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Poetry.,,_W-..'4''./'''- -…
Poetry. ,_W- .4' THE WIDOW AND HER SAILOR BOY. I ■|l„, wintry howl of the cold north wind ,I,ilis titotii, December night, t.ikr it weird knell tills my troubled mind, >), iking me ilreatl the liglit I is:'it of morning, that may to me IJi iii; darkness full from that cruel .sen. Kor they say my boy's ship wasseen On vun bay's distant vertre,  .)a? ;.s the t?upust's t;Mt whistle Keen Was heard athw?t thi' surge _.j,j Tis .nidni?ht n?v. and the st"r1l  W1 Aii(i ?tritggl:ng t).?- is in\ .M'nR ?' Yes, straggling th?.t.???. And vet no hell' i",m t:u?lYt?tt.n:n'? ''f Th?t Herceb )'n"? ?' I, II ¡':lre lilY ',I;¡rli!,h;e l)lt,Y :Y 1'- ?<t ??'h'X?M )nv ?:?'? ? .? ?' ? '? to iny <o»l try ,<.v..?'K H J, tlie rude sea calm the angry sky, >Ku-k m «>«• heart'* joy." t{,,t. ?" H' no succour gives to mo: siiom-e dead I) painful mystery v • •* vi,.miii!; is come, and with it a sunny calm— A caliu for the s":L, Yet no calm for me, Hitt i %IllltlLltl )i(,iii,t, for which there is no halm For, there's a wreck oil the strand, And a corpse close at hand, And tin* neighbours are whisp'rins 'tis my darling boy, fit, II ho was long my sad heart's liht and only joy. liut Dh ■ his gentle face I try to see in vain, and heart alike are darken d hy that cruel main. 0 Cod, this storm will make a hopeless wreck of me, I'nlr-s Them take the helm and steer me close to '1 hee. .UOKLWYN.
THE JANUARY MAGAZINES.
THE JANUARY MAGAZINES. Th, Dttil ofKrst is to I Hi published in a cilell) recklv form at a penny, the monthly issue being l.iintid on thicker p:iper, at sevenpence. 'SI James Magniiiu' has further chapters of Mr ll-.vi ley Smart's not very exciting story Sun- ..liinc .iiid Sno« and wo lmvi' alsii a, new novel, ••Tlie-Forest of Telford," to which 42 pages are .looted..Mr Moggridge writes another instal- his sketch of Louis XI, and while Mr Hiivue chats on MrW. Morris, as one of our -Ni I. Arthur Dobson reminds us of 1 llltlfll. fl.l., ittt-ii poet of sweiety." (i;;c of the latest additions to Messrs ('resell, iVtUr. and Ualpin's serial works is all illustrated ilf llii-wi-Tiirkish War, uniform with »j th" Fm.H'o-lUnaan War, by the "¡11 author. The new history, like its pre- ,i, a. is Jirofusely illustrated w ith maps, por- of illei(telits in the cam- while the It.ttc..prts, so far as can he itf fii from the first number, is a concise and im- t; hi-tory of the cause and events of the W ("i-i iliblttiiii's bright little novelette—A \VHt, Wind Flower, in The Charing Cross Afa iir.iM has rim its course, hut Mr Hatton only ■ii.-s :1 very instalment of The Queen of I'lih.-iiiia." Mi i ut-en well reviews in a friendly manner Mr Kilward Maitland's hook on his INvuimlo^-ica1, e.xperi-net.s, lie bein- followed by a neat paper Wives." Mr Bellamy con- tinues his Sliab-sperian Sermons," and the has other iteiiis which assist in making it i iiotett'oi'lJn- olie. The Sunday MuturJtw has a further instalment "i .\¡j. Heslia Shetton's new story Dr. Allon I'.inti'i-aites ;t timely New Year address, Miss tht- first paper on "The Heart .11:<1 it- ilctil iiii, I A li ver Side Visitor narrates rarM.n's Experiment." The Missionary ''tells us. in cheering terms, of the progress „it-i.(ii',v]ic,a! labours in ('eylon since 1800. Dr. AI.I.dcl' ] adl:'Oll writes the Sunday evening j.v.es for the ciiildi-eii, which continue to he a special attracti ve feature. The present (tiiv our neighhonv, Mrs W. E. Gladstone, unv.ilescent Homes, in which is included a A-'Uii of the Woodford Home, so intimately with Mrs (lladstone's honored name. has, after a long interval from the ninth article, a tenth contribution on Natural in which it is attempted to be shown nhc.vthe instinct on which we pride ourselves in jithitical contest s apparently deserts us in iviy.ms contests. The conclusions arrived at by lilt writer arc, however, in the main, satisfactory. It; iilaiv of a serial story (" Youlll, Mwgrare li.-i; ■, I'oiicluded in the December number, and the "penile chaiiters of the new story being post- to the February issue), we lind two short -k.-ti he-. The mmi ber also contains a paper by ,\1.. Norman l.otkyer, on "Ears and Eyes," a prepared paper oil Families and t'ln "d" in India," and some notes of Mchliemamvs NI N (,.ii;e 'iiv the tli(, T. H. Mahaffy, some- «ii,it severely criticising tiie learned explorer's dews, and subjecting Mr Gladstone's ideas to a like adverse comment. I !<■; I lev. I. liullock s three magazines hegm the Ne a Yenrwith full vigor. In The Firtside we have two new stories, a seasonable meditation by the Kev. F., Dale, a romance taken out of the 'MK I-ally thought humdrum pages of the London l>iivctory. by the Kev. ('. W. Eardsley, notes of tlu- Sacred 1'4 if the ()lden Time," by the 1: II. Wilton, the Hi-tory of Modern Witchcraft," t»y the I'teN-. -T. W. Bardsley. wi'-iit'e iind art notes, topographical sketches, and "tli-v iteni", together with a sprinkling of poetry jini j'ktmvs. In thn Dai/ of I)alis the Editor • with a jHtpcr on "The Pr'xHg?I Son. Mt- H;n\?I has a New Year poem, and there "t'.nTvaluable papers, notes, critical and! <iiHtci'Y. Bible exercises and other useful The same careful editorial supervision is a!i;j.i;>in H' Wtjyrt#, which has a yo(".l ("iti.f the a frontispiece.
,\¡17 HLIUSTOPHKI; DA VIES'…
,\¡17 HLIUSTOPHKI; DA VIES' NEW I I Da vies, formerly of Oswvs- ji'y, ha- added two contributions to the rapidly ii!i ;<ing muubi'i' of works front his jien. 'ITioso "i i'- veuug readers who have revelled in the -ti'ii. and adventure." narrated in his former i.f the kirn] uill li.-j.il with pleasure tlie of anoth-r book Wi'/ilrat or the ad- 'I't ire of four in pursuit of sport ami »;it'!rnnibt'irv in tlie North ('oiuitry. Wildcat l»wer is one ni the old Northumbrian Peels, the !??"'?y of t\ut the boys, and they with two "■n-i'.>. ;uv domiciled in it, with a tutor. They t-o)c;tl J?t?ishLtt)?? j?, namby pamhy N"Kn;ster.s, but iield and ilaring, Jleyer n ha]ipy ?'.?huntr?.?..ntu?nsh!n.?,:mdth<-li)?.! bii'book is full of )))tt.;?)??,??j.(;??.])t,, uatt I history in various phases, and exciting ?'?'?-vit!!j?..icLt)?..tt.c)'h))!itin.!?,:tndthe hi; As iniloiii'amusement for wet days, there :i capital chapter on amateur photography. '.?".t?!hy.r E. H. Dnvies,the:mthot? "?\.?n.,?hf.)]t))y books for blls than >ii- .'l-ii its predecessors have ever been issued. 'Ict'l'ly entertaining, they must awaken !?'•" l !l ;l l'.»-sing interest in the many atlrao- I'lvsi-iited bv nature on all hands to the .)'wh.?j),?)j,. j'?j?;];?p?],} ?)?' 11e" 'n-.?. ?. )?;t)]y (.u?'atu!ate Mr Davif?  '"yyi'-UKist recent addition to the "ene", an,1  -?" ?:th?t his eon^tituenev of reader.' a'nl liL'lil.v interested and heneHtted i, he:u')!)? Mr Davies" name i n ?;??' i-.of an entirely differentcliaritct-er. I, 1  f Ho)i: d v: d u'u)  ? "t doubt it is one of eipia l va 1 ue, and ••'i'l.Vji w.-mt appreciiibly felt by liinnv. ?'"?['t- of tfixiix, the J[",<r/ ?tr Davi.s, '?'?'?ot't)),andmt.'trit."d pani|»lirast; of j |i '1st,ry, has attenijited, and we 1. jl M :1 ,t, '1' l:!s att''lIljlt!¡, ;1!I,J we t llI.l;  '?'?L'd?!Linre-p)'odu('i:)?a))dh'tnno!ti. '(?.)i?rs of onr Lord's life ii 1 '?''t' Perhaps we can s ho? ])t.tt?- ?:t- 'I I f n |, I !| ka if we re-jirodtice his prefatory. bitter tliiiii the :!idlio:' that t-t1Ï. WÙ} i ""II.t' > 3 li t'11'1 ;<i ;• t<» Literature !)?t?? )?"?,S.n.<ni.) t lat. 1I,in" in Vl'rse of :.r..))si(')? (.jW ,[ Ti' i!U l 11V'1- '!1 vt'i'so of a re l igi on.- r'\d">. it. )?"'nrtn. :„„„ lnph' to In'jug- ,?, r' 1 ll' "I ♦'Irtf.; 1' ^ll111* Nevtrthelr>s there ?..ncdt.. r,ls"n for ludawiiin- i,. To the frreiit '"?'_? "T' Hr '-Hi" isn.jnm1.lt.. •le 'r'1*11roiifaHed '?' _• 'h?'/ v, emne, !<!M.llml it ,nnielltN (.f ?.?'?,?.?,,??? terrifyh,* • .?""t),itth.. )?,) bctt?' not    i t'lt.' '"Otters whkh he ])10fes^es .—?'?.st.h studied the !I! 1: HJl'o :J!Jd wall ii df':O"llt regard to the ':lirinci' nli"V- '1) 'I'deii'v. and lie innst an»«vr. N .f i, '?'?''?"<'?'<-I'?' 11.U'' •S !s annum the crowds of •SI)rn:t',> wli,> Jfiibly and t-illz _iilllv :tl;.l .?,. ?''?'?-?'?i?ti?n?,?:.stov.)?? 't;)?..nr.a,?, Tht.?.nt??f.'r the New Testament, more par- j 1' 'i":ii,. '■ "TV:. tlli f.ill?-ent t-, 'lJ. l' tl,1:11 thl'n' art' iUIII' ¡lIstl':lI! ,i un'. :1I;,l ?,?""t'?"? o"<?a"? '?'- '•"■niv ji. 1' V".V«I road to learning, I .11'\ fi "1 here f .?.thnt!).?i..n? ,„ ■i l l, "s 'sely to tile Sacred Narrative :^t 1,1 'Miie for the sake of t]K.?unr. r, r~r- has, accordnialy, pre- 1| !«Ki|»hr:is«. which he trusts may he I ( '?'"?'t,]..< hy the young, and a hy the old. It is al expi-ri- ? "t  ?"'  ''y t ''L?. < t tt i sa))ct.p. 'u ii'iii it lines not matter if it fails, as far. '?""?'?"'?'-?'?"'f? ? [,?. .) J '?' I f tl .,Il (It.itel, (If the various in- '■•'H'ts !«'Vi.. ":r'ative does not matter very u.uch '??)/ t? Y   '?'? t ?'?' ?': tli-r 1's,ed '?'?''a?"pt the or.i-r1 '-?".i'?:?'"?)" "PI I' I' I the ork does in verse what "'II" "I' II t 1at t It' "I'I;: rloes III 1'1'1''1' wL1t '?. j/"?'as so ahiv executed in prose. We ''j' T-'r' ?nter into further detau-f. '?.  r,L. k £] t  .s.  utas, .'?,r?""?"?"tt)t.)ts we ouotetheacc..u:it ''ontents we puote the account ;or'istn'nuphia) entry into Jvru- i h. "ntutLt'na1 I "-?"?)<.) the Iiist  !V^U'the Saviour rode. !'Vt"v' '"mid them flowed A'),?"?'?ttoit.vast '\Ul"'I!,p"J't I 1 I ) K\ci hotly shaken ?ith"t?.! ""?uutpntises.whne  I t1  ? "?' "'th ''ranches taken t-'iriin ti,f tm'* '• and even spread "?'<eathH?tr(-ad. 'j tt1iili-If1' 'r' 'i"1''1' niHilr), ,Ii l'tl \'1 ¡ I lO'e t  'the Citv out, I ?-?it!. '•l.e;'tiJ, ,Ti '"Howed rent with shout, ').??'  '1." ,11/1'1 t 1_, () '!l) hath t' ?'??"?son, ?'"h h ""K''? w'mders done ? t- ? .?,  ¡"II'I,/ ¡¡tit/I') H'«ann B e(IIe liiii?, ;■"tidlv let H I"'uses nag; 1 ;|st tilf. f. 'H:uu'hes down, ^e;ive a i uf h ':l,r '•d to crown   ?.?'?ty?<.r<). ?"?Hip?ss?Yithnecbrd." <
