Weekly Mail

SPECIAL OFFER TO "WEEKLY MAIL" READERS. We have arranged with Mr. John Freeman, M.P.S., 110, Icknield-street, Birmingham, to make a general exami- nation of dead poultry, pigeons, and other birds, also rabbits, at the nominal charge of one shilling for each, subject to the report appearing in the Weekly Mail." Dead bodies must be sent, carriage paid, direct to Mr. Freeman, accompanied by the f-ea cf one schilling, and not to our office; and should reach him not later than the Saturday before date of publica- tion. Full particulars should be given as to the symptoms previous to death, also how the birds have been fed, and any other information likely to be of use in advising how to prevent further losses. Letters should be cent sepa- rately.

QUERIES ANSWERED. By J. FREEMAN, M.P.S. Pi,ge.on .T. Rylett.— There was no trace of poisoTf. The cause of death was syncope. I canned renirn bodies—they have to be plucked before dissection. Other readers kindly note this. Gross-bred Hen.—S. Hancock.—The hen was as^ i-ait as a pig and her liver was quite rotten. They are fed on maize." G'f course. Stop it, and give oats instead, and treat the whole 150 for liver disease.

MAHKED "ROTTEN." DAIRY COMPANY FINED AT CARDIFF. The National Dairy Company, who carry on business at Barry Dock, were charged at tbe local court on Friday with selling milk not up to the required standard. Mi'. A. Jackson, solicitor, defended. Superintendent D. Morris stated that he purchased a pint of now milk from Trevor Biss, a youth in the employ of the defendant company, and sent a portion to the public analyst. It was certified to be 26 per cent, deficient of butter fat, in addition to a defi- ciency of 5 per cent. of fatty solids. Mr. Jackson: How many times during the last two years have you taken samples cf this milk? Superintendent Morris: Oh, quite a number, and the last sample came back from the analyst, marked "Rotten." Mr. Jackson: I did not want you to answer me in tha.t way. (Laughter.) Mr. A. W Travis- I expect you are sorry you asked the question, Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson: Well, why was there no prose- cution ? Superintendent Morris: The analyst could not sample it because it wae decomposed. Mr. Jackson: You kept it too long, perhaps? —That is not so, sir. Have these people been convicted within the last two years?—I could not say that, but I know they have boon convicted in this court before. The young man, Trevor Biss, said, despite strict instructions frcm his local manager, he purchased milk from four other vendors on the morning on which the sample was taken, having entirely disposed of his own supply, and sold to his remaining custorneirs the milk he himself had bought It was a sample of this milk that Superintendent Morris ob- tained, Mr. Travis said the benoh would not be doing their duty if they ddd not impose a substantial fine, and ordered defendants to pay L5 and costs.

LIKE A MAGISTRATE. PEMBROKESHIRE FARMER WHO INFLICTED A FINE. A novel instance of how a farmer played the part of a magistrate and inflicted penal- ties on tho culprits was given at the Roose Sessions, llaverfordwest, on Saturday. William (Summons, labourer, Br-oad-noo- and George Harries, Fenton, were summoned for doing wilful damage to a window, the property of Mr. James Gibby, farmer, Tal- benny Hall. The prosecutor said he desired the case withdrawn. He was afraid the megistratw would have imposed a fine of 2s. 6d. only, and he had himself fined the men £1 each and costs.' (Lau.-hter.) The defendants had said they would rather pay anything than attend court. The Chairman (Mr. J. T. Fisher): We don't like you to settle these oases out of court. We like to expose them. The case vats withdrawn. The estimated damage was 2s. 6d.

FAIRS FOR MAHCH. The following list of markets and fairs is supplied by local correspondents, and every care has been taken toO ensure accuracy. No responsibility can, however, be accepted for errors. Readers are invited to send addi- tions or corrections, so as to make the list ae useful aa possible. IJruidilo Bridge 7 AberystW3'tii jj Ll&nybythcr 7 Rhayader 19 Vi.yoybivl 7 Lhunlilo Bridge 21 gc-r.nybridpe 8 tjettejBton ].gj Bay 10 Llandilo 'y Er'.vood 10 Lianybyther 21 Lampeter, -il romiont Kmiton 11 Covr-hridgre 22 Pontnedd Pechan 12 Maenclochog 22 Ti'.lgarth 12 Ken-ca^ile-Emlyn a Llang-adock (holies) U i'antglal fArms 23 Llaaarth 1 Cross Inn ka Llanwncn 13 ]'e;ideryn 23 Aberavron 14 Pmtflns Arms 24 Clvnderwen ii Llandovery ^4 Liangadcck (P¡gf!) 14 Crons Inn 21 Carmarthen 15 Oelligacr (pleasure) 25 Haverfordwest 16 I.amptter 25 Whittand 15 Pembroke a Narhertli F Cryrumych Arms 23 Iregaron 16 FontarduLais 29 Tieguod <T licatu (toiaaU .20

