The Cardiff Times

I FARM AND GARDEN. — — Sliding-seale of Rent and Wages. The Earl of Pembroke writes to a contempo- rary :—I have no wih to throw any cold water upon the Agricultural Union, with the chief objects of which I am m hearty sympathy, but I feel compelled to utter a word of warning in time against the specious proposal to institute a sliding-scale of rent and of wages based upon prices, which I see was adopted by Lord Win- chilsea at Ipswich. Nothing can be more attrac- tive in theory than a sliding-scale for rent based upon prices it is go obviously equitable in principle, and seems so simple; in practice it proves to be very unsatisfactory and full ( of inconveniences and anomalies. Such a system was instituted on the Wilton House estate in Wiltshire at the time of the abolition of the Corn Laws to allay the fears of the farmers, and as a wise measure of precaution against the possible results of that measure upon prices. It remained in force till 1871 or 1872, when I brought it to an end on account of its unpopu- larity with the tenants. They complained, first, that it worked unsatisfactorily, a fanner having sometimes to pay more rent m a bad season than he had in a good one, because prices were a little lower in the latter and, secondly, that it was so complicated—any such system, in order to avoid as far as possible such anomalies as the above, must necessarily be elaborate and complicated—that they were often quite out in their calculations aa to how much they would havo to pay. "There, sir," said a very superior tenant of mine to his rector, who told me the story, jn that letter is stated the amount of rent that I have got to. pay at the next audit and—would you believe it ?-I don't know within 250 what it will be." In those halcyon days tenants, though they might grumble in private at such a system, paid the rent. In these days it would lead to endless wrangles between agent and tenant, and constitute a very real grievance. A sliding-scale of wages as well would complicate the matter still futther. A farmer might find himself, in consequence of a rise in prices, by which he personally perhaps had chanced to profit very little, liable both to pay an increased rent to his landlord and to raise his labourers' wages. Besides this, the rate of wages is governed, to some extent at least, by causes other than the price of the article produced, and this would probably prove a fertile cause of disagreements and misunderstandings. Indeed, I can hardly imagine any device of the enemy better calculated to set by the ears the three classes, which it is the object of the Agricultural Union to unite, than this plausible and innocent- looking proposal of a sliding-scale for rent and wages; and I venture earnestly to appeal to the leaders of that union to look into its probable working very closely before com- nlitting themselves to giving it a place in their programme. Window Gardening. Bulbs, both in-pots and glasses, if they were started early, will be coming into blossom now. All these, including djtffodils, freesias, tulips, and hyacinths, will require plenty of moisture but if grown in pots the pots should pot stand in water, either in jars or saucers. It will be better after each watering to empty all surplus water out of the vessels in which the pots stand. Should green- fly appear on pelargoniums or cinerarias dust a iittle tobacco-powder over them, or use the sponge dipped in soapy water in a warm state. If a little more pains were taken in the use cf these simple remedies there would not be so much trouble with insects. The lemon-scented verbena is ? popular window-planbi<f-<<tnt<equfnee of its fragrance. Old plants may be shortened back and if the prunings are put in as cuttings many of them will grow. Vegetable Garden. Fetch up all arrears of what may be called preparatory work, such as manuring, trenching, &c. Th03'j who have not yet sown any peas or beans must soon do so if they want to have them' early. They may also be sown in pots and brought on in the greenhouse, to be hardened off in a cold frame, and planted in March when the weather is suitable. Though I have generally adopted this plan to a limited extent, I never in conse- quence omitted the early open-air sowing at the first favourablo opportunity, as it gives two chances. I think I have mentioned before that the dwarf grtv-n fan or cluster bean is a good variety for small gardens or large ones either, for what is good for one 1:5 suitable for the other. They bear very freely, and do not tak* up much room on the early border. The longpods or Windsors may be planted in the quarters. Sew the queen onion thickly in a warm spot for early draw- ing grew. Choice exhibition sorts, of which only small packets have been obtained, may bo sown in pota or small lsoxes, and placed where there is a gentle heat, but must not remain in the hot-bed long enough to draw up weakly. A pinch of look seed and Brussels sprouts for tirst croup may also bo sown under glass. If the early potatoes are placed in a light situation to get the crown eytss strong, it will be as well not to be in a hurry about planting outside, unless it is intended to shelter them when through the ground. There is nearly sure to be a demand for cabbage, cauli- flower, and lettuce plants, therefore sow a few seeds under glass. Sow the round spinach be. tween the rows of early peas. Plant shallots and garlio when the ground gets into condition. There is no better way of growing these than pressing the bulb lets into the ground in rows one foot apart, six inches between the bulbs, and cover each bulb with a good handful of rich com- post, of which burnt rubbish forms a part. Outdoor Garden. I Climbers on walls, including Ivy, may have what pruning is required. Such summer-flower- ing Roses as Boursault, Ayrshire, and others may also be thinned and shortened where necessary. Recently-planted Clematis will be better cut down to the last eye or bud to strengthen the base. In cutting back Ivy on walls use the shears and trim it m quite close. "When the new leaves break away the green will be all of one shade or tint, and the leaves will lie close to the wall. Sow Sweet Peas for early blooming. Scatter a few dry ashes along the rows cor over the patches if sown in clumps to keep off slugs. New kinds of Dahlias place in heat to start the shoots for early cuttings. Sow seeds of single or any other Dahlias that have been saved at home or obtained from a good source. The plants will flower early, and do for filling ia backs of beds or borders they are very effectiveand also cheap. Finish planting roses from the open ground as soon as possible. Teas and other roses in pots may be planted any Wue. Prunings of tea and other roses, if planted thickly in a bed of cocoa- nut fibre where there is a little bottom hoat, will mae goP184f, Theme need not be much heat. Make the cuttings about six inches long, of firm wood. If the fibre is in a moist condition the cuttings will require no water till roots are forming. It is tho water and the irregular condition of the compost as regards moisture which causes the cuttings to fail. Fasten carnations, &c., after the frost has gone, and the ground is getting dry on the top. Plant pansies and violas if not already set out. It is a good plan to divide the stock of these things, half to be planted in autumn, and the remainder from this on till Marob.-Gari&-ing Illustrated. The Weather and the Crops. Fine weather and the promise of an early spring make fanners begin to talk of sowing barley, and the dead season on the farm may already be said to be over. With regard to trade, the present market value of English wheat is 8d and lOd lower than a year ago; 3s 7d lower than in 1891, and 3s lOd lower than it was three years since. The country markets of the past week show 23 Exchanges firm tor home- grown wheat, but 47 have admitted 6d decline. Among these have been Chelmsford, Lincoln, Exeter, Southampton, Wakefield, Yeovi!, and Norwich. Foreign wheat has been under the influence of crop reports, which are very good from India and Chili, and which show an im- provement from France and Italy. The 40 loading country markets for spring corn show that barley has been firm at 26, weak at 14 oats firm at 23, weak at 17; pulse firm at 12, weak at 28; and maize firm at 35, and weak at 5. Maize, therefore, has been the firmest of the 'four sorts. -Marillane Express.

Andrew Fletcher, *f Saitoun, in a letter te the Marquis of Montrose, wrote I know a very wise man that believed that if a man were permitted te make all the ballads he need net care who should make the laws of the nation."

MY NATIVE LAND. 'Tis sweet to think ot bygone years, Though sanguine hopes are banished How sweet each well-known spot appears, Though boyhood's dreams are vanished. Scenes of my youth, to memory dear, Each well-remembered spot I see Thy fresh green hills, thy river clear, My native land, I sigh for thee. I love thy lone and craggy hills, Clad with wild heath and waving fern, The gushing streams, the trickling rills, The pathless glen, the rocky cairn I love the steeps I've climb'd of yore To gaze upon the boundless sea, To hear the stormy billows roar, My native land, I sigh for thee. Tiie cot f-mbossed in the trees, The mill beside the willowy brook The primrose banks, where humming bees Sought out each flowery npok The mouldering church that crowns the hill, The sedgy pond and fairy tree, Are treasured in my heart, and still My native land, I sigh for thee THE LATE A. NICHOLL, R.H.A.

