The Cardiff Times

OETZMANN & CO., COMPLETE HOUSE FURNISHERS, 62, 64 67 69, 71, 73, 75, 77A, 79, HAMPSTEAD-ROAD, LONDON, W.1 1, GRAFTON-STREET, DUBLIN 75, UNION STREET, RYDE. S.—3ft. Iron Bedstead and Bedding complete I with Woven Wire Mattress, Wool Mattress Bolster and Feather Pillow; Under Blanket, 2s 6d pair of real Witney Blankets, 7s lid pair of Cottor Sheets, 3s lid Coloured Quilt, 2s Ud Down Quilt, 6s 3d. <4 CTS.—4ft. 6in. Black and Brass Bedstead an€ 4jb *3 Bedding complete, with Woven Wire Mattress Wool Mattress, Bolster, and two Feather Pillows; Under Blanket. 4s; pair of real Witney Blankets. 14s 9d; pair of Cotton Sheets, 7s 7d White Quilt 01 Art Cretonne Bedspread, 8s lid; Down Qaat, Ns M.

I WORKMEN'S TOPICS. By MABON, M.P. MINING STATISTICS. The total number of persons employed at the 'nines and at the quarries under the Quarries let in the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man luring the year 1896 was 838,632, of whom 725,803 Were employed in or about mines and 112,829 in ir about quarries. Of the 725,803 persons em- ployed at the mines, 574,325 worked below ground and 149,478 above ground and of the latter 5,114 were females. Compared with the previous year there is a decrease of 7,973 males forking below ground and an increase of 641 taales and a decrease of 522 females working tbove ground, making a net decrease of 7,854 persons. If we go back for two years instead of bne we find a total decrease of 13,294 persons. Of tourse, by the term mine we are to understand toal mine or mines producing coal, stone, or teal, together with other minerals such as iron (tone and fire clay. The other mines are such as produced no coal, and the term other mines includes every mine which did not produce coaJ tr iron ore. increase and Decrease of the lumber of Persons Employed. Several of her Majesty's Mines Inspectors have Hade some comments in their several reports ipon the increase and decrease in the number of Workers in and about enr mines. In East Scot- Atad there was a decrease of 4,334 in the number if persons employed in that district. The in- jector does not attribute that decrease to any decline of the mining industry. He supposes that lien have been drawn away from the mines in Sonsequence of more regular work or higher tfages given in other employments. In the West of Scotland, where a decrease in 5he number of men employed above ground has taken place, the inspector ascribes it to a fall in .-ages which has taken place therein and the increase in the number of persona employed above ground, he saye, is due to the more extended use af appliances for washing and cleaning coal. An Increase of more than 1,000 persons took place lot South Durham. The decrease in the number tf persons employed in the Manchester district is Uld to be due to the discontinuance of trork in some unprofitable seams, and more es- Pecially to the closing of one large colliery there- In. In the Liverpool district there is a falling off tf the number of underground workers and also fix the number of women and girls employed on &e surface. There were also a decrease in the *nmber of persons employed below ground in Midland districts and a small increase in the "Umber of persons employed above ground. In "Otth Staffordshire district a slight increase in the number of those employed took place, and a ease in Shropshire. In South Stafford ~*strict the inspector reports that the number ^Persons employed had slightly risen, but he that the general improvement in trade manifest itself until the latter part of the M«.r-trii>r South Western district, whose -Jy^lhovt a slight increase in the number of mfnwi — i ind i^P^m I'^nitiiirr-tif thli coal trade. In the Booth" Wale* district we axe in- formed that" there was decrease of 1*7 per cent. th the number of persons employed. The pro- Portion of boys to men is also gradually dimin- ishing. Ten years ago the Inspector says that the boys formed 11-9 per cent. of the pit's crew last year the proportion was only 9-9 per cent. The number of females employed continues to decrease. Output of Coal. The most important fact to be noticed is the large increase in the output of coal. The amount laiaed in 1896 exceeded that of any former year by more than five million tons, the exact amount 195,351,951 tons; adding 9,309 tons ^°Jn open quarries, and thus we are able to arrive lot a total output for 1896 of 195,361,260 ns, which exceeds that of the previous year 5,699,898 tons, or about three per cent. With the exception of Gloucestershire we are •formed that every county in England shows a ^*ger yield, Durham alone produced more than million tons, a quantity which considerably **ceeds the total output of Prance. In Wales, we find that in Glamorganshire there a decided decrease, and a slight increase in *«tobrokeshire. Scotland, we are told, seems to be una.ble to continue with profit the large output Of 1895, though some counties show an improve- ment. Although the output in South Wales proper a.s smaller than the year before, Mnomouthshire 18 credited with an improvement. QUANTITY OF COAL RAISED, WITH VALUE AT PIT'S MOUTH. rvnan+itv Tot'l value Av'rge Name of Coalfield. I y at pit's price raisea. mouth. p'rtoa Tons. £ s.D. J* Scotch Coalfields 28,326,600 7,256.006 5. 1 l Northern Coalfields.. 41,790,291 10,644,424 5. 1 "■ Yorkshire, &c,, Coal- fields 42,357,227 12,822,739 6. 0 *•' Jjancashtre and Che- t „ shire Coalfields 23,386,290 7,281,766 6.3 f Midland Coalfields. 18,578,834 5,414,584 5.10 "■ Small Detached Coal- t v fields 4,042,164 1,325,832 6.7 orth Wales Coal- fielde 2,893,039 892,021 6. 2 "■South Wales Coal- t field 33,867,921 11,498,899 6.10 i^sh Coalfields 129,585 51,560 7.11 Total or average fl95,351951 57.187,831 5.10 Quantity of coal Number of per- raised, including sons employed, the ironstone, fire- to. clay, See. "toae of Coal- per gro^d. below plowed ab £ f0 £ nd ,«"»*• jas. ssi. l Scotch Coal- Tons. Tons. fields 67,134 82,482 439 358 Northern Corfl- » fields Z. 107,022 137,274 395 308 Yorkshire, Ac., « v Coalfield. 123.547 154,805 347 277 Lancashire & Cheshire t Coalfield. 67,537 83,763 349 281 Midland Coal- S field 47,334 62,743 419 316 Small deta'hed i Coalfields s 16,053 19,974 255 205 North Wale coalfield. 9,488 11.536 313 257 South Wales t Y Coalfield. 106,721 125,142 319 273 Coalfields 736 971 183 139 £ -°Jj*j_orAverage 545,572 678,690 366 294 It is somewhat curious, in the opinion ex- Passed, to find that this greatly increased Production of coal has been attained in spite a general diminution in the number of persons Ployed. As shown by the following table ere has been a larger output per person in WverY district except Ireland :— Tons of mineral raised per person employed Districts. underground. Incrse. 1895. 1896. 1896. 1 j Scotland 422 459 37 3 West Scotland 417 434 17 q. NewcastJe 357 370 13 $• Durham 454 470 16 e" i cTot'J8hire & Lincolnshire 326 341 15 Manchester 316 334 18 ^eland 183 183 — xi.verP°ol 320 351 31 9 Midland 344 361 17 lo' Wales — — — U' ^orth Staffordshire 371 382 11 gouth Staffordshire 454 474 20 13 g°nth Western 286 311 25 South Wales 308 310 2 Totals 357 374 11 interesting diagram has been prepared by tokes (Midland District), showing the flue- Wo 10118 in the out:Pnt coal per person em- underground in Derbyshire, Nottingham- jo an^ whole of the kingdom, from 1873 896- Speaking generally, the output per *nctease^ during the first 10 years of the ftafi tlri^er consideration, and since then has gone back, so that now, save in the I Derbyshire, it differs to no very great from what it was 20 years ago. Mr Stokes 8 difficult to stfcte the reasons for these l fluctuations on account of the numerous dis- tupbing influences which are important factors in the problem, viz. :-(1) The number of days worked during each year (2) length of shift, or number of hours spent at the coal face; (3) in. creased facilities for "getting" the coal, and for conveying it to the bottom of the pits. And as the respective lines indicating the output upon his diagram are fairly parallel it is evident that the causes, whatever they were, affected the whole of the kingdom in the same way.

