The Glamorgan Gazette

¡ SCIENCE NOTES. FEW people (remarks the Pail-Mall Gazette) have ever beenknown tocredit, the English Government with undue generosity. In its treatment of science and scientific objects it is perhaps pro eminently niggardly, though the votaries of art and literature probably consider that they could make out an better case for each of their own causes in this respect. To stint and discourage scientific research is, however, more short-sighted, because it is suicidal policy for a great nation. In these days, wlien com- petition and the race for existence have been pro- moted to a national scale, science is the last weapon left. That nation will become a "strug-for-lifer" indeed who science deserts it in the hour of need. Strength can only be built up by improvement from within, by strict attention to the details of life, by concentration of the best intelligence and the highest ingenuity upon agriculture, upon sanitation, upon industry, and upon organi- sation, as well as upon fortification and gunnery. And who are the men possessed of the best intelligence but those whose training has ren- dered them keen observers, painstaking investigators, and skilful solvers of difficult problems? The old notion of science as something abstract and outside the boundaries of practical life is as much exploded as the superstition that the world is flat. It did very well for the Middle Ages, when scientists had nothing more important on hand than the babbling of black magic or the discovery of the philosopher's stone; but now science has taken its place in the ranks of fighting humanity, and its mark is on every portion of progress made during the last two centuries. It is time this fact was officially recognised, and men of science were treated with a little of the consideration and generosity accorded to successful electioneers or diplomatic agents. To take a solitary and not very important instance of this systematic neglect of the men who are doing much of the best work of the nation, it ia noticed in the Electrical Review that of the deputations sent last year to the International Congress at Chicago, the delegates who represented France and Germany had the whole of their expenses paid, and were rewarded according to their several merits with decorations, honours, and with courteous thanks. The repre- sentatives of Great Britain alone have bein ignored entirely and, so far from their services receiving remuneration or thanks, it is doubtful whether her Majesty's Government even know the names of those who looked after British interests and maintained the credit of Britain on this most important occasion. Yet they were all men of the highest eminence, who sacrificed much time and trouble to this thankless business. Among them was one whose labours have been rewarded abroad with every kind of honour and acclaim, whose work has wrought incalculable benefit, whose inventions are in constant universal use, who gave his greatest discovery freely to the world—and who has never in his own country received the smallest omcial recognition or distinction. Truly, a prophet is not without honour save in his own country and among his own people. IN certain districts in Africa, notably in the west, central and Congo sections, there is a most curious and puzzling disease that has baffled all attempts to prevent, or cure it. The first symptoms are an appear- ance of drowsiness, indicated by drooping of the eye- lids and a lack of interest except when roused. This tendency to sleep, which is very slight at first, rapidly increases until the sufferer falls asleep at all times in the day and over any work or amusement, no matter what may be its character. The general health does not appear to suffer any perceptible impairment, and treatment of the most active sort has little if any effect. After a time, the patient is in a perpetual slumber, seeming to be never really awake, and if roused to take food or drink immediately relapses into the usual lethargic condition. Th" disease or decline sometimes lasts 12 months, death apparently ensuing from starvation. It rarely attacks white persons, but is for the most part confined to young persons between the ages of 12 and 20 ywirs. Boys and young men are more frequently the victims than girls or young women. This most remarkable state of things is under investigation by einintnt medical men, and their reports will be awaited with interest. RERE is a plain answer to a plain question. It has been suggested that certain kinds of ammonites, such as the cephalopoda, which have been hitherto classed as different species, were in reality but male and female forms of the same species. The point was referred to Messrs. Buckman and Bather, who reply, We suggest that the characteristics ia question are auxologic or bioplastic rather than sexual, being in some cases phylogerontic, in others merely ephebic or gerontic; and we conclude that sexual dimorphism has yet to be proved for ammonite shells." Breathe again, ye conservative paleontologists! AN eminent surgeon has been experimenting upon ertain classes of wounds and in surgical operations, with a view to testing the efficacy of heat as an anti- septic. One of his methods is to touch the exposed surfaces with bits of absorbent cotton dipped in boiling water. He finds that the healing process is greatly facilitated by this application, and that, too, without the cumbersome and expensive apparatus necessary for ordinary chemical antiseptics. Atten- tion is also called to the importance of