The Cardiff Times

WHAT IS LIFE P I sat down by the peaceful stream, At the time of the sun's last flickering glsam, When Helene sings Iter last sweet theme. And I said to myself, Life i; a dream. I sat in the woods at summer-time, Where every bough re-echoes a chime. Where poets woo the spirits of rhvme, And I said to myself, Life is sublime." I sat down by the calm sweet sea. And marvelled at its immensity, And how much like life it seemed to be, And I said to myself, Thou beautiful frep." And I watched the waters gently lave. And the rocks repel each murmuring wave, And thought of its silently buried brave. And I said to myself, Life is a slave." I sat there when the waves went mad. When furies of hades and all things bad Seemed warring with all that was good and And I said to myself, Ah life is sad." I sat in a city, great, grand, and old, Whose wealth will for ever remain untold, Where men are bought and hves are sold, And I said to myself, Life is for gold." W. J. SPRTNGETT. -+-

Mostly Gas. He kept a draper's shop, and was rather giib in his talk And inclined to be flippant to bis cus- tomers. One day an old woman want to his shop and said I want to get some sixpenny callicker." Sixpenny, marm Better not take sixpenny calico take a ninepenny. A sixpenny calico won't wash a. ninepenny calico will. A sixpenny calico is sleazy; a ninepenny calico is firm. Take a ninepenny calico, and you'll be glad you didn't take sixpenny take sixpenny, and you'll be sorry you didn't take a ninepenny. Let me measure you off the ninepenny it is heavier, will last longer, and is cheaper in the end. Don't take a sixpenny, when only threepence more will give you a material worth double. What do yon eay ?" The old woman stood perfectly still till he paused, and then said- A sixpenny catiiker is good enough for » poor Worm like me." Worm I-worm, marm Don't call yourself a worm I don't like to hear people call them- selves worms. We are not wonns we are men and women. Worms, indeed I'm not a worm you are nob a worm. I'll tell you what we are made of-water, gas, lime, and a few other items." The old woman simply said— Law, ie that so i Then I reofcon the biggest part of you is gas Now I'll take t»n yarns of cnlliekw

Welsh Tit-Bits. Neu Wreiohien Oddiar yr Eingien. 4 [BT CADBAWD.] J Argraffdy'r Beirdd. In Seren Gomer, May 1819, may be teen the following advertisement:— I, Jenkins, of Hengoed, and T. Williams I (Gwvlym Morganwg) desire to inform their friends in the Principality of Wales, and in London as well, that they have opened a new Printing House at Merthyr Tydfil, on the 21st day of April, 1819, where all kinds of books can be printed in both Welsh and English on the most reasonable terms. At the foot of the same we have the following englyn," io recommendation of the Bard's Press "— Argraffdy'r Beirdd heirdd yw hwn—nodedig A didwyll ni brofwn Mae'n fael ei gael os gwelwn, Neu ged holl Gred yn grwn. IoLO MOKCANWG. Altered Names in Glamorganshire. It is mentioned by Iolo in bis manuscripts that there are several places in Glamorganshire which have been changed, such as :— Sanghenydd, changed to Caerffile. St, Cenydd and his son Ffili, from whom bothe these names originated, lived in the sixth century. Llanufelwn was the original name given to St. Jorys, or St. George's. Ufelwyn, or the Sncred Spark, was Fili's brother. Llanwerydd, to San Dunnod or St. Douai's. Abernant, to Fonmon or Foulmont, now written Fonnon. Llaumihangel-y-Twyn was changed to Fleming- s'tone. I Llaueinydd, to St. Nicholas. Hangawrdaf. to Llantrisant. The present name of Hantrisant, which dates from the foundation of the church, and dedicated to three saints, Illtyd, Gwyno, and Dyfodwg. Other churches have been dedicated to these saints separately—to the first, Llanilltyd; to the second, Llanwyno; and to the third, Llandyfodwg and Ystrad Lyfodwg. Seuthey's Opinien ef Welsh Women. In a letter to Mrs Soutbey, from Breconsbire, under date 14th October, 1798, Mr Southey writes I much like the appearance of the Welsh women. They all have a character in their countenance and intelligence, which is very pleasant. Their round, shrewd, national physiognomy is certainly better than that of the English peasantry, and we have uniformally met with civility. There is none of the insolence and brutality which characterise our colliers and milkwomen. The Figart of Wales." At the present moment when the Church question is occupying our attention a glance over this very scarce paper is most interesting. It was issued iu monthly sheets of four folio pages. The first number appeared in March, 1835, the last in January, 1836—eleven in number in all. It was got up chiefly with the view of showing up the Welsh parsons, and the way in which they were said to have neglected their public duties. Some clergymen laughed very heartily over its contents, while others were most angry, the latter predominating un. doubtedly. It was printed at the Albion Office, Bangor, N.W. Old f;yn tc the Welsh Harp '6v'ch Jubai sy'n Cynal ca wyu y w ei liwyl meny w be il cant mawrhygant ei rhi M-/ ae'n egor dieisor do j-n. yrdd a gais ei llais a'i Jlu el i'r serch molir ei sw ,anyla ll.ais dyfais dy Famous Eisteddfodau. At the great eisteddfod held in Carmai then in 1819 the service of song was given free of charge. The Rev. J. Bowen, of Bath, a native of Glamer- gan, who had established a glee sooiety in that city, sent tf Utt. committee of the eisteddfod the services of these performer:?, both vocal and instrumental, to sing at the eisteddfod, and also to hold a service of song at St. Peter's Church on the Sunday before the eisteddfod for the benefit uf the widows and orphans of poor clergymen. The report says the church was crowded with a distinguished and appreciative audience, and that they enjoyed such a mustcal treat as probably was never before enjoyed in the Principality. The same party gave a concert at the Town Hail for the benefit of Welsh harpists in failing health, This realised the handsome sum of £1287", The total expenditure was JBMO 6s, which was made up chiefly of donations and subscriptions. This was the most successful eisteddfod held in Wales, it was said at the close of the Gorsedd, for nearly 400 years. It is recorded that sometime between 1767 and 1771 an eisteddfod was announced to be held at Garth, Pentyrch, in which Mr Edward Williams (Iolo Morganwg) was the ruling spirit. The then vicar of the parish of Llantrisant (Rev. Robert Rickards) had an idea that the meeting was held for some illegal and mischievous purpose, and he attended the eisteddfod with the intention of putting a stop to the proceedings should any- thing illegal take place. But he was not long in the assembly before he was struok with the order and decorum which was striotiy observed, together with the good spirit that prevailed.. And having been made to understand the real object of the eisteddfod, the reverend gentleman became thoroughly convinced that such meetings were calculated to produoe the most beneficial result. He is said to have encouraged afterwards such meetings in the parish, and was foremost in organising a society in 1771 a.t Llantrisant with the special object of promoting We/Sh hterature, history, poetry, and music. A Glimpse inte the Dark Ages. The monks, when they had the country much under their rule, and the people as it were sitting in darkness, had a terrible influence over ihv minds of the poor and illiterate, and their curses were a terror. It seems that they cursed families as well as houses, and even lands, and there are still extant in the traditions of this county of Glamorgan curses against some places. What can be the meaning of the following old rhyme:- Bydd Gwaeddi Eres yn y fro, Pan ddelodydd dialedd Pan hesp y Taf, a'r E! wy las, Pan na p dradwas Cymro. which translated would read something like the following Great wailing will be in the Vale of Glamorgan when the day for vengeance will come, and the rivers of the Taf and the Ely will be dried up, and no heroic Cymro will be found." These predictions influenced much the minds of the peasants, and no doubt there was a purpose gained by the monks in coining thpqe silly pro. pV>oni«.j. Here is a funny one :— Tair llian Gwaeu Wrgan, Tre Marchog Caedidog Syrthiant i lyn Yn y Glyn Diswt<i ar flaen Gwylmataanb Cyfyd difrod Hantrisant. So strongly did the old people believe in these things that there were farms long ago which no one would take—for were they not under a ban The cows would die. the corn would not ripen. there would be no luck. Other houses were haunted by ghosts, and there oould be no peace where sucu was the case. I could name a dozen I very respectable farmhouses in Glamorgan which the old people really believed they had been cursed. These most probably originated in the anger and the hatred of the monks towards certain families who would not submit to their ruling and teaching, but welcomed the chances which were brought libout by the Act of Suppres- sion, etc. Gwilym Grawell. I I am thankful to those who have written to me n answer to my query re "Gwilyrn Grawell." I am sorry I have not received all the information I require. One correspondent mixes him up with "Gwilym Tew 0 Lan Taf," the author of "CfmigeyGog." I am still open for more in. formation. My friend from Skewen is on his track. Haved Unos. This was a cob raised ('1\ a common in one night, wherein if a family slept forty nights they aoquired by ancient usage not only a free title to it, but also to a certain quantity of land round ill, which was to be marked out with a plough. It was the custom for the friends of a newly married couple to assemble and put up a cot of this kind, whereby they were in a rr>»u!iPi' started in life. Touching the Corpse. It was the custom long time ago to touch the forehead of » corpse with the finger when taken to s*e itt or it would appear tn yr>n <n your