1 The Household. The Care of Health. DIET.—This should be plain and wholesome, and of a mixed character. It should also be moderate as to quantity, and regular, allowing neither too long nor too short intervals between meals. EXERCISE.—Daily exercise is necessary to the enjoyment of good health, and if possible should be taken when the air is good and free from smoke and other impurities. The best forms of exercise are walking, riding, rowing, etc. When outdoor exercise is im- practicable, the dumb bells, single stick, and billiards may be advantageously substituted. PURE AIR.-The thorough ventilation of the house or rooms we live in is another essential to tfataltb, and must on no account be neglected. Nothing is so conducive to sickness as hot and stuffy rooms and this remark is especially applic- able to the bedroom, which should be of sufficient size, permitting a free current of pure air to pass through it during the hours when it is not occupied. And here it may not be out of place to observe that it is not sufficient to open doors lead- ing into passages or staircases, which may con- tam all the bad air of the house neither does it do to open windows looking into confined and impure spaces. Ventilation, to be of any service. must permit of the exit of the bad air in such a way that it cannot re-enter, and of the admission of the pure air from the best source without. CLOTHING.—This should be com for table only, too much wrapping being quite as prejuicial to health as too little. It should be adapted to the seasons of the year, and should always in this country inclue thick underclothing for the winter and liffht for the summer the feet also should be well protected by warm stockings and strong boots. The custom of placing thick layers of flannel on the chest in the form of a chest-protector is very much to be deprecated, except in the case of really delicate people. TIIK BATH.—This is a valuable adjunct to health, and should be taken cold during the summer months, and with the chill off the re- mainder of the year. A warm soap-and-water bath should be taken at bedtime ouce a week er once a fortniglit or the Turkish bath may be enjoyed by those who can indulge in the luxury, care being taken not to drive but to walk briskly home afterwards, if the distance is not too great. Hints. COFFEE CpitAm.-Soak half a box of gelatine in milk enough to cover it, for an hour. Pour on a cupful of strong hot coffee, and sweeten with two-thirds of a cupful of sugar. Place it over boiling water and stir until dissolved. Strain and mix with a pint of cream. Beat occasionally until cool, then pour in mould as desired and set on ice, if possible, to stiffen. SPONGE SANDWICHES 1 oz. flour, 1 oz. castor sugar, 1 oz. butter, 1 egg, pinch ot salt and baking powder; beat up well and divide the mixture into two pudding plates bake a golden colour in hot oven, and spread a thick layer of raspberry jam over it; put the other on the top, and cut into triangular shapes. MEAT CROQUETTES.—This can be made out of soup-meat. Ingredients :—2 cups of chopped beef, 1 tablespoonful of butter, 1 tablespoonful of flour, 1 egg, half a lemon or 1 tablespoonful of vinegar, a few gratings of nutmegs, and half a cupful of stock or milk. Cook the flour in the butter and add the stock or milk seasoning, then the beef, and cook, stirring all the time till the mass cleaves to the side of the kettle. Let it get cold, then make into little egg-shaped balls, let them dry a little, roll in beaten egg and bread- crumbs, and fry in boiling fat. l'o vary this, add one-third as much chopped salt or fresh pork as you have meat. ALUM IN BREAD.—Some few years since the attention of the public was very strongly called to the employment of alum in bread. That a con- siderable number of bakers, more especially those in the poorer neighbourhoods who do not use the best flour, are in the habit of employing a certain proportion of alum is well known. It is rarely kept by them in bulk for fear of detection, but is purchased from the neighbouring chemists in quantities as required. Alum is employed, as it not only gives a greater degree of whiteness to the bread, but it enables the baker to use flour which has been exposed to moisture during harvest, and which would otherwise make an ex- ceedingly adhesive clammy bread, difficult of mastication. This object could, however, be much more beneficially accomplished by the em- ployment of lime water. The use ot alum as an ingredient in baking-powder is one that is to be greatly deprecated. Nevertheless, in the cheaper forms it is extensively employed. A case recently came before the magistrates in which a grocer was summoned for selling baking-powder containing more than a third of its weight of alum.-Quccn.

A Matrimonial Scheme. He locked his daughters up, and gave out that the young men in the place must keep away from his houie if thev did not wish to find matters unpleasant. The scheme worked beautifully. At the end of two weeks of this guarding pre- tence. one of the girls lowered herself from the chamber window, ran off, and got married. In another week a second disappeared in the same way. A third recently returned, after a sudden flight, as Mrs —■—, and a fourth became engaged. The two remaining daughters are in imminent matrimonial peril. The father is delighted, and is said to be meditating on the expediency of taking out a patent for the relief of fathers whose quivers, like his own, have been too persistently full.

A Low ESTIMATE.—" Well, gentlemen," said Tompkins to a couple of friends, you can talk as much as you please about the inferiority of women, but there are lots of them that can dis- count most of us for brains. Take my wife, for instance, she's got twice as much sense as I have, and I ain't ashamed to acknowledge it, either." But don't you think," said one of his auditors, that you put rather a low estimate on your wife's intellectual powers ?"

ECHOES FROM THE CALENDAR. FEBRUARY. 12. SUNDAY—Quinquagesima—Shrove Sunday. 13. MONDAY—-Lord Randolph Churchill born, 1849. 14. 'l'uE'JoAY-Yalentine',¡ Day, Shrove Tuesday. 15. WEDNESDAY—Ash Wednesday. 16. THU R.SDAY-D!'Kane died, 1857. 17. FRIDAY—Liverpool Bread Riots, 1855. 18. SATURDAY-Mart-in Luther died, 1546. Completion of the Revolution of 1688. The 12th of February is a memorable anniver- sary of the perfecting of the Revolution of 1688. James II. having, with his family, withdrawn in terror to France, a convention. called by the Prince of Orange, met on the 22nd of January, 1488-9, and proceeded under his protection to deliberate on the settlement of the kingdom, To find that James had abdicated was an easy matter; how to dispose of the vacant throne was more difficult. There was a large party for the Regency others were disposed to accept the Princess of Orange, the eldest daughter of the ex-king, as their sovereign. It was not till after much debating, and a threat of the Prince to go back to Holland and leave them to settle their own affairs, that the Convention at length, on the 12th of February, adopted the resolution, "That William and Mary, Prince and Princess of Orange, be declared King and Queen of England, France, and Ireland, and the dominions thereunto belonging." The crown was next day formally offered to them in the ban- quetting-room at Whitehall, and accepted, and the Revolution was complete. St. Valentine's Eve. At Norwich St. Valentine's Eve appears to be still kept as a time for a general giving and receiving of gifts. It is a brief and stirring scene. The streets swarm with carriers and baskets laden with treasures bang, bang, bang go the knocks, and away rushes the banger, depositing first upon the doorstep some packages from the basket of stores. Again and again at intervals, at every door to which a missive is addressed, is the same repeated till the baskets are empty. Anonymously, St. Valentine pre sentshis gifts latbelled only with St. Valentine's love, and Good Morrow, Valentine." Then within the house of destination the screams, tho shouts, the rushings to catch the bang-bangs— the flushed faces, sparkling eyes, rushing feet to pick up the fairy-gifts—inscriptions to be inter- preted, mysteries to be unravelled, hoaxes to be found out—great hampers, heavy and ticketed With care this side upwards," to be unpacked, out of which jumped five little boys with St. Valentine's love to the little ladies fair-the sham bang-bangs, that bring nothing but noise and fun-the mock parcels that vanish from the doorstep by invisible strings when the door opens—monster parcels that dwindle to thread papers denuded of their multiplied enve- lopes, with fitting mottoes, all lending to the final consummation of good counsel, Happy is he who expects nothing, and he will not be disap- pointed." It is a glorious night; marvel not that we would perpetrate so joyous a festivity.— Madders' Rambles in an Old City.

