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

GARDENING- GOSSIP. I (From" Gardening Illustrated") I CONSERVATORY. We are rapidly approaching the time (observes Mr. E. Hobday) when a lower temperature must be xpected, especially at night, and any specimen Palms and other plants that have been plunged or placed outside must be housed again. Specimen Camellias and other hard-wooded plants should also soon be under a shelter of some kind, as we generally have slight and yet nipping frosts before we have done with September. It is better at this season to get rid of any plant out of health than to run the risk of injuring young growing plants by over- crowding. Every collection has a tendency to increase in size, and it is better and wiser to throw away a few inferior plants in the autumn when housing begins than to overcrowd. Every gardener who takes n interest in his work will try to keep up his stock by striking a few cuttings of those things already in stock, and confine his purchases to new things only. In this way a collection may be kept up to the mark with very moderate expenditure. Of course, forcing bulbs and other plants which cannot be grown so well in our climate most be bought annually, and this reminds us that if the bulb orders" have not yet been sent in no time should be lost now. Where early flowers are required the bulbs should have been potted and making roots. It is very easy to force bulbs when they have made plenty of roots, and this rooting process cannot be hurried; therefore for early work pot as early as the bulbs can be obtained, and this applies to some other things beside bulbs. The Lyre- flower (Dielytra spectabilis) should be potted early and placed in cold pit to make roots, and as this is a strong-rooting plant give it room enough. Spineas, Deutzias, and other things that were planted out should now be potted up and placed in a shady spot for a time, and the foilage damped over daily if the weather continues dry. To a large extent autumn is a preparatory time, getting things ready for winter. LATE GRAPES. These are now colouring fast, and the house should never be altogether closed, though, of course, the ventilation at night will be much reduced. If wasps are troublesome the open ventilators should be covered with hexagon netting to keep them out. Wasps are good judges of flavour, and will not attack late Grapes if there are any Muscats or Ham- burghs accessible. Vines should be so trained that none of the leaves touch the glass, or they may serve as channels to conduct the condensed moisture among the bunches of Grapes. Vineries, especially late houses, should always be kept in a good state of repair, so that the roof may be sound and watertight. A buoyant atmosphere is a necessity in a house where ripe Grapes are Kept, and this means that in bad weather there must be a little warmth in the pipes, though this should not be overdone or the Grapes may shrivel. FLOWERS FOR WINTER. Chrysanthemums will be in season till January if the right kinds are grown. There are never too many white flowers, and a good supply of several good varieties should be in stock to follow in succession. The late kinds, such as Princess Victoria, should be kept outside as long as it can be safely done. Arum L'lies, while Eouvardias, Double White Geranium Mme. Rozain, Double White Primulas, Roman Hyacinths, retarded Lily of the Valley and retarded bulbs of the White Trumpet Lily, Tuberoses, potted late and grown outside till towards the end of September, and then sheltered in cold pits, moved indoors as required. All the above are easily grown, and I have grown Cactus Dahlias in pots outside in the summer, and before frost came moved to a house where the frost can be kept out. They will continue to flower for some time if the pots are large enough. 11 have generally used 12;n. pots and given liquid- I manure when flowers exoand. a OUTDOOR GARDEN. Layer Clematises, Wistarias, Chimonanthns frag- rans, and other shrubs and trees which are difficult to strike from cuttings. Manetti and dwarf Brier stocks may still be budded close to the ground, or a little earth may be removed, if the weather continues dry, to reach soft, fresh bark. Continue to put in cuttings of bedding plants in frames, also Violas, Pansies, Pentstemons, and self-coloured Antirrhi- nums, though the latter will come fairly true from seeds. Still, those who by a course of selection have obtained good strains of white, yellow, and crimson varieties of good habit may like to perpetuate them frcm jcuttings. They will strike freely now under hand- lights or in a cold frame. Sweet Williams, Canterbury Bells, and other Campanulas may be planted now to fill up blanks in borders. Campanula carpatica is a lovely little plant for edgings. There are both white and blue-flowered forms of it. May be easily raised from seeds; seedlings flower second year. Mont- bretias are lovely in the borders now, and are among the most useful flowers for cutting. Bulbs are very cheap, and may be planted in March in warm, sunny spots. Patches two feet or three feet over make a good show. FRUIT GARDEN. Strawberry plants for new beds are going in well now. Spread out the roots in planting, make firm, and water well to settle the soil round them, and then mulch with Moss litter or other short manure. If strong plants are put out a crop of fine fruit may be had next season. Do not propagate from old beds; in fact there ought to be no old beds of Straw- berries, as after the third year, even on good Straw- berry land, the fruit deteriorates. Royal Sovereign is being a good deal planted now. After the runners and some of the weather-beaten leaves have been cut away from the plants left for another year, top-dress with manure to nourish the crowns now forming. Towards the end of the month any fruit trees which have made too much wood this season may have the roots shortened on one side. Dig down under the hole and cut the tap roots. Begin far enough from the trees, according to size, and work towards it, cutting the strong roots, but saving as many fibres as possible. The best Raspberry for size and quality is Superlative. Trench and manure ground for new plantations and plant as soon as the leaves fall. Those who are thinking of planting Plums with a view to profit should plant Rivers' Prolific and Monarch. The first comes before the glut, and the second after it. Just now Plums have been scarcely worth gathering. SOWING FERN SPORES. If spores are sown during the autumn a good sup- ply of seedlings for early spring work is ensured. Although Fern spores may be sown at any season and good results obtained, it is from those sown either early in the spring or during the autumn that success is beat obtained, It is during the summer and autumn that spores should be collected, for those matured during bright, sunny weather invariably prove more prolific than those produced during the dull, damp winter months. In preparing the pots for the spores che chief thing is to get some good yellow loam, which should be quite free from worms and other insects, also from seeds of any weeds. Five-inch pots are the best size to use. They may be filled firmly to within about an inch of the rims. No drainage is necessary in fact, it is better not to use any, as the most important point is to keep a regular moisture. Filling the pots with loam and standing in sfiucers of water will ensure this. A-fter the pots are filled they should be well soaked, and then sur- faced over with powdered charcoal and crock-dust. After the surface has been damped the spores may be sown. If the spores have been saved with care, the slightest dusting over will e nsure a good crop, but when sown too thickly they choke each other. If a number of sorts are to be sown at the same time, the pots for each should be removed from the others to avoid the spores spreading. After the spores are sown, the pots may be placed in a shady position and covered with glass. Although the direct rays of the sun must be avoided, light is essential. Failure often occurs through keeping the pots in a dark, heavily-shaded position. The glasses should be removed and the condensed moisture wiped off before the globules have got large enough to drop off on to the surface of the pots. No surface watering should be given after the spores are sown, but the saucers may be filled up from time to time as they require it. It is not r-cessary to keep them constantly full; in fact, it is better not to do so, or the soil may become too wet. The soil must never be allowed to get quite dry. As soon as the pots are well covered with the young seedlings, they may be taken off in small patches and pricked off into pots or boxes which have been prepared with a surfacing of more suitable soil for the young seedlings to root into. These will require dividing again about the time the first tiny fronds appear.

