The Cardiff Times

OBTZM ANN & CO 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, AND 79, HAMPSTEAD ROAD, LONDON, W. Near Tottenham Court road and Gower-street Ststiow. GREAT CLEARANCE SALE NOW PROCEEDING. Special Illustrated Sale Catalogue, post free. Amongst the Stocks offered are— Axminster Pile Carpets (British manufacture) SH per yard. Original price, 5/11. Best Quality Wilton Pile Carpets, one piece of a pattern, 3A1 per yard. Original price, 6/6 Best 5-frame Brussels, 2/11 and 3/3 per yard Bmssels Carpets, good quality, l/ll; 5-fram» quality, 2/11 per yard. All Carpets made up free of charge. For conditions upon which Goods are sent, C8.rriar., paid, please see Illustrated Catalogue (the be* Illustrated Guide extant) Post Free.

= I QUEER BIRD STORIES. Marvellous the letter-box of ggjf.a^jniring swallows account of the vain a hls << for aj{ the whom he found admiringtne world luce bedroom looking-glass, swearmg parrots in Lahore) who not has reached a correspon ib with further only confirms the ^knowingness and conceit. evidences of P«P8r'°e. summer the Lahore On two or three ocoasionsia 4(M>» has corr^pondent, who signs q £ confceroplating caught a hen sparrow m most amusing herself m a looking-glass. 15u admirin" point was that, while she was and pecking mildly at herseltV tL &aS repeatedly flew down also on the tried to make her desist, not, A 'a look at lingering for a moment or two to "^ve a hittiself. Whether the feminine vanity or tne masculine jealousy was most reprebenMDj case may (" M.» thinks) be a fair ground for OW; pQte between the human sexes.j t

IF I WERE YOU. I MRS KERNE: There are times when I wish I were a man. ^Whwi*! PASS milliner's win- dow^^nd rtilnk "hovThappy I^could make my wife by giving her a new bonnet.

Mr ■ \$,at°a mercy you've got your cheque-book at olne, love

I WELSH GLEANINGS. By Rhydycheinwr. The Welsh Land Commission. No apology is needed for reverting to the Land Question week after week :for this is the sub- ject that at present engrosses the attention of Welshmen, and especially of Welsh newspapers. Lord Penrhyn, by furnishing excerpts from the Welsh Press on the land question, has been the means of inducing Welsh journalists to ventilate their theories on the land question once more, which they do with emphasis and ingenuousness. Some, chiefly the Conservative newspapers, are willing to remain stationary others advocate mild reforms, and a few are thorough-going revolutionists. Of these last the representatives are not many, but these few are vigorous and enthusiastic. The pioneers of social and in- dustrial democracy in Wales have been Dr. Pan Jones and the Rev. Michael D. Jones, who have for years consistently and persistently propagated their views iu the Gelt newspaper. They are in favour of land nationalisation; but whether they are Socialists or Communists—whether they merely advocate Conservative plans of recon. struction or for violent schemes of Radical social reform—I do not know. I surmise it is the latter, for Dr. Pan Jones has always been Identified with extreme Radical and Republican movements. This is what the Celt says this week -"The thing which we greatly feared has come upon us. TS'e commission has not had the com- plaints which wo heard from the farmers on their own hearth?. Onr agriculturists are a pusiiiani- mous class, and they cling strongly to their homes despite bitter sufferings. But sufficient proof was adduced of the need for reform in the land laws. The evidence showed that farmers are suffering acutely. What is wanted is more insistence on the necessity for remedies. Much as the Celt was abused at Llangefni, and though we are great sinners in Lord Penrhyn's eyes, we have at any rate suggested a remedy. Ye", we offer a thorough and effective cure. The Celt's argument was, and is, that land should be nationalised. All legislation which falls short of this will be insufficient." "Syllydd y Llan," in the Llan, writes with pungent humour and sarcasm on the so-called "infallible remedies and patent pills which are recommended by Welsh journalists for the social evils which Welsh flesh is heir to. The Tyst says" The history of the Land Commission still.continues the same. The arniers continue to point out the disadvantages mder which they labour, and their testimony is lonfirnied by independent witnesses. The land- ords, on the other hand, maintain that there is ittle, if any, need \for reform, and they are con- irmed by their stewards and adherents. We itrenuously believe that the commissioners know vhich is the more credible testimony." Lord Penrhyn and the Welsh Press. On the tenants'side the most striking testimony et given before the commission was that of Mr Thomas Ellis. Lord Penrhyn may similarly be egarded as the leader of the landlord opposition, Ls the largest landowner in North Wales bis sstimony would naturally command attention, part from the fact that he is a persona ingrata 'ith Welsh journalists. Awarm discussion has at nee concentrated round his evidence. Gvxtlia, the loriannydd, and the Chvsarelwr Cymreig cham- ions his cause but the Liberal newspapers, the enedl Gymrciy, the Herald Cymraeg, and the ytnro have at once taken his lordship up in long adingarticles on "Lord Penrhyn and the relsh Press." Syllydd y Llan gives the lost moderate and sensible* view fr&ni le Conservative standpoint: — Every- ,dy but Mr Lloyd George, M.P., admits At Lord Penrhyn is a fair and tender landlord. is evidence was wise, strong, and full of rnpathy with farmers in their difficulties. He 5 ready to welcome practical improvements r (the laws of land-tenure, and especially to l'e compensation to tenants for improvements ed out by them. But he thought that a court would only excite lukewarmness 6en landlord and tenant. He fearlessly edthat journalistic interference was at the m of the farmers' murmurings, and he gave II from many Radical newspapers in support (contention. On reading his evidence, this \t came to my mind: there are different kinda fiords, as of all other classes of men." The q is flattered that it is quoted as testimony v is unpleasing to Lord Penrhyn, and 6tically repudiates the charge that self-gain principle on which Welsh newspapers act locating the claims of the tenants. The Cvmraeff and the Cym.ro are puzzled to jjiy Lord Penrhyn's excerpts began with 1886. ,point out, in almost identical language, t'jo Welsh Press had advocated farmers' cW anterior to that, and they remind bim 0|R.'8 writings, and of those vigorous and o^.g letters—" Llythyrati 'Rhen Ffarmwr "— wbpeared in the Amserau about forty years ag'o these the Cymro adds Twin o'r Nant'a IiVea, which were popular partly because of t^hing sarcasm with which the landlord dealt with. The Cymro admits that thq. Press is far from being what its friends wo'sh( and it is certainly not so omnipotent as Penrhyn represents it to be. But its jnH are always good, if it fails occasionally in ient. It aims at perfection, and de- ser'e description of the English poet shall the Press the people's friend maintain, influence and unbribed by g.iin **Viot Truth her glorious precepts draw, rl'o(Religion, Liberty, and Law!" he Congregational Union. ^\er, with judicious impartiality, dis- tribq front page between the Congrega- tion!\U) the Baptist Union, and the Church Cong«jn,e horizon of the other papers seems to he limited. Each confines itself gener0 discussing the conference of the parti«enomjnation with which it is identi- fied, I the Church Congress was particularly well last week with notices, not always comply in almost every Welsh news- paper. and the Celt are the organs of the I Congregationalists, and are thus natura of the Congregational Union just now. most remarkable pronouncement is that fading columns of the Celt, which asks— is it called the Congregational U niongland and Wales? What Welsh Welshrinvited to take part in the meet- ings annot comprehend what good is conferrhe xjmon on Welsh Independent churche the money collected goes to help- ing B^urehes, and all its literature (with the ex( of Dr. Herber Evans's penny pampMublished in English." "Eynon." in his notes in the same paper, speaks chiefly 'Albert Spicer's success as chair- man, al) expresses himself as pleased with thia of rhe Welshmen at the confer- ence, Dtjr jjvans, the Rev. R. Thomas, and the xv James. The Rev. Vyrnwy Morgan,Lon(jon jitter, also commends Mr Spic«ress, and warmly eulogises Dr. Parker, t" Eynon" does not think Dr. Parker to his visual mark. The Bptwr, reviews t.inan's address, and thinks it conta'rnecvait|ablesugg€j3t(0n'8. Mr Spicer considershe teaching from the pulpits is not that V might reasonably expect, and btli^vW r a Ja6k '6f eiithusiasrtl in the pulpit of .ent day, which compares ill in this resp(3^)jatform and political speeches. Jottings. Tliere iame note of relief in the Tarian, the C,lJfT&rGeflld'" and the Tyae, at the prospect Ot to the coal strike, though, ItS the Cym/rlll it jies hard." The Herald says tha.t thute suffering in North Wales, and that Plos of misery and want come from Rh°s'ugog.—Seren Cytnru discusses at prodigitth the project for removing Haverford*,tist College to Bangor or Aberystwy £ re is an old proverb to the effect it is vain to dispute after decisis jadi WJdl barn), but the Seren to the reu.oval of Haver- fordwest to -and suggests that the only satisfactory wjjj be to allow Haverford. west Ooll8ge,nioved to Aberystwyth, as Llangollen i\u0wed to go to Bangor, and Pontypool, ttf The London correspon- dent of ther,j,oates the idea that Mr Chamberlain do advances to the Welsh members, an¿ollt that Mr S. T. Evans's article in tbefeVje^v does not allude to Mr Chanobef|e <y0lcuad disonsses the position of ol\ury schools. T"^no is being made t|diculous in the Gencdl by the vigorous lf«i jjafydd Morganwg and Idriswyn- w» Stands in the very fore- front in a VHaxy of contemporary Welsh poets; sh(iWn a singular wan, of ballast—-°r perhaps, a characteristic want of ballas.p_m h's failure to bear with equamnuTfeat at Dyfed's" hands in the compC the chair Pfiw tbe Chicago Eistey i'