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OETZMANN & COK 62, 64, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77. and 79, HAMPSTEAD-ROAD, LONDON, W. ALL CARPETS MADE UP FREE OF CHARGE. FOR CONDITIONS UPON WHICH GOODS ARE SENT CARRIAGE PAID PLEASE SEE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO HOUSE FURNISHING. Contents Complete Estimates for Furnishing at JB120 and S250, with full-page illustrations; "NotM 011 Furniture, by M. F. Frith, late of lady's Pictorial." Articles 011 Artis ic Furnishing reprinted from the Lady." 642 pages, and over 2,000 illustra- tions, with description and price of every item required in Complete House Furnishing. GRATIS AND POST FREK. 4100

WORKMEN'S TOPICS, BY MABON. ARBITRATION IN TRADE DISPUTES. Before concluding my comments upon the government Conciliation (Trade Disputes) Bill, 6 will be our duty to refer to the Arbitration Clause contained therein, which provides as ■otlows, viz. :— 1. Where there is a written agreement to Hibmit to arbitration present or future differ- 'Oces between an employer, or any class of ''iployers and workmen, or between different asses of workers, the Arbitration Act, 1889, •all apply, subject to the following modification, '• (a) Subject to any written agreement to the H>ntrary, a person shall not be required to produce Illy books or accounts showing the profit or loss II his trade or business, nor to produce books or -ccounts of any Trade Unions, nor to answer any bastions as to profit and loss, or as to books or ^counts of a Trade Union which he objects to ,n"wer (b) the power given by Section 5 of the lct to the Court or a Judge to appoint an arbi- rator, umpire, or third arbitrator may be raised •Uo by the Board of Trade. 2. Where there is an agreement to refer to titration auy question as to the rate of future rages, or the future price of labour or workman- bip, the parties to the arbitration or any of them "1ay deposit or otherwise secure a sum of money, 0 be paid in the event of any breach of the award. Doubtless a large number of workmen, specially those belonging to the ranks of what we now known as the New Unionists and ex- treme don't oareists," will consider any pro- "eion that in all cases of disputes will prevent Ibeir seeing the profit account of an employer o be very inefficient and useless legislation -bile on the other hand, a good many others will "bink with Mr Thomas Burt that these pro- visions, though somewhat weak, are strong "IOugh to meet the present circumstances «Jd the present state of publio opinion "ith regard to compulsory legislation. -t is not too much to say that although the object if these arbitration clauses is to create facilities or the amicable settlement of disputes, the 'bjsct of the modification in Sub-section C is to «event from being seen that which occasionally "ay produce the only satisfactory solution of a s'ffiault point, viz., the profit and loss account. We know from experience what it is to find "nployers urging that they have forjyears been ex- periencing losses, when workmen and workmen's •Presentatives have been contending that during ,11 the said time they have been making great ?r°fits. In view of such contentions as these, )ij(i we well know that one of such has been recently, this provision will be tlelective to remove the deadlock created. The sub-section that provides for giving the POWer to appoint an arbitrator, umpire, or a ^•fd arbitrator would be very good if tojthis was power to compel the disputing parties jt arbitrate. But we apprehend no greater disagreement existing that such a power, when Wanted, would create among Trade Unionists toemselves, especially the old schools, which sj the State should be asked to do & Nothing for workmen that they could \.en do for themselves. As we < have Already notified, all this could be done, Ind well done, without waiting to have this Act tessed. I read of a case the other day jowhere a ^understanding took place in one of the Pot- ties of Hanley that resulted in the stojjpage of t'cfrk about the end of Octobet last. At first only ^persons out of some 150 engaged were affected Of the dispute. That caused a stoppage of all )be auxiliary labour engaged in the same depart- ment, and eventually some 300 people were thrown 'ut of employment. The employer at once offered Prefer the dispute to arbitration under cortain oaditions, but the men refused to agree. The Ittention of the Board of Trade was called to the fcate of the district, and on February 14th an '<Bciat of the Labour Department visited Hanley, ,nd in conference with the employer and the officers of the Trade Union concerned, arranged °e a reference of the matters in dispute to an open arbitration before an umpire appointed by the Board of Trade, the men agreeing to return to ^ork at once pending the decision of the umpire. his took place after a stoppage of four months, ^fld at the request of the Board of Trade Mr Mun- 1 a,M.P.,consented to act as an umpire. Another was the Durham Coal Trade Conciliation Board. The representatives of the employers and Workmen constituting this board having failed to "gr,e,a mutually to the appointment of an umpire, "I accordance with one of their rules, requested the ard of Trsde to make such an appointment, ,Ind the Board of Trade in consequence appointed Lord Davies" to the post. These and other '^stances that could be given all prove that what ls required to be done by the present Bill has ready been done in many places where reasou, sense, and discretion is employed by the V*riou.s representatives in carrying on their With regard to Section 2 of Clause 6 we do not "tnkfora moment that it will in any way Illcrease the desire for compulsory {arbitration *h«re such a condition would be enforced, before such a condition as this would accepted there is -a most important Question which the parties to such dis- putes must come to before arbitration, CoUpled with fines and penalties, is likely to be accepted-and that question is as to the Principle on which wages should be determined. 0 what proportion ought the produce of labour, or its value in money, to be divided between the ^Pitalist, employer, and worker or, in other words, what is the proportionate share due to the and employed of the results of their Joint production ? If the parties were agreed to the answer to this question, arbitration would be a simple matter, and honest, impartial, and Intelligent arbitration being secured, neither of the parties could have any objection to bind themselves with penalties to abide by their agreement. But unfortunately this is the question on which so far there is the least *Rr»enjent. Moreover, this One Man Arbitration bas hitherto been so disappointing that thousands uPon thousands of the artizans of this country will be very loath to so bind themselves before there -ill be some definite understanding with regard to a more just and general basis to work upon having been found and agreed upon. I have, Personally, during my career, experienced and taken part in four such cases with arbitrators an each side and an umpire. And, indeed, 1,1 y experience has been a sad one. In three Okees out of the four the awards given were Erectly and distinotly opposed to the evidence. 111 one of the three cases the party that was sUccessful was also directed to pay the whole of the expenses. So directly opposed was the award to the evidence that the umpire knew that the otber party would never consent to pay a farthing. Supposing, then, that those people had a penalty to pay for not abiding by the award that then given. In the fourth case, although the award given did not exactly please either Party, still the effort to do justice in the case was 80 apparent to each that both loyalty abided by it. Many large questions respecting general wage- rates, hours of labour, &c., have been from time time referred to the decision of eminent persona "»the legal, political, or industrial spheres. In "trongly organised trades this plau, in some cases, has proved to be attended by considerable rt'fficulties. In the first place there is a difficulty IQ finding suitable arbitrators. Either the Arbitrator is quite unconnected with industrial work—and then the process of informing his iviilkd upon the matter is too long and costly—or he in in some way connected with the industrial World. and then one or the other of the parties Aspect him of bias and partiality. The desire arbitration evidently is much stronger ftong workmen of poorly-organised trades than among strongly, organised trades, and on the whole there caunot be the slightest doubt that the resort to one man arbitration" is not so frequent now as it once was. Still, all this is no argument against the passing of a Conciliation Bill. We have oftentimes in industrial matters, like in many other matters, had to do not what is considered really the best, but what is perceived to be practically the best and experience proves that arbitration by such boards and under such condi- tions as this Bill proposes is what often does appear to both parties to be the most practical way of settling their differences, notwithstanding the strong objection to it in certain Tory quarters. Sout Wales Under the

