Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

NOTICE. This column is devoted to better thoughts for quiet moments. Can the wiles of Art, the grasp of Power, Snatch the rich relics of a well-spent hour? These, when the tvemhliug spirit wilig" her (light Pour round her path a stream of living light. ROGER?.

Modesty is the grace of the son1. —DELTLLI:. # Man, I tell you, is a vicious animal. —MOLIEKI:. Reason has never mastered an ardent passion. -N i E I Without love it would be sad to be a man. ■—JLLIU DU CilATELET. sr- He who knows his incapacity, knows something. RITE DE VALOIS. # :t: :;i. The move HONEST a man IS the LE-S he nfTocts the air of a saint —LAV.VTKR. Human reasons may cure illusions, but it cannot cure sufferings. A. D ,I1731T That two men may be real friends, they must have opposite opinions, similar principles, and. different loves and hatreds. —C!ITEAR;>EIA:D. Whatever the world may say, there are some mortal sorrows and our lives ebb away less through our blood than through our tears. —P. JUILLEHAT. Love works miracles every day snob as weaken- ing the strong, and strengthening the Weak; making fools of the wise, and Wisl,' nivn Of favoring" the passions, destroying reason, and, in a word, turning everything toggy-turvy. —MARGUERITE: DE 0 T S.

Malntenance of Opinion. .1 c; A .J. -l c. ,J.. -l-' .l. To-maintain an opinion because it is thine, and not because it is true, is to maintain thyself, not the truth, and so prefer thyself above the truth. VEISXIKG. < £

How to be Kappy. J'Ii L U ,< i. oJ. It is envy and ambition that, make us miserable. We often discover that we want things by seeing the abundance of others. It is comparison that kindles the fire, so that-in outward possessions we should look to those "beneath us; but for our mental attainments let us ever strive for the highest and noblest. A thing long expected and earnestly desired, when possessed, does not always bring the happiness anticipated. Do we not get the greatest good when we make another happy? We need to love and be loved in order to be happy. Let us do what we can for our friends We can speak of what is pleasant rather than disagreeable. We can be in sympathy with their feelings, being thoughtful and considerate. There are many lonely people about us who need our aid. Encourage them to open their hearts to us, and talk over their troubles. They will feel the better for having disclosed them. HELEN S. FISHER. 4)

On Labour. Labour is the condition which God has imposed on us in every station of life—there is nothing worth having, that can be had without it, from the bread which the peasant wins with the sweat of his brow, to the sports by which the rich man must get rid of his ennui. The only difference betwixt them is, that the poor man labours to get a dinner to his appetite, the rich man to get an appetite to his dinner. As for knowledge, it can no more be planted in the human mind without labour than a :field of wheat can be produce 1 without the previous use of the plough. There is, indeed, this great difference, that chance or circumstances may so oause it thatanother shall reap what the farmer sows; but no man can be deprived, whether by accident or misfortune, of the fruits of his own studies; and the liberal and extended acquisitions of knowledge which he makes, are all for his own use. Labour therefore and improve the time. In youth, our steps are light, and our minds are ductile, and knowledge is easily laid up; but if we neglect our spring, our y lo summer will be useless and contemptible, our har- vest will be chaff, and the winter of our old age un respected and desolate. SIR WALTER SCOTT. ♦

Potter. Great distresses are silent—penury depresses the spirit, as it emaciates the body. The modesty of fearful poverty is unwilling to accuse, and who can say what numbers have sunk in uncomplaining silence to the grave ? Often have I seen the elo- quent tear stand trembling in the eye of injured indigence, whilst the tongue made no complaint, and a smile of content has forced itself on the placid countenance. "'5

NATURE NOTES. N.B.-Fl, means flowering; 1. leafing: ap, appear 1902. January 10—Primrose in fl (Barmouth). „ „ Young lambs dropped (Llandyssul). Hazel (the nut tree) in fl. (Nanteos). male catkins only noticed. „ 11 Whitlow grass in fl. (Nanteos). Of „ Spurge in fl. (Aberystwyth). t, „ Red dead nettle in fl. (do.) „ „ Honeysuckle 1. (Nanteos). „ „ Wild strawberry in ft. (do.) „ „ Rooks resort to their nest trees (Crugiau). LICHENS—A REPLY. The green mould which you noticed covering the face of the rocks, like a coat of paint, is the spore or the seed of a lichen. It is set free in great abun- dance in damp weather, and it developes into what is called by botanists a thallus, that is, a flat frond or leaf. The forms that the tballus, or leaf, may take are various, according to their different kinds. They may, however, be divided roughly into two grand divisions—the horizontal, those which grow in a flat or crustaceous manner; and the vertical. those that grow in an upright or shrubby manner. The lichens, although low in the scale of plant life, play an important part in the economy of nature. They cannot live without moisture, but they are able, without losing their vitality, to endure long periods of drought. They may even be dried and ground to dnst without being destroyed. It is known that some of the large patches of lichens which grow on rocks are of very great age, some, it is thought, probably dating trom fabulous periods. The marvellous question has arisen with regard to certain lichens, whether some of the large patches they now make on ice-borne boulders in low-lying situations, mav not have begun to grow when the boulder was then united to its parent rock on the mountain top, when, in the remote Great Ice Age, glaciers filled the upland glens. Another kind of lichen, known as Urceolaria, very much like the one found on the ancient boulders, grows on tomb- stones, and its great, age is attested by the fact that it has effaced the inscriptions on which it must have grown for many centuries. In former times this lichen was largely used in dyeing in Wales and elsewhere, and its collection was a source of pro- fitable employment to the peasantry. Low and humble as they are, lichens are the pioneers of vegetation upon the earth they made their ap- pearance at a very early stage in her history. There are several thousand different kinds of them—of endless forms and of exquisite colours. They are, as Crabbe well-sang- r The living stains, which Nature's hand alone, Profuse of life, pours forth upon the stone For ever growing, where the common eye Can but the hare and rocky lpti descry v There Science loves to trace her tribes minute, The juiceless foliage and the tasteless fruit; There she perceives them round the surface creep, And while they meet their due distinctions keep, Mix'd, but not blended, each its name retains, And these are Nature's ever-during stains. This green mould which stains the rocks is known in Welsh as mwlwg and it plays an im- portant part in their weathering by slowly but 'surely eating them away, much as rust eats into iron. We have received from the publisher, Mr James Kynocb, of lnveruga," Barmouth, the third (enlarged) edition of the Wild Flowers of Bar- mouth," which is got up in a most creditable manner. Items of interest will be gladly placed on record our 11 Nature Notes."