London Gossip. I
London Gossip. I (From our own Correspondent.) I 1 fl' t. t th Amid the eonnlcting rumours a. to the attitude of England. Russia, and Turkey, the position I changing almost every hour, so far as we can judge by the latest report as it arrives, there is an I increasing feeling that the British public will not know liir exact po-ition until Parliament meet. The hastern (Question will, of course, be at once discu''ssil. It will form the leading topic of the 'roya:meage-ca.nnot!'aythequeen'l> speech, for Her Majesty will nU open Parliament in person it will l,e dealt with m moving and seconding the Address to the Throne; and it is almost a certainty that Lord Beawinsfield in the Upper House, and Sir Stafford Northeote in the Loiver will definitely state what has been done by Ministers, and what they intend doing; besides which the (,fficial correspondence between Eng- land, Ivussu, and Turkey will, it is presumed, be laid oil the table of each House. Till then, as far as can at present be seen, it is not desirable to draw too decided conclusions from what we suppose to be facts, Since the commencement of the Eastern com- plications there has existed a tendency to ex- iterate the importanceof Ministerial utterances, and to regard them as eni^nas whose occult meaning may be extracted by the exercise of a little ingenuity. It is wonderful what different interpretations have been put upon Lord Carnar- von's plain-spoken words to the Cape deputation. The J)<.•>/ Telei/raph out-Herods Herod, In its eagerness for war it now stands alone anion" journals. While even the PalI Mall Ga:ctte sees nothing to light about so far, the Telegraph, for some strange reason, regards the Kussian reply, which was politeness itself, as an insult to Eng- land. The Paris Figaro, which is excellent fool- ing, tells us there is a peace party and a war party in London, and that they may be known b. tii(- hats they wear, the peace party wears silk hats, and the men of war felt or billy cocks —I suppose on account of their being more flex- ible, and, therefore, better adapted to campaign- ing, should the necessity arise. But the Fhjiro might have tried a simpler test of getting at the statcof public feeling in this country. A Lond^ oner is as the newspaper he reads. Insects, we know, take the colour of the leaves they feed on. and the broad hheet behind which a man en sconces himself in train or tram on the way to the l iry is a surer index of what he is than either hat or coat. The apparel oft proclaims the man but in our day it is more the print which he daily 1I diets oil. When so much has baon said about British: interests in the Dardanelles and where not, it is j perhaps as well to begin at home. The condition of the iivn and coal-workers in some of the Welsh mining districts is horrible, and the state of Sheffield is little, if at all, better. Trade, in fact, has reached the point of depression when men get reckless, and almost cry out for war as a chance of something turning up which may be good for them. if not for trade in general. I meet almost daily, not youths merely of the I hampagne Charley order, but serious sober men who read the Daili/ Telegraph and seem to relish its morning drams; and these are the men who. if not loud for war, at least on the sly wish for it, as it might lead to a lavish expenditure, ana so do them good. They read a war leader anù enjoy it, much as they would do a drop of Pi(--I, me ul), or some bitters when in for a day s work after a hard night of it. It is a bad sign when men are not afraid to flee from one eiiil and face a greater. Bit by bit, Temple Bar is disappearing, to the great delight of a gaping crowd which daily chokes the diminished passage of the city of London to Westminster, and renders locomotion of every kind well-nigh impossible. As far as can be judged, the work of demolition is being done with the tenderest care. Every numbered cube of dirty, grimy stone and weather-worn ornament is removed with the circumspection that might be supposed to distinguish a surgical operation of the most delicate description. The pieces are there- upon gently lowered and placed on one side, for removal to a space of vacant land in the neighbour- hood of Belle Hauvage Yard, there to await further removal to whatever ultimate destination the Corporation may decide upon. We can breathe with freedom. The Bar is not to Qisapjieav. Country cousins may yet see it. We are never tired of boasting of the improve- ment in our national manners, as compared with those of our forefathers but much might bo%said on the other side. ()f one thing I am absolutely certain; that were prize-fights allowed, the crowd who would assist at them would be as numerous and as blackguardly as ever. I hope, therefore, that magistrates generally will follow the example of Mr Bushby, at the Worship- street Police Court, who the other day fined the proprietor of a skatiiig-riilk k5 for permitting disorderly conduct,—in fact, for allowing a prize- %ht under the specious and euphonic title of an "d'-aiutof arms." In spite of some peculiarly doubtful evidence given in favour of the pro- prietor on this occasion, and even admitting that he did, as he would naturally do, all he could to prevent any disorderly conduct, the behaviour of I the roughs was disgraceful, as it generally is, unless they be cowed by the police. The accii.-ed, was, therefore, very properly fined on j this ground but I hope this will be a step to- i VV.HLS putting a stop to "glove-nghts" elsewhere. four times a year the Post-Office system breaks down under the extraordinary weight which is imposed upon it. Valentines on the fourteenth of lebruary and Cards on Christmay Day, New Year's Day, and Good Friday, make the lives of postmen a burden to them, and enrage unsenti- mental men of business and fussy members of Parliament almost to the verge of lunacy, be- cause they find their correspondence delayed, and sometimes lost, through the unreasonable influx of epistolary playthings. What is to be the cure of this grievance r Ridicule won't do it. Young people will not be laughed out of feeling it pleasant to receive the pretty little remembrances of friends and lovers. Letters to the papers w. n't do it. Leading articles are apt to make a ii-tickof t lie COITES 1)0 11 (lence column when it become, filled with complaints of this character. I think if anything put an end to card-sending it will be (h!'■<<!t.-iciiiciit. This year certain enterprising firms have sent out a, vast number of Christmas New Year Cards. This will probably be done more and more every year and as soon as the present genial custom become a recognised vehicle of biasiness, it will cease to be a vehicle of sentiment. 4* Bad business at iil<t of the Theatres is the cry of the hour in the theatrical world. It would be cruel to specify too minutely the houses which are most remarkable for a beggarly account of empty boxes "—and stalls; but I may say that at one considerable edifice in the West End of London there mighthave been seen on a recent night two people in the stalls At another the pit was not a quarter filled. Marvellous to relate, the V-(t ii(it i-itte continues to till, "Onr Boys "being as attractive as ever, notwithstanding that the thousandth night is so near at hand. The attrac- tion of the (lately bill is steadfastly maintained, ami there are no signs of a falling-off in the businessat the Folly and Criterion. For the rest —well, "Engaged will presently be submitted to the verdict of the provinces. Mr Wyndham will shortly have two "Pink Dominos" companies travelling in the country. Whether or not a ;;Xight of Terror "will be also sent to the country it impossible to say. Fatherland'' has proved a. tolerable success at the is enough. The clever people aver "that there is no money h: it," Everybody is on (llli rire for" Victims" ;I:; theConvf and Diplomacy" at the Prinze nf U uhts. ^A)Wi/jos of the former piece, I hear that the cast is yet incom plete. London, Thursday.