Looking up Testimony. I Well, what kind of a breakfast did you have?" inquired a shabby-looking individual, taking a seat in front of the hotel and addressing a commercial traveller. Worst lay out I've struck on my whole route. Horrible spread to dish up before a hungry man. "The steak would have half-soled a pair of kid boots. You bet. Why, the coffee was so trans- parent I could see samples of the cook's hair curled up in the bottom of the cup." And you couldn't tell the difference between the butter and sweet oil ?" "No. and the bread was the worst case of sour mash I ever saw in my life." "And the baked potatoes were just warmed through, and as solid as a rock." Yes, and they tried to palm off three differ- ent dishes of yesterday's cold soup for a new species of hash." And the roast looked like a pieceof charcoal ?" Bet your life and the batter cakes were nothing less than raw dough." << v-n<^ t*ie wa'fc.e's were saucy and indifferent." 'Yes. One picked up a chair and offered to TJJ I^l,e w'^ I called for any more iced tea. Id like to see the landlord of this ranch. I'd just like to see him as a curiosity. He must be the Qrnyiest cuss in fourteen states." Well, I've been thinking some of rejuvenating tms establishment for quite a while, and, being the landlord, I'm taking a quiet stroll in and out among the guests getting their views. I always like to strike a live, radical kicker, like yourself, because then I get in all the important, testimony for the prosecution, and know just where to begin with my reconstruction. Just stop here on your way back and you'll find different arrangements."

ANNOYING.—" Thes« here smart ducks makes me tired," said the man on the second chair, after he had released his victim and called Next!" to a row of empty chairs. W, y—wha' 'd he say?" asked a fellow butcher. Well, he gets into the cuair, an' I runs my hand over his head, 'n' says, fchat hair trimmed up a little, to-day?? inen he looks at hisself in the glass, an' runs his i over head, an' he says, says he, Well— J;* know; think it orta be?' "Needs it purty ? savs to him, gittm' ready. Well, 1 d' Know, he says, sort o' weary-like 'n' undecide-l; i guess I '11 try 'n' get along with it another day 1 had it cut yesterday.' KA,PHIL1?'S -FAVOURITE.—In a class of small cnuoreii the teacher desired, by illustration, to obtain the word favourite. She said, after several fruitless attempts, Well, children, if there was S°'riM°ne y°u.love more than anybody else in the worm, and wished always to keep her with you, what would you say she was, what name would you give her?" A small boy held up his hind, and when told to answer responded promptly, My mother." ^T^criCE-Old Gentleman (indig- 3 °"ght 1 ?ave yo« ft delicate hint at k J n,R"t that I wouldn't have you though tr6re ?uYoung You did, but I thought I would just come and ask you if you wouldn t hke to join our football club ?~01d fi' rMSiWould- •But 1 nra8t have some practice first. Out you go I

Welsh Tit-Bits, Neu Wreichion Oddiar yr Eingion. [BY CADRAWD.] Greetings. I have to thank several correspondents for their very kind expressions of approval of the "Welsh Tit-Bits column, communicated to me; and they all seem wishful that it may continue weekly. I know no reason why it should not, for there is plenty of material in the history and lore of our dear old Wales, which will always interest the reading public. THE MAID OF SKER. Since the appearance of our gleanings re the Maid of Sker in this column, we have received the following particulars about Thomas Evans who had been her lover. My correspondent was the great grandson of the old Harper, an5 it is very interesting to know that a son of the author of the 1 Maid of Sker is still living. We must take the following as being the true version of the story, since it comes from such an authority, says he :—" My father was never a victim of the small-pox, and his eyesight was good till dllth. The last place in which he played the harp he loved so well was, at St. Nicholas in the Vale, and in returning home contracted a severe cold, from which he died at the ripe ago of 91, and was buried in the Parish Churchyard of Newton Nottage." The Love Story. Thomas Evans had succeeded to get the fair maid to elope with him on a certain nivht. and he had engaged a carriage and pair from Pyle-as she had herself wished. The carriage came and stood by the house, and the maid had put herself ready to jump into it, but unfortunately the dogs commenced to howl too soon, and the family were aroused in time to put a stop to the arrangements, and poor Thomas Evans had to run to save his life. She was then compelled by her father to marry Mr Kirkhouse. In about three years after the maid was married, Evans was at Swansea playing his harp to the militia- men who were stationed for the time in that town. It came to Mrs Kirkhouse's knowledge that he was at Swansea, and she went too seek him, found him, and requested him to play and sing to her the air and the song be had com- posed. The harper obliged her, and she em- braced him, and he embraced her, and while this was going on her husband entered upon the scene, and was very severe with her for such conduct. She went home (?), took to her bed, and died very shortly afterwards. Thomas Evans married the daughter of a stor.emason in Newton Nottage, and 11 children were born to them. James Evans is the only one now living who has reached the age of 87, his father, the harper, having died when he was nine years of age. It appears that the old harpist had learnt the carpenter's trade, but worked but little at it, having employ- ment enough to play his harp in almost every part of the county, Mal Santau having been very popular in his time." I have had it from the father of "Pencerd Gwalia that it was he who bought the harp on which Thomas Evans, of Newton Nottage, played, and that on this same instrument" Pen- cerd commenced to play when about five years of age. The Book of Baglan. This is an unpublished old manuscript of Welsh pedigrees, of exceptional interest to students of We!sh history, and especially to the genealogist. It was finished in the year 1607 by one John Williams, who was, as far as I can judge, living at Ystradfettic, and brother of Sir David Williams, who was appointed a judge of the court of the King's Bench in 1585, and the founder of the Gwernyfed family, Breconshire. The author, or at least the compiler of this book, was a con- temporary of Thomas Jones, of Tregaron. alias Turu Sion Catti, who is described by another con- I temporary, Dr John Dafydd Rhys, in the Lingu-cc Cymraeea. Institutiones Aecurutos pp. 303, as the most celebrated, accomplished, and accurate genealogist at that time in Wales. And further he says, When he is gone it will be a very doubtful chance that he will be able for a long time to leave behind him an equal, nor, indeed, any genealogist that can even come near him." There are evidences in the old MS. that much of Mr Jones's work is contained in it, but we shall have to return to this subject further on. The extracts we intend publishing weekly in this column will be faIth fully transcribed, for which privilege we foel much indebted to the owner cf this valuable collection, and we also feel sure that when its contents will become better known to Welsh Literatir, they will also feel as grateful. Genealogy. BLEDRYE. Treharne ap Gwgan ma. with Wenllian the da. of Rees ap Bledrie, lo. of Gwinfaye, and they had issue Howell ap Treharne ap Gwgan, a famous and a noble gent, and he had great warres against Brwys, lo. of Brec. in revenging of his brother's death. Treharne Va. who was wrong- fullie with crueltie and unmercifnllie put to death by the tyranveof Brwys. The cronicle mentioneth as he was coming todoehis homadgeto theloBrwys. They took him in a place called Llangors, and brought him sore fettered to the towne of Brec, and there bound him to the tails of rude horses, and so drewe him through all the streets to the place of execution, and there they beheaded him and by the feel. hanged him by the ralowes. Wherefore Howell ap Treharne, his brother, stood out and oomytted many* slaughters upon them. So as bye his continuall quarries he caused the Lord Brwys to reverse and call backe many sore and cruel 1 coustomes that the Lord of Brec stablishod and created against the Welshmen of that countrie. Breconshire men have those cous- tomes recorded, and they numbere them to XIII coustomes and a half, that were put down in the agreement between Howell and the Lorde for leasing of the warres against hime. Breconshire men all generallie are the recorders of pedigrees and other ancient precedents that I knowe in manye countroy. BRECKNOCK. Trym Benog ma. Arddyn verch Justin ap Gurgan, Prince of Glamorgan. Mereithig Warwyn ma. Constance verch. Cadodgan ap Elystan Glodridd, Llewelyn ap Moreithig ma. Eva verch Cnyllyn ap Rees Goch, Esq. Sisilit ap Llowelyn ma. Marie, da. of Cradoe ap Ivor ap Gollwyne. Hywell ap Sisillt ma. Jane, da. to Myelles Pychard, knight. Jevan ap HyweU, Esq., ma. Gladice, da. to and co. h. to Ievan ap Rees Grige. Roger Vaughan, Esq., ma. Joyce, da. to Sir Jno. Walbie, Knight. Roger Vawre, Esq., ma. Jane, da. to Sir Walter Baskervill, K. Gwallter Says, Esq., ma. Florence, da. and co- heire to Sir Pers Pedwaren, K. Roger Hene, Esq., ma. Anne, da. to Sir John Devere, Knight.

