments in Norfolk, and said There cannot, however, be a doubt of the legitimacy of the inference that provided the land receive in a course of years a due share of the home manures derived from the feeding of horses and other stock on the farm, the mineral supplies of the soil will be amply sufficient to sustain an increased and even repeated growth of corn, by means of nitrogenous artificial manures, considerably beyond what is recognised by the leases or the current practices of the day." A few years after- wards we find that observant experimentalist, Mr. Cooke, reporting again from Norfolk, and saying: The corn stood up much better for the use of the minerals, phosphate and potash; the quality of the grain was certainly improved by the mineral manures. One season the addition of 2cwt. of phosphate and lcwt. of muriate of potash to 4cwt. of rape cake increased the crop by four bushels over that where the rape cake only was used. In another instance the addition of 2cwt. of phosphate to 4cwt. of rape cake pro- duced 17 bushels of wheat. But," writes Mr. Cooke, any such bald statement of statistics upon paper cannot convey any adequate idea at all of the extraordinary difference in appearance to the eye at harvest time, between the plots having mineral manures, and all the other plots which had not these manures. The whole of the rest of the plots under experiment, without a single exception, were very dark indeed in colour, were very faint, and in some cases were quite rotten of straw, and were beaten down perfectly level with the ground; presenting altogether such a picture of ruin and disease, and such a oontrast to the rest of the field, as those who saw them are not likely to forget. The quality of the grain from this laid, corn was, of course, very bad indeed, and as proof of this it is only necessary to say that whereas on the dunged manure plots and the mineral manured plots the grain weighed 601b. to the bushel, the average of all the other experimental plots was only 561b. per bushel." Not long ago Dr. Voeloker, in reporting on the wheat-growing experiments of the R.A.S.E. at Woburn, said: "As mineral manures alone were proved to do no good, one might be led to the con- clusion that the whole of the increase, when mineral and nitrogenous manures are used to- gether, is due to the latter. It is clear, however, that this is not the case; the benefit is not due to the nitrogen alone nor to the minerals alone, but to the joint action of the two, and, in this way, the rationale of the proper manuring of wheat and other cereals is brought out." The same prin- ciple is further elucidated by Sir Henry Gilbert: "Mineral manures alone give little increase in the wheat crop; nitrogenous manures alone give more than minerals alone, but a mixture of the two fives very much more than either separately." peaking of rotations, Sir Henry said: "Of phosphoric acid the cereal crops take up as much as, or more than, any of the other crops of the rotation, excepting clover; and the greater portion of what they take up is lost to the farm in the saleable product—the grain. In any explanation of the benefits of an alteration of crops the position and role of the mineral constituents must not be overlooked." This question of rotation manuring is very ably summed up by Professor Somerville as follows: "Instead of depending on an extra big dressing of manure for the root crop to main- tain the fertility of the land throughout the rota- tion, our experiments shew that it is much better to depend on direct applications. This does not, however, shew that one should be sparing in applying manure to the turnip crop, but it does shew that large applications to the turnip crop cannot take the place of subsequent applications to the other crops." This view is confirmed by Professor Wright: "The largest crops are got by the repeated appli- cation of soluble fetilisers in successive years" "The combinations of nitrogenous, phosphatic, and potassic manures have given in the past season the most remunerative returns in the oat crop, amounting to nearly J61 per acre of clear profit. These are the most profitable manures to apply to the oats. Larger, more certain, and more profit- able increases of crop are obtained by applying the nitrogenous manures in combination, with phosphatio and potassic manures. Farmyard manure produced a large increase of crop, but increased straw more than grain." In the report upon the Essex field experiments on the manuring of beans, to be followed by wheat, unmanured, it is stated that "five cwt. of basic slag has, as a rule, proved of about equal value to four cwt. of superphosphate for the beans. At Tendring, how- ever, upon the soil poor in lime, the basic slag has produced a better yield of both crops, on this field the value of the increase of beans and wheat (grain only) is 63s., while the slag cost 12s. Id." That universally respected authority, Dr. Bernard Dyer, F.C.S., F.L.S., &c., says: "The