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

PONTYPOOL. POLICE COURT, THURSDAY. Before E. FOWLER, Esq. KEEPING BOXING DAY. John Gibbs, labourer, and John Cleary, collier, both of Pontypool, were charged on a warrant with assaulting Edward GallivaD, a collier, on Boxing Day. Evidence of arrest waa given by P.S. Bladon, who stated that the prosecutor was nnable to attend, he being an inmate of Pontypool Workhouse Infirmary, suffering from a fracture of the jaw and two broken ribs. On the application of Superintendent James a remand was granted until December 30th, both prisoners being liberated on bail in the sum of xio. Gallivan alleged that he received his injuries by being kicked, whilst Gibbs states there was no kicking. It was a fair fight, and Gallivan got all he deserved.

I Football. I USE V. MONKTONIANS (CARDIFF). Played at U k. on Saturday, and resulted in a Played at U*k, on Saturday, and resulted in a win for the visitors for the first time by 2 tries to nil. to nil.

USK V. CROESYCEILOG. This Match was played on Tuesday, before a large "gate." Usk kicked off and pressed imme- diately, and Fred Waters got through well. After a smart pick up he was tackled, but managed to get the ball away to Plummer, who scored a good try. Even play ensued for some time at half-way. Croesyceilog looked dangerous with a bout of passing, but a kick enabled Irvin Lewis to send play back to half-way. The visitors almost scored from a kick across by an Uskite, but Lewis came again to the rescue with a smart run. Half- time I Usk 1 try J I Croesygeilog Nil. I I Croesyceilog restarted and both sides pressed in turn. Prothero, picking up from a dribble at the visitors 25, scored a capital try, which Timms converted. The former was thrown heavily against the uprights, but resumed after a short stoppage, Croesyceilog attacked after this, and George Mor- gan scored an unconverted try for them. Towards the end of the game J. H. Marfell bad very hard lines in not scoring, making a splendid burst he was tackled right on the line. Final score:— Usk 1 goal 1 try I Croesyceilog 1 try I Referee-Mr. Frank Morgan. Mrs Fleming, of the Cardiff Arms, entertained the Uak term to high tea after the match.

St. Stephen's Day Run with the Llangibby Hounds. Boxing Day 1905 will long be remembered as an ideal footman's day with the Llangibby pack from every point of view-the weather, the large attendance arriving from all directions, the num- of mounts, and the enjoyable run amidst scenery varied and beautiful, all combined to stamp it upon the memory as a red-letter day. The Meet took place in Llangibby Village, and when the Ma.ster (Mr Hopton A. Williams) and the pack moved off, at a little past eleven o'clock, there must have been a field of between I 200 and 300 persons mounted, in vehicles, and afoot. The long procession of eager sportsmen formed a pretty sight as they wended their way up the drive to Llangibby Castle, and they were soon rewarded with a kill immediately under the old castle ruins. A second fox was then started in Tynycaia and afforded a capital run across to Cwm, skirt- ing White's and on to Kilfigan Oris, Panty- cuckoo, Coedean, through the golf course to the Rhadyry where a slight check occurred. Then hounds picked up the scent afresh and made for Wernhir Bottoms, Bnngham Wood, Little Cefu- ila, touched Coed Chambers, and Double Hedges, passed Coedypaen Schools on the way to the Prescoed, then revisited Tynycaia and Coed-y- fern and reached Llangibby Park Wood at about 4.30 when hounds were called off at dusk. Amongst the large number present at the start were Sir Arthur Mackworth and Miss Mack- worth, Mr, Mrs and the Misses and Master Micholls, Mr Clifford Cory, Rev- A. W. A. Williams, Rev. H. A. Williams, Mr and Mrs C. H Firbaok and party, Miss Edith Boulton, Rev. C. T. Salusbury and family, Miss Duckhain, who was awarded the brush, Mr A. M. Pilliuer, Mr Alfred Williams (Caerleon), Mr J. Birrell and son, Mr J. Hennessey, Mr St. John Beasley and Mrs Beasley, Mr Frank Beasley, Count de la Pasture, Mr and Mrs G. Masters, &c.

