The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

I Memories of Past Days. t Notes. I WELSH DOCTORS.—I came across the following, which I thought might interest some of your readers, in a book-" The I Origin and Growth of the Healing Art," by Edward Berdoe. The author quotes some maxims compiled as laws of the Court Physician (930 A.D.), showing that Welsh science was not born of yester- day The mediciner is to have, when he shall apply, a tent and twenty-four I "pence. His food daily is one penny-half- 'I penny. The worth of a medical man is one penny." However, the mediciner knew a thing or two, the author' con- tinues. The physicians of Myddrai I" (Meddygon Myddfai South Wales) I recognised live kinds of fevers, viz., il latent, intermittent, ephemeral, inflam- I matory, and typhus. The doctors' three j master difficulties were a wounded lung, jj a wounded mammary gland, and a ¡ wounded knee joint. There are three II bones which will never unite when broken-the tooth, the knee-pan, and the os frontis." Perhaps it was the ex- pression of inward feelings when the physician was tendered his handsome fee which ran in the mind of Euricus Curdus j (1486-1535), who studied medicine at Erfurt, so Welsh doctors may console themselves that the penny-paid doctor was not confined to Wales. Three faces wears the doctor when first sought An angel's—and a god's the cure half-wrought But, when that cure complete, he seeks his iee, j The devil looks then less terrible than he. or perhaps in trying to screw an extra d." from a patient with lips say God, be pitiful," That never said 14 God be praised." W. F. WILLIAMS REES. OLD WELSH LIBRARIES. The Library of the late Robert Jones, of Rotlicrhithe, (Continued.) Catecism Byraf, half calf, Caerfyrddin, 1815 Profion Christionogaeth, 1847— Pugh (J.) Gwnewch y Goreu, Wrexham, 1864 Beardsall (T.) Traethawd ar Gwinoedd, Llanelli, 1841 B (4) Bunyan (J.) Pregeth., half calf, Abeiys- twyth, I 1810 Bunyan ^J.) Ymddygiad Cristionogol, half calf, Caerfyrddin 1784 Bunyan (J.) Tyred a Groesaw, half calf, ib. 1770 Bunyan (J.) Taith y Pererin, half calf, Dinbych 1854 Grotius (H.) Gwilrioncdd y Grefydd Grist- ionogol, half calf, Caerfyrddin 1854 Griffiths (J.), Trefn yr Eglwys, half calf ib. 1811 Hughes (J. C.), Oriau'r Hwyr, half calf, Rhuthyn 1860 Jones (E.), Hymnau, half calf, Dinbych 1810 Lewis (L. W.), Llewelyn Parri, half calf, Merthyr Tydvil 1855 Lewis (G.), Athrawiaeth Etholedigaeth, half calf, Dolgellau 1809 Huntington (W.), Ysgerbwd Arminaidd, half calf, Dolgellau n d. D:rgelwch (Tri Adervn), calf, scarce, Gwrecsam .I 1778 Athroniaeth Trefn lechawdwriaeth, half x m calf, Gwrecsam 184.8 Eisteddfod Llanbedr, half calf, Aberyst. wyth I 1860 Cyfarwyddwr Meddygol Tculuaidd, half calf, Caerfyrddin 1856 Lloyd (D.), Memoir of. in Welsh and English, half calf 1849 Cleaver (Esgob W.), Catecism, half calf, Dinbych 1809 (To be continued.)

Queries. U FFARWEL ITI, PEGGY BAX."—In an old Welsh periodical, I notice a reference to the above, which is said to have been one of the most familiar of Welsh melodies, and sung in every cottage in Wales. Who can explain what it refers to ? CRYTHOR. CONWAY CHARTER.—Is the original Charter of the Incorporation of Conway still in existence ? If so, would any of your readers from that town oblige by giving us some particulars of it, its date, and where it may be inspected ? M. A. THE WEATHER PROPHET OF HOLYHEAD. --The Welsh people of a former genera- tion used to place much faith in the well- known Almanac Caergybi," and even now I find that in country fairs it is much sought for. May I ask why Holyhead came to be regarded as a place whence predictions of the weather could be better given than elsewhere. CALWG.