plant does not live on single nourishing materials, but on a food composed of nourishing materials, and every single constituent of this food is only effective when the rest are available in conjunction with it. It is unnecessary that the quantity of phosphoric acid and potash required for the particular crop should be exactly measured out to it. The prac- tical man, who manages his farm with intelli- gence, puts an excess of phosphoric acid and potash into the ground." From the foregoing evidence we may positively deduce certain facts, and assume others. We may take it as proven fact that the coming wheat crop would, under any circumstances, be greatly benefited by a moderate dressing of a. complete manure, say, 4cwt. of basic slag (vide footnote, N.B.) and It cWt. of kainit this autumn; to be followed by 1tcwt. of nitrate of soda in the spring, if necessary. We may confidently assume it is a fact that but a very small portion of the last turnip crop got even half as much phosphate as was applied at Rotham- sted, or by Professors Somerville and Wright, and, assuming this to be a fact, it is a proven fact that an application of phosphate to the wheat is absolutely essential to the best and most pofitable results, either as regards quantity or quality. N.B.—We give preference to basic slag phos- phate because all the evidence before us indicates it to be the most suitable phosphate for the wheat crop; and, Rothamsted having adopted basic slag as the source of phosphate, we accept the pre- cedent. Furthermore, we are considerably im- pressed by the general bearing of the following observation made by Sir Henry Gilbert: "There is, in fact, perhaps no agricultural practice by which what is termed the 'condition' of land, that is, the readily-available fertility due to recent accumulation, can be so rapidly exhausted as by growing turnips on it by superphosphate alone."

CHESHIRE FARMERS AND TUBERCULOSIS. IMPORTANT PROSECUTION. [BY OUIl. OWN REPORTER.} A prosecution of considerable interest and importance to Cheshire farmers and milk pro- ducers was heard at the Manchester City Police Court, on Friday, before Mr. Headlam, stipen- diary magistrate. George Sutton, farmer, Bridge House, Haslington, near Crewe, who supplies milk to various dealers in Manchester, was the first person to be prosecuted under the Manchester Corporation General Powers Act, 1899, for failing to report to the Manchester medical officer, Dr. Niven, the fact that he had a cow with an udder affected with tuberculosis. Mr. Bell, solicitor for the prosecution, read section 19, sub-section 4 of the Act, which pro- vides that every dairyman who supplies milk within the city, and has in his dairy any cow affected with, or suspected of, or exhibiting signs of tuberculosis 81: the udder, shall forth- with give written notice of the fact to the medical officer, stating his name and address, and the situation ef the dairy or premises where a cow is, and any dairyman failing to give such notice shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding 40s. Mr. Bell explained that under the Act inspectors were employed whose duty; it was to take samples of milk delivered in Man- chester. Those samples were submitted for analysis, and although most of them might not be found with any sign of disease, some of them were. Among the samples of milk analysed in June last was one from the defendant's farm, and this was found to be affected with tuber- culosis. Then Mr. Lloyd, one of the inspectors in the medical officer's department, knowing the farm from which the milk was sent, visited Mr. Sutton's premises and examined his cattle, with the result that he discovered one animal was affected with tuberculosis of the udder. Prior to that time a letter dated 18th of May this year, accompanied by a copy of the Act of Parliament, was sent to all farmers who sent milk to Manchester. Not only had they been forwarded by post, but many were delivered at the premises of farmers personally by the Corporation inspectors, and defendant was one of those who received the circular. Moreover, Mr. Lloyd personally delivered a second copy of the medical officer's letter and the section of the Act quoted above to the defendant on the occasion of this visit, but despite that Mr. Sutton failed to give the notice required. The medical officer's circular drew the attention of farmers generally to signs in cattle which might be regarded as symptoms of the existence of tuberculosis of the udder. Mr. Hockin, the solicitor for the defence, at this point said, so far as this particular offence was concerned, his client did not contest the facts at all. Mr. Bell, proceeding, pointed out that the case, which was the first which had been heard under this Act of Parliament, was one of great importance for the reason that theJCorporation wished to shift the onus from their inspectors in finding out the existence of tuberculosis to the farmers who had cows in their possession. To enable farmers