County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

WE find," said the foreman of the Western jury, that if, as the prisoner saya, the shootia' waS acci- dental, then he ought to hang, fer in these gun affairs a man oughter know hia own mind. It ongiiier he shoot to kill or no shoot. A man who has accidents happen to him with a gun is dangerous to our sofii-et-y, an' ougbte/ be put out of the way fee the aafetj oi "-Asneotable folks,"

GARDENING GOSSIP. I (Fram Gardening Illustrated.") I CONSERVATORY. I Though Cannas are not a success everywhere out- side, the new dwarf varieties (Mr. E. Hobday says) are lovely when grown in good-sized pots under glass. lhev make an effective group in the conservatory just. now, whilst outside, unless the bed is specially prepared and the spot is well sheltered, they are often in our district a dismal failure. More might be done with Lilies in pots so as to have a succession nearly all the year round now. Lilium longiflorum is a special feature, and if retarded bulbs are potted a succession may be kept up for a long time. The lancifoliutn sections are coming in, and will continue for a longtime if kept in different temperatures. Some may be plunged outside for late-flowering. The golden- rayed Lily, L. auratum, does not bear much forcing, but permitted to come OR in a cool-house it makes a grand plant. For some years I have grown the double Tiger Lily in pots, and very useful it is in the conservatory where variety is wanted. Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, and Begonias make a grand blaze of bloom, but one soon tires of those banks of colour, and is glad to get a few plants from the stove, or to grow such annuals as Schizanthus in variety, which, VF he-,i well srown, makes large bushes 4ft. to 5ft. high 11 and nearly as much through. The seed must be sown early in autumn, and the plants kept moving steadily all the winter. Statice profusa in good specimens is a distinct thing which attracts attention and makes a good exhibition plant for the summer shows. Plumbago capensis, either in pots, trained round a globular trainer, or planted out against a wall or pillar, or as a standard in the border of the con- servatory, is a useful plant, though the flowers are too fragile for cutting. The large-flowering Clematises are charming pot-plants when well done under cool treatment under glass. Coleuses have gone out of fashion, but they are easily grown, and some of the newer varieties are bright and effective where one cannot afford Caladiums, Crotons, or Dracaenas. Some of the large Palms are usually turned out now and plunged in sheltered dells about the grounds to make room for plants from the warmer houses. Shade from climbers will be grateful now, but, should be kept within bounds. Mandevilla running about under the roof is one of the sweetest stiiiiiDer-flowerin-, climbers we have. STOVE. A stock of plants suitable for table decoration fchould be provided. Caladium argyrites makes a pretty table plant, in a 5in. pot. Crotons, small bright Dracaenas, Cocos Palms, Cyperus alternifolius v-,trin,rit.tia, Asparagus plumosus nanus, and Maiden- hair Ferns are all, more or less, useful, and are easily grown in a low, warm house, lightly shaded when the sun is bright. Any specimen which may require re- potting should be seen to at once. Palms, if grown in heat and moisture, and any plants not required in the house, should be moved to a cooler house as soon as the weather is settled and the plants hardened a bit. Some of the hardiest may be plunged or planted in some sheltered spot and kept there till the autumn. Bougainvilleas of specimen size may be taken to the conservatory to flower. All plants will require more water now. Allamandas and other flowering plants showing trusses of bloom should have liquid-manure twice a week. Use as much fire-heat as will keep up the night temperature to 65deg. Ixoras will do with a little more heat, but keep them at the warm end of the house. When the thermometer rises to 80deg., and the outside air is warm and soft, ventilate as freely as is necessary to keep the foliage strong and vigorous. All things are the better for ventilation when genial conditions prevail outside. REPOTTING HARD-WOODED PLANTS. Be content with small shifts and do not repot till the shift is needed is good advice. Drain the pots so that the surplus water will pass away freely. This is one of the most important items in plant growing. Do not disturb the roots more than is absolutely necessary in removing old drainage from the bottom of the ball. Do not bury the collar of the plant deeper than it was before. A soft-wooded plant may not suffer from deep planting, but it means death to a plant with a ligneous stem. Get the best peat, break it up with the hands, and add an eighth part of sharp clean sand. Pot very firmly, using a blunt potting stick to work it down by the side of the ball. Water very carefully after potting, and never water till the condition has been ascertained by tapping the side of the pot. Never repot any plant when the ball of roots is very dry. Moisten the ball first, wait an hour for the surplus to drain away, and then repot. The best time to repot is immediately after flowering. Use the syringe freely over the foliage. OUTDOOR GARDEN. The old blotched-leaved Aucuba japenica is much improved when laden with berries, and one or two male plants are sufficient to fertilise the blossoms of a large garden. If the male blooms first, which sometimes happens, the pollen should be collected, kept dry, and used upon the flowers of the female when the latter are ready. The Laburnums and Thorns have been lovely, but the Lilacs in many places have suffered from the frosts. This is the best time to shorten the long, straggling branches of old Lilacs there is plenty of time for the shoots to maio and ripen the new growth. If it is necessary to prune deciduous flowering shrubs, the best time is as soon as the flowers fade and no crop will be lost. How sweet masses of white and red Pinks are when in bloom, and the glaucous tint of the foliage when in a mass is pleasant to look upon at other seasons, especially in winter, when there is a lack of colour in the