OLD GENTLEMAN So, you'd like to become my son-in-law ?" Mr. Hardup Yes. sir, if you can afford it." I

FIELD AND FARM. (From the" Agricultural Gazette.") I' SEPTEMBER NOTES. I September (observes Professor Wrightson) is one of the most marked of all the months. Each as it arrives brings with it certain ideas connected with stock and crops, but there is something about Sep- tember which marks it out pre-eminently. It closes the summer season, and introduces us to chill October; it sees the completion of harvest, except ia the Highlands and islands of the northern kingdom it opens the country for sport, and closes the grazing season for cattle. It is during the later days of Sep- tember that the approaching winter impresses the mind. Summer has gone, the period of active and rapid growth has ceased, and we look forward to a hybernating period in which we must live on our stores like the dormice, or on our fat like the bears. Michaelmas approaches with its responsibilities, and a new agricultural year looms up before us. The season closes, and a new serial is ready to displace the old volume, which may now be bound and placed on the shelf with 1899-1900 on the back. The record of the previous year was one of disap- pointment for the most part-a record of drought, and deficiency in fodder, of low prices for corn, and high prices for cak. How must we regard the year which we then looked forward to ? Has it brought prosperity to us as farmers or as landlords ? Has it helped to dispel the cloud of depression which has affected the landed interests for the last quarter of a century ? A year is a short time in the history of a great movement, but may mark a turning of the tide. Unfortunately, we see but little to encourage such a hope. The agricultural year, which includes the period between the two harvests of 1899 and 1900, has been, as many of its predecessors, very disap- pointing. If we look at it broadly, we notice that it has been unusually capricious in its character. It has raised hopes and dashed them to the ground. The meteorological conditions have been answerable for much of this disappointment. Seldom have we experienced such extremes or such extraordinary changes. We had an early drought, which damaged root prospects and made us anxious for our hav. This was followed by a wet period, which made us tremble for its safety. We have been kept in what a north-countryman once called a "tremularious" condition of mind, sometimes from persistent drought and heat, and at other times from attacks of cold and wet. Harvest was threatened as well as haysel, and roots were spoken of as a failure, and later, on insufficient grounds, as a success. Turning to live stock, we may be thankful for a greater feeling of confidence. THE TUBERCULIN SCARE has apparently joined the majority, for we hear very much less of the test, which at one time appeared to threaten the existence of cattle-breeding. Time has been allowed for reflection, and the wiser course of trusting to improved hygienic conditions and careful selection of robust animals has, I trust, superseded the inquisitorial method of judgment by thermo- meter. The medical profession has shown a good example by declining to use the test for the human subject, and the frequency of its application in ordef to be effective in the case of cattle is alone a most serious objection to its use. Open air and liberal feeding are now in the ascendant, and commend themselves to all as sound treatment. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE has attracted more attention than tuberculosis during the last 12 months. It has checked foreign buying, and done harm to both the cattle and sheep trades, but with this exception our stock has been singularly healthy. TIIE PRICE OF SHEEP. Early in the season it was predicted that there was a good time coming for sheep farmers. All that can be said is that it is still coming. Scarcity of keep checked the upward movement of prices, so that ewes brought no more money in the earlier fairs than they did last year. There has been something strange in the state of the sheep market, and in the discrepancy between the price of mutton and of store sheep. The principal reason lay in the poor prospects of keep, which threw sheep into the market at a time when buyers were shy. With im- proved prospects of keep the natural tendency towards higher prices has to a certain extent reas- serted itself, and tfap later fairs have exhibited an improved tone, FEEDING FOR EARLY MATURITY. ND more striking proof can be afforded of the great improvement which has been effected in the breeding and feeding of farm animals during the past quarter of a century than that which is disclosed by the early age at which cattle are now fattened and finished off fa-- the butcher. Less than a generation ago feeders never thought of finishing off their stock until they were three, and very often four years of age. Nowadays quite a large percentage of our best beef cattle make their way to the block by the time they are two years of age, and we know a good many feeders who make a special feature of having animals finished off for the butcher when they are from 15 to 18 and 20 months of age. Most of our beat feeders, says the Farmers' Gazette (Dublin), reckon that the most profitable age at which to finish off is when the animals are from 20 to 24 months old, be- cansa they find that when properly bred and well cared for, they will by that time give a better yield for the food consumed by them than they will at any later stage of their existence. Men like Mr. William Young, of Brockley-,krk, and some of our other leading farmers, very often sell young cross-breds quite fit for the butcher from 15 to 1G months of age. Not long ago Mr. Young sold at one of the Dublin sales a number of such crosses, the progeny of a Black Polled bull mated with ordinary heifers, at between Ell and E12 apiece, when only about 15 months of age. These animals, needless to say, were specially fed all through their calfhood. Until they were fit for weaning they were allowed to suck their dams, and were then put upon a certain allowance of cakes and other concentrated foods which enabled them to maintain their calf flesh and literally to keep on improving in condition from the day they were calved until eventually dis- posed of. Now that there is such an immense im- port trade in foreign meat of good quality our feeders are finding out that their only chance of holding their own in the market is by the production of the very best beef at an early age—beef which, while not costing much extra to produce, is capable of realising many shillings more pet- cwt. then the same beasts would realise if kept under the old con- ditions—allowed to fall off in condition during the winter in the hope of bringing them right by liberal feeding in the following summer. THE CULTIVATION OF STUBBLES. For the cultivation of stubbles the weather lately has been splendid, and many a capital tilth has been made in the early districts. As to this cultivation, it is a curious fact that in some parts of the country there is no knowledge of the method commonly pur- sued in the Eastern counties, and known there as backstriking." The operation consists in the balk- ing of the land, and the taking up of the balks at once. That is to say, the land is double-balked in each bout. Occasionally a field is single-balked, a furrow-slice being turned on to an equal width of unploughed land, leaving the taking up of the balks to be done afterwards. This is a capital method of killing weeds, as the upturned soil is dried through quickly in sunny weather, and afterwards the strip left underneath it is turned upside down in its turn. The only objection to the plan is that the strips of stubble land left after the first operation are apt to become too hard in hot and dry weather by the time that the single-balking is finished. Backstriking meets this objection, but is hardly as effective as the other plan in killing weeds. But either method is superior to ordinary ploughing with an old-fashioned plough, as it brings weeds to the surface instead of burying them, and leaves the land in fine form for the harrows. The use of the digging plough, how- ever, has to a great extent superseded the methods of cultivation named above, as that plough breaks up and scatters the soil, leaving it well for harrow- ing. THE DAIRY CONFERENCE TO BE RESUMED. After a year's break, the Dairy Conference is to be resumed next season in one of the English counties, not yet selected. No visit has yet been made to Wilts, Dorset, or Sussex. In all three counties dairy farming is carried on to a considerable extent, though perhaps there is nothing very remarkable m the industry in these parts of the country in this respect. If Surrey and Sussex were taken together there would be some good breeds of cattle to tc Been, at any rate, as well as a few creameries.

MR. GRBVILLE, late English Minister at Bangkok, has been recently transferred to Mexico. It is con- sidered in some quarters hardly beneficial to the Diplomatic Service that-changes should be as:frequent as they have been in a post like that of Minister at the Court of Siam,