to do so the Corporation supplied them with particulars for their guidance. He believed the defendant took a very active part on his farm, and actually milked the cows. Therefore the diseased cow would doubtless come under his observation, and after the particulars from the medical officer were supplied to him, it was his duty to study the symptoms, which would enable him to find the existence of the disease among his cows. Mr. Lloyd, veterinary surgeon connected with the medical officer's department of the Manchester Corporation, then gave evidence in support of the case. In consequence of a report of analysis from Dr. Niven he visited defendant's farm on the 30th July, and inspected 24 cows. In defendant's presence he made a thorough examination of the animal in question—a roan heifer—and the symptoms it j bore were such as any farmer would easily observe after reading the particulars in the medical officer's circular. He took a sample of milk from the cow, but, of course, could not find the fluid visibly affected with tuberculosis. In fact it was very difficult to discover evidence of tuberculosis in milk.—Cross-examined The heifer was a young one, two or three years old. Witness admitted that it was very sel- dom that a cow of that age exhibited symptoms of tuberculosis. He added that when he pointed out the animal's condition to Mr. Sutton, that gentleman promised to dry up" the cow—in other words, to prevent her from being milked in the future. Mr. Hockin, for the defence, said Mr. Sutton was a highly respectable farmer whe had been noted for a long time for selling the best milk. He was absolutely ignorant of the existence of the disease in any of his cows until Mr. Lloyd came and took samples from his farm in his presence. The witness frankly said it was very seldom that an animal of the age of the one in question developed tuberculosis, and a person who was not a skilled veterinary surgeon having the experience Mr. Lloyd possessed could not detect that the animal was suffering from that disease. Mr. Lloyd went away with the samples, and the last thing he said to Mr. Sutton was that he would hear again about the matter after the milk from the heifer was examined. Mr. Sutton then im- mediately dried up the animal, and not a drop of milk had proceeded from it since. He waited patiently in expectation of hearing from the Corporation as to the result of their test, and received a letter from the medical officer of health on the 11th of September, after a lapse of considerable time since the visit of the inspector, informing him that his roan heifer had been "proved to have well-marked tuberculosis of the udder." The doctor pointed out he had rendered himself liable to a penalty for not notifying this fact, and he would have to report the matter to the committee, for action to be taken. As regarded the heifer, from what Mr. Lloyd had told him she ought to be killed, and should the body be found fit for human con- sumption defendant would be able to dispose of it. The animal was accordingly killed in the presence of Mr. Lloyd and defendant's veterinary surgeon, so the medical officer's wishes had been strictly carried out. Well might the defendant have thought it unneces- sary to formally notify Dr. Niven that he suspected one of his animals had tubercu- losis, in view of the fact that Mr. Lloyd was doing so. Strictly speaking, defendant did not comply with the actual words of the section of the Act, but he (Mr. Hockin) trusted he had furnished a reasonable excuse for not giving a written notification. A fine of 10s. and costs was imposed.

HIMBOD'S CURB FOR ASTHMA. — Established over a quarter of a century.—Prescribed by the Medical Faculty throughout the world. It is used as an inhalation, and without any after bad effect% Testimonials of efficacy from the late Lord Beacons- field, Miss Emily Faithful, Sir Morell Mackenzie, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Trial sample free by post. In Tina at 4/3. British Depdt: 46, Holbom Viaduct, London; also of Newbery, Barclay, j Sanger, Edwards, May Roberts; Butler & Crispe; Thompson, Liverpool; all Wholesale Houses. CLEBICAL CTCLIST'S PLEA.—The legal mind would be somewhat disturbed ,over the defence on Thursday raised at Wilmslow (Cheshire), in a case in which the Rev. W. Graham, clergyman, Fulshaw, was charged with cycling on the footpath. The defendant claimed that the law could not reach a clergy- man when on parochial work; I that if it was necessary or expedient, he could ride on the footpath. He based his claim, he said, on Stephen's edition of Blackstone, and one of the Acts of George III. His case came within the Acts. The laws which regulated ordinary pedestrians on highways and bridges were suspended in the case of clergymen when on parochial duties.