garden. Give liquid-manure to Roses, herbaceous Phloxes, and Hollyhocks. Mulch beds of Stocks and Asters if fine flowers are wanted. Pyre- thrums are beautiful for cutting, and if cut from frsely, a second crop will be produced in many in- stances. Prick out, 4in. to 6in. apart, early sown seedling biennials and perennials as soon as they can be handled. FRUIT GARDEN. Dress the patches of American-blight on Apple- trees with a briisli dippee. in partlrin-oii. There is a good deal of this pest in suburban gardens, and the attack must be persistent. Though paraffin is not a safe remedy for dressing the trees all over the branches, it may be safely applied in spots where the insects usually collect. The reason why the blight is so common in some districts in suburban gardens is it spreads from one garden to another, and soon covers a large district. Country gardens are more isolated, and, with watchfulness, may be kept clear. Caterpillars, when they form in clusters on the branches of Apple-trees, must be dealt with promptly. In some cases the ends of the shoots may be cut off and the insects removed; in others spraying should be adopted. A good deal may be done with clean water, where the water is laid on, and pressure can be obtained to use a hose. In town gardens, where water can be obtained at a cheap rate, it may be used during the summer with advantage for washing the fruit-trees. Raspberries should be mulched with manure, and Pears on the Quince and Paradice must te mulched with good manure, as being surface-rooting, they need a good deal of sup- port. Thin Peaches and Apricots where the trees are heavily cropped. The fruit may be use for taits. VEGETABLE GARDEN. Plant out Celery as fast as the trenches can be got ready. The Turnip-rooted Celery (Celeriac) might be more grown; it is sure to be appreciated. Earth up late Potatoes before the tops get too high, making p 11 a sharp ridge to throw off water. Very few, even now, give Potatoes enough room. All except the early short-topped kinds should have 3ft. between the rows. If land is scarce late Turnips may be Bown or late Broccoli planted between the rows. In the latter case every alternate row should be missed. Fill up all spare frames with Cucumbers, Melons, Capsicums, or something useful. See that all root crops are properly thinned, special attention being given Parsnips, main crop of Carrots, Beet, and Turnips. Parsley should be thinned to 9in. On good land a foot between the plants may be allowed. Dis- bud and tie Tomatoes, both under glass and outside. Fruits ripening should be left on plants till ripe—they will be better flavoured. Keep the hoe going among the weeds. Liquid-manure should be given to Peas, Cauliflowers, Lettuces,'and Celery. Fruit-trees carry- ing a crop will also take it with advantage. Cut out all flower-stems from Rhubarb and Seakale. There is yet time to plant Runner Beans for a late crop, and if the stock of Parsley is not adequate sow on a warm site for winter use. LATE PEACH-HOUSE. Thin the young shoots as much asi is necessary, and keep them tied on to the trellis. Moisten the roots when necessary with liquid-manure. Thin the fruits finally to the number the tree is able to carry without injury. This may vary according to the con- dition of the tree from 9 to 18 fruits to the square yard. With judicious feeding a healthy tree will carry the larger number, but many who wish the fruit to be as large as possible will take only one to the square foot.

SISTER WINIFRED'S INNOCENCE. I There yen are, miss," said the police-constable, throwing open the door of cell No. 11. His prisoner, a fair young woman of great personal attractions, shuddered as she looked into the bare place. The officer was about to lock her in when she spoke to him. At what time will the hearing be ?" she inquired. Can't say exactly. Somewhere between eleven and twelve most likely," answered the officer, who then turned the key and went off. The pale prisoner laid her face upon her hands and sobbed piteously. Two hours ago freedom and hope unlimited were hers, and as Sister Winifred, of St. Margaret's—one of the most popular hospitals of South-western London—she rejoiced in the posses- sion of the confidence and respect alike of the heads of the institution and her fellow-workers. Now behold her charged with a disgraceful theft; and without the means of proving her innocence. That afternoon Sister Winifred had been on the point of going off duty when she had been arrested on a charge of having taken a lady's bicycle—not her own-from a suburban junction. Doctor Stan- more, the house surgeon at St. Margaret's, and Wini- fred Rymer's devoted but as yet unacknowledged lover, and the matron and chaplain had all three seen the police officer, and smilingly assured him that it was a case of mistaken identity. Their assertions had been received with stolid in- difference, and in the end a cab was called, and Sis- ter Winifred was carried off to the police-station. On this painful errand the doctor and matron ac- companied the terrified girl, and offered bail, on be- half of the hospital authorities, to-whatever amount might be required. This—by an exesss of duty as afterwards appeared—was refused, and poor Wini- fred was finally committed, as stated, to the solitude of cell No. 11, there to await conveyance on the morrow to Wandsworth Police Court. The morning was well on when the prisoner re- ceived her summons. She turned quite faint upoa finding herself face to face with a crowded court, and it was all she could do to keep back the tears of shame and terror. The doctor and sxfcros were present, and both smiled at her in the most heartening manner. These smiles, however, slowly evaporated as the case took its painful course. Appearances, alas were dead against the prisoner, and the railway company, who had lately been severely victimised by the bicycle thief," seemed determined to make an example of the present offender. The chief witness was Grimsby, the railway porter, who swore most positively to Sister Winifred as the person who had presented a paper signed Ellen Humphries, and to whom he, in consequence, had delivered the bicycle. The machine in question was the property of