AN EYE TO BUSINESS. LITTU GIBI, Mrs < TO know if she could borrow a dozen eqa! She wants to pub 'em uuder a hen. NKicntBOCB So you've got a hen setting, have you ? I didn't know you kept hens. LITTLK GIRL No, ma'am, we dou'b but Mrs Smith's going to lend us a hen that's going to set, an' ma. thought if you'd lend us some eggs we'd find a nest ourselves.

Winston What do people mean when they say of a girl that she is "quaint?"—Wonstoft They mean usually that it if; charitable not to express their real opinion of her. Mr Goff: What side of the street do you live •n ?—W itness On either side. If you go one way it is on the right side; if you go the other way it's on the left.

WELSH GLEANINGS. No fewer than ten sons of the soil from the small and remote parish of Blaenpennal, in Cardi- ganshire, subscribed to the Encyclopaedia Cambrensis," a work which cost the publisher jS20,000 in its production. It is 91 years ago that the British and Foreign Bible Society was established. It is interesting to recall the tact that the first mover in the matter was the Rev. Thomas Charles, of Bala, one of the founders of Welsh Calvinistio Methodism. Arthur Hugh Clougb, the poet, is described by a writer in Great Thoughts M coming of Welsh stock. Through his father, Cloueh could tracer his ancestry back for three-and-a-half centuries to a famous Sir Richard Clough, of Plas Clough, Denbighshire. Thus wrote one of the most celebrated Church dignitaries of the century 011 the future of the Welsh language :—" It may die, but you'll die ages before tt. You cannot justify your present position by saying that you are waiting for the shoes of a dead language. A movement has been started by Cymry in America to celebrate the centenary of Ieuan Glan Geirionydd. Let us hope that the people of Wales will not be slow to institute a similar course in memory of the author of that immortal hymn, Ar lan'r Iorddonen ddofn." Mr R. M. Lewis, of Swansea, has attained high distinction as a translator. In the current numbers of Wales he gives some very happy Welsh versions of extracts from the Odyssey. In this Mr Lewis is undoubtedly conferring a great benefit on his monoglot countrymen, to whom approach to the great epic is so difficult. The Carnarvon Herald tells a story of a former Bishop of St. Asaph who, questioning a candi- date for holy orders, said to him, Now, Mr So- and-So, what work should you think gives the largest amount of information, and is sold at the lowest possible price ?" The proper answer was the Bible," but the candidate promptly replied, Whitaker's Almanack, my lord," and the Bishop collapsed. The French historian Thierry has written of Gwyllt Walia—" These feeble remains of a great people had the glory of keeping possession of their last corner of territory against the efforts of an enemy immensely superior in numbers and re- sources often vanquished, but never subjugated, and bearing through the course of af»es the un- shaken conviction of a mysterious eternity reserved for their name and language." Two WeUh professors, Mr J. S. Mackenzie and Mr E Keri Evans, are said to be among the candidates for the Glasgow Chair of Logic, which became vacant through the death of Dr. Veitch, and to which an appointment is to be made in June. The chair is worth £800 a year, with an official residence. The other Glasgow Philosophy Chair, held by Professor Jones, is worth £1,100, with an official residence. It is the most valu- able Philosophy Chair in the kingdom. The Cymro and the eisteddfod are inseparable. Last week's Herald Cymreig contains an interesting account of an eisteddfod held at Newcastle, New South Wales. The proceedings lacked little of the usual keenness and enthusiasm which characterises the old institution in the mother country. Among the several presidents we fiud the nam«s of the Rev. Seth Jonas, the Bishop cf Newcastle, Mr J. C. Ellis, M.P. Needless to say, the eisteddfod meetings were crowded. In the Disestablishment debate in the House of Commons last Tuesday night Mr Lloyd George is reported to have referred to a. desolate part of Carnarvonshire hers the clenrymau who wr.s non-resident, had for congregation only his own son. The Bishop of Bangor and the rector of Tregayan, which is apparently the "desolate' place referred to, write to the Times contradict- ing the statement. The Rector states that of a total population of 111 more than one-third attend service, and ,51 of them. have signed the petition against the Disestablishment Bill. At no time since he entered Parliament (says the Shipping World) did Sir Edward Reed more clearly demonstrate the advantages to the country of his ;presence in the House than during the debates on the Navy Estimates last month. He dealt in a fearless bat courteous way with the criticisms of Sir Edward Harland and other good men of business who pose as naval architects and engineers during these annual debates before a very innocent House of Commons. There was universal regret freely expressed and sincerely felt when the member for Cardiff spoke of this as probably the last debate on the Estimates in which he would take part. The country women around Tenby are said to be troubling the mind of the market toll collector not a little, because they won't come to town on the day when he is authorised to levy the impost. Market days are Wednesday and Satur- day. and a Hiiall fee is charged for the privilege of selling in the market" on those days; but the vendors of butter and eggs (says a correspondent) select Thursday for their visits to the popular seaside resort, and thus escape the Corporation toll. The obvious remedy is to empower the collector to collect the toll upon any day of the week, Mr Frederick Baker, of Ely, Cardiff, has been bold enough to publish a pamphlet, "Temperance or Total Abstinence," in favour of temperance as distinguished from total abstinence. He is able to quote the following passage from Sir Samuel Baker, the great African explorer:- Not having tasted wine or spirits for nearly two years, the sudden change from total abstinence to a moderate allowance of stimulant produced a marvellous effect. I found an extraordinary change in my health from the time 1 commenced drinking whisky. Every day I drank hot toddy. I became strong, and from that time to the pre- sent day my fever left me, occurring only once or twice during the first six months." The late Dean Edwards, writing in 1879. thus speaks of the prospeota of the Establishment in Wales: As to the future of the Church in Wales, I have confidence in the religious instincts of my countrymen. Show them the Church in all her fairness, and they will see the meanness of sectarianism. Take away (if you will) the privileges of the Church, take away (if you mlbt) her endowments, but give her back a living 'I' ministry that can win the hearts of the Welsh people. The warm religious heart of Wales— chilled out of the Church-has built 3,000 humble shrines, and gives £300,000" year for God. Let the Church have a native ministry that oan regain the Welsh heart, and she will be strong and rich." The Bridgend Chronicle is responsible for th<? following oration, which it