New Lord-Lieutenant of Brecon. The "London Gazette" contains the follow- Ing The King has been pleased, by letters patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date the 19th inst., to appoint Lieutenant-colonel the Hon. Joseph Henry Russell Bailey, D.S.O., to be lieutenant and custos rotulorum of and in the county of Brecon, in the room of Joseph Russell, Baron Glanusk, resigned.

All native-born and naturalised Danes over sixty years of age receive pensions of ten shil- lings to eighteen shillings per month, if unable to support themselves or their families. Australia has, proportionately, more churches than any other country, the number being 6,013, or 210 to every 100,000; England has 144 churches to every 100,000; Russia only fifty-five to the same number. t u CANDLE FOB TIGERS." Nightfall is an unpleasant period if* the village life of Korea, as a frequent loiterer in a village is the Korean tiger-a superb beast, with three inches of thick fur under his tawny stripes. The roads near the towns are free of these visitors, but many of the villages are in- fested with them. Quite a large item in the accounts of a certain small port north of Wonsan was entered under the heading of "candles for tigers"; the official explaining that he had to carry several lanterns every night when he went home from the office, in order to "keep off the tigers*" J

DRESS MATERIALS, &c., FOR THE MILLION. V Every Lady desirous of purchasing and wearing the JBBSSSfV at the lowest possible price, should see our sample patterns without delay. Astonishing VarietyT Marvellous Value.. DRESS FABRICS. From Sid. per yard. Double Width. Aqy Length. Cut from the Piece at WAREHOUSE PRICES All Orders Carriage Paid. Write for a range of Patterns, we send them Post Free, and do not require them returned, together with our Illustrated Price List of Personal and Household Requisites, Blouse and Jacket Materials, &c., &c. WONDERFUL SELECTION. LUTAS LEATHLEY & Co., Department 2A, THE WAREHOUSE, ARMLEY, LEEDS.

MONMOUTH. Agent.-—Mr.Catfrey. Bookseller. Monmouth. LORD LLANGATTOCK'S CHRISTMAS GIFT.—His Lordship forwarded a substantial cheque to Mr H. T. Simmonda for distribution at Christmas among the aged and infirm poor of Monmouth. THE VOLUNTEERs.-The Mayor of Monmouth (Councillor A. E. Jones) distributed the prizes to K Company, 4th V.B. South Wales Borderers, in the drill-hall. Lieutenant Cook, in the absence of Captain Entwistle, was present, and was assisted by Sergeant-instructor Holloway and Colour- sergeant Green. The prizes were in money and kind, and were awarded according to merit. Twenty-nine pounds had been subscribed. After the distribution the Mayor addressed a few encouraging words to the company, and com- plimented them on their efficiency.

eh "Therefore SI strongest." |1 M_H! j HOW TO MAKE SURE OF PURE COCOA. No cocoa is pure which contains substances not naturally present in the Cocoa Bean. Many of the so-called cocoas now on sale are merely cocoa preparations, containing additions of such things as skimmed milk, starch, sugar, hops, etc., which lessen the quality of cocoa, and therefore give an inferior beverage. To make sure of obtaining pure cocoa, ask for and see that you get Cadbury's." Cocoa is strongest when pure, and in its natural state contains all the elements necessary for physical well being. Cadbury's cocoa is abso- lutely pure, and contains no added ingredients whatever. There is no cocoa so easy of digestion and assimilation as Cadbury's cocoa.

NEWPORT. Age/ilt—Messrs Greenland and Co.. High Street; and Messrs. Joyce and Co., Dock Street. FATALLY SCALDED.—An infant named Charles Herbert Prior, aged eighteen months, the son of Charles Edward Prior, labourer, 33, Albany- street, Newport, died on Christmas moruing as the result of scalds which occurred the previous day. His father had been cooking the dinner and had placed a dish of hot gravy on the table. During his temporary absence from the room the child must have got at it and upset it over him. Dr Owen Morgan was called and attended to the injuries.

MERRYWEATHER ON WATER SUPPLY AND FIRE PROTECTION of COUNTRY MANSIONS. EXPERTS SENT TO ALL PARTS TO Report on EXISTING Arrangements. WRITE FOR PAMPHLETS: MERRYWEATHER & SONS, 63, LONG ACRE, LONDON, W.C.

