Welsh Newspapers

Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles

Hide Articles List

7 articles on this Page

Our library Stable.

News
Cite
Share

Our library Stable. OUR OWN FinLsiDE. -London: Wm. Mackintosh, Pa. ternoster-row. This is a young periodical, not having been before the public, as yet twelve months. It is of the same class as Good Words," and the Sunday at Home; and is edited by the Rev. Charles Bullock, Rector of St. Nich- olas, Worcester. Like the publications we have named, it has a religious and moral tone; and its contents are adapted to the Sabbath, as well as for every-day read- ing it differs from them in one respect,—they are un- gectarian, whilst" Our Own Fireside supports Church of England views, and advocates Church of England principles: that is, the principles of that, section of the Church to which Mr. Bullock belongs,—the Low, or Evangelical, division. There is fiction, philosophy, natural history, poetry, and criticism, in its pages; and we see some of our contemporaries praise, very highly, the tale of Well Married," by Mrs Clara L. Balfour. As the chapters in the number now on our table, form the first portion we have seen of that tale, we can offer no opinion of it,-as we are not fond of beginning to read works of fiction in the middle of the story. -A paper entitled a Trek in Natal," from the journal of Mrs. George Hamilton Gordon—gives u. some interesting particulars of the mode of travelling in that country; and the subject is to be continued. We take from it the following description of an African waggon and driver Our waggon, after the South African style, is large and cumbrous, with a canvas covering, or tent, as it is called, and drawn by a span of twelve long horned oxen. Each of these has its peculiar name, which is perpetually being shouted out by the drivers. Colbert,' Plebat,' Scotland,' 'Artaveld,' Asman,' are some of the names with which we are now quite familiar. Their only har- ness is a wooden yoke over the neck, by which the two hind ones are attached to the pole, and the others, in pairs, to the long chain or trek. Our towtur driver April,' is a most characteristic-looking Kaffir. He is very black, with hair hanging in a number of short woolly tails, much like a housemaid's mop, sparkling eyes, and a wide mouth, often displaying, by a broad grin and merry laugh, a set of the whitest teeth. He speaks a few words of broken Euglish. The first day he was much amused at nurse's fears for our safety, and exclaimed—' Me too much laugh! Me too much laugh His dress consists of an old black wide-awake, in which are stuck some long feathers, very much after the fashion of an old Italian brigand, a short coat, and the outya-which consists of a number of tails or strips of dried skin dangling before and behind, suspended from a belt round the waist, ordinarily forming the only dress of the Natal Kaffir. A leather strap on his arm, and a pair of ox-hide garters on his bare polished leg, complete our driver's costume. Many of his coloured brethren are much smarter. The hair is worn worked up into most extraordinary shapes, sometimes looking like a small saddle on their heads, and at other times like a soldier's cap, surmounted by a leather ring, in which are stuck little ornaments, such as paper kives, stillet- toes, &c." ST. GEORGE'S ILLUSTRATED MAoAziNs.-London A. Hall and Co. This is a new periodical: and really we cannot say that it is wanted, for there appears to be quite as many shilling periodicals in the market as can find readers. It is as good as the St. James's," or Temple Bar,"—but not better. Two tales are commenced in it, My Friend Carl," by the author of Dr. Jacob and Lady Raven's Folly," by the author of The Chain of Des- tiny,"—and most of the other papers belong to the claita of fiction. One "A Walk through Sicily," gives us some pleasant glimpses of that island. Here is one of j them. The writer has been conducted, by a young wo- man, daughter of the landlady of the house where he passed one of his nights in Sicily, to the top of a hill, from whence, he was told, one of the most splendid prospects in Sicily was to be seen." Arrived at the summit," he says,—" I beheld a landscape, or rather a panorama, of almost unrivalled variety and magnificence. The sun had set, but the west still glowed with all that fervid splendour, which in southern latitudes, charac- terims the close of a summer's day, and the whole earth beneath was draped with those exquisite illusions which are created by the mingling of light with obscurity. Far away, on the hedge of the horizon, old dreamy towers and church spires reared their dusky masses against the rich red sky; which all the interval between them and the immediate foreground, was thickly dotted with ham- lets, convents, scattered homesteads, churches and groves, with small silver streams glittering in the faded light. It is worth undergoing the toil of climbing a hill, to be rewarded with such a prospect. The ST. JAMES'S MAGAZINIC .