properly cleansing all instruments used for any purpose what- soever. It is not enough that they be dipped in some antiseptic solution and wiped with a bit of cotton-waste, as is too often the case. It is recom- mended that a vessel of boiling water be kept at hand, and that all instruments be put in this and allowed to remain until thoroughly heated. The water must oe kept at boiling heat by means of an alcohol or other lamp, else there is no use in dipping the instruments at all. There is too much careless- ness in the cleaning of all such appliances, and many deaths are unquestionably traceable to this cause. There is quite too little attention given to the curative properties of heat. The subject has begun to attract the notice of some of the more advanced thinkers among medical men. It is declared that a high degree of heat is of great value when a disease is to be D brought to a crisis. One author asserts that obstinate ulcers, even of long standing, and wounds that refuse to heal, may be brought into active conditions and speedily made healthy by packing the affected parts with hot-water bottles or bags. Over the immediate open surface a pad of lint, made slightly damp with glycerine and water, is placed. This must be constantly watched, and renewed as often as it becomes filled with the dis- charged matter, which it speedily takeB up. The heat induces activity and increased circulation, and the pad takes up the poisonous emanations as they accumulate. It is a positively demonstrated fact that intense heat steadily applied will break up any case of pneumonia in the earlier or middle stages, and there are many who do not believe that a fatal termination to this disease is at all necessary unless there are other complications. Siinplo dry beat is too easy of application and too unscientific for the ordinary medical man. It will therefore probably never be possible to make this a favourite form of treatment. THE bookworm is a pest that is rarely seen alive. Indeed, some experienced book-oollectOrs and cus- todians of large libraries, although they never en- counter living worms, frequently find dead ones. Sometimes books are found that are eMen through and through. One instance is recorded where" a worm had made its way in almost a straight line through six large volumes. It is a curbus fact that the genuine bookworm has fancy for old and rare books. There is probably something in the make-up ¡ of the old-time volumes that pleases him— something that satisfies his appetite. The finer and more costly the book the better the worm appears to like it. But if this creature keeps at a scornful distance from cheap books, it does not follow that inexpensive literature I is allowed to flourish unmolested. Ttere is a small, fiat bug that looks upon cheap bindings as dainties, and sometimes becomes so numerous that it is a con- stant annoyance. No one seems to have quite decided just what it is, and the suggestion is madt that it may belong to the roach family, as this insect is extravagantly fond of cheap bindings, which it eat* for the paste that is in them. As the bug complained of is usually found to be filled with bright-coloured powder, it is probable that their bindings, filled with paste and glue, are the chosen food of the trouble- some creature. M. STANISLAUS MEUNIER, the well-known French geologist, recently delivered a lecture at the Museum d'Histoire Natnrelle, Paris, which las a bearing on the recent earthquakes of Greece, Venezuela, and Constantinople. Humboldt has gi?en us a vivid description of an earthquake, but M. Meunier, who had personal experience of one at Nice on Feoruary 23, 1887, tells us that all he had read on the subject left him somewhat unprepared for the reality, and he thinks that nothing short of an apprentice- ship to earthquakes will enable a person to encounter one without emotion. The sound heard in the bowels of the earth duiing the shocks resemble those produced by a sudden generation of steam. The motions of the ground are the result of horizontal or vertical impulses, or both combined The shock is, in fact, propagated in the form of waves round the centre of disturbance, and most damage i. done where the ventral segments occur, let whew the nodes occur. The same thing is observed in the neighbourhood of vibrating machinery. M. Meunier ascribes the shock to a sudden generation of steam under ground caused by water or water-bearing rod coining into uouutut utoiUtu rucL VoicuuK I •ruption* have a similar origin, nod dat SUMB IS

THE WOMAN'S WORLD. IN ordtr to keep the extravagantly wide revers in place, little slivers of wlialebone are stitched into the edges. A very convenient and desirable way of fix- in these edges is to take thin whalebone, soak it for 24 hours in warm water and put it between the linings and stitch it firmly in place. The machine-needle will penetrate the bone without the slightest difficulty. Then press until dry and there is body given to the fabric that can be obtained in no other way. THERE is a good deal of talk about a new style of whalebone which is made by soaking leather in some liquid and drying it under pressure. This is all very well for some purposes, but most expert dressmakers soak the whalebones before putting them into the waist, and stitch them through and through. Arranged in this way they never slip and are every way more desirable. But those of leather cannot be so treated. FANCIFUL arrangements of turned-over collar and revers are among the new things. Some of the?e collars are cut in deep