The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

AGrltlCULTURAL NOTES. Bare stubbles and brown pastures impart a very autumnal character to the opening days of August. It seldom happens that, at this early date, so large a proportion of the crops has been harvested. On not a few farms in thu south of England all the white straw crops had been carried by the end of Jnly, and the present week will witness an out- burst of harvest activity in the northern counties. There has been no general break in the weather such as would involve an absolute cessation of work in the cornfields, nor excepting in a few of the earliest districts is such an occurrence yet desir- able, however much it may be hoped for as soon as the corn crops are safely stacked. Nevertheless, there have been passing showers and occasional night rains which, while acceptable in themselves, may possibly presage the near termination of the long period of heat and brilliancy which has so un. mistakably left its impress upon the season's crops. The soil is so warm that heavy rains would speedily exercise a beneficial effect upon root crops wherever there is a plant. Even grass lands, sombre as they look and hard-baked as they are, would readily respond to a week's soaking rain, such as would be giadly welcomed in the southern half of England in all districts where the corn Crops are Thunder was in the air last week, and if steady rain tvfeVc tG i'i, potato growers WQuJd need to be on the alert. ,.1 Complaints are widespread lis to the mischIef which grubs are causing amongst the already very indifferent root crops. The depredators are chiefly surface caterpillars, and fortunate is the farmer upon whose infested fields the plover-most useful of insectivorous birds—has settled down. Where r turkeys are bred, too, the whole flock is finding absorbing occupation in the same beneficial work- the grain that falls from the corn waggons and the elevators has little attraction for turkeys when a banquet of grubs awaits them amongst the root crops. Partridges are very strong, having had so dry a nesting season with stubbles bared so enly on the one 11 hand and root, fields so miserably covered onfthe other, the birds will probably become unusually wild during the month of close time that yet remains to them. Little threshing has yet been done, for the reason that, as stated last week, the demand for hands in the harvest field has been too imperative to permit other work to receive atten- tion. It may be hoped, however, that corn growers will not hurry their wheat to market, for in view of the present and prospective shortness of supplies to, meet millers' requirements any change in values should be in favour of sellers. Nevertheless, it is to be feared that the need of money will compel many farmers to sell, who would rather hold. The present position of the farm crops of the country scarcely admits of general summary, so we proceed to notice various districts in detail. In the Midland belt of England oats are reported as exceptionally bad irr parts of Bedfordshire potatoes have come on better than was expected mangel is a failure, or only half a crop. In South Oxfordshire wheat is as fine a crop as oats are dis- appointing, but barley, though benefited by the iains of June, cuts up light. Grubs are ruining the root crops, and there is no aftermath on the grass lands. From the northern division of the county a farmer writes as follows :—" Corn-growing is gener- ally decried and condemned, but take away the corn off most farms about here this season, and the rest would cut a very poor figure." Warwickshire affords many illustrations of extreme variations, as deter- mined by the distribution of rainfall this season. I In the north and nor oh-west of the county, where there has been little rain, crops generally are poor, especially roots. In Mid-Warwick the crops are undeniably good in the country around Kenilworth, where 3.7in. of rain fell in June here wheat is pro- bably the best crop since 1868, and even oats are above the average; swedes, however, are being ravaged by the little larva; of the diamond-back moth. Outside the wheat crop there is no cheerful news from East Gloucestershire. Roots are de- scribed as a. total failure so far, earwigs, turnip-flies, grubs, and slugs all having co-operated with the drought in the work of destruction; potatoes are very bad on field allotments. In Worcestershire potatoes are flagging for want of moisture; hops have progressed lately, but are now kept in check by red spider. A Mid Staffordshire farmer considers this to be the worst year of grazing grass he has ever experienced the fields have not been so burnt up for at least 40 years. This is almost paralleled by the report of a farmer in South Shropshire, who says his grass lands are quite burnt up, and that his district has suffered more than in any other year he can recall in his 30 years of farming. HARVEST ESTIMATES. The agricultural papers have been publishing estimates of the harvest. The latest has been com- piled by the Mark Lane Express, and it shows that only one of the farm crops is np to the average. It almost goes without saying that this is wheat, which our contemporary reckons at 4J; per cent above the average crop. All other corn crops are considerably under average, as are also roots, grass