Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

OUR LADIES' COLUMN] BY ONE OF THEMSELVES. I RELEASE FROM A PRISON OF ICE.-HERR STAVENHAGEN'S CONCERT.—A TERRIBLE VOL- CANO.—KRAKATOA.—THE ISLAND OF JAVA.- A LECTURE BY ROBERT BALL.—ASTRONOMER ROYAL FOR IRELAND.—RECOLLECTIONS OF A VISIT TO THE EMERALD ISLE. -OXYHYDRorEN LANTERN. COLOURED SUNSETS. IRIS U TRAVELLING ROUND THE WORLD.- GEYsEp- -MF,TEORITF-q. LAY SERMONS. MER- CHANT PRINCES.—A MODEL FACTORY. FACE ABLUTION. MANICURE. BEAUTIFUL I-OII EVER.—INVALID GARMENTS. I think since our release from a prison or ice and snow, which made locomotion so difficult mid often dangerous in London, it has seemed more pleasant than ever to get out again to enjoy society, pictures, music, theatres, and all the good things that are open to us here. Lovers of music are all discussing the merits of Herr Stavenhagen as a pianist, and, of course, there are varieties of opinion about his performance. II In appearance he is tall, somewhat fair, with an ihteresting expression of face. He looks more iiko a Swede than a German, but I do not exactly know his nationality he is decidedly careless of his appearance, with unkempt ruffled hair, and lie has moreover a habit of putting his hanrl comfortably into his trousers pockets when lie rises to bow to his enthusiastic audience; which to say the least, is unusual amongst artists, and shows how little he kno-ig of the ways and methods of ordinary society, moreover he accepts the ovation he always gets whenever he plays, with a sort of indifference, which is just a little provoking. But what do all these small personalities matter to a genius who can hold his listeners enthralled whilst he sits at the piano? Moreover, he is but lately married, to a lady well-known as an operatic singer in Germany, and doubtless she will correct any eccentricities of appearance and manners, and after a time will be careful to superintend her husband's toilette, and see tha-t he is well groomed when he ilppears on a platform. I went to the Grand Orchestral Concert, which they gave together at St. James's Hall ast week, and critics notwith- standing, I was charmed and delighted with the whole performance. Since I heard Liszt and Rubenstein, I have heard nothing like Stavenhagen's marvellous execution and 't delicacy of toucn. lie piayea on one or fiecn. stein's grand pianos, which I prefer to those of any oLher maker;, they have the brilliancy we used to like so well in an Erard, and they have the rich lone and durability of Broadwood. I believe Stavenhagen was a pupil of Liszt, and he does his master justice, playing much of his beautiful music at this concert very perfectly. Madame Stavenhagen is a decidedly good look- ing woman, dressed, not as a Frenchwoman would have appeared, in a faultless gown but she iooked pleased and happy, and expressed her acknowledgments of the plaudits of her audience rather less awkwardly than her husband. She carried a lovely bouquet of white lilies which was presented to her. She sang a scene from Kas- tropp's dramatic poem "Suleika," as set to music and rendered by Stavenhagen. It. was doubtless it line composition, but it did not give me half the pleasure that I felt in hearing her encore, for which she chose Rubenstein's lovely song, "Es blinktder Thau. She also sang the charming air from Der Freyschutz," Leise, Leise." As my readers will have gathered, I have a. ueep interest in the little island of Java, with which place so few English people are connected rhat in conversation it is often mistaken for Japan, and although the Dutch, to whom it. be- longs. constantly speak of it as India, just as ivc do of our British possessions in the East, it is curious to see how surprised my English friends arc when I own to having near and dear relatives in this distant region, who are really as much English as I am myself. I recollect, with a shudder, the anxiety caused about seven years mm-o by the terrible news that Krakatoa, a volcanic little island in the Straits of Sunda, close to Java, had been totally destroyed by a violent eruption, carrying with it and killing half the inhabitants of the larger island. Telegrams received the next day after this alurming announcement re- assured us, and we knew that our dear ones were safe, though it was not until the post brought us letters that we heard the full extent of the disaster. Memorable as this great eruptioa was to the scientific world, and to those who study Physiography, I knew but little of the true nature of the awful explosion till I went last Sunday afternoon to one of the lectures of the Sunday Society, in St. George's Hall. It w: announced beforehand that a lecture on Krakatoa would be given by Sir Robert Ball, F.R.S., Astronomer Royal for Ireland, and I determined to go, not only to hear something about this memorable incident which i have often bad described to me since by those who were present, but because long years ago IknewSirRobt. Ball slightly, and connect my thoughts of him with much hospitality in Dublin, when I once made a somewhat lengthened tour in the Emerald Isle. I shall never forget my visit there, for throughout the land everybody was so kind and enthusiastic, so hospitable, and said such pleasant things that I am afraid I felt that I had never before been fully and properly appre- ciated, and I had to climb down several rounds of the ladder of self-esteem before I could settle myself comfortably again in prosaic England. So I went to hear the lecture, and afterwards had the privilege of a little chat with the lecturer, who reminded me with his winning Irish smile of a certain charming drive we once took on an outside car in the neighbourhood of Dublin when the national gift of "blarney" helped to make me quite seli-satisned and pleased with all I saw, qui ?ain g Paddy the driver himself. Well, Sir Robert Ball has all the fluency of his country- men, and the description he gave us of a volcanic island, clothed with verdure, being torn up and blown into space by the forces of nature, so that the dust thereof ascended 17 miles into the air lost nothing from his eloquence, though he care- fully explained the real scientific causes of these terrible phenomena, and the whole lecture was well illustrated by an oxy- hydrogen lantern, which threw good photo- graphic views and maps of the district on to a screen before us. How overwhelmingly alarming this fearful experience must have been to the peaceful inhabitants of Java, especially to those who were Jiving near the