attributes to one of the candidates now seeking the suffrages of the eleqtors in the Garw Division :-—" Ladies and gentlemen. I was thought to come out myself for this County Council becatase I got the heirship title of the Garw, but as my friend ask me for his support I stand before you. He have been dragged up in this place, and he do know what we require in our requirements. (Loud Applause.) Yes, indeed, requirement we do inquire we are no good. (Renewed applause.) If you do put him the member he will get your sanitaryment properf I could speak Welsh better for him, but the English I do know enough to put him ar hen y poll." Rather rough on the Garw. The editor of the Celtic Monthly, 'in his zeal for the study of the Celtic language, has cast the rules for Gaelio pronunciation, with their excep- tions, into metre and rhyme for mneumonio purposes." There are 18 four-line stanzas in all under the various heads of "Vowels and aspirated letters," "Plain Consonants,0 and "Syllables." Nothing can be plainer sailing than the following:- The b, f, h, m, p. and r, Pronounced in Gaelic are the same Almost as they in English are, Though slightly d fV.-i .-iie n name. When 1 is placed before an s, I The sound of s at once drops out; And d when added to cb Sounds as a k: 'tis odd, no doubt ( The Syllables are mostly found To end in Consonants, although Some final ones in Vowels end, Whioh always are pronounced, you bowi

THE JH0USEH0LD. I H E decorative qualities of mach* ine-made fret- work have been no means ex- hausted by the house-wile who feeks to beautify home. In fact, I do not think she quite realises that beautiful archways and pieces of open- work in wood m;ty be purcha^d more or less in the rough, and are consequently at the disposal of her ingenuity and artistic taste in the matter of painting, gild- infor, or staining. As archways they are to be met with, also as screens and projecting doorways, but it was only given to me once to see how perfectly adapted they were for beautifying the ordinary fire place, the hideousness of which we have well-nigh exhausted our ingenuityin trying to screen from the eye. Wh:.t is required is an ordinary mantelboard, with the addition of picture moulding placed round the edge. This, of course, may be bought by the yard, and painted to match the rest. The board itself may be left plain, in which case it should be sand-papered and rendered very s 11100kh before being painted, or it may be tightly covered with a piece to match one of the draperies used in the lower part of the decorative scheme. Then, having bought your piece of fret-carving, it is lirmly 6xed on to the pieces of wood which act as sides, and also along the top. underneath the moulding; the whole is then painted to match the wood-work oi the room, or should the decora- tions be of a sr.ffic ently fanciful nature, it may be gilded. In this case, however, the colour of the draperies must be of a rich Oriental character, or else an impression of tawdryness will be created. For instance, opposing this p to be gilded, the scarf thdt passes SDIOU^II Lig gracefully to one side, might be of brij^it Oiientr,! blue, while the patterned curtain of the opposite side might be one of those richly patterned vel- veteens in which white and green are judiciously blended on a dull amber background. This, say for a library or smoking-room for a dining-room where more serious matters are considered than more literature, a mahogany fret-work would agree well with silken draperies, somewhat of it> own hue, relieved by a curtain of pronounced Oriental type; white wood-work would probably he chosen for the drawing-room, and here the scarf might be of any shade, from a shell-like coral to the palest apple-green silk, the curtain should serve to accentuate this and tbeotiier colours of th* mom. There is practically no limit to what thi> '•.iu!tr jullain m;»y consist o( tht>«- i& a ki.id of curtain material that has the appearance of being wadded, with soft silk on the outside in shades of Oriental yellow, water-blue, and terra-cotta, and on this is a raised pattern, in which threads of gold are intermixed. This, to my mind, would be the most perfect of all such curtains. Then others, again, prefer hand-neadlework-soniebbing that they can contribute themselves—and for this purpose it would be difficult to find anything more suitable than the new Genovel feft em- broidery. It ia worked on felt cloth, and the undertaking is of an extremely simple character. The materials used consist of various cardboard moulds, which are employed for he different parts of the work, the stems of the leaves and flowers heiutr worked "v f wirp, or. if this Ùinot: handy, a piece of particularly stout thread may be used. One proceeds by stitching the card- board moulds over the parts of the design which are arranged to fit them. This done, you proceed to work over the moulds a covering ot wool of the shade that you wish to use after the fashion shown in the detail sketch. This done, cut up the centre of the wool, following the cardboard shape, and take out the mould, which will be required for other parts of the design, and where requisite trim the edges of the wool, so as to give an even and velvety appearance turn the work over, and, so as to secure the wool from pulling out, run a thread through all the lines at the back of the work. Wool and silk may be intermixed with a most excellent effect. Every day we are learning how we can devote smceto the best possible advantage, furniture L fitmem ts are luxuries in which we cannot all indulge, but there is no doubt thai their h:is been a sc re of TIIllch il1'l,' and we in»v» e J le know that tin-ugh we cannot surround our walls with artistically carved cupboards and shelves; with drawere that open and reveal wash- handstands instead of the many books that we dreamt slumbered, behind them; writing tables that pull out when we require them and flatten themselves into ap. parently nothing at all when we do not; beds that are cur- fca;. ><1 a way that delights the artistic t;p f.B'l renders the hygienic mind nearly frantic still though these thinge are out of our reach we may be permitted to indulge in s >me of the new combination furni- ture, which, while supplying us with quite as much room to stow our things away in and conduot the prooess of our toilette, may leave us that space In our bedrooms which, for some unknown reason, tradition seems to imagine we would inevitably devote to the swinging of a oat. One of the best "combination" wardrobes that I have seen for some time I have caused to be sketched for my readers' benefit; in the centre is a washing stand which pulls out to greater width when required, and behind which is an adjustable glass, so that it may be used as a dressing-table al»«ve is a cupboard of exactly the size required for one's, millinery, below a drawer which might be well devoted to under- linen, and on either side an ample space cur- tained in, where one's gowns may hang in comfortable freedom from crushing. The whole affair would not be very difficult to make, and the curtains, a instead of doorways, minimise the expense considerably. ETHBL.