and bay, and hops. Potatoes, however, are in a better position, and may eventually become an average, as they now stand only 53* per cent und-r this point, and there is still a period of growth, which in the absence of drought or disease may bring it up to the average. Bad as the position is, it is not so dark as the outlook was last year, as in all cases, except hops, the promises are calculated by higher figures than in 1895. The grass and hay crop, however, is less than one point over that of last year. As there is a good crop of wheat, and other crops are superior to those of last year, the prospect of the farmer is better than it was twelve months ago, al<hough it must be put as a set-off against it that the quality ot barley ot oats win lJe I found to be generally inferior to those grown a vear ago. Nevertheless, the prospect is not a good one, and the only consolation to be gained from it is that, in the face of such a droughty spring and summer, things might have turned out considerably umrap YT SHOWING RHKEP. There several matters relating to the exhibition of sheep in our showyards which require attention, with a view to their abolition or alteration. At various suitable times, reference has been made to the colouring of fleeces, a practice which has noth- ing but custom to recommend it. It adds nothing to the appearance of the sheep, and it is difficult to understand why ochre and other colours are applied to wools which are naturally of a different hue. Another objectionable practice is the clipping of ibeep in such a way as to make the animal more symmetrical than it naturally is. The result of this is that frequently prizes are taken in quarters where they are not deserved. By early clipping shepherds are enabled to seenre a growth of wool which stands as an advantage, to the competing animal, and it is quite possible for shearing to be done earlier than it ought in order to accomplish the end in view. It has been sugge&ec^ that the old practice of haviru sheep inspected by stewards before the judges, slvald be re-adopted, but it is perhaps not the bestway in which culprits could be discovered. Not tuch wool is required to make a remarkable differuce in the aplwaraucc of an animal, and when it 5 being sheared a sharp shep- herd will take care tt leave a littie wool 011 defec- tive spots, in order t.iht it may present a nice level appearance. This is done in the hope that the judges will not, in tb, handling, discover what has been done. A good mggescion has been mado in the interest of exhibiurs who wish to act fairly, and that is that the tme at which shearing should be performed shoulube altered from April 1st to March 1st. Under 4ese circumstances the man who wishes to deal fatly with his feliow-exhibitors will have a better OPlbrtunity of coming alongside the man who, under Resent circumstances, resorts to a sharp, if not dishmest practice. It would be a capital thing if the 4ieep-breeding societies were to take up this mattei of clipping, 0 and see if it is not possible to put aiiend to a questionable prac- tice, which is well lc'A-)wn to prevail extensively. Representations from those bodies, made to the councils and committees of agricultural societies, would receive due audcareful attention, and it can hardly be imagined thst any such suggestion offered in the interest 01 I:'nest exhibition would not receive prompt adopti4n. There are many farmers who much prefer to use guano on certain cron rather thaJ the various mixtures of artificial manures which bave become so popular. They hav, however, been prevented doing so, in consequence of the high relative price of the former. This difficulty is likelv to be re- moved, as there is now coming into the market guano in such quantities as will bring it down to a lower level. Not a gre*t while ago & deposit of guano was found on softe islands off Darmaraland, on the West Coast of ASrica. It is said to be present in largo quantities, and altogether unique in Quality and character. It contains not only ammonia, 'phosphates,-and poutos^i*. iliB proportions best suited for general use, bat a?»o in the most useful form in which tley can be given to plants. From an analysis of a sample taken from a cargo recently imported, it appears that whilst the guano contains over 9 per ceit. ammonia, nearly 37 per cent. total phosphates, and nearly 2! per cent. potash, practicaJIy the whole of the nitrogen is in a soluable form, consisting mainly of actual ready- formed ammonia; and iot only is a considerable percentage of the phosjhates soluble in water, but the greater part of the remainder is available as plant food, being solubb in citrate. Assuming the above analysis to be colrect, this is a complete and well-balanced guano, ani if it brings down all other guano to a reasonable rrice it will do a good thing for the farmer. The Board of Agriculture desire to remind agri- culturists in districts vihere the yield of fodder crops appears likely to to, deficient on account of drought, that copies of t leaflet, largely circulated in 1893 and containing ilformatlon as to the cul- tivation of various autumn catch crops suitable for providing green food for stock, may be obtained, post free and free of charge, on aPplication to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture, 4, Whitehall- place, S.W.