EVERY MAN HIS OWN GARDENER. 4 QUESTIONS ASKED AND ANSWERED. By J. MUIR, 30, Bouverie-streat, Fleet-street, London. R.e-()tLng Window Plants.—Do not attempt this for another month. Wait till the end of March before dividing or transplanting hardy flowers. Superior Variety of Asparagus.—"J- C."— The variety Con-over's Colossal is first-rate. Potato Sir John Llewelyn.—" Amateur."— This is a white kidney of excellent quality a6 a first crop. Half Dead Window and Greenhouse Plants ehouM not be thrown away. They will iur-1 nis-h cutting's to replenish in a few weeks, hence. Hen with Frequent Ste-ppaig*e.—"Anxious. — Give her half a teaspoonfnl of castor oil occasionally or twice a week. Plenty of green food would also b& a, good corrective. Is the Fern Dead?—B. Richards.—The root you send is quite dead, and, I fear, it must have perished. You appear to have ke;>t it too wet—always a killing condition in wi nte r. Jerusalem Artichokes for Fowls.—Mrs. G. OoœIl'h.er.-The Jerusalem artichokes are well suited for fmv-la. Do nc-t boil them, but cut the roots in halves, and throw them into the runs. They take the pia-ce of green food. Spraying Fruit Trees.—" W. T." (Lla-ndaff).1 —The letter you wrote me a month a-so was somehow sont abroad, and only reached me this week. I'lee-se see remarks in this week's notes on spraying fruit trees. Ground Occupied by Leeks.—J. Williams.- You cc-n d'ig all your leeks up. Open fur- rows in any odd corner and plant in here 1 close together. The change will not check them, and they will remain sound and good till April. Winter Flowering Shrubs.—" J. J.I am delighted to hear you propose planting the j hardy winter flowering shrubs I f-dvised a fortnight ago. All are cba-rmin?? beyond; words and capable of be: n? successes every- where. Write to Messrs. D'icksons^ and Co., Nurserymen, 1, Waterloo-place, Edinburgh. Roof of Poultry House.—R. Stuart.-Garry out your intention to thatch the roof of your poultry-house with straw by all means. It is cosy in winter and cool in summer, and a most appropriate roof. You must get a man who knows how to thatcih to do it, and use good wheat straf%v. Book on Walker.—You dhould get Sheep: Their Management and Breed- ing"—a most excellent guide-book on this • profitable and interesting subject. It is pub- lk.hed by Messrs. Collin-gridge, iA8 and 149. Alder-agiate-street, London, price 16. 2d. post free. er sc Crossing F'owls. J. W. S."—The 'o 'you propose between the Wlhiü; Crpington and White Wyandotte would not result in any better birds in either laying or for table; than pure ones on each side. There is no use in eroding urlcss it is to gain some ins- provement, but in. this case there wo-,ild be none, as both are very e-qral in me-rit., Value of One Acre of Spring Cabbage.— S'outhport Reader."—If gocd and ready in j May, they may bring ls. per dozen, half that in early June, and a considerable weekly | decrease later, but it is mainly a que-stion of earlineis and marketing before gluts occur. Then you might have a profit of £ 20: on your acre. Week-old Chicks Weak in W F."—J It is suggestive of cramp. If at full liberty keep them on dry ground where it is well drained. If in shut-up run bed them with dry ashes or peat moss litter in a dry state, Put half a tec-spoonful cf Parrishe's Ghemi- oal Food 111 a- quarter oif a pint of waiter 'dry ashes or peat moss litter in a dry state, Put half a tec-spoonful cf Parrishe's Ghemi- oal Food in a quarter oif a pint of waiter daily, and let them have this to drink. Fea Seed from Last Year.—" A Working Man."—No. 1 sample is quite good, and, I believe, every one capable cf growing; o. 2 is a little worm-eaten, but there is plenty of life in the seed. Dip in paraffin oil before sowing, and this will cook the worms. Much inferior pea seed is about this spring, and rauchj-of last year's seed is preferable. Grubs in Soil.—J. Wignall.—Gas-lime should 1 be put on some weeks- before the crops are; planted. To use them together would not be a success. The gas-lime would spoil both seeds and plants. It ought to be put on in autumn or winter. Fresh lime is different. It can be dug in to-day and crops introduced next week. You might apply one quart of scot and half a pound of salt to the square, yard, and put off liming till next autumn or winter. Use soot freely when the plants are young. Itoso Bush in Town.—" Anxious Reader" (Liverpoo,I).-fh rose plant will not do well if you keep it in the bedroom, neither is it very suitable for confinement in any room or kitchen, and it would succeed much better if you put it out in the open air a-nd sun-1 shine constantly. Put a little he>an of soHpsi down. Plunge the pot up. to the rim in these, and keep the roots moist, but not saturated. Be careful if you turn it „t n1 protect the tender shoots that are on it till they become hardened. at 1111 rnnf^' wawT> °Vop, °f T:l,! Cottage- W. 1. ^Pembrokeshire).—Your wall will act like a rock garden, and von might have it beautifully furnished with plants. Put some rather substantial loam snil bjtwon the stones, and plant Arabi-? a Ibid a and Aubrietia deltoidca. The fonner is v.'hite and the lattsr the purple reek cress. They are always green and furnish lovely sheets of Hoovers in early summer. Plants cf thn hooise le-pk, SemTerviv-um too- tornm, would thrive almost on the bare etonos, and so will the stone crops. Food for Dog, &-c. Flora" fStaffordshire). —"ion shoiud feed it. on molassine biscuits. They are.xnost health-giving and sustaininig. Four b:i*nus were advised for a large retriever. Two would be enough for a fox- terner. J. weakens the t,3 of do»« to wash them too frequently. Careful brushing once or twice a week will keep them in excellent trim. and wash once a month or so. A good wipe down if they come in wet is also beneficial. The claw is generally removed as a convenience to the dog and is taken off whew quite email. Clip it hack.