I PONTNEWYDD. DROWNED IN THE CANAL. An inquest was held at Pontnewydd on Thurs- day week, by the deputy coroner, touching the death of Charles Hinwood, of 3, Nightingale-row, whose body was found in a pond adjoining the old Monmouthshire Canal on the previous Tuesday. Sidney Hinwood, brother, said he last saw Charles alive at 6.30 p.m, on Monday, when he appeared to be quite well. Witness had never heard him threaten to take his life, neither had he heard that he had ever said he would do so. Deceased, going home, would have to pass the pond in which he was found. Frederick Williams, landlord of the Bridge End Inn, said that when deceased left his house at 10 p.m. on Monday, he appeared to be quite sober. It was very dark at the time. Lewis Williams, farmer, said he saw the body in the water at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, and the lock- keeper brought it to the bank. P.C. Jones said he had failed to find any marks of violence or scratches on the body, and there were no signs of a struggle on the bank. Deceased was only about 5ft, in height, and the water at the place where be was found was about 4ft. deep. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death by drowning," adding a recommendation that Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold should provide an approach to their houses and obviate the now necessary use of the canal bank.

THE RPQT WAY of accomplishing* any 1I1C DMI 11A i desired end is acquired by experience. Thousands of users find WASHING AT HOME with Bradford's "Vowel" Washing Machines is the best way. Catalogues and full particulars post free from THOMAS BRADFORD & Co., CrcKccnt Iron Works, Salford; 130, Bold St., Liverpool; Victoria Avenue, Daansgaie, Manchester 140-HU, High Holboru, London

I GRIFFITHSTOWN. I CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WORKHOUSE. On Christmas morning a service was held at Pontypool Union Workhouse, the Rev T. Williams (vicar of St. Hilda's) officiating. A good dinner of roast beef, vegetables, and plum pudding was enjoyed by the inmates, A Christmas letter from the Pillow Mission was given to each inmate, and a supply of tea and sugar to all the women, and tobacco to all the men were given by the guardians. Mr W. P. James, C.C., J.P., chairman, gave each man 2oa. of tobacco, and each woman ilb of tea 4 and packets of sweets and snuff. Currant cake was given with the tea, and the children were provided with sweets and oranges. A service and sacred concert were held in the evening. Messrs. T. Williams and J. Morgan (guardians) addressed the inmates after dinner. The Panteg Artillery Band visited several parts of Griffithstown, Sebastopol, and New Inn, and played selections throughout the day. I

> x V V J IT ,s ABLE TO i y SUPPORT LIFE." —Lancet. ONE CUP OF COCOA. contains more nourishment tSfc than 10 cups of any ordinary ^cocoa, and is absolutely free F f WW\ In Tins, 9d., < f f J < Is. 4d„ & 2B. 6d.

I RAGLAN. I Ailent-Mr. Hopper, The Village. I PUBLIC UNIONIST MEETING.—On Tuesday even- ing a Public Meeting will be held at the Public Hall, Raglan, to further the candidature of Lieut.- Colonel Courtenay Morgan, who will himself ad- dress the meeting on current politics. Speeches will also be made by Sir H, M. Jackson and other gentlemen. The chair will be taken at 8 p.m. by Mr S. C. Bosanquet. All electors should make an effort to attend in view of the coming General Election. THE CHRISTMAS SERVICES.—The services at St. Cadoc's Church at the Christmas festival were- Holy Communion at 8 a.m.; matins and second celebration at II a.m.; and evensong, with carols, at 6 p.m. All the services were very well attended. The evening anthem was The Angel Gabriel," and the carols rendered were Good Kill2 Weil- tivree Kings of Orient are,- ana "The First Noel," all of which were well sung, At the close Stainer's sevenfold "Amen" was sung. The decorations, undertaken by members of the congregation, were, as usual, tasteful and effective.

TRELLECK. I INQUEST; AT MAEBTEO.—On Thursday, a coroner's jury at Maesteg returned a verdict of Death from syncope" in the case of Owen Pritchard (79). woodcutter, a native of Trelleck, who was found dead in bed early on Tuesday morning.