HORSE SALES AT WREXHAM. Mr Frank Lloyd held his intermediate sales in his Reprository at Wrejjham on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday last, the catalogue contained nearly 700entiies. There was a, very larRe attendance of buyers and a good clearance was effected, some ex- cellent prices being realised. An accountof Thurs- day's sale was given in our last is8 ue- Friday's sales was for hunters and harness horses over 15 hands, the judges on this occasion were Mr King of Avr, and Mr W. Young of Carlisle. The following are their awards Mare or gelding over 15-2, 1st Mr J T Oliver, Carnarvon, 76gs; ware or gelding over 15 hands, let Mr W Forreeiter.&ddie, Powis Castle Park, sold at 70gs; mare or gelding not exceeding 15 hands, 1st Mr J T Oliver, Carnarvon, sold at 55gs; other horses in the sale toade the following prices: Three bay geldivg's from Mr John Jones, WIntegrate Farm, 80gs, 6cigs and 61g8; three from Mr J F Kynnersley, l38ga; five from Mr Main waring, Oteley Park, 2l6gs; black gelding from Mr Batterbee, Malpas, 50gs roan mare, Mr Oliver, Carnarvon, 46es. bay f?eldinR, Mr Darling- ton, Barrow, 52gs; bay géldjng, Mr R William- son, Wrexham, 47gg; broWQ gelding from Mr H Law, Liverpool, 30gs; roan gelding, Mr D Copnall, Harmer, 48gs; several other equally high prices were reached during the aY.-Saturday s sale was set apart for cobs and ponies. The judges were the same as on the orevioo0 dty, and made their awards as follows re or gelding over 14 hands, 1st, Mr John Jones, WbiteSate Farm, sold at 90gs; mare or gelding over 13,3, 1st, Mr. Heath, Hodnet; mare or gelling over bands, 1st, Mr. George Mortimer, Wrexham, sold at 30gs; pony over 12.1, 1st, Mr H Nuttall, Crewe, fjgld -at 35gs; pony under 12.1, 1st, Mr J D»r^n^on> Ellesmere; cob, Mr Pryce-Jones, Kerry, 5 brown cob, 14.3. Mr J Edwards, Broughton, 40; chestnut cob, 14.3, 1st, Dr. Goraon Richardson, Rhayader, 43gs; bay cob, 14 hands, Mr S Bradley, Malpas, 46gs; bay cob, 13.2, Mr J Copnall, HånUlor, 36hs;- brown pony, by Sir Gibbee," Mr Adams, Cilsford, 41gs; pair of 12.2 ponies, Mr Parry, Carnarvoli, 47Jrs three Welsh ponies, Mr. Williatnsl Gwernhefin, 43gs; six small ponies from Mr-,Hammond, Church Stretton, direct off the hills, 402gs. The sales on the whole were considered 0 great success and nearly X10,000 worth of borses changed hands. The principal buyers came from London, Glasgow, Ayi, Edinburgh, Cardiff noll, Cheltenham, Bir- mingham, Shrewsbury, LhrerpooJ, Manchester, Worksop, and other great centres. The quarterly sales are fixed for September 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th, of which due notice will appear in this paper.

EPPS'S COCOA.—GEATKF0I< and COMFORTING.— By a thorough knowledge natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well-selected COCOA, Mr. Epps has provided for our breakfast and supper a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame. ( ivil Service Gazette.-Made simply with boihng water or milk. -Sold only in packets and pound tins, by Grooerf,, labelled-" JAMES EPPS & Co., Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists, London."—Also ^ers of Eppss Cocoaine or Cocoa-Nib Extract: Tea-like: A thm beverage of full flavour, now with many beneficially taking the place of tea. Its active principle being a gentle nerve stimulant, supphea the needed energy without unduly exciting the system.

ITEMS l-\ >K LA:»ii\ j TRAVELLING, SEASIDE AND COi'M'RV UHr.SS. With tiio breakii-g up of the _• -h th general rush out out <-f t'.wn, ao.o .d. into tiio | country, or to the s. >»*•<•*•, t c aim.'a uemaudifor suisableum^for y >r" a:a; ani >> ment—be it yachtim", fr'ho 'intr, ■■- u'- ti g. or tt-nr.is, foreign travel, or s< c i firms who make a givar feature of c-tiunes f■ T | such purposes are t is year abiy mec! g i■ c- i requirements of their customers, and p.oviding pleasing" novel it s for all con eery pnrsniis. Every now and auruinit is wed to remind English- women'that they have a duty to perform towaids their own COUItrV-t at of ke,T)ii,g up the t;-ade in home industries, and in helping the manufact- urers of the United Kingdom in their straagle against fotei. 