THE HOUSEHOLD. PRING flowers will soon be with us in all their freshness and beauty. Violets are en evidence through the winter now it seems, but daffodils and lilies of the valley are real heralds of the spring tide. And with these emblems of summer days we love to deck our homes, for they bring a sense of gladness that brigh- tens the dingiest of dwelling places. Probably we have all admired those expensive hanging flower cages that hold the blossoms so carelessly and with such graceful effect. But those with parses whose contents cannot boast of jostling with gold too frequently, look longingly at such extravagant luxuries, and perforce turn away. The sensible, capable woman, however, will not go home and grumble over her poverty. Instead she will emulate a friend of mine, in whose house I saw the original of the little umbrella-shaped flower basket shown in my sketch. It was marvellously pretty, and had oeen manufactured entirely at home, out oi oddments of silk that my friend happened to have by her and no doubt bits of brocade, satin, or silk can be turned out of the piece-bag by most housewives. In the first place these are cut into long pointed strips, all alike in shape, though the materials may differ, so long as the colouring does not fight." These pieces must be like the sections of an umbrella, only much smaller, as this ornamental flower holder will not be required as large as the ordinary size. Each of the pieces must be tacked on to stiff book-muslin, and then joined together up the seams, a tiny hole being left at the end, and neatened by hemming. A. stout wire must be caught into place down each of these seams, and finished off separately art the top end with a pompon of silk. The umbrella is now complete in itself, and all that has to be done is to get one of these V shaped glasses that will fix itself nicely. The umbrella, looks better I KOTSL HANOING FLOWS* ITAVD. seajoas stand* oat in mettar flukes. AwnnrMt of stlek should db giidca and 6red in »t ferule-end, a.nd ajpretty row of ribbon is arranged over the joint. Three strings of dainty coloured ribbon (amber looks very well) are secured at equal distances at the top and brought up into a knot of bows by which the umbrella may be sus- pended, and three rows of ribbon finish off the points from whence the streamers start. One of the little convex wire-rounds that are so admirable in aiding the successful arrangement of flowers should be bought, and when this has been placed over the mouth of the inner glass tube, daffodils and their companion blossoms, intermixed with a plenitude of green, can be made to look quite lovely.. How often have I noticed that where the mis- tress of a house is a confirmed invalid the whole affairs of the household are transacted at her bed or couch side. If she be not uterly inca.pacita.ted, by her illness,the capable woman will be mistress of her house still; she will do & great deal of the ordering, and the housekeeping purse will be seen close to her hand. And in such cases a vide poche specially designed and kept for the purpose of holding a purse, handkerchief, letters, paper, pencils, and many other necessaries is a great comfort to the invalid. Such a one is seen in my illustration. It should be hung within comfort- able reach of the invalid s hand. The back is made of cardboard cut to the shape shown and covered with material of any kind. The front should consist of aome protty patterned silk, and this is lined out with stiff book muslin so that it keeps to the desired shape. The ends of material are lined throughout with some prettily con- trasting shade, and then gathered up into a bell- shape a.nd edged all the way round with small TOR THE ISVAXiU> HOUSEKEEPER I gimp. A very handsome fringe must be sewn on to the bottom of the pocket, and & small ruching of box-pleated ribbon serves to give the necessary softness to the square cut opening. Thick silk cord is tied round the two pfouch-ends, from thence being carried to the top corners of the back, and again allowing length in order to make it hang well from a nail- Cushions have never been so much to the front as they are now, and yet one of the most con- venient forms is seldom visiblegeveti in the cosiest of boudoirs. This is the long bolster-shape a,, illustrated here. They are so useful for placing along the edge of a sofa where a draught may be felt from an adjacent window, and they make the best foundation for a pyramid of cushions in a cosy corner. The decoration of the one in my sketch was carried out with tmy bebe ribbon, which was first tied into charming little bows,and in this form was applique on to plain satin, a few sprays of maiden-hair fern being embroidered ,,u amidst the ribbons. Deep guipure lace bordered the cushion, and streamers of the bebe ribbon were carried round the edge, every now and then a USETtJli CUSHION. I being caught into a careless bow. The design should be traced on the satin first And then the embroidery worked in filoselle silk. The bebe ribbon is put on with very neat applique stitches, care being taken to turn the ribbon over frequently, thus getting rid of any stiffness of outline. The bows are tied loosely and are then stitched down to the form desired. The variety of designs for such work is quite endless. Exaizi.

I WELSH GLEANINGS. 1 Mr T. H. Thomas (Arlnnydd Penygarn) sends on the following interesting item :—In your notice of Mr J. Edwards's success as regards the bardic chair at Festiniog it may be added that this promising young man has so far swept the eisteddfodic list of prizes in design, both national and local and that he has been able by saving the amounts thus gainsd to pay his expenses to Italy and his keep for some length of time. This is one of the many instances of the aid and encourage- ment the Eisteddfod gives to young aspirants in all arts. THE LLAN'S or SOUTH WALES. Llansamled a Llanedi-a. Llangwic Llangan a Llanelli; Llanbran, Llanon, Llanybri, Llanfair a Llanyferi. Llanwenog a Llanwyno—Llanddeusant Llanddysil, Llaugrallo Llanbadarn Fawr, Llanbedr'n y Fro, Llangathen a Llangeitho. Llansawel, Llangyfelach—Llangynog, Llangennech, Llanbradach; Llanuwchllyn, Llanymynach; Llandilo Fawr, Llandilo Fach. Mr Justice Channell, who is now going the North Wales Circuit, is very differently consti- tuted from Mr Justice Ridley. When the counsel engaged in a Portmadoc breach of promise case called attention at Beaumaris to the fact that during the hearing of the case at Carnarvon a number of the jury were absolutely unable to follow the evidence given in English, the Judge, instead of pooh-poohing and ridiculing the whole thing, gave the protest not only a courteous but a sympathetic hearing. He intimated that the case was decidedly one for further inquiry, and when the case comes before the Appeal Court it will raise the bilingual difficulty in Wales to a higher level than it probably has ever attained before. A father who had suddenly been converted to the belief that the time had come when the Welsh language should be purified and desiring to bear his part in bringing about that desir- able consummation, decided to begin the good work by discontinuing to speak to his children in the dialect to which they had been accustomed and to use thencefor- ward the classical literary language. One day he told one of his younger sons, William, dos ir ornweh ystafell a dyga i mi fy oriawr aur." The boy looked at him for a moment in dismay, and then rushed to his mother, exclaiming, Mam, cerwch i wilia she. nhad ma rhyw gollad yn myad arno fa." Things were put right when the mother explained that what his father said was :—" Cera i'r llofft i foin yn watch oir i." The poor man himself sadly realised that the reform which he sought was one that could not be brought about without causing a revolution in the household. The wanderings of Welsh manuscripts form one of the most curious chapters in the history of Welsh literature. That the diligent searcher after these missing treasures may even yet be rewarded is well illustrated by the good fortune that re- cently befel Mr Gwenogfryn Evans. Mr Evans found an interesting collection of Welsh manu- scripts amongst the effects put up at a recent sale at Moreton-in-the-Marsh. Amongst a number of miscellaneous books was a manuscript volume containing complete collections of the poems of Iolo Goch, I/lawdden, Rhys Goch Ezyri, and three or four other well-known writers, all in the handwriting of the antiquary Robert Yaughan, of Hengwrt. It appears from internal evidence that the book was presented about the yeax 1763 to the then Vicar of Llandderfel, in Merioneth- shire, but by what wanderings it got from North Wales to Moreton-in-the-Marsh