A SATURDAY SERMON. t Every man has received some gift—no man all gifts; and this rightly constdered would keep all in a more even temper as in Nature nothing is altogther useless, so nothing is self-sufficient. This, duly considered, would keep the meaoeat from repining and discontent, even him that bath lowest rank in most respects yet something e hath received that is not only good to himself, but, rightly improved, may be so to others like- wise And this will curb the loftiness of the most advanced and teach them not only to see some deficiencies in themselves, and some gifts in far meaner persons which they want. But besides* the simple discovery of this, it will put them upon the use of lower persons, not only to stoop to the acknowledgment, but even withal to the participation and benefit of it-not to trample upon all that is below them, but to take up and use things useful, though lying at their feet. Some flowers and herbs that grow very low are • very fragrant smell and healthful use

LAUNDRY REQUISITE S, L OF ALL GROCERS AND CHEMISTS. HUSS'S PATENT LINEN ENAMEL, For Glazing, Preserving, and Be^ifyinK SHIRTS, COLLARS, CUFFS, etc., EQUAL TO NEW. In Bottles, Is. HUSS'S FLANNEL ANTI-SHRINKER Pieserves the Softness and Colour of Flannels, and absolutely prevents any shrinkage when washed. In Bottles, 10%d. RUSS'S LINEN STAIN REMOVER Effaces Tea, Coffee, Wine, and Fruit Stains, And restores discoloured Linen to Snowy In Bottles, 9d. DEPOT 53, CASTLE ARCADE, CARDIFF

1ft B LARGEST PROTOTWPAUT PURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT IN THE WORLD. /\J/ ESTABLISHED Y/ 69,7,1% /X 75, 77, and 79, 1848. HAMPSTKKD ROAD s(Near Tottenham W^/ Conrt-rd) /VV/ LONDON I All Carpets made up Free a Charge, and when prepaid sent Carriage Paid to any Railway Station in England *r Wales. VJ/ ——— 4100 ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE POST FBKK

WORKMEN'S TOPICS. BY MABON, M.P. THE POSITION OF MINERS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. BELGIUM. Monsieur Hurze, the Director of Mines in Belgium, states that the average annual wages of miners in Belgium during the years 1888 and 1889 -were as follows Year. Underground. Overground. All Workers. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1888 27 14 2 29 15 0 36 4 2 1889. 41 5 0 31 5 0 38 16 8 In Liege, where wages are higher than in other provinces, the average annual wages of all workers, underground, and overground, were £ s. d. 188 8 39 10- 0 188 9 >f* 189 0 y* The average daily wages were a> ws.: Underground. Surface. verage. s. d. s. d. s. d. 1888 2 1% • • • 1 10% 2 0% 2 <4 •••• 1 7% •••• 2 2% { Notwithstanding that the daily wages of the fr workers were so low, they were nevertheless I receiving over 50 per cent, of the selling price of £ coal. The following table gives the average price I of coal, and the wages paid to labour in Liege:— F 1888 8'63frs cost of labour 4'87frs. t 1889 9'83frs 5'22frs. £ As regards the whole of Belgium, the produc- |, tion of coal and the proportion of price taken was ■ AS follows:— F 1888. 1889. Production per underground ■worker 246 tons 242 tons. Production per underground and worker 246 tons 242 tons. r Production per underground and i overground workers 186 tons 184 tons. Average price per ton 5s lOd 6s 63,id 4 *Vage., per ton 3s 3d 3s 6*/4d Proportion of price taken by workmen. "0 55. 54 The hours of hewers of coal vary trom by, to 12 from bank the average is from 10 to 10%, 'except in two districts, where they average 8%. The hours of other underground workmen employed vary on the average from 8 to 12 hours per day. Another reliable authority informs us that the miners of Belgium continue to be very pre- carious, and that wages are very low at present, -that good hewers find it hard to earn 2s 4d in a "day of 11 hours. It is also admitted that the ^position of the Belgian coal merchant is anything )but pleasant. The price of house coal being very kfirm, owing to the severity of the weather, but 'that manufacturing coal, which is. the most Hmportant to the workmen, is extremely low. The 'iron trade is also said to b3 passing through a i dreadful crisis, and that there are at present no 'signs of improvement. Still there is one feature worthy of note amid all the others, and that is Industrial Conciliation. < In the Beringe district one of the managers or managing directors of the collieries there lately requested an interview with the leaders of the Miners Federation, at which interview he described a scheme he had prepared for a kind of Conciliation Board. We are told that the scheme ,is as follows :-To oreate a working committee of |en workmen, three from each of the two pro- Inducing centre?, and six workmen's assistants, F the committee to be elected for each twelve months. Men and women of 21 years of age and upwards only to vote. It would have ,power to deal with all disputes and claims, the management to undertake to impose no fines jiot approved of by the committee, the members :to have their wages paid them while serving on the committee and carrying out its orders. A secretary to be placed at the committee's disposal, snd to fully report each meeting. The committee to be considered and regarded as entirely inde- pendent, and the management to undertake to furnish all the information necessary to facilitate the carrying out of their task. These are the main outlines of the project. Pensions for Aged Miners. In France and Germany, as in Belgium, the question of pensions to injured miners and to old and infirm miners who have failed for such reasons to follow their employment, is well to the fore. It is stated that there exist in the Belgium districts no less than six relief funds, to which over 160 collieries employing over 100,000 work- men are affiliated. In 1880, according to statistics, the annual pensions administrated by these funds amounts to the annual total of £ 53,539, and in 1890 £ 55,407. In 1880 the deduc- tions from the workmen'8 wages for this purpose were £ 26,826, the owners contributing a similar sum. But in 1890 these deductions amounted to no more than 917,575 19s, while the contributions of the patrons have increased, and the State t,Provincial Councils have undertaken a share of the payments. In spite of all this the pensions tor working miners have been far from sufficient. They all we are informed, for the most part varying only from 11s to 15s a month, and this is only to those who have worked for twenty-fivo con- secutive years in the affiliated colliery. This, to our minds, fully justifies the oft- repeated contention that to contribute to this and kindred funds is no avail to workmen unless they are prepared to forego their right to move from one place to another in search of the best collieries and best positions to work in. If these funds are to succeed they needs be universal-be- longing to all mines-so that no person, after con- tributing for a number of years, should bo in danger of losing the benefit from them because he simply moves from one colliery to another to work. MINING AUTHORITIES. The administration of mines in Belgium is under the Ministry of Agriculture, Industry, and Public Works. The Minister is assisted by a Council of Mines and by a staff of mining engineers. Much detail is carried on locally under the Deputations Pernianentes of the provinces, who are assisted by the local mining engineers, but appeals lie to the Council of Mines and the Minister from the provincial decisions. COUNCILS OF MINES. The Council of Mines was constituted by the law of 1837, and is composed of a president, four members, and a registrar, who are paid, and four unpaid members. They sit twice a week, and may requiro the assistance of the Mining Engineers. Besides their particular functions as to concessions and appropriations, which have been described before, they report to the minister on matters which he may refer to them. Their salaries are moderate, the president only receives £ 320 a year, the councillors, £ 240; and the registrar, £ 200. In 1890 the whole number of persons employed were 116.779 89,038 underground, and 27,741 above ground: they were as follows :N,len, 75,315 i women, 3,170 boys under 16 years of age, 91,698; girls under 16 years of age, 940. And by the law of 1884 no boy under 12 or girl under 14 can be .employed under- ground, and by one passed in 1889 no female under 21 was allowed to be underground for the purpose of employment after the st o anuary, 1892. So after all, though it be said that we in the United Kingdom, in one sense time and money-are before the Belgian miners it is also evident that as regards direct intervention of public officials, both local and general, we are far behind them. GOVERNMENT INSPECTION. For this purpose there exists a corps of mining engineers, which was placed on its prerent footing by Royal Decree promulgated in 1884. It con- sist- of ik Director-General of Mines, who is the head of the Central Administration of Mmes \nvier the Minister, two division* rngine^rs-jvi.c-hief attached to the different wrondixswaent, eight principal engineer and thirty e„gineers, They We g^en relative rank with officers of the army. The Diree or pemral taking rank with a lieutenant-general, the divisional directors with major.generals, and their salaries are moderate, the total cost of the whole corps. being about £ 10,000 a year. BesIdes exercising supervision over the working of the mines and seeing that the provisions of the law and those contained in the code of regulations- are very minute, and are equal to our special rules—are complied with, the corps supplies a council ot mining engineers, which the director- general may assemble, and over which he pre- sides. The council gives its advice, with reasons, upon such questions as may be referred to it by the Minister.

