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

THE SEA FISHERIES BILL. The special report of the Select Committee on the Sea Fisheries Bill has been issued in the form of a Blue-book. The Committee considers it has been proved that there is a very serious diminution of the supply of certain kinds of flat fish, particularly in the North Sea. It seems clear the evil is growing, and that in default of a remedy the consequences to the fishing industry in the diminished supply of flat fish will at no very distant future be disastrous. The Committee expresses the opinion that one of the causes of this diminution of supply is undoubtedly the destruction of immature fish. The committee considers, on account of the conflicting evidence, that it would not be expedient to pass into law the bill, which is based on the idea that by prohibiting the sale of fish beneath a certain size limit it would make it not worth while for ths fishermen to resort to places where these small fish abound. In conclusion the committee states that the subject is a very pressing one, that the situation is going from bad to worse, and that no effort should be spared, first, to arrange for international treatment of the subject generally, and especially for regulation of the North Sea area; and, secondly, to provide for the adequate equipment of the Government De- partments in charge of the subject, so that they may effectively pursue scientific investigation, and ascertain what has been done, either in the way of fcientific research on the matter of practical legisla- tion by other inquirers and by other committees with the view of determining whether any, and, if BO, what, legislation may be desirable to effect the objects of the Bill.

TIIM Emperor of Austria is much less talked of nowadays than the German Emperor, but he is one of the most noticeable figures in the great panora.ma )f European Royalty. He is often said to be the richest man in Europe, and certainly the Hapsbnrg family is one of the wealthiest, as well as one of the oldest, in thewrrll. In charity he is munificent. His Majesty is ■ tr ;ngiy opposed to capital punish- ment. On one occasion he was called upon to sign a death warrant, and began signing his name, but a tear falling on the ink blotted the letters, and he turned to the Minister in attendance, saying, "See, my tears obliterate my name. I cannot sign it." And he tore it, up. A BOAT that passed over Niagara Rapids is 20ft. long. 4ft. wide, and 4ft. deep, and has a deck slightly raised in the centre and gently sloping to the gun- wales. In the centre of the deck a cockpit, 4ft. long and 20in. wide, extends down to the keel, a distance of 4ft.; the side planking of the cockpit is carried above the deck, where it forms a coaming 6in. high. The boat contains 3001b. of cork and six water-light compartments. The chief feature of the boat is its keel, weighing more than 10001b. It is a shaft of round iron, 4in. in diameter and 20ft. long, hanging 2ft. below the bottom of the boat, being held in posi- tion by five lin. iron bars. The boat in its journey through the Whirlpool Rapids at Niagara was occu- pied by a. Chicago man named Peter Nissen, known as Bowser, who is the first man to go through these rapids in an owen boat and come out unharmed.

A ROYAL RETREAT. Fredensborg Palace, at which the King of Den- mark has elected to spend the autumn, was built by a Danish Queen-it was finished in 1720—as a retreat from the grandeur and magnificence of Fredricksborg. Inside the palace is not remarkable except for its banqueting-hall. The late Queen's boudoir is a charming little room lined with miniature oil paintings of members of the Olden- borg dynasty. The Waldmerian line expired before the days of portraiture. On a pane of glass in a window of the morning-room (says a writer in Vanity Fair) I read the signatures of the late Czar and Czarina; and beneath them those of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The pane had been cut across its breadth, under the signatures, and neatly joined with a blank sheet of glass. As a reason for this I learned that some Danish 'Arries, thinking to immortalise themselves, had scratched their names. under those of the Royal people, and that the late Queen, in great indignation, promptly had the plebeian names removed! Fredericksborg, which lies about five miles from Fredensborg, is a really magnificent palace, as pic- turesque and as beautiful as Windsor Castle It stands on islands, in a lake, and its walls go sheer down to the water. The present Royal family, how- ever, never live there. They have given it up to the nation as a museum. It is rich in beautiful old fur- niture, historic portraits, and Barneco ceilings. Fredericksborg was built by Christian IV., Anne of Denmark's brother, and the most art-loving and distinguished of the Danish Kings. He it was who discovered defalcations in the accounts of his Master of the Mint, and promptly chopped his head off with his own Royal hands in the courtyard of the castle, making the cynical comment: He thought to have cheated us, but, indeed, we have cheated him."