11 competition. A noble example in j this respect is set by Royalty. EI;gl;sh silks and 1 woollen'goods of all kinds being weil patronised by our Princesses, and a stimulant given by their attendances and purchases at exhibitions of purely j home manufactures. It is easy to ask, when buying material, if it is of English or foreign make, and give the preference to the former. H hen it is considered that over eleven millions is annually sent out of this country for the purchase oi woolien materials alone, it is quite time the subject was brought seriously Lefore women moving in tbo f shionab]e w()rll, who have ir greaii". at power to stern the bv setting the fashion for fabrics made by their own countrymen. Much good Has already been done in this direction, and influence and example are capable of doinsr a great deal more" iSen.es, alpacas, mohairs, thin tweeds, and Summer cloths, suitable for seaside and country wear, are all mauufactur, d by English firms, are far more durable than imported materials of the same character. For travelling, the ever-useful alpaca is quite an ideal material; lighr in texture, thin, but durable, it is simply invaluable on a hot railway .loi""ey, for if the eoiour is well chosen it does not nv dust, and it docs not crush or tumble. The coat and skirt form is by far the most convenient for travelling dress, with washing silk, cotton, or lawn blotise, or shirt, over ivhich the coat can be easily put on now that sleeves are reduced to reasonable size. Thin tweed is another material admirably adapted for railway journeys, and should be made in the same manner. pace is a great object in packing for a foreign tour, and the charm of the coat and skirt arrangement is that it is so easy to vary the toilette with blouses or shirts of different style and colour. Washing silk is best for morning wear when travelling, with a more dressy affair for table d'hvte; wdiite, spotted, or sniped musiin, or iawn with narrow lines of black insertion Valen- ciennes across it, makes a fresh-looking blouse— the model has a full front and a wide over-lapping pointed collar, edged with black lace. Worn with a black satin, silk, or alpaca skirt and waist belt it looks well. Another blouse, with a Zouave-shaped bodice, is of embroidered ecrti lawn with a wide turn down collar, edged with a frilling of lawn, the vest beijeath being of pale yellow silk, accordion pleated. White mousseline-ue-soie, with waist, neck, and wrist-bands of lime leaf green silk makes another stylish bodice, lines of Valenciennes inser- tion from throat to waist, adding considerably to the effect, and making the creation quite dressy enough, worn with a suitable skirt, for most occa- sions. A light waterproof is an indispensable addi- tion to the traveller's wardrobe. Cravenette cloaks are most useful, taking, as they do, very little room. Heptonet.te is another new material of a waterial of a waterproof charactor, making capital capes for bicyclists, folding up into a smalt parcel which can be easily strapped on to the machine when not required. Cases with straps to carry a rolled up caps are frequently sold with these wraps. Costumes for bicycling are so numerous and so varied in form—that is, in the cut of the skiit- úha it is impossible to mention them all; the crucial best is now they hang when the wearer is on the machine, this being a much more important con- sideration than how they look when the rider is dismounted. There is a happy medium to hit- neither too full nor too scanty. An ideal skirt should not bag, to blow out with the wind, nor be so narrow that the wearer is cramped in her move- ments; it snould neither be too short nor too long; in fact, it requires to be admirably cut, and by an experienced hand. The home-manufactured bicycle- skirt is too terrible. A woman bicyclist should be as neatly dressed as an equestrienne, with no super- fluous finery of any kind; large, floppy, flowered hats are an abomination. A close, well-fitting hat with enough brim to form a little shade, a well-cut coat and skirt of dust-coloured or fawn tweed; with shirt front, collar, and tie neat shoes and hose matching the costume in colour or black, and knickerbockers (not en evidence, but well hidden by the skirt) of the same tweed, form a costume which will attract no undue attention on the road, but will stamp the, wearer as one possessed of good taste. Blouses are very generally worn for the sake of coolness, but not by those who study the fitness of things. Thin sleeves, flapping with the wind, are by no means becoming. A pretty but inexpensive costume for seaside wear is of white pique, the ooat opening, with straight, cut revers, over an accordion-pleated blouse of white washing silk, with white waist-band and silver buckle. The coat has short full side and black basques, and the plain skirt is cut with three full Bleats at the back. Another seaside model in Lmte serge—white is greatly worn this year—has Tstriped white and black silk shirt the cuffs show- Le below the coat-sleeve, the wrist-links and sh»rt «ffds being of jet, the white straw sailor hat ftu a v.], band A similar coat and skirt b*TL i, latoly Wbite, the .tirt being ot soft costume is d ilk or cotton