Advertising
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Foreign and Colonial.
Foreign and Colonial. FRANCE. ÙV The two houses of the French Parliament re- assembled on Tuesday. In the Chamber of Deputies, M. de Cassagnac, not liking a description given of the Empire by the president pro tem., namely, that it was a detestable regime, retorted, It is the Republic which is ignoble." For this interruption the deputy was called to order. The election of presidents of the two chambers was fixed for Thursday. The results of the municipal elections on Sunday are said to be very favour- able to the Republican party. In most towns all the Republican candidates were elected. The death of two notable men is announced from Paris—the Count de Palikao and M. Raspail. The former was war minister and president of the cabinet during the Franco-German war till the revolution put an end to the Empire. He had reached the ripe age of 82. M. Raspail was two years older, having been bom in 1794. lie had achieved a high reputation in the scientific world by his chemical researches. He was, however, more widely known as a politician, his advanced Democratic views having brought him into frequent collisions with various Govern- ments since the Restoration. GERMANY. Prince Bismark, who had been confined to his II bed for a day or two with a severe cold, is stated to have adopted the muscular cure of six hours' bathing daily, and to be now much better. The Prussian Government has determined on submitting to the Federal Council a proposal for raising the duty upon imported tobacco and the tax upon that which is home grown throughout the Empire. It is estimated that an increased revenue of 25 millions of marks may be raised by this means. AUSTRIA. The Egyctcrtess,of Pesth, publishes a letter it has received from Kossuth, expressing his indignation at the attitude of the Austrian Government in the Eastern question, and at the feebleness of the Hungarian deputies in allowing it. ITALY. King Victor Emmanuel is dead. He was at- tacked with a violent fever on Saturday, which caused pleurisy in the right lung, and on Wednesday he died. We give a brief sketch of his life in another column. Prince Humbert has been proclaimed as the new king. The condition of the Pope continues without unfavourable change. According to a rumour mentioned by L' Italic as being current in Rome, only three persons have been admitted during the last few days into the presence of the Pope. These are Dr. Ceccarelli, Cardinal Sinieoni, and a private servant, whose sole duty is to tend the invalid. Dr. Ceccarelli carries about his person a little box containing the in- struments and materials necessary for the em. balming of the body. In case the Holy Father dies, these three will only know of his death. The body will be embalmed, and these three attendants will continue to pass in and out of the chamber, as though nothing had happened during three or four days, in order that time may be gained for the nomination of a succeeding pontiff, and thus the death of the Pope and the nomina- tion of a successor can be announced together. The special correspondent of the Daily Teleflrltplt at Rome declares that the statement recently published to the effect that a proposal to hold the next Conclave at Malta had been submitted by Cardinal Manning to the College of Cardinals is utterly untrue. General de la Marmora died at Florence on Saturday morning, aged 74. He commanded the Italian division of the allied army during the Crimean war. He was minister of war under Cavour, and he was appointed premier in 1804. He took part in the campaign against Austria in 1866, his army sustaining a severe re- verse at Custozza. He had been for some time past in feeble health. SPAIN. At the forthcoming marriage of the King of Spain most of the European Powers will be specially represented. The Duke de Montpensier and his family are expected at Amnjuez in a few flays, and will enter Madrid on the morning of the 23rd inst. Queen Isabella, it is said, will not come to Spain this month. The Pope has written an autograph letter to Don Carlos, who is now staying in London, urging him to yield all claim on the Spanish throne to his cousin King Alphonso. The Pope is reported to have written in rather peremptory terms as follows :—" You affect to be one of the sworn opponents of revolu- tion. If by pursuing your real or fancied rights you again plunge Spain into a sea of bloodshed and tumult, what will you have gained ? Even before your claims come the interests of your country. Better cease to be a King than cease to he a patriot." It is also reported that Cardinal S imeoni has requested Don Carlos not to go to Rome, in consequence of the misrepresentations which would be likely to arise concerning his re- lations with the Holy See. The report of a foreign legion to be formed by Don Carlos for the protection of the conclave of cardinals during their forthcoming sittings is not, I am told, to be "eriouslv credited, for if the Spanish Pretender ever had such a quixotic project in in hand he has seen reason to abandon it. INDIA. I According to the Calcutta, correspondent of the Times, the conduct of Scindia, the Maharajah of Gwalior, on the occasion of his recent visit to the Indian capital, is severely commented upon. He came and departed, it seems, without having paid the ordinary ceremonial visit to the Lieutenant- i Governor of the Province. Such a grave and un- usual discourtesy committed to a representative of I the British Government in his own province has a special and international significance which the correspondent of the Times thinks it would be wise not altogether to ignore. By a Times tele- gram from Calcutta, dated the 6th inst., we learn that among the ceremonial celebrations of the anniversary of the proclamation of the Qeeen as Empress of India was the unveiling by the Viceroy, at the New Museum, of a colossal statue of Her Majesty, in pure white marble, the gift of his Highness the Maharajah of Burdwen, to the Indian people. The statue is said to be an ex- quisite piece of art, sculptured by Marshall j Wood, and it forms an object of special interest as being the only existing statue of Her Majesty in the metropolis of India. CHINA. i A contemporary publishes a letter from a cor- respondent engaged in the relief work in the North-east of China, which says :Peollle of all ages die of actual starvation by thousands. The famine extends over a district which includes at least over 5,000 villages, and in these latter toge- ther I am certainly within the mark in saying that 500 die daily—perhaps 1,000 may be within it. A .few days ago I traversed the worst part. I' Thousands upon thousands have perished al- ready. Houses are pulled down in every village to sell the timber and thatch in order to get food. Those who can get husks and dry leaves, or- dinarily used for fuel, are considered well off. I Most of the poor young girls had been sold; I old men, middle-aged young men, and children die daily of sheer starvation, and others freeze. The dead cannot get a burial; they are too many, and none can afford the expense so they are cast daily into large pits. This is a description of what happened last year. This year even worse horrors are reported. The people at Shansi are said to be living on the corpses of their fellow-beings who die of starvation ? And the strong are killing the weak for the sake of I obtaining their flesh for food Up to the present time the principal relief has come from the i Christian missionaries—Protestant and Roman j Catholic—who have distributed among the suf- I ferers the funds subscribed hy their communities in the open ports.
[No title]
I THE FORMATION of a new Brazilian Liberal: Ministry is announced by telegraph from Rio de Janeiro. THE REVENUE OF CANADA for the past six I months amounted to i'11,312,000, exceeding the expenditure by £ 3,09o,C00. A TELEGRAM from Sydney states that the re- venue returns of New South Wales and Queens- iall(i for the past year show an increase of £ 714,210 and of £ 128,200 respectively. Ix COXS;:Q[-E.VCE of arrears of salary due from the Government, an execution has been levied at the Egyptian Ministry of Finance, which estab- lishment has in consequence been closed for several days. AT THE DATE of the latest news from South Africa, December 18, the (ialekas had asked for a two-days' armistice, and .seemed inclined to make peace. Colonel Glynn, of the 24th reri- nient, had been appointed commander of the j! Transkeian force. THE SHAH OF PERSIA, on the occasion of his approaching visit to Europe, will come ria the Caucasus, and returns by the Persian Gulf. During his journey he will stay for a short time at the German watering-places and the principle t French ports. His tour will include also Eng- land, Spain, Austria, and Italy. CAPTAIN MALCOD), R.N., has been appointcl1 to the command of an Egyptian squadron to cruise in the Red Sea for the suppression of the slave trade. The British Government had placed Captain Malcolm at the service of the Khedive for the purpose of carrying out the slave trade convention between England and Egypt.
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Military and Naval.