no one knows. Our kinsfolk in Philadelphia, U.S.A., led by Judge H. M. Edwards, Cynonfardd, Dr. Samuel "QrtUBib »nd others, celebrated Dnj the oeatoam^j of the WetKi Etociet; of Philadelphia, which was organised in 1198, and is the direct successor of the Society of the Sons of Ancient Britons, which was formally founded on St. David's Day, 1729. It is the oldest bene- volent society of the kind in Philadelphia. This society makes the strong claim that there is not a Welsh subject, man or woman, confined in the county prison or dependent upon the city's poor house for a living. The sole aim of the society is to see that no Welsh descendant shall need or commit an act which would bring disgrace upon himself. There are 165 members, and they all cherish for Welsh emigrants and suffering Welsh- men the same kindly feelings which moved their fathers so many years ago to organise the Welsh Society. The society has received many endow- ments and has thus been enabled to do its work of benevolence, though in true Quaker fashion, without it being known outside of the society or those aided. The society roster also contains physicians who assist families afflicted coun- sellors who reader legal services, and a board of stewards. Is there such a thing as a complete file extant of the Chartist paper "U dgorn Cymru, the Trumpet of Wales ? It was published at Merthyr by David John, junior, and Morgan Wil- liams. I have several copies before me now (writes R. J. J.") and I find the number for January 1st, 1842, described as No. 23, Vol. III.' It is a small sheet of 16 pp. 8vo, price 3d. The number for June 4th, 1842, is of a different form, a quarto of 8 pp. only, price 4d. There is no material difference in the size. This last is No. 31, Vol. ro." On its first page the six points of the Charter are given. There are but few adver- tisements, among them that of William Gould, once a well-known Chartist, offering his excellent tea (te rhagoral), and thanking his customers for their support since he has been deprived of his employment for his Chartist principles. He offers to give to the Chartist Association twopence for every pound of tea he sells for ready money, and ventures to express the opinion that the associa- tion would not lack funds if all others did the same. I well remember the excitement there was in certain circles during the election of 1868 when Gould threw over Mr Henry Austin Brnce (Lord Aberdare) because he would not support the ballot. He had begged of him on his knees to do 80, but he refused. At the end of tha election Mr Bruce was a convert to the ballot. The stirring lines of M-r E. Williams Nichol- son, of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, on Wales and the Royal Arms," which are being set to music, have thus been rendered into the lan- guage of the Red Dragon by Wateyn Wyu A'r Saeson Y'nghaerfaddon gynt Ymladdai Arthur gawr; A'r groes oedd ar ei darian greft Y groes ei ymffrost fawr Ac yn ei ddeheulaw yr oedd Caledfwlch mawr ei wlad A Helm Pendragon ar ei ben A hen Ddraig Goch ei dad. Gan fyddin ein Llewelyn ddewr, A milwyr Glyndwr gynt, Dros ryddid Cymru ymhob cad Draig Goch oedd yn y gwynt; Ac ar Faes Bosworth ar y dydd Coronwyd Tewdwr Fawr, Ar fechgyn gwrol Cymru wen Y Ddraig edrychai lawr. Y goron wisgodd Tewdwr gynt, A wisga'i had o hyd Dan goron Lloegr-erbyn hyn, Mae Prydain Fawr i gyd Mae Llew y Scot a'r Norman fry Yn chwifio yn y nen,- thelyn Erin,—ond pa. Ie Mae Draig Goch Cymru weu ? Arlunwyr Baner Prydain Fawr, .p Afwydd-feirdd gorsedd hon I •t aham na chelai Draig fy ngwlad Le amIwg ar ei bron ? DybiMoch chwi ei bod yn llwfr, N eu feaUai marw yw ? ArFbWYdds y llew, dan Faner glew, e ddylai'r ddraig gael byw. Chwi arwydd-feirdd yr orsedd wen, Rhowch Ie i'r Cymro pur.— t T 7 a'r Scotyn dewr I scfvll fel y dur A phale hynag ar ei hynt. ■EI J yn y gad, Yn Arthur megis cynt jen gwaedu dros ei gwlad Cydgan gyda phob penill :— Tr»vigT^?0ch y °yn»y! P/raig y Cymry! Arwydd fjr ngwlad, fry yn y gad, Daliwn i fyny Hen Ddraig ein gwlad.

Miss Homewood Charley Jory told me ttiatl was looking pretty this morning.—Miss Point Breeze That isn't what he tofd me he s&1d to y°n What did he S8.v?" "He said he told yon that yon were looking as pretty as ever." o f Teacher: You are painfully slow with figures, Tommy. Come, now, speak up quickly. If your father gave your mother a 50 dollar bill and a 20 dollar bill, what would she have ?—Tommy A fit.

[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] GARDEN AND FIELD. With Hints on Poultry and Stock. BY "COUNTRY COUSIN." Growing Cucumbers. In the ordinary way cucumber seed takes about eight weeks from the time it is sown to the cutting of the first fruits. Unless seed has the assistance of bottom heat, which must be from 70degs. to 80degs. it will not germinate. Sow the seed singly in 3-inch pots properly drain, and use compost of leaf-mould, loam, and sand, m about equal parts. The young plants may remain in these pots until they reach about 12 inches high, but they should not remain in them after they are full of roots or the growth will be checked either plant out or shift into larger pots. Those who do not possess the convenience for raising seedlings may purchase plants cheaply enough from the market growers. If heated material is available a bed may be formed about the end of March or early in April, large enough to bear a one or two-light frame, and in this cucumbers may be raised in plenty. Until the young plants are seen and roots have been formed, water should be withheld, therefore the soil should be fairly moist at the time of sowing. After the soil is full of roots it is not easy to give too much water. In planting out or potting on, use rough soil, loam three-parts, and half-decayed horse- droppings or cow manure one part. Too much manure will produce soft growth, which is not fruitful. No matter whether cucumbers are planted in a house, in a frame, or in a bed, the treatment is the same, in each case a heap of soil should be formed in which to plant. For the first start about two bushels of soil will be enough, and as the plants gain size and roots appear on the surface add more soil. These top dressings will put fresh energy into the plants, but they cannot be applied so effectively or so well if the full amount of soil is given at once. When mak- ing the mounds ready for planting, place a few rough pieces of turf at the bottom and the finer mould on the top. Planting should be deferred until the soil is as warm as that in which the young plants are growing. Press the soil closely around the roots, and avoid excessive watering, until they have made their way into the now soil. Providing potting and planting are carefully done, shading will not be necessary, and this is by far the best, as cucumbers love the sun, and are most satisfactory when constantly exposed to its influence. The only good method of growing them in houses is to train the shoots on a trellis and allow the fruit to hang down. The main stem should be taken well up the trellis, then pinch out the top and plenty of side shoots will r break out and push forth rapidly. Thin these weekly, and at no time allow them to crowd each THE COCMIBEE. other. The moftt prolific are the thinly-trained shoots freg uatly stopped. If thorough syring- J • giVaea on fine days, obil; the plants > never allowed to suffer from want of water or nourish- ment 801rftte root, there will be no trouble from insects. Of varieties there are* many. Lockie's Perfection produces abundance of fruit, and of a uniform size Cardiff Castle, free beannf and very hardy Rollinsons Telegraph, a very free bearing variety, with solid flesh of excellent quality. We give an illustration of this kind by the courtesy of Messrs Vilmorin, Andrieux et Cie, of Paris, France. Tender and True is well known, as is also the Duke of Edinburgh and the Rochord. Pruning Roses. Last week's note on this subject treated on pruning climbing roses this week we will touch upon some of the other kinds. Upon low walls many of our strong teas and noisettes arc grown, and which are not classed as climbers. Marie Van Houtte, Caroline Kuster, Sa.fra.no, Anna Oliver and Francisca Kruger may be taken as examples of those kinds. These roses will make growths of some two feet or so. are far more per- petual blooming than the extra vigorous varieties, and require a totally different method of prnning. Each season the weaker growth must be cut back two-thirds, leave two-thirds of the medium growth, and just shorten the strongest, afterwards nailing up the wood in the usual way. The operator must give a little thought as to whether the wall is overcrowded or not, and should prune accordingly. We find on