shirts, with r"X»n con." a»d?eku? IM-hed off cut., are preferable to the mere shirt front and collar, allo-N- ing, as they do, for the coat to be taken off at will. s:rr°J wo« sr* Lnt of tuckine-in which a short time ago made amount ot tucking in fc Some. putting on a <K>at quite bodice is What newer than the open tro one fitting the fig^e dose^y >o(Jice is silk. round basque.full atthettw ig WQin Mth1t°D Fine black and white striped cloth beneath it. tine DI mu(jh worn a "as a doub! breasted coat bodice with square cut revers, bound 1 ■, „ kersevmere, the square turned back W1« Vinnnrl to match the short basque, full at the and sides is left untrimmed, the large buttons rilain' ivory. The high-crowned hat of soft white felt, with five rows of black velvet set cluse together round the crown, black velvet bows and black ostrich feathers. Black and white striped silk in narrow lines is as fashionable as ever and generally made up very simply, the trimming, fn the form of frills on the bodice and sleeves, be- Jng of silk edged with narrow black or ivory- C°ForcounCtry visiting it is well to be provided til one or two good gowns suitable for out-of- T'ir fetes A stylish costume for such occasions is {' striped green and ivory silk, with a chin* all- ° «r design the wide waistband being of plain 0 fiftk a shade darker than that of the dress; gl'ee? old lace is set on full each side of the pleated front of the bodice, three shoulder epaulettes If frilled silk giving all the appearance of the oapej the long rucked s eeves are finished off with lace ax Prf-amv white chip is used for the hat, rU^,eLr £ re bows of green and white striped ribbon WS angupstandi4 bunch of ations set immediately in front of the crown. CarT°"roS.ia« ■»» rblKft 1 Jnnder With more than a suspicion of blue in it, Tnink with a cross shade in fawn, very vivid r°l Jlreens and delicate greens, suggestive of £ g foliage. Dashes of bright colour te r vl 111 the more sombre gowns. Cerise, brilliant "SfamS and the brightest of bright green. E^ well worn, particularly the last named, with u A, white and black toilettes; white spotted muslin black Valenciennes lace, and bright cerise mUf'e cleverly combined in a gar den-par.y frock. The full bodice is drawn into collar and waist bands of the satin, over which lace insertion is £ the cuffs matching; there are three « lace-edged frills round the foot TTe skirt, beaded with ftin, under inch insertion, tne irintu *■ —b W1rf! corresponding with the dress, and the large hat made of black lace, spotted muslin, and cense- trl creraniums. An elaborate overdress, or cw cured f ol* nU™ country order, is of the new PBllSStnhade and black chine silk; it is made rh a^uare yoke back and front, a jabot of black 1" fillSur in front from the throat ruche, at the lace falling bow of satiu r,bbon, baC\ the lavender ground of the silk, the yoke matching the nl,.i;Ded with ribbon falling from "t bT/„r. n deep "oi. »nd long ends; the f«l- the shoulde £ ated beneath the yoke band, "Tthre^ lace-edged epaulettes over each shoulder and three la S th which the sleeves are "r <* rucKeu iu t ulat,k laces the hat, of pale £ stnraw?is nearly covered with wisteria and Sack Uce. A plainer pelisse, made more like a dust cloak, is of green alpaca, the full cape, having a wide neck ruche and long cravat ends of black tulle short circular capes are made fuller than ever, and more trimmed. One of white liwe over black, with steel embroidery and wide neck fnll of mingled Ma- ka > u wiotf-s < I ";It ::H"t, fll' l,f-I"C:-1Yt'o Sl> e I i. hImi etr p!o\< d On a Cape of grey li-se OV r silk in ti e form oi a deep poitwed .dlaien. with Ti ti r\'i'.l\Nip.l.¥ Mi N". The Gen tic. rc Hum •' !%•->in Go<>d f^how bps ti n.mr i'.<i:utvi:e! • t' the averajre mart—pvt-rage nam 01 S-.civt i h it to s v lie won't reidv to invitations. e !•> er ■<> un after, as he calls it. He thinks 11 iJ: ••if h:s i»-e* • r. his profe.ion. Ho La got imo L: l;, :tii v-¡Ij(.¡ dopr,t bold VPIT much. b" the way—that he should no lonerer he the uiia-liiv hunter. »>ut the miyhty hunted. It rests j with the woman to g.