I BACK FROM THE JAWS OF DEATH. It can't be meant for me I" "And why not ?" Me!" gasped the widow. Me, as hasn't known for many a long day where my next meal was to come from It isn't possible that the fates have any- thing good in store for me." Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that," quoth Mr. Rundell grimly. It may not be much, you know. The advertisement only says something to her advantage.' Read it again." And Mrs. Barton's next-door neighbour folded her arms expectantly, while John Barton's pretty widow read aloud the notice which had caused such a [flutter in the hen- roost. It's cautious enough," soliloquised the listener, and it doesn't promise nothing to nobody. All the same, if I could claim to be the relic of any John Barton, sea-farin' man, I know I wouldn't rest till I'd got to the bottom of it. When shall you go ?" Mrs. Barton was startled by the abrupt question. but, like many a one who wavers, the other's cool assumption at once decided her plans for her, and she answered meekly: To-morrow, T suppose." Then I shall come with you, and see you through the worst," declared Mrs. Rundell, with the rare courage which a woman always displays when any other than herself is going to have a tooth drawn for there be advertisements, and advertisements with emphasis on the "and and many of them, as goodness knows, is nothing more than traps for the unwary." Mrs. Barton slept but little that night (she was to sleep still less the next), and it was with trembling knees and palpitating heart that she entered the solicitor's office, where a strange ordeal awaited her. Something to her advantage! It was no less than a fortune of L5000 waiting for her to claim it I Her identity was soon established beyond a doubt, but there was evidently still something to be said, and the solicitors scanned each other's faces in question- ing silence. It was something disagreeable-which of them must say it ? Mr. Gull was senior partner, and therefore claimed precedence and privileges; Mr. Grabbemall was junior, and therefore claimed exemption from nothing (save the income tax), and it was upon Mr. Grabbemall that the unpleasant duties generally de- volved. It is our painful duty, Mrs. Barton," began that gentleman, to point out to you that the money can only be claimed by John Barton's widow." I am his widow, sir," said Mary sadly. "His widow," emphasised the gentleman. "We have proof that you were his wife-we must have equally clear proof of your widowhood." That I cannot give you. My husband was lost at sea five years ago but beyond the fact that he loved me dearly, and would never have left me to monrn him as dead if he'd been living—let alone leaving me almost to starve-I can give you no proof." "But unfortunately this document requires that we shall demand something further before we hand over a single penny. You believe him dead ?" I know he- is dead," asserted Mary, and a great lump rose in her throat at the thought of the kind man she bad lost. Then-you are young, you have—ahem!—more than the average share of good looks, you will have a comfortable little fortune of your own, and I see no reason why you should not easily comply with the—er—somewhat extraordinary conditions laid down." And those are-?" That you should marry again." Mary started to her feet,an indignant light in her blue eyes. If you mean to insult me, sir-" "GentJy, gently, madam. The mention of marri- age is never an insult to a pretty woman. The condition is not of our making. £ 5000 lies in our hands for the widow—the widow, mark you-of John Barton but that there may be no mistake upon the point, the said widow must marry again before she can receive the money, or a fraction of the money." "Then I shall never claim it." The girl, for she was little more, rose from her seat with quiet dignity. That is an end of the matter, and I wish you good morning, sir." Come, come You mustn't throw away a fortune like tha.t! Take time to consider, take time." And remember there's Tony Baldwin been waitin and wantin' of ye this many a long month," suggested Mrs. Rundell in an eager whisper. Why, ye'll be a fine lady after all, Mary. Think o' that I" Then the two men proceeded to set forth in glow- ing terms the glories of the future she was throwing away for a dim memory of the past, and so urgent were they that before she left the office she had pro- mised to consider things for a week before giving them her final answer. Enough to eat, a comfortable home, and a husband to share her joys and sorrow#! It was a glittering prospect, indeed. Mrs. Rundell had no doubt as to how it would end, so just to avoid undue delay, she slipped round by Tony Baldwin's cottage that night and put the whole facts into the young man's possession. Tony needed no urging he would be an ardent wooer if he got the chance. That night when Mrs. BartoR went to bed she had a dream. Once, long ago, when John and she wore courting, he had taken her to the theatre to see Shakespeare's wonderful play, the Merchant of Venice," and from the pit Mary had followed, in all-absorbing interest, the story of the beautiful and wealthy Portia, and the way she had tested the sincerity of her suitors by the choice between gold, silver, and leaden caskets. That particular scene must have left a great impression on her girlish mind, for it was of those caskets she dreamed, and it seemed to her that someone was offering her a gorgeous golden casket filled with jewels and treasure, but that ever and anon her eyes turned to the third, the leaden one. And it seemed as though she was once again in the theatre, and that amid the