Parliamentary History of Breconshire. [BY ME WILLIAMS, SOUCITOB, CARMARTHEN.] 1698.-Sir Rowland Gwynne, Knt., re-elected Jan. and Dec., 170L 1702.—John Jeffreys, of Sheen, Surrey, who de- feated Sir Rowland Gwynne by a. majority of 77 votes. He was high-sheriff of Breconshire 1709, M.P. Radnorshire 1692-8, and Breconshire 1702.5. Son of Ald. Sir Jeffrey Jeffreys. (See Brecon, 1690.) ) 1705.-Sir Edward Williams, Knt., who de- feated Sackville Gwynne, of Glanbrau. Re- elected 1708, 1710, 1713, and 1715. 1721, Aug.-William Gwyn Vaughan, of Tre-' barried, vice Sir Edward Williams, deceased. He was the second but only surviving sen of Gwyn Vaughan, of Trebarried, high-sheriff 1693 (by Mary, dan. of Wilham Lucy, Lord Bishop of St. David's, 1660-77), and m. Frances, dau. and h. of John Vaughan, of Hergest, and was the only one of his house to represent the county, for which he sat 1721-34, when he was defeated, not only for this shire, but also for Radnorshire, and although he presented petitions against both returns Jan., 1735, he failed to upset either of the elections. Mr Gwyn Vaughan was a Whig in politics, and, having supported Sir Robert Walpole, was appointed one of the Commissioners of the Customs, with a salary of £ 1,000 n year, June, 1723, but he voted against the Hessian Troops 1730, and the Excise Bill 1733. He re- signed his seat at the Board of Customs June, 1741, and died Aug., 1753. His son, Gwyn Vaughan, was also a commissioner 1742-58. There was a contest in 1722, when he defeated Roger Jones by 181, and Mr Jones unsuccess- fully petitioned. See Brecon 1713, 1734.—John Jeffreys, of London, who defeated W. G. Vaughan by 39. This member was the son of John Jeffreys, of Sheen, M.P. 1702 and became well known among the leading members of fashionable society in the Metropolis, where he was a member of some of the beattlubs, and a patron of the opera-house andof White's" (Horace Walpole). He unsuccessfully contested Brecon 1727, but sat for the county, 1734-47, when he retired in favour of Thomas Morgan, of Tredegar and was returned for the Devonshire Borough of Clifton Dartmouth Hardresf, as Dartmouth was then styled. which seat he enjoyed over the remainder of his life. Mr Jeffreys saw a good deal of political life in the time of the George?, ai he held the office of joint-secretary of the Treasury Dec., 174,2-6 May secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (which office was at that time always held by a Member of Parliament) May, 1752.4 April and Warden of the Mint (salary, B400 a year), July 1754-66, and was also Deputy Ranger of Hyde Park and St. James's Park from December 1755 till his death, which took place January' 1766' Mr Jeffreys was one of those who voted against the Convention 1739, and in May, 1761, his name was added to the Commission of Lieutenancy for the Tower Hamlets. 1747.—Thomas Morgan, of Tredegar (see Mon. mouth shire, 1734). He defeated W. Gwvn Vaughan in 1754 by 682 to 433. 1769, May.—Charles Morgan, of Dderw, vic& his father, Thomas Morgan, deceased. He was the second surviving son of the previous member was born 1736, and became a lieutenant in the Foot Guards sat for Brecon December, 1763-9 when he succeeded his father as Knight of the Shire for the county, and was appointed, Dec 1771, Lord-lieutenant and Custos Rotutoruta of Breconshire in succession to his eldest brother Thomas (see Monmouthshire, 1763), and became head of the house of Tredegar on that gentlenjan>a death (unmarried) in 1771. Mr Morgan married Mary, daughter and heiress of Thomas Parry, of Arkstone, and widow of Robert Minors Gough, of Trejago, was Bailiff of Brecon 1768, and died s.p. June, 1787. 1787,—Sir Charles Gould, Knight, vice his brother-in-law, Charles Morgan, deceased. This gentleman was the son of King Gould, deputy to the Judge Advocate-General (who died July 1756), and was born 1725, educ. at Westminster School, and graduated M.A. Ch. Ch., Oxford 1743, and D.C.L. 1773. He was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn 1750, and also became a member of the College of Law, and at the Un. precedentedly early age|of 29 was made a Knur's Counsel 1754, and app. in Jan., 1758, deputy to the Judge-Advocate of the Forces (Thomas Morgan, of Tredegar— see 1747), whose eldest dau Jane, he married the following March. In that capacity be acted on the famous court-martial on Lord George Sackville 1760. On the resignation of his father-in-law in 1768, Mr Gould was app. Judge Advocate, or Judge Ma«tia! of all H.M,'s forces, an office which accorded him frequent interviews with George III., as it was part of his official duties to present the report of each court martial to the King. He was knighted April, 1779 held the appointment of Chancellor of the Diocese of Sarum for many years previous to his resignation in 1799, and in 1779 he was appointed Chamberlain of Brecon, and of the counties of Brecon, Glamorgan, and Radnor which was an office in connection with the great session for those counties, and served as bailiff of Brecon, 1790and 1793. In 1778 Sir Charies was returned for Brecon through the Tredegar in- terest, which seat he exchanged for the county in 1787, having then become jure uxoris the heir to the Tredegar estates, and in the death of his other brother-in-law, John Morgan (see Monmouthshire 1771), he came into possesion of that gentleman's estates, and. in compliance with the terms of his will, assumed the surname and arms of Morgan November 1792, and thus became the head of. the house of Tredegar. Sir Charles was created a baronet October 1792, and added to the Privy Council|September, 1802, and after a tenure of 38 years, he resigned the office of Judge-Advocate March 1806, and generously refused to accept the pension that was offered him. He also retired from par. liament at the dissolution the follow. ing autumn, and died full of years and honours at Tredegar Park, Deeember, 1806, at the age of 81 years, beloved and respected by all who knew him no man was more attached to his Sovereign or more zealous for the good of his country in private life most honourable, sincero in his friendship, charitable, and humane." (" Gent. Mag.") It is worthy of note that this member attained to the age of 81 years, while his son (see co. Mon., 1796) and his grandson, the late Lord Tredegar (see Brecon, 1812), lived to be 86 and 83 respectively.

LADtES' TEA <& SHOPPING CLUB Lady Georgiana Douglas, Lady William Lennox, the Hon. Helen Henniker, the Hon. Mary Henniker, Lady de Conrad, and the Hon. Mrs Armytage are announced as the patrons of a Ladies"! ea and Shopping Club," the object of which is to provide members with a cosy and artistio olub house in the centre of the West End shopping district, COin- prising tea, reading, and reception rooms, dressing-rooms, etc., which may be used as a areneral social rendezvous. Cold luncheons, teas, and light refreshments will be supplied at'com siderably leas than the usual shop or restaurant prices. Gepfclismen will hf admitted agrfeain parts of the house, and special arrangements are to be made for the convenience of country members, to whom the club will furnish gratis full and reliable information and advice, if desired, regarding either advertised articles or general matters relat- ing to shopping; and commissions will be under. taken by responsible persons connected with the club, fer which nc charge will be made except the actual expense of postage, etc., incurred. Negotiations are pending for premises in Regent- Negotiations are pending for premises in Regent. street. The annual subscription has been fixed at 5s, and the entrance fee at one guinea.