RURAL JOTTINGS. VALUABLE HINTS AND INFORMA- TION. The Spring Spraying" of Fruit Trees. I am always glad that I have awakened a desire amongst growers to spray their fruit trees. I have advocated it for Ion's, and now have many supporters. When once applied all found that their trees were more free in growth, clean in leaf, spotless in fruit, and producers of the highest class. The, are the inevitat-bl" rewards of spraying, which all will most assuredly meet with who adopt the method and follow it constantly. The epctkss condition of Colonial apples and pears offered in shops 13 the envy of all home growers. They fay, Why can't ot7 be as beautiful?" and my reply is, "They can, an-J the means is by spraying." In the Colonics it is a universal practice, with uni- form results. Here it i-3 only an occ««:o'na.! act, with returns that please, but do not show sufficiently to impress the public as yet. All experienced nurftcryiuen spray their trees; so do orchard owners in Kent and other counties, and my great desire is to get all amateur cultivators to be unfailing in its adoption. Improvement is inevitable, and all fruit is doubled in value and accept- ance. Spraying should be done three times a year—once in summer, again in autumn, and always in the spring just before the leaves come on, which is now. The present spraying is all-important, as it destroys every intruder, and sets the trees g-oing with a clean bail of health. The formula. of the spraying liquid consists cf pure sulpnate of copper 6!bs„ fresh unslaked lime 41os., water 22 gallons. Place the sulphate of copper in a piece of cloth, suspend by a- string from the top of a cask or tank, submerging the lot to dissolve in eighteen then slake in a wooden tub the 41-bs. of lime. lot to dissolve in eighteen gallons of water; then slake in a wooden tub the 41-bs. of lime. This must be fresh lime. Make up to four gallons when cool. Stir and strain the milky lime into the copper solution. Quarter or half quantities of water or materials may be used in like proportions where only a small quantity is required, and the above may be reduced a quarter of its strength when the trees are in leaf and more tender than now. Many employ spraying machines. Fruit farmers empioy home labour" to draw the largest of tliem; others are of the garden engine claes-tliese are knop-saok-forms-a.id. lastly, the hand-syringe, one or other of ■which will suit all classes of sprayers; indeed, the ordinary watering-pot with a rose on may be used to moisten the dwarf trees and all that can be reached. Do not saturate exceedingly to throw away the stuff, but be s'ure all the wood is made moist, and that is Sufficient. Sowing Peas. The time has arrived when all may sow peas. I have seen rows of 1a,te that were sown last November and are now two inches high; others sowing a month are peeping, but as yet the majority have not yet sown •peas. They think it is too early, and aie afraid they w-i-ii fail. Such ideas need not be held. Peas are exceedingly hardy. They grow when vegetation generally is at a standstill, and those sown now will be given 'supples of green peas before the later sown ones are in pcd. Sow in rich soil and a shel- I rtered, but sunny, position. They will pay to be nut in possession n.f a. <vot **>rner. It is such a gratification to have peas early. Dig the soil where the rows are to be afresh. Tread the part down very firmly, open the drill four inches wide and t-vvf§"inches deep, sow t.he seeds singly two inches apart, sprinkle with soot, and cover with the soil; then tread over the top and rake along. If the soil is rather stiff and heavy, sprinkle some sand or fine ashes over the surface to the .depth of one inch. The rows may be any length, or they may be sown here and there in warm nooks in little groups. Sowing along the bottom of south walls is a and early aspect, and hedge bottoms often afford shelter. Do not hesitate to make a hig sewing, as if only a few are put in regret will be experienced in gathering that more were not put in now. Planting Climbers. All with ideas of planting clumbers this winter should be up and at it. Planting them late is a very bad plan. Many of them are disposed to begin to grow early, and it interferes with their progress to plaint, after they have started. Many are cheeked in this way, and some never get over it; but plant before growth begins and the chances are that every one will succeed. If the right kind of climbers are selected and proper preparations made, it is only once in a life- time that climbers may have to be planted. They exist for years and years. and thrive splendid j- if given a good send-off and aftoidea means of going on. Climbers are planted in various positions, but the majo- rity arc p accd agiain&t dwelling. In some spots amp e r;>ct room awaits them. In others ^a s or pavements may be in the way; t ei here ie a disposition to shove them in^ small holes that are merely scratched up. &Ueh cannot be expected to sitcceed; neither will they. The great Xwth °\ is -r(?e an<i luxuriant climber is an eyesore. I, before planting the 81 tvo/Vi e Prep-arcd in a mcst thoxxra?rh iw* if °les at two feet square P^We, and stir them up to nvfiteble" Wh)re' Seed loamy &»il, if a and give .some Wh dcnMi ° Und '>e sure t'!at have plants arrive- S ?adf lj€for\ tli3 olimbers are rece Ted ™ V „n -vcd in pots, and, as a rule, ,1 ^iBdeed. this is part of j' „ thr-it^h -t^ei?' °^ten the roots are push- r^n re o \!hK of P«^ which rnch <K"=es I V n to g'c"t' out. In planted? but {2 ST* V? £ *nd ,a" t0 be ^TThe°soilthS c,f< roots^spread them and do not piant Making Seeds Peat-re3,sting. Evei-y spring and more or less seS JL /"T eVfT ?t 'n mice, grubs, and n'^ f,Stroy€d by b^a*' may only consume th ETe C°'T il y enough to the and leave the bulk and CtT°'P; 'n- 0,her3 eat to sow time after f ^rin«- a JKl havin» liable y™e «*• «• gether; others a^ gardens es-ca-pe ad-to- but none can be d-r rao?,t v«xin8"ly- it is the- height 0?^ed °n to <> a?d precautions &in to !'af ;done, and saves eo. is so easily worry. Red lead .lni,'ch ^'t'h in seeds and that is much \.onc of ^^e preventives convenient, The I? a^^der, a«l qui.e then rolled in a 8^u d mad,e m° der. Rub them Q,:an1tlty of the P?'K~ when the ponder w it on. All pests adhere and sow with this 'dressing, and ,a pecu,,lar to mother excellent kwt>s theai olT Wel The seeds should is P'araffin 01,L moist. Extract th^%rolkd ln il ^n-d. ir.ade and do not let- tW a °f "Th them separately, an^m^oak thcI1 dr^J',b carried-o-ut remedy W>1 -1,8 and evo-ry seed-so^1 18 available to all :^o wi-rfv and we it* e ofjen ^r^ind WI 1 ""l;1 T to adopt either the one 1 prefer the latter, or pa v fan "a- All are harmless to the Preparing Soli fQr Sweet. Peas. .Sweet ;xa^ a.e capable of makiny much jdevelopm^t at mot t(>p w]l £ ;n vx>]1 pro. aredvnriate' rooting space, but mf,ay in to poor, ill-prepared Jf- n-d y produce', very inferior ifl.l7VW* "M +C2-1* at'a;in perfection or o»n- tirue oost. It 1X1,78 handeo^mely II tu^ ^ites moet efficiently for all; t, 1 °^ossom to j>erfection for montii*. Ae a c j.. oiQ^ter of fact, one sowing or throughout \heWwh o'ight to flower j whole season with strength n it srffi11-' and tjll€y J'ail in this depend r tv 'ent preparation was not made with the' m??. "°W U \he time 10 dT1 ,,v<p,r. i.. U1^t^er m such a way as to leisuixvlvVDecJS31^1^11^ c<n<1e on the spots where sweet. Ir^Ly-,1 mo-pt acceptable. They may be vS 2}' sroupe, all together, or widely ,v il'' will be extremely decorative .uerever they are placed, and study effects TW^3'1" and 1!0ar; then prepare the earth. 