jeers of derision and scornful hooting from the pit and gallery, she chose the leaden casket! Then in her dream she fled from before the multitude, and with trembling fingers opened her battered prize, and at the bottom of the casket lay the pictured face of her husband, as she had known him in those few happy weeks when they were married and together. With a sob she strove to press her lips upon the enshrined face, and then- she woke I The week dragged slowly by. To Tony it seemed to fly, for he saw by the girl's face that she had made a great decision, but as yet his wooing had not pro- spered, and he was fearful that the decision might be against, and not for him. But Mrs. Rundell stood his friend, and Mrs. Rundell had hopes. One evening she had tapped at Mrs. Barton's door, and receiving no answer had lifted the latch, and there she came upon the girl standing before a big sea-chest which had been locked up for years. She was turning over the pretty frocks she had worn as bride and girl-wife, and her widow's cap had fallen from her fair hair, and all unknowingly she had set her foot upon it! Mrs. Rundell said nothing, save to Tony, but she thought the more, and in her mind there was no om left for doubt as to Mrs. Barton's course. For," argued she, a woman doesn't begin turnin' otTA her bits o' duds for nothin'; and when a widow once sets her face towards the colours again, it's a sure and certain sign that crape, and him that's gone, is goin' to the wall." And Tony Baldwin was a staunch disciple of Mrs. Rundell's creed. But that isn't really your decision I" cried the lawyer, when once more the widow declared it was impossible for her to fulfil the conditions. You must really let us prevail upon you, madam you perhaps hardly realise—ah! that's right I" added Mr. Gull approvingly, for the junior partner, re- membering that a woman's greatest temptation always assails her through her eyes, had unlocked the legal- looking tin box, lifted out a heavy brass casket of Indian workmanship, aud opening the lid displayed a pile of golden sovereignp. And whatMitiiat ?" Mrs. Barton's finger trembled as it pointed to where her eyes were fixed on a little common-looking box: it might be made of lead, or any duM grey metal. That? Oh, that is of no value I" exclaimed the lawyer-" that is merely a little box of very common workmanship which came home with our client's treasures and papers." It belonged to him too ?" she asked eagerly. Undoubtedly. It will become your property, madam, together with the rest. I may have this box ? You say it is of no value, but-it was my husband's I" "Together with the rest, madam, repeated Mr. Gull pompously. Your poor husband must have had some strange premonition of coming evil before he set out on that last voyage, for he left these things, and his will, in trust with a Melbourno soli- citor, to be delivered up to us if not claimed vrithin five years. You have but to fulfil the conditions, and the box is yours, together with the rest." "I will never take the rest! I cannot-oh, I cannot fulfil the conditions," she sobbed. Of course he is dead, but I will never put another in his place. You will not refuse to let me have this?" and she stretched forth her hands to the little battered casket. The lawyers exchanged glances. Then because the thing was of no value in Mr. Gull's eyes, and because the junior partner had a wife at home and couldn't bear the sight of a woman's tears, the casket was put into Mary Barton's hands. With trembling fingers she wrenched it open, and there within A great wonder leapt into her eyes, a great joy illumined her face, and with one consent the men of law stepped forward eagerly to see what she had found. Bah Nothing I Only a faded old battered photo- graph, all spoilt and discoloured with age and sea- water— the photograph of a man in a sailor's dress. Messrs. Gull and Grabemall were still discussing the strange case of Mrs. Barton as they sat together over their wine that night, and wondering what they were to do with the money left so unexpectedly on their hands; for evidently those who drew up the document had imagined no alternative. They had never deemed a woman capable of refusing the chance of money and a husband, in place of mere sentiment. And in her owu cottage Mary Barton sat alone. Mrs. Rundell had given up in disgust, and Tony Baldwin had gone away in a rage. The fire was burning brightly, and the blind was still undrawn, when at last the girl rose from her crooning to the faded photograph before the fire, and threw open the big chest once more. Then with trembling hands she drew forth the dress she had worn on her wedding-day, and divest- ing herself of the dingy black garb she wore, she slipped into her bridal garments once more. The cracked mirror told her she was as fair as ever, and stooping low over the photograph she [pressed her lips to the pictured face, I love you," she said softly. And loving you, and having had you for my own, I will have no other man I" Then a strange thing happened. There was a sound like d man's hoarse sob, the door flew open on its hinges, and someone stood on the threshold. Her husband I-Or his wraith ? No, it was no wraith that took her 'in his arms, held her in a warm, close embrace, and showered passionate kisses on her lips, her eyes, her hair. Mary, Mary I" he whispered hoarsely at last. I have come back to you from the very jaws of death itself-come back, dear heart, to find you still true —and free I" And Mary Barton lifted her face to his own, and repeated the vow she had just made to the photo- graph. I love you," she said—" I love you."