Nurse Ellen, also an official of St. Margaret's. She had been spending her holiday in Staines, and in returning to London had left the bicycle at the Junction to be called for between four and five o'clock the same day. Subsequently, being unable to go herself, Nurse Ellen bad purposed send- ing a messenger, and had written an order, author- ising the bearer to receive the machine. This order had most mysteriously disappeared, and had, it was alleged, been appropriated by Sister Winifred, she being the only person who knew that the bicycle was deposited at the Junction and her- self desperately eager—as was well known-to possess a machine. On the afternoon of the theft, moreover the prisoner had unexpectedly made a re- quest for a few hours' leave to go to see an aunt of hers, and was absent from the hospital from three to six. Now this aunt was known to live at Battersea bnt the accused had no means to prove the alibi which the solicitor for the defence set up, for Mrs. Rymer, the aunt mentioned, was absent from home at the time, and her niece had entered the house by means of the latchkey which she possessed. The statement made by the defence, to the effect that the accused had sat reading in her aunt's armchair until it was time to take the return journey, could in no wise be proved, unfortunately, for neither on arrival nor departure had Winifred been noticed even by a neighbour. That which the girl herself, which her supportew mostly feared, occurred. The magistrate sent the case for trial. The next day, bail having now been accepted, the unfortunate sister returned to her post at St. Mar- garet's, in deference to the emphatic desire of the authorities there. No stone was left unturned in colelctmg funds and evidence; yet it was with a quaking heart that the devoted lover saw the efentfnl day of the trial approach. # # § # The momentous morning arrived. Mr. Octavius Graham, the noted popular counsel ungaged for the defence, made short work of the minor witnesses. Nurse Ellen became his special victim. It was known that on a recent occasion Sis- ter Winifred had caused the former to be reported for lapse of duty and counsel openly taxed her with having involved his client in this shameful business from sheer spite and vindictiveness. Finding he could not shake the testimony of Grimsby, the porter, he cast stinging ridicule upon the idea of a man in his position swearing to the identity of one particular woman among the hun- dreds he must see through the door. Finally he bore glowing witness to the blameless life to the ac- cused, and demanded of the jury the honourable ac- quittal which be declared was his client's due. No one could mistake the judge's summing up: no jury could possibly acquit in face of such evidence as had been put in. Winifred gave herself up for lost. Scarcely a creature moved after the "twelve men good and true had left the court, for their imme- diate return was expected by all. Yet they did not appear for some time. Well-nigh an hour passed before they re-entered the court. We cannot agree, your lordship," said the fore- man. You cannot agree I" cried the judge in astonish- ment. No, your lordship eleven of us are of the same mind, but the other man disagrees." "Do you mean," asked the judge, "that eleven of you are for a verdict of guilty, and the twelfth man is not ?" "Yes, your lordship; according to the evidence we were bound to find the prisoner guilty." It's me that's the odd man amongst us," here said a dark, sad-faced individual, seeing the judge's gaze travel slowly over the group of jurymen. I don't see how the witness Grimsby can swear to one woman in all that crowd, your lordship; and by bringing the prisoner in guilty I should go against my conscience." There was a moment's dead silence. The judge then gravely called upon the prisoner to surrender in due time to a second trial, allowed the bail tendered to stand good, and dismissed the case. Winifred cast one heartbroken look upon her lover, and fell half fainting into the matron's arms. As they were taking the wretched girl to a carriage that was awaiting the hospital party, a bystander' stepped deliberately into the sister's path. It was the odd man on the jury; and so urgent, so appealing, were the looks he cast upon Winifred that she involuntarily stopped. Dr. Stanmore, how- ever, anxious to get his betrothed away, hurried her into the carriage. The sister glanced from the win- dow as they moved off. On the kerb stood the jury- man, his sombre eyes pursuing her to the last. As Nurae Doris, in one of the East-end charitable institutions, with whose head physician her family had a personal acquaintance, Winifred Rymer began a new and burdened life. Secretly and quickly she had disappeared from St. Margaret's, determined to efface herself as far as possible for the present. Letters and messages were left for all concerned, but until the time of the second trial should beat hand Winifred's fixed resolve was to see no one save the solicitor who had acted for her in the case. The girl was the mere shadow of her beautiful and buoyant self, the shame, the mystery, of that tragical charge being ever with her. The thought of that dis- senting juryman pursued her, too. Something deeper than a passing pity seemed to actuate the man when he sought her out after the trial. Yet what interest could she, a complete stranger have for him ? One morning—it was within three days of the second trial—Nurse Doris was pondering the matter when a poor creature who had been run over was brought into the accident ward where Winifred was on duty. Internal injury. No hope. An hour at the most," whispered the doctor after a brief examination. Nurse Doris drew the screen about the bed, and sat down beside the dymg woman. Presently she opened her dull eyes and, lifting her head, looked fixedly at the nurse. "Sister Winifred she said with & gasping bresth; s/id fell back upon the pillow. "You know me? whispered w inilreci. I was there-in the court when-it wasn't you who-who-" the lids dropped over the failing eyes. Winifred sank down at the bedside. You know the truth I" she sobbed. Oh, as you are a dying woman, as you hope for mercy, tell me who was the thief 