ON TRAMP AGAIN. HELP BY" l)HILIP SIDNEY." Bf-fore we leave the chancel of Cardigan Church, and for the present close the door, and end our pleasant, tramp, let me try and "increase the inf.-rest of "Tivy-side" in this veritable gem set in their midst by bringing to mind a few stirring events in the history of Cardigan which it is more than probable, were silently witnessed by the walls and turrets of this ancient chancel. Ceredigion, early in the twelfth century, was taken from Cadogan and given by King Henry to the Norman bastard, Gilbert de Clare, who, as a means to keeping his righteously rebellious subject- in some, kind of order built the castles at Aberys- iwvfch and Cardigan. One likes to think of early services being said within these chanc-fl walls by I builders and natives alike, certain is it that the building of the would be better done with the ctuuv.hes' blessing than without it. Shortly after Cadogan's son, Owen, was killed by the arrow from a Fleming's bow near unto Carmar- then, Griffith ap Kees held his court in the great hall and councils at Cardigan, a court, the splen- dour of which, says Owen M. Edwards, recalled to men's minds the glory and the wide sway or his ancestors." Picture if you cau, the members and retainers of this court, doing their acts of devotion in this very chancel; shall it be lofT. then io fall into any decay which we, sons of Caroigan, can Answer it for yourselves, ye wuo uwi'.ll beneath its shadows. Think then of the morning of that memorable dav when Griffith, and the chieftains of Ceredigion and Brycheiniog joined issue in that memorable battle of Cardigan, with the. Flemings and the -Normans of every castle from the Neath to the Dovey," w ho could pot withstand the charge of the Welsh, "and were driven, a helpless mass of fuiri- ti^es. io the bridge, which broke under them and great numbers were drowned." Was there no solemn act of thanksgiving witnessed within these walls ? Repair then."Olt Ye, whese pride it is to be true descendants of.the.se unconquered men. 0" in 1169, when King Henry II marched upon Wales, and had ignominiously retreated, J{"es p Griffith took Cardigan .Castle, "and repelled several attacks on the castle of Cilgerran which guarded the lovely valley of the Teivv. and took piisoner Hubert Fits Stephen," think you, reader inipe, that brave Rees.and his brother Owen Gwyn- edd did not turn away from this chancel withnnr oit.iring therein their prayers of gratitude 1 These chancel walls in their day, witnessed yet jinother Cardigan Castle built, this time by Bees 3p Loi-cl Eees"—as O. M. Edwards terms him; and here it was that Hoes, who meant to rule South Wales from Cardigan, summoned Owen Cv- vciliog to do him homage. Here also, in 1176, "t he Lord Rees held a great Eisteddfod. It had been proclaimed all through the country, a year before it was held. There was a contest between poets, the prize being a chair. There was a contest. another chair between musicians,—players of harp, violin, and flute. The chair given for music was won by men of South Wales; the chair given for poetry was won by North Wales men." Has the tire burned so low that no Eisteddfod can be held to raise some part of the funds to mend that very chancel which heard the strains of that Eisteddfod of 1176 ? Will not the men from the North wrestle again with these from the South for the victor's crown on Cardigan's fair town 1 Yerily and speedily they will. Come to the days, about 1219, when Llywelyn the Great, and William Marshall were rivals; times when Llywelyn carried war within sight of Pembroke, and William Marshall recovered Car- digan. Is there not to be another rivalry 'twixt all and sundry in their zeal to strengthen these walls which Llywelyn saw ? If only these quotations taken at random from Wales can fire all who read them in the cause I have at heart—that of reverently restoring the Chancel of Cardigan Church—then I shall indeed feel that I have not dug in vain from the rich mine opened by Owen M. Edwards, This preservation of a unique and priceless relic is not one of party, of sect, of creed. It is one which calls for loyal service from every man and woman whose delight is in the golden splendour of the broom of Car- digan hills." Here then, pleading the cause-and that without any brief,—of a piece of work which waits to be done I step out from this history- witnessing chancel, and on its threshold thank all my readers for the patience with which they have accompanied me over so many miles, promising only that if they are not weary of me, it shall not be longer than I can help before we are On Tramp again."