turning to our porches and arbours a class of roses wt h even longer growth. As examples we may name Longworth Rambler, Dundee Rambler, Heine Olgade, Wur- temberg, Ruga Gracilis, Alice Gray, the Bank- sins, Felicite Perpetue, and Leopoldine d'Or- leans. These produce very long and rambling growths, which soon become an intricate mass of wood, that to the amateur grower is a perfect puzzle. Here there is no such thing as pruning, but as far as possible simply thin out all useless growths. It is a great mistake to cut away the long trailing rods made the previous season. Thin out all the old wood as much as possible, and lightly draw in the new growths to take their place. These grand old roses are in too many cases spoilt by having the long growths of the previous season cut away, thereby removing the very wood that would have been simply covered in bloom. These roses should not be tied back too tightly, they have a far better effect when apparently left to grow at their own sweet will. Next come a class of roses that are used either for pillars or for pegging down. Following are a few names of varieties admirably suited for this purpose :— Madame Alfred Carriere, Magna Charta, Paul Neron, Violette Bouyer, Gloire de Rosomene, Madame Isaac Periere, Fulgens, Blanche Moreau (moss), and Coupe d'Hebe. Of coarse growers do not wish to cut these down every year, but Erune them so as to have a perfect pillar of loom and foliage, or else a uniform bed of pegged down plants. After a few long shoots have been secured to form the groundwork of the pillar, do not allow more than two strong eyes to break from the bottom in any one year. The laterals upon the older shoots should be pruned back rather more than half way; and now and again an old shoot should be cut out entirely, so as to make room for a little new wood from the base. The above nine roses are better adapted for pil- lars than for pegging down. For peggng down the following can'^be recommended:—Abel Grand, Mrs Paul, Margaret Dickson, Gloire Lyonnaise, Duke of Edinburgh, Ulrich Brunner, and Gab- riel Luizet. The first season after planting cut them down almost to the ground line, and care- fully secure the resulting growth to strong stakes. Then remove only the points of such growth and any wood that has been touched by frost. Bend over the remainder and fasten them about a foot from the ground. By pegging them into a horizontal position we get a uniform break of growth throughout the whole length, and each growth will, as a rule, carry good blooms. Re- move the pegged down shoots as the season ad- vances, and fasten to stakes the new growths that are pushing up from the base. By follow- ing this plan the manuring and working between to assist in the better production of blossom-s can be easily carried out. Cage Birds The Magpie. This handsome bird will become very docile and familiar in captivity, when brought up from the nest,and may be taught to pronounce words and short sentences. Its tones, however, are a deal too sharp and shrill to be a good imitation of the human voice. In length, the magpie measures about 18 inches, the head, neck, breast, back, and tail-coverts being deep black the under parts and scapulars white. The plumage of the upper I parts is glossed with purple, blue, and green. tail rather long and wedge-shaped. Few who see the bird at a distance or penned up in a cage are aware of the great beauty of its plumage. The white is so exceedingly pure, and the black is shot with blue, purple, and dark green, the vary- ing reflections of which are most beautiful. It appears to be a shy bird, usually keeping at a safe distance from mankind, although at the same tims never building far away from houses, pos- sibly because farmers and gamekeepers wage war against it on acount of its depredations. No food comes amiss to the magpie; it will eat food comes amiss to the magpie; it will eat poultry and young game, eggs, fish, carrion, grain, fruit, and insects. Yet, it must be remem- bered that it does a vast amount of good service in clearing fieldf3 and gardens of many destruct- ible foes, for it eats beetles in large numbers, snails, mice, and reptiles. As a pet, this hand. some and amusing bird is very interesting, especially if allowed its liberty, so that its plu- mage may attain perfection, but, on the other hand, its noise, its restless disposition, and its propensity to mischief renders it a somewhat unwelcome intruder to many people. To see the magpie at its best in captivity, it should be taken from the nest when only a fortnight old, and fed at first on bread soaked in mill, afterwards I on chopped meat, and then it may be kept on any kind of kitchen scraps. Whin nearly fledged it must be taught to take shoic flights and return to its owner, and its wings may be clipped a little till it become quiet at home in captivity, and shows no desire to take flight. It will then be- come tame enough to follow its master about like a dog, and is capable of great attachment to indi- viduals but, as stated above, its desire to carxy off and hide everything metallic or shining, and its invincible propensity for mischief, makes it capable of doing the greatest amount of damage in the shortest space of time. If kept in confine- ment the cage should be very large,and the great- est attention mast be paid to cleanliness, fresh sand being supplied daily, also abundance of wa,ter for bathing, so as to enable the bird to keep its plumage unsoiled. When kept in a cage care mast be taken not to supply too much meat. Larkspurs. The value of the single and double varieties of delphiniums as a garden flower is so universally admitted that little remains to be said in their favour, and of our choice hardy plants, few are more prized than these. But while their merits are so widely known, it is rather strange that such a number of good gardens contain such a poor supply of these handsome flowers. It m LARKSPTJB (DELPHINIUMS) should be remembered that the best kinds of to- day have been selected from many thousands of seedlings, and the task becomes more difficult an- nually, a3 it is by no means an easy task to select varieties which all round can be regarded as supe- nor to those already on the market. Even when good or improved forms appeajc, three years must elapse before anything like a stock can be raised from any single plant therefore for the best borders u will be as well 00t to obtain the plants from seed. Raising seedlings will answer well where large, open spaces in the shrubbery have to be filled, as it may be accomplished with mixed seedlings that are not good enough for better posi- tions. 7the object in drawing attention to these plants at the present time refers to transplanting them, for no season of the year is better suited for this operation than the month of March. This does not refer to established examples in pots, for these can be safely planted at almost any time, but to those plants in the open ground that need dividing and transplanting. In March delohiniums commence to push forth new roots and fresh growth. A very suitable period for moving is when the new shoots are from three inches to four inches long as at that time the operator has a guide in dividing the plants without loss. After shaking the soil well av-*ay from the stools or clumps,a glance at these t*nd the fibrous roots will show the best means for dividing. For this pur- pose about the very best thing is the point of a large-sized pruning knife. Delphiniums are ex- tremely brittle, therefore Cut right through the main portion of the stool ;attempting to wrench them apart frequently leadg to the destruction of some useful breaks as well as roots, and is best avoided. Deep digging 8ÍJld heavy manuring are essential for producing fio* spikes of bloom in- deed there are few planW which seem to delight in rich soil more than *e3e. When replanted bury the crown two inche»^deep, as many new roots are produced below Ihe current growth, as well as abundance of fibrous roots from the larger roots. Plants treated in this manner will flower well in June and July and with a long season before them make grand plants the ">* pi-C-aa<4t>j massive apikes of blooni. If the plants are intended to be left for two or three years they must have plenty of room —quite two feet or three feet apart—to ailqw of free development. Established clumps are much benefited by an occasional soaking of liquid manure, particularly before and at their flowering period. Should the weather be dry, soak with clear water first, so as to thoroughly saturate the soil. We are indebted for the use of the above illustration to the courtesy of Messrs Vilmorin, Andrieux et Cie., of Paris. Management of