Weekly Mail

U UNPARDONABLE." Under the above heading our London evening contemporary the Globe sstys:-g" flow ridiculous is u Rhydd i bob meddwt ei faru," ivs rendered bv you on Saturday!' writes an indignant corre- spondent of the Western Mail. He had previously contributed some Welsh copy > to that paper, and the reviser of that sort of literature being temporarily absent, flagrant errors of orthography marred the text The sentence quoted would have been all right, and not at all ridiculous, had the final letter of the word faru been changed into an I n.P There was no mistake about the 'boh,' and on the whole, therefore, the editor might pride himself on accom- plishing a difficult task with reasonable skill. Un- h"ppilv, there were other blunders; in a touching piece of poetry, beginning,' F,u hiaivh a gadwant,' the well-known word 'Gwalad' was replaced bv 'Gwaed.' Worse still, 'Walia' came otlt, as 'Gwalia,'a mistake almost sufficient to justify assault and battery. The complainant admits that there are occasions when the 'G' should be prefixed, but it was superfluity in the quoted passage. It appears, therefore, that the editors of papers published in or near the Principality are expected to be able, not only to read its ancient language at sight, but to have mastered its niceties. Otherwise, they may expect a visit from some choleric Fluellen, armed with wrath and indignation, because, perhaps, some felon vowel has accidentally crept in among a few dozen con- sonants. Certainly, the phonetic system of spelling would have its advantages for English editors quartered among the Cymrt." As illustrative of the difficulties of Cvmraeg to the )ini)rutiat,adj Saxon, we may point out that the Globe itself, with I all the accurate copy" before it, has made no less than three errors of spelling in its references, brief as these are.

AT THE "HEALTHER1ES." rBY OUK WELSH CORRESPONDENT IN LONDON.] Great was the popularity of the Fisheries, but that of the Healtheriesis still greater, from which logical minds would conclude that the public interest in health is stronger than it is in fishing. Very likely. A man can enjoy life tolerably well without either eating fish or knowing how they are caught and cured, but his practical experience of health is a most important factor in the calcula- tion of pleasure. There are some people within my ken who think too much of their own health, and are for ever experimenting upon it. They are never happy unl-ss engaged in a pre mortem examination of themselves, in which they weigh the chances of life and death with a nicety that, in one so closely affected, is really sublime. I know a mar who thinks it a sin to allow a new patent medicine to go untried, and yet he is not healthy. These, however, are not the people who flock to the Health Exhibition in their thousands every day. Whatever the design of that excellent insti- tution might have been, its popular uses have little or no connection with it. Those who attend go foi enjoyment, and thoy go to the right place, too. It is one of the cheapest and pleasanteSt entertain- ments I ever attended. I took my ticket by the Underground Railway from Blackfriars Bridge to South Kensington, as the quickest way of getting to the Exhibition from Fleet-street. I found that I had chosen a favourite route, if one could judge by the hundreds who got into the train all along the line. And here let me pause to give your readers a "tip,' not a sporting one; I leuve that to your Scotch contemporary. If you have occasion to travel underground at this time of year do so third class The advanfRge is not 8° much to your pocket &11 t. your comfort. The third-class carringes are open from end to end, and with the windows down yoi have a pleasant draught. But the best way to get to South Kensington, if time is not an object, is on the top of a 'bus. It is far the nicest lDode.ol traversing the London streets. When I alighted at the Kensington Station I went with the crowd in the direction of the Exhibition and was greatly amused en route. It would be im- possible to record all the varieties of wares which are offered by itinerant vendors in Exhibiton-road One man had a collection of mechanical toys- lizards, frogs, mice, snakes, &c. another dealt in comic songs; a third was gulling the rustic with mouth-organs, "warranted to plav nothing but sacred music," upon one of which he wa- racking "The Sweet By-and-Bye" Others wen Selling pipes, matches, fruit, flowers, cheap jewel Jeloy, &c., whilst a more dishonest set wen doing a roaring trade in bogus Guides to the Exhi bition, which the confiding purchasers soon foun- to be useless. Resisting the importunities of these folk-for a WelshmRn doesn't like wasting hi.. money—I paid my shilling at the turnstile an was made freo of the Exhibition and all itf charms. Within the building crowds of sight-seers from almost every nation under heaven were congre gated. In passing down the South Transept I en countered a Hindoo,three Japanese, a negro,a couple of Turks (fez and all), five Chinamen, two of the Maori suite, a Scotch preacher, an Irish M.P., innu- merable Frenchmen, Germans, and Italians, and, best of all, a Welshman and his wife and family with the rich intonation of the Cymry as fresl' upon their lips as the breezes on their mountain homestead. That did my heart good, and mad. me feel a good-sized Health Exhibition myself. I cannot attempt in this space to give yout readers the faintest idea of all I saw ano heard, but I will tell them a few of the things that struck me most forcibly. The first place mus' certainly be given to the evening illuminations, for they are really superb. Thousands of Chinesi lanterns of all conceivable hues are fes tooned from tree to tree and workeo into fantastic forms and figures, and, being fitteo with the electric light, they all burst into light and beauty at the same moment, transforming the spacious grounds into a scene from Fairyland. The sudden change from the gloom of evening is weird and enchanting, and a thing not to be soon forgotten by those who see it for the first time. Later on the fountain.- and cascades were set in motion, and brilliantly- coloure J pictures were thrown upon them from an apparatus specially constructed for the purpose One of the officials told me that this is considered the most popular of their attractions, and has drawn more visitors than any other item in the crowded programme. I do not wonder at it. Another splendid attraction, to my mind, coming as I do of a musical race, was the music of the regimental bands, those of the Grenadiers and the 2nd Life Guards alternately discoursing th. sweetest of sounds anyone need wi&h to hear. M.\ national enthusiasm was aroused by an admimbl, selection of Welsh airs played by the Grenadiers whilst my national pride was smoothed the righ way on hearing the applause which greeted the performance. It was the only piece encored, and 1 could not help commending the Saxon for his good taste. What mingled associations flooded my mind as I listened to the plaintive strains of the dear home-country amid such strange surroundings. A gentleman sitting near me must have observed this. for, turning towards me, he said, You are a Welshman, I'm sure." "You're right," I answered proudly. "So am 1," said the stranger, "although I haven't set foot in the old land for nearly forty years. I returned from Australia a few days ag" and this is the first time I've heard the dear old tunes since my mother sang them to me. They'vt made me feel as weak as a woman," he added, pulling savagely at a cigar to hide his emotion. We very soon chummed," and a genial fellow he turned out to be. But what shall I say of the Chinese music ? How shall I describe its horrors? Of one thing I am sure, and that is that Chinese harmony and delirium tremens have a common origin. If then was anything like the same row at the building of the Tower of Babel as 1 heard in the Chinese Theatre at the Health Exhibition I can quite understand the disaster which befell that ambi- tious undertaking. The Celestials not only rival pigs in the wearing of tails, they outd. them in their musical performances. When I got near the Chinese quarters the most unearthly sounds fell upon my eirs.and I instantly concluded that the committee had opened a branch of the Brompton Home for Destitute Cats. an institution largely augmented at, this time of the year. On a nearer approach I discovered that John Chinaman was in all the agonies of a popular concert. I fled the scene without waiting to inquire whether it was opera, oratorio, or ballad by which I had been tortured. If I were a Chinaman, I should try to be contented with a vacant countenance and redundant back-hair, and leave music alone. J should think, as an unprejudiced observer, that the inventor of the Scotch bagpipes must have received his musical education in China. Curiosity tempted me to try a cup of genuine Chinese tea, concocted and served by a native in true Celestial fashion, and the only im- pression it made upon me was that I had never tasted anything worse at the fag-end of a Sunday School pic-nic. But I have overrun allY allotted space in your columns, and so, with the fear of the editorial frown beforemy eyes, I must- defer tho narrative of mv other adventures at the Healtheries until a Inter date, at the same time strongly advising those who have not yet seen it to avail themselves of one of the cheap trips from the country before this delightful weather breaks up. The gratifica- tion will justify the outlay. -w.