THE ORDNANCE SURVEY. The report on the progress of the Ordnance Survey up to March 31 last has been issued. During 1899-1900 good progress was made with the various surveys, and the progress would have been better but for some disturbing causes, the chief of which was the South African War, which affected the survey in two ways. It entailed a considerable drain on the personnel of the survey, and it involved additional work. As regards the drain on the personnel it may be stated that seven officers were sent from the Ordnance Survey, of whom enly one was replaced, a net loss of six out of a total establishment of 24. With respect to additional work, it is pointed out that the number of maps of South Africa printed for the War Office was large, every soldier proceeding to South Africa being provided with a map. The total number of maps printed for the War Office was 374,538, entailing 766,818 printings. The largest number printed in any previous year was 64,840, entailing 102,850 printings. The Ordnance Survey was also asked to undertake some heavy work for the London Government Act Commission. The causes above mentioned have combined to reduce somewhat the out-turn of the regular work of the Survey and their effect will be felt even more next year.

A KLONDYKE DESPERADO. In Macmittan's Magazine appears the first of a series of articles entitled Impressions of Klondike," in which Mr. C. E. Osborne gives an account of the desperado, Soapy Smith, who for some time exercised a rule of tyranny and plunder over the inhabitants of Skagway. He was supported by many other spirits as wicked as himself. In the early days of the place's prosperity these men forcibly took pos- session of the town-site, which some 10 years earlier had been staked out and located by a man named William Moore, to whom the land had been legally granted. The entire authority of the place was in the hands of the gang, and they made every use of their, opportunities. In addition to the system of legalised swindling, Soapy Smith had con- federates, in some instances well-dressed men and women, on the steamers, in the drinking-bars and gambling-hells, the hotels and the restaurants. Anyone who was foolish enough to take a roll of money out of his pocket in a public place was almost certain to be robbed, sooner or later. If members of the gang were on the spot two or three would hustle the man before he could put the money back in his pocket, and another confederate would seize the notes. If the victim recognised that he had been swindled, he went away a wiser and a sadder man if he was determined to get his money back, he was treated according to the place and surroundings. In the worst of the dens he was either shot, or knocked on the head, and when night came thrown out insensible, if alive, into the street. If the place were too public for such rough and ready methods the police were 11 y summoned, and as all the police were members of the gang, the victim had a bad time of it. The people recognised that such a state of ruffiflnism did more than anything else to check the grow- ing prosperity of the town. An opposition council was formed with a determined marshal at it head who could neither be bribed nor intimi- dated. The two men met by chance in one of the drinking saloons, and Soapy deliberately raised a quarrel. But the marshal was prepared for accidents, and drew his revolver as quickly as his opponent. The two shots were fired simultaneously; the mar- shal escaped unhurt, Soapy Smith dropped dead, When I first passed through Skagway the distin- guished local character was pointed out to me at the Opera House. He was a slight, well-built man, wit.h dark hair and eyes, a very pale face, clean-shaven except for a moustache. He was very quick and un- ostentatious in his manner, and had nothing of the swaggering criminal about him. His face showed the force and determination of his character, but not, I thought, its craftiness, though there was a glitter in his dark eyes which suggested unpleasant possibilities. Of the many amusing stories of this remarkable villain one is too good to be omitted. A minister had come to this home of lawlessness, and had been working for some time with zeal and success among the people. Determined to build a church, he set out with a subscription list to obtain money. One of the first persons he visited was Soapy Smith, who not only lent a ready and sympathetic ear to the project, but finally gave a donation of 500 dollars, handing them over at once. Delighted with his success, the minister pursued his canvass with renewed energy, and the excellence of the object in view, combined with the influence exercised by Soapy's donation, enabled him in a few hours to raise over 3000 dollars. There are several churches in Skagway now, but none of them were built with that money. The minister had been carefully watched by members of the gang, and at the conclu- sion of his work was stopped and robbed of every penny he had collected.

LIFE is what you mp-Ica it, so don't make your life miserable. IT is s-.id that Count Leo Tolstoi projects a tour in England, France, and Germany, but this seems extremely doubtful. Tolstoi is seventy-twq, and not quite so active as he used to be. His manuscript of The Slavery of Our Times," on which he h&s been engaged fo? some months past, has just been re- ceived by the Free Age Press. AN order for a portable asbestos house for the use of Count von Waldersee during the campaign iu China has been given by the German Govern merit, to the Calmon Asbestos and Rubber Works. The house is in sections, which are packed in a number of cases. Everything is so. arranged that the building can with the greatest ease and speed be fixed up and j taken down for erection elsewhere as required. The building contains seven large and comfortably-fur- nished rooms for the use of the count, his adjutant, and servants. The material used is an invention of the Calmon Asbestos and Rubber Works, to which the name of asbestos slate has been given. It is said to be fire and water proof, as hard as slate, and yet. capable of being nailed or planed like wood shingles.