—Mr. Mair, clerk, said he had no hesitation in saying the sections mentioned did not apply to bicycle riding on the footpath. —Alderman Thompson said ladies were fined, and he did not see why olergymen should escape. What defendant urged was out of date, and defendant was fined 5s. and the costs (8s). CADBURY's COCOA, on the testimony of the Lancet, represents the standard of highest purity.' It is entirely free from all foreign substances, such as kola, malt, hops, &o., nor is alkali used to darken the colour (and so deceive the eye). Dr. Andrew Wilson, in a recent article in the Illustrated London News, writes i Coooa is in itself a perfect food, and requires ao addition of drugs whatever.' CADBURY's COCOA is absolutely pure, and should be taken by old and young, at all times and in all seasons; for Children it is an ideal beverage, promoting healthy growth and development in a remarkable degree. Insist on having CADBURY's, as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra proit. Sold only in Packets and Tins. 3

REMARKABLE LONGEVITY. » OTHER CENTENARIANS. Cheshire is becoming famous for oentenarians. We have within but a short time referred to three centenarians, one of whom is still living, and he, it is true, being just beyond the border of the county. Now we have to record the death of still another whose years of life numbered three figures. After celebrating her 100th birthday in May this year, Mrs. Elizabeth Dodd, widow of the late William Dodd, of Hatton Heath, has passed off the earthly stage on which she has played her part so long. She was in possession of all her faculties almost to the last, and often has she described in vivid language the memorable events of the early part of the century. Her death is deeply regretted by members of four generations. The funeral took place at Waver- ton. Her husband was a nonagenarian, his age at death being 93 years. The remains of Mr. Edward Wilkinson, of Picton, who had completed 99 years. were interred at Plemstall Church, near Mickle Trafford, on Thursday. Mr. Thos. Wilkinson, of Runcorn, aged 67 years, attended the funeral. The deceased had spent the whole of his long life in the country as a farm bailiff and farm labourer, but had not worked for 20 years. Two other examples of longevity have come under our notice. Miss Elizabeth Allsopp has just celebrated her hundredth birthday at Bramley, near Guildford. She was in the service of one family for seventy-four years. Mrs. Margaret Anne Neve, of Guernsey, is 108 years and five months old. There is no ques- tion as to Mrs. Neve's great age, for she possesses her baptismal certificate.

COUNTESS OF MEXBOROUGH DEAD. ♦ THE LAST OF AN, OLD CHESHIRE FAMILY. By the death of the Countess of Mexborough, who, we regret to say, expired at her residence in Park-lane on Tuesday, a very old English family-the Stanley-Erringtons, of Hooton, and of Umfraville and Kyme-becomes extinct. Her ladyship was born Miss Venetia Stanley, and she was the daughter of Sir Rowland Stanley, the last baronet of the line save one. In 1867 she married Viscount Pollington, now Earl of Mexborough, by whom, in 1882, she had one daughter, who lived only a single day. Her father left no male heir, and was succeeded in the title by his brother, Sir John, who was the twelfth and last of the old title, and took as an additional patronymic the name of Errington. He married a daughter of Baron de Talleyrand, and as he had no heir the baronetcy became extinct on his death. The Countess of Mexborough's only sister was Vis- countess Cromer, who passed away in Egypt two years ago, and was interred at Bournemouth; and now the last of the family has followed her. By the death of the Countest; of Mex- borough, the Stanley family, of Hooton, becomes extinct. The Stanley family became possessed of the Hooton estates in the 14th century through Marjory, daughter and sole heiress of William, the last Lord of Hooton, who married Sir William de Stanley. The family were noted for their loyalty, but there was a glaring exception in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Sir William Stanley, eldest son of Sir Rowland Stanley, after serving under the King of Spain, returned home and was etnployed, in 1578, in the reduction of the rebellious pro- vince of Munster. where he greatly distinguished himself. He afterwards proceeded to Holland with the forces of the Earl of Leicester, and was appointed Governor of Deventer. Like most of the members of his family, he was a Catholic, and the Dutch for this reason would not trust him. Their distrust, ap- parently, was justified, for he persuaded most of his troops to go over to his old master, Philip of Spain, and he became one of the chief advisers of that monarch when he was preparing his celebrated Armada to assault our shores. Sir William Stanley had previously been con- cerned in Babington's conspiracy in favour of Mary Queen of Scots. He finally died at Mechlin, of which town he was governor. The father of this traitor, Sir Rowland Stanley, lived to be the oldest knight in the land. He died in 1613, aged 96, and was buried at Eastham. He was succeeded by his great grandson.