011 dip-g-in^r two feet- d £ ep; indeed, of t!le be?t growers go dowh three feet, .-na assert they are well paid for their ov ^ypr-riori.nc65 of the nsoiil must be avonc;ed> but all require more or less addi- stuff. This may consist of half- or hor-e dung, with some old n-w and charred refuse and soot. „ \rn< c" should not be kept on the sur- ?7 ^d-S doiwn deeply, it is firtrt-rate rnauri 1 °r 3W€i £ >t poaa( eLpeoially in heavy soiM. bet all thii? dene early; then it will for wwinff or planting with those raised m p-c.ts. Long rows are good for sup- plying plenty of cut flowers, but little groups are very charming and appropriate. Chickens from Wot. r? ™ ??, is m,J're Armful to chickens in cold weather than being wet. w:hen expcced to rruin they have no feathers to threw the wet off, and then wet fluff ding's to them like a ppon-ge. It chi,11,3 them to the bone and causes varic>-ae ailments, as well as hindering tneir progress. To succeed easily keep them dry, out t.b-ey nrci?t not be shut up in little co-ops^w-hen it rains, This would do almost as in-iieh harm as the wcring. All who go iii for chickens should have a shelter for thl"m thoa t they caa run to when it rains. rphe lZ:e should correspond with the number of chicks. The roof may be of boards, felt, or zinc, and the sides and ends cf boards, with a, wire-netting front facing the south. It must be absolutely waterproof, and the floor always dust dry. It should be a,part altogether from their roosting place, and the old fowls should be excluded. Some dry sand, ashes, or other material should be ueed M bedding. Bread for Chfckcn-fecdlng. Bread is often used ae food for little chickens. It is given them in both a crumbly and doughy state. Bread is supposed to be composed of the best wheat, but, curiously enough, it does not prove progress focd for chicks. They do not eat it readily, and it has a slight tendency to scour them. I attribute this to the yeast that is in the broad, and I believe this is why they do not do well on bread in a,ny form. It may be thought to be economy to give it them when left over in crust and crumb form at the table, but I cannot advise its use with advan- tage, and chicks are better without it. Years ago a friend of mine—a baker—gave me all his refuse bread to feed my fowls. Theee were the grown-ups, but I was never pleased with the results, and, although I got the material for nothing, I had to refuse it. The only animals I know that benefit by stale and surplus bread are and goatw Completing the Planting of Tree3. This advice embraces every kind of trees and shrubs. There are some who assert tha.t some trees can be transplanted as well or better in May than in winter or spring, but I am no supporter of such a proposition. Planting in summer may be successful some times, but there is a great deal of risk with it and much inappropriateness. Most plants sucoc-ed best when planted while the buds are at rest, and that is, undouhteiy, the right time to deal with them. There is no ifreater misfortune which can happen to a tree than transplant it after its buds are swelling, as they are brought to a standstill; then the young growth is shocked and set back.. Many die soon afterwards; others struggle into a shabby state, and require no end of care to get them round. The who'ie affair of belated planting cannot be too much avoided and written down, and every day that passes now without planting will increase failures, which a.ll will surely be anxious to avoid. Ashe3 as Manure. Economical cultivators ado-pi a, system of converting everything possible into manure and helps in producing1 crops. Some may be used in a raw state; others after becoming ashes. Wood ashes a.nd all charred refuse of garden rubbish are excellent fertilisers, but üoal ashes are absolutely void of manuring properties. Many use them under the idea they will do gcod and prove substitutes for manure, but they have net the slightest capability of doing so. If mixed in with stiff ciay soil, they render it more friable and acceptable, hut not more nutritious. Some relia.ble authorities on potatoes are of opinion that ecal ashes in the soil encourage warty disease, and this is more than pro- bable, as ashes are always disposed to pro- duce rust on many roots. They should never be put in light soil, only in stiff stuff, to make it more open, and, as a rule. they are best kept out of the soil altogether. Finish Pruning. I have been hammering on the subject of pnmintg ever since last October, and I fee 1 it is necessary to say a,no,ther word, but this iiime it is the last of the season. It is im- mensely adi-aitig-eors to the trees, be they fruiting or ornamental, to prune before th sap rises and the bud-3 swell. Once, that occurs pruning1 is a weakening proceeding, and should be avoided. I can imagine nr rea/son why pruning should not be com- pleted at once, and I feel sure all g'ood cul- tivators will act en the hint. improving Strawberry Piants. As great crops of delicious fruits arc desired by all who cwn a strawberry bed. there is a general desire to treat them in such a. way as to assure weight and quality of crop, but many are too late in applying helps. The pltvnts begin to gTow in March, and it is thsn tha.t feeding does the most good. It induces robustness, but when t,h.1: does not occur till the blooms are forming.it makes little impression. It is, therefore, most dc.-iraible to manure early, and now ie a suitable time. I urge this more particu- larly this spring, as I fear many of th< strawberry plants are rather weakly now strawberry plants are rather weakly now owing to the a-b6 c nee of sunshine last autumn. If they are not strengthened many of the blooms will be blind and the frujt of the blooms will be blind and the frujt small and void of quality. This is what we may expect, hut it can be averted ooiisi-der- a-bly. Goiw, horse, and pig dting^are the be.=i; 1 feeds they can have now. C'f- the three thc- I' pig droppin s are the least desirable. The manure should be packed round the crowns but net over the top of them. One^ or two forkfuls to each plant will be enough. Grow- j ing them in crowded beds is not the best way, but those so arranged should have the ¡' manure scattered over them, and let therr take their chance. Stable manure, with short straw, is a capital dressing, as OF straw will be washed clean and remain ao ¡ a bedding to the fruit. Rubbishy manure need not be used, as it is labour in vain. An old strawberry bed had gene very weak in the autumn of 1908. A good dresedng c-f superphosphate was given in the spring of 19C9, and in July the plants were ctroTiger and a better crop of fruit had been produced than for three years previously. They wer: and a better crop of fruit had been produced than for three years previously. They wer: quite rejuvenated, and the tip is worth adapting wherever calls are made for it. When superphosphate is given dung is nc.t needed.