A CARNIVOROUS CUUKOO. In a letter to the Times of Wednesday, Mr. F Chance, of Sydenham-hill, mentions the following "tory in reference to the habits of the cuckoo. He H!,yS:—« On the 3rd of October, 18S0, I saw a ,-ockoo hanging up for sale in A shop in Spa (Bel- gium) in the midst of a number of thrushes. 1 bought it, and, on inquiry, found that its capture ind not been due to accident- In the neigh- fei'.urhoo I of Spa vast numbers of a kind of wild thrush are caught in September and October in horse-hair or gut nooses. Tliat year it had been noticed in a certain wood that a good many of these noosed thrushes had had their brains picked out. A man was set to watch, and this cuckoo was observed picking away at the thrushes' craniums. A special noose was set for him, baited, no dnuut, with some of his favourite brains, and he was caught on October 2, the day before I saw him in the shop."

TRIMNELL'S MILD AND BITTER NON-INTOXICATING PURE HKKB BEER, for Summer and Winter.—TTAJA compound is highly recommended by a great number of the Blue Kibbon and Good Templars "Staff on account of its superior quality above all others for purifying and strengthening the system ever brought before the public. By the tame thousands have been rescued from drunkenness. Sold by moat Chemists and G-rocers. 6d. per Packet, by post Eight Stumps. It recommends itself. Prepared by W. Tritnnell, Medical Botanist, Moira-terraee, Cardiff. N.B.—Grocers and Chemists who have not cot It will do well to apply for a Sample Parcel, with Show Cards, as they will and a more ready Sale for It th&u for any other preparation wrlarlt* &$769

RADICAL DEMONSTRATIONS AND TRADES UNIONS. [BT A TRADE UNIONIST.] Satire's my iceapon, but rm too discreet 1'0 Tun amuck and tilt at øll I meet, lonlll wear it in a Land of Hectors, 1hieves, Sharpers, Supercargoes, and Directors. PúPK. The Hyde Park demonstration, undertaken, so itis said, by the Organised Trades of London, astonishod the country, and, what is more, astonished London itself. From the point of view of the observer it was effective and successful. It had been rapidly convened, marvellously organised, and, on the whole, well carried to its termination. Immediately a conflict began between the two parties in the State, and between the two Houses of the Legislature, the Trades Unionists of the Me- tropolis suddenly appeared on the scene, apparently rising, like Clan Alpine's warriors, from mother earth, to declare themselves absolutely on the side to one party to the conflict. It surprised, and to the uninitiated remains surprising. Men of intel- lect, men who daily make politics their study, had scarcely had time to determine the exact nature of the issue raised by the success- ful amendment of Earl Cairns in the Upper House on the Franchise Bill, when, to, the Trades Unionists, under their leaders, had deter- mined the whole matter, and en masse, as it seemed, gave expression to their decision. So mys- terious was the rapidity with which their conclu. sion was reached that it demands some considera- tion from the public, who have been led to regard Trades Unions as essentially non-political associa- tions. Or, if not actually non-political, at least not attached to any one party and that their members, like others in the community, were influenced by those mental differences which ensure the healthiest results in the social and political life of the nation. Wily, it was on the very ground of their non-political character that Trades Unions won a way to legal recognition. And speaking as a unionist well acquainted with members of many unions, in many cities and towns, I unhesitatingly leclare that advocates and supporters of the policy of each party in the State are to be found in every union and in every branch of a union. How comes it, then, that of recent years, ind of late especially, the organisations of iur unions are ever at the command of the wire- pullers of the Radical party, some leaders of which not so long since, were the bitterest opponent" of combined labour? Aye, how ? Are the Brights. the Chamberlains, Vivians, and such men in sworn tffinity to the trades? Or are they of such tran- scendent brilliancy that the rays of light from their luminous bodies spread a halo so bright that it <ttracts the undeviating gaze of my fellow- mionists as the sun does the eyes of the basilisk; or reflect the attraction that the rays of the candle have for the fragile moth!' Or is there some occult nfluence radiating from wealthy pockets and ,ffiee-giving positions which has bribedthe leaders ,f our unions to betray the confidence reposed in them t by their members—to tse our trade organisations for purposes never lesigned or intended, and which, from their varied political convictions, their constituents, on reflec- 'ion, cannot approve? We shall see as we pro- ceed. Either one of two things. All the unions, -of course, I mean the members—are pledged, nay, tied to one party in the State, and the money sub- scribed for help in days of need is liable to be taxed for Radical aims, or else the trusted leaders have misused their positions and powers to enrich them- selves and promote their own political ambitions, [s it not the very irony of fate to find Trades Unions now brought so strongly to the front and oatted on the back as they are by all aspiring politicians of every party in the State, more especially by the party now in power? Dating from the era of the Twisting-trade Unions of 1826, "roclaimed by the Government of the day to be criminal, the Labour Unions have had troubled and chequered lives; in truth, from their sur- rounding circumstances, they were long secret societies. By persistence they gradually emerged from that chrysalis state, and by amalgamation irought, themselves prominently into notice, and, lespite the opposition of politicians and the wealthy, made themselves a power in the land. Their strength was first proved in the terrific struggle the engineers had with their employers in he lock-out of 1852, and again in the strike of the ouilding trades of '59 and '60. It is not my inten- tion here to give a history of Trades Unions; it would not be germane to my purpose; but it is necessary to mark the epochs of their rise into prominence, and also to show that the doctri- naires who at first scouted their existence, as being opposed to the precepts of political eco- nomy, now form the party that most courts them. [t, is a popular error to suppose that the Right Hon. John Bright, to-day the so-called people's Tribune, was always friendly to the unions Up to the period of the American Civil War he never rnjoyed their confidence. From his earliest career lown to 1864- Mr. Bright was the exponent of the views of the manufacturers and employers of the Manchester school—that is of the capitalists em- ploying labour. It was over the fight between North and South, upon the test question of slavery, that Mr. Bright and the Unions first took the same side. At a meeting got up by the Trades Unionists it St. James's-hall he presided, and then it was that a sort of marriage betwixt the two contend- ing parties, labour and capital, began. At the close of the struggle across the Atlan- tic a conference of workmen was held it Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, in which Mr. Bright took part. It was then and there pro* posed to start an agitation for the extension of the franchise, and to galvanise a. corpse which, with he exception of an occasional spasmodic startle, had been allowed to sleep since the death of the Chartist movement in 1848. The latter movement had been a real one, full of vitality, but less organised than the unions had become, and, therefore, less powerful, as organised minorities are ever stronger than disorganised majorities But it honestly and fervidly scouted subsidies and .111 connection with the middle classes, who were 1 egarded as the chronic enemies of the movement; it lived and died alone. Nevertheless, it did good service under the leadership of Mr. Duncombe, M.P. in overthrowing the nefarious Masters and Ser- vants Bill brought in by Sir James Graham in 1842. A League, with the object of securing manhood suffrage and the ballot, was the outcome of the conference at Anderton's Hotel. The late Mr. Edmond Beales, M.A., was elected president, Mr. George Howell secretary, and the leaders of the London Trades Unions on the council. For some time it had a dormant life; its existence was scarcely recognised. Even in the genaral election of 1865 it was not so much as noticed. But a erisis here came about that in the end nurtured it into importance, and obtained for it political patrons who afterwards used it for their own party purposes. Lord Pahnerston died before the new Parliament met, and Lord Russell succeeded him as head of the Ministry, with Mr. Gladstone leading the House of Commons. Earl Russell, true to his life policy, determined upon a Reform Bill; but a split here took place in the Whig camp, led by Lords Rlcho, Grosvenor, Messrs. Lowe and Horsman, and dubbed by Mr. Bright the Cave of Adullam," by which it is now historically recognised. But the split was powerful enough to throw out the Bill and the Ministry, and Lord Derby came into Dower. Here was a pretty embroglio. Beaten and disorganised, the Liberals were in a quandary They held consultations together, and even- tually Mr. S. Morley, then, as now, highly esteemed by the working classes, was appealed to. He advised the support of the Reform League, and, his advice being accepted by the party. Mr. Morley's wealth was poured into the treasury of the League. Mr. E. Beale& was given a brief in the affair, his business being to hold the refractory spirits in check. This he did, and, throwing up his practice and sacrificing the post of revising barrister for Middlesex, cast himself wholly into the movement. The first step was a demonstration in Trafalgar- square, interdicted by the police, but. persisted in by Mr. Beales in defiance of the interdict. The Hyde Park demonstration of 1866 was then mooted, and carried out, with what result history knows. Here, however, the question orces itself to the fore: Would Mr. Beales have gone so far unless well backed up with money and influence ? If so backed up, by whom ? After the riot of three days and the clearing of the park, Mr. Beales, on behalf of the Reform League, en- tered into a compact with Lord Derby's Govern- ment that the parks should not again be entered by the Reformers until their legal right to do so had been determined. The Disraeli Reform Bill was now brought in, and the extreme men, to put their mark upon it, entered on a series of de- monstrations outside the parks. At very great cost the Trades Unions were called together by paid emissaries, and bands and banners were provided for the processions. Nominnlly Mr. George Potter was the leader of the first meeting, but actually Mr. Beales was. He kept to his poet, and guarded the order of .the meetings, but who paid the cost ? Echo replies, Who ?" The second of these demonstrations was held in the Agricultural Hall, Islington, at a cost of .£800, collected by the acknowledged agent of the League, Mr. W. Cremer, from those who are now of the present Government and Radical party. But little heed was taken by the Government of all this show. I shall, however, go further into this, aud other matters, in my next..