t Cymru Fu. Short, original, and signed communications on antiquarian topographical and kindred subjects pertaining to Cardiganshire will be treated on their merits. Communications to be marked Cymru Fu," NO. VI. 14. PWLL CRON.—Can any one tell me where this place is or was in the county of Cardigan 1" It was here in 1582 that the witnesses were examined before the Commissioners of Queen Elizabeth, in matters touching Our Lady's Mill, at Aberystwyth. G.E.E. 15. WELSH TOKEN.—I ave bad lent me a token, almost in mint state. On the ob. are the words :-lCIDWELLY, WHITLAND, BLACKPOOL. AND GWMD FORGES. I. MORGAN on rev. CAERMARTHEN WYFRON IRON WORKS HALFPENNY. Around the rim:-PAYABLE IN LONDON, BRISTOL AND CAER. MARTHEN. What is its date ? Who was I. Morgan PHILIP SIDNEY." 16. LLANBADARN.—Lewis Morris the antiquary writing early in the eighteenth century, says that the market was kept here on Saturdays, which is altogether a flesh market, and where the inhabi- tants of Aberystwyth, as well as others of the neighbourhood come to buy their meat; such as mutton, veal, pork, lamb, kid, fowl, and rock vension; but. seldom any beef, for that is carried to the town of Aberystwyth, as a quicker market." SAVEN. 17. HEN EMYN HYNOD. Darfu i hen gyfaill i mi dalu ymweliad a gwlad ei enedigaeth adeg y gwyliaudiweddaf ac adroddai banes claddedigaeth hen gymeriad hynod yn ei ddydd yr hwn a breswyliai rhyngom a Soar y Myn- yddoedd ac a fu farw rai ugeiniau o flynyddoedd yn ol. Boreu y cynhebrwng daethpwyd a'i gorph allan mewn arch, pa un a rwymwyd a rhaff rawn ar gar llusg. yr hwn oedd i gael ei dynu gan un o'r ponie, (merlen). Cyn cychwyn wele hen gymeriad hynod arall yn dyfod yn mlaen ac yn rhoddi allan yr emyn canlynol:— Nid yw ein bywyd ni ond brau Fel edau wlan ar haner ei throi. Nesu nes yry'm i'r farn, Awn oddi ymaar bed war earn." Canwyd yr hen emyn hwn gyda hwyl, medd fy hen gyfaill. Llanddewi Brefi, BRODOR. 18. CANWYLLAU CYRPH. Yn eich rhifyn diweddaf adroddai Dewi Wyre hanes Ganwyll Gorph yn Llangwyryfon. Y mae llu o rai cyffelyb yn cael eu badrodd ar hyd a lied Ceredigion a Deheudir Cymru. Fodd bynag, dy- wedir wrthyf nad oes son am Ganwyll Gorph "yn Ngogledd Cymru. Byddwn yn dra diolchgar pe cawn sicrwydd am hyn, a beth all fod yn cyfrif am byny, gan un o ddarllenwyreich papur clodwiw. Yr eiddoch, GWYRDDFYNYDD. 19. CURIOUS FUNERAL CUSTOMS AT TREGARON. About the middle of the eighteenth century, if not later, paupers were buried in the Parish of Tre- garon without coffins. I gather from local tradi- tions that it was a person of the name of Mr Mor- gans, residing at Penybont, was the first to take steps to provide coffins for deceased paupers in that parish. It is related that be met a funeral of such a kind one day on Pont Einon and that he stopped the funeral to proceed to the churchyard until a coffin had been made for the deceased at his own (Mr Morgan's) expense. Until this the corpse was wrapped in a rough canvas or flannel and buried so. The parish possessed also what was then known as Arch Parvb," which was a coffin for all," used in common for all, and in every other respects equivalent to the modern bier. The corpse was placed and carried on this until the churchyard was reached. Then it was taken out and buried without any coffin at all. This 11 Arch Pawb" belonged in all probability to St Caron's Church. However we can not be certain on this point.- T. H. DAVIES, U.C.W., Aberystwyth.

Printing quickly and neatly done at the Welsh Gazette Printeriee, Bridge Street, Abervstwyth.

I TALIESIN. ANNUAL TKEAT.—There was an unusual merry- making at Talie"in las, New Year's day. The members of the Llancviifelin School Board gave thejr third annual treat to the school children. Tea and delicious currant cake was laid on beauti- fully decorated tables in the schoolroom, presided over by voung ladies of the locality, representing the'diiferent denominations. Tea was cleared -after all the children and parents had done due justice to the splendid repast prepared. The concert room I and staire were tastefully decorated by Mrs Jones, School House, and Miss Emily Jones for the occasion. Although the weather was rather unfavourable, vet the roam was overcrowded with a most ent husiastic audience. The chair was taken at 7 p.m. by the Key T. Jenkins, C.M., who proved quite an able chairman. The programme was varied and interesting, performed mostly in char- acter, and the school children went through it with spirit, and success. The following were the promi- nent characters :—Masters John R J Jones, John E Jones, John Ellis, Gwilym Fugh, Lewis Ryechev, David Ellis, Willie Evans, Freddy Owen, Evan M. Pierce, Lloyd- Rowlands, the Misses Minnie Jones, Martha Newell, Annie C Thomas, Mary Roberts. Jenny Edwards, Lizzie Walker, and Sophia Richards Solos were rendered by Messrs Thomas, Neuadd, (a member of the School Board) Arthur Edwards and John Hugh Edwards. A dialogue was also given by Messrs James and Evans, and the latter also rendered bardic verses for the occasion. Miss Emily Jones acted as accom- panist, assisted by her pupils, Miss Minnie Jones and Miss Maggie, Ellis. The entertainment con- cluded by singing the national anthem, God Save the King. Thus a most. convivial and enjoyable i evening came to a close. The success of the concert is due to Mr James Jones, the schoolmaster, and Miss Emily Jones, the infant mistress. They deserve great praise for the able manner the children were trained. The Chairman said the parents should feel proud their children had such efficient training. The audience responded with load applause. The members, too, deserve many thanks for their kind- to The cake was prepaid by Mrs Edwards, Temp-rancc House, t Taliesin. ¡ "¡¡o;) eo--