"I cannot tell a lie, father." Do you mean it, my boy f "On the dead." Then take this 41100me tax blank and practise"

Andrew Fletcher, ei Saltcun, in a letter te th» Marquis of Montrose, wrote I know & very wise man that believed that if a man were permitted to make aU the ballads he need not care who sheuld maKe the laws ef the nation"

SURSUM CORI". Lift up thy heart, cast fear away With stedfast front, as angels may, (lo forth to meet the new-born Day And if it come in robe of light, Or if dark vestured to thy fight, Let neither fair nor dark affright. For tho' it seeni a comeiv tning, Th^ sun ahonld shine, the birds should sing, And time flit past on golden wing. Yet what we think, or dream, we know, Unless in Heaven's deep lore we grow, Is but a vain and empty show. :Fll,1I oft on some dark cloudy uioru. When most the pathway looks forlorn, Life's truest, holiest thoughts are born. As woo'd by winds, and nursed by shade, At last in loveliness arrayed, The violet springs within the glade, .Swine precious gift each hour shall bring, Some pure thought, white as angel'8 wing, Or needed store for ministering. So in His name to whom we pray. Whose Jove illumes our onward way Wo lift our hearts to greet the Day ANNIK E. LATDON.

SONNET. YVb n I alii gone from you-have passed away— Aud your dear t-yesno more can gaze in mine, Your sweet voice whisper, Love, I would be thine If it. Cttulõ be." When nights has come to st»»y, And you no more can take my hand and say Work bravely on we will not now repine, The coming days may brighter on us shine." When ttvis has passed, remember me—I P»»y- R?m*iiiber me but; do not, love, be sad But smile, yes, smile. Whene'er you think r,f m ■ I wish you to remember and be glad. Let no salt <*ars be shed; but tender'y And smilingly remember him who had The pleasing joy to win your sympathy. E. PATTERSON.

The Welsh Press. [BY MYNTDDWB.] Mr AsquiUi and the Weisii Church. The principal topic under discussion last week in the vernacular Press was the second reading of the Bill for the Disestablishment and Disendow- meut of the Church in Wales; and the honours of the debate tall with one accord to the Home Secretary for his masterly and exhaustive speech in moving the second reading. When Mr Asquith was at Oxford it was remarked by a fellow student, when comparing another brilliant 'ollegian (since dead) with Mr A*quith, that the nfiii-r was too clever ever tosui ea r Me, but that i.»tW WOA too clever -ct Probably one of the chff characteristics ef Mr Asquith will be found to be that he makes full use of the opportunities which present themselves toO him, and that is the reason he has already reached the high and bouourabie position which he now holds. He has undoubtedly made the fullest use of the opportunity given to him as the Minister in charge of a measureof such importance as that for the Dls- establishment of the Church in Wales. He has done his work so far in a thorough and masterly manner, and while doing Wales invaluable service in this connection, he has at the same time added immensely to his own reputation as an orator and a. statesman. The Welsh newspapers are not slow to commend him for his effort in moving the yfecond reading of the Bit!. The Tarian says It is doubtful if there is anyone else in the House who could deliver such a speech—Mr Gladstone would scarcely argue more success- fuHy." The B«ner thinks that he has given un- deniable proof that his heart is sincere in the work." After giviug a. brief epitome of the speech, it concludes,: Wo who live in the Princi- pally cannot be too grateful to the gentleman for such an outpouring—in such a pl^ce—and on such an occasion." The Herald Cymreig doubts who ought to be the most thankful we, as Welshmen, for being fortnnate enough to bit upon so able a man as Mr Asquitb, or the Home Secretary him- self for having such an excellent opportunity to d'sotosethe brilliant talents he possesses, but which he never hitherto had such an opportunity to disclose." The Tytt refers to the short speech which Mr Asquitb delivered when introducing the measure for the firat reading. It has been said, it continues, that that was a sign that Mr Asquith was not in earnest, but on this occasion his spfeech occupied an hour and a quarter in its delivery, and it was a masterpiece as a composi- tion, in clearness, argument, and strength. It becomes more apparent every time that the measure ie under the care of one who thoroughly understands his work, and one who, to all appear- ances, believes ia it." The Owyhedydd remarks that Mr Asquith showed his wisdom in the able manner in which he arranged his arguments so as to put his case with all its force, and that without giving offence to anyone except those who are "trended with the cause itsetf. Mr Asquith will be remembered after this with reverence and honour by the Liberals of Wales." The Cymn considers Mr spst-ch one of the most orderly and masterly productions ever delivered, without a doubt, on the question. It was cleverly arranged, full of earnest and expressive phrases, and making the disestablishers to feel glad that their cause is in the hands of so able a Minister and so eloquent a debater." The Genedl thinks that although some were inclined to blame Mr Asquith for his short speech on the first reading, everyone must admit that be has made sufficient atonement for that in the strong, con- cise. comprehensive, and effeotive speech which he delivered on the second reading." Liberal Instability. The candid friend is not always a welcome Xuest, even when his appearance is necessary and his advice sound. The GwyltedyAd. in an article under the above title recognises this fact, and excuses itself for what it is about to say on the ground that it may result ID relinquishing the failing complained of and reforming in the future. What troubles the Gioyliedydd is the result of the >ec.iub County Council elections. The week i>"fore the Celt and Ifcmer had occasion to refer to the same tiling from their own various stand- points, and now the Gwyliedydd has something to say, which may or may not be followed by good results. The GwyiieAydd complains that many Liberals after three years' service on the Councils have found the work too hard, and have become weary of it. It thinks that if principles are worth fighting for once they are worth fighting for twice and more. It points out that the danger of excitable individuals is ohatigeableness, and attributes that quahty to Liberals generally. The Conservatives,' it says, "are more stable at.d persevering." The other and gravest fault which the Gwyliedydd finds is that a certain religious denominatien which is in the majority in North Wales is vei-y narrow and bigoted. If that denomination," it says, "does not get its own peopie into every position and office, it retires from the fight and gives an opportunity to a Conservative to thrust himself in. It is unfortunate for Liberalism that seotal arro- gance should interfere with its success." It asserts that the same evil has been found in connectiou with the Parish Council elections also. "Our denominationalism," it concludes, "should be subservient to our Nonconformism, and our de- nominationalism and our Nonoonformism should be subservient to the authority and strength of the prinoiples of our religion." As the GwyiieAydd is the Baptist organ, and the Baptists are not in a majority in North Wales, it is evident that its remarks are not directed to the members of that denomination. MtsMttanMua. The Jtaner draws attention to the Armenian persecutions, which have lately been investigated by representatives of some of the London papers. It hopes that when the British, French, and Russian Consuls have completed their inquiries the European Powers will put a atop for ever on tho practices of the Turks. But," it very chant- ably adds, it would be much better, if possible, to sweep them away entirely as rulers, not only from Europe, but frem the world !"—The late Dr. Dale receives further notice last week in the Celt, Tytt, and Tarian.—The Celt, has also a lengthy article on the late Rev. D. Thomas, of Cymnier.— The Matter and Tamm refer to the coal crisis in South Wales, which, however, is now happily at ft8 811d.