Mob Law in Russia. Little progress has been made in sup- pressing the revolt at Moscow, and in other parts of Russia thing look as black as ever. The Insurgents are showing a defiant front, and between Moscow and Perovo everything is in the hands of the Revolu- tionists, who run their own trains, and the entire personnel are Revolutionists. The Chief of the Secret Police has been executed by the Revolutionists, and the soldiers are said to be growing exhausted. ■■ —

9 THOUSANDS ARE IJMnc BKAVTORS'S Nrw Yown." WAMIKO SUCHUCM for WASHING AT HOME, end thereby mrlng time, wring labour, and sarin* the Clothes from nnneoeManr wear and tear. You can obtain full particular! ot thew Machines br sending a postcard to THOMAS BRADFORD & Co., 140-142, High Holborn, London; Victoria Arenue, Deanssate, Manchester; 130, Bold-»t., Iirerpool; or Orescent Iron Works, Salford. JJ

A Newbridge Fatality. An inquest was held at Newbridge on Wed- nesday by Mr M. Roberts-Jones touching the death of Mr Ellis Williams, J.P., who died as the result of being run over at Pennar Crossing on Friday whilst he was superintending the removal of a truck of manure which was being drawn by three horses. Henry Hemmett, a haulier, in the employ of deceased, stated that he was in charge of three horses at Islwyn Siding on Friday. The rail- way was a private one. Witness was with the front horse. The horses started, and he heard someone shout "Stop." The horses were stopped, but the truck had gone over the deceased. There was no one in charge of the brake, which was on the same side as the deceased. Witness thought deceased must have caught his foot in the rails. Dr. Bartlett said death was due to shock, following the accident. He thought a word of praise was due io William King, a signalman, for the way in which he had rendered first-aid. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

STATE SEALS. I The different important State documents are sealed with different varieties of wax. The wax used for the Great Seal of England is whitish in colour, and is compounded of oils and balsams from a recipe kept in the Lord Chancellor's office. The wax of the Great Seal and Privy Seal of Scotland, manufactured by an Edinburgh firm, is composed of resin and beeswax, coloured with vermilion. The Exchequer Seal is made of green wax, and is considerably softer than ordinary sealing-wax.

THE TRADE IN TURQUOISES. I The famous turquoise mines of Nishapur, in Persia, are farmed by the Muavin-u-Tujjar, of Meshed, in partnership with the Reis-i-Tujjar, for an annual payment of £ 5,000. He, in his turn, sub-lets all but a few wells. The mining is described as utterly primitive and unscientific, and, owing to that and to the fact that every Persian desires to possess a turquoise, good stones are dearer than at a London jeweller's, but inferior qualities and matrix rule lower. There is a considerable export of large light stones of a milky hue or containing white veins to India. These sell at most for 6s. per stone, and are, generally speaking, very much cheaper. Stones, known in Europe as matrix, which are termed arabi at Meshed, are exported in con- siderable quantities to that country. Prices rule slightly higher than the Indian stones, owing to the demand from Europe which has sprung up during the last two years.

STJPEESTITIONS ON CUTTING THE NAILS. Cut them on Monday, you cut them for health; Cut them on Tuesday, you cut them for wealth; Cut them on Wednesday, you cut them for news; Cut them on Thursday a pair of new shoes; Cut them on Friday, you cut them for sorrow; Cut them on Saturday, see your true love to- morrow; Cut them on Sunday, the devil will be with you all the week.

NATURAL LIGHTNING CONDUCTORS. The Lombardy poplar tree, it is said, forms a splendid natural lightning conductor, its great height and lack of spreading branches enabling it to conduct a lightning stroke straight down- wards. No house near which one of these trees has been reared has as yet been known to suffer from the severest storm.