Prospecting. Marriage licences here ?" he whispered to the COlJllt." clerk. "Y(-s.r Get one any weeK-aay v "Yes." Girl have to be here ?' "No." Haw soon can I get after she agrees f In fifteen minutes after you get here." "Sure pop?' Yes. Any particular hurry aboafc it ?» There is. there's seven of us after the same girl, and if she says yes to me rve got to get spliced inside of half an hour or she'll change her mind. I am. just prospecting, yon see. Be pre. pared for a cyclone two days hence."

Lady Gardening. —Make your beds early in the morning; sew buttons on your husband's shirts do not rake up any grievances; protect the young and tender branches of your family plant a smile of good temper In your face; and carefully 1 root out all angry feelipgs and expect a good crop nf happiness..<

I FARM AND GARDEN. Dairy Cows and the Season. Mr F. J. Lloyd, F.C.S., says: The standard for the milking cow is that it should have 241b of dry matter ip its food per day, which dry food should contain ZY:Ib of albuminoids, about %Ib fat, and 12%lb of carbo-hydrates (starch and sugar)." In 1001bof milk there are 87lb of water. Water has to be raised to the temperature of the cow, and in order to do that the cow must, like the steam engine, burn a certain amount of fuel or food to produce the heat. Ho therefore advises that the water which is given to cows should be warmed, as that would save the consumption of fuel. This, however, is a practice which more nearly concerns the t management of cows when they are entirely in their winter quarters, and cannot be dealt with when they havfe the run of the fields < as they have during the present month. But in one way we may now effect the same object by providing shelter when the outdoor temperature falls to the freezing point. On cold nights cows should be in the sheds; and even on cold days they should have the opportunity to gain shelter from cold winds when they desire iti Fann and Home. Stock Feeding. A successful farmer, of nearly half a century's experience in stock breeding, writes as follows from the water-meadows district of Wiltshire :— The wintering of stock is most important work at all times, and must eepecially be carried out with anxious care by the feeder who is called upon to face the winter on short commons in such a season as the present. Those who supplement their failing pastures in good time will effect a great saving of food hereafter by prolonging the period during which the stock may be kept out, as well as preserving their health. A moderate feed in early morning will help in this direction, and nothing, I think, is better for tho purpose than chaff with a mixture of meal, con- sisting of two path: of thin sweet barley to one of old beans finely ground. The time to begin must be inflimad by the condition of the pastures and itjiidstate of the weather; but it would be well <so be prepared to commence with the usual'October rains, or, at any rate, not after-the whi^e frosts of November, or the cattle may be cfeiltg<i, and sheep lost from water on the chest. Such feeding will probably carry stock in bealtlt till near Christinas, when, if fodder is 46 be. made the most of, they must be put into winter quarters, while those who I are better acquainted with the chaff cutter than lam are more, fitted to give advioe thereon. ( If kept on short commons, dry, husky fodder must be avoided. As stock crave for dry, warm, ( stimulating food in early winter, so they pine for moist, nourishing, digestible food in spring. Nothing, in my opinion, meets the requirement like sweet chaff wittfthe best linseed cake. Such food will maintain health through March, and ward off red water and blain on turning out in April and May. But this feeding must not be stopped hastily. '.Two flails and the cuckoo go together' have gladdened the heart of many a husbandman—it m^ans a bit of corn and fodder to finish ihe winter dnpon." Frujj| Garden. We are juat on the eve—if I may so term ib—of the very beat season for planting aU kinds of fruit trees. And among fruits the apple holds the first place. Maiiy apple trees have been planted during the last few years, and the atten- tion of planters has been drawn very frequently of late to the bush app'ea on the broad-leaved Paradise, which is, in my humble opinion, a most xlasrfable form for small garden—the fruits 011 these surface-rooting1 trees are so fine and high-coloured, and the management of the trees is so simple, so little pruning being required, and that little such as anyone endowed with common sense can easily understand. It is easy enough for the merest tyro in gardening to grasp the fact that sunshine and air are neces- sary in apple growing; and if he only thinks, he will easily understand that when the branches in sutnuier. are stealing each other's light, one at least shonld beremovod. As regards varieties to plant, we want nowadays size in everything, and we want apples that are good to eat raw, and which at the same time will cook fairly well and, above all, the trees we plant fairly treated, must bear abundantly. Blenheim orange is a splendid apple, but it has its peculiar- ities. In any district where it does well, plant it freely and it usually succeeds well on good, deep loams. To a certain extent it has become more cosmopolitan in its habits on the paradise stock. On the crab it is a giant in growth and must have a deep root-run, but this tenaency is modified on the paradise. King of the pippins and the following are also good Alfriston, Peasgood's nonsuch, Ecklinville, orange pip- pin (the last-named cankers and is not a success on heavy land, ezcept on the Para- dise), Manx codlin. Wellington, Cellini, Beauty of Bath (should be grown for its early handsome fruit), and Irish peach where early dessert apples are required. Worcester Pearman.is handsome and Warner's King is splendid for cooking. Vegetable Garden. No time should be lost now in lifting and stor- ing roots, such as beet and carrots. The earthing- up of celery should also be finished as soon as possible, doing the work when dry. It is a good plan before putting the soil round the plants to draw the leaf-stalks together with a string of matting or raffia. If the soil gets into the hearts it leads to premature decay. Keep down weeds everywhere they rob the land and lower its temperature. All exhausted crops should be cleared off and burnt, or else trenched in, or placed in a heap mixed with lime to hasten de- cay. Vacant land should be trenched up, and left with a rough surface to benefit from atmos- pheric influences. Everything calculated to in- crease the manure supply should be gathered up and stored for future use. Trey leave,, and all waste matters which accumulate about house or garden have a certain value as manure. Dry earth is the best deodoriser, and this scattered freely over heaps of decaying vegetable matter will absorb all escaping gases and prevent bad smells arising. If manure Or compost heaps give off any effluvia, instantly cover with earth or ashes, and the evil will be removed. Tie up full-grown lettuces and endives, and have some mats or canvas at band to shelter when frost is expected, or lift the plants with ball, and plant thickly in frames. Cauli- flowers turning in must have the leaves tied over the heart to shelter them. Flower Karaen. No garden should be without some of the early- flowering chrysanthemums. Strong bushes of Madame Desgrange are very effective in the borders now both the white and ygllow varieties should be grown. And there are others of the dwarf early-flowering varieties, iimluding Mrs Burrell (primrose), Mra Hawking (golden yellow), blushing bride (rosy lilac), Frederick Pel6 (crimson. tipped gold), Mr W. Piercy (red changing to bronze), Salter's early blush, Miss Davies (pink). These early-flowering chrysanthemums are very valuable for garden decoration. Finish planting bulbs as soon as possible. Unless they are got in early, one has no right to expect a good bloom. In planting bulbs it will be as well to break away from the common practice of planting in driblets all over the place. Bold masses ib suitable situations ofi daffodtle. snow. drops, aconites, &c., are far more effective than stray bulbs scattered about. The common bulbs, such as snowdrops, crocuses, and Lent lilies, are charming planted in irregular masses at the edges of the shrubberies or under trees, or peeping out of an ivy border. Finish planting all the carnation family. Fork in a sprinkling of soot just before planting; it will help to keep off the wire-worms. Cold Frames. The more fresh air plants in framlw get now the better, even to the removal of the lights altogether oh fine days. Bulbs for early flower- ing which were plunged in ashes should be goho over, and such things as Roman and other early- flowering hyacinths be taken to the greenhouse, to be pushed on in warmth. Violets, especially l\I*-rJP Louise, will be coming into flower, and mlu;.r, bP freely ventilated. Fill all spare frai«»s VTtS winter sahtding.—Cottage Gardening. The Weather and the Crops. The October rainfall has been of immense j benefit, and thers is now a. reversion to fine weather, but with a lower temperature. Farmers have begun to sow wheat, but for the most part this work wiH be relegated to November. Con. siderable quantities of new barley continue to be threshed, but of the new wheat not more than a moderate quantity for the time of the year is now submitted to the flail. The trade in foreign wheat is still dull. but the tone of business was better on Friday and Saturday than on the four preceding days. The Liverpool market of Friday was strong, but it did not recover the fall of lOd per ton on wheat allowed on Tuesday. The large shipments of barley from Russia is the chief cause of the cheapness m feeding corn just now. With maize we have not been over supplied, and the American visible supply is smaller than it was a year ago. Linseed steady cotton seed firm.