1" The poor soul made one expiring effort to speak; but with the words on her lips she died. Later Nurse Doris was found stretched in a deep swoon across the body of the dead woman. In the evening of that day Winifred, white and worn from the morning's shock, had a summons to go to see a visitor who had arrived at the hospital in connection with the deceased woman. On entering the waiting-room Nurse Doris found herself face to face with the odd man on the jury. "Sister Winifred I" he gasped. "Silence I" said she sternly. I am Nurse Doris here." Nurse Doris I" answered he, and his face went white. Then it was you who attended that poor soul now lying dead ?" "Yes. Do you know her?" cried Winifred and a wild hope of restitution, of salvation, thrilled her from head to foot. This woman was in the court on the day of the trial. She called me by my true name. She would have told me the truth, but she- she-died. Do you know," asked she chokingly, "what it is she would have said to me ? Ah, you do t gpeak, man. Who is this woman ?" She was my wife," answered he brokenly. Your wife! She was your wife I Ah, now I understand," she cried, breaking into a storm of tears, it was she who stole the bicycle and you knew it, and tried to save me by dissenting from the other jurymen. Oh, cruel, cruel I" To this Arthur Longman answered not a word. Shame and contrition held him dumb. How did she-your wife-know about this bi- eycle?" asked Winifred then. Nurse Ellen was her sister, but the whole family disowned her because of her drunken habits," he ex- plained. My wife discovered that the bicycle was at the Junction through Ellen calling at our house and speaking of it to me. She—my—wife got hold of the order which her sister had written, and went and fetched the machine and sold it the same day to get drink. It was only while the trial was on the way that I knew the truth; and when I had to choose between you and her, who was the mother of my children and once the light of her home, I-oh, for- give me !-I determined, at every hazard, to save her. But we have all had our punishment. Nurse Ellen, who must have guessed the truth, has been dismissed from hej post; I have not known an hour's peace since and she—my wife-lies dead. Sister, will you —can you-forgive me ?" I have suffered a martyrdom," answered she through her tears but I will forgive you if you will restore my honest name to me." "All that mortal man can do shall be done," cried he vehemently; and a telegram to Doctor Stanmore shall be the first act towards reparation. Widely as your disgrace was known, Sister Winifred, so shall your innocence now be proclaimed I"

THE WORK OF SOLDIER'S WIVES. The War Employment Bureau, which, under th auspices of Field-Marshal Viscount Wolseley, ane without any appeal to the public for funds, has, with the held of a large number of firms who have kindlj given preferential employment to women introduced by the bureau, been doing a great deal of useful wori during the last few months in finding employment for the wives of Reservists in South Africa, is, we learn, to have a large stall at the forthcoming Royal Naval and Military Bazaar. All the articles OD this stall will be the production of soldiers' wives and will include, not only military shirts, belts, waist- coats, and other garments suitable for sending out in dozens to the troops engaged at the front, but alsc silk and washing blouses, fancy cuffs, fronts, &c., and a large variety of women's and children's cotton cloth- ing especially adapted for charitable purposes. Orders can be booked at the stall for any plain needlework, either single articles or by the dozen, for delivery at any time before Christmas, and those interested in helping to maintain the homes of the soldiers now absent at the war can materially assist the objects of the War Employment Bureau by patronising this stall at the bazaar.

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. The 20th cer tuvy, which will begTn on Tuesday, January 1, 1901, will have 24 leap years, the greatest number possible (says the Gem). Feoruary will have five Sundays three times—1920, 1984, and 1976. The earliest possible date on which Easter can occur is March 12. The last time it occurred on that date was 1818. The latest date that Easter can occur is April 25. It will occur but one time in the coming century on that date—1943. The middle day of the century will be January 1, 1951. There will be 380 eclipses during the coming century. In 1935 there will be seven eclipses. There will be eight solar eclipses visible in the United States—1918, 1923, 1925, 1945, 1954, 1979, 1984, 1994. -I

AN IRISHMAN'S GOOD FORTUNE. A Hartford (U.S.) paper says: Frank Albruire, who was a waiter in the Stillman House fit Cleve- land, Ohio, until recently, has just inherited 50,000 dols. He is BO upset with his good luck that he can hardly tell what he will do with the money. He has been a waiter about 50 years. The estate con- sists of a house worth 13,006dol., about 11,000do1. in banks, 500dol. in jewellery, and enough stock in the Chicago and Eastern Illinois road and Connecticut trolley lines to bring tho aggregate value up to 50,OOOdol. When informed of his good fortune, M'Guire could not speak. Tears trickled down his cheeks. Afteryears cf toil and hardship he could scarcely grasp the <dea of spending his last days in comfort and free f.'om work.

DOGS AS DETECTIVES. A correspondellt or the .Liverpool Daily Post sends the following story of a detective dog belong- ing to an old-time police superintendent named Tom Finkle, stationed at Bedale, in Yorkshire. Tom was partial to a dram, and on market days apent much of his time among the farmers in the public- houses. His dog, Yoltigeur by name, was kept at home on emergency duty," and when Tom was wanted at the office his wife sent the dog for him, with the command, "Go and fetch master." And it did-no great feat, I admit. But this bloodhound did ether and very notable detective work. In the winter of 1854, a big burglary was committed at Askern. Tom put Voltigeur on the scent, and it unerringly "ran down "the two burglars, who were afterwards tried at the assizes, and sentenced to five years' penal servitude.