THE TRUE REMEDY FOR DEAR COAL. Commenting on the great coal question," Fielden's Magazine takes the stand that it is the sheereat nonsense" for the colliery owners to pretend that, as the chief organ of the coal industry re- cently observed, the price of coal has for long been much too low, and that the owners now are only justly recouping themselves for the losses they have been sustaining during many years. The fact it patent," says the periodical in question, that the present inflated prices have been attained simply by curtailing production and thereby creating an arti- fical scarcity in the market. Although the demand for coal is greater than it has been in recent history, the colliers are all working on short time, while maintaining the full standard of their weekly earn- ings. There is no doubt, also, that the movement for the establishment of an artitical price for fuel is highly organised, and that it has been carried out with singular skill by those concerned. Immense profits are being reaped by individuals to the de- triment of our manufacturing industries, and therefore to the interests of the country in general." The writer of the article then goes on to say that if this state of things continues, State interference and even State control may become necessary to prevent individuals from making exhorbitant profits at the expense of the general community. The true remedy, however, he suggests, lies in the hands of the manufacturers. The eolliery owners," he says, will not dare to push their prices to a point at which the manufacturer will refuse to pay. Iu other words, they are asking for as much as they can get, and taking just as much as the manufacturer is willing to give them. If he will give them more than they are getting they will cheerfully take it; should he refuse to give as much, they will have to be contented with what they can get. Just now it suits most manufacturers, crowded as they are with lucrative orders, to secure their coal on the best terms they can, coal being the first requisite, and its price to a certain extent a secondary consideration. But this state of things cannot go on indefinitely. As soon as business slackens the cost of fuel will take its position as a matter of primary importance, and the collieries will have to revert to the more reasonable rates of other days."

COSSACK NUGGETS. A great find of nuggets has been made in the fleighbourhood of Verkhne-Uralsk, on land belong- ing to the Orenburg Cossacks. Three lumps of quartz weighing respectively 531b., 391b., and 221b. were discovered less than a foot below the surface, and within 6ft. of one another. They are estimated to contain together not less than 571b. of gold.

= MR. BRYAN'S REPARTEE. Mr. Bryan gave a quick and happy turn to the chance remark of one of his audience at the meeting of the United Irish Societies of Cook County the other day (says Harper's Wecldy). Naturally pleased by certain observations the candidate had made con- cerning the Irish people, one of the gathering cried out, "Your name should be O'Brien." To which Mr. Bryan immediately replied, My friend has tried to ingratiate me into your favour by suggesting that my name is O'Brien, and not Bryan. If the gentleman knew as much about it as I do he would know that 'Bryan' is the original name, and O'Brien' a deriva- tion. When Bryan became King he put on the O, and.'O'Briens are the descendants of the King, while the 'Bryans' are the common people, and never get stuck up about a relative being a King."

THE PRINCESSES AT THE FAIR. The town of Clones, which was honoured the Dther day by an incognito visit from the young Princesses of Connaught, is one of the busiest little towns in the North of Ireland. It is situated in the county Monaghan, in the centre of one of the richest agricultural districts, and on a fair day in represents a scene of much bustle and activity. It is particlarly remarkable for its horses, which are trotted and galloped about the public thoroughfares on a fair day to the imminent danger of foot-passengers. The horse fair, however, is' usually over about midday, and then commences the fun and frolic which are inseparable from an Irish fair.

I FREE OCEAN POSTAGE. The reference in the Westminster Gazette to an ancient" ocean penny postage" may render it of interest to know that during the century and a half which succeeded the discovery of the passage round the Cape, the Cape itself was the centre of a free ocean postage. The Portuguese, English, and Dutch respectively, who engaged in the Eastern ocean trade, made the Cape a means of postal communication. Outward-bound vessels buried their letters or despatches or European news at certain spots indi- cated by square stones, on which were engraved the names of the ships, and the return fleets were fully searched for these to obtain intelligence of their homes or from their countrymen. One of these inscribed stones is now mounted for exhibition in the vestibule of the General Post Office in Cape Town.