THE TALMUD ON WOMEN. -1 lhe Jewish Talmud has these sentences about women: "A good wife is heaven's noblest gift. A housewife never allows herself to be disturbed from her work; even while conversing she is busily spinning. An old experienced woman in a household is an ornament to it like a pearl. He who lives in an unmarried state knows no joys, none of the blessings of home, and is without support. The man who stands at the deathbed of his wife feels like those who saw the temple of Jerusalem reduced to ashes, for the wife is the temple in which each man finds repose and quiet, where he rests after the labours of the day, and where he can give expression to his feelings, joyful and mournful. God has given to woman more ability of judging correctly than a man"

"A Famous MAKBIAGI! IVTARKET. A little volume, entitled Gretna Green and its Traditions," by Claverhouse," published by Alexander Gardner, Paisley, tells the story of this famous marriage market, and gives some accounts of the Gretna priests, of those who were married at Gretna, and of some Gretna post- boys. It is extraordinary to find that Robert Elliot, one of the Gretna priests, claimed to have performed 3,872 marriages between 1811 and 1840. They ranged from fifty-eight in 1811 and forty-two in 1840 to 198 in 1825. The amount of the marriage fee varied from the usual 2s.6d. to 100 guineas, or even more. There are two authentic legends, the one of a sixpenny and the other of a 2!d. wedding! One of the Gretna priests, named John Murray, was said in one night to have married sixty-one couples, and another priest" forty-five couples. Lord Brougham's Act of 1856 put an end for ever to the Gretna weddings. A

Britain and Venezuela. New York, Friday. As a result of the interview between the British Minister and President Castro the dispute:, between England and Venezuela. has been settled.

Fatal FaU from a Train. A passenger, supposed to belong to "Woolwich, feii from the Birken- head to Paddington Express last evening, and was killed.

Works Destroyed by Fire. The Works of the London and Rochester Barge Shipbuilding Company, near Rochester, were- destroyed by fire last night.

I British Mills Working. Private messages received in London to-day from St. Petersburg: state that all British mills in the Russian capital are now work- ing.

I The War Stores Scandal. The Central News is able to' confirm the statement that three- non-commissioned officers have been arrested in connection with the War Stores Scandal. The, prisoners will probably be handed' over to the civil authorities, and charged in the ordinary way- Further arrests are expected.

I A Local Political Surprise. Lord Arthur Hill has offered himself as parliamentary candidate, for West Down; his action has. created much surprise locally.

I The Weather. Unsettled, rainy weather pre- dicted. Printed and Published by TBB COUNTY OBSERVER," NEWSPAPER and PRINTING COMPANY, Limited, by JAMES HENRY CLARK, at their Offices, Bridge Street, Usk, in the County of Monmouth, Saturday ¡ December 30th, 1905.

NEWPORT. COUNTY COURT, FRIDAY. CHARGE OF MURDERING A WIFE. On Friday, John Langmead, 39, ship's carpenter, was brought up in custody, on remand. The charge was that be Feiomoiislv and of uialice aforethought did kill and murder his wife, Suan Catherine Langmead, in a room at Pretoria House, Alexandra-road, on or about Wednesday, December 13th. Mr Charles R. Y. Wallace (from the Treasury solicitors' department) appeared to conduct the prosecution Mr G. LI. Lloyd appeared for the defence. The prisoner's father, John Langmead, was the first witness called, but as he was stone deaf the words of the oath were written and shown to him. He read them, and, having repeated them, kissed the book. His statement bad been typed. He said he lived at 190. Caerleon-road. On Wednesday, December 13th, he went to his son's house about '9.15 a.m. He could not get an answer at the door, and got over the back wall. He saw his son, but not his daughter-in-law. On going there again in the afternoon about 2.30 he again failed to get an answer at the front door, and went over the back wall, as before. Witness asked his son to see his daughter-in-law, and was taken by his aon to the middle room of the house, where he saw deceased lying on the floor. He touched her on the forehead, and found she was dead. Witness went to the police station. His son had been strange in his manner for a long time. He did not betray any ern tion. He had always been a very good son and a strict teetotaler. P.C. Kinnereley spoke to his going to Pretoria House, where the body of the delld woman was found. Prisoner said his fellow-workmen had been annoying him, and it upset him. P.S. Bristow, who went with the last witness, pointed to the body lying on the floor, and said to prisoner, "Did you do it?" and he replied "Yes." P.S. Wheeler spoke to seeing the body lying on -the floor, with a piece of carpet over it. The '.head was upon a pillow, the case of which was .stained with blood, and the brains of the deceased bad oozed through the large wound on the head. Witness found a sledge-hammer weighing about "71b behind the gas-cooker in the back-kitchen. The floor of the room where the body lay was bloodstained, but there were traces that it had been wiped, and in the back-kitchen witness found in a bucket some house cloths stained with blood. Mr Walter George Williams, of Gloucester, a "brother-in-law of the deceased, spoke to receiving a letter from the prisoner, in response to which he went to Newport on Wednesday evening, December 13th, and had a conversation with the prisoner who voluntarily said — Mr Williams, forgive me. You know in the aight of Christ I loved the very ground dear Kate walked upon. I don't know why I did it, but the fellows at the docks have been worrying me lately. They have been playing games on the windows for the last five or six years. Dear Kate and I have had no sleep for that time, and she said she could stand it no longer, and I had to finish it. Dr J. J. Fuller, an assistant to Dr Hurley, epoke to examining the body on Wednesday jafternoou, December i3th. He thought deceased bad then been dead at least ten or twelve hours, and possibly 24 hours. The wound on the left Aide of the head was four-and-a-half inches long, driving in the bone of the skull to the brain tissue. There Was also An incised wound about an inch long behind the left ear. Prisoner was committed for trial at the next Assizes. POLICE COURT, TUESDAY ALLBGBD THEFT BY A PAINTBR. Henry Reardon, described as a painter, of Caerleon, was charged with stealing a poker, two counterpanes, a blanket, two antimacassars, and a few sundries from a detached house known as Firbank Cottage, Christchurch, on December 23rd. James Duokham, son of Mr Dackham, of King's Yale, Cardiff-road, and his father occasionally occupied the house. He shut it up securely on Saturday about five p.m. Witness identified a poker which had been taken from the prisoner at Caerleon. P.O. Bole stated that on Saturday night, about 10.30. be saw two windows broken at the house and the back door open., On going to an out- house he saw some goods packed up in a pillow- .slip. At 10.45 the same night he arrested the prisoner. Another man, who was with prisoner, ran away. Prisoner was remanded until Saturday.