FOR DULL CHILDREN, The Paris Municipal Council do not believe in beating or cramming dull children. They hold that it is part of the duties of elementary education to improve, if possible, the physical condition of weak, sickly, or deformed children by means of a set system of gymnastics which they formally advocate. Only recently, at an experiment of theirs, some 30 pupils—15 boys and 15 girls-took part in the exer- cises, and were all either weak, anagmic, poorly developed, liable to become consumptive, or otherwise afflicted with some marked physical defect. Those motions of the limbs and body which require little or no effort constituted the greater part of the exercises, says Le Temps, but due pains were also taken to have the children practice those motions which specially tend to make the body and limbs pliant and supple. In every case," reported the doctor in charge, "a manifest impulse was given towards development and good health."

SMITH: What's wrong, old man ? You look worried." Jones: I am. You know I had my life insured last week." Smith:" Yes; but what has that got to do with it ?" Jones Well, the very next day my wife bought a new cook book. Possibly it's all right, but it certainly looks suspicious." °HARBY When I get to be a man I'm going to let my whiskers grow." Mamma: Why so, my boy ?' Harry: Then I won't have only a little bit of mj face to wash." LEWITT My dear friend, Hewiss, my regard foi you increases the more I know you. My friendshij for you will never cease. I would share your last shilling with you." Hewiss (thoughtfully): Hum That's kind of you." "THERE goes a fellow who always takes thingl easy." "Is that so. Who is he?" "A pick- pocket."

MARKET NEWS. I MARK-LANE.—Further unfavourable crop account* from America regarding spring wheat, while attended by the dock labour crisis, contributed to increased firmness amongst cereals on Monday, and the attend- ance was sustained, but sceptical operators were still to be met, although quotations developed a further upward tendency. The supply of English wheat continues to become of gradually smaller com- pass, while conditions are all to be desired, and prices tend against buyers. Fine white, 29s; good, 28s 6d; and good heavy red, 28s, 631b.f delivered. American descriptions fully 6d dearer, with an uncertain tendency, and arrivals large. No. 1 Northern Spring held for 30s 6d ex-ship, 31s landed No. 1 hard Manitoba, in the former position, 31s. Heavy arrivals of flour are counterbalanced at present by reasons already assigned, quotations being generally 6d to Is firmer, with a steady consumptive demand. The London Millers' Association raised the price of town house- hold to 23s 6d, and whites to 26s 6d per sack. Ameri- can first patents quoted at 23s to 25s second ditto, 22s to 23s. First bakers, 19s 6d to 208 6d; and second ditto, 18s to 19s; Hungarian up to 30s per sack. Grinding barley continues very scarce respect- ing Black Sea and American, and demands are centred upon Persian, which is rather firmer at 17s to 17s 3d ex-ship, 17s 3d to 17s 6d landed. Oats also generally 3d firmer since Monday last, with American white clipped 16s 3d ex-quay, and mixed to come up 15s to 15s 3d. South Russian, 13s 3d to 13s 9d ex-quay 381b. Revals, 15s 6d to 17s, according to quality, 401b., being neglected. Of Libau none coming forward at present. New St. Petersburg, 13s 6d to 14s ex-ship, 381b. Very little maize comes up, both flat and round being again dearer on the week. American mixed, new, 20s ex-ship, 20s 9d ex- quay. Odessa, old, 24s 6d landed. The market for beans and peas remains featureless at present. New Zealand, 32s. to 33s 6d 5341b ex-store; Egyptian splits, 20s 6d ex-mill; Mazagan, 20s landed. Of peas Maples 34s to 35s 5041b. ex-store; Canadian white, 29s ex-ship, 29s 6d ex-granary. Maize germ meal against sellers while scarce. American held for £ 4 lis 3d to £ 412 6d ex-quay; English, £ 4 10s to zF,4 12s 6d per ton ex-w harf. LONDON METROPOLITAN CATTLE. Good supply beasts. An extremely slow demand was experienced, trade being dull and depressed, with a general fall of 2d to 3d per 81b. Fat butchering cows were much lower. Quotations: Scotch, 4s 8d to 4s 9d Devons, 4s 6d to 4s 8d, exceptionally 4s 9d; Norfolks, 4s 6d to 4s 9d; Lincoln shorthorns, 4s 4d to 4s 6d; fat cows, 3s 6d to 38 8d per 81b. Irish stores, P.10 10s to Ell for two years, and £6 6s to £6 10s yearlings. Sheep entries were on a good scale, but with a general lack of demand trade ruled very slow for both wethers and ewes, at about late rates. Quotations for n- to 8-stone Down wethers, 6s 2d to 6s 4d 2 9-stone, 6s; 10-stone, half-breds, 5s 8d; 10-stoae Down ewes, 4s 8d to 4s lOd; and 11-stone half- bred ditto, 4s 4d to 4s 6d. Lamb trade firmer; 5-stone fat Downs, 6s 2d to 6s 4d; 6-stone ditto, 5s 8d to 5s lOd per 81b. to sink the offal. Calves and pigs were in generally quiet support. Milch cows, £ 15 to £ 22 per head. Coarse and inferior beasts quoted 3s 4d to 3s 8d second quality ditto, 3s lOd to 4s 2d prime large oxen, 4s 4d to 4s 6d; and ditto Scots, &c., 4s 7d to 4s 9d; coarse and inferior sheep, 3s 6d to 4s 4d; second quality, 4s 8d to 5s 6d; firsts, 6s to 6s 4d inferior lambs, 5s 6d to 5s 8d seconds, 5s lOd to 6e; and first quality, 6s 2d to 6s 4d per 81b. SMITIIFIELD MEAT.