MILITARY HARVESTERS. The Secretary for War has directed that the pro- visions of the War Office letter of March 31, relating in furloughs for Militiamen to enable them to take part in harvesting work, may be extended to any men whose services are urgently required by employers of labour. The total number of furloughs granted for all purposes must not, however, exceed 50 per cent. of each unit.

REFERRING to the scheme which has been recently announced for raising an Imperial Volunteer Corps in London, to represent the entire empire outside the British Isles, the London correspondent of the Sirmingham Post says the idea is to give the move- ment an even broader character than the use of the term Colonial" strickly speaking would imply, as there are large bodies of British subjects not on British soil-for example, in the United States and South America whom it is desired to represent, in addition to those who live under the Union Jack in our colonies and dependencies. Three hundred and sixty recruits is the minimum number required to form a complete unit, and if these are forthcoming, it is understood that the War Office sanction will be obtained without any difficulty.

GARDENING GOSSIP. (From" Gardening Illustrated.") CONSERVATORY. The growth of climbers should be gradually reduced to give more light to plants below. Passion- flowers, Tacsonias, Mandevillea suaveolens, Tea and Noisette Roses, and other climbing plants are still in flower. Tropteolums Fireball and Meteor, two varieties of T. Lobbianum, are among the brightest of winter-flowering plants, and if planted in spring they will grow freely during the summer, and in a light position flower all winter. Valuable specimen A.zaleas and other hard-wooded plants must not be exposed to the teavyantnmn rains and the gales of wind which usi■=< 11y omeinSeptember. Eupatoriums and Salvias which have been planted out should have the spade passed round the plants within such a distance of the stems as will permit of the plants going into the size of pot intended. When lifted a week or ten days later stand them in a shady spot, frequently syringing until they have recovered from the check of removal. Tea and other Roses intended for early forcing should receive what pruning is required, and be top- dressed, or, if necessary, repotted in good' sound material, and the drainage made free. It is time the early forcing bulbs were potted now, and the Hyacinths plunged 6in. deep in fibre or ashes. Hyacinths are in bester condition this year, and will flower better. Arum Lilies kept in pots are now making growth, and should have every attention to get the plants strong to flower early. Those which are not repotted annually must have the drainage seen to and all the old soil removed from the surface, and be top-dressed with good rough turfy loam aDd some old manure. The plants set out in the borders must be potted up to get established in a shady spot outside before winter comes but if ex- posed to frost the foliage will suffer. Mme. Rozain is the best double white Geranium for winter flowering and Raspail Improved the best scarlet. Up to the present the flower-buds will have been picked from these; but we shall soon get our plants inside and let them flower. Two-year-old Hydrangeas which have been cut back and have now several breaks may be put into 6-in. pots. If peat is used there will be a chance of getting blue-tinted flowers. STOVE. The nights are getting colder now, and the stove- plants that have been moved to colder houses and pits must be taken back to the stove. This is specially necessary in the case of flowering plants, which if exposed to a low temperature may lose their foliage. The shading may soon be removed, or, if the blinds remain, they should only be used when the sun is very hot, and we occasionally get hot days in September. The winter-flowering plants will bear a little more heat now, and those which have filled their pots with roots may have liquid manure occasionally. Water- ing must be done with judgment now. Some plants which have completed their growth and are ripening will require less water, but the wants of those com- ing on must be attended to promptly. Do not attempt to rush things on with a high temperature, especially at night—65deg. at night will be high enough. COLD FRAMES. One or two of these should be prepared for Violets. They may follow Melons or Cucumbers, but some means should be used to destroy red-spider before the Violets are planted, A little sulphur burnt in the frame will do this. A few live coals placed in a flower-pot and a handful of sulphur placed thereon, and the frame closed and matted up for the night, will be sufficient. There should be 9in. of good soil for the Violets to root into, and the plants should be lifted with good balls and watered in. The lights may remain off for a time till the weather gets cold or wet, and afterwards the frames should not be altogether closed, except during severe frost. Cyclamens, Primulas, and Cinerarias may remain in cold frames some time longer yet, guarding Cinerarias and Cyclamens against frost. Some of the largest plants of all the above may be shifted into 6-inch pots. These, if not crowded, will make nice speci- mens. Weak liquid-manure may be given occasionally to those plants which have filled the pot with root and are showing flower-buds. OUTDOOR GARDEN. Leaves are falling early this season from Limes and other trees, which will necessitate a good deal of sweeping. Flower-beds must be frequently gone over to remove dead leaves and faded flowers. Gather seeds of Hollyhocks and any other plants of which it may be desirable to save seeds. The seeds need not be left on the plants till the pods burst, as they will ripen out well if a little bit green when gathered. They should be laid on paper in a shallow box or saucer in an airy room till fit to rub out. The change in the weather has helped the rooting of Car- nation layers. Got the beds prepared by adding loam and some old mellow cow-manure and a sprink- ling of soot. Plant towards the end of the month. Laced Pinks should be planted out where they are to flower if the beds are ready. Her Majesty and other white or red Pinks may be pulled to pieces during this month and planted firmly to make edgings, or as beds or groups in the border. If this work is done early they will flower abundantly next season. If the weather is cooler and reasonably moist, Hollies and other evergreens may be transplanted now. Care is necessary to move large specimens successfully, and the hose or engine must be used to damp the foliage. ¡ FRUIT GARDEN. 1 Late Melons in frames should have the linings re- newed to restore the heat. Unless Melons are coming forward and the weather continues bright and sunny give a little air early in the morning, and close by 3.30. Do not over-water. Autumn-bearing Raspberries will now ba ripening thoir fruit. If not strong enough to be self-stipportin, some help should be given to keep them off fae ground. Mul- berries make an agreeable addition to the dessert now, and though the trees are long in coming into bearing, if one does not plant there will be no Mul- berries for posterity. Mulberries, when the trees are old, are very interesting, and may be planted in the town gardens. I know several old trees now supported by props, and in some cases the trunks are held together by bands of iron, still bearing heavy crops of delicious fruit. It is time now to take stock of the fruit-trees in the garden and orchard with a view to remove those trees which are not doing well, or cutting them back and regrafting. There is still plenty of work of this kind to do. There is room for more really good winter Apples, both dessert and cooking. We shall have something tp say about varieties a little later. In looking through a report of the British Pomological Society for 1857, mention is made of white Warrington Gooseberry, similar, except in colour, to the red Warrington. It would be interesting to know what has become of this Gooseberry. VEGETABLE GARDEN. The rains have brought up a crop of young weeds, which should be destroyed before any further advance is made. The ground should be prepared for the early Cabbages. It has been our rule for some years to plant a border of Ellam's Early in a warm posi- tion ratiter thickly for early cutting, and a bed in the open quarter for later use. The first lot is cut and cleared away before the others turn in. The latter, of course, have more space, and are usually allowed to stand for a second crop to come on after the leaves are removed. Have the Turnips intended for winter supply well thinned and the soil freely stirred. When too crowded the leaves are drawn up, and when winter come,- do not afford so much protection to the bulbs as where the plants are thinner and the leaves consequently closer to the ground. To keep Cucumbers in frames bearing as long as possible it may be necessary to add warm manure to the linings to encourage the roots. Too much water now will only chill the soil and bring on mildew. Shut up early in the afternoon and cover with mats at night. If there is a warm pit to spare plant it now with French Beans, but no hertt will be used till the cold nights, and only a little then for some ;irne. Do everything possible tc'hasten the ripening it Tomatoes.