FLINTSHIRE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY 0 PROPOSED AGRICULTURAL CENTRE. AWARD OF COUNTY EXHIBITIONS. A meeting of the county governors of Flintshire was held at Mold on Saturday afternoon. Mr. J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., presided, and there was a large attendance of members from the respective school districts.—The Chairman said last year the total number of scholars in the Flintshire inter- mediate schools wac 359, but this year that number had been increased to 378. This shewed, he be- lieved, a larger proportionate increase than was the case in any other Welsh county or county borough, with perhaps one or two exceptions. [ The detailed statistics relating to the ages of the scholars shewed that the constant exhortations, at prize-gatherings and other meetings, to parents to keep their children at school a year longer, were bearing some fruit.—Mr. Pennant submitted the report of the Financial Committee. It appeared the committee recommended the payment of two sums of JB500 and B300 respectively to the Rhyl governors on account of the building fund. The Hawarden governors wished their loan to be ex- tended to £ 800, and when the actual application to that effect was before them he had no doubt they would be prepared to sanction the proposal.— The report generally was adopted, including the payment of a number of exhibition amounts.— Mr. Pennant made a report on St. Asapb School, which had been considered by the joint agricul- tural committee of Flintshire and Denbighshire. They all knew that the population in the St. Asaph district was not sufficient to keep the inter- mediate school there going unless something could be done to take advantage of the excellent boarding accommodation which the buildings afford. The suggestion had been thrown out that they should specialise in that school the subject of agriculture, and invite pupils from North Wales generally. In that case it was thought possible the boarding accommodation could be utilised, and that sufficient numbers would thereby be brought to the school as to make it a flourishing institu- tion. The Agricultural Committee were rather shy in expressing any opinions on the matter, as they thought the two educational authorities in Flintshire and Denbighshire—the county governing bodies-should take the subject up. He thought this was an opportunity that should not be lost, and that they should in some way put themselves in communication with Denbighshire County Governors on the subject.—Sir W. G. Williams said St. Asaph School had declined on account of the fact that they had not got sufficient popular tion in the district, and they must remember that there were now schools at Abergele, Khyl, and Denbigh. He agreed with the appointment of a committee to confer with the Denbighshire governors.—The Chairman pointed out that such a school would be for the benefit of other counties as well as Flintshire, and this was a point that would require some consideration.—Mr. Pennant said they had been advised that some arrange- ments and alterations would be f necessary to enable other counties to contribute representation and funds in connection with such a Bebool.- Ultimately it was agreed to appoint a deputation to meet representatives of the Denbighshire governing body, and the following members were appointed to act Sir W. G. Williams, Messrs. P. P. Pennant, Peter Roberts, H. Davies, and Hy. Lloyd Jones. It was understood the combined committee would go thoroughly into the whole question, including costs, &c., and report.—The report of the Chief Inspector (Mr. Owen Owens) with regard to the county exhibitions for 1900 was read and considered. After a long discussion the following awards were made: JE40 R. O. Arthur (Mold), and the following three exhibitions of B20 each-Thomas Edward Hill (Hawarden), Alister M'Gregor (Mold), Margaret Charlotte Jones (Holywell).

The Earl of Crewe left Derby on Tuesday for Chatsworth House on a visit to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. At a bazaar which was opened on Thursday in the Wallasey New Infirmary, at Liscard, which Her Majesty has graciously per- mitted to be named the Victoria Cen- tral Hospital," there were among those present Mr. Joseph Hoult, M.P., and Mrs. Hoult (who performed the inaugural ceremony), Lady Margaret Ismay, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Lever, Colonel Cotton-Jodrell, Mr. Samuel Smith, M.P., and Mr?. Smith, Colonel G. Dixon, Mr. Charles Birchall, Rev. C. Hylton Stewart, and Dr. Cogswell. "IT'S A WELL-ASSORTED MATCH" is the ex- clamation of every loyal Englishman in speaking of the recent marriage of Prince George of Wales and Princess May. That the happy pair will be spared to rule over our country wisely and well, and enjoy the blessing of good health, is a prayer that will find an echo in many hearts. Holloway's Pills and Ointment have been the means of pro- longing the lives of thousands of people in all parts of the world, and now they are looked upon as the most reliable family medicines. In cases of dysentery. diarrhcsa, sick headache, fever, indiges- tion and liver complaint they are unapproachable by any known remedy. They are sold by all chemists and medicine vendors.