—Fa:r supplies met a slow demand. Quotations: Beef: Scotch, short sides, 4s 8d to 4s lOd long, 4s 4d to 4s 6d; English, 4s to 4s 4d American CDeptford killed), 3s lOd to 4s; Liverpool, 3s lOd to 4s; American refrigerated, hindquarters, 3s 6d to 3s lOd; forequarters, 2s to 2s 4d. Mutton: Scotch, 5s 8d to 6s; English wethers, 5s 8d to 6s; ewes, 48 to 4s 2d; English lamb, 5s 8d to 63 4d. Veal: English, 4s 4d to 4s 8d; Dutch, 3s 8d to 4s 6d. Pork: Country, 3s 6d to 3s lOd and Dutch, 3s 2d to 3s 6d per 81b. POULTRY AND GAME. The following were the prices: Fowls: Yorkshire, 2s 9d to 3s 6d; Boston, 2s 6d to 3s 3d Essex, 2s 6d to 3s 3d; Welsh, 2s 3d to 2s 9d Surrey, 3s 9d to 5s 6d; Sussex, 3s 6d to 4s 3d; Irish, 2s 3d to 2s 9d; Aylesbury ducklings, 3s to 3s 6d; country ducks, 2s 6d to 3d goslings, 4s to 5s 6d; turkey (cocks), 6s to 8s 6d ditto (hens), 3s 9d to 5s; Egyptian quails, lOd to Is 3d Bordeaux pigeons, lOd to Is 2d feathered, 7d to 9d; wild rabbits, 6d to 9d; tame, Is to Is 2d each Australian, 7s 6d to 9s per dozen. Russian- Fowls, Is 3d to Is lOd each. BILLINGSGATE Fisir. English salmon, Is 9d Scotch, Is 9d to Is lOd Irish, Is 6d to Is lOd Canadian, 6d trout, Is 3d to Is 6d; grilse, Is 4d to Is 6d; soles, Is to Is 3d; slips, lOd to Is; red mullet, Is to 2s dories, 2d to 3d per lb.; turbot, 4s 6s to 7s; brill, 5s to 6s; halibut, 4s to 5s; lemon soles, 4s to 5s 6d; plaice, 4s to 6s 6d per stone; large steamer plaice, 20z to 28s per trunk; Aberdeen plaioo, 25s; whiting, 7s Od to 9s Od; gurnet, 6s hake, 10s to 12s; skate, 8s to 9s bream, 5s; live cod, 14s to 16s; dead, 6s to 12s per box English mackerel, So to 15s per 60; large steamer haddocks, 6s to 12s per trunk; loose, 3s 6d per stone; live eels, 12s to 20s; dead, 8s to 12s per draft; lobsters, 20s to 30s per score; crabs, 15s per hamper; winkles, 5s to 9s; whelks, 3s Od per bushel whitebait, 9d to Is per quart; prawns, 8s per lb. COVENT GARDEN.—Good supplies of fruit and vegetables on offer, and the demand was fairly brisk. Tasmanian apples, 8s to 14s per case; English grapes, 2s to 4s Belgian, Is to 2s per lb.; English tomatoes, 6d to 9d per lb.; Channel Islands, 5d to 7d per lb.; French strawberries, 2s to 4s 6d per basket; Spanish apricots, 6d to 9d per box; French cherries, 2s 6d to 4s per pad, 4s to 4s 6d per half sieve peaches, 4s to 12s; green figs, 2s to 4s per dozen parsley, Is 6d to 2s; mint, 2s to 2s 6d radishes, 4d to 6d; new carrots, 5s to 6s; turnips, 6s to 7s 6d per dozen bunches cucumbers, Is 6d to 48 to 6s beetroot, 2s to 3s per tally; seakale, 6s to 4s; cauliflowers, la to 2s 6d per dozen; cabbages, 8s; mushrooms, 63 to 9s per dozen punnets spinach, Is 6d to 2s per bushel; green peas, 2s to 3s per flat; Egyptian onions, 6d to 6s 6d per bag; English asparagus, 9d to 2s French, 8d to 2s per bundle; old potatoes, 65s to 95s per ton; Canary, new, 9s to 14s Jersey, 12s to 16s per cwt.; Lisbon, 5s to 6s per box. WIIITECIIAPEL HAY AND STRAW.—Superior picked hay, 87s 6d best, 70s to 80s; inferior, 55s to 65s mixture and sainfoin, 75s to 85s; best clover, 85s to 100s inferior, 65s to 75s and straw, 24s to 36s per load. CAMBRIDGE CATTLE.—Fair number of fat beasts to J hand, and trade a little better. Smaller show of store beasts, and all cleared. Very little alteration in the trade for fat sheep, and only a few lots of stores at market. The trade for fat pigs was not quite so good whilst stores were a good trade all round. Scarcely any hay, straw, and roots on offer. Prices: Beef, 7s 9d to 8s 6d; mutton, 56 to 6s; pork, 5s 3d to 6s. READIKG CATTLE.—The beef trade proved steady, best making 4s 4d to 5s per stone; secondary 3s 8d to 4s 2d. Mutton supply fair, dull trade, at 5s 4d to 5s lOd best; 4s 8d to 5s 2d secondary; dull trade also for iamb best, 6s to 6s 8d; secondary, 5s 6d to 6s. An average demand for veal; best making 5s 6d to 6s secondary, 4s lOd to 5s 4d. CORK BUTTER. Firsts, 84s; seconds, 82s thirds, 81s; fourths, 78s; superfine, 93s fine 85s; choicest boxes, 95s; choice, 85s. GRIMSBY Fisii.