Military and Naval. NEW REGULATIONS as to recruiting have just been issued by the Secretary of State for War. The rewards payable for each recruit are to be as follows :—5s to the recruiting officer of a sub- district, or to the adjutant of a corps at home from 5s to 8s to staff officers of pensioners, accord- in to the number of recruits 4:1 to the'recruiter, including the bringer, or El 58 when the recruit enlists for the Royal Artillery and is 5 feet 7 inches in height. The enlisting shilling is not to be given to soldiers re-enlisting or re-engaging. The recruiter's reward includes 10s to the bringer and bringers are to be persons of good character and known, in order that they may be called upon to refund the bringing money in cases of fraudu- lent enlistment. AH THERE IS BY NO POSSIBILITY ANY CHANCE of our ever again being involved in hostilities with the United States, the War Office has kindly allowed the American Minister in London to ex- amine and take drawings of the latest improve- ments in the manufacture of war projectiles at the Woolwich Arsenal. An American draughts- man has accordingly been employed at the shell foundry for some time in measuring and sketch- ing the most important of our munitions of war. But why confine this courtesy to Brother Jon- athan ? Why should not French, German, or Russian officers be allowed to spy out our warlike resources ? The thing had better he done hand- somely, if it is to be done at all. We have several ports and fortresses, plans of which would be ac- ceptable not only at Washington but at St Petersbur,Bi-oad Arrow. A BATTERY OF ARTILLERY and a regiment of in- fantry are being sent out to increase the troops at the Cape. The former, the N Battery of the 5th Brigade, proceed in the Dublin Castle, of Donald Currie's line, and the latter, the 90th Light In- fantry, will be conveyed in two steamers, the Nubian and another of the Union Company. The regular Cape steamers being thus utilised, will cause a saving in expense. The 90th had some hard fighting in the Cape thirty years ago, before the great bulk of the present members of the regiment were born. Volunteers from the 25th, 31st, and 49th Regiments at Aldershot join the 90th, to bring it up to its war strength, and to take the place of many young soldiers below the regulation age for foreign service. The Dublin Castle takes out a number of the 7-pounder guns, on high carriage.?, specially made for Cape service. ABOUT VOLUNTEER UNIFORMS, a writer in the Army and Nary Gazette of Saturday says, "Now that I the volunteer corps are gradually assuming the scarlet of the regular army, it would not be an unwise step to divide the service into separate distinctive branches, such as infantry, light in- fantry, fusiliers, and rifles issuing dress regula- tions, and requiring them to be strictly observed." Would it not be wise for anyone writing on this subject to remember that there are already "re- gulations on the subject, and steps are taken to have them strictly observed ? Indeed, we have had too many regulations, and those who try to obey them are in a worse position than those who do not. 'Volunteers, be it remembered, are only permitted—not ordered-to adopt scarlet. At first it was ordered that the facings, &c., of the line battalion of the sub-district should be adopted by volunteer rifles permitted to adopt scarlet, "and afterwards they were ordered to take the militia regiment of the brigade for their model. There is only one militia regiment of fusiliers in England, viz., the 1st Durham, which is associated with two line regiments of light in- fantry, the 68th and 106th, and we presume the Durham Volunteers would be allowed to adopt fusilier equipments that is, supposing the 1st Durham Militia be not in the meantime converted into light infantry. One of the Middlesex volunteer regiments had great difficulty in pro- curing permission to adopt scarlet, because it was attached to the Rifle Depot at Winchester. The 1st North York Battalion changed its uniform a few years ago to scarlet, with grass green facings, to correspond with the 19th Foot, but a few months later theymight have been told to copy the North York Militia, which is a rifle corps. For several years volunteer regiments have been brigaded technically, with the regulars and militia of the different sub-districts, and, so far as practical, the.unifonns are being assimilated, though for obvious reasons no corps is obliged to change at all, It is not the fault of the volunteers them- selves that originally they were clothed in green or gray, and it is highly creditable to the force that so many corps should go to the great expense of changing without any encouragement from the authorities to do so. The suggestion about in- fantry fusiliers, light infantry, &c., displays a strange want of acquaintance with War-office auxiliary forces circulars on the part of a pro- I fessedly high-class service paper. Liverpool Courier.
I -I I The Court.
I I The Court. THE QUEEN still remains at Osborne. The health of Prince Leopold is causing great anxiety. His Royal Highness has not left Windsor Castle since his return from Scotland, and it is necessary to wheel him about in a chair. GENERAL the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Myddleton Biddulph, K.C.B., was sworn in as a member of Her Maiesty's Privy Council on Thursday last, and took his seat at the board. THE PRINCE OF WALES is about to pay a visit to the Duke and Duchess of Hamilton, at Hamilton Palace. According to present arrange- ments, his Royal Highness will arrive at Hamilton, on Sunday, the 13th inst., and will leave on the Wednesday following. Owing to the early meeting of Parliament he will not stay so long as was originally intended. The visit is of a private nature, its object being to enable his Royal Highness to enjoy a few days' shooting in the extensive preserves of the Duke. Ax ORDER OP DISTINCTION, which seems to be exclusively for ladies, has been instituted by Her Majesty the Queen to commemorate the assump- tion by her of the title of Empress of India. The order is styled" The Imperial Order of the Crown of India," and its head is to be the Sovereign, the seat and fountain of all honour, dignity, and power. The decoration of the order is to be conferred by the Royal Princesses, the wives and other female relatives of Indian Princes, other Indian ladies, and the wives or other female relatives of any of the persons who have held, hold, or may hereafter hold the ofifces of Viceroy and Governor-General of India, Go- vernors of Bombay or Madras, or of principal Secretary of State for India. The first list of ladies upon whom the decoration of the order has been conferred was published in Friday night's Gazette, and includes the names of the English Princesses and a number of English and Indian ladies of-ouality. THE FOLLOWING HEIRS-APPAREXT OF PEERS will attain their majority during the present year:—Hon. Wm. Bagot, eldest son of Lord Bagot, January 19. Hon. Luke White, Scots Fusilier Guards, eldest son of Lord Annaly, Feb. 25. Lord Moreton, eldest son of the Earl of Ducie, March 4. Hon. Henry Charles Hardinge, Riflle Brigade, eldest son of Viscount Hardinge, August 1. Hon. George Fitzroy Henry Somer- set, Grenadier Guards, eldest son of Lord Raglan, Sept. 18. Earl of Mount Charles, Royal Meath Artillery, eldest son of the Marquis Conyngham, Oct. 1. Viscount Lumley, 7th Hussars, eldest son of the Earl of Scarborough, Nov. 16. The peers at the present time minors, with the years in which they attain their majority, are as fol- lows :—1878. Lord Rodney, Feb. 28 Lord Hast- ings, April 4 Lord Windsor, Aug. 27. 1880.— Earl of Yarborough. 1881.—Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot, Earl of Hopetoun, Lord Boston. 1882.—Viscount Exmouth. 1883.-Earl of Nor- bury. 1884.—Viscount Clifden. 1885.—Lord Kenyon. 18",11. -Lord Athlumney. 1888.—Lord Southampton. 1892.—Marquis of Downshire. 1893.—Marquis of Caiiiden.C(ii(i-t Journal, THE QUEEN AND HER GEImAN MUSICIANS.—On one occasion her Majesty had invited distinguished guests to dine at Windsor Castle. It was therefore necessary that the Court band should prepare itself to perform special selections of music. The pieces chosen were difficult, the time for practice limited, and the leader, declaring that he could not afford to lose a day, summoned the men to meet for rehearsal oil the Sunday. There were two Germans in the blnd. named Schrader and Gehrmann, who were Wesleyan Methodists, and whose consciences would not allow them to spend the Lord's Day in a musical rehearsal. They told their scruples to the leader, who, however, peremptorily ordered them to be present on pain of instant dismissal from the band. They did not hesitate a moment. On the Monday morning, on presenting themselves at their quarters, the leader, in violent language, ordered them to be gone. The poor fellows walked sadly away, and not far from Windsor met the Bishop of London driving to the castle. Stopping the carriage on their signal, he heard their tale, and promised to speak for them to the Queen. Before the day was over, the leader of the band was summoned into her Majesty's presence. The Queen inquired what had become of the two German Methodists, one of whom, as being one of the best trombone players in the country, was a great favourite at Court. The leader explained that lie could not allow absurd religious scruples to stand in the way of a soldier's duty. The Queen at once gave commands that the men be immediately restored to their posts, and added, I will have no more persecution in my service for conscience sake, and I will have no more rehearsals on a Sunday."
[No title]
FANC Y tioom; of English Manufacture. It is plea.sing to find that England holds her own against the keen competition of foreigners in these articles, the demand for which at this time is enormous. We are told that (adbury's, the makers of the Celebrated Cocoa Essence, have sent out nearly two millions of their exquisite little boxes of Chocolate since June, and they will form a welcome present to many of our child- ren during the coming Christmas festivities. 857b To CONSUMPTIVES,—CONSUMPTION IS CURABLE. --A certain method of cure has been discovered for this distressing complaint by a physician, who is desirous that all sufferers may benefit from this providential discovery. It is beyond all doubt the most remarkable remedy of the Age. Thous- ands have been cured by it. Full particulars will! be sent by post to any person free of charge.— AddressMr WILLIAMS, 10, Oxford Terrace, Hyde Park, London. 2841e RECKITT'S PARIS BLUE. The marked su- periority of this Laundry Blue over all others, and the quick appreciation of its merits by the Public has been attended by the usual result, viz.: a flood of imitations the merits of the latter mainly consists in the ingenuity exerted not! simply in imitating the square shape, but making the general appearance of the wrappers resemble that of the genuine article. The manufacturers beg, therefore, to caution all buyers to see Reckitt's Paris Blue on each packet. 851c
THE IRON TRADE. I
THE IRON TRADE. I MIDDLESBOROUGH, Tuesday.—The quarterly market was held to-day, and was well attended, but little animation was shown, and the sales were few and for small quantities. The iron- masters at their private meeting to-day resolved to adhere to 41s. less commission for No. 3, and 40s. for grey forge. It was reported that ad- ditional furnaces are about to be blown out-two at Consett and one at Clay-lane; while other two are likely to be put upon Bessemer iron. In the aggregate, nine furnaces will have been taken off Cleveland iron within the last month. Mer- chants generally still hold out for lower prices. The prospects of trade especially in finished iron, are not good, and manufacturers speak in gloomy terms about them. They do not reduce prices, however, as these are already unremunerative. The coalmasters were not selling freely, notwith- standing the severe weather. w OLVERHAHPTON, Wednesday.-The iron- masters' quarterly meeting was held this afternoon. Prices were declared unchanged, at £ 4 for hot blast, f5 for cold blast pigs, ES 10s. for marked bars, and VJ 2s. 6d. for Earl Dudley bars. Business was checked by the firmnegs.of quotations. Consumers held off for such a re- duction as wilfbe possible when the drop in iron- worker's wages effected by some firms shall have become general. It is doubtful if the wages drop will be 7i or 5 per cent. Prices for coal un- altered. BIRMINGHAM, Thursday.—There was a very large attendance at the principal quarterly meet- ing of the South Staffordshire iron trade held here to-day, buyers and sellers being present from all the iron producing districts of the country. Business, however, was exceedingly quiet, and very few orders were placed, buyers holding out owing to the unsettled state of prices, and under the impression that a fall in some instances may be announced in the course of a month. Earl Dudley's brands remain at t9 2s Od., and other test marked bars at 28 IOs. All-mine pig iron is quoted at a little under £ 4.