sea, of whom thousands were washed away by the rising waves, huge and terrible as they rolled over the low-lying parts of the coast. The noise of that awful explosion was audible for a distance of 3,000 miles, the mightiest sound on record in the world's history We in Great Britain participated in the effect. of the hurri- cane of dust produced by the explosion of Krakatoa, and many of us remember the gorgeous sunsets and the strange blue sun, which, as Sir Robert Ball said, "scampered round the earth" after the explosion. The finely powdered particles of pumice which filled the whole atmosphere for many miles were carried round the globe 13 times in an equatorial current before they subsided, and through- out their progress they produced the most brilliant and startling effects when they entered the area of the sun's rays. For more than a year after the explosion in Java, observers all over the world were bewildered and often alarmed by these novel appearances; especially at sunset and throughout the Eastern hemisphere, extending as far northwards as our own British islands they were very evident. We were shown the picture of a brilliant sunset at Chelsea in the autumn of 1883, which I well remember; and which was entirely due to the impalpable fragments of Krakatoa dust in the atmosphere, which had been blown round and round the earth before it reached us. The lecture was altogether most interesting, and we were told much about other volcanoes, geysers, and meteorites, in addition to the chief subject of the discourse. I think but few intelligent people are now heard to object to the work of the Sunday Lecture Society, which provides such lectures as this, and similar others on literature and science, "lay sermons" in fact, for the instruction and delectation of those who prefer thus to occupy the few hours of Sunday after- noon rather than to waste them in fruitless gossip, as is often the case. It is not always that successful merchants and traders who are making their fortunes, think much of the comfort and advantages of those who help to make them, and too often hard- working employes are treated as mere machines. In the best draper's establishments in London, and wherever many women are employed who sleep on the premises, there has lately been a great reform and improvement in this respect, but in our large factories, where the workers go to and fro, they are supposed to take care of themselves, and to have nothing to complain about if they get properly paid and are not made to work over hours. [alii told by my north country friends, of one huge factory lately erected in Leeds, which is in itself almost like a little town. Messrs. Hepworth, the Mam- moth clothiers, who certainly must supply half the men and boys in the world with garments, have covered an enormous area with one great building; they have introduced every modern device for the convenience and comfort of their people, and I am glad to know that the girls who work on the premises have a beautiful dining- room provided for them, and a fine playground for their recreation, exercise, and enjoyment. In the East of London I know some clothiers' establishments where crowding, insufficient | ventilation, and terrible atmospheric conditions do their worst amongst the pale faces I some- times tee there. How I should like to trausport I some of them to this colossal establishment in Leeds,for the enormous value of ground in London is said to interfere with any attempt to improve the old buildings in which business has gone on for many years, though surely there must be here and there odds and ends of waste land, that might be thus utilised by an enterprising manufacturer for his own good and the benefit of his workpeople. Messrs. Hepworth's factory in Leeds is a model one and I think there are many in the same business in other large towns, who would like to succeed as they have done; to supply as they do, seventy-two retail houses of their own, with manufactured goods made in their factory, and I fancy that they might also learn a lesson in political economy from this great firm, remembering where it is said, that "a liberal man deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things shall he stand." A new fad, or fancy, or toilette device is now added to that of Manicure," to which we are becoming quite accustomed, though we certainly always associate this latter process with the many American developments of personal luxury, in which the well-to-do of both sexc largely indulge on the other side of the Atlantic. "Manicure" is, as we all know, a process o! manipulating the hands until thev become soft and pliant, and chiefly consists of å large amount of attention being paid to the nails, so that they Are preserved in good condition, and are made by careful cutting and polishing, to assume a Saod shape and a pleasant appearance. Arrange- ments for indulging in manicure are now common enough in London, and probably also in the provinces-for in most good hairdressers' shops there is a little room where one's hands can be manipulated and beautified by competent and charming ladies, at a moderate charge, and lean now speak with the authority of an eye-witness of the new art of Face ablution," as practised by a lady in association with her friend, who adopts manicure as her profession in Hertford- st.. May Fair. J had heard of this matter at the depot and agency for ladies' work, at 71, Park-st., and! determined to visit the establishment for myself, so I ventured to interview the lady partners in this novel enterprise one afternoon this week. and found them very agreeable women, and quite willing to afford me every information, at the same time kindly offering on the spot to manipulate my hands, and give me polished filbert shaped nails, as well as a perfect and youthful complexion; smoothing out all traces of time's defacing fingers," and eradi. cating every wrinkle from my face. The offer was charming, and had I been just then "on pleasure bent" I might have accepted it, but I had not an hour to spare; so I promised to call another day for the purpose of being beautified by a more effectual and less objectionable course of treatment than that once adopted by the notorious Madame Rachel. Miss Sheppard told me that her speciality of face ablution is really the principle of the Turkish bath applied locally, and she explained how the use of hot and cold water, with very careful and delicate massage, produces on the skin of the face, neck, and arms a most surprising