FE MININ E FANCIES, j FOIBLES, AND FASHIONS. BY A LADY. (All Rights Reserved.) The resources of the Healtheries seem literally inexhaustible. Every time one goes, no matter how often that may be, one is certain to come across some new thing, or place, unobserved before. I vainly fancied I had penetrated most of the intricacies, but my last visit convinced me that there are many unexplored regions yet beneath that vast roof-tree at South Kensington. The chimes of the clock attached to the church tower in Old London, which were temporarily stopped in consequence of the serious illness of a resident in the neighbourhood, once more musically record the flight of time; but now that so many excursionists throng the building inspection is less easy than heretofore. One-half of these good country people wander or more properly drift about in such an aim ess, bewildered sort of way. and spend so much time in looking up lost friends, that, in point of i IItelligence. I cannot think that they gain mucti by the expedition and the way they plunge about, utterly regardless of certain rules of the road, which Londoners usually observe, to the great saving of time and temper, renders the excursionists "obstructionists" in the very I strictest sense of the word. The elbowing and jostling and treading on of toes which one is made to suffer when in the thick of crowd of excursionists is a most efficient test of one's equanimity and self-control; and the quar- ters most religiously to be avoided by irritable folk at such times are Old London, the steam laundries, and the regions where the manufacture of sweetmeats is carried on. I had not until Wed- nesday an opportunity of inspecting an exhibition of hosiery, displayed in a chamber above the Uld Fountain," in the "Minories," where members of "The Worshipfulle Company of Stocking Weavers "are tarrying on their useful trade, and using the old-fashioned hand-loom of which William Lee was the inventor. Threading one's way I hrough the machinery and It surging crowd that persistently refused to take the right going up the stair-case and the left coming down, I at last contrived to reach a tiny apartinent, where are several glass cases, contain- ing specimens of hosiery, not only interesting on account of the several dates at which thay were produced and the features corresponding thereto, but curious to the si!{ht-seer becILuse of the owner- ship once claimed by them, Foremost, on account of their antiquity, as well as on the score of their having belonged to Queen Elizabeth, are a pair of open-work or lace stockings, made of silk of the natural colour. In shape, fineness, and accuracy of pattern they differ hardly at all from modern productions of the same kind, but the length of these stockings is abnormal, and the wide band of ordinary silk affixed to the top puzzles one to determine whether it was superadded for the pur- pose of lengthening or only put on by way of finish. The stnle. mustard hue of the silk is pro- bably due to dirt and exposure. In another case are certain leg coverings worn by no less a person than his Majesty King (ieorge IV., and if the hose submitted to us may be taken as correct indicators, the Royal extremities were right shapely, with calves of im- posing dimensions. The exhibit includes a pair ot black and another pair of white silk hose; both specimens are exquisitely fine, and are woven with the Royal initials, surmounted by a crown. Talking of dimensions, however, vast indeed and mis-shnpen enough are the exhibits of some stockings once worn by the unfor- tunate Daniel Lambert, who enjoyed the unenviable notoriety of being the fattest man on record; and a mountain of flesh the miserable creature certainly must have been, if the stockings shown were no larger than need be. They are really elephantine, and utterly shapeless in every part; the foot looking very like a club, and the leg bearing some resemblance to a weaver's beam. On a card beneath we read that the limb once covered by them measured 19in. across the knee, 16in. over the calt, and 12in. across the instep. One specimen is striped black and red, the other being made of grey worsted. In the same cham- ber was another interesting exhibit, but of a widely different character. This was a metal dish and cover, valuable because off the latter Queen Klizabeth, on the occasion of leaving her captivity in the Tower, partook of an unromantic meal of pork and peas, served to her at the Old King's House, May 19,1554. Apparently of pewter, and much discoloured, both dish and cover present an appearance little in accordance with our present notion of the plate off which Princes are supposed to dine, but, as a relic, the exhibit is exceedingly interesting; and no doubt the Princess Eliza- beth relished her pork and peas all the more because flavoured with the spice of liberty. Climbing another staircase, which leads to a series of chambers above some of the historical houses, we are made acquainted with such fashion of fur- nishing RS prevailed at a corresponding date. And it seems wonderful that our ancestors contrived to preserve their good looks, health, and good spirits in rooms where light was at a premium The fur- niturt>, though handsome, is singularly sombre in its effect I was charmed with the sight of the massive brass coal-boxes and hand- some bellows plated with brass which hung conspicuously near, suggesting a. pleasing connection Why this connection should have been severed in modern times I know not Still more do I wonder at the taste which in place of such handsome coal-scuttles tolerates the japanned abominations that we transfer from the iron- monger's showrooms to our own dwellings. Greatly do I approve of the style of architecture which admits of deep window recesses. When com- fortably cushioned, and curtained, how-cosy are such embrasures, and once more one question, wherefore builders in recent times elected for straight walls and square rooms, eschewing, as among the things that be evil all those pleasing irregularities which make old-fashioned rooms so delightfully picturesque. An arched recess in the wall may be charmingly utilised by filling it with books or china, and how pleasant to the eye and conducive to repose is the cushioned nook by the fireside, or that beneath the window silL I notice that straight lines are much avoided by builders and upholsterers nowadays, and that it is unfashionable to leave too large a space on the carpet uncovered. Indeed, in some of the model rooms through which we are invited to pass at the Healtheries, it would almost need a guide to pilot one safely through the intricacies of the furniture arrangements. This fashion should, however, be followed with dis- cretion, for in our living rooms," so called, comfort and convenience ought not to bo sacrificed simply to promote picturesque effects. Undeniably the more modern arrangement is superior to the ugly fashion of setting chairs stiff and straight against the walls. And I am glad to see the revival of tables with leaves-leaves not affixed by the laborious means lately employed, but those which work upon hinges and are supported by movable legs, and so easily lifted or folded, according to the exigencies of the hour or space to be occupied. In a room adjoining those already mentioned was one filled with glass cases containing some curious relics of the past, amongst which were several black jacks," a form of drinking vessels used a century or more ago, and to which familiar allu- sion is made in an old comic song that runs— For ho! ho! ho his nose doth sh, How "ft the black jack to his lips doth go. They are made of leather, and shaped like an ordmary brown pitcher, those on view holding about a gallon, imperial measure. Near to them was a leathern bottle, barrel shaped; and I flaw also some small flasks similarly made. The custom of using leather receptacles for holding liquor is a very ancient one, as the parable of puiting new wine into old bottles. with theineviiable result, indubitably proves. The elas- ticity of the leather is lost with age, and, fermenta- tion taking place, and distension of the vessel not occurring, bursting was certain to ensue. In the 8 une room I noticed a large piece of leather, said to have been in tan for a period of 45 years. It is perfectly black, looking far harder and more en- during than iron, such a piece of material as would proudly justify the assertion that, after all, for wear and tear, there is nothing like leather." Traversing one of the galleries set apart for the exhibition of invalids' and other furniture, my attention was called to a most elegant little contrivance, the walking-stick camp stool." It is, more easily carried than the ordinary kind, for it serves the purpose of a walking-stick when folded and. open, provides a most comfortable resting- place. The entire weight does not exceed 26oz. Persons who cannot walk far without fatigue would find the walking-stick camp stool most convenient, and there are many situations and occasions when its presence would add sensibly to the comfort of the possessor. Nor must I leave this subj'-ct without drawing attention to a novel and clever invention called Baby's nursery chair and carriage combined." It is mounted on four small metal wheel", and by ingenious mechanism it can be instantly converged from an oidinary chair into a safe little carriage for wheel- ing about a room or level garden path. Illustra- tions are furnished to show the chair in both shapes. I consider it is an excellent invention. There is an adjustable table and a foot-rest, and all corners are rounded, to prevent the child hurting itself. The price of the chair and carriage com- bined, caned back and seat, French polished, nnd superior finish, is fifty shittinga. I mention it, thinking my readers in the country interested in baby furniture may not Otherwise have a chance of hearing of this admirable bit of mechanism. The same maker has also invented an exercising or shaking machine, in which the action of a trotting horse is carefully imitated. Persons who suffer from jisorders of the liver and those who lead sedentary lives are often recommended horse