TALGARREG. M EASLES.—The measles are very prevalent in this district at present. Is if due to ins&nitation ? ¡ ELECTION.—Mr Thomas Arms. has been duiy returned as a guardian and rural district, councillor in place of the late Caregian. The Hev W. Griffiths, Maenygroes, was nominated, but withdrew at the last moment. CONCERT.—A grand concert was held at the Board School on Friday evening, the 3nl inst. y 0 The chair was occupied by Mr E O Jenkins, Owen's College, Manchester, and Cynfelyn conducted. -Nii,-s Jones. Gellifaharen, and Miss Evans, Alit- yrodyn Arms, were the accompanists. The large room was tilled to overflowing, and the crowd was good-humoured throughout the meeting, The following programme was gone through Solo. Boe(I ysbryd ein cyndadau,' Mr J P Lewis, Tai- ga reg part song, 'Come away,' Bvvlcli children's choir; soto, Dacvv'r bwthyn,' Mr J Jones, Rhydowrn Mills; duett, 'Larboard" watch,' Messrs Davies. Lampeter; duett, 'Excelsior; Messrs Jones and Davies, Llwyn solo,' Y'teithiwrai gi,' Mr E Davies Lampeter; part, song, 'Old King Cole,' Taiga reg. Youngsters; comic 80n:2', Mr D R Jones, Rhydfeni; solo on mouth organ, Mr E Chard, pontshan solo, Gwalia Anwyl,' Mr Willie Davies, Lampeter; chorus, 'Come merry comrades all,' the United Male Voice Party (under the leadership pf Mr J Jones, Rhydowen Milb); recitation, Merch fach net yw'n wedjan i,* Mr S B Lewis, Pontshan quart- ette, P'le rwyt ti w6n y wawr,' by four from Talgareg comic song, Y cwbwl yn eiddo i Mary,' Mr D R Jones, Rhydfeni; part song, 'Y ffynon,' Hwlch Choir; sketch, 'The jealous husband,' by a party from Llwyn solo, Revenge,' Mr E Davies, Lampeter; solo, 'The March to Pretoria,' Mr J Jones, Rhydowen Mills duett., Y ddau forwr,' Messrs Davies, Lampeter; recitation, 'Eliza,' Mr S B Lewis, Pontshan drama, I Die Shon Dafydd,' party from Bwlch; solo, Yr ben Gerddor, Mr Willie Davies, Lampeter. The rest of the evening was devoted to the Llwyn minstrels, who, in nigger costume, sang coon songs and recited humorous dialogttfes. Finale, Hen Wlad fy N hadau,' the solo being taken by Mr E Davies, Lampeter. CONCERT AT PISGAH SCHOOLROOM.—A concert was also held at the schoolroom belonging to Pisgah Chapel. Mr H Mitchell, of Wstrws, presided, and Mr R Davies, C.M., conducted. The programme was as follows:—Song, Anna Jane Rees recitation, Johnny Jones recitation, Mary Anna Jones song, Children's Choir; recitation, Tommy Davies; recitation, Sarah Anne Davies song, Rachel Jones, recitation, Ceridwen Davies; answering five questions on general knowledge, Tom Thomas, Bryndelyn, was awarded the prize; song, Johnny Herbert; recitation, Anne Jones; song, Margaret Jones; recitation, Lewis James Jones solo,' Bonny Mary of Argyle,' Mr Mitchell; best poem on' Deilen,' Tom Jones (Glowonfardd), Blaenglowonfawr, carried off the prize; recitation, Sarah Anne Davies reading, Tom Thomas; song, Children's Choir; recitation, Mary Evans; song, Margaret Jones; recitation, Eliza Jones; recitation, Lizzie Jones; recitation, Winifred Davies; accordion solo, Margaret Williams; recitation. Sam Jones; song, Misses Davies; recitation, Tom Thomas; for im- promptu debating, Evan Evans, Darren, and Tom Thomas, Bryndelyn, carried off the prizes; song, Elizabeth Davies. The chief feature of the evening was the first public appearace of the Pisgah Male Voice Party, conducted by Mr Tom Davies, Pant- coch, Shop, which sang in splendid style. The general opinion was that it should be heard oftener. Recitation, Tom Evans; best wit, Tom Davies, Pantcoch Villa, was awarded the prize recitation, Evan Griffiths; song, Johnny Herbert; recitation, Hannah Davies, Pisgah (an old lady over eighty years of age); song, Children's Choir; recitation, Margaret Davies, Esger song and chorus by the Male Voice Party, Tom Thomas, Bryndelyn, taking the solo; accordion solo, Margaret Williams sketch by a party from Talgareg; song by the Children's Choir. This was the second of the fort- nightly meetings held in connection with this chapel, and was throughout most successful. The next will be held on the 20th January, when the Male Voice Party will again take part.