Notes from Oxford. OXFORD, Sunday. Sir John Stainer delivered an interesting lecture last Wednesday on Palestrina's mass, Aeterna Christi Munera." He showed that the composi- tion was made up, more or less, of four distinct musical statements, modified from time to time to suit the exigencies of the occasion, and that, though the treatment was not strictly contra- puntal, yet it was an exceedingly close and clever imitation of it, and as much the effort of genius, when the state of contemporary musical culture was taken into account as Beethoven's Eroica Symphony or Wagner's Adaptations of the Nibelung. The mass was sung by the choir, and, as the Jfrofessor remarked, the music was as bright, as fresh, and as acoustically crisp, so to speak, as if it had only been in existence a few days—this, too, despite the fact that the four fundamental statements are found embodied in the score over a hundred times. The copy from which the lecturer conducted was one that originally belonged to Jenny Lind, who was an enthusiastic admirer of the beauty of its religious fervour and its musical colour. Giovanni Pierluigi, or, as he has always since been known, Palestrina," from the place of his birth, was born about 1524, and died 70 years later. He published his first volume of masses in 1554, dedicated to the Pope, Julius III., by whom he had been appointed to the pest of Chapel Master at the Vatican in 1551. His compositions include more than 100 masses, 300 motets, and a dozen madrigals. He died in the arms of Saint Philip of Neri, after imparting his last blessing to his only son, a scapegrace who deserved little at his father's hands. This was the last of one of whose music Schumann said, "It sounds sometimes like the music of the spheres, and what art withal! I believe he is the greatest musical genius that Italy has ever pro- duced." A laughable incident occurred at the Bodleian Library last week. An assistant, whose acquaint- ance with "Umlaut." "Ablaut," and the vagaries of Phonetic Decay," have rendered him perhaps a little contemptuous of the ch and 11" of the Land of Song, had been entrusted with the cataloguing of the unrecorded Welsh books and pamphlets. Ycur correspondent met him in a state of grepida.tion over the words Ar- graffwyd i»nd Argraffiad." Were they the same ? If not. where was the one town and where was the other ? It appears that the usual notice on the front page of Welsh books-" Argratfwyd 1863, or 1865—had been con- strued into the town and date of publication, and, worse still, had been so entered on the supplemen- tary list. » Six years ago we met .th a somewhat similar instance in the case of a Welshman whose parting injunction to his wife as she went shopping was, "'Nawr Marged, dere a 'un Brevet heddi, maker da ofnadwy yw hwna." The joke is lost until it is known that the French word Erevete (patented) had been taken as the name of the maker. These things are on a par with the assertion of the Oxford undergraduate who thought that the Reform Bill bad something to do with the Reformation, and of a well-known publisher who catalogued his books thus- Mill on Logic. Ditto on Liberty. Ditto on the Floss. The first meeting of the Junior Scientific Club was held on Wednesday night. Mr J. E. Marsh exhibited to the club some "products of the electric furnace." He was afraid the specimens were very small, but the electric furnace had not yet been brought into use for manufacturing pur- poses, but only for experimental. Hitherto, the highest heat obtainable had been got by the oxyhydrogen flame, which had been stated by Roscoe and others to approximate tc something over 2,000 degrees centigrade, whereas the temperature of the electric furnace was 3,500c, The furnace itself was formed of lime, two blocks of this substance being slightly hollowed in the centre, and placed one over the other. The carbone were introduced into the cavity, one on each side, while through the top block a hole was cut, by means of which substances might be conveyed to the carbon cruoible in the interior. The current was produced by an engine of 50 horse-power, and consisted of 450 amperes at a potential of 70 volts. The worker, to avoid getting a sort of electric sunstroke, had to wear very dark spectacles while operating. At a temperature of 2,500C., the oxides of calcium, strontium, and magnesium, melted and afterwards crystallized. At 3,000 degrees C., lime melted and flowed like watar,and subsequently formed crystals of similar appear- ance to nitre. Some lime which had undergone this process was then passed round for inspection. The furnace was capable of making pyrolusite melt and boil, giving off oxygen, and also causing the oxides of iron, copper, and zinc to do the same. The usual method of obtaining the metal uranium was by the action of potas- sium on the chlorides, but by the electric arc, it was possible to reduce the oxide, and at such a rate that 100 grammes of the metal could be obtained in 10 minutes. He then showed some uranium, which, he said, was more easily oxidised than iron, for whereas iron required to be struck hard with flint to show sparks, it was only necessary to drop uranium on glass for it to do the same thing, which he successfully demon- strated. No matter what the strength of the current passing, the electric furnace had toe same temperature, which was accounted for by the fact that 3,500 degrees C was the boiling point of carbon. The Dafydd ap Gwilym Society met on Satur- day in the rooms of Mr Hooson, University College. Mr J. Gwenogvryn Evans was in the chair. A paper was read by Mr A. E. Thomas on Welsh Preachers," which provoked much discussion and some adverse criticism. The attendance was not as full as usual, owing to the fact that Mr Edward Lloyd and Mr Maybrick (better known as "Stephen Adams," the popular sank writer) were engaged in a ballad concert at the Corn Exchange.

A HAREM ON WHEELS. Among the spectators who watched the inauguration of the railway to Damascus were a large number of women attracted by curiosity and the nevelty of the occasion. In many cases they formed groups, evidently composed of the whole harem of their lord and master, their yashmaks protecting their features from the gaze of the infidels. The carts which conveyed them to the scene were of the most primitive description, so that the change to railway carriages will make a contrast in every way striking between the man. ners of the East and West.

Scientific Intelligence. Science no doubt is a great thing, and we should do all we can to encourage it to keep right on. At the same time, like everything else, science has its discrepancies, and one of them is the discoveries it makes in regard to the adulteration of food. As things stand now, it is almost impossible for anybody who reads the papers to enjoy his food or drink. If he wants a cup of tea, he remembers, as he puts it in his mouth, that he has read that tea contains tannin, which, when mixed with milk, forms a kind of leather, which stays in the stomach and refuses to be digested. Chronic dyspepsia is the least of many diseases that arc sure to follow the irrigation of the stomach with tea. There are various sanitary objections to coffee. and, as far as tobacco is concerned, according to the scientist, the man who indulges in it is doomed. Fortunately, every once in a while we are reassured by reading that somebody has died at 106 years of age who smoked tohaoco and drank coffee all his life, up to the very last moment. We read that whisky and other liquors oon ain such quantities of rank poison that, if the stimulating fluid were poured on a piece of sheet iron, it would oat a hole through it in a compara- tively short time. These tidings are calculated to throw a wet blanket over the social gathering, and to cause even the moderate drinker to pause in his downward career. The man who takes no exercise is warned that he is not long for this world, but he cheers up when he reads that somebody who has been bed- ridden for 59 years has died at the age of 96.