Lambs. In many cases lambs, when dropped, will appear to be in an almost lifeless condition and a considerable amount of attention will be neces- sary in order to restore them to animation and a hut with a fireplace and chimney with some kind of convenience for warming milk will be found extremely handy for the shepherd to make use of at yeaning-time. Lambs that were previously to all appearance dead have been brought round by being placed in a, warm basket near the fire for a few hours and now and again a little warm milk poured down their throats. Although it is very rarely the ca.3e the ewe will sometimes desert her offspring or will die in giving it birth in this case it is necessary to either plaice it with a ewe who has lost her own or to bring it up by hand on cow s milk. When the tup lambs have ac- quired strength,which will generally be when they reach the age of from eight to ten days,those that are not intended to be kept as rams should be castrated. For this operation a day should be selected that is mild and dry, and the best time for it to be done is considered to be towards evening. About this time, where it is customary to cut the tails of lambs, they should be docked but many fiockmasters, especially those whose sheep are in exposed situations, abstain from docking the ewes, considering that a long, bushy tail is a con- siderable protection to the udder, while on the other hand some contend that this is greatly counterbalanced by the long tail being found in n wayyeaning-time. Weather permitting, allow the lambs to run in the pasture with the ewes. For this purpose the best are selected, if it is the intention of getting rid of the ewes and selling them to the butcher, and are fed upon tur- mpa and rape, together with bruised oil-cake and o' i,i ^he pastures are not sufficiently rich, bhould lambs be dropped early in the season, and tne weather is cold, allow them to remain a longer time with the ewe, but generally speaking lambs are weaned in the early part of July, and, unless they were dropped late in the spring, this should not be postponed later than the end of the month. Nothing more need be done than to separate the ewes from the lambs, either placing them in dif- ferent fields or driving so far apart that their different bleating3 may not be heard by each other. In the selection of the ewe lambs par- ticular care should be exercised, all possessing any detect or that are at all ill-formed should on no account be kept, but ,?ot rid of. Separate the weaker lambs from the stronger, and deal with them m a suitable manner, and any that appear u v'c constitutionally should be sent to tho butcher. Alter they have been separated from the ewes, examine each lamb carefully to see if it has received any injury, if so put it aside for curative treatment." Diary of Garden Work. WEEK ENDING MARCH 26th. Flower Garden.—Plant box edgings. Prune roses. Cut ivy on walls with the shears. If everything is sheared off close to the wall, when the new growth breaks out, it is all of the same bright green colour. Plant ivies and put in cut- tings. Trim gravel walks and add new gravel if necessary. Repair lawns by sowing grass and white clover seeds with or without a top dressing, or by laying down new turf. Plane anemones still out of the ground. Gladioli and ranunculuses may be planted for early blooming. Plant about 4 inches deep and scatter coarse sand over and around the bulbs. From five to seven bulbs in a group in the border are more effective than single plants. When sowing hardy annuals thick seeding should be avoided. Some seeds are very small and only a light covering of fine soil is required. Mignonette and sweet peas will go in well now. Plant late-flowering lilies, also make new beds of lilies of the valley. These grow best in a position shaded from the midday sun. Where single crowns''are used plant three inches apart. Plant carnations wintered in frames, and make new beds of violas and pansies. Sow seeds of primroses, polyanthuses and auriculas in boxes in cold frames." Fruit Garden.—As soon as the sap is fairly on the move grafting may be done. Use a sharp knife and fit the various part ^together as neatly V as possible. Stone frnits are best budded, in the case of young stocks, the buds being placed on the north side of the stock near the ground. Budding can only be properly done during summer, the best time being from the middle of July till the middle of August. Remember that raspberries are surface rooting plants, therefore the spade should never be used for digging between the rows. The best tool is the fork, and even that should only be used to the depth off a few inches to stir up the soil for the sun and air to sweeten it and improve its texture. Vines in the greenhouse will soon be breaking, and all surplus buds should be rubbed off as soon as the branches likely to hear the best bunches can be distinguished. Strawberry beds should be gone over now, dead foliage removed, and the surface soil stirred up. Vegetable Garden.—Stir the soil between let- tuces and cabbages, and draw a little soil up to the latter to encourage growth. A few cabbage seeds may be sown to come on for succession, and to fill up vacant places. Sow Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, celery, and leeks. Late celery damaged by frost should be cleared away and the fround planted with early peas, pota.toes; etc. 'lant Jerusalem artichokes and a few roots of the Chinese artichokes. Regarding the latter ¿" I some speak highly of it, while others do not care for it, but everyone should try a. 'few and judge I for themselves. A pound or two of tubers will not cost much. Plant in rows like potatoes. The land must be in a mellow condition and deeply cultivated. Sea-kale crowns not covered must receive attention at once. Place about a, foot of light compost over the crowns, and cut the kale I as soon as the upheaval of the ground is noticed. I Sow asparagus seeds and plant root cuttings of sea-kale or sow seeds. Plant onions for seeds a.nd sow early horn carrots, parsnips, and a few turnip-rooted beet for early crops. Plant shallots, and sow parsley if not yet done. Greenhouse.—Sow Chinese primulas if shaded till the seeds germinate all the better. Re-arr&nge the house now and again. Shift late flowering pelargoniums, and directly the roots begin to fill the new soil give the last stopping, or stop first and delay the potting for a week or two. Stake early-olooming pelargoniums to put them into shape, as the buds will soon be visible. Green-flv mast be kept down either by fumigating vaporising, or by dipping in an insecticide. Sow tender annuals for the beds and borders, also for pots. All things requiring more pot room can be repotted. Put in cuttings of geraniums, fuchsias, and any other plants of which stock is short. Sow cucumbers to plant in frames, and tomatoes for planting outdoors. Frames.—Move chrysanthemusm from the greenhouse to a cold frame, but cover with mats at night; shift into 5in. pots. Keep the hot-bed filled with something useful. Pot off cuttings, and prick off seedlings into boxes as soon as they are large enoughto handle. Help them along in the warm frame for a, few days. Window Garden.—Keep "the foliage clean by using the sponge. Divide and re-pot aspidistras and pot Indian rubbers. Overhaul fern cases and replant. Re-pot cactuses after flowering. Put in cuttings of fuchsias under a bell-glass. Answers to Correspondents. Ailing Rabbit. (G.S.).—You had better kill your rabbit at once, if it is not already dead. By your account the animal is so badly attacked with scab or rot that it is simply an act of cruelty to doctor it. The cause of the complaint is dirt a.nd foul hutches, feeding upon damp food, and neglect generally. Cinerarias'(A Reader).—You may sow cinera.rias and primulas now, or at any time during Apjil, or even later, according as you want them to Bower early or late. Sow your balsams now. Asparagus Bed (Amateur).—No, it is not too late to make an asparagus bed. Sow the seed now. Spring Bulbs (M.F.R.).—The crocus and other bulbs you mention will do for another year if you let the foliage ripen. Tulips ana daffodils planted now will do no good this year; they sbould be planted in autumn. Notice.—All communications for this column should be addressed to Country Cousin," care of the Editor. If correspondents would bear this in mind there would be less delay in answering, as in some cases letters for this column have I been forwarded to the publisher. If a reply "is required by post a stamped addressed envelope must be enclosed. Correspondents would greatly assist us by writing distinctly, and making all names of plants, etc., as plain as possible.