———.——— -COAL.I
——— ——— COAL. I THE RATIXG OP COLLIERIES.—At the Cheshire Quarter Sessions last week, an appeal was heard in which Lord Vernon was the appellant and the Assessment Committee of the Macclesfield Union the respondents, the appeal being against the rating of the Poynton and Worth collieries. The gross estimated rental of the two collieries was £ 6,908 12s, and the net rateable value £ 5,76710s, which was an advance of 115 per cent. on the rating basis of the collieries for the last ten years. The court, after hearing arguments and evidence, reduced the net rateable value by £ 2,277 10s, and allowed the appellant's costs, declining to grant the respondents a case. THE DISTRESS IX SOUTH WALES. The dis- tress in South Wales has been found to exist in a more intense form and to cover a wider area than was at first anticipated. In many places relief committees had been formed, soup kitchens opened, and other measures taken to modify the prevailing destitution. The attendance-officer of the Mertfiyr School Board has reported in one instance, a man earning 8s or 9s per week has been committed to gaol for not sending his children to school, that he found five children sitting round a very small fire, four of them in an absolute state of nudity. Many cases had been reported in which children had been sent to school without breakfast or dinner, and many children who had not had a morsel of food at their homes- for days had been fed by their neighbours. Some most distressing cases have been brought to light at Aberdare, Rhymney Valley, Risca, and other places, and the medical officers of some districts express apprehensions of a famine fever. At Tynyeoed, a township adjoining Abercarne, the rates have increased to 8s 6d in the pound. At Dowlais there are rails stacked to the value of £ 100,000, which had been made from the capital of the company in order to give employment to the men. The special correspondents of various London and other papers, continue to give most heartrending-accounts of the distress that prevails throughout the district, and show that, much as is being done, more help is still urgently needed to relieve the -distress. This help we are glad to find is forthcoming, from various parts. The Rev. John Griffith, rector of Merthyr Tydfil, writes to the Daily News, on Sunday, as fol- lows Owing to the publicity given by the Daily News to the distress in Merthyr, I have received since Friday from three to four hundred letters. To reply to these all at once is impossible. My wife, two grown up sons, and myself are busily engaged at them, so that avery donor of a shilling, or even a penny stamp shall in his turn have an acknowledgment wherever an ad- dress is sent. The dinner went off well yesterday; nearly 2,500 children had as much as they could eat. To-morrow we begin at Cefn Trolyrhiw, Abercarne, and Pentreeach. Dowlais has reported that they re- quire no kitchen; that the works there happily going on keep off poverty; this will make a considerable difference from 1875. In his report ending the year December 31,1S77, Dr Dyke, the medical officer of health for Merthyr. said last week that the authorities must be prepared with their hospital to relieve patients suffering from famine fever; that the symp- toms were already beginning. This reminds me of what Lord Aberdare said in a letter to the Times in 1875, that children would be dying in the streets of Merthyr owing to the lock-out. That prophecy was never fulfilled, because the generonspublic of England and Wales and other countries sent us money enough, not only to maintain but to fatten the children for a period of sixteen weeks. Similarly, owing to the same generosity now, if it goes on with the same start that the Daily Xeuv has given to it, the foreboding of our excellent officer of health will be equally ground- less, and it may be added that no man works harder than he does to counteract his own forebodings. To the contents of the 153 letters which I have received to-day, not reckoning to-day's letters, I have already received IVOO, besides considerable Quantity of cloth- ing. The Lord Mayor of London has declined to open a, Mansion House fund in aid of the distress in South Wales. His lordship says subscriptions could not possibly go into better hands than those of Lord Aberdare, the local clergy, and others who have already undertaken thp. work of relief. Mr H. Richard, I.P., is also collecting large sums. The Welsh residents of Liverpool are bestirring themselves in the matter. Apart from a memorial that is being signed by the most influential Welshmen in the town, asking his Worship the Mayor to convene a public meeting, the ministers of the various religious denominations among the Welsh have decided to make an appeal to their congregations on behalf of the distress fund. As Hospital Sunday in Liverpool happens to fall on next Sunday, nothing can be done then, but we understand that next Sunday week an appeal will be made in some of the Welsh places of wor- ship. Subscription lists have already been opened at some of the chapels. Mr Simpson, with his bowl" on the Landing Stage, has raised a sum of about- £ 100 already, in a few days. At the monthly meeting of the Anglesea Calvinis- tic Methodist Association, at Menai Bridge, this week, it was resolved to recommend that special collections should be made in all the chapels of the connexion throughout the island on Sunday. Mr Richard Jones, draper, Bridge-street, Chester, has set a good example. He has placed a box outside his establishment to receive the contribu- tions of those who may be willing to do something towards the alleviation of the fearful distress. We sincerely trust that a handsome sum will be I realised, and many other natives of the princi- pality will follow Mr Jones' example. The distress at Wolverhampton and the neigh- bourhood, as well as at Middlesborough, and other large centres of coal and iron industry, is almost equally great, and large numbers are living on public charity. To avert the further closing of works and pits in South Staffordshire, the ironmasters and colliery proprietors are con- suiting with their men. The puddlers in the employ of the Chillington Iron Company, Wol- verhampton, have consented to a drop of sixpence per ton, and the millmen to a reduction of a per cent. The colliers at the pits a.bout Wolverhamp- ton, which are being earned on at a great loss, have replied to their employers that they would rather eat grass than work longer hours or accept lower wages.
[No title]
THE LONDON MASON'S STRIKE.—The masons' difficulty has not yet been settled, there still being (350 on the roll of recipients of the strike pay of 18s per week. Five German and ten English masons have been sent home during the week. Several others have voluntarily left work at the Law Courts. The question of the importation of labourers from abroad, alleged by employers to become daily more and more necessary owing to trade combinations, is attract- ing great attention amongst the operatives of the metropolis. At the annual delegate meeting of the Builders' Labourers' L'nion, on Saturday, the subject received prominent attention, it being considered one of vital importance, not only to the working classes, but to all persons particularly at the present time, when men's mind, are agitated with the expectation of England becoming involved in the war now raging in the East. The expressions of opinion were very unanimous, and a resolution was passed to the effect that the meeting was of opinion that it was desirable to use every legitimate influence to maintain the peace and hasten a termination of the existing struggle. The masters report that plenty of men are coming in every day 23 came last week, and 25 on Monday and Tuesday. CARNARVONSHIRE SLATE QUARRIES—The men at the Rhos slate quarries, Bettws-y-Coed, have given notice of their intention to strike, conse- quent upon the management having posted new rules to come in force on Monday. The dispute has been referred to the North Wales Quarrymen's Union, and, as a result of an interview the local directors have had with Mr W. J. Pari -1 WT. J. Parry, president of the Union, it is probable that the withdrawal of the rules will follow, and the threatened strike be averted. Matters at the Penrhyn quarries, Bethesda, are now in a most unsatisfactory state. As already reported, new rules have been issued by Mr Arthur Wyatt, the manager, to take effect at the beginning of the present year. A certain section of the men having objected to the rules, a brief cessation of work followed, and the regulations were referred to a committee, the men agreeing to resume their bargains until the close of the month. The committee have had several meetings, but, whatever they may re- commend, a large number of the men seem in- disposed to abide by their decision. The new rules do not, as far as can be gathered, affect the i wags, which are at present high compared with those earned in other industries, but affect the i managementiof the quarry.
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_J.. A shocking case of suicide occurred on Thurs- day afternoon at St. Paul's Cathedral. A man paid the uiual admission fee of sixpence and ascended to the whispering gallery, from which he almost immediately precipitated him- self to the floor below. He was taken up, but soon afterwards expired.