PENLLWYN. ENTERTAINMENT. On New Year's Eve a splendid entertainment, comprising of a miscel- laneous programme was given at the Board School. The Rev D. Morgan occupied the chair. There was a crowded attendance and the artistes went through their respective items in a praiseworthy manner. The following programme prepared by Mr A J Pierce, was rendered :-Introductory address by the Chairman; recitation, Yr Am- ddifad," Annie Mary Thomas; song, "Hiraeth,"Mr David 0 Morris; recitation, Sian Jones a'r Cloc," Master Richard Hughes; competition impromptu reading, Mr W H Morris; duet," Larboard Watch," Misses Margaret Edwards and Mary Hughes adjudication on the written Scriptural examination for children under thirteen, the first prize was divided between Ivor Prys Morris, Annie Edwards and John D Rees, 2 Jane Humphreys and Ellen J. James; trio, The Farmer's Girl," David 0 Morris, Ivor P Morris, and Olwen Morris (encored); address on reading by Mr R Adams; quartette, Myfanwy," Messrs 0 Morgan, E D Morgan, G Owen and J Hughes; competition rendering any solo, Mr D 0 Morris and Miss Margaret Edwards were adjudged equally best. The former sang Yr Hen Gerddor" and the latter U Y Fam a'i baban"; recitation, Mr G Owen; song, "Ty Ein Tad," Mr W Edwards and party; recitation, "Y Ffoadur, Mr Tom Griffiths; song, 11 Bendithiaist Goed y Meusydd," Mr Owen Morgan; quartette, Santa Claus," Mr J Jones and party; song, Hen Bennill Adroddai Fy Nhad," Miss GwladysJ Adams; adjudication on the written Scriptural examination for children under ten years of age—1 Annie M Thomas, 2 Lizzie, Humphreys, 3 Blodwen Vaughan and Lizzie James: glee, "Adgofion Dedwydd," a party led by Mr W Edwards;% recitation, Yn Boddi," Mr W H Morris; song, Master Thomas Oswald James quartette, Gwrando a Chredu," Messrs E D Morgan, J Hughes, Misses Mary Hughes and Margaret Edwards competition, Best Wit," Mr 0 Morgan and R Hughes equal song, "Plant Cymru," composed by Miss Jennie Jones, A.L.C.M., by a party conducted by Mr J Jones. The chief feature of the meeting was a farce entitled "TheSchool Board Trouble" (Helynt y Bwrdd Ysgol) performed by the following persons: Mr A J Pierce, the judge; Mr Evan D Morgan, clerk; Mr Goronwy Owen, attendance officer; Mr Job Sylvanus, policeman; Misses Margt. Edwards, Mary Hughes (Penpontbren), Jennie Jones (Minafon), Getta Jones (Blaencaeau), Kitty M James (Gwarallt), Lizzie Daniel, Messrs J Wil- liams, and 0 Morgan, witnesses. Before the close a hearty vote of thanks were accorded to all who had assisted, and to Messrs W H Davies and J Williams for giving part of the prizes. Also to Mr J E James, Maesbangor, for presenting the library with a new bookcase. Messrs R Adams, J Morgan, C.M, Aberffrwd, and Rev J Edwards acted as adjudicators on the various subjects. The meeting was brought to a close by singing "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau," the solo being taken by Mr J. Morgan, Aberffrwd. WAR NEWS.—The sad news of the death of Mr Johnnie Williams, eldest son of Mr D. Williams, late Penbontbren. now of London, was received here on Tuesday last. He was out at the front since the beginning of last year. He died of enteric fever. He was twenty-three years of age, and the sad news of his death at so early an age was received with deep regret by all his friends and acquaintances. He was much respected and held in high esteem by old and young alike. PRAYER MEETINGS.—Prayer meetings were held nightly last week at the C.M. Chapel. It has been the custom for many years to hold services of this nature in the beginning of each year. Much good is derived from them. The attendance at all the meetings was most satisfactory, being ranch larger than in the previous years. DISTRIBUTION.—At Christmastide, money and oatmeal, being the will of considerate donors of the neighbourhood, were distributed to the poor of the parishes of Melinrlwr. Parcel Canol, Cwmrheidol, and Trefeurig, at the Board School. Not so many as usual presented themselves this year. The old women that used to come from a distance of over seven' miles over the mountains now do not deem it worth to travel such a distance only for the sake of a shillings worth of oatmeal, as money is distributed only to those of Parcel Canol. The hardship(that they had to experience in coming through rain and wind during the past years has at last convinced them of their unwisdom. It is high time that some better means should be adopted to distribute this charity among the people. BENEVOLENCE.—Principal Prys, Trefecca, has borne in mind this year again the aged and poor of his native home, and to alleviate their sufferings he senc a handsome sum of money to bis brother, Mr J. Prys, to be distributed amongst the most needy. The reverend gentleman's alms were much appreci- ated by.the recipients. Mrs Mor:an, The Poplars, and Mrs James, Aelybryn, have also remembered the widows of the village in a most generous way. Both ladies have personally attended tne homes of the poor, and distrifmied their presents to them. TT