PLOUGHING MATCHES. KIDWELLY. KIDWELLY. The second annual pio-ughing match in the Kidwelly distiict took place under the presi- dency of Mr. John Thomas, Velindre, Kid- welly. The judges were as follows:— Ploughing, &c„ Messrs. J. Rees, Oornhwrdd, Llei;gen.nech, D. James, 1-i.hydyfryn.non, Lla. debie, and Thomas Bees. Nantllan. LlaiKte- feilog; horses, &c Messrs. George R. Bevam, Swansea, G. Bra-der, Swansea, and D. G. Anthony, Kidwelly. The a.wards were a.: follows :— Fii-champion class; 1st, Tom Davies. F'fyn-1 nonmenym, Llangendaime; 2nd and 3rd, divided between D. Davies, Fi'ynnonmenyn, anù R. Thoinais, Penyfedw, Llandefedlog. Champion class: 1st, J. PniJlpo-tts, Fin' Roads. Llanelly: 2nd and 3rd, divided between Barton WilLiams, Tycanol, Pembrey, and D. j H. Jones, Penyback, Llandefeilog. First ciass: 1st, D. Evans, Pantglas, Kid- welly; 2nd, J. Pogors, Tymawr, Peanbrey; 5rd, Benjamin Graveil, Trimsaran. Second class: 1st, Tom Wili-kims, Alit, Kid- welly; 2nd. T. Evans. Penybont, Kidwelly; 3rd, divided between Thomas Cola, Bont, Kid- welly, and John "Walters, Orug-aufach, Llan- defeilog. Copiers and la.bourers' claes: 1st, W. Lloyd, Gih'hcdyn, Pemhrey; 2nd, J. White, Kidwelly. The prises for tihe bast pairs ocf plough:ng horses, best brood mare, &c., were all divided between Messrs. J. William.0, Bronun, Ferry- iflide; T. Bees, Nantllan. I/landefeilog, and J. Walters, Crug-aufach, Llandefeilog. BEULAH. Buiith Upper District Ploughing and Hedg- in.-g Competitions were held at Caeau Farm, Beulah, near Garth, Breconshire. Chief awards:— PLOUGHING.—Champion class: 1st, J. Parry, Llwyncadwgan, Garth; 2nd, S. Jonctr, Cefnbran, Garth. Farmers' eons and waiorers: Alfred Bligh, Gilwern. beulan. ixL'.OGLN<}.—■Champion clatJs; 1st, John Brown, Cefnporth, Ciimcry; 2nd. W. Lennard Cilmery. Local class: J. Davies, A\ernllan-i uehaf. MISCELLANEOUS.—Live weight (sheep): 1st I and 2nd. divided between Rev. R. Lloyd Owen and W. P rot hero, W. Davies, and W .AVil- iiams (all of the locality;. Cart mare or! jrr-iding, suitable for colliery purposes: D. Evans, Maesgwaelo-g, Llanwrtyd. Cart m or gelding: 1st and 2nd, divided between I Thomas, Lletrefail, and D. M. Price, Hon '.c Buiith Wells.