Our Country Column. a Beetrott. Beetroot is not only useful in salads and pickles, but is also a pleasant and healthful vegetable, and, withal, easily grown. A deep, friable, and fairly rich soil, free from fresh manure, is the best for producing medium-sized roots, these being those best liked by oooks. For exhibition or general use the roots come best on ground that has been trenched, as this allows the terminal root to go down deeply after moisture, and tends to prevent the formation of forked roots, a. matter of some moment, as, when broken, beet cannot be boiled without losing a large amount of the colouring matter which causes it to have so rich an appearance. Sowings should be made from April until about the first week in June, at intervals of about three weeks, the round varieties being sown first, the later sowings being of the long varieties, and by storing the latter in sand in ocellar from which frost is excluded, beet can be had all the year round. The plants should be in rows 18 inchee apart, and should stand nine inches apart in the rows they will then fully develop their roots. For early sowing the Egyptian turnip-rooted is best, for later crops n warf, crimson, black-leaved, reliance, black-leaved, pine apple, or dwarf red, will be found excellent, as will also exhibition, of which we give an illustration. In small gardens felOKSOSS KXH1 BI'L'ION' BKKT. ,)xvai i otunson black-hv.vc.l beet may be grown in l'htce of peri 11a or other dark foliaged dwarf bedding plonts, the lustrous purplish black of the 'caves being handsome And effective. Although, psrliap;, the roots thus grown may not be so fine as those produced in the kitchen garden, they will yet be useful, and are noc to be despised for many culinary purposes for use in colouring pickles they will probably be as good as the best roots to be procured, even if they be not quite so shapely. Fattening Chickens. A correspondent asks a question as to fattening young chiokens in pens, as apart from adult fowls, an industry practically new to this country. The following system of fattening chickens in this way is a German one :—Twenty- four hours after the chickens are hatched they are removed into cages, fitted in the various uppc-r rooms of the building. These rooms, of which there are six, are on the top floor. The cages are simple, having straight lattice fronts, which vary in space between bars according to the age of the birds. Sliding doors facilitatecleaning, and the cage>- vny in si* for, i. 23 birds are k.pt together, they need more space as they grow. Out of these cages they never go. Before them is a constant supply of food, made of maizp. meal and buckwheat-meal mixed with milk, for several cows are kept on the farm. A little phosphate of lime is given, for bone and feather formation. Each room is warmed and yet there is a constant supply of fresh air, but it must pass around the stove ere entering, so that the birds are kept in an even temperature. Treated in such a way. many chickens a.re ready for killing at six weeks old. whilst all meet their fate ere they attain two months. At this age many weigh 3lhs. each, and the price per pound varies from Is 3*1 to lid, according to the season. Thev are killed on the spot, and despatched 10 v,>riom wnys, the German parcel post being cheaper than outr, and so tend- ing to develop business. III suu.ir.er ice is used for packing. Last year 9,000 clunkers were reared iu this manner, in addition to nearly 1,000 sold alive at two or three days old. Several hundred fat fowls of four or five months were sold, but these are reared outside, and fastened in cages on the French plan, accommodation being previded for 300 birds in another building. A Cycle House. Probably there are more cyclists to-day than there have ever been, and the fast-drying roads will remind most wheelmen that the great cycle season is at hand. The possessors of cycles, bi and tri, are a large and growing body, and belong to every grade of society. Apart from pleasure, the cycle has forced itself into a great variety of trades and proves useful to thousands of messen- gers and tradesmen's distributors. This being so. a cycle house, in thousands of cases, is a deside- ratum. To say nothing of convenience, a. machine protected from the weather lasts longer and both looks and works better than one which, in some shape, has net this care. A lean-to cyole house is inexpensive to buy, and not heyond the power of an amateur to make. The framework is of wood, the roof of galvanised corrugated iron it is 6ft. long, 4ft. wide, 5ft. high at the back, and 4ft. in front. The floor is of wood, and of course a wood back adds a few shillings to the price. I mako this suggestion because it is seasonable, and because it is a really legitimate "felt want," The structure ought not to be difficult to anyone who is handy and possessed of a few tools. Nasturtiums. Nasturtiums are amongst the hardiest of I annuals on poor soil, as they provide a. good substitute for geraniums so far as the dwarf varieties are. concerned, while the taller growing kinds come in handily for covering dwarf fences and the like. Of late years the varieties raised have been very numerous, almost every shade of colour, from pale lemon yellow through scarlet to almost a black chocolate, having been produced in the Tom Thumb and Crystal Palace Gem varieties, which are perhaps the best for bedding purposes. The following will prove a useful list, viz. :—Tom Thumb Baauty, golden oage Tom Thumb Crimson, crimson maroon Tom Thumb Scarlet, orange scarlet Tom Thumb Rose, rose carmine with a bluish tinge Empress of India, brilliant crimson; Golden King, rich gold King Theodore, daik oliocolate crim«on Ruby King, rich ruby r se Scarlet King, brilliant ecarlot and Ladybird, rich low with a crimson flame (,n each petal. On poor soils the seeds should be shown directly .where they are to bloom, having them about nine inches apart, but on rich soils they should be sown in thumb pots, and then re-planted where they are to flower this in itself restricts growth and causes a more floriferous habit, it is not a bad plan in growing this class of plants to raise them under glass and keep them in small pots until some time in May, then to plant them out, as by this method they can be kept dwarf, and no gaps will occur in planting. It may be well to point out that a bed planted with dwarf nasturtiums and asters will keep up as good a display for half & .crown all a pound's worth of bedding plants would make, while the trouble is considerably less. When in good soil the tall kind make a growth of from six to eight feet, and for this reasou are suitable for covering unsightly objeoc-s, or for trellises and the like, as both flowers and foliage are very handsome. In all oases the seeds must be kept removed where t), mnximum amount, of flowers is required. Answers t. Correspondents, Small Holder (Linooln).-A sow with some "breed" about it will serve your purpose better than a common mother. The young pigs will thrive quicker and fatten faster, besides produc- ing better baoon. Now a-days nobody will buy either very big or very fat pigs. P.R." (Ipswich). — Greengages and green- gage plums are especially suitable for small growers. The greengage does well in some places, but «s a rule ie rather a shy bearer. As inna as 2100 an acre has been cleared by this fruit in certain localities. The greengage plum is hardier, and is scarcely inferior to the green- gage in quality and flavour, while in appearance many of them surpass the gage. Dfch."—The dog you describe is a Bassett >1.