-Prices Plaice, 4s to 5s 6d lemon soles, 6s to 7s per stone; soles, Is Od to Is 3d per lb.; live dabs, 16s dead ditto, 12s to 14s; live codlings, 14s; dead ditto, lis 6d to 13s kit haddocks, 12s to 15s; gibbed ditto, 14s to 17s; live ditto, 15s per box; whitings, 2s to 2s 6d; whitches, 6s per stone gurnets, 6s. per box; turbots, lOd to Is; brills, 7d to 9d per lb.; live ling, 2s 6d to 3s dead ditto, Is to Is 6d; live cod, 4s to 5s dead ditto, 3s to 4s live skate, 49 to 5s; dead ditto, 2s to 3s each; Finnon haddocks, 4s; live halibut, 4s to 6s; dead ditto, 3s 6d to 4s 6d; English shrimps, 4s; foreign ditto, 3s 6d; prawns, 3s per stone; kippers, 2s 6d; bloaters, 2s 6d; red herrings, 2s 6d per box; cat- fish, 30s; live coalftli, 10s; dead ditto, 7s per score; English oysters, 63 6d; American ditto, 4s 6d per 100; smelts, 3s 6d per box; whelks, 3s *6d per wash; salt -cod, 12s 6d; ice, Is 6d pe. cwt; hake, 20s; roker, 12s tusks, 20a per score. IN a biographical sketch of Captain Latii bt on, the I County Gentleman contains a good deal about, the recent events which have made the commander of the Powerful famous, but comparatively little bio- graphy. Yet the career of Mr. Hedworth Lambton prior to his landing in South Africa was by no means eventless. Few sailors have done so much or seen so much at his time of life, or have had so brilliant a career both at sea and on shore.

THE CHURCH CONGRESS. The Church Congress will be held on September 25, 26, 27, and 28 at Newcastle-upon-Tyna. At ten, o'clock upon the opening day the members will attend in the Town Hall, when they will be publicly wel- comed to Newcastle by the Mayor. An hour lateE two services will be held, the preacher at the one in the cathedral being the Archbishop of York, while the Bishop of St. Andrews will occupy the pulpit in St. Andrew's Church. At a quarter-past two o'clock in the afternoon the delegates will assemble in the Congress Hall, Olympia, under the chairmanship of the Bishop of Newcastle, who will deliver his- address as president of the congress. Fol- lowing this there will J v review of the Church's progress at home Caring the nine- teenth century, the speakers being the Bishop of Ripon, Canon Overton, Canon Savage, and Canon Henderson. The evening meeting will be devoted to a discussion on the Church's policy in elementary education, in which Mr. E. Flower, M.P. (a member of the London School Board), the Rev. Prebendary Gibson, Mr. T. C. Horsfall, to Bishop ot Coventry, and Sir William Plowden will take part. The second day's proceedings will commence at half-past ten o'clock, the morning meeting being devoted to a dis- cussion on "The Reformation in England: (a)- What was it in its essence; (6) To what has it com- mitted the Church of England." The speakers will include Mr. F. S. Stevenson, M.P., Rev. Professor Moule, Rev. Professor Lock, the Warden of Keble College, Oxford; the Rev. Henry Gee, and the Rev. W. H. Hutton. The subject of discussion at the afternoon meeting will be Old Testament criticism in its bearing on teaching, among those taking partinit being the Rev. Professor Ryle, President of Queen's College, Cambridge; Rev. Professor Margoliouth Rev. J. H. Bernard, Trinity College, Dublin; and Canon Watson. At the morning meeting, on the third day, the subject of The Autonomy of the Church: Mode of Achievement," will be spoken to by ChancellorP. Vernon Smith, Rev. C. L. Dundas, Mr. A. Lyttelton, M.P., and Mr. W. S. de Winton. In the afternoon a review of the Church's progress during the 19th century in the Colonies, in India, and in other mission fields will form the topic of discussion, to which Bishop Webb (late of Grahams- town), the Bishop of Trinidad, Bishop Johnson (late Metropolitan of India), Sir C. Elliott, Mrs. Bishop, and the Rev. H. E. Fox will contribute. On the fourth day the morning meeting will discuss the de- votional subject "The Ascension of our Blessed Lord," the speakers including Archdeacon Diggle.the Bishop of Thetford, Canon Body, the Rev. F. S. Webster, Canon Bernard (Salisbury), and the Rev. E. A. Stuart. In the afternoon the housing of the people, embracing overcrowding, the duty of local authorities, and the results of private effort, will be touched upon by the Rev. J. W. Horsley, Dr. Bowmaker, Professor Steggall, and Sir W. Wright- son, M.P. In addition to the above, there will be three sectional evening meetings. The first, which will be held in Lovaine Hall, on the 28th, under the presidency of the Bishop of Chichester, will have for the subject of debate, The Cathedral System," the speakers including the Rev. Chancellor Crowfoor,, the Bishop of Southwark, the Dean of Edinburgh, and Canon Gough, The second evening meeting, in the same hall and with the same chairman, will consider the question of Art in relation to Religion, among the speakers being Mr. Hole, R.S.A., Mr. Stirling Lee, Mr. E. S. Prior, and Mr. Selwyn Image. At the third of these meetings, held under the chairmanship of the Bishop of Durham, the sub- ject of War Attitude and duties of the Church," will be treated by the Rev. T. B. Strong, Rev. J. Llewelyn Davies, Rev. Professor Bevan, and Colonel Jelf. On the evening before the Congress opens, namely, on Monday, September 24, there will be a meeting, at Olympia, for women, when the Bishop of Newcastle will preside, and addresses be delivered by the Chairman, the Bishop of Richmond, Lady Frederick Cavendish, and Mrs. Bishop. The Bishop of Newcastle will also preside over a meeting for men on the 26th, the speakers at which will include the Primate, the Bishop of Ripon, the Bishop of Derry, and the Bishop of Thetford. The last-named Prelate- will take the chair at the meeting for lads on the fol- lowing evening, when addresses will be delivered by the Rev. E. A. Stuart and Rev. Professor Bevan. The Bishop of Ripon will preside ovar the meeting for young women on the evening of the 27th.