CRUELTY TO A MULE. I William Thomas Stephens and Patrick O'Connor were charged at Swansea on Tues- day with ill-treating a mule in Port Ten- nant-road, Swansea. The two defer d; and another man not in custody wero, apparently, all drunk. They were lifting up the mule by placing their fingers in its noetrils and pulling its tail and ears. The witnesses could not say what they were try- ing to do.—The defendants were each sent to prison for a month-.

¡, MEAT TRUST CONSPIRACY." NEW YORK, Saturday. The grand jury of New Jersey yesterday indicted a number of directors of the six corporations forming the Meat Trust on a charge of conspiring to raise the price of meat. Messrs. Swift, J. Ogden Armour, 'and A. Armour were among the directors indicted. -Central News.

CONSOLATION IN A MOTTO. + MR. BURNS EXPLAINS A HAY CONTRACT. Mr. BOTTOMLEY (R., Hackney, S.) asked the President of the Local Government Board in the House of Commons on Wednes- day whether his attention had been called to the fact that the parks committee of the Cardiif Corporation had been in the habit of selling its hay to a looal corn merchant 1 at £3 2s. 6d. per ton, while the health com- mittee of the same corporation had been purchasing its hay from the same corn merchant at £ 4 2s. 6d. per ton; and whether he would instruct the district auditor of the board to make inquiries into the matter. Mr. BURNS: Except as regards education, the. accounts of the town council are net subject to the audit of the district auditor. I have, however, made some inquiries on the subject, and I understand from the council that it is true that the health committee purchased ha-y from a contractor at JE4 2s. 6d. per ton on November 23 last, and that on February 1 the parks committee sold htiy to the same firm. The hay sold was disposed of in bulk, and not by weight, and not cut in any way. The c'ú1JtT:I,C:'fr. Wi.!lt" re^a-iou to cut, truss, and haul the hay at their own expense, which is estimated at £ 1 per ton. This bay, moreover, is described as of poor quality, bting gathered from the cemetery and fields adjoining. (Laughter.) It is stated that the hay purchased was, on the other hand, of first-class quality, clean cut, according to sample and specification, and was delivered by the contractors free of ail charges. Mr. BOTTOM LEI": Is the right hon. gentleman aware that the information given me is diametrically opposed to the explana- tion given by the iLord Mayor of Cardiff himself? Mr. BURNS: I have takon great pains to ascertain the facts in regard to this matter, and I believe them to be as stated. I know there is considerable difference between the Cardiff City Council and my hon. friend about it, and I have difficulty in reconciling the two statements. I am, however, consoled by the motto in his own paper, which says:- The world is a bundle of hay, Mankind aro the asses who pull, Each tugs it a different way, And the -reawstof all is John Bull. Great laughter greeted this quotation. Mr. BOTTOMLEY: Would the right hon. gentleman in all fairness quote the reet of the motto? Mr. BURNS: I think it is appropriate that Burns should be satisfied with Byron. Renewed laughter.) SELF-DENYING BRILLIANT MR. BURNS. Captain FABER (0, Hampshire. W.) askeu ho Prime Minister if lie would state whether the President of the Local Govern- ment Board was to have his emolument increased to £ 5.QC0 a year as in the case cf the President of the Board of Trade. Mr. ASQUITH: My own personal opinion :s that, as the President oi the Board of Trade is in receipt of the higher salary-, it would be invidious for the President of the Local Government, Board not to be in the same position, and my right hon. friend should be released from the covenant into which, with the. late President of the Board of Trade, he entered last year. -Cheers.) But the matter is one for general assent. Captain FABER: May I ask the right hon. •rentSenian whether it would not be a. matter of general assent that he should inquire into the brilliant manner in which the right hon. gentlc-man near him answered the hon. member for Hackney Dfr. Bottomley) just now? (Opposition laughter.)