PA IX S A IK) U T P10 PI i E. A Second Barmrni. Major James 13. Pond is the Lipton of the* Amerip:m lect.ure p!a\ form. He it is who cor- rnls rill tile great statesmen, novelists, soldier*, and politicians of tile day, and sends th -m marching down the corridors of fame bv wav of the lecture platform of the United Rtu;e.«. M«jbr Pond it was years ago, brought Ileury Ward Beeehcr over to leetnre in Jon, while he offered the hife Mr. Glads'. >iiy untold sums in to induce him to tvovei ftil(i Pond it wr;s who too'; beneath his protecting wiug Halt hew Arnold, thv tieoslie of sweetness and light, while Mr. Anti:->»:? Hope Hawkins, Mr. Win -ton -Churchill. the explorer,^Madame Surah (.Iraud (who is in the United States !.t the present, moment), have all iiekmmledged the nb cjuitmix i.'ond as t urn- guide, philosopher, and friend." Tim Map»f wrote some time ago a most intriv-?ii>g i> •■> recounting the saving* al1d do ng- of tSm lUl- dreds of distinguished nenplo ho exhibited ,Lil:! the American It eS uro v;ago. lie* vrr.s, t:owev somewluit i:id;gM:mc ivn. 11 soni'Vi-io n. iii- aptly described mm as "tho Jiamuui ü the Lecture Circus." Earnhardt's Bogey. Sarah Bernhardt told this story the o-het afternoon at her house in the Pare "Alone ^u. If. happened to her some weeks b ek while she was staying at her fortre.s in She was sound aslo, p iu her primitive bedroom, when she suddenly woke with :;1\ o.nc-ie.nv feeling thiit there was somebody in the room. It was, she judged, about two o'clock io the morning; outside boomed the misty Atlantic, and round the grey old fort moaned nil unqu ot. wind. Sarah, \> ho always keeps a tight, hurtl- ing in her room, sat up in bod—tftcre was somebody at tho foot of her couch staring fixedly at her I She tried to call her maid hilt her tongue refused to act. All she could do was to stare as if transfixed at her mysterious vi itant. What It was Like. Sue described the apparition as an ol(l, old wOlllan wIth n pallid, strangely wrinkled face, out of which the piercing eyes shone weirdly. She was gowned in the antique costume of a long past day, and Bernhardt remembers notic- ing a curiously set turquoise riiig on one of t ie shadowy white bands. Suddpllly the spdl was removed and Sarah sprang out of bed, but the phantom, or whntever it ivits, liad vilijisited in o air. Bernhardt swears that she was not dreaming, and that she had not eaten anything particularly inil gestible at dinner. Usually J sleep comme un sabot," she said, and it is very strange that I should so unexpectedly a wake to see what I did." She told the tale to her friends in her most dulcet voice, ajid quite in her best manner; it made delicious little creeps run up and down the spines of her liearers. It may have been n. warning of com- ing disaster," laughed Sarah. Who knows? Still, what will be will be.M.A.P. An Irish Beauty. Lady Evelyn Ward is a sister of Viscount Crichton, and is a typical Irish beauty—tall, fair, with wonderful violet blue eyes and brown hair, flecked with touches of gold. She is a great favourite with the King, who thoroughly approved of her deter- mination to mnrry in haste sooner than wait until Mr. Gerald Ward came back from the war, for his Majesty loves a little touch of romance. Lady Evelyn and her sister, Lady Mabel Crichton, are devoted to each other, and both have a deep affection for the former's sister-in-law, the Countess of Dudley. Lord Erne used to tease his future son- in-law by declaring that his daughter was only marrying him in order to be sister to Lady Dudley. Mr. Gerald Ward is as hand- some as his wife, and every inoh a soldier, well set upand always well-groomed. He is not so clever as his eldest brother, Earl Dudley, but really popular with the men of his regiment, the 1st Life Guards, and no less ae with Society hostesses, for he is that rara avis, a dancing man, and when lie waltzes with his wife one involuntarily dubs them splendid ex- putients of 11 the poetry of motion." A Kingly Motorist. As everybody knows, the King of the Bel- gians is now one of tho most ardent devotees of the motor car. In thirteen minutes exactly every morning when he is at Laeken he traverses the distauce between there and his Palace in Brussels. There is a story of hil chauffeur" being recently threatened with arrest by an honest and zealous police officer-not because of the danger to the foot passengers—the courtier official hast- ened to explain; but because such speed was sure to cause an accident to the King himself. In commercial enterprises the King is said to be the best business man in his j kingdom. He has made one big fortune in the Congo, and I believe there are few enterprises of a large and substantial character in his own kingdom in which he does not take a quiet hand. It is a favourite saying in Brussels that it is a great pity the King cannot be his own country's Chancellor of the Exchequer. And that is how wo make kings in this modern time. It almost seems as if the saying attributed to the King when he was a youngster were com- ing true—that Kings will soon be chosen by competitive examination. y Uusy Doing Nothing. Sir Robert Peel is one of the "happy-go- lucky" variety of mankind, as hands, me as an Adonis, with a heart of gold and absolutely no knowledge of political economy, its the following little story will show Meeting one of his farm labour- ers, he informed him that in future his services would be dispensed with, and assigned as a reason the steward's report that there was not sufficient employment for all workers of his clmlN. Upon hearing this sentence, the farm labourer innocently remarked, "Begorra, sir, there is no need to aticic me for scarcity ot work very little would keep me busy." His ready reply amused Sir Robert, who gave instructions for his deten- tion-to be busy doing nothing. The New Owner of Battle Abbey. After nn interval of 43 years, the historic pile of Battle Abbey again comes into the possession of the Webster family. The new owner is Sir Augustus Webster, formerly of the Grenadier Guards, who was married six years ago to Miss Mabel Crossley, the only daughter of the late Henry Crossley, of Halifax, an extremely yvealitity carpet manufacturer, who, when bo died, left Lady Webster an income of 12 to 15 thousand a year. The first member of the family to take up bis residence at Battle Abb -y was Sir Thomas Webster, a citizen and clot i- worker of London, who purchased the estate in 1719. This gentleman seems to have had a weakness for the purchase of ancient residences, having also bought among others, the mansion Slid PStILtO Of WiLitilitill, ill Essex, from Charles, Earl of Dorset. Dr. Temple on the Place for Women." Not a hundred miles from Canterbury is a small parish to the victrsli,p of which a young and deserving curate was lately promoted by Dr. Temple. Shortly uftor his promotion the i new vicar's wife was sitting at a dinner-party at the side of the Archbishop, who inquired how they liked the place. Is there any views from tho windows ? asked his Grace. Well, no, that's the onl.v drawback. The house lias no view at all," the young wife somowliat dis- consolately replied. "Never m¡lId," said Dr. Temple, cheerily that's an advantage. Your husband will busy himself with th parish, and you must spend your time in the kitchen I that's the nrooer place (or women!

NEWPORT (PEM). DEAT]; OF THE MAYOR.—It is with regret that we have this week to chronicle the death of Captain Meyrick, the mayor of the ancient borough of New- port (i'em.) Deceased was appointed mayor some three months ago. and up to some month or so prior to that time be enjoyed the best of health, and always lived an active life. He was born at Newport in the year 1815, and died in his 87th year. While very young he went to sea. and followed that occupation up to the time that lie retired, between thirty and thirty-five years ago. He resided at St Hawes, Cornwall, for a number of years, and only returned to his native place some four years ago. From a political point of he followed the Liberal policy, and was a Baptist I by persuasion. lie will be greatly missed t IJrougbml the district, for his liberality and sym- pathy was extended everywhere. He leaves one son to mourn his luss. Death took place at 12-50 on Friday of last week.