New Year, 1906. I What do you bring to us strange new year ? We welcome your coming with bells that chime, Our hearts beat fast with their hope and fear As your tide rolls in on the shores of time In midnight darkness that seems increased We keep our vigil and watch and wait For the first faint light in the cold gray east, Passionless, pallid, and full of fate. Wealth or poverty, loss or gain, Health or sickness, ah who shall say, Sweet contentment or retless pain No man knoweth, no tongue can say, No man knoweth, no man would know, Duty done shall be sure reward. Welcome angel, and be it so, With olive-branch or with shining sword. What will you take from us ? now I feel As one who shudders and fain would flee, And my breast seems bare to the cruel steel, 0 take no loved one away from me. And the New Year answers from realms afar Where silence broods that no echoes break, As he sweeps in splendour from star to star, Of myself, I nothing can give or take." BENJAMIN GEORGE AMBLER,

I TRACING A WOBD. Though the bankrupt is so common among 118 nowadays, few know whence he derived this un- enviable cognomen. It is among the most interest- ing of words with histories. Lombards, the money-changers of Venice, sat on benches round about the plaza of St. Mark's. Banco is Italian for bench. When one of the money-changers defaulted, the others fell to and broke his bench in little pieces. Afterwards he was known as "banco- ruptb," that is, the man of the broken bench. Hence comes our word "bankrupt."

LLANLLOWELL. I FUNERAL.—The funeral of Miss S. C. Bucking- ham took place at Llanllowell on Friday in last week, the Rev. H. Cockson (rector) officiating. The coffin was of old English oak, with brass fittings, and inner lead shell. The inscription on the breast- plate was: "Susanna Churchill Buckingham, Born March 6th, 1820, Died December 18th, 1905." Wreaths and flowers were sent by Miss E. Buckingham, Col. and Mrs. S. R. Berrington. Miss G. Buckingham (niece), Mr. R. Berrington, Mr. and Mrs. E. Waddington, Mrs. Waddington (Glen Court), Rev. and Mrs. H. Cockson, Dr. Hackett, Mr. and Mrs. Maddox, &c. Mr. R. A. Rogers, Usk, was the undertaker. ■

What to a workman without good Boots t @Tha •ON DVTY BOOT Bold Everywhere. Aak your Bootmaks* for them, or send 12/a P.O. (poet free) to SEED BROS.I I No Risk! Money back HALIFAX. I If you dont like them»

FACTS AND FANCIES. I France allows her soldiers to cultivate gardens in any spare barrack, and to help out their rations by growing vegetables.