points, others are in deep scallops, others are overlapped like shingles on the edges and others have the points turned back and faced with some contrasting colour. A NEW and pretty bodice for simple wear is made of white India silk. It is made with the outside shirred in at the waist-line over a fitted lining. The neck is cut somewhat low, and there are full ruffles or ruchings of the silk and a tiny edge of soft lace. PETTICOATS of black-and-white striped silk have flounces of some bright colour, as peach, yellow, cherry, or heliotrope, and these are draped with flounces of black net or silk mull. SIIOULDER-KUFFLES are less popular than hereto- fore. Many thin dresses are made this way, but heavier materials show fewer trimmings of this sort. Ties and cravats of mull, tulle and various gauzy fabrics are much liked. The newest cravats have large rosettes instead of loops. A SILK petticoat recently ordered for a bride is of heavy white satin with ruffles of embroidered chiffon, beautiful but expensive. Embroidered India muslins are again in demand, and are made up with large quantities of ribbon. Velvet-ribbon belts with loops and long ends are seen on some of the newest thin dresses. A velvet cutaway coat is one of the latest novelties. AMMONIA takes a leading place for removing spots or stains from coloured material. It can be applied to all kinds, and with care will leave no trace of its use. Its use in washing blankets, or anything oily, is unquestionable. Even orange, lemon, or vinegar stains can be removed from delicate fabrics by diluted ammonia. It should bo first tested on a small piece of goods, especially woollens as, if acids are used in the dye, it will decolourise, but such a thing seldom happens. RETICENCE in the right place is a great virtue, and reticence in friendship—save towards those few who are woven closely into the fabric of our lives—is a necessity to its long endurance. And yet, now and again, and to us all, comes a time when silence is not golden, when love and courage call upon us for speech, and when we best consult the welfare of others by a full and perfect frankness Happy are those whose tact and unselfishness prove in such matters a safe and unerring guide. FIw mothers pay sufficient attention to their children's feet. and the shoes they wear. Young people are not the slaves of fashion, and while bones and muscles are tender it is wise not to deform the feet by putting them into tight, shoes, Allow plenty of freedom for growth and active exercise. VASELINE will increase the growth of the hair. A cloth wet in cold tea and laid across the eyes will allay inflammation. To cure a felon, wrap the part affected in a cloth drenched in tincture of lobelia. Cold cream is said to make pimples, while vaseline used on the face will cause a disfiguring growth of hair. Equal pnrts of lemon juice, rose water, and glycerine will whiten and soften the hands. Dandriff can be removed by shampooing the scalp with borax and water, using a piece of borax about as big as a marble to a quart of water. For moist hands, 90 grains of eau de cologne and II) grains of belladonna is an excellent lotion, after the use of which dust with powdered alum. An excellent remedy for sun- burn is obtained by mixing together four ounces of alcohol, four ounces of benzoin, and one pint of rain water. THE best remedy for ill-used tresses is strict care glossy vitalised tresses, kept in order by constant brushing, assume by degrees a better colour. If you wish to get rid of wrinkles, blackheads, "nd pimples, bathe the face in hot (not warm) water for five minutes every night before retiring. WHEN massaging the face, rub lines under the eyes from the nose to the temples. This is the rule. In washing the eyes, wipe them from the temples to the nose. This is said to prolong sight. If the skin be coarse looking, and you desire to improve the texture, bathe it before going to bed in very hot water and good toilet soap, and rub thoroughly with a coarse Turkish towel. Anyone troubled with pimples should avoid bathing in cold water. Take plenty of hot baths, and give the eruptions a chance to come out on the body, if they must come out at all. Wash the face in hot water, wiping it very gently. ROSEMARY is considered an excellent remedy to in- crease the growth of the hair. Get a small quantity of the leaves and boil them over a quick fire for a few minutes, strain, add a little cocoa-nut oil, and a few drops of verbena. For punples on the face, bathe it occasionally in a soothing lotion composed of a weak solution of borax and warm water. At night use very warm water on the face then dry and rub into the pores an ointment made of flowers of sulphur and lard. To remove offending hairs, take equal parts of chloroform and aconite and moisten the spot; with a pair of tweezers the offending hairs can then be removed with a little pain, and with no redness to ■peak of. If the hair is washed oftener than once aa month the scalp should be rubbed well with vaseline- first, that it may not be made too dry. If there i dandruff, never try to fine comb or brush it away. Rub the scalp thoroughly with vaseline, let it stay so for an hour, and then wash all out and brush softly. OATMEAL and buttermilk together possess wonder ful beautifying qualities, and oatmeal by itself now occupies a place on many dressing-tables. Steeped in water, in small quantities, it makes the flesh beautifully soft and white, while a little lemon juice may be added advantageously. WHEN the feet are sore, as from long walking, take