"DIED ON DUTY;" I THE STORY OP A MONTANA BLIZZARD: When I was in Montana awhile ago I put up one evening at the sheep ranch of Joel Weidman. Joel was known as the shesp king of the county, but he had another title among the ranchers that was still more honourable to him-it was Honest Joel. I was sitting on the verandah of their great log house, enjoying the landscape, and chatting with Joel and his wife and his charming daughter, Nellie, when my eye was attracted by a singular object in such a place. It was a shaft of shining white marble four feet high, standing on the edge'of the bank of the rapid creek that flows through the ranch. I excused mytelf to my hostess and sauntered over to the spot to ascertain what it could be. On its face, half way up, was chisselled the head of a shepherd dog. Under the head were the words, Died on Duty," and across the base in large letters was the single word Shep." When I returned to the verandah I asked my host to whom this stone was erected. It is the grave of the noblest fellow that ever lived. No relation, but the best friend I ever had. I might not have had a penny to-day were it not for old Shep. But he did more than that—he saved the life of my daughter Nellie here, and he died in trying to save my property. He was only a dog, but he had better sense and a kinder heart than almost any man I ever knew. When I took up this land, nearly twenty years ago, I was very poor and had to take herd of sheep to care for, getting one-half the increase from the owner for my work. In the course of a few years my share gave me enough to start a herd of my own, which increased to nearly three thousand head at the time when this in- cident happened. One day in February my herder left me without any notice, and I was placed in an awkward predica- ment. My wife was ill in bed, and there was no one about to herd the sheep while I went to the village to look up another man. My wife and I were discussing the question, when my little girl Nellie, who was then ten years old, climbed on my knees and said: Father, it's going to be nne weather to-morrow, and Shep and I can take care of the sheep for one day just as well as any man, can't we, Shep ?' We had brought the dog up from a pup, and we all thought nearly as much of him as though he were a child. In the management of sheep he certainly knew more than any herder I ever saw. It was a risky thing to do at that season, when storms came up very suddenly, but prospects for fair weather were excellent, and I let them coax me into a promise to think about it. I saw the sun was shining and all indicated a fair day, so I gave my consent. The last thing I saw was little Nellie, with her long golden hair blowing in the breeze, tugging up yonder hill, with the sheep ahead of her and old Shep jumping at her side, just as happy as could be. I went on to town and put up at old Sol Day's hotel, and was starting to look about for a herder when up came Roberts, the constable, and summoned me for a juryman for a trial to take place at two o'clock in the afternoon. I tried to explain to him the fix I was in, and that I had to be back that afternoon, but he would not listen to me. I went then to see the justice, but he would not let me off. He looked upon it as a joke, and kept laughing at me, but I did not think it was so funny, particularly when I went out again and found that snowclowds were gathering in the sky, and it was beginning to blow. I went back and told him a storm was coming up, and how I had left things at the ranch, but he stuck to it that the weather was all right, and thought I was trying to fool hita to get off the jury. When I came out again I could see that a regular blizzard was coming up ;• and I was getting scared when I thought of Nellie out with the sheep. 1 went for the justice again, but he only pooh- poohed and would hardly listen to me. I got raging mad at the man and told him I would go home in spite of him. If you try to,' he said, I will have the constable arrest you and make you serve, and fine you in the bargain.' But I did not care for his fine when my little daughter's life and all my property might be at stake, and I went over to the stable and got out my pony. "I was just mounting when the constable came up, grabbed hold of the bridle and stopped me from riding. All the rest of the men who were to go on the jury began gathering around, attracted by the fuss. I was blind with fury, and hit the fellow over the head with my whip, and then he called on the men about him to help arrest me in the name of the law. "They were mostly neighbours and friends of mine, but they were compelled to obey, and were coming for me when I yelled out: Men, you all know my little girl Nellie I She is out with my sheep to-day on the prairie. Look at the blizzard that is coming. Will you hold me from going to her ?' I struck out with all speed to make that twenty miles before the night would come, but before I had gone