result. Neuralgic pains, premature wrinkles, and a dull muddy complexion disappear after a very few ablutions of this kind, and those who have hitherto used cos- metics and powder to produce certain artificial appearances, thus impoverishing and injuring their skins and preventing them from parform- ing their proper functions, are turned out after a few visits to Miss Sheppard as "fresh as a rose," with a relieved circulation, improved colour, and an absence of neuralgic pains. It certainly did seem curious to be taught at my age how to wash my face, and still more so to find that I could not do it properly myself, but that to look thoroughly fresh and clean I must submit to be washed just as a little child I has to do in the nursery. I was infinitely amused to see a stalwart sailor, or a young man who looked like one, so bronzed and rough was he, march in to the neat little room, and request to have his hands attended to, for said he, turning to me, You see I've got very decently shaped hands, but they are so knocked about just now with ex- posure and rough work that I dare not show them in a London drawing-room." I sat still and watched the process, and was told that this was the young gentleman's third visit, and that after three more he might without fear of detec- tion assume the role of a "masher" on any stage. Of course, he will have to persevere and to submit his fingers and nails to treatment at least once a week for some time. These two ladies seem to work well together, combining face ablution and manicure on the same premises, and one of them showed me an invention of her own in the way of invalid clothing, which she says is often recommended by the faculty in cases of operation, broken limbs, or severe rheumatism. The garment which I saw is made very neatly, of the softest and most elastic flannel, and is composed of separate parts so as to be removed with the greatest ease, without disturbing a patient. The body is in two halves, fastening on the shoulders, having detachable sleeves aud leg coverings, which tie into their places very securely and easily. It is double over the chest and spine, and is therefore a great protection from cold, and as the front and back are divided, it is far more convenient i for an invalid's use than the ordinary all-round garment. Miss Sheppard calls them Drappehs," or wrappers, and they arc to be seen at Mrs. St. Maur's Ladies' Woric Depot in Park-st. London, Thursday. PENELOPE. TO COnUESPONDENTS. K. S. D., BRISTOI,. -1 cannot account for the dark colour of your cake—it might be owing to the baking, or perhaps you did not use white sugar. Bi-carbonata of soda is the correct ingre- dient to strew into the cake before baking—the printer in your little cutting makes it "stew," I which is a different thing. "A HAMPSHIRE ADMIRER" will have seen in last week's letter that. it is not the toys I object to, but the costly and elaborate ones which I think unsuitable. It. M.—I sent your note on to Mrs. St. Maur, 71, Park-st., Grosvenor-square, as you wished. F. P. —I think your medical man could pro- bably give you a tonic, or a dose of bromide, or something of the kind, to calm and soothe your nerves when occasion requires. Try to imagine, when you play to an auiience, that there is no one listening, and that you are playing to please yourself alone. I have known this to succeed, and to help in overcoming what is really self- consciousness. CONSTANCE.- You might write to Miss Shep- pard, No. 1, Hertrord-st., May Fair, whom I men- tion in to-day's letter. I know of no innocuous lotion or remedy to use as a depilatory, and I have heard that the only thing to do is to pull each hair out separately with a pair of tweezers.

I I COMIC PAPER CUTTINGS. (From" PUNCH."] IN AIEMORIAM. Strong- man and strenuous fighter, stricken down Just when foes owned thee neither knave nor olown The fiercest of them. time-taught, need not fear To drop a blossom now en Bradlaugh's bier. THB PROPOSED ONE-FOUND NOTEs.-Ne-Goschen- able currency. ANNALS OF A QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD. AN Ics PICTURE.—Fair Damsel: What a lot of holidays you to get, Mr. Miniver Pet Curate "Well, yes. I keelt a Rector, you know." SYMPATHETIC EGOISM OF GENIUS.—(A study.)- Don't, run away yet, old man It'8 quite early, and I want to hear all about your Academy picture, which I'm told is splendid."—[Proceeds to describe his own at great length, and then suddenly finds out how late it is, and bolts !] RIMAKKABLK CONVERSlON. Canon Teignmouth Shore proposes to convert the two Convocations that is startling without the context-" into one National Synod." But two into one won't go. How will he manage it ? Will those in the York ship join the Canterbury or vlcc versa ? Or, quitting both ships, will they laud on common ground ? Who's for Shore 1" "BETTER LATE THAN NEVER."—Two Jurymen, says a paragraph in last Saturday's Times, wrote to Ute solicitor acting for a female prisoner, one Cutler, who had been convicted of perjury and sentenced at Chester, to say that they gave in to a verdict of guilty because it was very late, and one gentleman had an important business engagement at home." This recalls the line, And wretches hang that jury- men may dine." The remainder of Ellen Cutler's sentence of fire years' penal servitude is remitted. It is satisfactory to know that these two had the courage of their opinions before it was too late. I (From FUN.") I EARLY AND LATE.—"Mamma, dear, is Leightou I one of the old masters ?"—" No, my darling. How could he be? The old masters lived long ago. "Oh, I thought he was, perhaps, a late *uu." POOR FELLOW !-Cabby (about to quaff a steaming glass of grog).—" Ah, you may well say that, miss, ours is a 'ard life; for wot with the wind an' wot with the weat her, an' wot with one thing an' the other, yer soon spiles yer kemplexion drivin' SHE KNEW !—There he is, Katey dear; I thought he wouldn't be able to keep away, though you have quarrelled. Katey Yes, I see him. But let's pre- teud not to, or he won't come near us. [Tactics suc- cessful. Next Tuesday, no cards.] I [From "JUDY."] Also a "tanning curate (examining).—" H'« lodged with one Simon, a tanner." Now, boy, what is a tanner? Boys (altogether): Sixpence. NeT so BAD.—Scene, sick room in a labourer's cottage. Visitor Sorry to find you so poorly, John. Sick Man Oh, H'h-ise dreadful bad, sure enough. Vinitor Shall I read a chapter of the Bible to you, John ? Sick Man (doubtfully) No-o, thank ye. I I ain't bad enough for that.