a teaspoonful ofj Epsom salts, five or six drops of incture of capsicnm, and put in a shallow basin of water—just enough to cover the soles of the feet — and soak them twenty minutes. One will be surprised at the relief this will give. It will also cure burning of the feet, that so many are troubled with in the Bummer. To remove moth patches, wash the patches with a solution of common bicarbonate of soda and water several times during the day, for two days, or until the patches are removed, which will usually be in 48 hours. After this process, wash with some nice toilet soap, and the skin will be left clean and free from patches. IF a remedy is wanted to produce immediate and wonderful effects in whitening the skin, use tar and olive oil heated together and cooled. Use upon the face when going to bed with a mask of thin old linen or muslin to prevent it rubbing off—further protecting the pillows by an old sheet. thrown over them. In the morning a bath of white castile soap and water brings the face out pure and softly tinted as a child's. This is not only the best, but one of the most harmless and cheapest preparations that can be procured. THE proper time for bathing is before breakfast. The proper method is the sponge bath. Those who are unaccustomed to a cold sponge bath should begin with a tepid one. The face should be washed first, then the neck, ears, and chest, then the rest of the body, working down to the feet, but keeping all the rest of the body covered while bathing any particular member, so as to preclude the possibility of chill. In bathing the face, cotton wash cloths are undesirable, according to an authority on this subject, who advises the use of the hands, nature's own wash cloth." If a cloth is used, the most sympathetic one is a part of an old silk under- garment. THE minimum age for marriage in America varies <n different States. In 21 States, including Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Kentucky, the minimum age I for men is 14. and for girls 12. In four States the ages are respectively 17 aud 11; in nine, IS ai.d Iti in cix, 18 and 15; in three, 16 anelli; tntwe 19 and

l FUN AND FANCY. ) OLD LADY (to elderly bride on wedding trip): "That young man who just went into the smokin^ compartment seems very fond of you, ma'am." Elderly Bride: "Ah, yes, John loves me most dearly Old Ladv It does my old heart good to see such affection these days. Is he the onlv son you've got, ?" Miss WURZEIW (reading fashion-book): "Trains are going out of fashion, grandma." Old Mrs. W.: I am not surprised to hear it, my dear. I never did think them new-fangled steam engines would last lontr! íR. EINKS What's all that yelling and racket next door ? It's enough to drive folks crazy. Close the windows." Mrs. Binks: It's that woman next door thrashing her boys." Mr. Binks Oh Open the windows wider. No news is news," but it won't do to run a daily paper on that principle. DON'T forget, then, Ann, that your master is a colonel." Oh, I adore soldiers, ma'am." A UTTLE boy was coming home with his mother from church when he heard her saying that the sermon was not worth much. The little boy imme- diately turned round and said Oh, mother, what could you expect for a halfpenny?" HER FATHER I find, sir. that you haveno money and no credit." Young Smart: You do me an üi- justice, sir. I have easily borrowed several hundreds since it became known that I was engaged to your daughter." PROOF POSITIVE :—Admiring Mamma I don't think you have quite caught the expression of Evangeline's nose." Artist: "Madam, Raphael couldn't do better than that." Admiring Mamma "Why not?" Artist: "Because, madam, Raphael is dead." WIFE: You can see now how much your friends care for you. During your long illness only one has called to see you." Husband: And that was Hardup, wasn't Yes, he came every day, and he said he was very sorry that you were too unwell to see him. He is the only real friend you've got." Yes, I suppose so. The day before I was taken ill I promised to lend him five pounds." FREII: How are you getting on with Miss Angell ? Did you speak to her father, as you determined?" Frank: "Yes." Fred: "And how did it come out ?" Frank So-so. I said to him Mr. Angell, 1 love your daughter.' Said he: So do I; now let's talk about something else.' Fred: And then ?" Frank We talked about something else." KITTY She says they're engaged, and he says they're not. Now, what do you think of that?" Tom: I think it will take a jury to decide." Sumnm LODGER I shall want a bath every morning." Landlady Mercy me! what sort o' trade dae ye work at that ye need sae'much washin' ?" MARY," said the sick man to his wife when the doctor pronounced it a case of small-pox, if any of my creditors call, tell them that I am at last in a condition to give them something." Miss CARBAET: "Our acquaintance has been so short, that I feel I ought to know more about yon before I consent to become your wife." Pelham Parker (stiffly): "Y ery well. I can refer you to any of the girls I have been engaged to." SUE wore a locket round her neck, A locket of shining gold The shape of a heart and large enough A picture petite to hold. I opened the locket to ascertain Who was her particular pet; But instead of a miniature photograph Was a sign which read—" To Let." HERE is a story of a tennis tournament. One young lady not being up to time, the secretary sent a verbal message to her house to inform her that if she did not come at once he should "scratch" her. The rvaid, horrified at the want of courtesy in the