exercise for the benefit of their several ailments but a horse is an expensive animal to keep, and subject likewise to many form? of disease, so that the possession of a horse is certainly attended with anxiety and expense. The patent exercising machine answers just as well as a four-legged steed so far as simple results are likely to go. The muscular action brought into play is in strict accordance with physiological principles, and by a certain movement of the handles of the machine the chest is expanded in the same manner as when rowing. As an article of furniture the chair is not unsightly, and as a health-agent I fancy it would be found of great benefit to men and women following sedentary occupations and with little time or means to seek such exercise M is needful for the development of the muscles, and consequent maintenance of health. My notes on dress are necessarily meagre, for there is absolutely nothing new in this direction to record. The popular characteristics of present milli- nery grow more exaggerated—hats and bonnets in front have reached an altitude perfectly ridicu- lous. Curiosity tempted me into a shop in Regent- street on Saturday, and I inquired the height in the exact front of one specimen of millinery. It was measured, and found exactly half &vard« and when on the bead was quite perpendicular. The newest 8tyle is to arrange, both on hats Rnd bonnets, pointed effects, produced by twisting the ends of many silk handkerchiefs of various patterns and colours into points, or rather into a resem- blance of the Arum lily. I have counted so many as fifteen ot these on the front of a single hat-towering edifice is the more appropriate term. A recent lady-writer on women's dress says:—" Women like something bright, piquant, and conspicuous. It is the feminine instinct to attract that lies at the root of these perpetual changes of fashion." At- tract, in a sense, modern millinery certainly does. It attracts ridicule. There is not a single head- dress of the past, as seen in the historical dress department at South Kensington, more ugly and more absurd than that which women elect to wear to-day. Placed side by side with the rail or horned head-gear, which excites the surprise of visitors, I am not, sure that their own head ceverings are not more than 1\ match for either, and exhibited a hundred years hence would probably create even greater diver- sion. The bonnets worn by the bridemaids at Miss Milne's wedding, which" took place in London on Thursday week, were quite transparent, the frame- work of wires showing distinctly through the spotted tulle, which covered without even conceal- ing it. The strings were of the same material, and aigrettes of scarlet poppies and bearded wheat were set very high in' front. The dresses were of white Sicillienne, with small pattern worked in floss silk. They were made with long pointed tunics (draped on one side) and bodices plentifully trimmed wirh lace, a flounce of the same going rounl1 the edge of the knife-plated skirts; white suede gloves, bronze kid shoes with hose to match, and magnificent b >uquets of maidenhair fern. mixed white flowers and red carnations, tied with very wide white satin ribbons, ends and loops extremely long, and the details are complete. The bride's dress was very simple-pure white, with very long train caught together at the wRist, and flowing wide as it reached the ground. The frunt was trimmeci with puffings of tulie, spaced at inte.va.ts with white ostrich feather tips. Her veil of white tulle just covered the face, and, caught up at the back of the head with a diamond spray, fell thence as long as the dress train. One of the brideinaids courteously showed me the bridegroom's gift. a :ace brooch; the design a cluster of diamonds in the centre, with upright bars set with pearls on either side. The wedding favours were made of large brown-eyed daisies and knots of white satin ribbon. There were some exquisite dresses worn by visitors, notably one of salmon pink merveilleux, made with full-pointed bodice, that and tha skirt being trimmed with wide ribbon velvet of the same shade. The accompanying bonnet was transparent, being made of pink tulle, strings of ribbon velvet, and an enormous cluster of salmon pink roses ill front; gloves of pink silk to matclu Another dress, worn with a very larg" crinoline of the all-round shape, was of polar blue nun's veiling, elaborately trimmed with coffec lace, Stylish and Oriental- looking was a dress of cream bengaline, m'tde up with rich gold brocade, patterned with blue; a prolusion of blue ribbon' and some massive gold ornaments combined to render this one of the handsomest toilets I have seen for some time. The popular housemaid's dress was conspicuous by its absence, not one specimen being present. Dressmakers are improving on this style by making the skirts, to hang far better than they did at first, and a change in the shape of crinolines worn in conjunction materially assists dressmakers in making such improvement. Wide cross-way bands of velvet, set on near the edge of the skirt, with pointed bodice similarly outlined, and cuffs to match, give a more substantial air to this make of gowns but, after all, I think it, is only suitable for young girls or youthful mar- ried women. And this conceded, a certain grace of carriage and symmetry of shape are even then essential to enable the wearer of the housemaid's gown to do so with elegance.

"NELL GWYNNE" AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. Now that the presentation of the career of an extraordinary actress of a former time is brought before us by one of the best actresses of to-day, it may not be uninteresting to take a brief look over that career. The history of the woman who was born in a coat-yard in Drury-tane.andyet eventually came to be the mother of a famous Ducal house her name the last uttered by a king of England as he quitted for ever his crown and sceptre, Let not poor Nelly starve" can hardly fail to be interesting. Eleanor, or Nell Gwynne, as she was more popularly known, was born February 2,1650, and. curiously enough, the City of Hereford is said by some to have been her birthplace, not London. Hut this seems to be the birthplace rather of her ill-starred mother, who was drowned in a pond, near her house, in Chelsea her father, too, styled Captain Gwynne, died in a prison at Oxford. Our first glimpse of Nell is selling oranges at the doors of Drury-lane Theatre. By the age of eighteen, how- ever, she is upon the boards; and more, for during the next four years was the most popular actress in that leading house. Pretty, witty Nelly" is Sam Pepys' description of her at this time. Bishop Burnett (who ought to be a judge) says she was a most wild, indiscreet, and diverting creature!" From other sources we learn that she was "not tall, but had an elegant figure, very pretty feet. and a charming voice' being also celebrated for dancing jigs.' Her first appearance on the stage is said by some t<' have been in 1667 68, and of her career as an actress we have many lively jottings in the famous diary of Mr. Samuel Pepys On the 18th of December, 1666, he says he was at the King's Play house and saw a comedy by the Hon. James Howard, called" The English Monsieur." In it all the women do very well, but above nil little Nelly." She played Lady Wealthy On the 23rd of January, 1666-67, at the King's house, he reports having Seen the "Humorous Lieutenant" —" a silly play." But Knipp (an actress), whose singing had pleased our diarist, took him and his friends in, and brought them to w Nelly," "a most pretty woman, who acted the great part of Coslia to-day, very fine, and did it pretty well." This reads strange, but the fol- lowing reads stranger still:—'• I kissed her, and so did my wife; and a mighty pretty soul she is." He goes home mighty pleased with all he had seen, and adds, Specially kissing of Nell." Sly dog, Samuel! On the 2nd of March. 1666 67, he went to the King's house to see The Maiden Queene," "a new play of Dryden's. mightily commended for the regularity of it, and the strain and wit; and the truth is, there is a comical part done by Nell, which is F/orimell, that I never can hope ever to see the lik9 done again by man or woman. The King and Duke of York were at the play. But so great per- formance of a comical part was never, I believe, in the world before as Nell doth this, both as mad girle, then most and best of all when she comes in like a younj gallant, and hath the motions and carriage of a spark, the most that ever I saw any man have. It makes me, I confess, admire her." The very repetitions of this passage seem instruc- tive, as showing how full the author's mind was ot what he had witnessed. He saw the play again on the 25th, and again Nell is in for highest praise. In what follows have we not a curious insight into the life in Mertie England at that time? On May 1, 1687, says our author, I was going to Westminster, on the way meeting many milkmaids, with their garlands upon their pails, dancing with a fiddler before them, and saw pretty Nelly standing at her lodgings door in Drury-lane in her smock sleeves and bodice, look- ing upon one; she seemed a mighty pretty crea- ture." The theatre without Nell had by this time be- come unbearable to him, so on May 1 he says :— Sa.w Love in a Maze,' but a sorry play; here was neither Hart, Nell, nor Knipp; therefore the play was not likely to please me." On the 24th of the same month, however, he testifies to the pleasure it gave him to see Nelly again in The Maiden Queene," though she has to divide the honours with "Young Marshall," who played the Queene." But alas for the shadows which cross the path even of the professional play- goer On the 13th of July, 1667. he has to note, in his comprehensive record: "What," he says, "troubles me, is that my Lord Buckhurst hath got Nell away from the King's house, and gives her JE100 a year, so as she hath sent her parts to the house, and will act no more." Next day (Lord's Day) he goes to the "towne" (Epsom), to the King's Head, and hears that my Lord Buckhurst and Nelly are lodged at the next house, and Sir C'.artes Sedley with