A SATURDAY SERMON. If one had art to gather up all the golden sun- light that to-day falls wide over all this con- tinent—falling through every silent hour and all that is dispersed over the whole ocean, flashing from every wave; and all that is poured re- fulgent,over the northern wastes of ice, and along the whole continent of Europe, and the vast outlying Asia, and torrid Africa; if one could in any wise gather up this immense and incalculable outflow and treasure of sunlight that falls down through the bright hours, and runs in liquid ether about the mountains, and fills all the plains, and sends innumerable rays through every secret place, pouring over and filling every flower, shining down the sides of every blade of grass, resting in glorious humility upon the humblest things—on stick, and stone, and pebble; on the spider s web, the sparrow's nest, the threshold of the. young fox's hole, where they play and warm themselves; that rests on the prisoner's window, that strikes radiant beams through the slave's tear, that puts gold upon the widow's weeds, that plates and roofs the city with burnished gold, and goes on its wild abundance up and down the earth, shining every. where and always, since the day of primal crea- tion, without faltering, without stint, without waste or diminution; as full, as fresh, as over- flowing to-day as if it were the very first day of its outplay-if one might gather up this bound- less, endless, infinite treasure, to measure it, then might he tell the height and depth, and unending glory of God. H. W. BEECHER. °

THE ORGAN-GRINDER ABROAD. Mr H. Heatiicote Statham makes a column and a quarter attack on London's unlicensed organ-grinders in the Times on Monday morning. The letter contains some interesting facts as to the control of streeb musicians abroad. In Vienna licences to itinerant musicians are granted by the police "only to persons who are unable to earn their liveHhood by any other means (a most illogical position, certainly) they are only valid for one year, and the holders are only allowed to play in courtyards and public-houses, and not in open streets. In Paris licences are granted only to persons of French nationality who have been living within the juris- diction of the prefect of police for one year they can only perform at places mentioned in their licence, which is to be shown at the police office every three moiiths, and they are not allowed to play in the public thoroughfares at all. In Burim those who "as a means of livelihood and not in the interests of art" (note that distinction), perform on musical instruments in public places and in the open streets must apply for a licence from the police authorities; but it is added that in consequence of numerous complaints to the public authorities as to the nuisance caused by the street musicians, no further licences are now granted. In Italy street musicians are required to procure a licence from the police authority of the district, anct no such licence is given to foreigners. In Madrid guitar- players may apply for a licence to the mayor, which may be granted or refused, according to circumstances; grinding Organs have been altogether suppressed owing to the numerous complaints made about, them to the authorities. In St. Petersburg, itinerant musicians are not allowed to sojourn in the capital, and those who are of foreign nationality are not permitted to pass the fron- tiers of the empire." In the United States each municipality acts for itself in this matter. In a few places there are no restrictions, out in general there are. In New York and Buffalo and in various other cities, application must be made for a licence; in Providence there is no law on the subject, but the police prohibit the playing of hand-organs in Illinois street music is entirely prohibited, having been found an intolerable nuisance in Philadelphia the same; iu Missouri it is "a misdemeanour" to go about with a hand-organ.

DR. GREGORY'S ASCENT OF MOUNT KENA. Dr. J. W. Gregory, of the British Museum, who last week returned to London after an ab- sence of just a year, has succeeded in making a much more thorough and exhaustive ex- amination of the great African mountain mass of Kenia than has been before accomplished by any previous traveller. He started from Mombasa, with Mount Kenia for his objective point, taking with him only 40 nattvo?, although he was told it was madness to attempt to pass through the Masai country with a smaller caravan than 150 men. His experience, however, points to the conclusion that while a good deal of care and tact is required in dealing with the Masai, it is not so impossible as was represented to get through the country with a small body of carriers. Arrived at Mount Kenia, he was able to ascend to a height of 17,000ft., thus reaching a much higher point than any before reached by Europeans. The summit of the mountain is glaciated to an even greater extent than Kilimanjaro, and sends down four enormous glaciers to a level of 16,000ft. Dr. Gregory made a very large collection of Alpine plants, and bronght away about a ton's weight of specimens of rocks and other objects for more detailed examination in this country. There are, he reports, no trace of a crater, but it is abundantly clear that the mountain is an old volcano very much worn down. Dr. Gregory made a complete study of .the hydrography of the region through which he passed, and found that our existing maps are inaccurate in many particu- lars. He has agreed to prepare a summary of the geographical results of his expedition, which will be laid before a meeting of the Royal Geographical Society, probably in January next.

CHRISTMAS LETTERS FOR PLACES ABROAD. I The Post Office'have issued a notice warning persons intending to despatch through tht) post Christmas and New Year's cards or parcels to friends abroad that to enable such missives to reach their destination about the desired date, they must be posted some time in advance. As regards the continent of Europe an allowance of from one to seven days in respect of letters and cards, and of from three to ten days in respect of parcels, must be made according to destination for their transmission from London or from the port of departure of the respective mail. Postal matter intended for the West Coast of South America ooght to be posted before November 7tb, and for the Australian Colonies before the 10th of the same month. For Japan, Java, Zanzibar, the Niger Coast, and the Transvaal before November 23rd, and for tne Cape Colony before December 'iindr' For Canada and the eastern portion of the United States the date fixed is De- cember 14th but for the Western States the posting should be effected ."a, week earlier. For India, letters should be dispatched by the mail leaving on Dec. 8tb, and for China by that leaving on Nov. 17th. To facilitate the trans- mission of parcels, it is recommeded that they be sent to all distant places by tho preceding mail. The dates given apply to the dispatch from London, so that all matter intended for the out- going mails should be posted in time sufficient to reach London the day before the mails are made up.

She Ditfn't Like Men. She said the men were "horrid," with an energy emphatioal, And built upon a very dreadful plan And when one jarred upon her, with a gesture quite dramatical, She said, Well, if that isn't like a man." Their manners were so rough, she said, with voice almost hysterical. They were so big and vulgar, she declared They made her very ill; and thus with adjectives numerical, She rattled on—not one of them she spared. Until there came a fellow with a proposition practical, That made her oheeks turn very, very red. You can have me," she said to him, with pout that was attractical, Bnt- I wish you weren't a horrid man," she said.

Game ^Sixpenny nap. Brown goes nap and v?; £ w. rarson Robinson pive in threepenny- pieces- Jonas (very jocosely): Ha, ha, Robin- son: been robbing the church-plate—eh?" P.R. (with great agony): You recognise ycur miser- able little contributions, do you? N

Andrew fletcher, •! Saltsun, 111 a letter to the Marquis of Montrose, wrats :—" I knew a very wise man that believed that if a man were permitted to make all the ballads he need not care who should make the laws of the nation."

LIFE AND DESTINY. We shape ourselves the joy or fear Of which the coming life is made, And fill our future atmosphere With sunshine or with shade. The tissues of the life to be We weave with colours aU our own, And in the field of destiny We reap as we have sown. Still shall the soul around it call The shadows which it gathered here, And, painted on the eternal wall, The past shall re-appear. Think ye the notes of holy song On Milton's tuneful ear have died! Think ye that Raphael's angel throng Has vanished from his side Oh no we live our life again Or warmly touched, or coldly dim, The pictures of the past remain— Man's works shall follow him. JOHN G. WHITTIEB.

LIFE AND FAME. The flash at midnight 'twas a light That gave the blind a moment's sight, Then sank in tenfold gloom Loud. deep, and long, the thunder broke The deaf ear instantly awoke, Then closed as in the tomb An angel might have passed my bed, Sounded the trump of God, and fled. So life appears ;—a sudden birth, A glance revealing heaven and earbh It is,—and it is not So fame the poet's hope deceives, Who sings for after time, and leaves A name—to be forgot. j Life is the lightning-flash of breath Fame-but a. tbunder-clap at deatb. JAMES MONTGOMERY.