FLYHIGH I have come to ask you for your daughter's hand." OLD GOLDBAGS "I never give anything away, but I might sell it. How. do you stand financially ?" but I might sell it,. How. do you stand financially ?"

Valuable notes of MDd-Tbose-oftbe.reponer.

WELSH GLEANINGS. By Lloffwr. Wales and the Queen's Speeeh, Mr Froude somewhere remarks that "the English commons are not a patient race." Neither are the Welsh, or the Celts generally, credited with possessing to any remarkable extent the virtue which was so prominently characteristic of Job. But in their forbearance towards the English Government generally the Welsh have belied their accepted character; they have been patient and forbearing beyond measure. Wales has now received the "most unkindest cut of all "-to quote Shakespeare and Mr Randell-and has been snubbed delic:sly, but unmistakably, by the one from whom it oxpected most. After long and weary waiting, Welshmen see a Liberal Government in power its programme has been issued, and Wales gets, not the promise of a Disestablish- ment measure, but a vague allusion to a suspensory measure for Scotland and Wales." Unfortunately the majority of the Welsh papers for last week went to press just before the meeting of Parliament but, judging from the few papers that were published in the latter part of the week, Welshmen are possessed with one general feeling-a feeling of burning indignation at the ungrateful conduct of the Government. But calm reflection may bring about a modified feeling in the heat of immediate disappointment the Calvinistic MethodisS Goleuad speaks words of anger. It classifies the measures which the Government intends to bring forward into four divisions Wales, it says, is mentioned only once, and even then has been relegated the last place but one in the very last division. The reference to Wales stands lowest but one on the last list among the measures to which the attention of the House will be invited and this contains nothing more than a measure to prevent the growth of vested interests. It will cause bitter disappointment in Wales to see that a Disestablishment measure is not even mentioned. Of course, there are difficulties but we have for a long time past failed to close our eyes to the way in which the newspapers that enjoy the con- fidence of the Government have been shelving the question. The voice of Wales ought to be clear and explicit in this matter. If Mr Glad- stone does not mean to carry out the under- standing which existed between the Liberal party and Wales, the Welsh members must look after the rights of Wales before anything else. He knew this was coming; but this does not in the least diminish the envy we feel at seeing Wales pushed, along with Local Option, to the very last place. By doing this the Government are also pushing Wales forward to the fifht." What the Baner" Thinks. Mr Gee, although bitterly mortified by the omission of a promise of a Disestablishment measure, does not, as yet, advocate extreme measures. What promises are there in the Speech on Disestablishment is the first question," say the Baner, which the Welshman patriotic- ally asks. It will be seen that the great measure of justice to the old land of our fathers is not to be taken in hand this session; and that all that will be done this year will be the intro- duction of a Suspensory Bill. This will only be a small measure. It is evident from this that Mr Gladstone intends to disestablish the Church in Wales swn^thing on the same plan as the Irish Disestablishment Bill. At present, we will make only two remarks on this point. First, that it will be useless for Mr Gladstone to offer a Disestablishment measure similar to the Irish one to us. Wales will not have a measure unless it contains thorough Disendowment as well. Mr Gladstone must un- derstand this, and that explicitly. Secondly,the Welsh Liberal members must take care that this mite of a suspensory measure is not a crafty trick to avoid putting the hatchet to the roots of the Upas tree of the Establishment. We shall not be satisfied with this. We would have infinitely preferred to see Disestablishment brought for- ward this year, after the Home Rule measure, and that the two should be taken concurrently in the House, and we do not believe that such a course would be difficult, much less impossible- but that Mr Gladstone and his Ministers had other plans in view. Supposing the Irish mea- sure gets rejected by the Lords, which will have the preference next year—whether Home Rule or Dispstablishment ? We confidently call on our representatives to demand security on this head, and to have a clear and unambiguous under- standing that, whatever may happen to Home Rule this year, nothing shall interfere with the position and the importance of a Disestablish- ment measure next year. Predictions Before Parliament Met. Nearly all the Welsh papers—the Geiicdl, the Herald, the Tyst, the Tarian, the Celt, the Gwyliedydd- hoped that Disesmblishment would be definitely promised in the Queen's Speech but at' the same time their hope was tempered with anxiety and doubt. The Gwyliedydd com- pares Mr Gladstone to Moses but he will be spared to lead us not only in sight of the land of promise, but right into it. Gladstone and no Joshua will lead the Irish people into the land of promise. The claims of Wales will come into pro- minence soon. The day of our freedom has at last come. The Liberal party—ev<?n if it wished —will not dare to ignore the claims of Wales to Disestablishment during the Session that is now about to open." rlynon," in the. Ccit, scoffs at Mr Stead's prediction about the brief duration of this Parliament, and goes on At the same time it is the reasonable duty of every Welsh Liberal to keep his eyes open. In the nursery we might do with the old rhyme— Open your mouth and shut your eyes, And see what heaven will send you. As to poor Wales, it has, like a young crow, opened its mouth for many years and shut its eyes in perfect faith in the honesty and generosity of the great political system but not much has it received. Let our readers write to their repre- sentatives and goad them on and, if necessary, let a cave of Welsh members be formed to demand the rights of the old country of the white gloves." The Genedl warns the Irish members not to try the patience of Englishmen, Scotchmen, and Welshmen too much. "The conduct of some of the Irish members is utterly unreasonable. The Irish members possess the power to throw out the Government let them remember that the Welsh members possess a similar power. The Irish mem- bers have every assurance that the Ministry are making a fair attempt to give them theirrights. We Welshmen have no such security. The Welsh members ought therefore to letthe Irish members know that if they now refuse Mr Gladstone's measure, and thus prevent the Welsh from having Disestablishment, they will have no further help from the Welsh nation The Liberals have too long delayed legislation in connection with Wales. Plenty of promises have heen made—we are now expecting performances. We, therefore, hope to see not only a Suspensory Bill brought forward this session, but also a full measure of Disestablish- ment and Disendowment." A similar tone characterises the remarks of other papers. Jottings. The Tartan, the Genedl, and the Tyst devote much attention to the failure of the Sliding-scale negotiations. Matters are, say all the papers, getting from bad to worse. Guali4 traverses Mr T. E, Ellis's speeches on the land question; and the Herald, the Baner, and the Genedl have a large number of contributions on the agricultural crisis. The Journal (Carmarthen) has no articles of exceptional interest this week in its Welsh columns, which are mainly devoted to accounts of Church progress in England and Wales.

Stout party Why, why, I'm astonished tasee • young man of your siae crying like that t- Young Man: I guess you'd cry too, if you'd a* loved as I have, and then a' had your beat girl took from^ou by. aonan yer batec1.