A Sad Experience. Tue female plaintiff in a Texas divorce suit was asked upon taking the stand, and prior to being sworn, if she believed in a future life. I used to," she replied, but since X was married I've had all that) nonsenee taken out of me cpun1"

Gardening Notes. Fltwer Garden. Hardy ferus may be transplanted now. Move with as much root as possible. Common ferns are advertised at a cheap rate, and if they are planted carefully, mulched with cocoa-fibre and watered when necessary, most of them will grow. Ferns do best in the shade, and there are many shady corners in town gardens where ferns are the only plants that are really at home. The strong-growing species, such as the Lastreas, Athyriums, Polystichunis, Scolopendriums, Lomarias, Polypodiums, and Osmundas, will succeed in good loam, lightened with leaf-mould. The O-^mundas do best in a damp situation, and the Hart's-tongues (Scolopendriums) thrive beat near water or where the atmosphere is humid. I have seen grand specimens growing on the banks of a river where the river descended through a deep gorge amid the trees. The smaller species, such as the Aspleninms, Ceterach officinarum, Cystopteris fragilis, etc., should have some frag- ments of stone mixed with the soil to keep it from getting too close. There are other shade- loving plants besides ferns which may be used to fill up untidy corners the Woodruff, St. John's Wort, Vincas (or Periwinkles) of several kinds, and various kinds of ivy. For shady banks the Wood Anemones are charming at this season, and with these may be mixed primroses of the com- mon and other types. I think a fern and prim- rose garden would be a satisfactory way of dealing with many a dirty patch of ground which is now an eyesore. All roses may be pruned now. There will be a good deal of hard cutting back to do this season, as the frost has done, so much harm. We must in all cases cut back to healthy fresh wood. Roses may still be planted by those who can give careful treatment in the matter of mulch and water during the spring. The soil is in good order for planting now. Evergreens, such aaf hollies, rhododendrons and conifers will move now with safety, if well cared for in the event of cold, drying winds coming later on. Lose no time now in getting 111 some of the hardy annuals, at any rate. Candytufts, scarlet iinums, clarkias, mignonette, godetias, chrysanthemums, nastur- tiums, cornflowers, etc. Sow grass seeds to make new lawns or to improve worn places. Fruit Garden. Grape vines growing under glass will now need attention. Surplus shoots must be rubbed off. If the laterals are one foot apart on each side tbey will be quite close enough, if tbt- foliage i., to have room to develop, These shoots should be ( ied down to the wires as t;iey grow. It will not b-i safe to draw them down close to the wires at I first, as they may, perhaps, split off. Place a slip of matting over the shoot and link it down as far as it may be done without running any risk of splintering the shoot off in two or three days another hitch may be triven to it, and in a week or so the shoot will bear to be drawn down close to the wire. Stop each shoot two leaves above the hunch of grapes. Rub off all laterals below the bunch and stop all sub-laterals above the bunch to ..ne leaf, and permit no further progress. Uncover figs oil walls, and do what pruning is necessary, leaving in as much young wood as there is space for without crowding. Many amateurs who possess a greenhouse r< ay like to have a few early strawberries. To do this it is necessary to pot up a few strong plants in autumn, so that they have time to get. the pots filled with roots before winter sets ill. Such plants will not be well adapted for veiy early iorcmg, but they would come on well now on shelves in a cool house. Fruit trees may yet be planted, on the principle of better late than not at all. There will be a gain in point of time in planting now rather than waiting till Hutumn. Growth h backward this season, but warm, sunny days will mak- up for lost time. Look over plantations of strawberries, cut off dead leaves, and stir the surface between the plants, and if the plants require more nourishment, top dress with good manure. Vegetable Garden. Fetch up PU arrears of seed-sowing. Pea", beans, spinach, &e., will not be long in the ground now. fcSow Brussels sprouts and various kinds of broccoli, including Vaitoh's autumn self- protecting, which is the best autumn broccoli. T.f-am'.vgton and Late Queen are good spring varieties. Sow a few c..u. ilower^ ithe opoii air, to be planted out as vacant land can be bad, not forgetting Veitch's autumn giant. Sow celery, iuc'udiug tho turnip-rooted kind. Plant out any lettuces and cabbage plants which may remain in the seed bed, including a few led cabbages for pickling. Sow carrots and turuip rooted beet. Next month will be time enough to sow the long-rooted varieties of beets. Everybody should grow a few beets. They form a most desirable vegetable at all seasons of the year. Plant out onions for seed and sow leeks. These are frequently sown in pots in February, to obtain a few plants to pot early in trenches, but if well growu the plants raised now will make good-s»zed leeks by the autumn. Pot off early-sown tomatoes, and sow seeds to raise plants to plant outside. Tomatoes must have a little heat to get them strong. Put in cuttings of herbs such as sage and thyme, and sow parsley. Greenheuse. Sow balsams and cockscombs. The latter re- quire a hotbed to do them well. Stocks, asters, zinnias, marigolds, and other tender annuals may be sown now under glass. Sow Mignonette 111 pots to bloom in greenhouse. The matchet is the best large-flowered variety. Make the soil firm in the pots and sow the seed thinly, and when the young plants appear thin to five in each put. leaving them equal d *i apart, and, of course, leave the strongest plants. Contiuue to put in cuttings of anything of which young stock is required. Sow a pinch of primula seeds for early blooming, also a little seed of primula obeonica. Place cyclamens as they go out of bloom in cold frames to ripen grewth. Give liquid manure to pelargoniums and other plants coming into bloom. Use the syringe freely evoy fine morning. Geld Frames. Give air freely to auriculas and choice hardy primulas. Violets in frames which have done floweriug may be divided and planted out on good land one foot apart. Window Garden. Hyacinths which have bloomed in glasses will be of no use for next season, but they may blossom again if plauted out in the borders. Re-pot maiden-hair and other terns, and renew the soil in fern cases. These latter will require more water now.- Cottage Gardening.