The Household. The Use of Simple Language. What a pleasant thing it would be if people would make a practice of using more simple language Every little while one picks up a book or a paper in which are articles on every- day topics, the language of which is as stilted and out of the common as a careful scanning of the dictionary can make it. There is something rather absurd in the habit that many persons fall into of using far-fetched expressions and out-of-the-way terms to describe the common- places of life. It does not add in the least to the interest of a subject if one has to look up the dictionary and find out what half a dozen words in a short article mean. One may say that it is so much an educator but that argument scarcely holds good. Simple, short words, put together without effort and affectation are much more pleasing to a well-trained intelligence than the complicated and obscure phrases so often employed. Uneducated people can comprehend articles written in simple language, and the moat learned professor in. finitely prefers them. There is a great demand for simplicity and directness in all lines, and in nothing is this more to be desired than in the every-day literature on which we depend to a great extent for information and entertainment. The Afternoon Nap. A nap of "forty winks" in the afternoon enables many aged people to get through the rest of the day in comfort, whereas they feel bred and weak when deprived of this refreshment. If they rest well at night, there can be no objection to the afternoon nap :but, if sleeplessness be complained of, the latter should be discontinued for a time. Most old people find that a reclining posture, with the feet and legs raised, is better than the hori. zontal position for the afternoon nap. Digestion proceeds with more ease than when the body is reenmbent. A Girl's Best Charm* My dear girls, says a lady writer, keep your- selves looking as sweet and dainty as possible. Never undervalue the charm of an agreeable appearance. It is the most delightful letter of introduction that can be given to a stranger, and there is no reason in the world why every woman should not be pleasant to look upon. A famous woman once said There are no ugly women there are only women who do not understand how to make themselves beautiful. This is absolutely true. So the right thing for you to do is to sit down, think it over, and make yourselves the charming example that points the moral of this. Hints.. BEAUTY AND HRAMH.-The secret of beanty is health. the work which one may do, the rest he must take, his baths, his diet, his exercise, are matters for individual consideration: but they must be carefully thought of and never neglected. As a. rule, when a person feels well he looks well, and when he looks ill he feels ill. To have a fresh complexion and bright eyes, even to have we» and a graoeful yon must be 1 CAKB.—1 lb. of flour, lb. of butter, y2 lb. of sugar, lb. of sultanas, 2 oz. of candied lemon peel, U pint of milk, and 1 teaspoonful of baking powder. Put the flour into a basin with the sugar, sultanas, and sliced candied peel; beat the butter to a cream, and mix all these in- gredients together with the milk. Stir the baking powder into two tablespoonfuls of milk, add it to the dough, and beat the whole well until every. thmg is thoroughly mixed. Bake from one-and- a-half to two hours. CRISP BISCUITS.—Mix lib. flour and the yolk of one egg with sufficient milk to make the whole into a stiff paste; heat well, and knead it until it is perfectly smooth roll the paste very thin, and, with a round glass or cutter, shape into small biscuits bake in a slow oven from fifteen to twenty minutes. A TASTY DISH von TEA.-Egg and. watercress sandwiches make a nice change from cakes for afternooon tea. Cut some thin brown bread and butter, pass two hard-boiled eggs through a wire !il.ve, put a layer of eggs on one piece of bread and butter, and a layer of watercress leaves on the other. Press together and trim off the crust. TURKEY HASHED.—Time, one hour for the gravy. Cold roast turkey, pepper, salt, half-a- pint of gravy, a piece of butter the size of a walnut, a little flour, a spoonful of ketchup, peel of half a lemon. Cut the breast of a cold turkey or any of the white meat into thin slices. Cut off the legs, score them, dredge them with salt and Pepper, and broil them over a clear fire a nice brown. Put half a pint of gravy into a stewpan witb a little piece of butter rolled in flour, a spoon- ful of ketchup, some pepper and salt, and the peel of half a lemon shred very fine. Put in the white meat, and shake it over a clear fire till it 13 thoroughly hot, place it in a dish with the broiled legs on the top, and sippets of fried bread round it.

WELSHMEN AT THE AFRICAN GOLDFI ELDS. A Johannesburg correspondent, under date October 2nd, writes Mr D. Telford Edwards is one of the many Welshmen who have worthily arened farne and fortune on the Witwatersrand Gold Fi«jds. Aei»a, «ugineer, Mr KdWartlS'hte •$W equals in Johannesburg.. He is a-man of culture, whose sympathies lead him to a oon- sideiution of many of the scientific problems /1; l76 00 VJ c 11?fco Prominence in with these goldfields. He had a-most intnrast- ing, article in one of the Johannesburg news- papers two days ago on "Conglomerates," in which he rehearsed in a popular way some of the leading facts connected with the geology of Witwatersrand. The concluding sontencea of the Mttctearospeotany interesting to your readers. Gold, said Mtf l.dwards, is said to have been round in conglomerates in several parts of the world besides Witwatersrand, but only in smaJt quantities, viz., at Tallawang, in New South Wales1; in New Zealand, and at Gay's River, in Nova Scotia. In tho Lower Silurian forma- tions of Wales," he continues, auriferous con. glomorates have also been found, which fact may come as a surprise to many, the writer having seen near Llandilo, in Carmarthenshire, some auriferous conglomerate, which, in appearance, was wonderfully like the far-famed BAtikel "of this country." Another eminent Welshman, Mr Edward Jones, arrived this week in Johannes. burg from the Lebaba district, where he has been for some time prospecting.

Tit for Tat. Mm Lakeside You are Mr Porkchop's ceeond wife ,a e you not ? Mio Porkehop: Yes, he was married cttce before. "That's unpleasant. Whenever you have a little row he can bring up his firat wife, and brng about her goodness." "He never tried it but once, and then I told him aoout what nice men my three other bus. bands were. =-

A one^egged man will never be troubled with wet feet.

