The Cardiff Times

SUNCLAD I 1 TOBACCO IS the Best. Try It.

MUSIC IN WALES. By D. EMLYN EVANS. THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD, SWANSEA Although it is a generally accepted axiom that the best vi<nv of the battlefield, as a whole. is to be obtained from a distance, there STP. ne vertheless. man., pomis of detail that arr 0f more or les importance and interest 5 tchah arc only to be perceived by those who Are wltbin nearer proximity to the strife. This week the reader may perhaps find it mure entertaining, and none the less instructive. to be possessed of the opinions of the latter in regard to our annual national gathering pro. trismg ourselves possibly and those of our readers who may follow ns to a.dd at a later date some of the ruminations of the looker-on Vhn has been observing things from alar- The Musical Times" for the current month state.- — We do rot know whether the attendance at Swansea constituted a record, but the audience* were very la "go. On the great choral ea th"]" were more than 20,000 person present, a number that recalls the audiences Sometimes gathering at Crystal Palace concerts. The Swansea gathering was held in a huge pavilion, intended to bold about 16,000 persons. The crush, therefore at times was dangerous, and in view of the possibilities of panic-a taste of which a much-exaggerated promenade breakdown gave all concer-ncd-it must be said the means of regulation and escape were very inadequate. No outsider can begin to know the Welsh national charac- teristics unless he has a ttended one of these great yearly functions. The tense excitement of the audience, the tremendous eat-nestness of performers, create an atmosphere rarely, if ever, experienced at an ordinary concert. The Eisteddfod is indeed a remarkable and unique institution that nothing else could replace in Wales- The only question is, whether all this fervour and a-bilitv is being focussed by the pcrwers-that-be on points that make for progress." In regard to the chief choral contest, for trhich all the choruses in the second part of Jlendel.-sohn's St Paul bad been sche- duled as tests, it says that, the choirs were notified on the previous day which choruses Would have to be sung, and adds, why it is Hot clear." Nor is it to us. While the Times simply records the ad- judicators" verdictwith no comment, the special representative of the Musical Herald adds his own figures and opinions, which agree in the main, though not, entirely, with the official awards. Out of his nine columns of interest- ing reading, we cull the following :— What is the purpose of the Eisteddfod ? The answer depends upon whether you are a patriot, hard, musician, competitor, or other Interested party, for everybody thinks of his own special interests. But everyone will agree that it is a. nursery of talent, a measure-gauge of power, an indicator of the competitor's progress. The curious thing is that the people responsible for it, the Gorsedd, do not care so much for progress or the future of the Eistedd- fod, as for the pa,,t. I the worship of ancestors. With such leaders, development is retarded, especially in music indeed they are said to be jealons of music's mastery and popularity in the scheme. Time is wasted in announcing long adjudications and lists of winners in art, handicrafts, poetry, and other subjects which do not come before or concern the audiences. he twentieth century is too la.te for this plan. The Press representatives attend in scores, and the papers are ready to publish the results in cn'hons of copies. Lord Glantawe said that tdose who had 111 lore for the past had no Vek, "d for the fut. e,' but in showing scant rep d, for antiquated formulæ my point is tha, ohe swMe argument may be applied to thosi who have only love for the past.' The present, and especially the future, cry aloud for reform, and there has been no lack of advice as to the directions in which reforms "are needed." Again Another point—a hard nut to crack, even though it is a chestnut. The audiences them- selves need reformation. Crowds of people in tbe middle of the hall stand on the seats, and .all behind crea ted disorder by their load dis- sent- While I wa." writing in disgust ,at the constant shouts of Sit down in front,* and wishing people would Dot si a nd on the seat, a crash t"a,. heard. It came from the back pro- jmenade which was clear of seats, and had a. dense, surging, and standing crowd. One of the timber, upright supports under the floor- boards gave way, sinking into the ground, and Ahe people fell amongst the broken timber. ,Iflia t was a structural fault, but I doubt if any fcarni would have resulted to a less fidg,ty crowd. Unfortunately, a few injuries were -su-t.iined. Hundreds of nervous ladies left The hall, and a panic was narrowly averted. jLong intervals of noisy turmoil upset the pro- ceedings. Singing and band playing availed nothing, and the use of the megaphone pro- duced a tpv-frumpet effect in such a noise. At last the judges thought of ringing their bell, and quiet resulted. And lastly, we make hold to quote the fol- lowing paragraph in its entirety from the tacy columns of the Nationalist (Cardiff) The choral singing on Wednesday seemed 4o us amateurs to be excellent. On the other baud the performances of the Male Voice choirs on Friday did not, it would appear, Teach the highest mark of distinction. We are J'ot experts in music still, we were gratified to find ourselves, like the great majority of the audienccs on each day, able to rejoice at the decisions of the adjudicators. We were guided jiiainly by our feelings, whereas they were guided hy great technical knowledge, based upon long and wide experience. Dr Cowen is not subject to fits of enthusiasm he is a first-rate choir conductor of the restrained tvpe. The singing of the Welsh choirs did rut produce precisely the same effect upon him as it would have produced on a man of the tem- perament of Barnby, or. to proceed higher in the scale, on a man of the temperament of fiaint-Saens or Litz. Heaven be praised, we did not once hear the execrable word, ren- dition.' from the mouth of any one of the adju- dicators in music. Once more let heaven be praised that we bad not to listen to the delirious appraisement, of the relative merits of singing choirs in terms of figures— £ 200 to Choir X, that had gained 98 marks out, of a possible 100, and balf-a-crown to choir Y, the arithmetical value of whose singing was only 971 Bah Nay, nay, Hurrah for have not our adju- dicators at last learned to come to the Eis- teddfod without the tape-measure and the ready reckoner, and have they not also aban- doned the jabber of the warehouse and the mart ?" In th" words adopted by the Nationalist," as its motto, we say—" A ddarlleno, ysty ied."