fc/VAR OFFICE INDUCEMENTS. The War Office has decided to offer at various pro- vincial agricultural shows £ 50 each for horses likely to make military remounts. But this will only bean additional benefit conferred upon the foreigner, who will immediately purchase all the good horses exhi- bited for this prize at a higher price than the War Office offers. Hence there is a strong movement in progress to establish State ownership of mares and t'oals. It is proposed that there should be a national stud of 10,000 mares, managed by the Hunters' Improvement Society, at the expense of the Govern ment.

LAD\ ROBERTS AND HER TRUNKS. That is a pretty story about Lady Roberts and her trunks, and men returning from South Africa vouch for its truth. At the height of the transport difficul- ties, in the teeth of the officials, she carried eight large trunks from Cape Town to Bloemfontein. Everyone wondered, everyone murmured. No one but Lady Roberts could have got the things through. The transport of stores had been stopped' for the time, the sick lacked every comfort, and those who were not sick were half-starved and half-clad. There- fore, when a fatigue party was told off to fetch those eight trunks from Bloemfontein Station things were t, said, probably about the "plague of women." But next day seven of the trunks were unpacked and their contents distributed amongst the Tommies, The clever lady bad snapped her fingers at Red Tape, and smuggled comforts through to the men in this way. One small trunk contained her kit.

RECONCILIATION. The Peace Memorial which the United States is erecting to commemorate the Cuban War is to represent Reconciliation," and is to be placed on the top of Look-Out Mountain, Tennessee, certainly a most appropriate place for such a subject, as the mountain is situated on the midst of the great battlefields of the Civil War. Look-Out Crag is about 3000ft. above the sea level. One can imagine the difficulty that will be met with in getting the monument, which weighs some 20 tons, to the top.