one-quarter of that distance the blizzard was at its height, and I could not see a foot ahead of me. "Suddenly the animal stopped, and looking out I saw that I had turned completely around, and was on the path I had just passed over. I turned his head homeward again, and gave him the reins, know- ing he would be most likely to find his way to the ranch. Night came on, and I did not know whether we were nearer or farther from the ranch, as the now jaded pony staggered along in the darkness hour after hour. Suddenly I heard a horse neigh, and my pony stopped still and did the same. The moment he was answered he started forward with new life and brought me up against my log stable, in which his mate was tied. I rushed to the house and found my wife nearly crazed with anxiety. Ill as she was, she was trying to dress herself to go out to look for our little girl. She told me that Shep had come home at dark, and was whining and seemed to be looking for me. Not finding me, he had gone off again. I took a shovel of coals from the stove and went out to the,' great pile of logs. I had ready chopped to build a new house the next spring. Old Shep came tearing up and jumped on my back and nearly threw me on the coals. He would hardly wait while I finished firing the logs. In a few minutes they flamed up and made a light that could be seen for miles away. Then I turned and said to the dog, 'Take me to her, Shep.' 4 "When we came to the creek, I found the foot bridge had been blown away by the fierce wind, and I had to wade through the rapid water and crawl up the steep cut bank on the other side. "It had now ceased snowing, but was blowing and drifting. The night was black as ink, and I could distinguish nothing or could hardly see the dog be- side me. We soon began to descend a steep hill, and I knew we were going into the valley of Willow Creek. As soon as I got to the foot of the hill I ran right into the herd of sheep. all huddled together. When I stopped, not knowing which way to go, the dog caught me by the leg and pulled me on again. We went round the herd until we came up against a high cut bank. Feeling my way along the base of this, I heard a faint call: Shep, Shep! Come, old Shep, and warm me I rushed forward as the dog answered with a bark of delight, and found Nellie standing flat up against the bank, still on guard, though nearly dead with cold. Her first words were: Oh, father, I would have been dead and all the sheep lost if it had not been for dear old Shep. It was he that drove them in that sheltered place.' I turned to look for the dog, but he was gone, and the next moment I saw him in the middle of the crowding sheep, dashing at them on all sides, to pre- vent them from crushing together. He was doing more than half a dozen men could do in the same place. But I could not wait. I must get Nellie home. Leaving Shep to watch the sheep I took her in my arms and crawled back up the hill. "leouldsce in the distance the blazing fire of the woodpile and made straight for it. "When I got to the cabin with my burden my wife was up and dressed, ill as she was. She had hot drinks and cloths ready, and I left her to take care of the child, while I at once struck out again for the sheep. I found the flock in the same place that I had left them. They were quiet, and had ceased walking. But I saw no signs of the dog. I called to him and was answered by a bark from the centre of the herd. He was in their very midst and had by his efforts kept them from milling. n- Shep and I worked hard to get the herd headed home, but they would not leave he shelter and face the strong wind. I caught an old ewe and dragged her out along the path a few feet, and then called Shep to me and made him hold her by the ear while I went into the herd and drove a few more out. The bah, bah, of the old ewe attracted the attention of the others, and they started to go to her. I then called Shep to let her go and she led them on the path toward home, while Shep and I drove up the lagging ones in the rear. I went on ahead of the herd with the dog, and posted him at the broken bridge to prevent them crossing, while I went on over to the ranch to get some plank to make a temporary bridge. The sheep were mad to get to their sheds. The stupid creatures kept crowding to the edge of the bank, despite all efforts of Shep to drive them back. At last one went over, and that was the signal for all to follow. In a moment a thousand were in the narrow gorge between the banks, and more kept coming until encugh were piled up to make a bridge of their carcasses, over which all the other passed. Old Shep had fought them on the very edge, and was carried over with the avalanche, and even in the creek tried to force them back, but was soon crushed be- neath the mass. The next day we took out of the gorge sixty dead sheep, and beneath them we found the body of the faithful dog that had as truly died on duty as the greatest soldier in history."