A lady being asked on the witness-stand her age, replied that she did not. remember when she was born, and all she knew of it was by heresay. This being hearsay evidence, it was not admissible. One of the funniest, things about children is the way. when t!"? h: hurt thcnuelv?. th\' start and 1'111; I: over i!c h.<? until hey can ii:?d somebody rtill :il? z,(? iiiitii iliev e?*L:. i i ,-Ikl some b o d y to be.u" Item i Uncle Joe t i lilil the country): This is a queer world Londoner What makes you think so ?" Uncle Joe Well, a painter fellar came down to my place last summer, and while he was loafin' about painted a picter of my dog. I heard afterwards that he sold it for £50, so I brought up the dog, thinking I could git at least a cool P,100 for him but I can't even give him away." Give us the man who sings at his work Be his occupation what it may, he is equal to any of those who follow the same pursuit in silent sullenness. He will do more in the same time, he will do it better, he will persevere longer. One is scarcely sensible of fatigue while he marches to music. Mr. Brown (on his way home from a sinall gather- ing of friends, reading the notice on the door of the railway station, Dogs must, be led through this building by a cord "): Well, it is easy enough to find a cord, but where in thunder am I to get a dog" Leasing, the German author, was t o absent-minded that one night he called at his own house and asked the servant if the Professor was at home. The servant, not recognising him in the dark, said, He is not in." "Ob, very well," replied Lessiii-, I will call another time." Col ley Gibber's ,1 one day begged his father to givehini one hundred pounds. It is very strange," said Coliev, '"that you can't live upon your salary. When I was your age, I never spent any of my father's money." Perhaps not," answered the son but I am sure you have spent many hundred pounds of my father's money." Charlie, dear, what is a monopoly" she asked. looking up tenderly, as she rested submissively in his arms, with her dainty head nestled against his coat collar. Well." replied Charlie, manfully struggling to bring his mind to cope with abstruse subjects, and failing to get beyond concrete facts, I sincerely hope l that this is."

I COAL AND IRON. I I ■ • ■ • i BABROW Monday.—The depression is maintained in hematite it on, and while a lessened production has net qui be checked the increase in stocks, it is noticeable that the consumption of Bessemer descriptions has been reduced owing to the stoppage of steel making plant. The business doing in warrants has not been on a large scale, and 51s 9J is the cash price net. Makers are asking 53.i 6J, and are handicapped with comparatively dear ore and dear coke, the former at 10 6d at mines, and the latter at 2h delivered from eaet coast furnace?. In the stael trade there is much activity at the three large works in operation, and hopes are entertained of a good season's trade. Ship. builders are as busy as can be. Shipping is not at present brisk. MIDDLESBROUGH, Tuesday.—Very fiat market no orders worth mentioning, and little inquiry. Prices of pig weak, merchants taking 42i for prompt f.o.b. deliveries of No. 3 Cleveland, but generally buyers would not pay more than 41s 91, while Middlesbrough warrants were quoted at 41s lOd cash. No. 4 forge about 40" 9 I, and deliveries brisker to Scotland this week now that the railway strike is over. East coast hematite 54s 61 at works. The South Stockton Iron Company are about to commence the rolling of steel angles and bars, buying the ingots. The dullness of the steel plate trad e has just led to the closing of one wor ks. Steel ship plates quoted .£6 2-t 6d at works, but 2d 6.1 less will be acceptad. Steel angles £ 6 53, iron angles £ 5 12$6d, common iron bars £ u 153 at works. WOL\EUHAMPTON, Wednesday.—A quiet tone per- vaded 'Change this afternoon, and business was not active. The fact that coal has been raised another Is per ton since last meeting has given risa to general complaint, manufacturers declaring that the cobt of production i,2 already greater than can be recompensed by selling pricep. Quotations of pig-iron range from 40" for Staffordshire cinder sorts up tu £ 5 for all mine hot blast. A reductieo of 5s in hoops and strip, making them C6 15s, has improved the demand.