Welsh Tit-Bits. Neu Wreichion Oddiar yr Eingion. [BY CADBAWD ] Domestic and Literary Games ef the Ancient Welsh. An account of these celebrated games may be found in several manuscripts of good antiquity. A lilit of them is given by Dr. Davies in his "Folio Welsh and Latin Dictionary" (1632). The:similarity subsisting between many of them and these so much in estimation among the Greeks prove that they were originally borrowed the one from the other, or at some re- mote period derived from one common source. The following is a list of the ancient Welsh games:- Bardism, play the harp (canu telyn), reading Welsh, to sing a poem with the harp or viol, sing an ode of four paits and accenting it with proper expression, heraldry, embassy, playing chess, p>aying backgammon (bach caiwmavm, a conflict, tournament, or combat), playing dice or cardsj tuning the harp. To be ignorant of the above domestic games was esteemed dishonoarable in Wales in years gone by. EXEBCISXS OF ACTIVITY. A display of strength in hurling stones or throwing a bar. Running, which was a favourite exercise among the Britons, and leaping has always been a diversion which the Cambrian youth were much addicted. Swimming, wrestling, riding, which extended kewise to feats in chariots of war, as described by Osesar. EXERCISES or WEAPOKe, Archery, shooting, and throwing the javelin fencing with the sword and buckler; fencing with the two-handed sword playing with the quarter- staff; hunting, or perhaps more properly, coursing; fishing; falconry. To excel in all these 24 games was the real accomplishment of a Welsh gentleman in the good uld times long ago. The Book of Baglan. PIGGKSWEUE (?). — da. to J no. Pye, of Sadlebow, bye Eliza, da. to Sir John Soudamore. of Ceynchurche, knight, ma. Cachmaye, of Piggeswere, of whome George Cachmaye is decended. Thomas Cachmaye, of Unchtroye (!), ma. Richard Cachmaye, of Llanthagove. John Cachmaye, ma. da. to Mo. Robert of St. Bride. Joan, da. and heyre, ma. first Robt. Williams, of the Priorye, of Monmouth after, to Wm. Herbert, 3rd sone to Sir Tho. Herbert, Knight, who had issue Edmund Williams Charles Williams Susan, who ma. Wm. Morgan, of Magor; Blanch ma. John Williams, of Monmouth Bridget ma. Edmund Herbert, 4th sone to Sir Tho. Herbert, Knight, Anne Williams; Jane ma. Phe. Cachmaye- Eliza, da. and sole heyre to Wm. Herbert, ma, Peter James, sone to Wm. James, Gwillim Hir. Catherine, da. (to the above Thomas Cachmaye, of Uncbtroye) ma. Sir Jno. Vaughan, of Whit- land, Knight, and issued Margaret, who lIIa. Rhe, of Cilsant, Richard Vaughan ma. da. to Whichma, auditor of South Wales. R. Vaughan, second sone ma. da. to M. Wonderwood in co. of Somer- set, Esqr. Lucie mal, Ja. Ryde of Pochis Castle, Esqr. Anne ma. Jo. Lloid, of Cilgwyn, Esqr. Barbara ma. M. Hodge, of Essex. Eliza ma. Jno. Ryde, of Prlen(?) Castle. Susan first ma. Wm. Love after, Jno. Morgan Wolfe, Esqr., Catryne ma. John Wm. Philpott, of Rochfielde. George, sone to Richerd Cachmaye, ma. da. to Wm. Luke, had 5 da., and co. h. Blanch Jane, who ma. to Wm. Lloyd, of Ber. and Barbara. MACHEN. Blanch Jones, da. and beire to Wm. Jones, of Treowen, Esqr., bye Elizabeth, da. to Sir Walter Herbert, of Raglan, Knight, ma. Rowland Morgan, of Machen, Esqr., sone of Thomas Morgan, of Machen, Esq. Thomas Morgan, of Tretegire, Esqr., ma. da. to Roger Bodenham, of Rothwow, Esq., who had issue. Sir Wp<; Morgan, of Tredeger, Knight, ma. Eliza, da. to Sir WID. Winter, Knight, viz., AàmiraH John Morgan, Esq., Jane Morgan, Mary Morgan, Margaret Morgan, Blanch Morgan in. Sir Edward Lewis, of the Van, Knight. Catherine ma. Wm.' Herbert, of Couldbrocke, Esq. Eliza raa. Wm. Lewis, of Abergeveney, and Wm. Blethyn, Esq. Harris Morgan, Esqr., ma. Eliz., da. and heire to Wm. Kernes, of St. Mylons, Esqr., who had issue John Morgan, of St. Mylons, ma. da. to Thomas Rinald, of Llantrissene Catherine, ma. Thos. Matbew, of Llandaff, Esqr., After to Miles Morgan, of Tredegire, Esqr,, and after to Harrie Jones, Esqr. Marye, ma. Tho. Lewis, of Rewperre, Esqr. Anne, ma. Phe. Morgan, of Owern y Clappa, Esqr. Ehza, ma. Edward Kemes, of Keven Mablye, Esqr. PTE. Joan Pye, da. to John Pye .ma. Nicholas Gilbert, of Ould Castle, in the countie of Mon- mouth, who bad issue John Gilbert, who ma. da. to Tho. Lewis, Jno. Gwillim. Jonett Gilbert, ma. Thomas Phe. Vaughan, of Llaneliwe, in co. of Brecon, gent. James Gilbert, of Dyffrynhonthy, who issued Phe. James, who ma. da. to Howell ab Gwatkin, of Penbedle, gent. and Ada, who ma. Thomas Powell Hawkin, of Llancillowe. Margaret Gilbert, ma. Wm. Vaughan, of Cop- hill, who issued Walter Vaughan, of Cophill, who ma. da. to Jno. Wm. Vaughan, of LlanrotheJ, who issued Wm. Vaughan, who ma. a da. of Jno. Walters, of Monmouth. Walter Vaughan, of Penbridge Castle, ma. da. to Phe. Wm. Vaughan, of Grossemont. William Vaughan, of Llanelire, ma. da. to Cirke, of Walford had issue Walter Vaughan, of the Haye, who married da. to Edwards, of Wirersley, Esq. John Vaughan, of Benbrook, Esqr. A da. to John Pye, second son of Joo. Pye, of Sadlebowe, married John Smith, sirnamed Farmore; their da. married Walter Borne, Esqr. Anthonye Borne, Esqr., ma. Elizabeth, da. and sole heire to Edward Home, Esqr. Marye, da. and co-beire, ma. Herbert Croste, cf Croste, Knight. Amye, ma. Ffulk Canway, Esqr., sons to Sir John Conwaye, Knight. 1 —

BROWNING'S ITALIAN HOME. An interesting "account of the house in which Browning stayed at Asolo, and wrote "Aso- lando, is given by the author of Here and There in Italy," just published by W. H. Allen and Co. The poet's quarters consisted of two small but comfortable bedrooms, with a small salon as the top of a steep and frloomy staircase, with no further prospect from the windows of the salon than a blank brown wall. The rooms arc noisy ones, close to oonstantly clanging cnurcb bells, and for ever echoing with foot- steps from the arcade beneath. The landlady, however, told the visitors that her distinguished lodger was only disturbed by these sounds during the first five nights. He wrote until four o clock every afternoon, then went cut for a walk, visited his friends, and attended every performance at the Teatro Sociale. The poet's pnarograpTf cccupfes a—plac? of honour in the museum, where one of his manuscripts is enshrined in a glass case. His landlady is very proud of the inscription upon her house, re- eoKftMT that Roberto Browning SHfc treasuresk bis inkstand and raS a'ftd at cracked washing basin, for which sue has beon offered large sums of money. f H5ST YOUNG LADT I don't believe in tne t custom of giving engagement rings, do youl SECOND YOUNG LADY No. I would A eood rafchep have the m0Dey spent on theatre tickets you can't be expected to give them back you know. you know.

A man is as old as he feels, but not as big.