-London: W. Kent and Co. This is one of the best numbers we have seen of this periodical. It has the commencement of a tale by Miss Viodo., Only a Clod," which we think we shall like, as well as any we have yet read of that lady's produc- tions. There is, also, the commencement of another tale, Working in the dark," by Paul Feval; and a con- tinuation of the Dipplebury Scandal;" with seven miscellaneous papers-of which, we prefer, the Ad- ventures of a Queen's Messenger, and a "Week in War- wickshire and several pieces of poetry, better than the avenge. We recommend those who think England has no natural charm, and that they must wander abroad to meet with fine and pictureque scenery, to read "A Week in Warwickshire. There is much in that eouflty worth seeing; and so there is in every county In the kingdom. Warwick, the county town, was the last place the writer visited. As he approached it, Impreg- nable Warwick, massive and dark, flanked by its heavy walls, seemed to frown sternly upon the babbling Avon. Warwick Castle is to architecture, what the elephant is to animals-ungraeoftil, heavy; but of stupendous strength, built on a rock, which it equals in solidity and firmness." "Of allthe remains of the grand old feudal times, Warwick Castle claims pre- eminence. The unwieldy armour of the famous Guy is there to confute sceptics; and there, too, are shewn his porridge-pot, his wonderful flesh fork, and a rib of the Dun cow, the pith of her horns, and a tusk and shoulder blade bone of the wild boar. There, too, is Guy's tower; and from it you may look over a bright panorama, far as the eye can see, and count innumerable castles, and halls, and churches, and villages. It is such a view as none but a level country can present. You get War- wickshire at a glance; only a little distance lies its so- litary fashionable town, Leamington, with its boulevards and bath-houses; its archery and cricket-grounds." Southwards, there is Charlecote, embowered in trees; and, beyond it, Stratford; while, if you look immediately down, your eye rests upon vener- able walls and roofs, upon which centuries have sown moss and lichen till they are all green and gold. It was with such a view, that my happy week in Warwickshire ended." The CoRNHitL MAQAZINS. London: Smith and Elder. Miss Thackeray (the authoress of Cousin Phillia," and "Elizabeth,"—commences a new tale in this num- ber—" Wives and Daughters." The Lovers of Bally. vookan," is, also, a new tale, of which the first part is given. Margaret Denzil's History" is continued, and, we think drawing near its close. There is a brief, but succinct historical and topographical account of "Monaco;" "The Limited Enlistment Act," and the Morality of the Doctrine of Averages," are somewhat dry reading; but the account of the Tyrol Jubilee in 1863," is fine. Here is a scene at the church of Juns- bruck, the capital of Tyrol. "It was Saturday evening; and the Franciscan, or Court Church, was full of persons going to confession. That church is never without a congregation, silent, so- lemn, and patient; the crowned and sceptred shapes, which dwarf the name by their size, of emperors and queens, Rudolf and Arthur of Britain, Godfrey with the crown of thorns, and Queen Philippa, and Cunigunde, and other dames and heroes many, whether of history or f.tble, with the form af royalty apparelled, Kaiser Maximilian kneeling among them, on his gigantic mar- ble tomb, which yet is not his tomb. The faint light of the infrequent lamps before two or three shrines, gives an unreal mystic look to the, by day, too substantial images of bronze; and the air seems full of the low in- articulate whisperings of priest and penitent. All about are peasants, staring amazed at this great band of myste- terious champions that the art of Ludivico del Ducasum- moned forth, 300 years ago, to keep watch and ward around the hunters of the Tyrol. The rustics move about slowly, and you see many kneeling at the feet of, and perhaps praying to, these strange memorials of per- sonages half-enveloped in romance, or occasionally, and more fittingly, crossing themselves before the tomb of Hofer, as though he were a saint TEMPLE BAB.