AGRICULTURE. AGRICULTURAL SEED TRADE. LONCON, Wednesday. — Messrs John Shaw and Sons. seed merchants, report a fair steady business. Red clover seed tends upwards, aleyke and white unchanged, trefoil more inquired for, rye grasses firm, rape strong at the late advance, hemp realises full prices, for canary there is an improved sale. Blue peas are considerably dearer. More money asked for haricots. Bird millet rapidly lising. Buck wheat, linseed, &c., unaltered. A GOOD £ LACE FOR FARMERS.—The Liverpool Distiict Farmers' Ciub held a special meeting on Saturday, in order to hear the views of the represen- tatives of Lancashire agriculturists, who recently went to Canada at the request of the Dominion Govern- ment. Glowing descriptions of the state of farming in that country were given, the vegetation in several parts being stated to be extraordinary. The advantages offered to emigrants were also most promising. THE HORSE BREEDING COMMISSION.— A meeting of the Royal Commission on Hurse Breeding was held on Monday. The final arrangemeut., including the appointment of stewards, judges, and veterinary sur- geons, in connection with the forthcoming show of thoroughbred stallions were made. The register, containing particulars of a number of young horsen which are sired by the Queen's premium Btalliom, and which are for sale, was approved. This list may be obtained by intending purchasers from the Secretary of the Royal Commission. AGRICULTURAL PROTECTION IN FRANCE. The Society of French Agriculturist?, which is one of the most aristocratic in France, held last week its twenty- second general conference. Four Imndred members, ahitfly noblemen having large estates, were present. The Mal quis de Dampierre, a well-known Royalist, was voted to the chair. lie made a long speech, chicfly upon the expediency of getting up a move- ment on behalf of ftringent protection for agricul- tural produce. When manufacturers were being protected why should not farmers be so also ? if the former were sheltered by prohibition tariffs and the latter were not, there would be a general emigration from villages and hamlets to the manufacturing centres. But he feared that the legislature would be a long time in seeing the identity of interests of the manufacturer and the landowner. THE FARMERS' CLUB.- The tirst meeting of this club for 1891 was held on Monday evening at the Salisbury Hotel. London, the subject fixed for dis- cussion—"Our Waterways "-being introduced in an elaborate paper by Mr Howard Coote, of Fenstanton. —The Chaitman (Mr J. B iwen Jones) in some opening reuiaiks as the new president, congratulated the meeting that the situation of agriculture was on the whole more favorable than it had been for several years. They had, he said, in the last year had a good, and rather more than an average corn harvest, an abundant hay crop, and a large rc-ol. crop while their herds and flocks had increased and thriven, and had been faiily free from disease throughout the country. Their dairy industry had, under improved processes, held its own. The untoward incident of the outlook was the continued depression of prices, and it was unsatisfactory to agriculturists generally that prices for their products remained permanently low. while the commercial and other industries of the country had considerably advanced. He also ex- pressed satisfaction at recent legislation in matters especially interesting to agriculturists, including the extirpation of pleuro-pneumonia. CHESHIRE FARMERS AND THE AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS ACT.—At a general meeting of the mem- bers of the Chester Farmers' Club, held at Chester on Saturday,, under tue presidency ot Air Fryer, the main topic of discussion was the following recommen- dation of a sub-committee That this _club, while recognising the benefits of the Agricultural Holdings Act. 1883, desires to point out that there are several seriouR defects in that Act, whereby the tenants' interests are not protected. That this club shall peti- tion the Right Hon. H. Chaplin desiring the Govern- ment to introduce a Bill at once whereby the defects in the present Act may be remedied, and that will secure to the farmer the full results of his expenditure, enterprise, and skill in the management of his hold- ing." There was a general feeling expressed in favor of the recommendation, the only doubt raised being as to the advisability or otherwise of specifying the defects. The committee, however, considered that after Mr Chaplin had conceded an interview or con- sented to enter into communication on the subject, it would be thtn quite time enough to formulate the objections. The recommendation was carried.

FARMING AND THE CORN TRADE. I The Has k Lane Express of Monday says:— The wheat revealed to eight by the thaw is very green and regular and not at all too forward for the be- ginning of February, but evidently well-rooted and nourished. The soil is not fit for spring sowing, but there is yet plenty of time in this respect. Wheat, without being dear, is not exactly depressed but the value of barley is seriously reduced on the twelve months. There has been 6j dec!ine on the London wheat average during the past week; but a slight im. provement in the average quality has saved Mark-lane from the general depression in barley which marked an improvement of 2d on the week. The trade for important staples has not been vigorous, but Liverpool for wheat on Friday was firm and London resisted any decline. The trade in important descriptions of spring corn, &c., has been firm for oat?, beans, and maize, inanimate for barley, rye, and peas, and de- pressed for oilseeds. Barley on passage is a full aver. age expectation. Calcutta linseed realised 41s 33 compared with 41s Vd a week ago, and rapeseed marked a similar tendency in buyers' favor.