linn-s EAliS. A < liscrrat'on is contributed' ny Mr. G. Whcny. of (';urbr'dg.>, reg r ng the functions excrcij.ed bv tlr* horns (¡Ii b horn wild sheep. He suggests that they aol as n;ir-truinpefs. or literal henring-hcri's. and thus serve to i; NS!fv ^.rmds «UD to IN-1 C F ¡I(I:d'1, to the ::nJ:d:tl the <!i- ect.son \y::(\ t.hn S¡>iIUJg Olt;g;liH (\. It is NOT/ that in tho domestic sheep. KP:D horned, the v.iv is H:rg", !tnd that it I-"s UI the R.x-S OI' the <1.U horn-spiral. IHIT in the. sheep t Imrn are of very hu'ge s z<>. ami TOE par real'v EXISTS at MM "X or t.n> o: a. ho!l"-vr c .ne fonn»D by the sp'ral of the horn. That ZIr. Wherry HAS sngg-Vst."d AN important and liit:E:'TO unnoted function o,. THE horns in such MIIICNL < is therefore evitieiu. IT is a fui iction, M-ver. W'de.TI obvious',Y .n animals living A fr-'E. O en. mountain life would 1>1' .advantageous ;11 'OF MAKING til in •I WARE of THE AJIPRO U-;I ,;F <-ue.M;e.s aniutst oon- jitioiis OF mist aa.i LOG.

A Dr. Bang, the v.U-now«i Danish physician, ^:i,s constructed a new e!ee ric lamp winch is likely to prove of great importance, even out- side tlt(, intended it. In the ordinarv arc lamp f;,c ca: bens are hen ted to some 3,000 degrees, but Thing has suc- ceeded in avoi(i»ng tiiia h g:i temperature by making the carbons hollow and letting a strong current run through them. Tho effect: is very singular. Almost the whale of the energy of the electric current is removed to the 1 g it nrc he- i tween the two electrodes, whilst the latter them- selves remain so eool that one can touch them with one's fingers whilst the lamp is burning. In II<1,:il".ioll to this the carbons arc consumed so slowly that the usual automatic adjustment cau lie

A TREE THAT TUilNS TO STONE. There is a tree that, grows in Mexico called t'he c;chijol," or stone tree. It ;s of enormous proportions, both iu eircumferenco and height. It has a number of spread i IIg out widely and carrying leaves of a yellowi h- green colour. Toe wood is extremely fine and easily worked in a green state. It is not given to either warping or splitting. Toe most re- markable thing about it is that after being cut the wood gets gradually harder, and in the course of a few years it is absolutely petrified, whether le;'t iii the open air or buried in the ground. From this timber houses can be built that would in a few years become completely fireproof, and would last as though budt of utone.

THE SPEED OF BIRDS. An English uatvual st says the speed of birds is often greatly overrated. The swift, for in- j stance, has been credited with a speed of 150 miles per hour, and the popular imagination compares the flight of a sparrow-hawk with that of a cannon-ball. The naturalist thinks that 40 miles an hour, independent of aid from the wind, is the full speed of a good pigeon fly- ing a long distance. The homing pigeon can be relied on, under fairly easy conditions, to make 60 miles an hour, or considerably more. On a short course a sparrow-hawk can outfly a homing pigeon, but the sparrow-hawk fre- quently fails to catch smaller birds that form its prey.

THE AGE OF FISH TOLD BY EARS. How to tell the age of fish is a problem in which size is no true criterion; for a fish which has been well fed may be twice the size of one of the same species that has been poorly fed- and yet not half so old. The rings on the scales are not quite safe indicators of age, and in many species the scales are so small that the rings cannot be seen. According to Pro- fessor Hensen, the rings on the hearing stones," afford a sure clue to the age of the fish in which they are found. These ear-stones are of varied forms and sizes, and look like little bits of china which grow with the dab a new ring being formed each year, just as ia the case with trees.

ELECTRIC TRUMPETS. These are not musical instruments, but little apparatus intended to give out a sound which shall be different to the ordinary electric bell. In places of business where there are two or three electric bells confusion often arises owing to the ear not being able always to distinguish be- tween the gongs, and it is therefore not clear from whence the signal comes. Trumpets con- sist merely or an electro-magnet, with a tym- panum of iron, which maltes and breaks con- tact as does the ordinary armature in an electric bell. The rapid vibrations set up a musical sound, which is enhanced by the wooden resona- tor in which the whole is fixed.

AlrfiCIAL GRAPHITE. Of the many new industries which have otpriivig up in the Niagara district since the electr c water-power installation was opened, teat of the making of graphite is not the least interesting. The International Acheson Graphite Company are now turning out excel- lent lead pencils. Up to the present graphite, which is a peculiar and special form of carbon, has been found only in the earth, but it is now evidently possible to make it in the electric furnace. As to the comparative costs we havp no particulars, but they would be interesting.

HOW TO KEEP EGGS. In a test experiment, eggs packed in various ways gave the iotlowing results, after the lapse of seven months. Covered with vaseline, or kept in lim water, or in sodium silicate solu- tion, none spo led in wood ashes, varnished, or treated with potassium permanganate. 20 per celit. painted with collodion, or with potassium silicate, 40 per cent.; (lippe-I few seconds in boiling water or aluin, 50 per cent.; kept in salt water, all spoiled.

PURIFYING ACETYLENE. A very simple means of purifying acetylene ffith bieaeiiing powder has recently been sug- gested. Instead of passing tho gas over the blench, the latter is put direct into the water in which the carbide is put to generate the acetylene. This is said to greatly simplify the generating plant, and give better results. The amount of chloride of lime used is about two per cent, of the weight of the carbide used. "of

A SIMPLE FIRE-EXTINGUISHER. A chemical fire-extinguisher may be made by dissolving 2ib. o common salt and 101b. of ammonium chloride in three quarts of water and filling the solution into quart bottles of thin glass. The bottles must be Lightly corked and sealed to prevent evaporation. At the brealdng out of a lire the h< •tiles are thrown into the flames or their vicinity.

THE change in British legal documents from "Gud Save the Queen" t.o "God 8Ye the King" cost a totltt of £ 400,000. Some naturalists say that no insects except the s. Ik worm feed npou the leave-i of the mul- I berry.