HACKNEY SHOW IX LONDON PRIZES AWARDED TO SOUTH, WALES EXHIBITS. There was an exceedingly good lot. of harness horses at the Hackney Show which opened at the Agricultural-hall, Islington, 11 Tuesday. One of the notabie winners 0: the day WM Cornhill Scottish Bluebell," III owned by Mr. Adam Matthews, Oarnhil! Stud, Swansea. This dark chestnut marc was first in the class for mares or geldings under six years old between 14 and 14.2 hands. Tbe fourth prise was taken by "Peterson Pea re," bred and exhibited by Mr. Charles Rodeliffe, Newport-road, Cardiff. Mr. R. H. Sampson, Brynrwili, Poniar- dulais, won the seventh prize of £ 5 in a class of three-year-old stallions, not exceeding 15.1 bands with Bryng-wili Aviator," a dark chestnut by "St. Simon" out of "Ganny." In the same class Mr. William H. Rees, Crost Inn, Ramney, Cardiff, was highly commended lor" Humney Viscount," a chestnut by Middleton Relish." Martin Fireaway," owned by Mr. W. Hughee-Jones, Fron, Llan- gefni, gained a reserve in the class for stal- lions, five years old and over, 15.2 hands and upwards. Some uncommonly fine pony stallions were shown in the class for two-years-olds not exceeding 13.2 hands, in which Ta-nyrallr Fireboy. from the stilt of D. R, Thomas, Talybont, Cardiganshire, was placed second. In the three-year-old class not exceeding 13.3 hands Messrs. J. Jones and Son, Colwyn Bay. were fourth with Little Fire." In the class for pony Etallions four years old and over, not exceeding 14 hands, the second prize was gained by "Torchfire," owned by Mr. Adam Matthews, Cornhill Stud, Swan-a. Hop- wood Clematis" took second prize for Mr. W. R. Lysacht, Castleford. Chepstow, in the class for mares four years old and over between 14 and 15.2 hands. In the single harness class for pony mares not over rix years old, over 13.0 and not ex- ceeding 13.2 hands, the fourth prize was gained by Merry Maid," owned by Mr. Tom J. Mathia-s, Llynyfelin, Cardigan. The reserve in the single harness clas- for maree or geldings, not over six years, over 15.2 and not exceeding 16.0 hands, was Pen-y-lan Grace," Mr. Willia-m Jame? j Tatem, The Court, St. Fazan's, Cardiff. For harness pairs, any age, under 15.0 ha.nds. C-ornhill Squire" and "Cornhill Swell," owned by Mr. Adam Matthews, Oornhii; Stud. Swansea, took fourth prize. In the single harness cla.ss for ponies up to 13.0, the fourth prize went to Princes? i Cardiff," iir. G. H. Jndson, Alitwen, Sea-road, j Abergele, and the reserve to Owlerton Queen," Mr. Tom J. Mathias, Llynyfelin, Cardigan. In the single harness class, ove.- 15.0 and not exceeding 15.2, Cudham Sensa- tion." Mr. D. Joaes, Aberdare, was blsrfly commended.

F A I C\ I E B S' CLAIMS. DAMAGES AGAINST SWANSEA DIS- TRICT COUNCIL, The Swansea county bench were occupied a Late hour on Wednesday evening in bearing claims made "ny Thos. Eva-us and Wm. Clement, farmers, under the Public Health Act, against the Swansea Rural DiE- j'trict Council for damage and disturbance in j,f.r:iin fields by the carrying out of the Gorscinon drainage scheme. The cases were keenly contested.—The Bench made orders against the authority. =

ARMY OFFICERS TO BUY RE- MOUNTS IN WALES. The Tregaron District Council have beei informed that officers of the Remount Depart- ment of the War Office will attend the h ors-0 I show to be heli at Trega-ro-n on the 15th inst., and alea the well-established Ffair Garon on the following day.

LAMOO I II toKD i C. LYIN REMEDIES. ———. ———. if ftEDPRErtCn "Asgbts PliWll For cleansing Cows Si Ewts, Cures prostration in Cows tor Chilis, Hsd Water, and Ewes. Low Condition, Hidilxu.id, Prevents Debility, Boven or Blswa, Kilk Fever and Dropping. (4ic or Gripes, Colds, &e. I PlicE TiiS23"-EA. PR'C; PER DOZ. For AnointiiJ after Partur- For White or Greeri 5kit, itirn, Strr-.ininS. &c., also "Curding," and obstinate for SwMien I!riders, Sort Diarrhrca, in Lambs and Teats, Sores, Strains, &'c. Calves. All ready mixed. PHICE 1/6 e, 2, 6 PEP. BOT. PRICE 21- PER BOTTLE. LAMBING & CALVING CHESTS Containing every essential for Price the saving of life at this critical season (Complete) %J\j! WflTE FOR PRICE LIST AiŒ FULL PARTICULARS, DAY, SON & HEVOTT, 22 Dorset St., LONDON, W. j British Columbia. I THE NELSON CAPITAL OF 1 KQOTENAY I The Centre of the Fruit || Growing, Mining, and II Lumbering nterests of |§ SOUTHERN BRITISH l| COLUMBIA. 11 Beautiful Scenery. Mild and Equable 11 Climate. Excellent Boating, Fishing, and t Shooting, Good Hotels and Schools. 8 I Excellent Opportunities for Investors I I of Capital and Home-seekers. I In Competition with the I World Kootenay Fruit has ji obtained First Prizes. I Write to Secretary, BOARD OF TRADE, | P. O. Box 326. KELSON. B. C., Canada. .L 1/6 Garden Seeds 1/6 NEW. GENUINE, and TESTED. On receipt of postal order for ls, 6d. or I 20 stamps, we will send, post free, loz. each cf IMPERIAL CABBAGE, HOLLOW-CROWN" PAK.SNIP, MASTERPIECE ONION (Grand Exhibition and Main Crop Variety), and Selected CARROT; ioz. each cf Savov, Radish. Early Turnip, and 2 Packets of Broccoli icarly and late); 1 Packet each of lettuce, Marrow, Cucumber; 6 Packets Choice Flower Seeds. Also for Is. extra 1 packet each Mustajd. CrMs. Beet, Pickling Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Leek. Cauliflower. Golden Ball Tur- nip and with every 2s. 6d. parcel we will end two Grand Novelties-a packet pf Essex Wonder Marrowfat Peas. A new variety producing 6 inches in length and con- taining 10 to 12 peas of finest flavour. and a packet of Scarlet Emperor Runner Beans, a magnificent variety, some pods attaining 15 to 1G inches in length. The above Parcels of Finest Quality Bood, for P.O. 2s. 6d. or 32 stamps. GROVES & SON, Seed Merchants, PIDDLETRENTH1DE, Dorchester I EMIGRATION. I d II' 'j ,( \1 0" 1/' I lA"" <1 L,wlS§JI,R- CAMADIAM PACIFIC DIRECT SERVICE F;m"j G&EAT BRITAIN < TO t. TKKCUGK CANADA BY MAGNIFICENT "EMPRFSS" STEAMERS AND COMFORTABLE^ EXPRESS TRA1KS. SPECIAL CARE IAKSK Of WOMEN Ch11 rv^rv ^vr^oivrt rO(i FURTHER rA^TICULA^S APr*l.Y ^MZGRAWTS Canadian Pacific Railway, 13, St. Augus- s lJarade, Bristol, cr ioo«il events oy&Ty- Wiio re. wl936 V- .¡I1e, Xlie Cliick.'s iJi>ealvfkfc!t. )' (/ SPRATT?S g J CHICKEN MEAL. GiVEN WARM. Samples and Booklet Free. SPRATf'S PATENT, Ltd.. LONDON', LC. Home Rule is not poa.-sble unless provisio. is marie for satis-ymg the lady of the house as web as her i0 a and master." This can b;st be done by supF^ng her with Borwick 8 Gold Medal Baking Powder, which makes all kinds of light and dainty Cakss and Pastries. &c., and is the best and purest in the world.