them; and keep a merry house. Poor girl! I pity her, but more the loss "f her at the King's house." Joy to him, however, once more for on August 22 he goes to the King's house and "there saw the 4 Indian Emperour,' where I find Nell come again, which I am glad of, but was most infinitely dis- pleased with her being put to act the Emperour's Daughter,' which is a great and serious part, which she does most basely." It is characteristic of Nell, this dislike of her's to serious parts, which is thus commemorated in the epilogue to the "Duke of Lerma," spoken by her:— I know you in your hearts Hate serious plays a8 I hate serious parts, The entry for August 26th, 1667, for all that, shows us that, in the drama of life at any rate, Nell, like all the rest of us, had to take the lerious parts with the pleasant. Savs Pepy9, "In the course of a conversntion with Orar.ge Moll' another celebrated actressj I learnt that Nell is already left oy my Lord Buckhurst, and that he makes sport of her, and swears she hath had all she could get of him and Hart) a celebrated actor], her great admirer, now hates her; and that she is very poor and hath lost my Lady Castlernainc, who was her very great friend also but she is come to the house but is neglected by them all." Soon after this it seems the King took her undpr his protection and it is interesting to compare with the above a story current at the time. that Mrs. Knight, a celebrated singer, and favourite of Charles II., was sent by him with overtures to Nell, but that Lord Buckhurst would not resign her till the expenses which he liad lavished on her were re-paid, and till he was promised the Earldom of Middlesex for his complaisance." The next reference to Nell, which bears date October 5,1667, is not without interest, giving, as it does, a peep behind the scenes curious enough, and showing a state of things now, happily, for the most part, civilised off the face of the earth. Pepys went, he says, to the King's house, met with Knipp, and she took us up into the tireing- rooms, where Nell was dressing herself, and was all unready, and is very pretty, prettier than I thought. But, Lord"! he goes on, "to see how they were both (Nell and Knipp) painted would make a man mad, and did make me loathe them and what base company of men comes among them, and how loudly they talk! and how poor the men are in clothes, and yet what a show they make on the stage by candle-light is very observable. But to see how Nell cursed for having so few people in the pit was pretty! Take, again, this little row between Nell and Beck Marshall-an actress, said to be the daughter of a Presbyterian minist.er-as an evidence of tile sharpness of Nell's tongue when provoked. "Mar- shall Called Nell my Lord Buckhurst's mistress," to Nell answers, "1 Was biMn^.o^Jaaan's mistress and you are a mistress to three or four, though a Presbyter's praying daughter When at Court she gave another surprising proof of the "spirit satirical." It was something after this fashion TheDuchessof Portsmouth appeared at Court in mourning for a prince of the blood in France, so Nelly soon appeared similarly attired, and when Inked for whom she waS in mourning she replied 0. the Cham of Tartary is dead, and he is quite as near a relation of mine as the Prince de- was to Mam'selle de Querouaille." But to return to our chronicler.—December 26th. 1667, he again saw her play a serious part in rhe Surprizall," which of course she spoiled. But she made out for it in the Iwtd part of The Mad Couple," in which he saw her two days later. January 11,1667 68, he hears "that the King did send several Limes for Nelly, and she was with him"—adds our diarist, I am sorry for it." The next time he sees Nell in the playhouse she was not so pleasing an object in his eyes. The jade Nell," he said, came and sat in the next box—a bold, merry slut, who lay laughing there upon people." The play was'• The Island Princess," by Beaumont and Fletcher. Henceforth Nelly was to be not of the actresses, but of the audience. Courts are henceforth the scenes of her plots. To Cnarles she b ire two sons— Charles Beriuclerk, whom the Kins; elevated to the dukedom of St. AI ban's January, 1684, from whom the present duke is descended, and James Beau- clerk, who died young. It is also s-ud UMt to her we owe the foundation of Chelsea Hospitnl Arch- bishop Tennison, in her funeral setmon, testifies to her genuine repentance, adding also some words in commendation of her kind, good nature. Site died in 1691. Her old residence is the present Nu. 79, Pali Mall, London. On Monday night there was played in Cardiff a work that cannot fail to make its mark wherever it is seen and heard. Nell Gwynne is 1 lie result of the collaboration of an En^Ii-h author with a French composer. The book is by Mr. H. B. Farnie, and the score by M. R. Planquett-e. Both writers are already well-known to fame, and their latest pro- duction will most CF-rtainly enhance their previous reputation. The libretto is thoroughly amusing and novel in treatment, an i the music is light, tuneful, and admirably illustrative of rhe author's ideas. Mr. Farnie is a veteran craftsman his is no prentice hand, and he uses with practised skill the resources at his command, knowing that variety is an essential element of success, and alternating graceful couplet, neat rhy-ne, and delicate spnt imont with broad farce, telling situation, and business of the funniest. The composer has ably seconded his efforts a spontaneous gaiety ru ns through his score, at times giving place to daintiness and grace vhere the character of the scene demands it. Judged as a whole, the opera may fairly claim to rank with the earlier efforts. Cloches de Corneville" and" Rip Van Winkle," for the melodies are in the composer's happiest vein, and their treatment continually reveals the hand of the thoughtful musician It would be no easy task to give a distinct account of the "argument" which naively sets forth the announcement that histo- rical accuracy is not claimed for the incidents." To be brief, it deals with the escapades in which those graceless favourites of Charles II., Roches- ter and Buckingham, indulge, by hiring an inn and appearing in the characters of landlord and waiter, while the intrigue is fur- nish d by Aell Gioynne, who wishes to pay orf a grudge against Buckingham and Lady Clare, who is in with love Rochester. these two appear in disguise, and are engaged as servant" at the inn, and in the second act the fun waxes fast and furious. The young lords have designs upon Jessamine, the fair daughter of an old pawnbroker named Weasel, and they disguise themselves as a rat-catcher and a beadle, for the purpose of visi'ing Weasel's house. Jessamine is beloved by Falcon, a strolling playrr, and he also arrives in the guise of a rat- catcher, white the real Beadle makes his appearance to prosecute his courtship of Margery, the maid. An amusing game of cross purposes is played, anil everyone is mistaken for everyone else, the imbroglio being carried on with unflagging spirit. In the last, act the tangle is unwound, and all the lovers are happily united, Nell Gwynne completely turning the tables upon Buck- ingham, and gaining the object of her ambition in appearing in a masque before the Ki¡,g at White- hall. It would be quite impossible with the limited space at our disposal to give an account of all the humorous incidents that take place, and which literally kept a crowded house in fits of laughter last night. We can only say that nothing more mirth- moving has been seen upon the Cardiff stage for a very long time, and to those who do not care simply for broad fun, but can appreciate delicate comedy acting combined with singing of unique charm, we should say at once do not m'ss seeing Miss Florence St. John's fascinating performance in the title character. We know of no lady at pre- sent on the stage who conveys to her au lience an idea of so much enjoyment in her acting. She seems to revel in the parts she undertakes and to take a delight in making the spectator' share in her pleasure. No feeling of sadness or of gloom is possible while she is on the stage; all seems bright, buoyant, joyous. Miss St. John's voice has certainly gained in volume, richness, and sonority of late years, and this, combined with perfect training, renders her singing a thing to be listened to witti keen enjoyment by the connois- seur, while it is of that indescribably sympa- thetic character that makes her t.ongue understanded of the people." Everyone of Nell's songs was persistently re-demanded last night.; in fact, the audience seemed never tired of listening to her, and she had to re-appear before the curtain after each act in response to the unanimous demands of the honse On her first entry she received a most hearty welcome, and it is evident that during her short stay in Cardiff she will be in the very front rank of first favourites." Miss Laura Clement plays Jessamine prettily enough, and was deservedly encored for her two songs. Miss Georgie Grey makes a handsome Clare, and Miss Marie Daltra contrived to be thoroughly amusing as the servant Margery. Of the gentlemen the chief honours certainly lie with Mr. Lionel Rignold, whose Beadle is replete with unctuous humour, and whose business, voice, and facial expression all combine to make his creation a masterpiece of comicart. Mr. PercyComp- ton's dry style and appreciation of sly fun serve him in good stead as old Weasel, and the two young nobles and Falcon find, on the whole, able ex- ponents in Mr. H. Bolini, Mr. G. Coventry, and Mr. G. Stewart. The time of the merry monarch affords ample scope for the displav of the costumier's art, and this is made the most of in the present pro- duction. The dresses are rich and tasteful, and the grouping of colours harmonious and effective. New scenery has been painted, which reflects considerable credit on the local scenic artist, the forest scene in the third act being, perhaps. especially worthy of note. The band is under the direction of Mr. F. B. Solomon, who proves himself anablewietderof the baton and under his skilful command Planquette's music was done full justice to.