I GOSS)PS' CORNER. The shipments at Barry Dock last week reached the enormous total of 98,238 tons. Mr Leonard Courtney has received two rotap of "want of confidence" while traversing bif constituency. A commercial treaty negotiated between Ger- many and Roumania was signed in Berlin oC Saturday. Lord Vivian's eldest son, a student at Eton, left for Rome on Saturday, on hearing of hit father's death. The Earl of Iddesleigh has lost his youngest daughter—Catherine Cecilia Northcote. Shr died at Pynes, Exeter, on Saturday, at the aft of 14 years. Mr Henry Wright, of Upper Phillimorw gardens and Saltley, has left personalty amount ing to upwards of £ 137,000. The Duke of Westminster has forwarded ebeque for jBSOOto the Chester General Infirmary. the proceeds of the fees paid by visitors to Eaton HalJ Mr Anthony J. Drexel, junior, has retired from business, withdrawing from the firms with which he has been connected in New York, Philadelphia, and Paris. Miss Frances Willard has been re-elected ar president of the National Women's Christian Temperance Union of America with neat enthusiasm. The Great Northern Company is stated to tw carrying out extensive practical experiments ov, their northern suburban lines with a system ot electrical fog-signalling. The death is announced at Carlisle of Mist Goodwin, sister of the late Bishop of Carlisle, The deceased lady, who was born deaf and dumb, lived to an advanced age. Besides doing a great amount of work few various Government departments, the inmates or, Parkhurst Convict Prison last year made 6,22t mail bags for the Post Omc". A memorial to William Drummond, of How. thornden, the poet, who died in 1649, was an- yeiled on Saturday at the family tomb in the churchyard of Lasswade, near Dalkeith. Russia is adding to her fleet of battleships There are in course of construction three ironctadf of 10,300 tons, two of 8,000 tons, and twa armoured cruisers of 11,000 and 12,000 tons. Rawdon Baptist College, Leeds, will benefit to the extent of £4,000 by the will of Mr Luptoa Wright, of Shipley. The legacy will be invened for the permanent benefit of the college. The Mayor of Birmingham stated that not long ago he saw at a table d'hote in London « woman who wore as a decoration a live lizard. She said that she had had it for some months, anA that it never wanted anything to eat. Police statistics at Melbourne show that in the first eight months of this year 67 inquest oa infants were held there, and no fewer than 2E verdicts returned of Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown." Mr Bland, stationmaster at Stanford-le-Houe Station, on the London, Tilbury, and Southend J*ftilw*y, has died from the effect of iniuriea J received m endeavouring to stop a runawav i horse which had taken fright at a train ) Most, if not all, of the leading Welsh musical composers and professors have been invited to th* coming banquet at the Mansion House to be given by the Lord Mayor of London in bonoa. of mu^c. Mr Edward Lloyd wMtmwae £ 1 fiwt to receive an invitation. The renowned violmfst, August Wilhe,mj. haa 1 come to live m London, and has taken a house } in Regent s P«rk. Wagner had no more ardent ? disciple and friend than Herr Wilbelmj who led i the violins at Bayreuth in 1876, and again at the | Wagner Festival at the Albert-hall in the follow. £ ing year. | Mr Ben Davies will be the principal tenor ia what promises to be an exceptionally fine pei. formance of the Elijah (the other prinoipals beL < Mr Santley and Madame Albani), at the annual k performance in aid of the funds of the Royal W I November 28, Three women editors, Miss Low, of the Qtcetn Lady Henry Somerset, of The Woman't Herald. and John Strange Winter (Mrs Stannard) of Winter s Weekly, The Gentlewoman, The Ladietf ™ ™stress and Maid, Woman, an<t The Lady, all have men at their helm. After two years' trial with pine, oak, and greenheart m the Suez Canal Company's arsenai basin «t Port Said, it has been found that whilst the pine and oak are almost entirely destroyed by the taret," or borer-worm, the greenheart hae suffered no injury whatever. Tbislwood is anativ* of British Guana. Mr Gerald Blennerhasset O'Connor, a Crimeae hero, has just died at Aldershot. Mr O Connor who was 64 years of age, passed through the wholl of the Crimean War as a sergeant in the 95th Foot. He was wounded four timee, and also suffered from frost-bite, which almoet cripoled him. He held the medals and all the clawM fa* the war. After being practically dumb for 30 yeara. the bells at Roxtou Church, Bedfordshire, which have been recast, lately rang forth merrily, when a special service was, held for their dedioatiou. Originally there were four bells in the tower bat all were cracked and in an unworkable state. Now there are five bells, the largest of which weighs lOowt. „ Buddhists of Japan," says Church Belli, <we fighting desperately against Christianity. They are organising 'salvation armies' and moral associations,' buying up timber so that ohurcbes cannot be built, seeking to persuade hotel-keepers not to lodge Christians, and in some cases they are resorting to force, destroying chapels and other buildings." Hero-worship often runs to ridiculous ex* tremw. A distinguished landscape painter once lofb his carpet slippers behind him in the humble village lodging where for three months he had li ved and worked, and » won tho secret of mobr. and hill, and dale," and perpetuated it on caavu. His,cueful wife at once sent for her husband's slippers; his whilctn landlady-fond, foolkh woman! sent one slipper, begging, at the aam« time, to keep the other as a memento. Tha illness of Sir Andrew Clark recauS the story of how, when, some 40 ago, he was i for hi. Hospital, he 1™, helped by his delict. ance. His quahfacations were above question but candHlatts were also well qualified, and young Clark was finally Ch8Hfa one of the managers said Give it to him It t mH Pleaae the poor devil, and he won't live < Miss Braddon is a passionate lover of horsos nufi dogs and rarely writes a novel without promt, inently introducing one or both of these^^ footed characters to her readers. She S t* fAT8' a collcctl°n of pets W beautiful home in the New ForwJfc, and Ter d2» r": ,1" ■Wing.room « th* sweet will. Every morning when it is fine Miss Braddon nde, for two or three hours on 1,« favourite marc and she declares that it is by thS means that she has kept her head cloar and h« avoided any breakdown fn>m excessive w"k. tK .u'3-*0 insomnia win be pleased to hear OB ? tbta torn'of l°f Sir JameS Crichfcon Browne, chat disastrous P IU,8ery 18 not afct«nded by ouch 1 disastrous consequences as is commonly supposed. St IS doc,tor'in hi> £ oSSr "yesterday afternoon on "Brain Rest," stated j «oi; ■ °8?nm,a m itself is not ao dangerous as the aoucitude so often experienced by the sufferer > 18 in the precursor of brain softening, nor *• many of the sleep-producing remedies whieb 5 •■re resorted to. He pointed out that though j, sleeplessness is the curse of the literary craft, r ye< it does not rob their wits of brilliancy, nop 1 their pens of cunning, and he suggested that •>! perhaps the brains of literary men may have acquired "the trick of the heart," which, it^i appears, takes a doze of a fraction of a second, after each beat, aud so manages to gat si$hour*' sleep in every 24. or else that they sleep r sectjons," the different brain centres going 0 oh 4uty in turns. ver 50 oonvu • oorssti

WORKMEN'S TOPtCS. I WORKMEN'S TOPICS. I BY MABON, M.P. DI8-0RGANISATI0N AND THE RE-ORGANISATION OF WELSH MINERS. "e are confident that the most thoughtful ,lblnds,am.ong the miners of South Wales and Monmouthshire are watching the gradual bat »ttre final state of demoralisation that organisa- tion in their midst is coming to, and with deep tion in their midst is coming to, and with deep ftkret witness the seemingly utter indifference Saamfeeted by such a vast number of _tbe work- ^en themselves with regard to it. It is quite evident that some stej> should be taken to check the evils that are fast aocruing from the present insane efforts to form sectional organisations intone the men. It will, as sure as the night follows the day, befound that this state of things, if allowed to continue, will bring about degrada. tion and misery to thousands of workmen. It is I, ?hev who, unfortunately, will ultimately feel the results of this insane policy. We rightly said last week we thought khat our local .jjfel0ns needed con- solidation, &c., but waJBw find that in one way another we are gWag further and further from one another; Jjh Unions under various pretences are being and are daily deepen- ing the chasm and t!jf &ulf befcween VP' Not many months District j Unions of Monmouthjj^^Bn^Fou';h Wales were amalgamated tofieth«#Hpi*ip«ne of bettreett 30,000 and 40,000 mewUfS. (Since then» "ame of union and organisation, the seed of dis- -cord, disunion, and disintegration, in the shape exciting prejudice atrainst that which did exist, were sown, with the result that a number of our local branches and Unions, here and there, Icllt loose their district connections, lost their Working committees, and became thoroughly demoralised those that had such a wonderful Power of destruction failing to bnild up but the remotest semblauce of organisation instead. And what was put up m the places they were, fche late strike completely cast asunder, with the result that we are beginning anew with, at least, four kinds of organisations. 4 We have still with up, as Union men, (n a great majority the Shding-scahsts, Vho are to-day, as regards an amalgama- tion with the English miners (under the nag Of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain) in Exactly the same position as they wore when that federation held its conference at Newport in 1689. There is not the slightest doubt that if the ^deration would only grant Home Rule—to use a political phrase—upon the wage question to the South Wales men, the latter, in our opinion, ^*tra!d not hesitate ^o join with them m a Mfcational organisation. As things are it would be if possible for any conscientious and scrupulous Wder that understands anything of the differential character of the trades of the .anous districts, and also the geographical differences of the districts, to ever recommend the mi^rs of Wales Ojpin th* Federate, iiganticas it may be, nflMka^thsr.comdit:ions. £ et there be no m's!^SSRs^b 1 JL hut Proposal has beeil made to tSe Feaeration b theyVefusedto join hands on such condit ons. It they accepted it, there can be little doubt but what tranquillity and good fellowship *°"ld again dwell amongst the miners of South WaIns. If the Federation continues to reject it we, according to the existing state of. things, Ape no hope of anything but con- tinuing discord and unpleasantness in Our midst. Federationists say that they will continue to fight on till they have a ° the miners of Wales in their favour. But^si im- posing that some time or other theconsum of that desire is arrived at, and that this minorty follow their present example and continue the fisht, we would be none the wiser, for strife and Contention would then, as now, be rampant, dis- oord and disunion prevalent, and the neglect of the men's best and most important intereslis the inevitable result. So the sooner the better is it thoroughly understood that on tha on ],•' **d that alone, are the advocates of thesliding- 'cale prepared to cast in their lob with Federation so a* to form what we see no reuon* should not then be a thoroughly national organisation. „_J The Federationists we all know and the tenacity with which the majority of them hold to their own opinion as to the superiority of their ?* and methods of regulating wages over ours IS evidently felt, notwithstanding the unmtelli- Pbl* facfc that it has taken three years for some of to deny the assertion that their policy is that prices "should be regulated by wages and not 'ages by prices Tt. The Rockingstonians we also know. It could scarcely be otherwise, since they commenced then »• official career with the weight of a resolution, "buch heavier than the Rocking Stone itself, Ground their necks. These people, it will be *«nembered, in their inaugurating proceedings, Wtiated the policy of victimising the people for taring to hold opinions of their own, thus forming precedent, and an example, that would make "feasible all-round victimisation and persecution wherever any body of men differ in opinions from my other body that wields superior powers. Let as hope, however, that that resolution was the -iutconoe of the unpremeditated thoughts of an initiated and disappointed crowd only, and not the result of stubborn prejudicial mind of any thinking man. If it is the former it will soon die 3ut and be reckoned as one of the nèci- iental unpremeditated follies of the late 'trike. If the latter,, it will carry with it that cankerworpi that never dies, but will in the end do its perpetrators infinitely fore harm than those whom it was intended :or. And yet it is really amazing how anything Woep so ill conceived is followed upby a repeti- tion of mistakes. We are now assured that the ^ockingstonians, whether connived a in this matter by their parent, the Federation or not, tre,promising salvation by advocating the mis- taken Policy of separate Unions among bodies of Qien working at the same collieries. We have it w the most undisputed authority that they are oow endeavouring to get that portion of I \he Men-bauliers, shacklers, hitchers, e., Ac.—who are engaged in the transit of the Admis from the working faces to the uc Rt our cotlferies—into a Union of their own, '^dependent of the other bodies of wor 1D^ the same collieries. Here then at onc^.ie^ ^°l<i but very dahgerous stroke of policy, an one •hich, when led by any bold and unscrupu ous may any day lead to mischief and misery. This kind of policy is undoubtedly calculated to benefit the man concerned. But we Bay at once that we doubt very mmm it will ever bring about any such result; W 10 the contrary, whether such a policy, « °weds«it upon, wouldnot end in chaos, and the I^^te demoralisation of the men themselves, th« consequent ruin of their cause that would £ "°w. In the interim> however, it may be ^>ded upon that "the war would be with "'66trongandtheraCe with the swift." Hence It T* be Pardoned here for venturing to give a S thi. matter, «!>«»»? fnn majority of tho» a™ onr SS? a"°- «>« haqliorsi and oW-ntlT mora gulled by the fair promises of the te»iptw> Thesyhacklert the hitcher, and the haulier, as » rule, are engaged m special ^^nd 81wcial rates of wages, and can Pril-6 fUowed to look after themselves, their fh*C'Pal obligation and necessity being fidelity to il. gleneral body. It js different with the haulier. '.I »• » Uttt"unaard »» ''Compatible with that he also needs to have ir«u,rn,nSs dependent upo" a standing wage »ir "pc,u extras, etc. With your psnm^iati, W;n %Vl)1 Vfeturn to thie pjmtnext week. srmt' ,,y0u kind|v allow ma to correct one or two weler?rs took Plaoe in 0Ur artl °» tk. 'rhe phrase "Stirring trades union, **4 36b!} lines, should read studying trades union and the phrase "conciliation and compromise is their excuse," in lines 82and 83, should read-" conciliation and compromise is their creed and arbitration their cardial prin- ciple."