—London Temple Bar Office, 122, Fleet- street. This is a capital number of "Temple Bar;" which would be richly worth the shilling if it contained only the interesting article on Sir Laseelles W raxall's Me- moir of Queen Caroline Matilda, of Denmark; whose brief life was full of strange vicissitudes; and whose honour, and truth Sir Lascelles has ably vindicated. The three tales,—" The Doctor's Wife," by Miss Brad- don; Broken to Harness," by Edmuud Yates; and "Paid in Full," by Henry J. Byron,—are continued: and their are five other papers,—all good,—with one poetical effusion, which we quote. It is by Mortimer Collins. I MT THRUSH. All through the sultry hours of June, From morning blithe to golden noon, And till the star of evening climbs The gray-blue East, a world too soon, There sings a thrush amid the limes. God's poet, hid in foliage green, Sings endless songs, himself unseen Right seldom come his silent times. Linger, ye summer hours serene! Sing on, dear thrush, amid the limes! Nor from these confines wander out, Where with old gun bucolic lout Commits all day his murderous crimes Though cherries ripe are sweet, no doubt, Sweeter thy song amid the limes, May I not dream God sends thee there, Thou mellow angel of the air, Even to rebuke my earthlier rhymes With music's soul, all praise and prayer Is that thy lesson in the limes I Closer to God art thou than I His minstrel thou, whose brown wings fly Through silent ether's sunnier climes. Ah, never may thy music die I Sing on, dear thrush, amid the limes THE FISHERMAN'S MAGAZINB. -London; Chapman and Hall. This is a new publication, as the number before us, for the month of August, is the fifth one. The table of contents is a good and varied one, and many of the arti- cles are well-written, and are of great practical value to all lovers of the rod and line. All the writers seem to be veteran practitioners, and a mass of valuable infor- mation is given to Piscators, and in relation to rivers in England, Scotland, and Wales. Notes and Queries," and Fishing Gossip and Notes of the Month," are par- ticularly interesting. The Book of the Pike article is continued, the author of which is Mr H. Cholmonde- ley-Pennell, the Editor; and a paper is supplied by the Rev. M. R. Barnard, in which he raises the question- Will salmon and sea-trout attain to full growth in fresh water 1 From the writer's experience in Norway, he is inclined to believe that thty will, and particularly in ex- tensive pieces of water, where they can obtain plenty of fold, and he strongly urges his brother piscators to to make the experiment, The magazine is well-printed on first-class paper, and altogether, presents a respectable appearance. We cordially recommend it to all lovers of the gentle art." Williams's GUIDE TO LLANDUDNO. This is a re-print of a very valuable little book, pub- lished by Mr. Williams, Chemist, Church Walks, Llan- dudno, and who is the agent in Llandudno for the Original Directory," issued in connection with this pa- per. We have carefully examined its contents, and we must say that no visitor to Llandudno, and to the ad- jacent parts of Wales, should neglect having a copy in his carpet-bag; for it will supply him with every infor- mation he can possibly require, and which he will find considerable difficulty in obtaining in so clear and com- plete a form, in any other publication with which we are acquainted. It contains a well-written history of Llandudno, and of Conway and its celebrated castle, and also of Dyganwy Castle, on the Banks of the Conwy; descriptions of all the mansions, churches, antiquities, and all places of note and historical interest; the best and easiest way of making excursions to all the spots usually visited by tourists, in the Snowdonian range of mountains, with a short description of each place—what to see, and how to see it. Its title, in our opinion, is something of a misnomer; for although it is to all in- tents and purposes, A complete Guide to Llandudno," it is a great deal more, for it is equally a "Guide" to Conway, Llanrwst, Penmaenmawr, Llanberis, Capel Curig, &c.: and therefore, might justly have been en- titled A Complete Guide to the Tourists Visiting Llandudno and the most renowned spots in Snowdonia." The historical parts are written and compiled by the Rev. R. Parry, Congregational Minister, and breathe throughout a most patriotic feeling for the fame, honor, and glory of the Mother Land "—a feeling of the most absorbing kind with the great majority of the Cymry. In addition to matters ordinarily treated of in Guides, it contains interesting papers on scientific subjects pe- culiar to the locality, by eminent persons, namely, on the "Climate of Llandudno," by Dr. Nicholls, who in- sists that the town is eminently calculated