PAST EVENTS IN OUR ISLAND RECALLED. MARCH 21st. 1849—Mr Macaulav was installed as Lord Rector of Glasgow University, a.nd the next day was presented with the freedom of the city. 1855—General Fast Day throughout England in consequence of the Crimean War for a blessing on the just and necessary war in which we are engaged." 1857—The 16th Parliament of the United King- dom was prorogued by Commission pre- paratory to its dissolution. 1866—The Oxford Tests Abolition Bill was read I a second time by a majority of 217 to 103. 1871—In the presence of the QueeD, Princess Louise was married to the Marquis of Lome in St. George's Chapel, Windsor. 1882-A grand fete, with splendid illuminations, was given in honour of tha Queen at Men- tone, which her Majesty witnessed from the balcony of her villa. MAnCH 22nd. 1850—Letters patent were issued separating the Orange Sovereignty u-om the Cape Colony I as to its laws and administration, and creating for its government a. local council I nominated by the Crown. — 1854-The Lord Chancellor announced in the Lords the declaration of war with Russia. 185S-Indian Mutiny. Sir Colin Campbell established himself rt Lucknow. 186G-Government (Russell) was censured by a majority of 101 to 70 for limiting the designs for the new Law Courts to six architects. 1S88—The British Expeditionary Force captured the Thibetan post of Lingtu. 1391-The Empress Frederick opened the new wing of the Bedford (Women's) College, Baker street. MARCH 23ra 1840—Lord John Russell obtained leave to bring m a Bill for uniting the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada. 1849-Sir F. Baring announced in the Commons that the Government had determined on offering £20,000 to any vessel that would afford efficient assistance in saving Sir John Franklin and those under him. 1860—The Chancellor of the Exchequer introduce d his proposal (afterwards accepted) to in- crease the Income Tax to lOd in the 1865—The British Parliament granted £50,000 for the defence of Canada.- 1868-Mr Gladstone produced in the Commons his three resolutions with regard to the Disestablishment and Disendowment of the Irish Church. 1870-Submarine telegraph communication was established between Bombay, Aden, and Suez. 1887—The Queen visited Birmingham, laid the foundation stone of the new Law Courts. If ARCH 24th. 1843—Sir Charles James Napier, by a victory over the insurgents, completed the subju- gation of Scinde, and became Governor. 181-6-President Polk, in view of the warlike pre- parations being made by Britain, and in the still unsettled state of the Oregon question, sent a special message to Congress, recom- mending a large increase of tho naval and military forces of the American Union. 1848—Forgery of documents purporting to be The unedited works of Lord Byron." 1879-A Royal Commission, with the Prince of Wales as executive president, was notified for the promotion of exhibitions at Sydney and Melbourne. 1880—The Beaconsfield Parliament was dissolved. 1890—The Irish Land Purchase Bill was intro- duced into the House of Commons by Mr A. J. Balfour. -4 MARCH 25th. 1843—Ceremonial opening of the Thames Tunnel. 1847—Prince Albert was inaugurated as Chan- callor of Cambridge University at Bucking- ham Palace. 1848—The United, Irishman published a. letter from John Mitchell to The Right Hon. the Earl of Clarendon, her Majesty's Exe- cutioner-General a.nd General Butcher of Ireland." 1852-Mr Hume's motion in favour of ahousehold and lodger franchise, vote by ballot, and triennial Parliaments, was negatived by 244 to 89 votes. 1861—Funeral of the Duchess of Kent in St. George's Chapel. Windsor. 1881—By a vote of the Commons the censure which the Lords had passed on the Govern- ment for refusing to occupy Candahar was reversed. 1887—Archdeacon Blyth was consecrated Bishop of Jerusalem at Lambeth Palace. MARCH 26th. 1840—The Agricultural Society of England, established in 185S, received a Royal Charter of Incorporation. 1857—The British, under Sir James Outram, de- feated the Persians at Mohammerah. 1858—Mr Disraeli introduced the new India, Bill to the Commons. 1867—After criticisms from Mr Bright, the Re- form Bill was read a. second time without a division. 1868-Mr Otway's motion prohibiting courts martial from passing sentence of corporal punishment in time of peace within the Queen's dominions was carried by 152 to 127 "ote3. I 1878-The Beaconsfield Cabinet resolved to call out the Reseves, to summon a contingent of native troops from India, to seize Cyprus, and land an army at a port in I' Syria. MARCH^7th~ 1839-A.cting under threats from the Governor of Canton, Superintendent Elliott, at Hong Kong, ordered the surrender of all opium. 1851—Lord John Russell obtained leave to bring in a Bill for the better administration of the Court of Chancery. 1869—Shere Ali, Ameer of Afghanistan, was eplendidlv entertained by Lord Mayo, Viceroy "of India, at Umballa, where his position as Ameer was officially recognised, and a subsidy of £120,000 a year was granted him to defend his Throne. 1875—The English betting offices in Paris were seized by the police, 1883—John Brown, personal attendant of the Queen, died of erysipelas at Windsor. 1889—The Queen met the Queen Regent of Spain at St. Sebastian. This is the first time a Spanish and British Sovereign ever met on Spanish soil.

You must be crazy." Must ?" That is the word. If you won't be insane," continued the lawyer for the defence. I see no way of saving your neck."

Illustrated Fashions. There is going to be a perfect farore for floral hats, toques, and bonnets. This style of garni- ture will not be limited to any particular shade. Broad brims of hats will be deftly covered with tiny blossoms, closely packed so as to avoid any appearance of clumsiness, while the large blooms will be gathered together into Fprays and round bunches, the latter being the most novel form, and arranged on either bonnet or toque. Flower trimmings are simply so inexhaustible as to defy description, the great object being to wear a flower that is not generally seen in the capacity of a hat embellisher. Those that answer this requirement at the moment are chiefly Michael- mas daisies, fuchsias, and the homely columbine. Polyanthus in various shades, from mauve to magenta, are also great favourites, and if bought and utilised immediately may be enjoyed before they become common. The little h&t shown in the sketch is of carelessly put together green rush straw, and is trimmed with two huge rosettes of shaded mauve and yellow polyanthus, A FLORAL TOQFE. quite stiffly put without any attempt at artistic gracefulness and fastened firmly to the straw on either side of the upturned point in front, though not exactly opposite to each other. The whole straw is bound by a rouleau of delicate violet velvet, and the Paradise spray feather, turning its curves backwards from the front, is of pale canary yellow. It is a happy design for a young and pretty girl, but should by no means be adopted by anyone past her first youth. The closer we approach to the time when thin materials can be worn the more elaborate will our bodices become. There is hardly any form of elaboration on cloth bodices possible save that of intricate braiding. But with soft silks, chiffons, gauses, and guipure the matter is totally different, and I give here a design which, on a slight figure, would have a deliciously soft and fussy effect. The skirt going with it is of green and mauve shot canvas made up over a yellow silk founda- tion, and the effect of this combination is parti- cularly charming. The bodice is of mauve mocsseline de soie, has rucked sleeves, soft puffed epaulets, and tucked front alternating with three rows of tiny fringe each edged. with bebe green velvet. The back of the bodice is almost entirely covered with guipure—that is to say, as far as the little frills lying low round the neck. In front it just passes the armholes, and is laid out in flat tabs against the sleeves, each tab being edged with chiffon frills. Two of these tabs appear below the waistband in front and two more at {he back. AN ELABORATE There is another point illustrated by this little bodice, and that is the very low necks we are likely to have in the front of our bodices this year, while the back will be covered with a pro- fusion of bows and pleatings, making a very be- coming frame-work to the face and hair. What a revolution there is in skirts I Wha.t is to be done with our old belongings, for assuredly they will be of very little use beyond serving as foundations or, carefully manipu- lated, as upper parts with added flounces ? I give in the illustration a design for a simple walking skirt of the new pattern. This does not by any means show the more exaggerated form adopted for really smart and dressy cos- tumes, which grip the figure tightly from waist ONE OR THE NEW SKUTTS. to knee, the tiny amount of fulness necessary being compressed into the space of one inch at the back, while the flounces are usually slightly graduated from a lower point in the front to a higher point at the back. The flounce is not placed on to the skirt, but forms part of it, and abso- lutely necessitates, so far as the flounce is con- cerned at any rate, a silk lining. The economi- cally minded may line the upper part with something less expensive if they will, bnt for the well-being and hanging of the lower fulness a silk lining is essential. To begin with the weight of anything else wod^ be impossible, and it would sag into the ancles instead of flying out in the approved fashion. So far no stiffening is used in these flounces, but it is not improbable as the season wears on and the flimsier fabrics come to the fore that some sort of muslin inter- lining may be found of use. The materials that are best adapted to this mode are canvases of all kinds and makes, heavy silk-meshed canvas for choice, as it gives a mysterious charm of colour by means of a shot and contrasted lining glim- mering through its semi-transparency. Greens and mauves, pale blues and orange colour, and grey with touches of bleek--gl these combina- tions are excellent. So, too, is a certain dull shade of magenta relieved with a leaf graen. Velvets are mostly used for the folded ceintures, which still maintain their own, though ladies of slender make may indulge in straight ribbon waistbands fastened on one side with a windmill bow and long ends that fall almost to the hem of the skirt. COQUETTE.