iTjwME" fBY OUR LAny CORRESPONDENT. ] There's no place like home," and surly if we are to say this time-honoured adage vtth our hearts, the more beautiful our homes shqld be Collecting for a charity the other day, tok me into at least a hundred drawing or dining-ooms, chiefly the former, in Villa Cardiff, aniit was most curious to note the difference. e' often I had no idea whose roof I was under—Me the r they were rich or poor, old or young-but could tell directly what sort of people they were. The halls generally began the revelation. A icely- swept and beeswaxed linoleum, with savy, dull blue or dull red curtains shuttif off the stairs and passage to the kitchen, an um-ella- stand, designed for use not ornament, Wing somewhere in its design a small mirror, s'that one can just take a sly squint in it to see itbne's war-paint is in good order. A tall jar, wh a common but luxuriant fern or two-how r* it looks, and what a nice suggestion it has e toe inmates for you Of all the depressing tints in the way of calling that I know is to have tMoor opened just two inches, and a critical eye nH on you suspiciously, then the door plowJy al]|re* luctantly opened wide enough for you to Wy squeeze through into a dull little ball, a. vis of untidy stairs, an open kitchen door, laluy lotting out culinary inevitable smells, possiothe lady of the house barely concealed behind i^ile she scans you as the awkward maid &noW^ou into an unlovely room. All maids ehouljbe told to hold the door wide open—whe'j ey answer a knock—carefully first closing thelalfeu and other doors. Some people seem to thi! a drawing-room requires very little furniture to- days, so accordingly{they|arrangefourorhvecns, a piano, and a couch round the room. th perhaps two small tables somewhere, but aiys leave an arena of carpet in the middle. In <br houses, the daughters try to carry off the day effect of si* chairs and two easy ditto uphoistd in rich red damask and couch to match, 1 nl evenly round glaringly papered walls, .1 (fo infinity cf useless articles and always 4- macassar on each straight-backed chan. P *11 -plitlierinir down into the seats by a bow ot. shaded ribbons Others, brides geu^ full of artistic ideas,! overcrowd their rc% with things really. pt-otty and griceful, bio crowded in you cj»n;t see them. 1 One such, lovely wall paper, soft pale pinky y all" over It, curtains, '»»* drapery, all harmonising well; good P'c.u delicious htfcle chairs, all the matenal for d, r np-to-date room, but 110 rest for the sole c 0. f«»t. Well, one could stand, but s surveyed the scene, thinking if I sit on < chair, the only one I can get to without up^etl things, I think there's room but then where < Mrs • sit ? So I stood. She came in1, asked me to sit down. It took quite two mini, to push back some things and move oth« before we could release two ch*irs sit down to chat. Flowers and pla, have always a charming appearance, a do more to lighten a room than the most cos furniture. If tastefully grouped nothing git such a refining touch. Ana nere *g«uu un often make a mistake. They go into their garde or market and get a laig6 bunch of every How ]qi that is in season, and proceed to toll a large va very full with every imaginable tint massed in crushed in almost. It makes me so wild to s^^ the dainty delicate blossoms so crushed like Jadu at a Dra-wing-room." Take that love^ yello rose out, put it quite alone into that little s end glas«, it looks perfect; you don t waiita r« < dahlia squeezed up with it. lic^ooufc all 'L,, white and yellow chrysanthemums and that delightful blue bowl with them, julh with their own eaves as a relief. Wow, tne^es seoarate those tender Japanese anemones anAs P. th«li stand up, tall or snort, just s thev come, in that yellow tall jar on the P1?** The great red dahlia, ^hich looks so vulgar m P buncfi of sorts, looks well enough by itsevu with a spray of green fern on the furthest tat>Hnc and gives just a warm tone to the shad owl corner. I like a room where no chairs are ahkf but where each one is comfortable and easy to sf in. Litt?e tables here and there to hold yoif" btiok, or cup, or piece of work, a couch so plaoefy; that when lymg on it the light falls on your booka( vet leaves your face in snaduw if you wish to takyre '•40 winks subdued soft colours, ye low PreP°% derating and flowers everywhere, books and worS about to show it is a room you hve m and love, vour home in fact, and, oh cruel though it be.cl banish for ever the white crocbeted anti-m^aasai from the back of wooden chairs! A country g.ri married and lived in the city. She spent her leisure in making these abommations and plaster ling them over every chair Her good old father came to pay her a visit. He was sent to ft"f best parlour, while on liospitawe tnou^. she vied with Martha kitchenwards. The farmer saw the parson coming up the path. Quick a» thought ne whipped the "antis off and pushed them under the sofa. When his reverence had <rone, he turned chuckling to his daughter. Eh lass, 'tould faither but nobbut just time to whip't'washin off t'cheers and put it behind t sofy when the minister came." One curious note I made, that refined homes and generous sympathy are closely allied. 1 rom the dwellers in pretty, tasteful-flower ordere-d houses, I generally got a nice subscription, while bare walls and cold cheerless rooms were matched with cold cheerless hearts, and ISO' was the answer to my appeal.

GOUNOD AND THE BEGGAR. IT. nrftttv little story of Gounod's early davs Cbanner, a whilom operatic conductor, hTbe,; SSd l«m 7*,» hers necessities of violin into the streets of daughter, to t^o h's^v.onn^ tsrsss? iira« Vrri the day, when he was literally sfcn^f someeathor- young men evidently returning fro g inTu^iS'yto apologise they instantly saw the paor oH man wR want, and without recog- Sg him, offered to give some Practical assistance. A few pence was aU ithe^ three could muster, so one took th« ex-conductor and started the Cam^J This was the signal for a good-naturedcrowdto gather, who showered coppers and even silver i The one sang, and the three into Chapner s^hat; ^h?nXlrio fcw» Sngtlm old man rising and leading the trio with Sd and hk ft J*jVmam? tto Tiun violinist was Adolph Hermann, tne LnofoJuv. Vjand tha tlurd o £ the too became composer of laust-