THE KING OF ITALY AND MUSIC. It seems that the young King of Italy, economi- cally inclined though he be in all other respects, in- tends to indulge in good music and plenty of it. Both the King and Queen are passionately fond of music, and Victor Emmanual III. has already engaged the composer Sgambati, who was the official director of Queen Margherita's private concerts, to continue his position as Court director of music. The present King of Italy is probably the first Prince of the House of Savoy who has taken an interest in musical matters. His grandfather, Victor Em- manuel II., frankly detested music, and said when the cannon were roaring at the battle of Solferino, That is the only music I have ever been able to appreciate." And his son, King Humbert, was of exactly the same opinion. He had no ear for music, and as to his singing, is it not told of him that when his beautiful Queen, being somewhat near-sighted, put up her glasses, the King, who disliked her use of them, used to say playfully, "Put that thing down, Margherita, or I shall sing "-a suggestion which threatened such severe sufferings that her Majesty obeyed at once. But it is a curious thing that in the land of music par excellence there is, especially among the upper classes, almost as much indiffer- ence to the poetry of sound as there is said to be in this country.

ANOTHER ANCESTRAL ESTATE PARTED WITH. Much interest will be felt in the announcement that Mr. Cuninghame Graham, ex-M.P., has sold the small ancestral estate of Gartmore to Sir Charles Cayzer, Bart., M.P., head of the Clan Line of steamers. Sir Charles will enter into possession of the mansion- house and estate in November. It is Mr. Cuning- hame Graham's intention,'it is stated, to take up resi- dence in London, and to devote himself more closely than ever to literary work. The estate of Gartmore has been in the hands of the Graham family for about 400 years, but it has never recovered from the impoverishment it underwent in the days of the pre- Bent owner's grandfather.

A REMARKABLE CLAIM. In Vienna Civil Courts the other day in a claim arising out of a. railway accident, plaintiff had received internal injuries through an accident. The medical experts said the shock of the smash had caused plaintiff's heart to change from its normal position to one lower down in his body. This theory was received with incredulity by the jury, but their scepticism was satisfied when they applied their hands to the man's ribs. Medical men say the sufferer may live for several years, but he will be more liable to heart failure, and will experience difficulty in doing his work. The plaintiff got heavy compensation.

"DEAR Mr. Jones," said a learned woman, you remind me of a barometer that is filled with nothing in the upper storey." Divine Amelia Brown," said he, you occupy my upper storey." MRS. GREHSE Of course you read all your hus- band's storieq Mrs. White (wife of the popular author): Oh, dear, no! They are nothing to the stories he sometimes tell me after he has been out of an evening."

BUSINESS A LEARNED PROFESSION The creation of a School of Commerce, Accounts, and Finance by New York University given a new and significant turn to a long Standing discus- sion concerning college men in business. There have been and are those, including not a few whose opinions must be regarded with high respect, to whom high culture seems incompatable with busi- ness success (says an American writer). They hold that the average young man enter- ing business is bettar off without than with a college education. The centrary belief is, however, much more widely prevalent, and seems steadily to be gaining ground. The number of college-bred men in business is increasing. The number of those who pursue college courses as a preparation for mercantile or financial careers is increasing. And the information, the training and disciplining of the faculties and the development of the manly character, which are the essential features of every worthy college course, are seen more and more to be factors that make for success in business as well as in professional life. This latter view of the case has long been taken by the promoters of higher education, and these, in the case of New York University, now manifest the full courage of their convictions by making special preparation for business a regular department of university work.

POSTED IN THE SEA. The inventor of the St. Kilda post, Mr. John Sands, is dead. He was a lawyer, and lived chiefly on St. Kilda, or the Shetland Isles. St. Kilda having in winter no communication with the mainland, Mr. Sands devised small buoys, of a peculiar shape, in which the mail was deposited. A buoy was thrown into the sea, and the strong currents sooner or later cast it on the mainland, where it was picked up and handed to the care of the nearest postmaster.

A UNIQUE NEWS SERVICE. There is one development of newspaper enterprise —though in some respects the phase involves a wrong description-which has received but little attention in this country. Now that the Post Office is bestirring itself in the matter of telephones, it is quite possible that we may see a novel departure in the furnishing of news. There is such an organisa- tion in Budapesth, where it has been in successful operation for over two years. It has about 6000 subscribers. The service has a main wire of 168 miles, which is connected to private houses and various public resorts. Between 7.30 in the morning and 9.30 in the evening, 28 editions are spoken into the transmitter, 10 men with loud, clear voices acbing as speakers in shifts of two. The news is classified and given in accordance with a regular programme, so that any subscriber knows when to expect the kind of news of interest to himself. A short summary of all important items is given at noon, and again at night, and subscribers are entertained with music and lectures in the evening.

I THE CZAR'S CHILDREN. Some interesting details are given by the Russian press of the manner in which the children of the Czar and Czarina are being brought up. The little grand duchesses spend the whole day playing, the greatest freedom being allowed them. They have no costly toys, because the Empress wishes to inculcate in them a taste for simplicity. The costly dolls sent by their great-grandmother, the Queen of England, are brought out only on great occasions. In their physical training the English method of hardening and rendering a child impervious to climatic changes is adopted. Thus, winter and summer they go about in sleeveless dresses, always white, and socks. The rooms are kept at a temperature not exceeding ISdeg. Centigrade. Even in the greatest cold they go out lightly clad.