Replies. WHO WAS GWRGANT ?—You had this query lately in your Past Days" column, and as I have seen no answer as yet, may I state that Gwrgant was an eccentric, though thorough old Welsh patriot, who resided in Greenwich some years ago. He had been in the civil service. Mahy years ago I had occasion to address him a letter or circular, which I did in rather a bold hand, because I was informed that he would always insist on being addressed Jones, Esq., Greenwich," without any further particulars of the name of the street or house. I suppose there was no other Jones at Greenwich, leastways no J one of any note. I well remember receiv- ing the envelope back endorsed "Coarse and vulgar," accompanied by another in a neat, feminine hand, endorsed" N eat and relined." J. A. J. THE EMBARKATION OF MADOC AP OWEN GWYNEDD.—In answer to a recent enquiry on this subject, may I state that after some search I can find no historical reference to the above earlier than in "Humphrey Lloyd's History of Wales," except, of course, the references of the earlier bards, Humphrey Lloyd's being a continuation of Caradoc, of Llancarfaris, is surely authentic and reliable. GLAN CONWAY.

Correspondence. [We do not necessarily identify ourselves with the opinions of our correspondents.3 A Correction. SIR,-I shall feel obliged to be allowed to correct the word 11 bitter." It should have read to better perform our respec- tive duties." A pardonable error, for, un- fortunately, there are two many of us claiming the new nature while wear- ing the old in its poisonous garb of bitterness," which sometimes consumes a district that was previously quiet and peaceful. T. E. B. P.S.—Does Lent mean a temporary putting off ? Then what part has it in a new creation ? +.

The Protestant Army Divided. SIR,-Would it not be better for out- siders to consider what they can give to the different funds, such as the Kipling Fund, &c., that meets the demands of those left on our hands by the slain, and will again be left, for who knows where the war will end, and the number of widows and children that will be pressing us for support. INSIDER. P.S.—Perhaps Outsider never con- cerns about prayer himself or anything else to further their welfare.

Books and Bookmen. THE Clarendon Press announces the early publica- tion of an important work on Celtic research by Professor John Rhys, M.A., Principal of Jesus College, Oxford. The St. David's Day" special issue of the Geninen," the standard Welsh Quarterly, is entirely a biographical number. There are excel- lent articles on the late Rev. John Evans (Eglwys- fach), Mr T. E. Ellis, M.P., the late Bishop Lewis Lloyd, Charles Ashton, Nicholas Bennett, the Rev. Thos. James (of Huddersfield), and many others, by writers who in all cases would be the best qualified by personal knowledge to deal with the subjects. Maps of the Seat of War are now in great re- quest, but as the information we possessed at the outset has been proved very imperfect, and the scene of operations has generally been far away from where was at first anticipated, many revisions have been necessary. Messrs W. and A. K. John- stone, the well-known map publishers, have just issued two entirely new maps, which should be found most useful, inasmuch as they have been revised quite up-to-date, and show all places which have been localised, and which were quite unknown previously. One is a general map folded for the pocket, the back containing a concise history of the Transvaal, the record of the war, and particulars of the various armies and their dispositions. The other is a bird's-eye map, accompanying which is a set of miniature Hags for the purpose of marking from day to day the movements of the different armies. One of the most beautifully-executed guide books for the coming season we have yet seen has just reached us from the Peak Hydropathic Co., Buxton, written by Lesser Columbus." It deals generally with Derbyshire, and Buxton in particular, the illustrations being admirable. 2!1 In the monthly issue of Battles of the Nineteenth Century now proceeding, Messrs Cassell & Co. have very wisely introduced a supplement in instal- ments giving a history of the Boer War, which must now be very opportune, and will bring the work quite up to date. Messrs. Geo. New.nes & Co.'s periodical pub- lications for March are as varied and full of interest as ever. The "Sunday Strand" is destined to become as popular as its leader, especially whilst it numbers amongst its contributors such names as Sir Walter Besant, Headon Hill, E. M. Jameson, and Ian Maclaren, the latter of whom continues the most readable Life of Christ" we have ever read. The illustrated article on Great Preachers and their Homes this month is on the Archbishop of York, and nothing could be more appropriate just now than the articles on Royal Nurses," With the Fighting-line," "The Munkacsy Pictures," and The Princess Christian's Hospital Train."—The day of issue of "The Captain" is now eagerly awaited by school boys—and school girls too— everywhere, for besides the excellent stories it contains, there are most instructive and entertain- ing articles on just such subjects as cannot fail to interest our youth of school age. Healthy recreation and exercise receives special attention in its pages, and its tales of adventure are just such as to inspire pluck and manliness in our boys.— The Strand for March contains a short, com- plete story, Playing with Fire," by Dr Conan Dyle, and a short Californian story by Bret Harte. From behind the speaker's chair, by H. W. Lucy, is always interesting, and there is not a dull page in the whole number.—The Wide World Maga- zine "is quite as thrilling, even though Louis de Rougemont's contributions have ceased; Charles Neufeld's narrative, "In the Khalifa's Clutches," is now ended, ail too soon, and it contains a most vivid picture of the death of Gordon, drawn from particulars furnished by the author. Stirring adventures from all parts of the world are the main features of this excellent and bulky monthly.— Successive parts of the "Royal Atlas of England and Wales," The Arabian Nights Entertainments," and Untrodden Paths in Japan" are issued.—The weekly illustrated paper, "The King," is full of war pictures, and quite up to date. 0:

-—— The death is announced from Birmingham of Isaac Gordon, the notorious nioney-lender. The King and Queen of Sweden, who are about to pay a visit 10 this country, have taken Grove House, Roehampton, for a term. —— The amount of duty paid in Liverpool on spirits and tobacco on Saturday and Monday amounted to over half a million. One of the cheques paid in was for £ 50,000. —— Mr Robert Vigers has issued his award in the arbitration between the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and the Manchester Ship Canal Company for the purchase by the former of the Duke's Dock, Liverpool. The price to be paid is £ 522,000.

The Relief of Ladysmith. How Rhyl Celebratedjthe Occasion.; Scenes of Rejoicing. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THE great scenes of enthusiasm witnessed in Rhyl last Thursday will remain indelibly fixed upon the memories of those who took part in the rejoicings. One reverse succeeding another, advance after advance, only to be turned into a retreat, the great and glorious news of ultimate triumph gave rise to a panic of joy which lasted through the day. The first intimation of Sir Redvers Buller's success, was the spectacle of several telegraph boys rushing along the streets and disappearing into the news- agents' shops. A few moments' suspense and then out comes the proprietor with a buff piece of paper and a paste-brush. A few dexterous dabs, and then the various crowds read the following telegram, dispatched by the enterprising proprietors of the "Echo":—"Ladysmith relieved, official, specials by one o'clock Echo." In less than half-an-hour from the receipt of the first wire the town was in a commotion, and as mid-day approached the scenes in the streets were of such a character as to almost defy description. At one time an enterprising tradesman of the name of Henkel, was firing as rapidly as he could in his excitement, blank cart- ridges through the topmost window of his estab- lishment, to the accompaniment of the strains of God Save the Queen," played by Herr de Mersey's Military Band, and the wild clashing of the church bells. The town was almost mad with joyous ecstacy. Business in the shops and public offices was practically suspended the children were let out, and all the schools closed for the day. The streets were PROFUSELY DRESSED WITH BUXTIXG, Union Jacks predominating. If there were none of the latter to hand, then something else, as long as it was of a flaring colour, filled its place. A Royal Standard floated from the Post Office flag- staff, a huge banner flapped about on the Town Hall tower, and rows of tiny bannerettes spanned the streets and roads at different points. School children held high revel. Under the guidance of the town crier, who rang his bell with a persist- ency that at any other time would have provoked bad language, scores of excited youngsters, who were yelling and screaming at the top of their voices, patrolled the streets. At the junction of High-street and Wellington-road the bellman stop- ped, and the little mob gathered around him. Then, in jerky, hysterical tones, the crier told his audience the grand news, and although, per- haps, only half of them understood what it was all about the children cheered like one man." The bell clanged again, and up the street strode the town crier followed closely by the attendant mob of happy children. There was but little work done j that day. At one o'clock the shops closed for the usual half holiday. If it had been any other day it would have been the same. Who could work and celebrate the great occasion at the same time ? The public rendezvous (nee public houses) were thronged with excited, gesticulating groups of men. The babel of voices, the clinking of glasses, the cries of "Here's to good old Buller," all indicated the feeling of the moment. Buller was the greatest hero of the day. Even Lord Roberts was for- gotten amid the jubilation caused by Buller having at last, after such desperate attempts, relieved the oppressed garrison. Lord Dundonald, the gallant commander of the cavalry, who really had the honour of ENTERING LADYSMITH FIRST was not forgotten amid the celebrations ancl his lordship was toasted right and left. Everyone, especially the ladies, wore minature Union Jacks. Even the babies in the perambulators were patriotic enough in this direction. Horses and vehicles, and dogs, were likewise to the fore in the matter of decoration, and down Bodfor-street flew a large torn cat with a small Union Jack fastened on his tail It was a great day for the military band. The majority of its members arc Germans, and the good fellows caught the infection like evervone else. "God Save the Queen," "The Absent-minded: Beggar," "Rule Britannia," and other heart-stirring melodies were played in rapid succession, and aroused the crowds to a great pitch of excitement. The church bells at intervals crashed out triumph- ant peals, and even the fire bell in the Town Hall belfry, never rung except in case of conflagration, kept up a continual din. The local volunteers in the afternoon fired several feu-de-joys. In short the whole town and its inhabitants gave itself up to a great unrestrained outburst of joy, a spectacle of emotion which will never be effaced from memory, and one, probably, which will never be witnessed again.