77 AN ESCAPE FROM HO NAN. The Times has received from the Pekin Syndicate the following account of the escape of a European party from Ho-nan. Their correspondent writes from Shanghai, July 26: We arrived here safely on the 24th instant, after a terrible experience. We left Huai King Fu on June 30, as our position was becoming untenable, and the missionaries had warned us that their houses were being looted, compelling them to flee south. Communication with Tien-tsin was abso- lutely cut off, and we had no other alternative before us but try the southern route to Shanghai. On our first evening out we were stopped by the magistrate, who informed us that he held an edict from Pekin to arrest all foreigners, and to incorporate the local 'Boxers' with his regular troops. Being a personal friend of deputy Yeh Tung, he allowed us to go through his district, under a 'Boxer'escort, but we had to dress in Chinese dress, and leave behind us our European chairs and some other foreign-looking articles. Except for sundry petty annoyances, all went well till the 7th instant, when at ten a.m. we had the misfortune to get into the centre of a procession of several hun- dreds of armed men who were making for a temple 200 U away to pray for rain. They were armed with gingals, shot guns, tridents, pruning-hooks, swords, &c., and stopping our carts shouted, Kill the Foreign Devils,' &c. The priests, who were frantic, very kindly and considerately shouted that if the 'Foreign Devils' were sacrificed rain would come. Onr Ya-rwen runners by kindly argument and per- suasion got our carts through safely, although one cart, was overturned. We went ahead and heard that around Nan Yang Fu the natives were in arms against the Christians, and were even then besieging a Roman Catholic chapel. It was originally in- tended that we would remain at the village of Hsin Tien that evening, which was to be the rest- ing-place also for the 20 members of the Canadian Presbyterian Mission who were being protected by our escort. But the unsettled state of the Nan Yang Fu district rendered a larger escort of soldiers necessary, and our deputy, Yeh Tung, said that our only hope of procuring the escort lay in going to the magistrate and general of Nan Yang Fu personally. All the missionaries except four decided to remain at Hsin Tien, as Nan Yang Fu was known to be about the most dangerous place in Ho-nan. We reached Nan Yang Fu at ten p.m. About two a.m. we received a letter from the Hsin Tien missionaries to say that hundreds of armed men were collecting to attack them and asking for our promised escort. The magistrate could only let us have 10 Yamen runners, and these we sent on to the missionaries, who already had half of the eight soldiers and deputy sent us by the general of Huai King Fu, and the brigadier-general of Nan Yang Fu, despite the fact that we presented through our deputy a special letter from the general of Huai King Fu begging for an escort, absolutely refused us protec- tion, and said that the people were in rebellion, and that a soldier of his, who had shot one of the mob who had attacked the Roman Catholic mission, was to be beheaded in the morning. Our only hope was in getting out of Nan Yang Fu, which we accom- plished at daybreak. We had a terrible experi- ence and awful anxiety getting through this hostile country, but at the last stage in Ho-nan we were well cared for by the magistrates whose deputy has always behaved well to the.members of our syndi- cate. On the borders of Hupeh, in response to our telegram from Kaifeng, we were protected by Chang Chih Tung, the Viceroy, who sent 40 soldiers to meet us and escort us to Fencheng. The crowds were sulky, but offered no actual interference. We reached Fancheng on the 9th inst., and were called upon by a Tartar general, who said that the weather was warm, the inn uncomfortable, and the people un- settled we had better get away at once.' The mis- sionaries at Hsin Tien were attacked on the 8th inst. Dr. Leslie had his kneecap cut in two, his wrist cnt through the bone, and, in all, 15 cuts. Mr. Goforth was cut to the skull badly, and the others more or less seriously hurt. Our carts were also robbed with their goods, and amongst other things were the boring diamonds, which were in Mr. Jameson's steel box for safety."