"'--AGRICULTURE.--I
AGRICULTURE. I IHE UOKN lRADE.—me Mark-lane Express says—" The cheerful expectations caused by the bright seasonable weather at Christmas were speedily disappointed. Throughout the greater part of last week the weather has been such as to have exercised a detrimental effect upon the quality of freshly-thrashed grains. The year just ended has been the third in succession decid- edly adverse to agriculturists. With regard to hay, and in some districts turnips, the crops have B"elded a poor return for fanners' industry. toubtless a rich harvest was reaped during the early part of last year by the fortunate possessors of Russian wheat, which was then scarce and in good demand, consequent upon the blockade of the Black Sea ports. The fact, however, that a good deal of South Russian wheat found its way to the Baltic ports speedily effected a reduction in prices while the American crop, being the largest ever grown, and of excellent quality, tended to increase our supplies so enormously that prices must have still further declined but for the unusually light English crop and the in- fluence of political affairs. At present, steadi- ness prevails in the wheat trade, and little material alteration can be expected until the future policy of Government regarding Eastern affairs becomes more definitely known." THE YIELD OF THE CROPS OE 1877.—The Mark Lane Express in publishing a return of the yield of the crops of 1877—wheat, barley, oats, beans and peas, in the various counties of England and Wales, gives the following notes of the North Wales counties and those of Shrop- shire and Cheshire DENBIGHSHIRE—Wheat, under average, condition bad, one fourth unsaleable; barley, much under average, condition bad; oats, average; beans and peas, not grown. FLINTSHIRE—No return. ANGLESEA—Wheat, average barley, under average; oats, very light and poor beans, not grown peas, not much grown. CARNARVONSHIRE, MERIONETHSHIRE, AND MONT- GOMERYSHIRE—No return. CHESHIRE—Birkenhead: Wheat, under average; barley, average oats, over average beans and peas, not grown. Dudwurth: Wheat, twenty per cent. un- der average barley average; oats, ten per cent. under average; beans, average; peas, none grown. Congleton: Wheat, average barley, none grown oats, under average; beans, average; peas, none grown. Knuts/m'd: Wheat, four quarters per acre, one half unsaleable; barley, under average oats, five qrs. per acre, half unsaleable beans and peas, five qrs. per acre. Rnstheme: Wheat, under average, bad condition barley, none grown about here oats, un- der average, bad condition; beans, over average- good condition: peas, none grown. Sandiway, Wheat, much under average, condition not good; bar- ley, very little grown: oats, average, but not well harvested; beans, under average, inferior condition; peas, none grown. Coital: Wheat, considerably be- low average, quality fair; barley, yield small, quality moderate oats, average; beans, fair crop; peas. none. Winsfofd: Wheat, average, condition variable; oats, average, generally discoloured; beans, over average, condition fair; peas, none. Sliropshire-Beek-betN: Wheat, under average, con- dition variable barley, average, condition variable oats, very few grown beans, very few grown peas, average, condition bad. Buvimrton: Wheat, under average, condition bad; barley, average, condition bad oats, under average, condition bad: beans and peas, average, condition bad. Chirbury: Wheat, One- fiftli under average; barley, about average crpp, fair quality; oats, rather under average beans, poor yield peas, very light crop. Church Stretton Wheat, not more than half anaverage crop barley, Very poor crop indeed oats, fair average crop beans and peas, none grown. Market Draytm: Wheat, under average, about 2iqrs., condition middling barley, under aver- age, about 3 qrs.; oats, under average, about 4 qrs.; beans, autumn-sown average, spring under; peas, average. Oswestry: Wheat, under average not well harvested barley, under average, badly harvested oats, under average beans, not many grown peas, average. Silvington: Wheat, underavei-age, condition damp barley, under average, condition middling oats, under average, condition fair; beans, the only average crop around here peas, quite a failure. The return of the yield of turnips, shows that in 411 districts, throughout the kingdom, there was an over average yield in 53 districts, an average yield in 138, and an under average yield in 220. Of mangolds, in 377 districts there was an over average yield in 10 districts, an average in 159, and an under average in 208. Of hay, in 418 districts, there was an over average yield in 136 districts, an average in 263 and an under average in 19. The following estimate of the extent of the disease existing in the potato crop of 1877 has been furnished by 396 corres- pondents from all parts of the kingdom, the second column of figures giving the same return for 1876: 1877 1878 No. of Distcts. No. of Distcts. Free from disease 4 25 One-eighth diseased 28 49 One fourth diseased 711 9a Three-eighths diseased. 5] Ifi3 Half diseased. 1H2 91 Five-eighths diseased 54 42 Three-fourths diseased. 39 30 Seven-eighths diseased. 15 3 Failure. 3 0 Total ad vices 396 In commenting upon the returns, of which the above are a part, the Editor of the Mark Lane Express says: The Crop Returns which we publish to-day are supplied by 423 contributors, whose estimates have been formed after the greater part of the crops have been thrashed, and may there- fore be described as deductions from experience. In accordance with the anticipations which we hazarded last week, they are of a very dis- couraging character, as will be seen from the ab- stract and comparative summary which we give below. Hay alone of the crops of 1877 was above average, and all the rest were very much below what is considered an ordinary growth. The wheat crop appears to have been the most deficient of all, only 6 out of 409 returns repre- senting it as over average, and no less than 369 describing it as below. According to our tables, it was even a worse crop than that of 1875, the most deficient crop which we have previously had to report on during a period of fifteen years. The barley crop, too, appears to have been the smallest of any grown within the same period. Indeed, to find a barley crop return quite as bad as that of 1877 we should have to go back further than 18G2, the year at which we stopped in our search through dusty volumes on finding that the wheat crop then was about on a par with that of our present returns. The oat crop. although be- low average, was decidedly the best of the white- straw crops of 1877, the showery weather of July having greatly helped its growth. The day of great bean crops appears to have gone by as far as this country is concerned, whether because the land has become too dry from draining, or too friable from cultivating, or because the climate has changed, we cannot tell. At any rate all old farmers say—and our returns for many years past have supported them—that we do not grow the bean crops of former days. The pea crop is, like beans, a very uncertain one, and that of 1877 was one of the many bad crops which we have had to report on. ABSTRACT OF GllAIN CROP RETURNS FOR 1877. 1877. \\1I't Ba'lv O'ts B'lIs Peas Over Average 6 19 i 40 5 5 Average 34 116 149 4S 76 Under average 369 260 207,223 201 Advices 409 I 305 I 39(5 276 1 2S2 The turnip crop returns are somewhat disap- pointing, because in some counties the crop was a remarkably good one. Mangolds, were a small, and hay a great crop. As to potatoes, every one knows how badly they have turned out in almost all parts of the country.
HORTICULTURE.I
HORTICULTURE. I FRU, IT GARDENING FOR JANUARY. If there is no frost and the ground not too moist, the planting of all kinds of fruit trees may be proceeded with but on no account should this operation be performed either when snow is on the ground, or if the soil is frozen even in the smallest degree. Frozen soil or snow turned on the roots of trees that are newly planted has a most injurious effect. In planting fruit trees, unless the soil be absolutely poor, or in a very exhausted condition, it is better not to apply manure except very sparingly. In most gardens the soil is usually suiffciently good to produce a healthy growth and as the object is not to obtain large trees, but an abundance of fruit, the point should be to discourage a luxuriant production of wood, and to develop as much as possible fruit-bearing shoots and spurs. Many amateurs and even professional gardeners err in this respect. They think that a richly manured soil produces an abundant crop of fruit, whereas the tendency is rather to induce a great development of branches, which do not produce fruit till the tree has either grown out of all bounds or the roots have been subjected to pruning. Let me then counsel all fruit throwers to be careful in this respect, and not to plant their trees in too rich a soil. In planting orchard trees the case is very different, for then the object is to obtain trees of large dimensions with stout timber-like trunks, and the branches sufficiently high to be out of the reach of cattle. In such cases the soil should be made sufficiently rich to induce a vigorous growth yet not too vigorous even for orchard trees, because when there is an excess of vigour in a climate like this, where the summers are frequently wet and sunless, and the autumn cold and frosty, the wood is not per- fectly ripened, and the consequence is a rupture of the sap vessels producing canker—a disease which the tree rarely ever recovers from. If the soil is really poor, make a good large hole a yard in diameter, and about 18 or 20 inches deep fill this with good sound loam, and if it has a small admixture of calcareous matter in its composi- tion so much the better, except, perhaps, for peaches and nectarines but we are not prepared to deny even then that which we believe to be so beneficial to almost all other fruit trees. In planting the trees great care should be observed that they are not placed too deep in the soil. A very good rule is to plant them just as deep as they had previously been in the nurseries, which is easily ascertained by observing the collar, where the portion that has been under the soil exhibits the bark much smoother and paler than that which was above it; but allowance should also be made for the soil subsiding, which it will inevitably do and if the roots are not kept well up to the surface, they will be liable to get too deeply covered. Do not delay the Pruning of Vines, and the sooner it is done the better, if it has been neglected in the previous months. There is nothing more injurious to the health and vigour of a vine than the excessive bleeding that is safe to ensue if the operation is prolonged too late. In open weather proceed with the pruning and training of wall trees. Look over the Fruit Boom, and see that decay and damp are not among the fruit. On flne days, when the weather is dry and not frosty, open the windows and admit airfreely; and turn over care- fully any fruit lying in heaps.-ZVie Gardener's Year Book,
Markets.