Parliamentary History. of Pembrokeshire. tBy W. R. WILLIAMS, SOLICITOR, TALYBONT.] Of Thomas Revell, Esq., who sat in the Parliaments of 1584 and 1586, nothing more can now be ascertained than that he was High Sheriff of the County 1579, when he was seated at Forest, Cilgerrau. He was probably the son of William Revell, of Forest, who was M.P. Pembroke 1563. He was succeeded as member in 1588 by George Devereux, of Lamphey. who was Sheriff 1580, and was a brother of Walter Earl of Essex, and a member of the noble family of which Viscount Hereford is the head. His son, Sir Walter, was M.P. Pembroke 1623. Then, in 1593, comes Sir Thomas Perrott, Knight, cf Harroldston, eldest son of Sir John P., the member 1563; but the return to the next Parliament (1597) is torn, and the member cannct now be accurately ascertained, though one authority states that John Philipps, of Picton Castle, was elected. Mr Philipps, who was also returned 1601, was the son of Wilham P. (the member 1559); and having served as Sheriff 1595 and again 1611, and received the honour of knighthood, was furthermore created a baronet Nov., 1621. Sir John married (1) Anne, daughter of Sir John Perrott, M.P., 1562, and (2) Margaret, daughter of Sir Thomas Dennys, of Bieten, Devon, and died March, 1629. No returns can be found to the Parliaments of 1604 and 1614, but in December, 1620, John Wogan, of Wiston Castle, wag returned, and was re-elected 1625, 1626, 1628; March, 1640; and October, 1640; and held the seat till his death, 1645. One authority, indeed, states that Alban Stepney, of Prendergast, was elected 1604, and that Sir James Perrott, Knt., of Haroldston, was returned 1614; but these statements cannot now be accurately relied upon. Mention will be made of the Stepneys when treating of the Members for Haverfordwest, and as to Sir James Perrott, he was returned February, 1624, having previously sat for Haverfordwest 1604 and 1620, and again in 1628. He was the last of his line to represent Pembrokeshire. In December, 1645, Arthur Owen, of New- moate, was elected in the room of John Wogan, deceased. He was the first of his family to sit for the county, and in July, 1654, when Pem- brokeshire returned two members, was the colleague of Sir Erasmus Philipp, Bart., of Picton Castle. Arthur Owen was the third son of Sir Hugh Owen, first baronet of Orielton, and was twice married (1) to Miss Horsey, and (2) to Miss Powell, and was M.P. for Pembroke 1659, and again sat for the county, 1661, till his decease in 1678, when he was succeeded by his brother John. In fact, from 1661-81 the county was represented by three brothers of the Owen family succes- sively. Of the Owens of Orielton, Burke says that this very ancient Welsh family ranks amongst the oldest in the baronet- age." They were originally of Bodowen, in Anglesey, and the way in which they became one of the leading houses in Pembrokeshire was as follows:—Sir Hugh Owen, Knt., of Bodowen, who was a barrister-at-law, and held the office of Recorder of Carmarthen, married Elizabeth, daughter and sole heiress of George Wyrryot, of Orielton, and thus acquired that fine estate. His grandson, Sir Hugh, sat in Parliament for the borough of Pembroke several times; and, hav- ing strengthened his footing in the county by marrying the daughter of Sir John Philipps, of Picton, was created a baronet, 1641. Sir Erasmus Philipps, grandson of the member in 1601, succeeded his father as second baronet, and was twice married (1) to Lady Cicely Finch, daughter of Thomas, eleventh Earl of Winchil- st-a, and (2) to Catherine, daughter and co-heiress of the Hon. Richard Darog. He was High Sheriff in 1655, and again M.P. for the county January to April, 1659, and (possibly) 1660-1. He died January, 1697, In August, 1656, the two members who were returned were James Phillips, of Terragibby, co. Cardigan, and Col. John Clerke (or Clarke), of Kensington. The latter was, of course, one of Cromwell's officers, and was, perhaps, the same John Clarke who was elected for Bury St. Edmunds, 1654 and 1659, and on a double re- turn for Clifton, Dartmouth, Hardness, 1659. In August, 1654, his name appears as Col. John Clarke, Governor of Londonderry, returned to the English Parliament as one of the two mem- bers for the three counties of Derry, Donegal, and Tyrone; so he appears to have been a zealous partisan of Oliver Cromwell. At the election of 1656 a curious thing happened, as James Phillipps and Col. John Clarke were both returned for the two counties of Cardigan nnd Pembroke, and while the former preferred to sit for co. Pem- broke, the latter elected to represent co. Car- digan, and consequently two bye-elections occurred to fill the vacancies, and in November, 1656, Edward Lawrence, of St. Margaret, co. Hertford, was elected for Pembrokeshire in the room of Col. John Clerke. Edward Lawrenco was probably a brother to the Hon. Henry Lawrence, Lord President of the Council to Cromwell, who was M.P. County Hartford, 1654, and elected for County Carnarvon, October, 1656. James Phillips was High Sheriff of Pembrokeshire in 1650. He was the eldest son of Hector Philipps, of Porthenyon, county Cardigan, a branch of the Picton family, and married in 1647, Katherine Fowler (daughter of a wealthy London merchant) who was styled" tho Matchless Ortnda. a lady of literary tastes. His father was one of the Parliamentary Commissioners for the sale of con- fiscated estates in Wales 1660. No return has been found to this Parliament, though possibly Sir Erasmus Philipps, of Picton Castle, was the member. 1661, Arthur Owen (see 1645). 1678 November, John Owen, vice his brother Arthur, deceased. Fourth son of Sir Hugh Owen, 1st Bart. 1679.—Sir Hugh Owen, Bart., of Orielton, second but eldest suiviving son of Sir Hugh, the first baronet (High Sheriff 1663), whom he suc- ceeded in the title and estates 1670, married (1) his kinswoman, Anne, daughter and heiress of Henry Owen, of Bodowen, and (2) Catherine, daughter of William Griffith, of Len, and widow of Lewis Amwell, of Park was M.P. Pem- t broke 1676-9, and for the county 1679-81, and again 1689-95, and died 1699. The ancient family of Griffith, of Llyn, sent many members to Par- liament for the county and borough of Carnarvon. 1631.-William Wogan, a member of the Wiston family, and the last of his name to repre- sent the county, was called to the bar by the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn, and attainel to such eminence in his profession that he was in 1689 knighted and appointed Chief Justice of the Great Sessions for tho counties of Car- marthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke, or the Carmarthen Circuit as it was called, and was shortly afterwards created a serjeant-at-law. Sir William sat for the county 1681-1, and for Haver- fordwest 1685-7 and 1689-1702. The last Parliament of Charles II. was summoned to meet at Oxford (instead of at Westminster) on the 21st March, 1681, but was dissolved on the 28th of the same month, and no further Parliament was called till James II., in May, 1685, called his first and only one,, which wa& dwaolvqd in July, 1687. 1685.-Willinin Barlow. This gentleman, who is the first of his family to sit for the county, was the second son of George Barlow, of Slebetch, and was a devoted adherent of the Stuarts. He was made a captain of horse m Lord Peter- borough's regiment 1685.. and a colonel by James IL, and on the latter monarch's abdication in 1689, Col. Barlow retired with him to France, though after his sovereign's death ho returned to his native country, and lived and died in Pem- brokeshire in great esteem. 1689.—Sir Hugh Owea, Bart., of Orielton, again re-elected 1690 as knight and baronet, but it is doubtful if he ever received the honour of knighthood. ( Tebt included.)

~G00 D~TEWE R! There's not a cheaper thing on earth, Nor yet one half so dear 'Tis worth more than distinguished birth, Or thousands gained a year; It lends the day a new delight; "Tis virtue's firmest shield And adds more beauty to the mghb Than all the stars may yield. It maketh poverty content, To sorrow whisper peace It is a gift from Heaven sent For mortals to increase: It meets you with a smile at morn; It lulls you. to repose; A flower for peer and peasant born, An everlasting rose. A charm to banish grief away, To snatch the frown from care Turn tears to smiles, make dillness gay- Spread gladness everywhere: And yet 'tis cheap as summer dew, That gems the lily's breast; A talisman for love as true As ever man possess'd. As smites the rainbow through the cloud When threatening storm begins— As music ':md the tempest loud, That still its sweet way wins— As spring an arch across the tide, Where waves conflicting foam, So conies this seraph to our side, This angel of our home. What may this wondrous spirit be, With power unheard before— This charm, this bright divinity? Good temper—nothing more Good temper !—'tis the choicest gift That woman homeward brings, And can the poorest peasant lift To bliss unknown to kings. —Charles Swain.