U B.P." AND THE LADIES. 1 A story of General Baden-Powell which is not unlikely to be true is going the rounds. It is de- clared that the gallant defender of Mafeking was, after his rescue, the recipient of something like a dozen offers of marriage, and that some of the ladies were so precipitate and eager that they even tele- graphed him the refusal of their hand, grace, and fortune. General Baden-Powell is confessedly a very practical man, and he no doubt has attached more significance to the offer which he is said to have received from two maiden ladies to make him their heir, and that, too, without any condition whatever being attached.

A WELCOME FLOOD. A curious feature in connection with the heavy floods in Assam has been the drowning of the rats. Thousands of the brown variety of this rodent, which exists in great numbers in some of the Assam jungles, have been found floating down the Rivei Ranganuddee, the occurrence being sufficiently un- canny to cause much uneasiness among the natives.

AN "IRON MAN" WONDER. The latest mechanical marvel from America takep the form of an iron man, 7gft high, who (or which) is to start from New York in a few days for a trip to San Francisco. The Mail's New York correspondent says that the automaton is attached to an auto- mobile, which he appears to be pulling, but by which he is in reality pushed. Captain Louis Perew is the inventor of this wonderful piece of mechanism. It speaks by means of a phonograph in its, stomach, and the connection between the sound of its words and the movement of its mouth is as close as though it were really alive. Captain Perew obligingly made the iron man try his paces around a big bicycle prac- tice hall, where he is on private exhibition, and he strode out like a mighty giant. Captain Perew, who will ride behind him in his trip across the Conti- nent, expects him to average 15 miles an hour. The motive power is a gasoline engine so well hidden in the automobile that only an expert mechanic could find it.

MUNICIPALISED MILK. The experiment of the St. Helens Corporation in supplying to the poor of the town sterilised humanised milk for infants has attracted consider- able attention. As the departure was only inaugu- rated in August, 1899, it is a little premature, says the Hospital, to judge results at the present time. The charge made for the milk is twopence per day's supply, and is payable in advance. Within three weeks of starting the municipal depot was feeding 80 children daily, and by the end of the year there were 120 children on the books. The effect on the infant mortality and diarrhoea rate has been marked.