ACk AM MAN Severe Cold on the Chest. Misery to breathe, but was cured in a few days by Scott's Emulsion JAMES LISTED (Fom a Photograph.) I 63, Cony bars Street, Bale ill Heath, Birmingham, April 14th, 1899. Dear Sirs,—Allow :(9 to take thin opportunity of testifying to the benefits derived fr- m Scott's Emulsion. I was suffering from a severe cold at the t He, my Cfiest and throat paining me so badly that it was a perfect mi sery to bre athe. A friend of mine, who is a cyclist, said he had found Scott's Emulsion extremely beneficial for the wind, chest, throat, etc., and strongly advised me to give it a trial, which I did. I can assure you the result was, in a few days the pains in my chest had entirely vanished and I was able to breathe with perfect ease alain. Once more thanking you, I remain, Youro faithfully, (Signed) JAS. LISm In severe coughs and cases of acute adjuncts to the oil, and it offers these inflammation of throat and lungs, it is ingredients in a form that is found in no advisable to take small doses of Scott's other remedy. Therefore, it is important Emulsion every hour, or even oftener, for that you should purchase several hoars until there is relief and the only the genuine Scott's danger of serious complications is lessened. Emulsion, containing our You will find Scott's Emulsion perfectly trade mark on the wrapper fjjygB palatable, and the relief it affords to the encasing the bottle. The M inflamed membranes of throat and lungs is, genuine Scott's Emulsion is JE -jr indeed, most gratifying. effectual where other reme- m yjlf Of all the various cough remedies offered dies are not, as is proved w 'l)g. to the public the genuine Scott's Emulsion every day by people who try tt /VJ is the most effectual, because while it other preparations without -feSjpU- affords almost immediate relief, it at the any decided benefit, and are^w same time nourishes and strengthens the afterwards restored to health system, and thus prevents the more through Seott's Emulsion. TRADE MARK. alarming symptoms which are apt to follow It is certainly better to take Scott's Emul- if the body cannot resist them. Cod-liver sion at the outset of treatment than to oil has long been used for affections of waste money in inferior remedies. this nature, but it never had its greatest You can obtain a sample of Scott's possibilities of usefulness until Scott's Emulsion by sending threepence in stamps Emulsion disguised its taste and made it to Scott and Bowne, Limited, 95, Great adapted to the digestive system. Scott's Saffron Hill, London, E.C., and mentioning Emulsion also contains hypopbospbites and the name of this paper. All ahemists sell glycerine, both of which are valuable Scott's Emulsion.

THE TIGER STORY FROM WALES. 0 A statement was published on Saturday, to the effect that Upper Radnorshire was terrorised by a large tiger which had eacaped from a travelling menagerie, and had been prowling about the county for 10 days, tearing sheep in pieces and devouring sheep dogs. Schools in the neighbourhood, it was said, had been closed. The Knighton correspondent of the Central News made a tour of 24 miles on I Saturday through the tiger infested district, and found the inhabitants quite unaware of their danger. The schools were indeed closed, but the Central News correspondent was officially informed that this was the custom on Saturday afternoon. The account published on Saturday said that the beast was last sighted on Thursday, within a mile of Llandrindod Wells, and that a number of armed men started in pursuit. The Central News correspondent could gain no information of this expedition, and it appears to have quite escaped notice in the locality. It is surmised that the number of armed men must have been a very small one. Telegraphing later, the correspondent says that the story is now believed to be a hoax.