Your sister got married last night,didn't she ? Were you the best man ?" Naw—but I was the wovst-bor."

Welsh Tit-Bits. Neu Wreichion Oddiar yr Eingion. By CADRAWD. The Principal Eisteddfodau. [CONTINUED J 1838. Cowbridge. Death of William IV." Ielo Fardd Glis. The old Cowbridge cooper seems to have taken nearly all the principal prizes in poetry at this Eisteddfod, and for once gave the lie to the familiar old proverb A prophet is not without honour save in his own i country." Besides the chief prize, he gained the prize for the beet descriptive song, The Rejoic- iag among the Britons on the Ascension of her Majesty Queen Victoria to the Throne of Great Britain." He won on the Gosteg o Englynioa in praise of Mr Daniel Jones, of Beaupre, for his liberal gift to the Cardiff Hospital; song descrip- tive of the Sceneries of Glamorganshire; also englynion on "The Marcross Lighthouse; and englynion to the newly-erected Mansion at Margain Abbey. During this same year he took the prize at the Eisteddfod y Maen Chwyf" for the best song on the Virtues of a Good Wife: Mae hon yn teilynga i'w pherchen ei pharcha, A'i llwyr anrhydeddu a'i chara tra chwyth, Fel penaf o roddion a dethawl fendithion I ddynion trwy gofion tragyfytb. I 1838. In this year the Swansea Cymreigyddion ¡ had a very successful Eisteddfod. It was held I on Dee. 3rd, the president, Mr Wm. Williams, Aberpergwm, in the chair, and the Rev. D. Rhys Stephens conducting; adjudicators, Taliesin ab lolo and Carnhuanawc. The prizes, which were very liberal, were subscribed by individual gentle- men, and the subjects suggested by those who gave the prizes. The prize for the best ode on the "Royal Institution," Swansea, was offered by the late Mr Talbot, of Margam; and another was offered by the late Marquis of Bute, for the best ode on the Anchorage at Swansea." The first was won by Mr W. Thomae (Gwilym Mai), Carmarthen, the second by Mr H. Evans, Cardiff. Lord Ad&re gave a prize for the best and most complete list of Norman Remains in Glamorgan, which was awarded to Mr Morgan Rhya; and the President, Mr Williams, of Aberpergwm, gave a prize of five guineas for the best History of Drnidical Remains in Glamorganshire." Mr John Roberts, of Swansea, was the successful competitor on this subject, and his History wa published in a shilling book the following year. 1839. Merthyr Cymmrodorion. Massacre of the Children of Bethlehem;" successful ba.rd, Mr R. Jones. This 15th anniversary of Twyn yr Odyn" was brought to a close by singing to the air God Save the Queen" the following verse composed for the occasion:— Duw, cadw ar bob awr Frenhines Prydain Fawr, Victoria fwyn; Os mewa rhyw ing daw hi, I'th borth, gan godi'i chri, O'th fangre gwrando di, Ein Hior, ei chwyn. 1839. Liverpool. HiLman a Mordecaisuc- cessful bard, Rev. T. Pierce. This Eisteddfod was held on St. David's Day, Caledfryn being adjudicator, and several prizes were withheld for want of merit. Ancient Cymric Items. Br&n Fendigaid (Brgn the Blessed) was, accord- ing to the Welsh Triads, the first who brought Christianity among the Cymry, from Rome, where he had been for seven yettre as a hostage for his son, Caractacus. Lleurwg, usually called Lleufer Mawr, built the first church in Britain. This church was at Ll&ndaff. Wheat and barley were brought into Britain for the first time by Coll ab Coll Frewi, in the sixth century, whereas previously there had been only oats. Illtyd (Iltntus) was the first to use ft plotigh in this country. Corfinwr, the bard of Ceri Hir Lyngwyn, was the first to make a ship, sail, and helm for the Cymry, and is mentioned as one of the chief mechanics of Britain. Coel ab Cyllin, grandson of Caractacus, was the first to put up a mill turned by a wheel— Melin rhod ac olwyn." According to Giraldus, Bishop Morgenau. who 1 died about the year 1000, was the first Bishop of St. David's who ate flesh. As a judgment upon him for this sinful indulgence he was put to death by pirates. He appeared to a certain Bishop in Ireland on the night of his death, shewing his wounds, and saying, 1 Because I ate meat I am made meat.' It was appointed by one of the Bishops of St. David s that a sermon should be preached in the diocese annually on the first day of March, to commemorate the "holy austerity" and other virtues of the patron saint. The following collect was used in churches as part of the service, on the anniversary of St. David's, before the Reformation:-O God, who by an angel didst foretell the nativity of Thy blessed confessor, Saint David, thirty years before he was born, grant unto us, we beseech Thee, that celebrating his memory we may by his interces- sion attain to joys everlasting?* There is a tradition that King Henry VIII. had once a design of removing the Episcopal See of St. Darid's to Carmarthen, but that he desisted from the intention when he was informed that the bones of his grandfather, the Earl of Richmond, were buried there. The Hirtas Horn. The Earl of Richmond, afterwards Henry VII., landed in Pembrokeshire A.D. 1485, with an army from France. The Earl being grandson of Owen Tudor, and having been born in Pembroke, was received by the people of that county with great favour. In his march through Cardigan, Ifenry slept one night at Llwyn-Dafydd, in the parish of Llandyssiiiogogo, the seat of Dafydd ab Ifan,; and presented his host with a drinking horn, richly mounted on a silver stand, which horn afterwards came into the possenion of Richard Earl of Carbery, and is still seen at Golden Grove. A beautiful and correct engraving of this magnificent horn may be seen in Lewis Dwn's Heraldic Visitation." This kind of hom was the usual drinking cup of the Danes and Normans, and :by them it was introduced into Wales. The Welsh called it Hir-lae," or the Long-blue. It was a section of the horn of a bullock, and bottomless. The person pledged to drink out of itiield his fourth finger under the horn whilst the wine, ale, or mead was poured in, then drank the contents, and blowing through the horn at the narrow end shewed all was gone, and passed the hirlas on to the next guest. Gyrnogyn was the Welsh drinking vessel, made of wood, with an erect handle; specimens of which may, be seen at the Cardiff Museum. Mi welais fyd ar frigyn, Ar Deio a Wil Hopkin; Yfed gwin yn Mhlls Gwaenfo Mewn cnepyn o gyrnocyn.