for a salubri- ous winter residence; Geology, by the Rev: W. S. Sy- monds, F. G.S.; Botany, by Peter Inchbald, Esq,, Hud- dersfield; Seaweeds, by Mr. Sykes. Plas Qwynedd, ,wha has appended a list; Marine Zoology, by F. Drabble, Esq., Llandudno; Entomology, by C. S. Gregson, Esq., Liverpool, and R. Rimmer, Esq., Dumfries; Ornitholo- gy, by Peter Inchbald, Esq., Huddersfield; Concholo- gy, by Mrs. Sykes, Plas Gwynedd, and on Reptiles, by Mr. Inchbald, HuddersneM. We repeat that this Guide is complete of its kind, and no visitor should be without it. There are a num- ber of wood-cut illustrations of celebrated places but, barring; that they are tolerably good representations, they possess no particular merit. The Preface, too, is clumsily written, and is by far the worst piece of liter- ary composition to be found in the entire book. The ABBOW. No. I. London: J. C. Hotten, Pic- cadilly. Some" tricks of trades," or of the coterie connected with it, were played off to bring the first number of this periodical into notice. It was advertised as "The Ar- row," to appear once a fortnight; then as "The Arrow," a periodical which was to give utterance to entirely original views on politics, art, science, music, the drama, ¡\c.¡" and also to "CODtam a cartoon on the mOIIt fitting political event, besides other illustrations," On Wed- neiday, the 3rd inst., it was advertised as being pub- lished on Thursday it was reviewed in the Standard, and on that day and the next advertisement appeared in several papers, stating that The Arrow contained an original poem by A. Tennyson, Esq." On Saturday, the 6th, we met with Mother advertisement, informing the public that the poem alluded to was not an original poem by the poet laureate, but a parody on one oi his productions. These various announcements naturally excited some curiosity; and our London bookseller in- forms us that numerous inquiries were made of him, which made him to apply to his agents, but no one had seen the Arrow;" and to a direct application at Hot- ten's publishing house, the reply was, that it would not be published till Monday, the 8th inst. Some time that day it appeared-and for sixpence the purchaser re- ceived a small demy 4to of 8 pages, one of which was blank, and a second was filled with advertisements. If the five pages of letter-press (the 6th page is a cartoon) were of real metal-if genius and talent pervaded the few articles such a limited space could contain-why even in this cheap age, those who wish to encourage true and genuine merits would not object to expend sixpence, once a fortnight, on this new periodical. But as a li- terary work, it does not rise one degree above the penny Fun, or Comic Ntua; and dull as Punch is in his old age, he is still as sharp and pungent as the Arrow, which, we predict, will not live many weeks—unless it greatly improves. If noticed at all, we should have dismissed the 1I}.:c. row" with a very brief critique, but for the attempt made to excite an interest respecting it—an interest it does not deserve. We have noticed the prelimanary advertisements. These have been followed by a letter in the Standard of the 10th inst., stating that The Arrow" is merely the re-production of Tht Owl. a periodical which had only a few weeks existence; and the writer of this letter begs to draw attention to the parallel which exists between it and the famous Anti- Jacobin Review." That periodical, he truly informs his readers, was a weekly journal of poetry and prose, es- tablished by that admirable Crichton of litterateurs, Canning, to aid Mr. Pitt's ministry against their ad- versaries, by the weapons of satire. Gifford was the editor; the principal contributors, besides Canning him- self, were Lord Liverpool, Frere, George Ellis, and Whittaker; and the publisher was Wright, of Picea- dilly." This is true enough; and we may add that Palmerston also lent the Anti-Jacobin the aid of his pen, and keenly satirized the Whigs in more than one etia- sion. The utmost mystery was observed in the issue" of the Anti-Jacobin, says the correspondent; the contri. I butors leaving their papers on Wright's table, and an amanuensis copying them, in order "that the various handwritings might not be recognised at the printers. The "immoderate language" in which the contributors indulged at last, we are told, obliged Mr. Pitt to inter- fere, and the Anti-Jacobin, "after a short, but merry life of about 8 months, ceased to exist." This, the corres- pondent says, is a parallel case with that of 7he Owl, only from the ashes of the latter has risen, phoenix- like, The Arrow" Well, and the weekly Anti-Jacobin was succeeded by the