THE PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COUNTY COUNCILS. MEETING OF CENTRAL CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. A Council meeting of the Central Associated Chambers of Agriculture was held on Tuesday, Sir E. Birkbeck, M. P., in the chair. Sir R. Paget, M.P., moved the following—"1.—That in the opinion of tiis Council, a fair share of the sum received by each County Council under the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Act, 1890, ought to be applied to the provision or promotion of agricultural education. 2.-That the following I methods of providing or promoting agricultural educa- tion are. in the opinion of this Council, sathfactory; and t't County Councils be recommended to adopt such of them as may be, in their opinion, best suited to the circumstances of different districts:—(a)—The engagement of qualified persons tj deliver different courses of lectures and conduct classes at various places in each county, (b)—The encouragement, by meatiB of regular grants, of dairy institutes and itine- rant or temporary schools of butter or cheese making, (c)—Assistance to teachers in rural elementar-y schools to attend lectures on agricultural subjects at convenient centres, (d)-Assi,-tance to scholars at elementary schools to proceed to secondary schools, by the introduction of scholarships, (e)—The assist- ance cf the establishment of "Agricultural Sides" to existing County and Endowed Schools. 3-That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the clerk of every County Council in England and Wales." The hon. baronet, in proposing these resolutions, remarked that agricultural education was one of the earliest subjects taken up by the Chamber and he contended that one of the best modes of promoting that object was the cheapening of the cost of endowed schools for the benefit of farmers' sons. Scientific research and ex- periment s were, he maintained, absolutely essential, but they were already provided for. Indifferent districti the wants to be met would be of a different character, and hence the scheme should be of the widest description. —Mr T. Bell, (Newcastle-on-Tyne), in seconding the resolution, observed that the plan laid down was a very practical one, and referred to marked successes at a echool at Castle Barnard as showing what might be done to advance technical education.—The motion having been supported by Mr Rowlandson, who attached great impoitance to giving assistance to teachers in rural schools, Mr Jeffreys, M.P., who insisted on the need for practical teaching, moved the omission of Sub-section C, and Mr Rigby seconded the amendment, both arguing that the money ex- pended should be divided pro rati between urban and rural districts.—Mr C. S. Read opposed the amend. ment, remarking that they wanted teachers, and these could not teach unless they had been taught.— The amendment having been withdrawn, Col. Frost proposed and Mr Lipscombe seconded a rider to the effect that County Councils should have power to con- tribute to institutions for technical education outside their district. This rider was supported by Mr Gray, M.P., on the ground that it is very desirable that two or three counties should unite to support one large institution instead of money being frittered away on a number of small schools.-The rider was ultimately embodied in Sub-section E.—On the motion of Mr C. S. Read, seconded by Mr Sapwell, the following sub. sect ion was added Assistance of local agricultural bodies in conducting practical and scientific experi- ments."—It was further resolved, on the motion of Mr Griffin (Bucks), and seconded by Mr Williams (Monmouthshire), That this Council expresses a hope that all future assistance afforded by the Government to technical education shall be as free from departmental restrictions and regulations as that for the present year." With these additions the reso- lutions proposed by Sir R. Paget were adopted.