THE PILOTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. [By A BRISTOL CHANNFL PILOT.] The general position of the pilots of the United Kingdom is one of uncertainty as to the future. inasmuch as they believe that Mr. Chamberlain has only deferred the consideration of the pilotage clauses of his Bill until a more favourable opportu- nity presents itself for passing them. In the mean- time they are desirous of educating public opinion as to their requirements and wants, and drawing the attention of the Legislature to the great dan gers that must ensue to those who travel by water either as passengers or as seamen, if ever com- pulsory pilotage is abolished. A pilot's calling is one in which but a very small propor- tion of the British seamen of this country are engaged in, there being but 3,060 licensed pilots in the whole of the United Kingdom. This number, compared with the 300.000 men engaged in our Mercantile Marine, is very small. Consequently, their grievances are very little known outside their own very little sphere. It is a calling in which those who follow it are the best part of their lives absent from our shores, and their duty lies at sea, watching for the means of earning their livelihood. Their attention has scarcely ever been called to politics, or any of the petty jealousies that disturb the municipal mind. Although the pilots are as but a unit to the great sum total of the in- habitants of this country, there is no similar number of men who contribute more to Britain's commercial greatness, or who have charge of more lives and property than these 3,060 pilots of the i United Kingdom. They are British seamen of the very best, type their whole lives have been spent in acquiring a thorough knowledge of their- calling. The pilots, like most other people, have grievances they wish redressed, and until recently they have never acted in concert to endeavour t,o get these grievances redressed. It is a long voyage that has no ending. That end has arrived at last, and a commencement has been made to make known the hardships anr) burdens they labour under. For-'u- natelv in Cardiff these burdens have been lightened by the appointment of some of their own body as pilotage commissioners, whereby any grievance is brought before the board, discussed, and remedied, If this were adopted gener ally at every port a much better state of affairs would ensue. The pilots only want "stern justice," to use the expression of one of their number at Liverpool the other day. Surely this is a modest and a legitimate request. Thousands of their country- men have determined that they SIIMII have the justice they demand, and it will be through their own apathy if the present is not theturning-pointin their existence as a body Cautious and earnest men have charge of their affairs, and Thev are determined to pilot them through all "their difficulties, with the assistance of the press, the public platform, and in the h»'ls of the Legislature. Pilotage has been estab- lished by the Legislature for the very purpose of saving liffl and property at sea. It has been in use many centuries, and if we are arrived at a point of national excellence in the art of naviga- tion when the services of pilots can be dispensed with the question naturally occurs, what is to re- place it i You may possibly educate every ship- master to be his own pilot, but that will take time, and many lives will be sacrificed in his gaining that experience. Already he is over-taxed with work, and it takes all his time to pilot himself clear of the meshes of the law. and to steer clear of the thousands of pains and penalties the so-called Board of Trade, through their chief- tormentor. Tommy Grey," has made for him. The shipmaster is but human after all. and every- thing cannot be expected of him. His peculiar forte is to navigate his vessel in deep water; this is his duty, and if he does that duty well and in safety he deserves well of his employers. This will tax his energies to the fullest extent, and especially in bad weather. But there are some shipowners who are so mean and contemptible that they say to their captains, 11 Now, captain, you must stir your stumps up and get a pilotage. licence for this port I cannot afford to pay this confounded pilotage, it's a nuis.ince—you must pass your examination, and if you don't I must get someone as master who can do so." This it, a fact, and has been said very recently by one who professes a deal of religion and piety, and whose badly-stowed and badly-found steamers have already filled t,h cup )f sorrow in many and many a home. Tht-se things must be altered, and the only result of the recent agitation must be the establishment of national compulsory pilotage. Why should not all ships pay pilotage ? Thty pay light dues, and 1 have yet to learn whether the one is not as essenti tl to the safe con- duct of a vessel to her port as the other. The impost of light dues se> ms to be borne by the shipowner w:th complacency, and why should not pilotage? It would not entail a loss on anyone in particular, as ali shipy would pay .ilike, according to their tonnage, foreign and B .tish. A ship's disbursements could be calculated with as much precision asever. arid every ship would be placed on the same florin". Imagine a shipmaS'er who has obtained one of these pilotage certificates, and who is engaged in t.iie Atlanti-- tmde, running home to this Clrmnel in the winter time. H., may not have had a celestial observation for many days, and lie is trusting his life, and the lives of all onboard, to the course tie is steering and his constant watchfulness. It is true he has mates, generillj- the niJmilJPPs of som shareholder in the vessel cr the proteges of the shipowner, their duty being to carry out the orders received. The shipinaster's duty is to direct and on him alone rest-1 the re- sponsibility. Perhaps he m;iy hnve had an ob- servation of the sun. which ha< g;v*en his position as 1,003 urles from the land. Tile weitther is thick, rainy, and blowing, and oe is rearing his port every hour by ten miles There must be no d^iay. Uniler steam" and sail, she is running before the towards the port. Muflfi d up in oilskins and great coats, th ■ captain leaves the deck but very little; the least unusual sound he is on dck im- mediately, for if anything happens it i. asked, Where WHS the c-pt.ain ? His rest is fitful, his sleep is intermittent. At length the appearance of the sea denotes that soundings have been reached. To sa'isfy himself and the law, he sounds, compares his soundings, and the nature 0: tltehottnlll with his chart, and although t erhaps j puzzled in his own mind to find that tiny don't agree with his idea of the position of the ship, he must go on. The" ti mes are bad, and speed is an essential factor in the dividend puzzle- that, at least, cannot be dispensed with. AL lengt" the lard or a light is sighted close at hand, or. it may be, a pilot boat, re-fed down, enveloped in spray, and appearing like a duck upon the water. compared with the mighty, ponderous, steaming, iron mass approaching it. The well-known hail. "Where are vou bound to? D'ye want a piioty" is given. The pilot soon finds out she is bound to the port he is a licensed pilot for; but the ship- master is also the possessor of a similar licence. On the one hand we have a man who has spent the whole of his lifetime in acquiring a knowledge of navigating this particular part ot his voyage, and whose bread depends upon obtain- ing this vessel to pilot to her desired haven—in fact. his reputation depends upon the safe naviga- tion of this and other ships to their port. On the other hand we have the master of this vessel, who has been absent from the port some months, worn out by watching and anxiety in having spent manv sleepless rights ani days in navigating her to this part of her voyage, and who is physically incompetent to do his duty by reason of insufficient rest; his mind is fevered and dulled by constant thought and the men- tal strain it has been subjected to for the last few days. In short, he is worn out in body and mind by the constant unrest he has endured. We need not summon a jury or occupy the atten- tion of a judge for one moment to determine which of these two men is most capable of con- ducting this vessel to the port she may be bound to. This part of the vessel's voyage is the most critical of the whole,and which requires the greatest amount of t-kill and attention to ensure its safety. The question arises whether it is safe in the inte- rests of the lives of those on board to commit the safety of this vessel to men who are physically in- competent to conduct her in safety. This is a question the Ligislature must determine. That it will be brought before their notice, and very pro- minently, too, there is not the 6hadow of a doubt; but to inform your readers in what manner would only be foreshadowing The United Kingdom Pilotage Bill," of which more in my next.