monthly Anti-Jacobin Review, which, as a supporter of Tory principles, existed several years. This fact the correspondent overlooked. We have heard that the defunct Owl was the production of some of the War Office clerks; and it was'.intimated that it was suspended, because they were "gone on their summer excursions." This may be so; but as there is no parallel between clerks in the War Office, and men holding the position of Canning and Liverpool-or Pal- merston and Ellis—so there is not the most distantly conceivable parallel between the talent of the Anti- Jacobin and that of the defunct OUll, or its successor, "The Arrow." The Anti-Jacobin had also an object- the defence of the ministry; the Owl certainly evinced no decided purpose; and the Arrow" appears to have none. It satirizes the Whigs, but so it does the Tories; and its aim or object no one can tell. The editor tells us "it is not published for the purpose of supplying an obvious want.' It prefers setting up as a luxury, not as a necessity;" and to constitnte it the former it must be- come much more pungent than it is at present. In the five pages of letterpress which the first number contains, there is one clever contribution-the poem to which Banting's crusade against corpulence has given rise. That we quote- I "ON CORPULENCE. The town's in a panic, from peer to mechanic, Since Banting has issued his Tracts for the Times; That queer publication made such a sensation, That corpulence now seems the greatest of crimes. Folks fancy good-feeding a proof of ill-breeding, And stick to low diet through thick and through thin, Till they find their best coats, and trowsers, and waist- coats, Are perfectly 'done for,' if not 'taken in.' Each day it grows harder to find a good larder, And lean diners-out will, of course, suffer most; For those who are thinnish won't care to diminish What little they've got for the sake of the host. But the House of Correction will grant them protec- tion, Supposing society starves them out-ht; Where pickles and stealers, and all evil dealers, Are feasted like aldermen, morning and night. Sincerely we pity our friends in the city, And Mansion-house banquets act short in their prime, Where 'mid roses and myrtle, the love of mock-turtle, 'Now melts into sorrow, now maddens to crime.' If I were a sheriff I'd never be terrified Into adopting the Banting side tone; For I'd throw up my station in their corporation, Before they induced me to part with my own I "If you wish to grow thinner diminish your dinner, And take to light claret instead of pale ale; Look down with an utter contempt upon butter, And never taste bread till its toasted—or stale. You must sacrifice gaily, six hours or so daily To muscular exercise, out-door and in, While a very small number devoted to slumbei, Will make a man healthy, and wealthy, and thin I Take to mental exertion-fight shy of diversion— (Remember the proverb says- Laugh and grow fat); You may venture securely on Punch, becanse nurely There can't be much fear of your laughing at that. There's one thing remaining to finish your training, Suppose that your corpulence cling to you Oil], At night, after supper, read Martin F. Tupper-- If that should not answer, I don't see what will." We did not intend to write so much about The Ar- row" when we began and now we must, in justice, add a few words more. The contributor to Mr. Bright's paper, the Morning Star, who writes under the character of The Flaneur," alluding to this periodical, says- that" it is a very nice publication for those persons who revelled in the playful pungery of the ever-to-be-la- mented Satirist, or delighted in the pure humour of the defunct Town." Now dull and deficient in genius and talent, as the "Arrow" undoubtedly is, it contains none of the vices of the two periodicals named; and, there- fore, the disgraceful imputation should not be fixed upon it. BRITISH ARMY AND NAVY REVIEW. No. II. London: 9, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall. When we wrote our notices of the magazines last week, our publisher had omitted to send us the second No. of this periodical, which" e have now before us. It is scarcely equal to No I. The best articles are the 2nd chapter of Lee's second year of campaign in defence of Richmond," and Quits at the Finish." The other ar- ticles are useful, but they art excessively dull reading, and there are too many of them for one number. There is no subject referred to that does not demand attention, but we fear most readers will not like so much of utility forced upon them at once. They will require something more of amusement than they will find in the Review." If read