use of the term she did not understand, endeavoured to soften the message by delivering it thus: "Please, miss, Mr. Racket says if you do not come at once he will squeeze you." A BOY writing a composition on Extremes," re- marked that we should endeavour to avoid extremes, especially those of wasps and bees." THE congregation of a country church were horrified during a morning service to hear their new (and athletic) curate cry out at the end of the lesson, He-ah endeth the first innings." JUDGE: Witness, in this altercation did your wife make any sweeping remarks?" Witness: "She did that, your honour. She hit me three times with a broomstick." BEGGAR (who has just received a sixpence): Thanks, kind sir. I'll do my best for you." Mr. Bountiful: What can you do for me ?" Beggar I will recommend you to my friends." "Do you believe in the transmigration of souls?" "Not I. And you?" "I am convinced of it." Indeed! Then what were you once upon a time ?" "An ass." "When?" "When I lent you that s'overeign!" As is-well known, Prussian officers are a very arrogant and conceited lot. One of these gentry met a Roman Catholic priest, and as there were plenty of listeners, he thought he would have a joke at the priest's expense. Can you tell me, father." he said, what is the difference between a priest and a donkey ?" The priest considered for a time and then gave it up. "Well," said the officer, "the donkey carries the cross on his back, while the priest carries it in front." A hearfcf ifcjgh was the response, in which the priest joined. "Now," said the priest, perhaps you will allow me to ask you a conundrum. What is the difference between a Prussian officer and a donkey ?" The officer stared, considered, and after a time said, I don't know. I must give it up." And so do I," replied the priest, quietly. Good morning." A SERVANT girl, writing home to her parents, said I am sorry I have no money to buy a stamp for this letter I will put two on the next," "WHAT is sweeter than to have a friend you can trust?" "To have a friend that will trust you," was the sharp retort. "WELL, old fellow, how goes it? Do you expect to win your lawsuit ?" Oh, certainly. I consider it a foregone conclusion, at least, judging by appearances; my lawyer is building a new wing to his house." PROUD DAME: "I do not see how you could think of marrying into such a commonplace family as that!" Romantic Daughter: Oh, I'm not going to marry into his familv; he's going to marry into our family." "THE death of her husband must have been a dreadful blow to Mrs. Musicale." It was, indeed." I suppose she has given up her piano-playing entirely ?" No, she still plays but only on the black keys." GEsTLErEN who are members of learned professions usually affix their particular society's name by initials. A medical society was formed, called the Association of General Practitioners In England, and every unfortunate wight who belonged to it had, consequently, to subscribe hinuelf a M.A.G.P.I.E. A STUDENT had been bragging of his various accomplishments, until one of the company. losing his patience, said: Now, we have heard quite enough of what you can do—just tell us what you ean't do, and I'll undertake to do it myself." Indeed; well, I ean't pay my bill, and am very glad to find that you can do it, replied the student. Amid the hilarity of thy company the guest redeemed his rash promise. I WOULDN'T be a fool if I were you," said Long- bones to a friend. If you were me you wouldn't be a fool," was the reply. A PROFESSOR says the world is growing larger, but we doubt if it will ever be big enough to satisfy the schoolboy with his first pair of trousers and watch. STARTER "I met a man this morning who said I looked like you." Smartly:" Tell me who he is, and I'll go and knock him down." Starter I did that myself." JAMES: "You say you write dunning letters to yourself and sign them with fictitious names. What do you.do that for?" William: You see, my wife is always after me for money, and when she reads those letters she becomes discouraged." Now," said the photographer, are you ready?" Yes," replied the customer. Well, just keep your eyes on this spot," he said (pointing to a motto on the wall, which read, Positively no credit"), and look pleasant. Then you'll get a good picture." ANXIOUS Mother: "I wish, Susan, that when you give baby a bath you would be careful to ascertain whether the water is at the proper temperature." Susan Oh, don't you worry about that, ma'am I don't need no 'mometers. If the little one turns red, the water is too hot; if it turns blue, it's too cold. I can always tell that wav." MIGGS": I have been told that her first husband was a man of very strong will." Biggs: Yes he left her more than a hundred thousand." A MANCHESTER damsel has framed the verdict a jury gave in her favour in a suit for breach of pro- mise of marriage, and has hung it conspicuously in her parlour as a frightful warning to all triflers. PRIMUS Although you are a millionaire, my love is so great, sir, that it emboldens a poor man like myself to seek a daughter of yours in marriage." Secundus Which of the girls is it, young man ?" PrimUs "Any of the three, sir." MIt. HIGIITONE My dear, you must send that new girl away at once. She is not fit to have around. Mrs. Hightone: I will, just as quick as I can write her a reference." Reference! Do you mean to say you intend to give a creature like that a reference?" "Uf course. How can I help it? tell everybody itboul the quafiel you and 1 W 1o.å. 1 ftifihUandthe—the waj I Ulkedtojou."