Markets. WREXHAM.—THURSDAY. White wheat (per measure) old. Os Od to Os Od Ditto ditto new 7s Oil to 7s 6d Red wheat, old (per bush 751bs.) Os Od to 0.. Od Ditto „ new 7s Od to 7s 3d Oats old (per bushel oU6Ibs). Cs Od to Os Od Ditto „ new 3s 3d to 4s Od Seed do (fe 0d to 0s Od Malting barley (per :38 qts) 6s Od to 6s fid Grinding do. per601bsL. 4s 9d to 5s 3d Potatoes, new (per IJ(Hb). 5s 6(1 to 6s Od Butter (per Ih,) of 18 oz.). Is 7d to Is 8d Beef (per Ib,). Os 9d to 0s lOd Mutton (per lb.)., Os 9tl to Os lid Pork (per lb.). 08 7d to 0s l'id Veal (per Jb). Os 7d to Os 8d Lamb (per lb.) Os Od to Os Od Fowt (per "Ouple) 3s M to 4s Cd Ducks 5s od to 6s Od Turkeys, cocks (per couple) Os Od to Os Od Ditto hens, „ Os Od to Os Od Geese (per !b.). Os M to OsIM Eggs 7 to 8 for a Shilling. MOLD. WEDNESDAY.—Red wheat per hobbet of 108 lbs. 15s. 6d. to Maltingbarley ditto, 147 lbs. 13s. 6d. to 14s. 6d. Grinding ditto, 10s. to lIs. Oats, 10a lbs. 7s. to 7s. 6d. Potatoes, 200 lbs. 13,; to 15s. Irish butter, Is. 6d. to Is. 7d. Eggs, 8 for a Is. CHESTER. CORN, Saturday.—There was a good attend- ance at to-day's market, but only small supplies of wheat and oats from farmers. Wheat must be quoted 2d. to 3d. per bushell dearer than this day week. "Red" being now worth 7s. 3d. to 7s. 6d. Oats and barley unchanged in value. In- dian corn, new 6d. per 4801bs, cheaper; old steady, and unaltered in price. OM, New. Wheat, white, per 751b Os Od to Os Od.7s Od to 7s 5d Ditto, red Os Od to Os 0d.(fe 9d to 7s 2d Barley, malting, 38qts. Os Od to U", (Id.(isfid to 6s 9d Ditto, grinding, 641 b Os Od to Os 0d.4s ad to 4s 6d Oats, per 461bs 0s Od to 0s 0d.3s 2d to 3s 4<1 Beans, per 801b 0s Od to Os 0d.0s Od to Os Od Ditto, Egyptian, per 4401bs Us OdtoOs()d.:NsOdto:«!sOd Indian corn per 4801bs..31s Hd to32s Od 31s 3d to 31 Gd OSWESTRY. WEDNESDAY.-Wheat, 7s Od to 7s lOd per bushel; barley, (malting), Gs Od to 6s 9d; oats, 3s (jù to. 4s 6d; butter, Is Gd to Is 7d per 11),; eggs, 7 to I.) for a shilling; fowls, 3s 6d to 5, Od per co uple ducks, 5s Od to Ü" Gd per couple; geese, 4s to 7s each; turkeys, Os Od to OOs Od each; pob-toes, 00 lbs. to lllbs. for a shilling. RUTHIN. MOXDAY. Hobbet, (21 quarts), red wheat, per hobbet, Lis tid to 16s Gd; oats, 7s Gd to 8, tiù; malting barley, 12s Gd to 14s 3d; grinding ditto, 10s 6d to lis Gd butter, (per lb.) Is (id beef, 8d to lOd; mutton, 8d to lOd; pork, (jrl; fowls (per couple), 3s lid to 4s Od: ducks, (per couple), 4s Gd to 5s; eggs, 12 to 14 for a shilling. DENBIGH. WEDNESDAY.—White wheat, (per hobbet,) old Os Od; ditto, new, 0" Od red wheat, Os Od ditto, (per hobbet), new, 14s Od to 17s oats, old, 10s to 12s; ditto, new, 7s Gd to 9s; grinding bar- ley, Its to 14s 6cl potatoes, 12s to 14s but- ter, per lb., Is 9d beef, 7d to lid mutton, 9d to lOd; veal, 8d to 9d; pork, 8d; fowls, per couply, 3s 6d to 4s 6d; ducks, 4s to 4s Gd; turkey cocks, per couple, 0s Od turkey hens, Os; geese, per lb., 8d to 9d eggs, 8 for a shilling. ELLESMERE. TUESDAY. Wheat, 7s Od to 7s 6d per bushel; barley, 6s Od to Gs 4d; oats, 4s Od to 4s Gd; eggs, 0 to 10 for a shilling; butter, Os Od to 2s 2d per dish of 24 oz.; fowls, 3s 6d to os Od per couple; ducks, 4s Od to fis Od per couple; geese, Od to lOd per lb. turkeys, Od to lOd; potatoes, Os Od to 6s Od per bushel. WHITCHURCH. FRIDAY.—"Wheat, 7s 3d to 8s Od per bushel; barley, GsOd to Gs Od; oats, 5s 6d to 5s 9d eggs, 7 to 8 for a shilling butter, 2s Od to 2s 2d perdish of 24oz, fowls, 4s 6d to 5s Od per couple ducks, 6s Od to 7s Od per couple geese, lOd to 10Jd per lb. turkeys, 9d to lOd per lb.; potatoes, os Od to 6s Od per measure new potatoes, Olbs. toOlbs. for a shilling; beef, 7d to 9d per lb.; mutton, 81d to 9id; veal, 8d to 9d; lamb, 8d to 91d per lb. I SHREWSBURY. CORN, Saturday.—There was ijiut a small at tendance at this market, and only a limited amount of trade was done. Prices were as follow White Wheat, per 75Ibs. 8s Od to 9s 9d Red ditto. 78 Od to 8s lOd Barley (uialtiiig), per 38quarts. 6s Od to 6s 8d Barley, grinding, „ 6s Od to 6s 8d Oats, per 2251bs. 18s fe to 26s Od Beans, per 225lbs. ls Od to &)s Od Peas, per 225lbs. lfe Od to 19s Od Malt, per imperial bushel. gs Od to 9s 6d LIVERPOOL. CATTLE, Monday.—There was a small supply of cattle and sheep for the time of the year, the numbers being 1811 beasts and 5186 sheep; in the corresponding week last year there were 2261 beasts and 7224 sheep. The stock on offer was of a very middling description. Trade good, and prices were in favour of sellers. There was no foreign stock on offer. Buyers from the country were not numerous. Prices: Best beasts, 8id to 9id per lb.; second best, 611 to 8d; sheep, 9d to 101d. CORN, Tuesday.—To-day's market was fairly attended by town and country millers and deal- ers, and for wheat there was a steady consump- tive demand at the currencies of Friday last. Flour, with an average request, ruled generally firm-in some cases slightly dearer. Oats con- tinued quiet at former prices. Oatmeal, at 6d. per load reduction, attracted more inquiry than of late. Egyptian beans had a moderately good sale at unaltered figures. Canadian peas closed a shade easier. Malt was reported rather dearer. Barley without noteable change. Indian corn moved fairly, the rates obtained showing, and al- most complete recovery of Friday's decline and a return to the quotations of this day week. LONDON. CATTLE, Monday.—The total import of stock into the port of London during the past week amounted to 9,979 head. In the corresponding week of last vear we received 7,03~>; in 1876, 8,498; in 1875, 3,312; in 1874, 3,695; and in 1873, 7,659. The cattle trade has ruled more active, and quotations have had an upward tendency. The supply of beasts was short. The demand was firm, and was in some measure strengthened by the cold weather. Prices had a disposition to harden, and occasionally ruled above those of Monday last. The best Scots and crosses made 6s 2d per 81b., and in exceptional cases rather more. From Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cam- bridgeshire we received about 1,800, from Leicester about 100, from other parts of England about 200, from Scotland 204, and from Ireland about 300 head. In the foreign side of the market there was a short supply of beasts, chiefly Danish and Spanish. The trade was firm, at full prices- The sheep pens were, as usual, thinly supplied. Throughout the trade was firmer, and prices were 2d per SIb. higher than last week. The best downs and half-breds found buyers at 7s 2d to 7s 4d per 81b. Calves were steady, and quite as dear, and pigs sold at full prices. At Deptford there were 50 beasts and 5,000 sheep. Coarse and inferior beasts, 4s 6d to 5s; second quality ditto, 5s 4d to 5s 8d; prime large oxen, 5s lOd to 6s; prime Scots, &c., 6s to ôs 2d; coarse and inferior sheep, 5s 6d to Gs second quality ditto, 6s to tis 6d; prime coarse-woolled sheep, Gs lOd to 7s 2d; prime Soutlulowns, 7s 2d to 7s 4d large coarse cal ves, 5s 611 to 6, prime small ditto, 6s to (is Sd; large hogs, 3s ad to 4s; neat small porkers, 4s to 4s 8d per 81b. to sink the offal. CORN, Monday.—The arrivals during the past week have been English wheat, 1,948 quarters foreign, 111,227 quarters. Exports, 6,077 quar- ters. There was only a small supply of English wheat fresh up to market this morning, and the trade ruled quiet at last Monday's prices. Of foreign the arrivals were excessive, and the up- ward tendency of value was checked thereby, a fair consumptive demand being experienced at about late rates, Country four, 19,779 sacks, and 21,598 barrels; foreign, 4,012 sacks. There was a very little business passing in either sacks or barrels, and quota- tions remain unchanged. English barley, 1,946 quarters Scotch, 100 quarters foreign, 5,308 quarters. Both malting and grinding descriptions met a slow sale at former currencies. Malt: English, 14,507 quarters Scotch, 140 quarters. Exports, 886 quarters. In quiet de- mand, at about previous values. Maize, 25,304 quarters. The enquiry was scarcely so brisk as of late, but no quotable change was observable in either round or flat corn. English oats, 942 quarters; foreign, 47,120 quarters. Exports, 22 quarters. A steady trade for all varieties, at last Monday's prices. English beans, 553 quarters foreign, 42 quarters. A dull trade at unaltered values. Linseed, 58,914 quarters. Exports, 1,1G8 It quarters. Unchanged. CORX, Wednesday.—Quiet market for English and foreign wheat at late rates. Flour steady, but littledone. Oatsrealized firm prices. Maize remained steady. Barley, beans, and peas un- changed. Arrivals: British barley 480 qrs. Foreign wheat, 12,680 qrs.; barley, 1410 qrs.; oats, 17.820 qrs qrs. maize, 1410 qrs. flour 2170 sacks and 4580 barrels. Hops, Monday.—The hop market presented a quiet appearance, consumers showing no desire to operate with any greater freedom, but prices are steady, and where there is any difference it is not unfavourable to the planter. The supplies are moderate, and holders remain sanguine as to the future of the trade. WOOL, Monday.—The amount of business passing in the wool trade has been exceedingly moderate, and rather a dull tone has prevailed. Political affairs naturally exert some influence, and are a serious impediment to active business but there has been no material change in the value either of home-grown of colonial produce. Current prices of English wool:—Fleeces; South hoggetts, Is 3d to Is 4d per lb.; half-bred do., Is 2M to Is 34d; Kent fleeces, Is 2d to Is 3d combing wether matching, Is 6d to Is 7d; prime ditto, Is 4d to Is 4kl; hoggett matching, Is 5d to Is 6id; prime ditto, Is 4d to Is 4:!d.