StOCkeg. _'V' oJ" 'J"V- NORTHERN v. CHESTER. Played at Chester in beautiful weather. The ground was very heavy after the recent rain. From the bully-off Northern got possession, and were going nicely when Martyn gave them the right about turn and mid-field play ensued. At last Bower got possession and went like lightning up his wing, centred nicely to his partner, who gave it to C. R. Taylor, who did the needful in smart fashion. Chester now began to work hard, Maude and Caine on the left giving the visitors' backs all they could do, and had not Carey come out in the nick of time would have equalised. Even play in midfield was the order of things for some time, Wolf and Taylor on the left doing some pretty work, but without effect. However, Bower at last got possession and the same thing occurred as in the first goal, the centre again doing the needful. Chester now woke up, and from some smart play on the left Caine scored after a tussle with the visitors' backs. Give-and-take play was the order of the game for some time, till A. J. Tavlor got possession and scored in neat fashion, half-time arriving shortly after, Northern having scored three to Chester's one goal. Restarting neither side could claim any advantage, the backs of each side having all they could manage. Maude and Caine for the home side working nicely together kept Merriman (half) very busy. Northern for a while had the best of matters, but Powell in goal saved well, and two or three shots were within a few inches of scoring. Towards the end Chester began to press, but were never allowed to get a shot owing to Williams and Marsh's energies, and the game ended with the score the same as half-time, viz., Northern 3, Chester 1. For Chester the goalkeeper, who was a substitute, played in quite a classy style, while Caine was always conspicuous in the attack. For Northern the whole team worked well together, and had the ground been faster might have been seen to better advantage. Singling any one out Geo. Merriman and Elwell were always noticeable for their hard work. Teams:— Chester: Powell, Andrews, Martyn, Morris- Davies, Blatherwick, Tait, Maude, Caine, Gamon, Neville, and Rowley. Northern: Carey, Williams, Marsh, Merriman, Elwell, Thompson, Bower, Taylor, Taylor, Taylor, and Wolff.

LONDON COPIES CHESTER. 0 While the ideas of our forefathers have for the most part been vastly improved upon, there are instances, particularly as regards architecture, where the examples of their ingenuity have proved to be worthy of emulation in the present day. An illustration of this remark- able fact is afforded us in the interesting proposal made by Sir Frederick Bramwell, the J|H eminent engineer, that the type of street archi- J9H tecture seen in the Rows at Chester should AJP be adopted in the construction of a new Btreet in London. This novel suggestion is being much discussed in the Metropolis, and jHH although Sir EYederick thinks it unlikely that his proposal will be carried out, it is very probable that the scheme will be carefully considered. Much has been written and spoken of Chester's many unique and distinctive features, but the suggestion that one of these should be singled out as a model for London, the greatest and most advanced city of the world, is a most flattering tribute to the care with which our leading citizens have, while effecting the improvements which the working of time invariably demands, preserved the old city's most remarkable characteristics which have -swm attracted and delighted visitors from every .JMm part of this country and abroad for ages. The" Manchester Guardian" says it is strange that the proposal of Sir Frederick Bramwell should not have been made and carried out long ago in many English towns, and describes the ':9H Rows as a delightful place for walking and shopping, equally secure from the rain above and the mud below. We are inclined to think that /9H the Rows, with their sense of secure and restful flH removal from the traffic of the main street, and their superior command at the same time of that traffic as a spectacle for the eye, are an even more delectable fruit of human ingenuity than their Italian equivalent." However extensively the Rows may be copied, they will always >9H remain unique in their originality, "for while it is possible and perhaps advisable to adopt the principle in re-constructing streets in large cities, the Building Laws, we should imagine, would preclude an actual reproduction.

The Secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a legacy of JB50 bequeathed by the late Miss Pierpoint, of Dee Banks, Chester, per Messrs. Collins, Robinson, and Driffield, 34, Castle-street. LiverpooL PAIBNT RAILWAY COUPLING.—Mr. G. W. Bebbington, No. 3, Sunny-bank, Hoole, has been informed that the complete specification of his patent railway coupling has been accepted by the Comptroller-General of the Patent Office, and is now open for. publio inspection in accordance with the Patent Act.

I Rowland's ODONTO a pure, fragrant non-gritty tooth powder: WHITENS THE TEETH. prevents decay and sweetens the breath. Sold by Stores, Chemists, and A. Rowland & Sons, Hatton Garden, London.