A PREVENTABLE LOSS. While we are suffering from low prices and the competition of the entire world, it is well to notice one serious cause of loss which might (says Professor Wrightson, in his current notes in the Agricultural Gametic) be easily prevented. We allude to the con- tinual foisting of worthless manures and feeding- stuffs upon the unsuspecting farmer, in spite of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act of January 1,1894. That such is the case is evident from the most recent report of the Consulting Chemist of the Royal Agricultural Society. We have not space to enter upon particular cases, but it seems that, emboldened by the indifference of many farmers to their best interests, and with that perverse ingenuity which enables certain people, when so minded, to drive coaches through Acts of Parliament, there is danger of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Bill becoming a dead letter. In one sense this bill ought not to have been required, for the commonest sense would surely urge a farmer, when going out to buy a certain article, to see that he got it. That all our manure merchants and dealers in cake are to be trusted to supply the real genuine article need not be asserted nor yet denied, but the truth enunciated by the great Robert Burns will be true to the end of time, namely, that when self the wavering balance shakes, it's rarely rightly adjusted." Neither is direct dishonesty a necessary factor in the case, for merchants and dealers are merely intermediaries in the transfer of goods from importers and manufac- turers to consumers. It is the buyer who should insist upon a guaranteed analysis, and, if this is refused, there are associations of farmers in most districts who employ a competent chemist, and exist princi- pally in order to guard their members against fraud. It is possible that the quarterly reports of Dr. Voelcker are not quite so widely read as they deserve, and if any remark made in this connection will assist to circulate the lessons which they inculcate, our object will be abundantly achieved. The facts pub- lished in every number of the Royal Agricultural Society's Journal prove that, even now, and in spite of this same Act of Parliament, attempts are made to contravene it by various subterfuges. Very interesting reading indeed is this report of Dr. Voelcker's, but scarcely more so than his usual quarterly contribution. For one case which comes to light there are scores which are never sus- pected or detected. In manures especially, so much depends upon the crop, the soil, and the season, that it is impossible to judge from single results. Analysis is the only safe guide, and this should be by an inde- pendent chemist. Nothing could, in our estimation, be more grievous than the case of a struggling farmer trying in many ways to do his level best, and yet being fleeced to the tune of pounds sterling per ton over large quantities of fertilisers and feeding-stuffs.

ROOKS VERSUS WIREWORM. Farmer: you black thieves, rooting up all my turnips! Do you call this gratitude, after keep- ing you all the year ? You swoop down on to my lands, gobble up all you can find through the winter. In the spring you steal my seed grain, and now, not content, you must pull up my turnips." The rooks beat a hasty retreat, except one, who showed traces of white on his poll. He sailed into a tree, and discussed the charge thus "Not so fast, Mister Farmer. Charges are some- times more hastily made than substantiated. We rooks arc no thieves rat her we ought to be styled the farmers' benefactors. You say you keep us through the winter. What do you then give us? Your fields in the autumn are infested with slugs and other insects. As the days grow colder, these seek refuge under stones, and in various places. If these were left unmolested they would so increase as to leave you no crops. But we know their hiding places. We are hungry, and Nature has provided us with strong beaks, so we hunt out your enemies, and eat them that we may live. This you call keeping us. Well, so it is in a sense, but it is none the less kocping you from ruin, so on that charge we may cry quits. Next you accuse us of taking toll of your seed grain. If you had lived on slugs and snails all winter, I fancy you would be ready for a bit of dry food, and so are we, and we only take what you leave exposed, and hence would not germinate." Farmer: All veiy fine, Mr. Crow, but what about the potatoes and turnips you pull up whole- sale ?" Crow Well, that does seem a grave indictment, but even in respect to that we are not. so black as we look. We do not feed on the potato tops or on the turnip tops." Farmer: "No; that's the worst if it. It seems to me that you pull them up, desiroyirg the crop just out of pure cussedness." Rook: Gently, gently, my dear sir. Do you know of anything animate working, as we were working when you came into the field, for nothing? Perhaps we may except footballers, but I know of no other exception. Now, you may be sure of one thing we never attack a crop unless the wireworm has been there before us. We pull the plant to get the pest, not the plant." Farmer But you pull each and every plant- those affected and those not affected." Rook "There I plead guilty. You see in a flock there are rooks young and rooks old, rooks that, have come to years of discretion, and rooks that are young and lacking discrimination. When we know that your enemy and our tit-bit ts destroying Jour crop we work with more haste than judgment." Farmer: But how can you know that the crop is attacked with wireworm ?" Rook: By the same sign that you recognise it. The wireworm eats through the tender tap-rot, and the plants fall. When we see this, we know that the wireworm is at work, and we go for them." Farmer: But you destroy the whole crop, root and branch. The wireworm might not be able to do that." Rook: "I have already admitted that impeach- ment but you are apparently powerless for the de- struction of the pest, and, if we did not come to your aid, the wireworm would so increase that in time you would be unable to grow a crop on the land. In making up all the plants we at least see that none escape, and we leave no brood for subsequent years, so that the loss of one crop may mean the salvation of many others." Farmer: "I suppose yon are the leading Q.C. in your rookery; at all events, you are an excellent special pleader."—II., in the Agricultural Gazette.