Arrangements are being made by French engineers to sink a new colliery on the outakirta of Dover.

Business Notices. .ft -3.1100 JA MES 'S LOSDQX AXD PEOYIXCTAL I C. '/M "I n e l-r -,1 Tea, Wine, Spirit .I. r;t. ¡ 'f it> .A- -L- r. and Provision S T ORES, TERRAGE ROAD, J ABERYSTWYTH. No connection with C-L liv oliier^Shop__ in the ¡ district. 1 FEO-LTI AGLIINXFT in the District for EASS k CO/S Celebrated Burton Ales and Stout, I Supplied in 9 and 18 Gallon Casks in Im- perial Pint and Half-pint Bottles. FOr-. W & A. GILBEY'S Wines and Spirits. GLBX-SPEY GLENLIVET SCOTCH WHISKY, JOHN JAMESON & SON S AND DUNYILLE'S IRISH WHISKY, In*Bottle and on Draught. HENNESSEY'S BRANDY. CROFT'S FINE OLD PORT. ^.KIMMCTSTD'S SCHWEPPE'S & STRETION HILLS MINEBAL WATERS. CROSSE & BLACKWELL'S GOODS IN GREAT VARIETY. LAZENBY &JSONS* PICKLES. HUNTLEY & PALMER'S AND PEEK FREAN'S BISCUITS AND CAKES. MACKENZIE & MACKENZIES AND JACOB'S BISCUITS. HARRIS'S WILTSHIRE BACON, DEVONSHIRE BUTTER AND I CREAM. HARRIS'S WILTSHIRE BACON, DEVONSHIRE BUTTER AND CREAM. Cheddar, Stilton," Gorgon- zola, and American Cheese. 3.3. S Co.' s Ceas Are well known for their QUALITY I QUALITY AND FLAVOUR. PRlCES- II 6cL, 26. 26. 6d. 2s. 8d and 3s. per lb. I Business Notices. —-3 A vTORD II> SEASON. TPR < I -V I. 1 r.iI" .f! 7- t 1 Pec to ml Linseed Balsam S Certain Cure icr Coughs, Colds. Influenza^ and all aifeetjons of the Chest, Throat, and j|| Lungs. KAs CRUED OI'nzas. "WILL CURF YOU. Prepared only r.v LL PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMIST, YSTTTITil. Soicl in Is. <fc 2s. bottles "VTGZCDETTFUL ILL'S"JUTS. M 1- WORTH A GUINEA A BO P** PILLS ro ALL I',ILICRS» NHSYC-CS DISORDERS lC: KI-ADACRLE, CONSTIPATION, WEAK STOMACH. WIND, iM? AIRED DIGESTION, DISORDERED LIVER, and FEMALE AILMENTS. ANNUAL ALE SIX BULLION ECXES. 1:1 Boxes, Is ld, and 2s 9d each, -r.-ith full directions. The Is l-kl box contains 56 Pills. Prepared ONLY hy the Proprietor— TIi< MAS BEECHAM. C, HELENS, LA N C?A SH! RE ROCK FOUNDRY, y [LSTAEI.ISHED 169J. A DZCIDED IMPROVEMENT 0 ALL, OTII WATER WHEELS In efficiency, simplicity. compactness, and cheap ness. I solicit, an opportunity to confer with parties in want of Turbines or Water Wheels. Special design for Churning, &c. TESTIMONIAL. "The Iron Water Wheels turned out from the Rock Foundry are well-known throughout the Principality and counties beyond. Thev are but on the most modern designs, the construction being at the same time light and durable, and giving a larger percentage of power than can be claimed for most a;er Wheels."—" The Railway Supplies Journal." Address ali communications to B. M. DAVIES, Engineer and Ironfounder, MACHYNLLETH. NOTICE OF REMOVAL f ARTIFICIAL TEETI-I Alit. JAMES REES Seventeen years with Messrs. Murphy and Rowley; 30, ALEXANDKA R OAD, (Late Railway Terrace), A BERYSTWYTH. MB. REES visits TREGARON first and last Tuesday in each Month at Mrs. Williams, Stanley House. Visits Machynlleth the Second and Fourth Wednes- days in each Month at Mrs. R. Jones, Pentre- rhydin Street 'opposite Lion Hotel). Corns on the 1st and 3rd Saturday in each montb at Mr W. Evans, Grocer, Liverpool House, (opposite Slaters Arms. Visits Lampeter the First and Third Fridays in saeb Month, at R. Evans, milliner, 18, Harford Square. CHARGES MODEBATK. SPLENDID BARGAINS. i BEES JONES EMPORIUM, rpREGARON Now offers for Sale at Low Clearance Prices a fine lot of | > MEN'S, YOUTH'S, AND BOYS' OVERCOATS. I ————————————- -.————- —— R. DOUGHTON, JRONMONGER, ^JHINA J^EALER AH1> CYCLE Å GENT, (OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK). Â CYCLES FOR SALE AND HIRE. USE THE CRYSTAL PERISCOPIC SPECTACLES V TO BE HAD AT ABOVE ADDREM. Furniture. Furnitnre. fAl EDWARD EIJLIS & SON, Little Darkgate-street, ABERYSTWYTH* Horses, Dogs, Birds, Cattle. 100,000 Owners of Animals Have secured a espy of tme HJJMH- FIRST AID BOOK ACCIDENTS AND AILMENTS. Owners of Animals can have a Cloth* bound Copy, 176 pages, the complete book, sent post free upon receipt of One Shilling and a legible address, or the label affixed for the purpose to the outside of the back of the wrapper at of a as., as. 6d., or 3s. 6d. bottle at ELIMN'S ROYAL EHBROCATiOR would secure a copy post free. Owners of Dogs or Birds can baY. Parts II. and III., 54 pages, apart frol% complete Book, FREE. Published by Billm-n, Sons & Co., Slough, Eng.