only for utility-to ascertain what the position of the army and navy really is, and to learn how that position may be improved-then the "British Army and Navy Review" will exactly answer the purpose. The articles entitled Army prize," Our recruiting I system," "The Navy as it is," and "The English and French dock-yard systems," are all useful, and should be read by military and naval men. From that on the navy, we have great pleasure in copying the concluding paragraphs. The navy in its present state, if w,t what we would altogether desire, is, nevertheless, a most efficient arm. Among the 102 flag officers on the list, there are ad. mirals equal to any emergency-men of unquestionable nerve, experience, and undoubted ability. The same may be said of the captains, and of all other active officers; and it would be difficult tq find in any other profession, civil or military, at home 5r abroad, an equal number of individuals of superior ability. The officers are, as a rule, gentlemen by birth and education; in fact, it has been said, that the navy is the most aris- tocratic service under the Crown, tliere being more sons of members of the aristocracy in proportion to the num- ber than even in the army. Lata, wars have shewn, most conclusively, that for moral ind physical courage naval officers never stood higher. This fact has been displayed in India, where British officers and men, led by Peel and Lotheby, took part ii, every fray; in China —where, under Seymour and Hope, gallant deeds have been performed; in Japan-unie: Kuper, recently— where our squadron performed a feat of more thin or- dinary difficulty, and brought a powerful prince to his senses; and lastly, in New Zealand—where noble blood was spilt like water, to the deep regret of many; but all tending to shew that there need be no fear of degene- racy; and that whenever the opportunity presents itself, naval officers and nava! seamej will emulate the deeds of the heroes who have gonq before them. It would not be just to one of the moit meritorious corps under tih* crown, were we to diw%» this subject without special reference to the Royal Marines, forming a very important branch of the navy. Whatever honours are gained by the navy are invariably shared by these gal- lant sea-soldiers. Hand-in-hand go the red and blue jackets; and it is ever found that the marines fully sus- tain their historical character for loyalty, zeal, and steadiness. The Royal Marines number about 17,000; and a finer body, it is universally admitted, there is not serving the Queen." This is well-merited praise, both of sailors and ma- rines, in which we are certain our readers will readily concur. We have several other periodicals on the table, of which our notice must be very brief. GOOD WORDS, continues to be one of the best and cheapest works of its class. In the August number, Our First Week in New Zealand," and The Streets of Paris, are the most interesting articles, next to Mrs. Henry Wood's "Oswald Cray." The SUNDAY AT HOME and LEISURE Hourt maintain their character. Harlock Chase," in the latter, is a well told, most interesting story; and there is much good and agreeable reading in both periodicals. One of the best stories of the day, if not the best, "Lord Oakburn's Daughters," by Mrs. H. Wood, is publishing in ONCE A WEEK; and the" Adventures in the Wilds of the Connemara," are full of remarkable events. There are also several short tales in the monthly part; and a variety of articles on miscellaneous sub- jecta. The EVENTS OF THE MONTH is one of the most use- ful periodicals; as preserved on the book-shelf, it will remind you, in the future, of the events of the post The letters from" Upper Egypt;" "Rachel's Secret" Something about the Composers," The Gold Mines of British Columbia," and "Fitted for the Work, and best Fitted to tell of it," are papers which raise the cha- racter and increase the interest of this periodical. In the historical part of this magazine, the parliamentary debates are very carefully abridged; and will be a great help to a future historian, as the well compiled digest will save him the labour of time, which an inspection of the files of the Times, or the pages of Hansard, would demand. We have no room for extracts from these magazines, though all afford extracts well-suited for the columns of a newspaper. Books and Periodicals for Review to be sent to W. C. Stafford, Esq., No. 79, (late No. 4) York Road. Lam. beth, S., our London agent for the literary department of the Chronicle.

IRURAL ECONOMY.I

THOUGHTS. I

ON LLANFAIRFECHAN.I

U CYNHYRCHIOV BYR-FYFYR ARWEST…

I LIVERPOOL ASSIZES.I

IBANGOR AND BEAUMARIS UNION.