THE JUBILEE PLUNGER. Ernest Benzon, once notorious as the Jubilee Plunger," has turned up again after a period of re- tirement. According to Truth Benzon made his appearance at Copenhagen early this year, and having made himself extremely popular with a number of people staying at the same hotel, borrowed various suma from his new-found acquaintances, and presently left them all lamenting. After the hurried departure of the entertaining Benzon there was ample leisure in which to compare notes. It was found, says Truth, that he owed many small sums, including an item of E21 for his hotel bill. Perhaps the saddest man in Copenhagen was the one who, in a burst of friendly feeling, lent Ben- zon his valuable fur-lined overcoat. Subsequent inquiries go to prove that prior to his- appearance in Copenhagen Benzon had worked" Hamburg, Antwerp, and Brussels on the same sys- tem. At Hamburg his insane craving for other men's, overcoats led him to appropriate a garment of that kind some few days before he left the city for good. Ernest Benzon, as many are aware, flung away his fortune of a quarter of a million inside of two years, and then he was taken in hand by trustees appointed under his father's will. No sooner hsd he come into possession of the money left him by his father, who was a merchant, than he began to fling his money in all directions. Every race meeting knew him, and his wild doings soon filled columns of print. When his money was gone he wrote a book telling how he lost a quarter of a million. One of the trustees the other day said to a Daily- Mail representative: I have lost sight of Benzon for some years in- deed, I am quite ignorant as to his whereabouts, and but for the exceedingly painful revelations to which my attention has been drawn, J should not even have known that he was on the Continent. I believe that a relation of his some time ago paid certain debts of his in Hamburg, and that is. all I know. He gets in interest about JE1 a day, which would keep him were he disposed to be respectable but, alas he is not. My own view, formed from experience of Ernest Benzon during his boyhood, is that he has always been a little queer mentally, which may per- haps account for this new phase of his career."

CAPTAIN DREYFUS'S FUTURE. The journal Secolo, of Milan, publishes a most interesting interview with Captain Alfred Dreyfus, who was seen at Geneva, in the midst of lovely sur- roundings, happy with his family, and receiving absolutely no one. To the question if the Affaire was to be reopened he replied: "Who has interest in reopening it? Not I, for I am convinced that every political influence must be removed before justice and truth can triumph. The revision campaign can be of interest only to politicians, but not to me. All agitation over my name must cease. At present I have only one preoccupation—my children, and watching my beloved country. I assure you I would be ready to renounce for her sake the triumph of truth, but I must leave my children the greatest patrimony of ar honest family—an honoured name."

rRINCESS ARIBERT OF ANHALT, who is now travel- ling incognito in the States, is the first of Queen Victoria's grand-daughters who has been in America. The, only members of our Royal family who have visited the United States are the Prince of Wales and Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll. Princess Aribert is a daughter of Princess Christian, and her wedding was the last great ceremony of the kind celebrated in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and at which the German Emperor and Empress were ^DR!*GAUL, the Bishop of Mashonaland, who was with Colonel Pluuier's force, and only narrowly avoided capture by the Boers when they seized the ambulance which ho was in charge of, is well-known to many South AfrieaQS* He has lived in the Orange Freo State and at the diamond fields for 25 years. He was vicar of Bloemfontein from 1875 to 1880, and of Kimberley from 1884 to 1895. His episcopal headquarters are now at Fort Salisbury, in Moshonaland. «' SHAGROCK," in San Francisco Bay, has been blown up by explosive gelatine. Nearly two tons of the explosive were used, and fired from a barge 6000 feet away. A great column of spray and stones, estimated at 1000 feet in height, rose at the ex- plosion, which killed a number of fish in the ficinity.