Chester Paxton Society. A MEETING of this Society was held at the Gros- venor Museum on Saturday, when, by special request, the honorary secretary, Mr G. P. Miln, delivered a lecture on the "Artificial cross-fertilisa- tion of Cereals and Grasses." Although one of the objects of this Society, when first started, was to encourage agricultural as well as horticultural research, this is the first lecture on a purely agricultural subject that has yet been delivered to I the members. Mr Miln prefaced his remarks by giving some interesting particulars of the improve- ments that have taken place in the breeds of horses, cattle, and sheep during the present century, and which have led to such beneficial results to British agriculture. But it was not, however, until quite recently that actual new breeds of farm plants had been produced by means of artificial cross-fertiiisa- tion. The lecturer explained in detail the methods adopted in securing improved breeds by the means of artificial cross-fertilisation, and stated that to the agriculturist "plant breeding" was almost as of great importance to him as was the judicious stock- breeding of horses, cattle, and sheep. The lecture was copiously illustrated by a seriec, of specially- prepared lan'ern slides, which embraced all the reproductive organs of plants as well as compara- tive results between some of the old and the new- breeds of cereals and grasses. Added interest was given to the meeting by an excellent collection of some two dozen varieties of apples staged by Mr N. F. Barnes, Eaton Gardens, and which included the Qaeen, Lord Derby, New- town Wonder, Rhymer, King of the Pippin, Winter Calville, Dumelow's Seedling, King of Tompkin County, Allington Pippin, Scarlet Nonpariel, Mere de Menage, Sandringham, Beauman's Red Winter Rennette. These were all in capital condition, and also of excellent quality, thus demonstrating the superiority of home-grown fruit over that imported from abroad. Hearty votes of thanks to Mr Miln for his lecture, and to Mr Barnes for his exhibit, brought the meeting to a close.

—— Lord Paunceforte has consented to remain on at Washington as British Ambassador. —-— A bill to legalise marriage with a deceased wife's sister passed the first and second reading in the Manx House of Keys on Tuesday, and was also read a first time in the Legislative Council. Its formal promulgation from Tynwald Hill next July is now thought probable.

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