*r 'hat preposterous notion out > of his head again. It is impossible nowadays to exact or to exp.ct f: om mtn the graceful manners of a form;>r time, the courtliness, or the chivalr;. which no 10: ger strikes the average huaiau being as appropriate. Grace, for the moment, is dead The ordinary hostess cannot bring it to life, though a prince or princess, an P!11¡WrOL or a great beauty might. I do net even ask (says Robin; for elabora- tion of temper or for intensity of polish, though I confess that I think society might well bear with little of both. Hut what I do ask for, and do sug- gest that all women should demand with iiie. j,. mere decency from men who call themselves gentle- men. No doubt some of the men are sulky. Th. y have been a good deal abnsed of late. Sex novt-is have gone for them, and Mrs Sarah Grand ha-: boxed them firft on one ear and then on the other. But the average man has more experience of adula- tion than of contempt, and so he apparently begins to holo woman in contempt. He t eats her invita- tions with vulgar silence. He uses her dining-room as an e-tiiig-ho-e and her buffet as a bar. n" refuses to dance at her request, or to make things pleasant for his feliow guests. All l.e wants to do eat and drink as much as po»--il>le without pavini: a penny for it, and to enjoy himself to the utmost limit of his ca pacity without being put to the smallest atom of trouble. If others are put to in- convenience does he >• 'nd '? Not a scrap. If his hostess has no idea v, ..ether he is coming to her ciance, or whether any other man is coming—if she prepares for 100 men and 10 turn up, or prepares for 50 and 100 come at the last moment, it is notlr'ng to him, so long as the champagne is dry and 1'■■••re are hot cutlets. Greedy sluggard that he is, empty- headed, conceited, and vulgar, all he seeks is his | own advantage. The women who entertain in London should band themselves together to give him a severe lesson or, if that is impossible, each individual should dare to act for herself. A verv little enterprise would put the average young man in his place, and make entertaining more lively, less riskv, and a thousand times more agreeable than it is HOW TO 1 A FAX. .¡ average man or woman, coming in from a walk or snatching a few minutes' rest from some exertion, will seize a fan and ply -it with frantic force. The very effort makes the Lwt state worse than the first, and the constant breeze blowing on the. face causes, if anything, a heat more disagree- able than the first flush of discomfort. The whole secret lies in the old maxim the more haste the less speei," and the only persons to whom fanning is a real relief are those who follow the Oriental fashion, and wave their generous palm-leaves with the same savy froid with which Cleopatra's boys on her immor;al barge swung theirs to aud fro. Fans are as old as history, and the ancient Egyptians well knew their use, but it is not possible uoimagiue those stately queens of ancient days permitting in their presence anything so vigorously undignified as the modern method of fanning. When Catherine de Medici brought fans with her from Italy and introduced them into France" and thus into all Europe, it is safe to say that in the elegant repose of her subtle manners there was no hint of the misspent energy that some beautiful women now put into fanning. Langour, ease, grace, and I moderation not only make a woman fanning her- self a pleasing sight to look upon, but they alone give the fair fanner an appreciable sense of com- fort. Fashion has, for the hour, rather slighted fans, and the gorgeous ornaments of earlier days have given place to Japanese and palm-leaf trifles that are a good deal more useful than ornamental.

TWO BOYS DROWNED On Wednesday morning at Clive, near Winsford, the bodies of George Ashmore, aged twelve years, and Frank Buckley, aged nine, were found clinging together in the Shropshire Union Canal. They had in their hands rods and lines, which they won at a Sunday school treat on Bank Holiday, aud it is believed they met their death whilst fishing.

Dr Joseph Parry is collaborating with a well- known Welsh litterateur in producing a new comic opera in which it is said several well-known Welsh public characters are to be represented. It is in- tended to put the new opera on the stage at Cardiff in the coming seasou.1 I-

Aft i nn KNOWN as Rev. Joseph Holmes' Mexican L/AIIU prescription, is theonly original guaranteed Remedy for all those who suffeir from nervous weakness, exhansted vitality, kidney or bladder diseases, gravel, prostata, spinal weakness, brain lag and kindred com- plaints. It as stood the test for twenty years. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Jos. Holmes' Remedy Co., Bloomsbury Mansions, Bloomsbury Square, London, and get full particulars of this great Specific free of charge. Mention whether for male of female. Beware of fraudulent imitators. THE OLDEST ADVANCE OFFICE IN SHREWSBURY. ADVANCES made privately and confidentially in sums of £ 10 up to £ 500 UPON PROMISSORY NOTE ONLY, At much lower interest than usually charged- Repayments arranged to suit borrowers' require- ments. Genuine and extensive business done foi 25 years past. NO BILLS OF SALE TAKEN. Apply personally or write for terms to GEORGE PAYNE, ACCOUNTANT, 5, TOWN WALLS, SHREWSBURY. OSWESTRY BRANCH—1, Cambrian Buildings Oswald Road (next to Cambrian Railway Station). MONEY MOSEY 1 t IMPORTANT TO BORROWERS ■»" iCiO to £500 may be obtained on Loan immediately. If You Want to Start in Business, If Yon Want to Increase your Stock If You Want to Furnish your Homes, If You Want to Pay your Rent, If You Want to Pay your Debts, If You Want to Pay Out an Execution, or any matter, however urgent or pressing those demands may be, you can be accommodated without delay by apply- ing at this old-established Private Loan Office, where busi- ness is done in a thoroughly genuine manner. viz.:— Money Lent on Borrower's own Security, and a guarantee of the Strictest Secrecy given if required. Money Lent to Householders (Male 01 Female), Farmers and Cowkeepen, Innkeepers, Tradesmen, Working Men, and all classes residing within 100 Miles of Shrewsbury in Bums varying from £10, £12. £15, £20, iE30, to £500. Office Hours till 7 o'clock p.m. Letters by Post immediately replied to, and No Enclosed Stamp necessary for reply. No Delay. MR. S. BERNSTEIN, ACCOUNTANT, 26, CHESTER STREET, SHREWSBURY; AND 16, BENNETT'S HILL, BIRMINGHAM. N.B.—Mr. Bernitein thinks it necessary to Caution Intend- ing Borrowers against unscrupulous persons who pretend to advance money, when in many cases they are even in a worse position than the person who apulies for the Loan Mr. B. has now ben established at th above address for soma timo, and Borrowers can depend upon it that if a Loan cannot be obtained at this office it cannot be got anywhere. If Borrowers persist in trading with people of no standing they have only themselves to blame if treated unfairly. MONEY. SPECIAL NOTICE. OK TO £ 500 LENT SAME DAY AS APPLIED FOR To all classes of respectable Householders, Farmers, Tradesmen, and others (Male or Female) ON THEIR OWN NOTE OF HAND, With or without Sureties, at LOWER INTEREST AND EASIER PAYMENTS Than ever offered in Shrewsbury. Information free and strictly private. Distance no object.—Apply to the actual Lender, S. M. REDHOUSE, Dogpole House, DOGPOLE, SHREWSBURY. Wednesdays at 41, Leg Street (Salop Road), Oswestry. A PRIVATE CAPITALIST, Member of a well- known wealthy Firm, having a considerable sum 01 Uninvested Money, is prepared to ADVANCE the same, in sums of not less than 910 to £5,000, to Persons of undoubted respectability in town or country (distance no object), on their own Promis- sory Note, without asking for sureties or security, or preliminary charges or fees whatever, at a low and Reasonable Rate of Interest, for short or long periods. Strictly private and confidential. As this advertisement is not connected with any Loan Society, it is requested that Habitual Sorrowers will not apply. For full particulars, apply personally or by letter, direct to the Lender. W. SPENCER, ESQ., 1, WELLINGTON BUILDINGS (SOUTH) 2, LITHERLAND ALLEY, SOUTH CASTLE STREET, LIVERPOOL. CAMBRIAN Ji.» i. V -h DUIUSG Tiii: MONTHS OF J! A V, JUNli, •; :"LY? AUviCsT. AND SEP I r'liiKi. K and ij¡ be is?red ',J, rIIJ/i\7" A N 1.» i ■ .y": 14 D.\ ICK;Tr> From nearly all Cambrian Inland Stf.noi.s, to Ll- Machynlleth, Borrh, A' dovey, Tovvyij, Barmouth. iJolpv:h-v. Harkvb, Port me doc, Crioeie* h.auti i'v. i, hels, t 0 11 ALSO SIMILAR TH'KKTS Are issued from the Car.hri. C t S't'ens, Abtrystwvtii, Machyr.lleib, Doj .edey, i'.Jrd.e'.i, ana intermediate stat i >. 10 Rhayader, Builfh Wells, and Ihv :->?:. (available are also issued on Every Werk-duv IK-I'VC: n Stations named above. ON EVEEY FRIDAY & tfATI;KPAY, CHEAP WEEK-END & 10 DAYS. TICKETS he ISSU^G from J-iiverpool, ^tanclKf^ei Stock- port, Chester, Crewe, Stafford, Shrewsburv, Brad- ford, Leeds, Oidham, Hud krsfiodd, Haiifax Kocb- fiale, Wakefield, Blackburn, Cherie'v. Accrincfoti Burnley, Bolton, Wigan, Warrington, Preston Leicester, Derby, Uurtan, Svoke, Kursk-tr. 11:■■ley, Birkenhead, Birmingham. Wolv. rhan-ir V.'ed- nesbury, Walsall, Peterborough. Nor; Run, Sheffield, Barnsley, Sr-c., &e., to Oswestry, T Llanfyllin. Welshpool, -Montgomery, Newtowi:, Llanid- loes, Jd H eli y vil let It, Berth, Aber v «•■ t v.