CENTRAL WELSH BOAKD AND THE UNIVERSITIES. II The examination for the sanior certificate of the Central Welsh Board ip now recognised by the Matriculation Board of the Northern Lniversitiee (comprising the Universities of Liverpool. Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield) us an examination by meana of which candi- dates may. under certain conditions, secure exemption t'orn the matriculation examine tion of tho-zio universities.

Yi B It's the flavour, flavour, FLAVOUR naUBBBEHSnHKKXBEBRBBIBMBBIBar that the families favour flavour of 1 IÍI COCOA .,>, /"jj' .< c'¡;'I:<?':9')!f:;ot:¡" "Y::á:$.t.>i$;'<r{'i'> "i:'¡'t, <i,; "'}<:1 :fr: »:i' }t,(: -:< .i>I:

ford, Is 2d to le 3d; Hay, Is Id to Is 2d; Tal- garth, Is 2d; Buiith Wells, Is Id to Is 2d; Ross, Is 2d to Is 3d, and Abergavenny Is 2d to Is 3d per lb. cifERSE. The demand for cheese has been steady. At Newport on Wednesday there was a fair supply and a good inquiry. Oaerphiliys sold frc,m to 65tJ per cwt., fancy dairies 66s to 70s, and Cheddars from 65s to 65s. Cardiff quotations wero-Oaerpihilly 60s to 7Cs, Cheddar 666 to 70s, and Canadian new 61s to 62s. In London Cheddar was 70s to 74s, Canadian 62s to 63s, and Dutch 60s to 68s. At Carmarthen new Welsh cheese was 36s to 38e per owt., at Haverford weet 4id to 7d per lb., at Llandilo Cd to 7d, and at Brecon 5d to 7d per lb. POULTRY. Poultry markets have been moderately attended, and trade hae been steady. Quotatione: -Na.roorth, live fowls 4s to 56 per couple, ducks 58 to 5s 6d; Mon- moutli, dressed fowls 9d to 9d per lb., or 4s 6d to 5e 6d per couple, ducks 9d per lb., or 5s to 6d per couple, geeee lOd per lb.; Whitland, livejowla 4s to 4s 6d per couple, dressed 9d to 9 £ d per lb.; Llandilo, duoke trussed is per lb., fowls trussed ICd to lid per lb., live 4'8 6d to 68 6d per ooup,le; Carmarthen, dressed fowls 4s 6d to 5s 6d per couple, dressed ducks 3s to 3s 6d each; Buiith Wellt;, 1 ive fowls 8 to 4, 6d per oo-nple, trussed 46 6d to 5s 6d, live ducks 5e to 6s; Rliayiader, ducks 5s to 5s 6d per couple, fowls 1i W -40; to 4s 6d per couple, trussed 4s 6<1 to 5s ¡WI' couple; Hay, live fowls 4s 64 to 5s, trussed 5s to 6e per couple, ducks live 5s to 6s 6d per couple; Talgarth, live fowls 4s to 5s per couple, trussed 4s 6d to 6s. E,G GS. The demand for eggs has been steady, but supplies are inoreasing. Cardiff wholesale quotations are from 98 6d to 10s per 120 for IrisTi he.n. Country market prices were steady—Monmouth 14 for Is. Whitland 14, Narberth 14, Llandilo 13, Haverfordwest 14, Oarmanhen 14, Rhayader 13, Hereford 13. Hay 13, Builth Wells 13, Talgarth 13, Ross 13, and Abergavenny 13.