SHEEP AND THE SHOWYATTD. It might be supposed, judging from Showyard exhibits, that Shropshire sheep are raised in Eng- land to a greater extent than any other two breeds put together. It would not be right, observes a southern contemporary, to base a conclu- sion on this evidence. Take a case in point. Jersey cattle are often found by far the most numerous in Showyards, even in districts where it is well known that varieties very much predominate. While, then, the numbers entered for exhibition, and which appear in Showyards, form very good evidence of the popu- larity of certain stock, too much must not be drawn from figures of this nature. Southdowns, next to Shropshire^, are often the most numerous in the Roval and other leading Showyards but beyond their native hills, the chalk wolds of the South of England, they are certainly not popular, being regarded as a gentleman's breed, not what is termed rent-paying sheep. On hill farms, girt with an extensive area of chalk downs, they are prohably more remunerative for the tenant-farmer than any other kind, but for all deeper and richer soils they are too diminutive. Their carcass yields a higher price than most other mutton no doubt, and from not eat- ing so much they can be kept thicker together than larger sheep but these advantages do not make full compensation, and it is found in such cases most remunerative to keep either Oxfordshire Downs, or Hampshire or Shropshire varieties. A breed popular in one district is very far from being so in another. In Devon and Cornwall long-woolled sheep predomi- nate, as no Down variety suits the country. The late Colonel Luttrell once tried an experiment in West Somerset on some of the rich low-lying moorlands not far distant from Bridgwater, and he found that he could fatten three sheep of the Devon Longwool breed before he could make a South Down fat. He attributed it entirely to the hot, close atmospheric influences, the South Down requiring naturally more air, and probably a eolder temperature. In Scotland and the North of England they have also a large pre- ponderance of Longwool sheep—the Border Leicesters or the Cheviots—and in Yorkshire the purer Leicesters or the Wensleydale variety. In the fens and marsh districts of Lincolnshire the more wealthy sheep of the Lincoln breed suit the locality more than any other, and are, consequently, the most popular. The Eastern Counties go in for the Down breeds most, but there are some Longwools in the richest and most lowland districts—Norfolk Cots- wolds in some and Oxford Downs in the others— while for grazing purposes the last-named breed has extended itself into Scotland. In fact, in all districts where that useful and pre-eminently wealthy cross of a Leicester, Cotswold, or Lincoln ram or Down ewe has been found to answer, Oxford Downs will be sure to do so.—Farmer and Stock-keeper.

GUMP I wish a fellow could borrow money as easily as he can borrow trouble." Huwp:" If you could make money s easily as you can make trouble, you wouldn't need to borrow any." HICKS: "What queer terms are employed in our everyday language. Dryleigh speaks of the book he has just written as a work.' Wicks I guess you never tried to read that book." Tn. HEIRESS I am so suspicious of men that I sometimes wish I didn't possess wealth." The good friend: But just tLjii, dtar. kuu ,,¡¿ ¡ would to vitfemt iw"

BRIDGEND HIGHWAY BOARD. SUNDAY WALKS NEAR BRIDGEND. CLOSING A PATHWAY. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Bridgend District Highway Board was held on Saturday. Mr J. Blandy Jankins presided, and there were present—Mr W. Howells, Wick (vice-chairman), Messrs T. Rees, G. Edwards, E. Morgan, and the Surveyor (Mr E. Jenkins). SURVEYOR'S EXPENDITURE. The Surveyor's expenditure for the past month was certified as .£86 7s Id, and he estimated his requirements for the ensuing month at £93-£36 for the main, and £57 for the parish roads. EEPAINTING OF BRIDGES. The Surveyor estimated the total cost of repaintiDg Felinfach, Wernddu, and Cwrdy bridges at £17 03 and he was directed to get the woik carried out. CLOSING A PATHWAY. A communication signed by a dozen Newcastle parishioners, including Mr T. Stockwood and Mr E. David, was read, calling attention to an attempt being made to close a path, which it was maintained was a right of way between Park Farm and Broad- lands, and asking the board to take steps to keep the path open, as the stoppage of the way would prove a great inconvenience to the public. The Surveyor submitted the evidence he had taken of old inhabitants in the locality who, with one exception declared that the paths had been used by the public as long as they could remember. The Vice-chairman also stated be could remember the path being used by Whitney people. The Chairman, who mentioned that one of the paths had been closed by his sister, expressed the belief that as the pathways were only useful to the occupants of the residences, they could not be regarded as public. The Surveyor said Miss Blandy had been reluctantly led to close the path because of the large number of people who, using it on Sundays, left the gate open, and allowed the cattle to stray from one of her fields. The Chairman: It is no matter whether she likes it or not. She has got to put up with it if it is a public path. The Clerk said if it was a public highway repair- able by the parish they would be bound to see it kept open, but if it was a private path over which the public had acquired the right of user, he did not know they should interfere. The Chairman disagreed with the distinction drawn by the clerk. The Clerk I should be disposed to let the public fight their own battle, as the matter is questionable. If we are quite clear it is a public highway then it is another thing. Ultimately a committee was appointed to meet at the spot and investigate the question. 