*vtb, Aberdovcv', Towyn, Bavin out h. i.'el^elley, Harlech. Pcvtniadoc, Criecieth. é: Pwllheli. -— <■ WEEK-END & LONG-DATi; TICKETS Where such are in opt.rJ.tiou, WILL BE ISSUED BY THESE TRALNS. CHEAP WEEK-END EXCURSION TICKETS Are now issued on EVEEY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY TO *Birr.nriodiam, Wolverhampton. *W alsall, Peterboiough, *Leicester, Derby, *Burtoii-oil-Trent, St afford, 4Coveittry, Manchester, Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, Leeds, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Liver- pool, Birkenhead, Wigan. and Warring- ton, from Oswestry, Llanymynoch, Llanfyllin, Mont joinery, Welshpool, Newtown, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Borth, Aberystwyth, AI)crdovev, Towvn, Bar- mouth, Dolgelley, Harlech, Portmudoe, Pcnrhyn. deudrceth, Criccieth, and Pwllheli.; SISIILAR TICKETS ARE ALSO ISlED From Aberystwyth, Borth, Aberdovey, Towyn, Barmouth, Dolgelley, Harlech, Penrhyndeudraeth Portmadoc, Criccieth, and Pwllheli, to SHREWSBURY. Tickets to these stations are no; issued from Welshpool. For full particulars as to train tin es and fares, see bills. For full particulars, see bills. —— ♦ IMPORTANT REDUCTION IN RATES. WELSH-MUTTON AND OTHER FRESH MEAT, Is now conveyed by Passenger Train at HALF PARCELS RATES AT OWNERS' RISK, Between All Stations throughout England Ireland and Wales. Minimum, 1,J, los. per consignment. No less charge than 7d. For full particulars apply to the Station Masters at all Cambrian and other Companies' Stations and Booking Offices, the Cambrian Railways London Office, 41, Gracechurch Street, London, E.G., or to Mr. W. H. Gough, Superintendent of the Line, Oswestry. DURING JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER, CHEAP WEEKLY AND FORTNIGHTLY EXCURSIONS will be run to LONDON, Oxford, Leamington, Banbury, Warwick, Coventry, & Kenilworth. On EVERY MONDAY from Wrexham, Elles- mere, Oswestry, Montgomery, Newtown, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Borth, Aberystwyth, Aberdovey, Towyn, Dolgelley, Barmouth, Harleeh, Portmadoe, Criccieth, and Pwllheli. Also On EVERY SATURDAY during the same parted similar Excursions will be run Fitom London, Ox- ford, &c., to the Cambrian Stations named above. For fuil particulars as to train times and fares see bills. ———— Cheap DAY TICKETS (1st and 3rd Class) will be isused DAILY between all stations on the Cam- brian Coast, including Machynlleth and Dolgelley, from May 25th to September 30th. -+- Commencing SATURDAY, JUNE 1wr to SEPTEMBER 30TH, 1896, 1st & 3rd CLASS WEEKLY SEAION TICKETS Will be issued at ALL CAMBRIAN COAST STATIONS, Enabling the holders to travel 1,000 MILES FOR 15s. BY ALL TRAINS, And between all Coast Stations, including Machyn- lleth and Dolgelley. FARES: I 25S- ( Third Cla#a 15a. The Tickets will be available for seven days. A deposit of Is. must be paid, which will be returned if the ticket is given up within one day after ex- piration. ♦ — PIC-NIC & PLEASURE PARTIES' Tickets, at reduced fares, are issued (with certain limitations) at all Cambrian Stations to Parties of not less than Six First-class or Ten Third-class passengers desirous of making Pleasure Excursions to places on or adjacent to this railway. Single fares for double journey will be charged for parties of 30 First-class or 50 Third-class pas- sengers. To obtain these tickets application must be made to Mr. W. H. Gough, Superintendent of the Line, Oswestry or at any of the Stations not less than three days before the date of the Excursion. RAIL AND COACH EXCURSIONS. Excursions by Rail and Coach are run on EVERY WEEK DAY, May 25th to September 30th, from the Cambrian Coast Statioi s, and from certain Inland Stations, to Abersoch, Nevin, Corris, Cader Idris, Cwmrhaiadr Waterfall, Cateraot Waterfall, Llyfnant Valley, Devil's Bridge, Tanybwlch, Dysyuni Vallty, Nantgwillt (Birmingham Water- works), Glaspwll Cascade, Snowdon, Precipice Walk, Torrent Walk, Tynygroes (via Dolgelley), Beddgelert (via Portmadoc), Cwmbychan Lake (via Llanbedr and Pensarn), Bettws-y-Coed (via, Portmadoc), Happy Valley (via Aberdovey), Taly- llyn Lake, &c. (via Towyn and via Corris); and to Lake Vyrnwy, Dinas Mawddwy, Bwlchoerddrws Pass, Maentwrog, and Plynlimon on days shown in Rail and Coach Tour Programme. For full particulars see Tfcurist Programme, Rail and Coaoh Tour Programme, and bills, to be had at Stations; or on application to Mr. W. H. Gough, Superintendent of the Line, Oswestry. C. S. DENNISS, General Manager JUST published, for 2 Stamps, by Messrs. Barnes & Co., a Treatise entitled "HOW TO E-N S-GRE HEALTH a most valuable book for Young Men On the LAws GOVERNING LIFE and the ZFICRFS, SYMPTOMS and Tmmw of all diseases depending on Nervous Debihty^Mental and Physical Depression Palpitation of the Heart, Noises in the Head nTJ Ears, Impaired Sight and Memory, InlwX? Prostration, Lassitude, Ac. Sent rwL* t CoPt48flIWOd8r^PS" lddre"' Messrs SL«sr A Co.,48, Lonsdale Square, ThomhiU Road, London, N. XUDIC10US~ADVKRTISING~ many a new business, enlarges many an old business, and Sooures success in every properly managed business; and advertising in the COUNTY TIMBS ia oertainlj the surest way of obtaining this result in 1 this district.