CORN AVERAGES, )
CORN AVERAGES, For the week ending January 5. The following are the quantities sold and the prices this year and last year:— I QUANTITIES SOLD. PRICES. This year Last year. This year. Last year. Wheat. 29,765.38,238. 513. 8d. 52s. 2d. Barley. 54,659.. 49,230 43s. ld. :s. 9d. Oats. 3,3?.. 2two 23a. 54.24?. 7d.
I Notes and Queries.
I Notes and Queries. BRYN-Y-CABANAU.—I am glad to see that you are giving a little attention to old world local lore. Would you kindly ask some of yonr readers if they can give any information as to the origin of this place—Bryn-y-Cabanau ?—P. SPEED.-There are many Speeds at Holt and have been for the last 300 years, and it is said the antiquarian of that name was ,t native of that unique borough, and that he was born in the quaint old house on your right hand side as you enter the town from Wrexham. Can any of your readers give any amplification of this hintJ.
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Fun for the Family. AT LAST !—A going concern. Temple-Bar.— Punvh, LICKING CREATION—Cudgelling your brains for a new idea.—Fun. SHOULD A BOY who steals a sovereign be sent to a penny-tentiary ?—J tidy. WHY IS A good argument like a wild beast show ?—Because it is sodorjical.—Jndy. FATHER "Why don't yer say yer grace, Chnr- le3, 9" Charley: "Why 'cos I don't like the look o' them there t-iters.Fifii. THE PRICE of flour is getting so high that several Danbury people of an economical turn are giving money instead of bread to tramps. "li'oREGOE, was the word put out at a written spelling exercise in Aberdeen recently. And one little boy handed in "Go, go, go, go." THE RocK has taken to joking. It says that Mr Gladstone is about to visit Hughenden to cut down the tree planted by Her Majesty. THE BOY who was promoted to address wrap- pers in a newspaper office joyfully remarked that I that was a move in the "write direction." IT IS extremely probable that that the lads in the telegraph oiffces will soon be dispensed with. An American has invented an electric huoy.- Fun. I IT IS PROPOSED in Indiana, to change the marriage service so that it will read, "Who dare take this woman" and the bridegroom shall answer, I dare." MEM HAVE delirium tremens from to much whiskey," says a cynical old chap, "and women who go in for flounces instead of whiskey have the delirium trimmings. AT THE rsiATiox-Hoi'sE in Waterbury, Con- necticut, they have a Welcomemotto o ver the entrance to the cells, thus making it pleasant and homelike for the occupants. IK THE Highlands hist week, snow beginii-g to fall heavily, he told hei- that his father's sheep would be lost. "Well," said she, kindlv taking him by the hand. "I'll take one of tJlt'JIJ." I HI: FELL from the staircase of the third story, and lit on a conservatory. Xo—I wasn't much hurt myself," he said, in relating tlie occurence to us, but I guess I rather dented in that glas box." VOSH BILLINGS SAYS :-BliJl(lma1: s buff is sup- posed to come nearer to genuine sympathy than any other amusement that is known to the child- ren of men, because it is a fellow feeling for tt, fellov:-creature. AN OFFICIAL notification has been issued pro- hibiting sweeps and lotteries in India. This seems rather overdoing it, as, if they prohibit the former, how are they to make a clean sweep of the hitter?—Fan. AN ABERDEEN SCHOLAR has found a new synonym for precipice. On being recently asked at an examination how are the cataracts and waterfalls formed, he promptly replied, "By pouring water over a Presbyterian." RICHARD LLEWELLYN, at present residing at Leamington, has had a long spree. He told the magistrates on Wednesday he had been "on the spree s ince the Queen was crowned." He was fined half a guinea for being drunk. A SELF-ASSEININCR PARISHIONER, who was try- ing to browbeat his pastor, said, "You call'& make twice three seven, not by a good deal, great as you may think yourself." "I can come within one of it," quietly replied the clergyman. IN THE METROPOLITAN RAILWAY.—First Lady I beg your pardon, but I think I had the pleasure of meeting you in Rome last year?" Second Lady No. I've never been nearer to Rome than S. Albans." "St. Albans! Where is that V Holborn "—Punch. THE OTHER DAY a gentleman was travelling in Scotland. Presently the train came to a stop. After a delay of ten minutes the traveller put out his head and cried, "What are you waiting here for, guard ?" "Aweel, man, and we be jist wait- ing for the inj in," was the laconic reply. THE FOLLOWING is an admirable specimen of Lord Palmerston's curt way of transacting official business; they are instructions given to a Foreign Office clerk for answering a letter Tell him (1) we'll see (2) to use blacker ink; (3) to round his letters; and (4) that there's no h in exorbi- tant." "No MAX should marry," says a contemporary intended specially for the reading of the fair sex, "except he is in a position to provide a home for his bride, in which there is not only a deal table but also a walnut wood piano." This is a very proper sentiment; but even then the subject is not exhausted, for many a marriage begins with rosewood and ends with pine.—Judy. IT IS ANNOUNCED that, by the archbishop's de- sire, Convocation will not meet for the despatch of business until Tuesday, February 12. If words mean anything, and precedent is to be considered in any way guiding, Convocation will not meet for the despatch of business even then, let the archbishop desire it as much as he may.— FUll. A FEMALE from the country called for a Welsh rabbit at a Washington-street restaurant, and denounced the waiter because there was no part of a rabbit in the dish served. And no later than yesterday," said the wearied waiter, "there was a man in here who growled because there was a hare in the butter; can't please 'em all, anyhow." THE FOLLOWING is told of a gravedigger in a cathedral town in the North of Scotland :—One day, whilst "gathering in" the remains of an aged parishioner, he observed some women weep- ing by the grave side. Turning round, he sharply demanded of them, "What are ye greetin' for'? If ye dinna bring em at eighty, when would ye bring 'em. ?" A CRrKTY TENANT of a late laird pressing him to complete some piece of work which had long stood over, the laird craved further delay, add- ing that he would give his word of honour—nay, his written bond—to have the thing done before a certain day. "Your word!" exclaimed the tenant, "It's weel kenii'd that will do me little guid an as for your writing, naebody can read it! "PSHA!" said Grumpus, when he heard the telephonic machines enabling us to hear a man 600 miles off, "the valuable invention would be one to enable us not to hear loud and vulgar chatter six inches off-iii railway carriages and elsewhere-to say nothing of street cries in a suburban street, or a neighbours piano in a subur- ban house. That would deserve gratitude, if you like."—Punch. A NORTH of Scotland clergyman recently said that he was once engaged to preach to his Sun- day-school, but that, after the little people were all arranged before him in order, he told them that some of them might be weary and want to go out before he had finished, so lie would rather have any who fancied they would like to go to do so now, when no one would be disturbed, For few moments all sat still; then one little fellow took up his cap and went down the aisle, and then another and another followed, until not a child was left. A CASE was brought before a Highland magis- trate m which the owner of a squirrel presented a claim of damages against a person who had it in charge, but who had allowed it to escape. From the complications of the case, the Bailie was rather at a loss. At length, collecting his faculties, lie said to the defendent, "Did ye clip its wings?" "It's a quadruped, your honour," said the defendent. "Quadruped here, quadruped there," said the magistrate, "if ye had clipped its wings, it couldna hae flown aff. I maun de- cide against ye." A LABOURING MAN who wanted to go to Wind- sor, but who didn't want to expend a dime for ferriages started to cross on the ice. He had not progressed but fifty feet from the foot of First- street when he got into an air hole, and was pulled out by men who had been watching him. One of these men was relating the incident in a street car when a solemn looking passenger bent for- ward and inquired, "and did you succeed in re- suscitating him" "No, sir, we didn't," was the blunt answer. We pulled him ashore, gave him some whiskey, and he went off as lively as a cricket. You dont think I'd be mean enough to resuscitate a poor labouring man, do you The other didn't say, A YOUNG Eng-lish doctor, who had only been in Turkey a few weeks, who kept awake for several hours at Ydnkoi by a sentry with a bad cough. He determined at last to get up and give the man a draught, The sentry, although somewhat astonished, drank the mixture which the In-dis hekini gave him; and the next morning the doctor received a visit from the officer of the guard, who somewhat roughly asked him why he had insulted one of his men. The surgeon replied in such bad lurkish that the officer could not re- frain from smiling. "You should not attempt to speak lurkish at present." he said, "for last night you asked my man if he had a bolster, and then told him to pitch into himself." "But," observed the doctor, looking very foolish, "surely the sentry understood I wanted to cure his cough Cough Yes—yes Very good But then the sentry who had the cough was re- lieved duty a few minutes before, you dosed the wrong man ALPHABETICAL CURIOSITIES—The protean nature of the vowel sounds is familiar to all. A few amusing examples will show that the conson- ants are nearly as bad—B makes a road broad, turns the ear to a bear, and Tom into a tomb. C makes limb climb, hanged changed, a lever clever, and transports a lover to clover, D turns a bear to beard, a crow to crowd, and makes anger dan- ger. F turns lower regions to flower regions. H changes eight to height. K makes now know. L transforms a pear into pearl. N turns a line into linen, a. crow to a crown, and makes one none. P metamorphoses lumber into plumber. Q of itself has no significance. S turns even to seven, makes hove shove, and word a sword a pear a spear, makes slaughter of laughter, and curiously changes having a hoe to shaving a shoe. T makes a bough bought, turns here to there alters one to tone, and transfonns the nhrnso allow his own to tallow this town." W does well, e. g., hose or whose, are become ware on won, omen women, so sow, vie view; it makes arm warm, and turns a hat into—what • Y turns fur into fury, a man to many, to to a toy, a. rub to ruby, ours to yours, and a lad to a lady 1 York Cmvmrcial Advcrtiocr,