3IEETHYE5IAWE COMMON ROAD. A letter was read from the Rev C. R. Knight to the surveyor complaining that the road over Merthyrmawr Common wis no better after having been attended to by him, and he hoped the board were not going to leave it in its present condition. He repeated his offer to get the road repaired to the surveyor's satisfaction if the board contributed £20 towards the cost. The Surveyor said his estimate for making a properly metalled road there would be about £60. He had only spent 10s or 12s there in filling up the ruts as instructed by the board. (Laughter.) The Vice-chairman suggested that Mr Knight's offer should be accepted. The Chairman £20 is a lot of money. On the motion of Mr T. Rees, it was decided to make a counter offer to Mr Knight of £)0. WIDENING OF XAIN ROADS. The Surveyor was directed to obtain tenders for widening the Ooytrahene, Ewenny, and Coychurch main roade in places to a width of 16 feet, the cost being repaid by the County Council. ATHLETIC SPORTS AT ABERAVON. On Saturday afternoon the third annual sports in connection with the Aberavon Football Club took place in the football field, Aberavon. The proceed- ings were in every respect a success. The follow- ing were the officials :—President, Mr S. H. Byase, J.P., Craigavon; judges, Messrs B. B. David, Llew. Howell, P. G. Jenkins, D. Jones, and O. Piper; handicapper, Mr W. H. Gwynn, Swansea starter, Mr B. Heycock, Taibach hon secretary, Mr F. W. Boiler; and twelve stewards. During the afternoon the Aberavon Naval Temperance Band, under the T leadership of Mr C. Vowles, played selections. The fallowing is the list of winners — 120 Yards Flat Kandicap (eight beats: 34 oom- [ petitors).—Final heat: 1st, JE7, Tom Edwards, Ebbw Vale (ecratch); 2nd, £2, H. Thomas, Cwm- avon (14yds); 3rd, JE1, Mr T. Thomas, Navigation (8yds). Half-mile Bicycle Race vthree heats 14 competi- tors :-Final heat: 1st, A. Lewis. Aberaman (scratch), 2nd, £1, J. Thomas, Aberaman (35yds) 3rd, 10s, C. Foster, Havod (125yds). 120 Yards Hurdle Handicap (two heats; eight competitors).—Final heat: 1st, £2, D. Pedwell, Swansea (owes lyd); 2nd. JE1, r. Thomas, Aber- avon (2yds); 3rd, lOs, T. Kemp, Lltntrisant (owes 7yds). 120 Yards Handicap—for members of Aberavon F.C (two heats: 1 competitors),—1st, £1. H.John (scratch); 2nd, 10s, T. Thomas (3yds); 3rd, os, T. Madden (8yds). Two Miles' Bicycle Race (two heats 14 competi- tors).—1st, £2, J. Thomas, Aberaman (110yds)- 2nd, JE1, F. Barkway, Pontypridd (150yds); 3rd, 10s, H. Young, Aberdare (125yds). 440 Yards Flat Handicap (three heats (28 com- petitors).—1st, £2, T. Edwards, Ebbw Vale (scratch): 2nd, £1, B. Williams, Porth (18yds)- 3rd, 10s, D. Evans, Skewen (lyds). One Mile Flat Handicap (20 competitors)—1st £4, J. Richards, Neath (140yds); 2nd, JE1. W R Evans, Bridgend (96yds) 3Vd, 10s, E. Bater, Briton Ferry (140yds).

THE VENTILATION OF AN OGMORE MINE. TO THE EDITOR. SIR, YOU will do a kindness to us as work- men, and justice to our manager, Mr D. Sims Kses if you will kindly insert the following as a reply to the paragraph that appeared in your issue of Friday, the 27th ult.-We, the workmen of Wyndham Colliery, assembled this day in the colliery yard, repudiate the state- ments. with much indignation, that the Wynd- ham Colliery is not properly ventilated, and we further state it as our opinion that the state- ments made arise out of ill-feeling towards our, respected manager. First of all. we desire to correct the number given, viz., 1,200 as working- in the colliery, the true number is 470 men working by day and 190 working by night, making a total of 660, just about' one-half of the alleged number. About 30 persons, more or less, were prevented from working some time ago, but not by reason of any accumulation, of gas, but on account of the re-arrangement of the ventilation of a certain portion of the workings; and, further, we desire to record this testimony, which certainly redounds to the credit of our manager's ability, care, and practical experience, that the colliery is in almost a perfect state of ventilation, that be has made great changes for the best in securing ventilation, and that at present there is no cause whatever to raise the cry of alarm." We have every confidence in our manager and his colleagues, and we are perfectly satis- fief with the present condition of the working of the pit. "W e subscribe our names on behalf of the colliers assembled this 27th day of July, 1894. Signed;—Thomas Thomas (chairman), David Samuel, James Pope, Samuel Jones, Daniel Thomas. Charles Webster, John Emanuel, Wm Rees, William Williams, William James. James Cockram, "William Webber, Lewis Kinsey, Wm. Richards, Richard Thomas, John Davies, Evan Davies, Samel Oliver, Moses John, Joseph Morris, William Jones, John Jones, Joru. Mcrris, William Davies, and Thomas Jones.— T."j"udhim Collieiy, mod.