i Markets. WLLEXHAM.—THCRSDAT. Re6 wbe?t old 75!b< iu <u  Ditto new. £ JJ U??aotd(petbtMheI of<5tb.). Ditto „ ..w. ??;"? Seed do. u. tw St4o Malting barley per 70iba) 18  M 1 Grinding do. (per 64tba). 2, 3, ;6c 0 .is 5,1 to Potatoes (per 90ibs.) ? ?" ? '0 w J4 Butter (per lb.) ot 16 o*.j £ ?m J ic .■4 'c Beef (per Ib.). 7ci :J Mutton(per o., £ lj Pork(per!b.).?;;? 0-4d Veal (per ib.). ? -? Lamb (per lb.) o, ,?? { « Fowl (per couple). •   Ducks 25 4. til, Turkeys, Cocks (per couple) Ditto, Hens „ ,W1 Geese (per lb.) ? Eggs 1? to OJ tut ? shth aft ??. -M'' MOLl). WEONESDAY.—Wheat, new lis 'Jd ta 11, ?' .? '?"' 9? 6d to 10s Od barley. grinding os to 011 ifd; ,1'1, to D?e.i; oats, new Os 0J to U? 0d Pot"es..j. 'Ú per hamper. Fresh butter. ? 4 1 to la tti L, 12 to 14 for Is. RUTHIN. TUESDAY.—TnerewM a moderate atienaaacp Vir fa.ir,?nd he fairprav?dan?v?r.t?eaucce-'? '?? "?- ments were dull, especially that uf store ?[.t:'c liar;. found ready sale at buyers prices. H.,? V te feature of the fair, some goo* specimens of >h.. [:tGt • class were purchased rea I y. sfceep '.vere scarce, and the priees quoted were ia .nivMM ie Pigs were cheap and numerous. 61: DKNBIGH. WEDNESDAY.—The market was poorly U- farmers. Prices in mo?t departments w,re • 3? 6d to 3s 9d. Ducks, ? to ? Cd per n? for a a?iUinK. Butter, Is 3d per lb. "? WHEAT.—There was a goodly "u?,a er of the whe?rin? by the Crown H..tet TUe Drn of barley at :?aper qr. wa' a g?nc?m:? fr-V -hi Distillery at Bala. BeaM, 1? Co ils t r,e=r r ;^w,Jn U'3 ;¡; lis Gd per 168lbs. <.a:,¡. TJHKSTKK. CORN, Saturday.—The attendance an,i iuppiy Vf7" at our market to-nay was small, and tdv ?? -a.:nw wheat offering met a rea-ly sale at ai: weJk'- 5s 4d per 751bs. No business passing in lUa.m' Beans in moderate supply at pre?ut? prices *,<u:cy mixed corn is Id per lUUIba. dearer. trIcan Wheat, white Der 751t5 „0 y « Ditto, red ? ? ? M Bar!ey. malting, per 6:b" ;? ,,1 -f ? W Barley, grinding, per 641b  ,w -? Oats, per 461bs. ? .? d Beans, per S01b ? ? 'i Ditto, Egyptian, Der4SU!L'< '„. ° CREWE. CATTLE, Monday.—Medium snppIv .? ,Wr# "? stock. There was a goo i attend?ee of hnveV.- b-:cf"s Btef 6 t to 6?d, mutton ü to Hd. porkec pi-W t, J"r; bac?n pigs 8s per score, new mi?ch and cdvin., /a heifers £ 16 to .?2. barrens £ 11 t,l £ i;}t jU ;I yearlings .?? to ?U, store pig-i 15? t) ?. US \V E:iTJ: Y. White wheat (per 751be.), os 0 to ■, u re,t new. 4s 10,1 to 5i 2d oats, new (per meitaurt* 1* (jj. Malting oarley (per measure), I7s tid to Ok au-  ditto, 0s Ott; potatoes. (per measure „.t butter iper Ih.), Is 4? tu l-< 5:; tecr -j cautUm S?t to9?d v?!, SJ ?:?: :¡, ?[ pork. M t'. 8d; pork, (id to Sd; fowls ;«er .1 ujde) 4s od t<» 5, ,1 .!■ L'j L Od to 6E Od eggs to 12 !nr a shili to 6?6d each: turkeys each d.ud ?o ? ?) SHREWSBURY. CORN, Saturday.—This market: w.?:?r;y .np„1"" whEa. Trade was quiet. ?I?iater? w,' n .ii?,?:' increase their stocks of barley. 04,s wera ?r? tions White Wheat, per 75]hs 3, 0 New ditto .1, 01 Red ditto New ditto Barley, (malting) per 701ba ,1 i Barley (grinding) ditto 4s 'Id t8 H 1 Oats, (old) per 225lb» c, I id Oats (new) „ 1:1 til to Gt,t! Peas .1i :0 j. Beans. v c-r 2 If)! 1, ps .1, Beans (new) Is lu ai ELi.KSM^iiK. TUBSDAT.—White wheats. t.> 3 I'; r"- ;51bs; bailey 4s 6d to 4< 10 l; "'tt«, :!» >j. to 15 for a shilling; butter, li C4) k fowls,'3s 6d to 5) 61 per coupla; liucEi. 4i per couple. WHITC»riTU,"ji. FRIDAY.—Wheat, 4, 8 t, 5 0: «IERl!w.: barley to 5-i 01 per 70lbs oat*. 2; 9:: U Ii 12 to 14 tor a shilling; butter. Is 2d Ll. U a: ltioz.; fowls, 4^> 01 to 4I. 6.1 Lyer c,)i;itie 5". to Os Od pur couple geese, Od to Od per ih tnrkeys, 1 to Od per lb; r.otntoe' 3s :$1 o 3 s 1;<1 per measure; beef, 5}d tr S}d. per 1L. mutton, 7 a Dil, lamb. Od to Od pork 6 1 E -(I r

COEN AVEKAGES. The following is an official statement showing the, iuan. tities sold and the average price of British curn, imperial measure, as received from the inspectors ano -ificer". ■ Excise, conformably to the Act -f the 45th ana 4tta cap. 37, in the week ended Jaf. -,4, ll Quantities Sold. Average Price. Qrs. But. a i. Wheat 103,416 3 :» 1 Barley. 140,SJ2 7 J* III Oats 20.S.ô" 16 1 Comparative statement for the corrtsjjoniiing wet:K -a each year from lSï to ISJU Wheat. Average Barley Aver se Oats. Aveiaip. Qrs. B. s. d. Qrs. B. s. I. 44re. B. 1. i ISS7 14,371 3 34 3 87,46 J 26 7 LU.^W t \7 1888 60,744 1 30 8 62,580 3 3) 6 :<t6 S iJ 18S9.5,790 5 29 9 100, P50 0 26 7 :#,iM i .It 1690 6S,962 5 J0 1 £ 7,427 3 32 2 15, 3 »

THE BIRTH OF AISUS AND HR. AT WYNNSTAY. Her Majesty the Queen has mae inquiries '-Y telegraph as to the health of Lady Williams Wjna and her infant son. The Town Clerk of Wrexham having commuu- cated to Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., the vote of congratulation passed at the ladt Counuu naeetistr, has received the following :— Wynnstay, Ruabon, Jan. JUt, DEAR SIR,—WouM you kindly expre-s 61 CBE MAY;? and Town Council of Wrexham, my sincere thanks :or o:uo kind congratulations contained in the resolutions WIDcl L duly received. It is a source of mnch gratification to both lady 'v:;iiaaa Wynn and myself, to feel that so much sympathy between the burgesses of the borough ot Wrextum^aa ourselvetr. Believe