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE RIIONDDA VALLEY. 1 [By MOEIEN.] Before leaving Pen Rhys Monastery I must place on record an event which took place there which had an effect upon all Wales. It seems that the men of this district were staunch adherents of Owen Glyndwr, and that in the war of Cambrian Independence they were commanded by one of the Cadwgans, who had possessions in this valley. Under the leading-desk in the old Parish Church of Ystradyfodwg isatill to be seen a raised cross in, I believe, Bath stone, with inscribed upon it the name of a female of the family of Cadwgan. Doubtless, William Cadwgan and Thomas Cadwgan, whom I knew at Tonypandy in my youth, were descendants of the same ancient family. In the war referred to, this Ystradyfodwg commander bore the name Cadwgan of the Battle Axe. He must have wielded this weapon to some purpose in battle to have had his name associated with it. Soon after the terrible raid of Glyndwr into the Yale of Glamorgan in 1402, when he smashed to atoms the Norman power in the county by a battle on Stallingdown, which lasted eighteen hours, he held an Eisteddfod at Pen Rhys. The sub- ject of the chair poem on that occasion was" The Blessed Virgin Mary of Pen Rhys." The successful bard was Gwilym Tew, who was the Awenydd of the Glamorgan Gorsedd in 1430 and Arch- druid in 1460. Would that the bard had chronicled for posterity the deeply-interesting events he wit- nessed at that Eisteddfod, and other events of those stirring days, instead of penning the nonsense he composed to the Blessed Virgin The poem is still extant, and there never was such rubbish. There is no doubt Glyndwr was there in person at the head of his faithful adherents, including bards and monks. Mawr Gynnyll Morganwg-Ha hyfryd olwg!" I One's blood warms when picturing the scene wit- nessed on the side of Pen Rhys Mountain that day. Think of the sentiment which animated all pre- sent, from Glyndwr to the humblest peasant from Cwmselsig, viz., love of Wales. Let us honour their memory. Let us raise here an Ebenezer, on whose tomb may never-fading laurels bloom! It is a singular fact that the Pen Rhys Eistedd- fod does not appear to have been held near the Monastery, but about half a mile to the north-west of it. in the direction of Heolfach. The place is still called Pant y Steddfa, and there is on the site a most ancipnt cottage. Immediately after Glyndwr and his men were compelled to abandon the field by the overwhelming force which Henry IV., and afterwards Henry V., hurled against Wales, the last named monarch ordered the demo- lition of Pen Rhys Monasterv, and prohibited any further meetings of the bards in any part of Wales under pains of being treated as rebels against the Crown of England. The Emperor Claudius Csesar ordered the British Druids and bards to he exterminated. Why? Because their songs made the Britons invincible. Henry V. seems to have viewed the Welsh bards in much the same light as the Roman Emperor, but while Harry of Monmouth would not allow them to sing he allowed them their lives. From 1414 to 1451 Wales was without an Eisteddfod. It was restored at Caermarthen in the last men- tioned year by permission of Henry VII. by Gruffydd Ap Nicholas Dinevor, grandfather of Sir Whys Ap Thomas, the commander of the Welsh forces at Bosworth. and by the hard Llawdden, a clergyman resident at Machynhaeth, who WaS a native of Llandilo-Talybont, Glamorgan- shire. The vengeance of the English monarch throws a deal of light on the important character of the historical Eisteddfod field here. Coming down to more modern times, Pen Rhys was the scene of great terror to the whole district. About 80 j-ears or more ago the tenant and his family occupying the farm house into which the monastery has been converted, after having secured their door for the night, heard the strangest noises about the house. This was fre- quently repeated for months if not for years. Old Twmi, Geilvgaled. t( Id me that the sound re- sembled that of something heavy rolling between Pen Rhys Ucha' and Pen Rhys Isa', for there are two Pen Khvses. Some said the noises were made hy would-be burglars, and the talk of 11 Had-fn Pen Rhj s spread over the whole country. Others associated the noises with what wouhl be now termed psychical manifestations, They believed ghosts ot old monks were having a holiday and came hltck to their haunts in the day of their obesitv with a view to enjoy themselves once more, and that they were creating » disturbance because thev could neither find the old monkish | larder nor the once well-til led wine cellar. At an unearthly li.,tir one night the strange visitors Were heard on the roof of the dwelling-house engaged, it was thought, in pulling off t.he tiles. The trembling farmer thought Satan, monks, or thieves were taking undue advantage of hun, and cocked his (,I,i flin*],,Ck in the direct ion of the sound on the roof. He listened and listened, took deliberate aim, and tired. A terrible shriek and a cry of "Oh, Dick! Oh, Dick!" followed, and that was all. Who the visitors were, whence they had come from, or what they wanted never tran- spired. True, it was hinted many yeats afterwards they were from near Caerphilly, but nothing certain is kncwn except that the place was not again urhed. Now, the Welsh name for the tail of anything is ctcrfn It is also called cvntfon, cwt. rhonellt, Jl.isgwrn, a wealth of names for a usefu; and, let me add, ornamental appendage. I believe cloren is a name more particularly given to the tail of a horse. The natives of Vstradyfodwg have been long nicknamed Gwyr y Gloren (the people of the tail). What taiP Whose tail? The reader will observe the definite article the—the tail-is used. It is cl"ar, therefore, that some particular tail is meant. Whileon the mountains of Pen Rhys, I may as well explain this tale of the tail, which has caused many a fight in quiet hamlets, for the inhabitants of Ystradyfodwg, from the hoary patriarch down to the youngest sprig, were once, if not at present, ready to "punch anyone's head who dared apply the epithet Y Gloren to them, The history of the epithet, as given to me many years ago by an old native, was as follows. Many generations previously an inhabitant of a place somewhere about A herds, re bought a pony of an inhabitant of Ystradyfodwg. A dispute arose concerning the animal, and the owner refused to deliver it up. One evening the Aberdare man and a host of friends crossed the intervening mountains, and having found the pony were in the act of ascending with it in triumph to the top of the mountains, when a crowd of Ystradyfodwg people overtook them, and a desperate struggle commenced between the parties. A young man of Ystradyfodwg, endowed with tre- mendous strength, caught hold of the pony's cloran." Ra was assisted by his party. The AberdarisnR took hold of the fore part of the ponv, and both parties pulled with all their might, regarding the poor animal, for the rn omp nt, a." they would a summer birchen pole intended to try the respective strength of rival parishes. The shouts of the contending parties were heard in the valiev below, and still the struggle continued. Suddenly the tail, or "cloren" ot the pony broke oft, and down the hill the Ystradyf./dwg men rolled, their strong man in their midst with the "cloren" in his hand. The Aberdarians car- ried away the pony in triumph, leaving only the tail for Ystradyfodwg. From that time to this the natives have been taunted as I- Go-vr y Gloy-en." Some years ago an old man pointed out to me a grave near the wall on the left side of the porch of Ystradyfodwg Parish Church as that of the strong man who carried a wny the tail on the memorable occasion described.

Y BAKDD CYMKKIG. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ENGLISH Poetry intended for insertion in the Weekh Mao sh'Hiii t> £ addressed tU t1.e Editor, at the Cnrdit offices of lh, paper; ail Welsh compositions to Dew WVII o £ s>\ ilt., PontypriJu. CoKHKSPONi/KNTS who wish their unused MSt. re turned must in all cases enclose stamps for that purpose.