POWERFUL WHIRLWIND a. Travellers in the celebrated Death Valley of California have described the wonderful contor- tions of the sand pillars that small whirlwinds sometimes send spinning across the hot plain. Even more remarkable are the dust devils" seen by Mr. F. Witherby, the English explorer, in the valley of the White Nile. Sometimes two of these whirling columns, gyrating in opposite directions, meet, and if they be well matched the collision stops them and a struggle ensues as to which way they shall twist. Gradually one gains the mastery, and the two combined begin to gyrate alike and then rush on together." Some of these whirls will strip the clothes from an Arab's back, or twist a goat round and round like a top.

PHILOSOPHY OF THE WEEK'S WASH. They that wash on Monday have all the week to dry. They that wash on Tuesday are not so much awry; They that wash on Wednesday are not so much to blame, They that wash on Thursday wash for shame; They that wash on Friday wash in need, And they that wash on Saturday-ohl they are sluts indeed.

ORIGIN OF THE CUTLERS' FEAST. The Cutlers' Feast at Sheffield is said to have originated with the practice adopted by the Earl of Shrewsbury, who died in 1616, and who used to allow the apron men," or smiths of the parish, to go into Sheffield. Park and carry away as many bucks as they could lay their hands up- on. They would sometimes select about twenty, Ofi which they feasted. There is a verse which runs: While early in September, by leave of their great chief, These apron men, the cutler smiths, for bodily relief Were yearly sent to Sheffield Park amongst the antler'd deer, And told to slaughter what they could, and feast with wine and cheer. The basis of this conjecture is the survival of the habit of neighbouring noblemen sending presents of venison to the feast.

A HAUNT OF "DICK TURPIN'S." I It is not generally known that the old Sara- cen's Head, at Warburton, Cheshire, is asso- ciated with the history of the famous Dick Turpin." Yet on the first floor the visitor is shewn a quaint old bedroom in which, it is asserted, the highwayman slept when roving round that part of the country on one occasion. In the room, fastened by a chain to the window- ledge, is an old iron spur, the" star" of which is about two inches in diameter. This, it is said, was left at the inn, probably by an oversight, by Turpin. Whether he had to abandon it in a hurried flight from the officers of the law, pur- suing hot on his track, is merely a matter of surmise. The house, says the Manchester Courier, is a place of considerable interest to Americans, by whom it is largely visited.

WHAT THE EYES TELL. Dark eyes are indicative of strength of charac- ter, truth; courage, and honour. Very large and transparent blue eyes shew great common sense and a ready capacity for overcoming difficulties, but deceit and jealousy. Green eyes are expressive of courage, eager- ness, and enthusiasm. Grey eyes are indicative of deceit, irritability, and indecision. Large, prominent eyes, covetousness and greed; but those tapering to a fine point on the opposite side of the nose are indicative of great talent, almost accounting to genius. Small eyes, deeply sunk in the head, denote a love of intrigue. Elegance, taste, discrimination in all matters connected with art, self-respect, and quiok dis- cernment are manifest in the case of bright-eyed people, whether the colour be black or dark brown, blue or grey, but the lids must open wide and the eyebrows be well marked and sharply defined. Wide-open eyes are indicative of rashness. Those that are wide apart shew an intelligent; mind and a good memory. Eyes placed close together denote pettiness of disposition, jealousy, and a love of fault-finding,

Murder and Suicide. At Belfast last night, a carpenter named Windrun, murdered his wife- and committed suicide. Their bodies were found in the kitchen, where their baby was peacefully sleeping. The man had been out- of work.

Hanged To-day. John Silk, a labourer, who murdered his mother, a cripple, at Chesterfield, was hanged at Derby to-day.

Drowned while Skating in Germany. Berlin, Friday. Five boys were drowned while- skating yesterday near Werdau.

I English Steamer Ashore. The name of the English steamer ashore at Peniche, Portugal, is, zn 7 The Leven of West Hartlepool, not. Runswick as at first reported.