me, yours very truly, W. WILLIAJIS Wyyl. At Llanrhaiadr, a meeting t)f the principal ssnacM and welUwishers of Sir Watkin and Lady Williaw-A Wynn in the parish of Llanrhaiadr was held at -e Wynnstay Arms on Saturday. The Vicar, the Rev. D. Jones. presided. It was proposed, and carried unanimously, that a day of general rejoicing be aad in the parish in honor of the birth of a son and heir to Sir Watkin and Lady Williams Wynn. There were present-Mr E.Buckley, Tytiymaes; Mr Ed warJB. Gaerfach Mr Buckley, Cefn; Mr Evans, Giancanat iesa Mr Roberto, Allen Fawr Mr Williams, hir: Mr Hughes, Bryncoch (late of Ceiniiir); air Evan Jones, Tangraig Mr W. Jones, Heniache: ilr Evans, Trewern issa; Mr Huberts, Clynng Mr Mor- gan, Rhydgaled Mr Jones, Tybrith Mr ILilt:rr, Mochnant; Mr R. H. Charles, Mr ftiiiip E,-rine. gamekeeper Mr Pierce, Frongoch lir Morris, !=• wern ganol; Mr Evans, jun Park ucha, 4c. At a meeting held at the Constitutional Club, t'ein, on Friday, the following address wad adopted fc, Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart. At a meeti.,i- held "cw evening it was unanimously revived—That tue hew( congratulations of the members be accorded to ^r Watkin and Lady Williams Wynn on the birta i their son and heir, and they sincerely trust tnat as may long live to emulate 3011,1 maintain fcie pasriouc and kindly spirit which has always existed in :ne Wynnstay family. Signed 011 behalf of the meraoertl of the club-Samuel Randies, chairman oi committee Thomas Tunnal, treasurer Thomas Davies. secre- tary John Roberts, R. Godfrey Evans, B. E,;3L! John Jones, Thomas Evans, George Davie^, Jones, Felix Wright, Thomas TraiitiS, and h. Jonep." At Llanuwchllyn a meeting has been heici to con* eider what steps should be taken to further ceiecrat the auspicious event of the birt i ot a ,¡n and tittr Wynnstay. Mr Morris, Giatiilyn, presided. It suggested that a Bupply of pure water siiouici obtained for L'anuwchHyn and Pm'!y. ano -? Morris was aaked if Sir Watkin wuuid M?'?:. no: J¡o¡d he could not answer the question definitely -»* i If they would make strenuous efforts to curry out • plan, he felt sure Sir Watkm wcu!d meet them 1; favorable terms.—The watr i-cheme wM 'M? d t J, I,'e 'ne upon, an d a committee wai appoiutjd ?0 _e preliminary 6t?pa and report t? a meetm- 0 parishioners.—Mr Williams WM req'Kste'i ?? the hearty congratulations "f the m?et.n? Watkin and Lady WiLiama Wynn.. :'f)n At the annual meeting on 1 usJ! „o0 Workmgmen's Coneerv?tivf A?' e?ti" a t congratulation to Sir Watkin and L?dy .??,?.j? Wynn, at the bitth of a son and i?ir, w? pr"P"?'; Mr W. Richards, seconded by Mr J. A'?nn. carried with acclamation. 0'0' At Ruthin Town Council n Monday. ™  posal of the Mayor, seconded by counci.,1,1 ,r t,v. Rouw, the congratulations ot the Councu wer' warded to Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, on sne. f a son and heir.

THE BISHOP OF ST. ASAPlI 0" SUNDAY CLOSING. Amongst the speakers at the annual m;e^ini!wao Friday, of the Liverpool bran .-h of the C.E.1'.3.. -x34 vu ho said there were the Bishop of St. Asaph, who said there ■■- portions of this great empire where the ■ f temperance were more con"istently adv('C$t,j they were in Wales. There was not a te ,_l.r3nc6 organization of any magnitude which hlki nut f!)I1c! footing in the Principality. Among ?s?.' .?,u? organizations not the least was the Church ? ?-?J Temperance Society, and he attributed t s   the breadth and wisdom of its P'?'-ammf. Iu./iat he signed the petition in favor of the Sunday Act for Walep. The report of the comm«"« :o how that Act had worked was a very coio ,ne, and he was afraid that anyone who read the — with an unbiassed mind must come to the |t.B that the Act had led to a great deal of dlie• :niciEg in places like Cardiff and the mm.n? d?,?? had rather increased than diminished intetoper,Lce: If the Sunday Closing Act was going to (1«> 3 V ;"Wl at all in Wales, the 6oM? clause maat ? •, 3{. In the neighbourhood of Pontypridd one ;U:I,??ay je saw twenty brakes, each containing fifteen per.!ODfI, all more or less intoxicated, and on ??° '"??n. they were, he was told, Oh, they are boney.:J'.¡' (Laughter.) As the Act now =tood j»e. ?,?. would vote for its repeal, but he ?"??. y rnèU;Ø prefer to vote for the striking out of to. e ? itU clause. Those who had bad anyth? to d? ? ? -? working classes could not overstate the autr ?il Christian people to try to do somethi g^ £ eDQ ?g tide of intemperance in this country.

Try it! Worms dislodged in Children aud AdWr.I. Post free, 15 stampe.-M, Boaler-ouwt. Liverpotti.