BUSINESS FIRST. DENTIST Do you wish to take laughing gas ? PATIENT Not till after the tooth is out, thank yon. I shall feel more like laughing then. I

Lady Guest (to hostess) Really I couldn't eat another hot roll, dear. I don't know how many I've had already.- Jory (sitting opposite) I do; you've eaten eight. I've been connting. If pugilists had to do their talking over the long distance telephone they would light rather than talk at the present rate of tolls. Bill: I'm the greatest hand for dreaming fish stories.—Jill: That's probably what rankei you lie awake so much.

I GOSSIPS' CORNER. The Rev. Dr. Arthur Jones has accepted the pastorate of the Welsh Baptist Church at Buiitfc Wells, Brecon. The average number of prisoners at Car (MS Gaol is 271: at Brecon, 23; Carmarthen, 43: Carnarvon, 44 Swansea, 147 and Usk, 100. Welsh emigration to Canadapromiees-to be largie this year. In the North hundreds of quarrymen are, it is said, preparing to croae the Atlantic te seek fresh fields and pastures npw. The Rev. Elwyn Thomas, of Newport, has beet approached for the second time by the representa- tives of a large Congregational Church in1;h ega with the intention of inducing him to accept the pastorate. Mr Emlvn Evans, in the Cerddor for this month, has a spirited article, entitled, Not s- Word of Welsh," condemning, and not without reason, the entire neglect of Welsh songs by Welsh singers. The directors of the Calvinistic Methodist Missionary Society, having accepted the ser- vices of the Rev. J. Gerlan Williams, B.Sc. and of the Rev. Edwin Rowlands; have appointed them to labour in India. The Rev. W. M. Jones has resigned the chargt of the Congregational Church at Barkway, Herta Mr Jones has been received into the Baptist com- munion at Swansea, and will henoeforth exercisf his ministry in that denomination. A minister down Llanelly way was offered the dignified prefix of "Dr." by an American th* other day for 17 10s. He prbndnnc^S'^l^lx^^e his name, and it was so high-sounding that 114 almost fell to the temptation of accepting it. Dr. B. Thomas, of Toronto, is preparing < biography of the late Dr. Fred Evans, of Milwau- kee, U.S.A., for the press. The portion relating to his ministry in Wales will be written bj Waldo, Wateyn Wyn, and the Rev. T. V. Evang. All the children born at Bangor last month were males. The birth-rate, 10'92 per 1,000, wa* the lowest on record, but it is encouraging aeeinf the number of unmarried girls there are that the North Walians are determined to keep down the ratio. Shakespeare and Socrates were freely quotec by one of the delegates at the Miners' Conference on Monday. The quotation (?) from Shakespeare was given as-" Sympathy without relief isfiki mustard without beef." All the quotations from Socrates were in Welsh Y Drych reports the death of Mrs Emily Roberts, Nanticoke, Pa., at the age of 39 rears. Mrs Roberts, it is stated, was a cousin of his Honour Judge Gwilym Wilfisms, and was êbn- sidered to be one of the sweetest singers in the State of Pennsylvania. Visions of Tyburn and Claud Duval are called up by the notice of the Town Clerk of Cardifi summoning a meeting of the Public Works Com- mittee. In good bold roundhand we learn that the business of the meeting is Charges against certain highwalymeii." Who are these local Jacl Sheppards ? The General Committee appointed by On Calvinistic Methodists will meet to-day at Ches- ter to elect a Professor of Hebrew for the Bala Theological College. The Selection Committee has chosen the names of three candidates to jtw submitted to the General Cennsittse, -viz., tha Revs. G. Parry-Williams, B.A., of Denbigh • W. B. Stevenson, B.D., of Edinburgh; amc John Owen Thomas, M.A., of Aberdovey. The cosmopolitanism of the Welsh collier wat agreeably illustrated at the Miners' Confere" at Cardiff on Monday by the presence among tim delegates of one of the dusky aona of A Clearly the black man enjoyed the fall confidence of his fellow-workmen before they would 46va h e elected him to represent them at each ( critical juncture in the history of the Weleà": trade. Who knows but that the coloured brothel may yet develop into a Mabon Secnadus ? A Welsh brewer was recently a candidate at < local election. His opponent was a working mdn who was one day taunted for his impudence it coming forward against such im (lufnnt ynrmn age. "Yon are not educated." wtw remark made to him. h Maybe," he replied but I would have been if my father had not educated my opponent! It is only msceswry tt add that his sire was fond of the cup tliat inebri- ates. The refusal of incorporation is a severe blow te Merthyr people, who for the fifth time have failed to impress the powers that be "oftbejusâel of their claim. In many individual breasto Ais appointment is also keenly felt, for did not tin remarks of the learned Commissioner lead to the belief that their long-looked-for ideals were to 1M realised at last ? Many worthy townsmen wilt anticipated the dignities of mayor, aldermen, oi councillors are now convinced that life is scarcely worth living. Mr Beerbohm Tree has commemorated hii brilliant revival of J nlius Cassar at He; Majesty's Theatre, London, by the distributior of souvenirs at the fiftieth performance. ADi such souvenirs !—a substantial volume with u essay on Julius Caesar written by our country. man, Mr Ernest Rhys, its stage history, and < wealth of illustration suggested by the produc tion at Her Majesty's Theatre to such clever young artists of the day as Mr Herbert Railton Mr WaJter Savage, and Mr Jule Goodman. Apropos of the fact that the Society of Friend: have just opened a new meeting house at L1&n, drindod Wells, we are reminded that the Friendi at one time exercised considerable influence in Mid-Wales in fact, as far back as 1657 they had a meeting house in Radnorshire. In recent yeeim there has been a revived interest in their form ot worship, so that the new place of meeting," Llandrmdod is the third opened since 1890 ia that district. In the success of this new effort aLl Ev&ngelical Free Churches will heartily rejoice. An amusing incident is reported in the Carmar then papers in connection with a recent parisfe meeting to consider the promotion of the Welsk Church Press Company. TefSf uifefing -#as fixes for the Model School, and the worthy vicar, witil one of his clerical assistants, was duly in attend. ance at that hour. The audience, however, did not turn up, and after a long wait the vicar & parted. It afterwards transpired, however, thaf the clerical gentlemen and their audience wen unconsciously playing at hide and seek-thai, while the former were waiting in one room for at audience the latter were awaiting a chairman it another. The Rev. D. Evans, of BffiftH- Pofl? ytftesV- Referring to the paragraph in your column relativ- to the church at Libanus, Pwll, near Llay, there are several in this neighbourhood Who_} that it is not strictly accurate- TheCon^egaticma cause at Pwll was commenced through the com- bined efforts of Revs. T. Johns (Capel Als) .and J. Rogers (Pembrey), before the TabernaeU Church, Llanelly-Rev. Ossien Daviess fin: pastorate—was begun. After Mr Ossian Davies'f settlement at Llanelly Mr Rogers co-operastec with him in the establishment and fostering of the young church at Pwll, and gave hislabouxs gratuitously, and for many months after M) Davies's departure for Swansea. It has been said that Welshmen have nol naturally the gift of humour. The inhabitant) of the parish of T- must certainly be the ex ception that proves the rule. These worthy PeoPl were lately filled with the pradseworthy desiri to possess a hearse of their own, and (so decuwai the University College of WaJes Mage zine), they conceived the idea of in. viting a well-known professor of D.C.W. to deliver a lecture in their parish roott in order to raise funds. That gangemma having duly considered the seriousness of tht undertaking, offered them a lecture on" Tht Divinity of the Book of Exodus," which on would naturally consider peenlairly appropriate But he was met with the smiling rejoinder tbW thalt subject was, the villagers feared, much toe serious they would rather have a lecture 0 something light! The lecture as eveBteaUy delivered was, we believe, almost frivokmi character. The inhabitants of T—— wwo: **at, pleased, and are now the ptrond possessors ad « e of their very own.