An Old Historic Tradition. Among the old historic traditions of the Tower of London is the story that George Duke of Clarence, brother of Edward the Fourth, who met his death on February 18th, 1478. was by order of his other brother, Richard Duke of Gloucester, drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine in the Tower. It is stated that being condemned to die, the Duke's partiality for Malmsey wine led him to select this novel method of quitting life. There ia considerable confusion in the narratives of this strange proceeding. Sir Thomas More insinuates that Gloucester's efforts to save Clarence were feeble Lord Bacon accuses him of contriving his brother's death; Shakespeare characterises him as the associate of the murderers; while Sandford makes him the actual murderer. It is conjectured that Clarence was sentenced to be poisoned, and that the fatal drug may have been conveyed to him in Malvoisie," or Malvisey, then a favourite wine. The scene of the murder is disputed. By some it is said to have been a room in the Bowyer Tower; but Mrs Hutchinson, the daughter of Sir Allan Apsley, Lieutenant of the Tower, and herself born in it, and therefore well acquainted with the traditions of the building, states that the drowning took place in a chamber in the Bloody Tower. Growth of Newspapers. In 1846 there were published 111 the United Kingdom 551 journals; of thfse, 14 were issued daily—viz 12 in England and 2 in Ireland but in 1891 there were established and circulated 2,234 papers, of which no less than 163 were issued daily, showing that the press of the country had more than quadrupled during the last 45 years. The increase in daily papers had been still more remarkable; the daily issues standing 183 against 14 in 1846. The magazines published in- cluding the Quarterly Reviews, numbered 1,778, of which more than 448 wero cf a decidedly religious character, represtsenting the Church of England, Weslayans, Methodists, Baptists, Inde- pendents, Roman Catholics, and other Christian communities. Sun Spots. A group of spots on the sun have been re- corded at Greenwich as having occurred from February 1th to February 17th, 1892. These are the largest group ever recorded, the gTeat 8pttt appearing tj measure 100,000 miles by 60,000 miles. It is not yot quite clear what the effect of these spots are, but by constant observation some valuable conclusions will eventually be arrived at.

FARE FOR A PRINCESS. There are dtaadvantcifes in being a Princess. Princess Mariu of Edinburgh, or rather the Crown Princess of Roumania, has a disagreeable ordeal in store for her when she goes to Bucharest shortly with her newfy-wedded husband. A deputation of peasants will be introduced to her, who will offer her a loaf of welcome," of which tradition requires that she shall eat a good slice. The following are the ingredients of this precious loaf Pig's blood, garlick. honey, and ground haricot beans. The fearful and wonderful mess is baked hard over wooden embers.

A HAPPY OUTLOOK. NJCWLY-MADE BRIDE Mamma says sh.31 does not think we will ever quarrel as she and papa do." GROOM Never, dearest." I NEWLY-MADE BRrDic No she says you will be much easier to manage than papa was."

eia^rTiTam08 tWO bo8t l laD8 of man. Madame Patti will celebrate her 50th birthday on February the 19th. Of the 298 coroners in England and Wales only about one-sixth are medical men. Russian Turkestan is so poor in forests, and the existing woodlands have suffered so much of late from recklese cutting, that attempts are now being made to replant trees partly in the mowa- tains and partly in the steppes. A builder, aged 113, has just died en the shores of Lough Derry, his end being brought about by the death on the previous day of his centenarian wife. The cld man at the age of 106 built UD- aided the house in which he died. The Brecon Town Council on Monday resolved unanimously that the Mayor should on Wednes- day despatch to the Marquis Camden a telegram (on behalf of himself and the Corporation) of congratulation upon the young nobleman attain- ing his majority. Arrangements are being made by Lord Carrinpton (formerly Governor of New South Wales) and the military authorities to bring a detachment of the Colonial Infantry Regiment to England in May, to take part in the Royal Military Tournament. At the annual meeting of the St. George's Society, Toronto, notice was given of a motion requesting Professor Goldwin Smith to resign his life membership of the Society, owing to his attitude regarding the question of the annexation of Canada by the United States, and to his acceptance of the presidency of the Continental' Union Club. The Norfolk Chronicle, one of the oldest of existing newspapers, and one which has always been true to constitutional principles since its foundation in 1761, has followed the example of many other weekly journals, not in a change of its political views, but of its cost. Formerly published at the rather unusual price of 2%d, it Ï8 now issued at Id. The Sultan of Turkey (says Vanity Fair) din., in solemn State in a room overlooking the Bosphorus. He sits on a divan, and uses neither table, plate, knife, nor fork, but only a spoon and his fingers, with which implements he fishes out his food from a series of little saucepans. He generally has a large retinue in attendance, bubo he always eats and drinks alone, not even a few of his favourite wives breaking bread with him. The calculations of The Author regarding the cost of book producing1 have confessedly been thrown out by a sudden and considerable advance in the price of bookbinding, which amounts already to something like 15 per cent. This means," says the organ of the authors, the addition of 5s in the poand under this head. In other words, if the cost of binding is set down in our book at B8, to this must now be added 24s, so that it now stands at JM 4s." Mr G. R. Benson, who has been appointed assistant private secretary to the President of the Board of Agriculture, is tho member for the Woodstock division of Oxfordshire. He is a brother of Mr F. R. Benson, the actor, was edu- cated at Winchester and Balliol, and takes politics very seriously. Mr Benson for a time lectured as assistant to the late Mr R. L. Nettle- ship, bis former tutor at Oxford. Certain strong Churchmen, very anxious for the better observation of Good Friday, arc re- viviug the proposal that the Easter manoeuvres of the Volunteers shall be held at Whitsuntide. They might well spare themselves the trouble of agitating for a change. There are thousands of Volunteers who could give four days at Easter, and only two at Whitsuntide. To attempt to alter the date would be to cripple the manoeuvres. •: Mr Shaw-Lefevre, the World tells us. take* very kindly to the role of a country gentleman. He will own candidly, however, that it is the fine air and delightful scenery which for him give life in the country its principal charm. He neither. shoots nor hunts, nor races nor even golfs. He is a cockney to the backbone, having been born & Battersea, in a house still in his possession, and is, therefore, presumably, a constituent of Mr' John Burns. One of the curious survivals of ancient pre- judices in India is the intense dislike with which many high caste Hindus regard sea voyages. It is even disputed whether a Brahmin who takes a sea voyage does not lose caste. The Maharaja of Mysore has not only emancipated himself from this strange notion, but is doing his best to over' come it in others. He lately made a voyage tQ Calcutta, and took with him a number of orthodoT Brahmins as well as Brahmin officials of State. A new theory in anaesthetics is reported frooi Vienna. Dr Scrileich, the discoverer, secures' absolute immunity from pain by local action only, the consciousness of the patient being maintained. The process, a subcutaneous injection of salt OF> sugar, or a plain distilled water even, appears most simple. It offers none of the objections to be raised against the use of narcotics, and, numerous experiments have proved its success. The immunity from pain is obtained by tern1 porary paralysis of the nerve caused by the actiou of the cold iiijection.-libe Hospital. Viscount Morpeth, eldest son of the Liberal Earl of Carlisle, who has been appointed assis- tant secretary to Lord Aberdare's Commission on the Condition of the Aged Poor, is a youn& man of culture and promise, whose home traiD- mg has taught him to bo alert in discerning the democratic signs of the time. More, therefore, may be expected to be heard cf him in th. future. Born 25 years ago, Lord Morjjeth hag inherited no small share of the, abilities and artistic tastes of his father, and not a little of the fervor and devotion of his accomplished mother. Frog-farming is being introduced into America with grgt success. On the banks of thi Mississippi a tract of land of several hundred acres is already entirely devoted to the cultiva. tion of these new victims to the epicurean"palatft, The farming of these frogs appears to be t* lucrative business, there being a demand fov many thousands each morning, and the outlay for their keep subtracting little from the yearly income. In the instance of the farm on thff Mississippi, quoted above, the American breeoi has been much improved through a consignment from France of a much larger size. These frog- genes appear to be, a very ingenious method a( turning marshes and lowlying ground tc an <rx« cellent account. In one sense the Queen's messengers may be said to belong to the secret service, and then. Doming-A and doings, their methods, and their movements, are as much concealed from tM public as are the emissaries of the Home Office; It wjU bly ewprire p good many people -iff learn that the official despatches run the greatest- risk of being tampered with if sent in tM. ordinary way in Germrny and Russia. Franoc comes next, and then the Balkan State,- in general. In Italy, Spain, and Portugal the services of a Queen's letter carrier aiv hardly ever required. In the first country the officers of the overland mail service do a great part of the work, and in the Iberian Peninsula, except on rare occasions, the Government despatches go through the post in the ordinary way.