BADEN-POWELL AND THE SCHOOLBOY. The following letter from Major-General Baden- Powell has been received by Master Hampden Sanders, age 10, who resides with his parents in Cavendish-place, Eastbourne, in reply to a letter written three months since congratulating the gallant General on the successful defence and relief of Mafeking All right, old boy. I will come and stay at Eastbourne when I come home, and we will take some walks together, you and I. You will make a good soldier, I expect but one thing you must learn before you can be a good soldier, and that is to be very obedient to your superior officer—that is, while you are a boy to be obedient to your father and to your schoolmaster, and to the captain of your cricket or football team, and when you become a real soldier you will know how to obey your officers in every little thing. It is no use being a big or strong soldier unless you are an obedient one. Well, good-bye, I hope I shall see you some day.—Your sincere friend, R. S. BADEN- POWELL." The letter is dated Rustenburg, August 20

SMALL BUT GALLANT. Holders of the Victoria Cross in the British Army, who have been a slowly dwindling band foi some years, promise to receive many new com- panions as a result of the Boer War. Seven years ago they numbered 196, and just before the out- break othostilities in the Transvaal there were only 155. The Indian Mutiny still accounts for the largest number of names on that roll of honour, no fewer than 42 recalling that year of heroic struggle. The Crimean War, which started the roll, now ranks second with South Africa, each claiming 25 names.

CURIOUS DIVORCE <3ASE. A curious case (says the Paris correspondent of the Daily Mail) came up at the Palais de Justice. The wife of a man employed in a business, finding that her husband's earnings were insufficient to enable her to indulge in the finery she desired, suc- cessfully urged her unfortunate spouse to rob his j employer. The woman then denounced her hus- band, and the sentence of three months' imprison- ment he received enabled her to divorce him and to marry a rich suitor who can provide her with the finery she laves.

NOT TO BE BURIED ALIVE. The great dread of being buried alive has resulted in the formation of a society in the city of New York known as the American Society for the Prevention of Premature Burial." The proposed charter of the society provides that physicians certifying to the death of persons in the State of New York shall sign a certificate prepared by the society, stipulating that tests have been applied to the body before burial.

WHISTLE v. PIANO. A popular novelist residing in a northern suburb has recently been much disturbed in his work (says the Chronicle) by his next-door neighbour, a lady who daily strummed through Handel's Messiah." His idea of the inviolability of the Englishman's house did not allow him to send in any message, and he was at his wit's end till he saw in a daily paper that steam whistles could be bought to fit on to a kettle spout. He lost no time in providing himself with one, and put the kettle on the fire in the room nearest the musician. As soon as the whistle began he went out. Of course, the bottom came off tha kettle, but it cost little to solder it on again, and after two or three solderings the lady took the hint,

THE great bulk of horsehair comes over to this country from Russia and Siberia, and merchants, principally German Jews, go over to the Nisni Nov- gorod Fair to purchase. The horsehair is then con- signed to English and German manufacturers, and j commands from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. per lb. What is known as English gathered hair-which grooms comb out of the horses' tails and sell to the marine store dealers, who in turn dispose of it to the manufac- turers—sells at Is. to Is. 6d. per lb., but is usually much tangled and difficult to work up.

PETTING A LION. A large lioness escaped from a travelling mena- gerie at Chartres the other night, and wandered1) about the streets for some hours before the escape was discovered. An old lady meeting the animal, and believing it to be a large dog, patted it on the head. The lioness followed the old lady for some time, when the alarm was raised, a panic seized the population, and everywhere women and children rushed into the houses and barricaded doors and windows. The lioness was ultimately found, very frightened, in a carpenter's yard, where it was easily- secured.

CRIMINALS' TOES. Dr. P. Penta has studied the fingers and toes of 4500 criminals, and, says the Popular Phrenologist, finds a deficiency in the size or number of toes quite frequent among them, although very rare among ordinary men. He has also observed that prehensile toes is a condition quite common among criminals, also a webbed condition of the toes, an approximation to the toeless feet of some savages. These observa- tions agree with those made by various investigators, who have found other deformities existing among the criminal classes, particularly misshapen heads, one- Bided faces, mismated ears and eyes, &c. The criminal is a degenerate type.

I CHINESE COLLIERIES. In describing the progress of the railways round Port Arthur, Mr. Consul Fulford, in his report on the trade of Newchwang, says that there are in course of construction a branch line to the coal mines 10 miles east of Yentai, on the section between Liao Yang and Moukden, and another 2 miles in length 2 from Wa Fang Tien, on the main line, eastward to the coal mines, at a place called Lu Sheng, 20 odd miles to the east of the city of Fu Chow, in the Liao Tung Peninsula. At the former mines little beyond the sinking shafts and other preliminary works have as yet been carried out, while at the latter the output of coal has for some time averaged 150 tons ft day.