1 HE ENGAGED COUPLF. ETHEL I k;¡ .} uur photo yesterday because it was so much like you. GKORGN Did it kiss you back ? ETHEL No. GRORGK Then it wasn't much like me

GOSSIPS' CORNER It is said that 400 babies are born daily il London. A Victoria cross once changed hands in Dar. ham for £ 25 This will be pre-eminently a ribbon seasen, Mjrfc a fashion writer. The Massachusetts Legislature proposes to Ant every non-voter j61. The boat race costs the two 'Varsity oluba ooa- siderably over £1,000. In England alone 14,000,000 umbrella-frames are now made annually. The genial author of Tom Brown's School' days is in his 72nd year. Two children, each 15 years old, were married last week in Dahlouega, G <. The late Dowager Duchess of Buooleaoh beoantt a Roman Catholic many years ago. The output of coal in Nova Scotia last year for the first time passed two million tons. In excellent health and spirits is Lord Queens- berry, and keener than ever on cycling. Pulmonary consumption caused the death ot 181 persons in the Metropolis last week. Friday was the Moslem Easter—the day ot feasting which follows the fast of 30 days. There Will be about 60 German warships present at the opening of the Baltic Canal. Report says that ex-Queen Liliuokalani spends most of her time playing patience with a greasy pack of cards. Mr Clarke Russell says that among poets he reads Shakespeare and Wordsworth, and about seven others. In a class journal appears an advertisement, headed Bachelor's Garments," of a lady, who will mend gentlemen's underwear on reasonable terms." The custom of wearing the bair in exaggerated buus rather low down in the nape of the neck has its advantages, as most women look younger with t heir hair dressed in that style. A frivolous peer has p. t-scribed for the insomnia from which the Prime Minister suffers so tertibly. It is that Lord Rosebery be advised to read Mr Balfour's Foundations of Belief for 15 minutes every night after going to bed In the April issue of the Idler a number of authors discuss the question of Who should be Laureate?'- It is a case of Swinburne first and the rest nowheie. But sereral say, Why fill up the post ?" u In some parts of the Continent peat is noA, being successfully used as fuel for engines. Experiments are now being made to extract gas from peat, in which a surprising amount energy is stored up. Some Poor-Law Questions is the title o work Mr Murray is about to publish for M Gertrude Lubbock, the daughter of Sir Jo Lubbock. This book is chiefly intended as manual for administrators and workers. The "Soldier's Bible." the volume carried by every man of Cromwell's Ironsides, consisting ot appropriate quotations from the Scriptures printed in pocket form, is being reprinted with a shorf recommendatory preface by Lord Wolseley. Not for the first time, a hotel for women only is about to be started 111 New York. A site b81 been chosen, aud a coniiiiittee of ladies is carrying through the plans, The prospectus promise those who patrouise it "all the comforts a home, ciieap prices, and no iron-bound regula tions." A r toiy is whispered about of t curious little coterie which assembles at th, houses of its different dozbn or more membeit once a week in order to enjoy the quiet deblhllt of opium-amoking. The privileged persons art all quite unexceptionably smart, but theit husbands are proioundly ignorant of the pastime, A curious interruption to a wedding occurred it a village not a hundred miles from London. Th, bride and bridegroom had made 8.11 their prepara- tions and were about to start for the church, wben a note arrived for each from the vicar, tc the effect that the wedding could not take plaet that day as he was engaged to join a hunting party Mr Bering Gould must add this clergy, man to his collection of hunting parsons. An old naval officer has been telling how diffi- cult it is to deal with Army officers and their wives on board troopships. Once four ladief were in one cabin in which there were five dtess [>egs, that is one a piece and one over, this beiral the bone of contenion, each lady claiming it. Af last the captain put an end to the dispute foa ever. He sent the carpenter down and had tb( fifth peg sawn off. The Secretary for War has authorised the employment of shorthand writers in the district headquarter offices. dB60 has been devoted to prizes for clerks who can produce a certificate showing their capability to write 80 words a minute, but no prize is to exceed J310. and those who win the awards will be required to keep up their practice. Shorthand writers are to reoeive 6d per day extra pay. Max O'ReU tells the following story about him. self. When lecturing in an Australian bush town he waxed eloquent on the athletic feats 04 Britons. "Aftereacli assertion came a deep toned 'It's a lie,' from a drunken auditor. Tb. interruptions became unbearable. 'Give me 1 stop of tive minutes,' said Max to his audience Off went his coat, down jumped the leoturnr, and in a moment he had collared the interrupter and i bandied him out. 'If I bad known you meant tc do that,' said the manager, 'I'd have charged double prices." And he could easily have got them. The last three days of March used to be oalletf the borrowing days," the idea being that thej were borrowed from April, and were of tb. showery kind that April is noted for. The ideaii a very old one, exists in Latin proverb, and him even been traced by some to the Egyptians. If Devonshire early this century no farmer wouk sow on these days or borrow or lend. The folloif ing quotation expresses the belief :— March does from April gain Three days, and they're in rain Returned by April in bad kind Three days, and they're in wind. One of the papers has a rather sad story of Dc. Vaughan. When headmaster of Harrow, bt used to invite boys to breaklast, and when h. thought his guest had stayed sufficiently long, he would lay both hands on the lad's shoulders and say in his most genial way, Mutt you go T The boy took the hint and departed. But on< youngster, whose father had not been educated mA Harrow, took the tale home. The parent WM much impressed by the headmaster's tact, and subsequently related the anecdote in this form :— Wonderful 'and with boys, the Dootor- wonderful 'and. My son 'Arry tell me 'e'll law* them to breakfast, and when they've remained long enough, 'e got-s up and 'e says, in the kindest manner possible, Can't you go ?' 'E gets rid of them—don't you see ?—without 'urting theit feelings in the least,"

A SATURDAY SERMON. And even when the right is clearly seen, medit* I tion is needed to collect our powers to do it. I is the great storehouse of all our cpiriluHl dyna mics, where Divine energies he hid for any eutef i prise, and the hero is strengthened for his field Ali great thiugs are born of silence. The fury, indeed, of destructive passion may start ap in tht hot conflict of life, and go forth with tumultuous desolation. But all beneficent and curative power gathers itself together in silenoe, ere it issues out in might. Force itself, indeed, it naturally silent, and only makes itself heard, if at all, when it strikes upon obstructions to beat them away as it returns to equilibrium again. The vtiiy hurricane that roars ovsr land and ocean flits noiselessly through *)>aces when nothing meets it. The blessed sunshine sayf nothing, as it warms the vernal earth, tempts out the tender grass, and decks the'field and forest is their glory. Silence came before creation, and I the heavens were spread without a word. Nowhere can you find any beautiful work, any noble design. or durable endeavour, that was IIOf matured in long and patient silence, etc it spate ovt. it. JAM" MARTuman-,