MAM-IEITHKWYDD Y GYMRAEG. Dywed Syr William Jones fod deal! y Gymraeg y Rywiieg. neu y Sanscrit yn aliwed-l i holl ieith- oedd v byd yn vr ertnygi fichan a ganlyn, yore rhoddwn ycl.'j dig enghreifftiau. pa rai a ant yn mhell i brofi y gosodiad. Nid ydym yn honi gwre-.ddioldeo tmchwiiind yn yr hyn a ddy- wedwn, ond yn unig yn y casgliad o ffeithiau i brofi y pwnc. Gan mai o awduron, neu ieitheg- wyr Seisonig, neu o g-\ fieithiadau i'r laith bono, c weitinau awawyr estronol, y byddwn vn dwvn ein dyfvruadau, barnwn Inai yn yr iaith bono y bydc goJreu i ni eu cyhoeddL Dyma fel v dy. wedir:—It will be instructive to observe certair terminations in English and other languages which, if not actually derived from the Cymric, can be easily traced through the knowledge of it:— Welsh. English. French. Latin. GweitlwMV Tail-or Jardin-ewr Cant-or. Lljifur-w Garden-er Chant-ear Executxw, Mor-w Labourer Jc/urnul ier Admonit-or. It is obvious that the terminations or, er, eur, ier, lind or signifies Ii man or agent; but it is only in Welsh that ter, otherwise uwr. in itself means a • man or u agent, which goes a long wav to demonstrate that originally the suffix is Welsh" The agglutinate character of the verbal inflec- tions in Welsh (a feature which deserves parti cular attention, as it is of valuable assistance to the student) may be compared with a similar feature in the Anglo-Saxon, also in the Latin: To Love, Present tense, singular. Welsh, Latin. Anglo-Saxon. Car-af AIM Luf-?. Ca r-wch Am-as Luf-asr. Car-a Am-at Luf-ath. In the above examples the inflection is really a verb and pronoun, in a state where the original Separate existence of the two kinds of words is stiil manifest, for the af. wch, and a of the persons of the verb are the personal pronouns, 1, thou, and he, or she respectively. It may not ue out of place to adduce an example of the value of the Cymric language in philology. Vi hen the g-reat discovery was made that the suffixes of verbs were: not merely arbitrary endings, but prunouns themselves agglu- tinated; when mi, si, ti, mas, and tas had been satisfactorily accounted for, the nti (becoming unt in Latin, enii in Greek) preseuted a new difficulty. What connection had sum with ilti, or etui with autoi? Where, in ancient or modern language should a third pers. pi. pronoun be found to supply the ending Y It was not necessary to go to the Sanscrit or Zeud, or to Grebce or itoiae the missing pronoun was hiding at the very door; Donaldson produced the Welsh hwy)U, and put the question at rest, Y mae cymharu yr Ersaeg henafol, neu yr iaith Wyddelig, Gaeiaeg Liche diroedd Iscoed-celvddoo, a'I' iaith hono a lefarir gan frodorion Ynys Manaw, a elwir y Fanawaeg, y (iymraeg, a changheniaith dalaethol Cernj w, ac eiddo Llydaw yn Ffrainc a'u gilydd, yn profi fod perLhyncis agos yn bodoli rhwng y bobloedd hyn a'u gilydd, pa rai a elwir wrth yr enw cyffredinoi o KoltiLiid, ki'u cangheu- ieithoedd wr'h yr enw cyffredinol o Keltae^ ac eto, y mae rhwng y canghenieithoedd hyn ddi'gon o wahaniaeth er sefydlu dndraniadau dosperthir y tair cyntaf a enwyj fel y Gaeiaegaidd, a'r tair olaf fel v canghenieithoedd Cymreig. O'r chwech hyn un yn unig sydd wedi marw.sef y Gerny waeg bu llwvr ddarfod am y gangheniaith hon nor ddi weddar a theyrnasiad Sior y 3ydd yr unigolvn diweddaf, i ba un yr oedd yr iaith lion yn ialtl fyw, oedd un Dolly Pentrath, pysgodwraig. yr hot nid oedd yn byw yn nepelJ o Penzance, a'r hon a* harferai i ddim gweli pwrpas na dwrdio net dyngu uwchben rhyw fargen galed a wnai e chwsmeriad a hi. Bydd i'r enghreifftiau canlvno o'r canghenieithoedd hyn i ddangos y berthynat cydrhyngddynt a'u gilydd Yr ydym. yn 01 ffas iwn vr hen ddaeargraffwyr, yn dethol Gweddi vi Arglwydd, ac yn dosranu y pltragraffau drwj rhagwahannodau, gan ddechreu pob un gyda llythyren benigol, er mwyn galiuogi ein darlien- wyr i'w cymharu a'u gilydd yn rhwyddach. Y mae y pedair enghraifft gyntaf wedi eu cvmeryd allan o gyfieithiadau o'r Testament Newvdd a'r gwaithmawrhwnw o eiddo Adelung sydd yn ein cynysgaeddu a'r ddwy enghraifft arall. YB ERSÁEG. Ar na thair ata ar neamh, naomhthar hainm Tigeadh do rioghachd; Deuntar do thoi] ar an thalamh, mar do nithear ar neamh Ar naran laeathamhail tabhair dhuinn a niu; Agus maith dhuinn ar bhfiacha, mar mhaithinidne dat bhfeitheamlmuibh fein; Agus na leig sinn & ccathughadh Acbd sanr inn o olc. Amen. GAELAEG. Ar n-at.hair a ta air neHmh, gu naomhaichear t' ainon; Thigeadh do rioghachd; Deanar do thoil air an talamh, mar a nithear air neamh Tabhait dhuinn a'n ding ar n-aran laitheil; Agus maitt- dhuinn ar fiacha, amhuil mar a mhaitheas sinnf d' ar luchd-fiach Agus na leig am bualreadh sinn; Ach saor sinn o olc. Amen. MANAWAEG. Ayr' nin t'ayns niau, casherick dy row dty ennym Dy jig dty reeriaght; Dty aigney dy rolll jeant ery thalloo, myr te ains niau Cur dooin nyn arran jiu as gagh laa; As leih dooin nyn loghtvn, myr ta shin leili dauesyn ta jannoo loghtyn nyn' oi As ny leeid shins ayns miolagb; Agb livrey shin veigh oik. Amen. CTMRAEG. Ein Tad, yr hwn wyt yn y nefoedd, sancteiddit dy enw Dyled dy deyrnas Gwneler dy ewyllys. megys yn y nef, felly ar y ddaear hefyd Dyro J ni heddyw ein bara beunvddiol A maddeu i ni ein dyledion, fel y maddeuwn noiau i'n dyledwyr Ac nac arwain ni i brofedigaelh; Eithr gwared ni rhag drwg. Amen. CERNTWAEG. Nei tuz ba oz en nef, bonegas boez tha hano; Th. glasgaru doaz; Tha bonogath bogweez en nor pokara en nef; Dreu dho nei deithma gen keneryn; Ha givians neu gen pehon, kara nei givians gele Ha na ledia nei idn tentation Byz dilver nei thart droeg. Amen. LLYDAWAEG. Hon tad pehini a so en eon, hoch ano bezet Bltne. tifiet; Roet deomp ho ruanteles; Ho bolonte bezet gret en duar, evel en eon Root deomp hon bara pebdeziec A pardonet deomp hen offansu, evel ma pardonomp dar re pere ho devus hon offanset; NE. berinettet ket e cuessemp e tentation ebet; Oguen hon delivret a zruc. Amen. Y mae cydmharia ) yr ieithoedd hyn a'u gilvdd, drwy yr enghreifftiau uchod. yn liiii boddlinofnag y dymunasid, yn herwyad y ffaith nad yw y gwa- hanol gyfieithwyr ddim bub amser wedi dewisv gair mwyaf cyfatebol, neu y gair cyfystyrol mwyaf cywir etc i gyd, y maent yn meddu tebygolrwydd digonol er dang-os y berthynas agol" sydd rhwng y tafodieithuedd livn a'u gilydd, a bydd y tebygolrwydd hwn yn fwy IImlwg fyih, os cedwir mewn go)wg, j- cydymnewidrheolaidd sydd yn cyineryd lie rhwng rhai cydseiniliid neiliduol h'u gihdd yr hyn a geisir ddHngos, yn nghyd a't peithymisoedd sydd rhwng y Geltaega'r ieithoedd Indo-Ewropaidd, mew n erthyglau dyfodol. Cofiet nad ydym ni yn honi gwreiddoldeb yn yr hoi eglurebion a osodwn o flaen y darllenydd.

WASPS IX A BIHSTOL EDITOR'S OFFICE. Among the midday letters received on Tuesday at the Bristol Mercury office was a small card board box, such as might have enclosed a smaL tribute of flowers sent tc the editor bv an admiring reader. The box was opened in the usual course and its contents were about to be examined whei several wasps were Seen to be crawling, in a most active frame of mind, out of the paper which laj m,ide, The box was thereupon closed again witr remarkable rapidity, and a council of war was helci to decide what snould be done next. On t.he box being opened again with due precautions the fol- lowing Settei was extracted therefrom ;—"Sir,— Have been told tha tht-ie is a prize gave for | wops nn.st I have took 3 this is a part from they in first stag no biger than puis and sum fit to come out tb I coom my husbont me burned won out last nigiu know of 2 more now that is 6 as we have destroid mind as they don: sting for they avent we.—Constant reader ot vuur p«per." The i name and nddres6 of the writer is given she is a Gloucestershire woman The editor of our Bristol contemporary adds;—"We commend her zeaj for the destruction of wasps' nest and the evident keenness of her powers of observation. We have however, offered no prize for wasps' nests, and it was a verv feeble joke on some peraon'- pnrt tc persuade her we Jmd. Fortunately we did mind that they did not 6ting, so no harm has been done."

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