THE MASSACRE OF MISSIONARIES IN CHINA. TERRIBLE DETAILS. The special correspondent of the Times in Pekin sends some terrible details of the massacre of mis- sionaries at Pao-ting-fu. Telegraphing on August 31 he says: The foreign community has been filled with horror at the news, tardily reaching us, of a massacre of missionaries, men, women, and children, in Poa-ting-fu, the capital city of this province, while under the protection of Imperial troops. Children were butchered before their parents' eyes, white women were ravished and carried into captivity, mothers snd fathers were tortured and murdered. Massacres by Red Indians never call in vain for vengeance, but, though Pao-ting-fu is only 80 miles from Pekin, the troops remain here inactive, their one thought and wish to be given work or be recalled from Pekin. Surely the civilised world will not suffer this cruel massacre to remain unavanged and raise no hand,to ascertain the fate of the poor martyred Christians and white women." THE MASSACRES IN 8IIANSI. The Tientsin correspondent of the Standard says that the massacres of missionaries in Shansi, at the instigation, and under the auspices, of Yu-hsien, the Governor of the Province, are now confirmed in every particular. The details are of a heartrending character; but a knowledge of the truth in England can have only a right influence on public opinion. I was present to-day (September 2) (adds the correspondent) at the official examination of a native Christian, whose trustworthiness is guaranteed by the missionaries now here. He arrived in Tientsin last night, and is under the protection of the British. Consulate. He relates the following facts Un June 29 the Misses Whitchurch and Sewell were attacked by Boxers at Hsia-mi-hsien. They appealed to the magistrate for assistance, but were told that the soldiery were there only to protect Chinese. The Boxers entered the house, stripped the two ladies naked, and clubbed them slowly to death. The magistrate afterwards had the bodies buried in the Baptistry. On the same date the mission at Tai-yuen-fu was attacked at the house of Mr. Stokes. The building was set on fire, but the inmates, who possessed a few weapons, kept the solders at bay for some time. Sub- sequently, they made their escape to the house of Mr. Farthing. One lady, a Miss Comobs (?), became separated from the rest of the party. The soldiers caught and beat her, and then flung her into the burning house. Tho remaining members of the mis- sion stayed at Mr. Farthing's house until July 9, when they received a summons to appear at the Governor's Yamen. The party included Mr. and Mrs. Farthing and seven children, Mr. and Mrs. Benvon (?) and children, Mr. Stokes, and seven others, whose names are as yet in doubt. FIENDISH CRUELTY. On July 31 the missions at Tai-ku were attacked by several hundred Boxers. Messrs. Clapp, Williams, and Davis fired on them from the roof of the houses, while Mrs. Clapp and the Misses Bird and Partridge took refuge in the outbuildings. Eventually, how- ever, the defenders were overpowered and killed. The heads of the whole party were hacked off, and, to- gether with the hearts of the three men, which the Boxers cut out, were sent to the Governor. At Hson-vang, on June 30, five English mission- aries, with two children named Attwater, were arrested by the magistrate, and placed in chains, with iron collars round their necks. In this condition they were sent in carts to Tai-yuen-fu. They were not allowed to touch any food during the journey. On their arrival at Tai-yuen-fu, they were sent first to the Governor's Yamen, afterwards to the Magistrate's Yamen, where the men and women were imprisoned separately, and all intercourse between them for- bidden. SLAUGHTER IN COLD BLOOD. On July 9, all the Protestant missionaries were called into the Governor's Yamen. The doors were closed, and the Boxers were ordered to slaughter them in cold blood, while the soldiers mounted guard outside. All were killed with swords, and their heads were afterwards set up in view of the people. In the course of the same day 40 native Christians were massacred, and on the following day the victims in- cluded 10 Roman Catholic priests. HACKED TO PIECES. un August ID, Mr. and Airs. Erice and child, Mr. and Mrs. Attwood and two children, Mr. and Mrs. Landgren (?) and Miss Eldred were ordered by the Prefect to leave Yen-chan-fu. The magistrate petitioned the Governor to leave them in peace, as they were all worthy people, and Mrs. Attwood was expecting her confinement, daily. The petition, however, was refused. The mission- aries were promised an escort to Tientsin, and started off, accompanied by 20 soldiers. When a few miles out they were met by another band of soldiers, and the missionaries were hacked to pieces in a dreadful manner at a signal given by the escort. THE GOVERNORS GUILT. All the above murders took place by the order, and within the jurisdiction, of Yu, the Governor of Shansi, the same man who assassinated Mr. Brooks. An informant brings an appeal for help from Misses Brown and Griffiths, four priests, five nuns, and five railway engineers who are shut up in Chunting-fu, el in this province. He last saw them nine days ago.

STRANGE EGG STORY. Dr. A. J. Schafhirt, proprietor of a drug store in Washington, fried an egg on the asphalte pavement in front of his pharmacy. The egg was done to the turning-point in 7! minutes after it was broken on the concrete by Dr. Schafhirt. It was then turned over, as a cook flaps a pancake, and was thoroughly cooked within 10 minutes. A little negro who was among the witnesses of the trick asked for the egg after it had gone the rounds, and ate it with evident relish. A hundred employes of the Government Printing Office, which is close by, watched the phar- macist oversee the egg-frying act.

BATTLING WITH CONSUMPTION. There is now every prospect that in a very short time provision will be made for the treatment of pauper consumptives by the new open-air method. At the last meeting of the Managers of the Poplar and Stepney Sick Asylum district it was reported that the letter addressed by the managers to the Boards of Guardians for the metropolis inviting representatives to a conference to consider the question, had met with a favourable response. Out of 28 replies received only three were adverse to the conference proposals, and one has 'accordingly been convened at an early date in October at the St. Martin's Town Hall. 9