Proof Positive. An Irishman was in trouble about, a gun found in his possession. The law, un- fortunately for him, adopted the unkind sug- gestion that he had stolen it. While await- ing his trial be was visited by a friend, who urged him to steadfastly adhere to the state- ment that he had owned the gun for years. The friend, furthermore, cited bow he did himself,when in similar difficulty about a hen. bad preserved both the hen and his character by swearing he had possessed the bird since it was a chicken. The wisdom of this advice was not lost on Pat," and he henceforth re- parded his trial with the settled serenity of, if not conscious innocence, sanguine antici- pation. On the day appointed, when con- clusive evidence against him had been ten- dered, he was asked, formally, whether he had anything to say for himself. Pat. throwing a, glance of shrivelling con- tempt at the prosecutor, turned to the judge and said, The man's a. perjured villain, yeT. 'onor. That gun's bin in mov possession, yer 'oner, iver since it was a pistol." Caught. A gentleman, paying a visit to Manchester, was being shown over a big cotton mill by the proprietor, who proudly displayed some of the fabrics produced. Holding up a piece of printed calico he said,- Our latest pattern excellent work, isn't it 1" It's all right," said the visitor, with a twinkle in his eye, but you can't hold a candle to the goods we turn out in my works." "Same line?" asked the host, with some- what offended dignity. No," said the other, I I oi -ra is gunpowder.

Welsh Tit-Bits. Neu Wreichion Oddiar yr Eingion By CADRAWD. MOR 0 GAN YW CYMRU GYD." The "Oymanfa Ganu y Methodistiaid on Thursday last was rerhaps a bigger success than even the great Eisteddfod the week be- fore. inasmuch as the whole who filled the pavilion at the Oymanfa were able to take part and enjoy the day's programme. There wag nothing personal in connection with the proceedings, no opportunity for any, one to make a show of himself, and no preference given to one chapel choir against another, but all from the different localities united as one hody. the largest choir probably that ever was heard even in Wales, under one baton, dis- coursing such exquisite music, unaccompanied. Another delightful feature to me in this huge gathering was that all the proceeding were conducted in Welsh, the conversation between aIJ-" both young men and maidens, old men and children "—was in Welsh- Ust, disteweh, pa'm d'wedwch hyny. Y bydd iarw iaith y Cymry ? Y niae perlau anfarwoldeb Yn pelydru yn ei gwyncb D'wedwch bydd i'r haul dywyllu Ac i'r mor rhy"- ddydd i sychu— Ond ymswynwch, cyn dweyd hyny, Y bydd farw iaith y Cymry." Sir .lohn Williams, in his address in the afternoon meeting, said that he had never seen such a respectable audience in his life as that before him. The last gathering of the kind he had seen before was at Gwvnfa, in Carmar- thenshire, fifty years ago but since then a great change had come over congregational singing, and many notable men had appeared and disappeared, who had assisted in bringing that about. Some of these worthy men had spent their strength in teaching, in their own way, the young men and young women of their own country, receiving very scant reward but to-day their memories are sweet to every true Welshman, and their ser- vices properly valued. Sir John brkfly referred to the style of con- gregational singing he could first remember, when only one verse-would be given out by the preacher, or whoever might be condurting the service, from memory, and repeated, giving only two lines at a time, in order that the con- gregation could remember them while singing. One would hardly attend a prayer meeting in the country half a century ago with out hearing the familiar old hymn, which has come down to us like so many of our proverbs, the autuor of which is quite unknown— Wel, unwaith eto ni rhown dro 0 amgyich caerau Jerico A phwy a wyr nad dyma'r awr Y daw rhywran o'r caerau lawr." Someone has taken liberties with this, as well as with hundreds of others of our Welsh hymns, to improve it, but with miserable result. This is how he has altered the two last lines— Er uched yw ei muriau mawr. Yn amser Duw hwy ddont i lawr." This habit of altering hymns has of late be- come a crying evil and some of our best- known hymns have been atrociously ma-ngled, and even their doctrinal teaching made to suit a, particular creed. Dean Howell said, in his lecture on Welsh Hymnology," in his most serious tone—" that under the guise of polish- ing their ruggedness many a hymn h ad been robbed of its spiritual grip, and what was in- tended to be a trumpet blast had been trans formed into a soothing lullaby." In not a few instances, if fjr* examine the latest collections published for the use of the different denominations, prettiness and pic- turesqheness had taken tbe place of the rugged simplicity and holy intensity which de- lighted our forefathers and in this way what has been gained to the ear has been lost to the heart. I have known instances myself when the congregation were in much hwyi" singing a hymn with the wrong tune, and often I have heard a hymn being started with one tune and finished with another. At a certain place place in Carmarthenshire I have been told that the leader of the song often went into fer- vency, and much hwyl," with the singing of the hymn af tor a powerful sermon. Upon one occasion he had started with a certain tune, and in his excitement, after a few rounds of repeating the second instalment given out of the hymn by the preacher, had glided into another tune, which was of a different metre. The next to him in the front seat, in front of the pulpit, whispered in his ear that he had lost the right metre—" colli'r mesur," and his cha- racteristic answer was—" Never mind, let us enjoy the singing to-day, we shall measure it to-morrow." There was no doubt in the minds of those present at the great gathering at Swansea this week but that the singing t-hroughout was with spirit and understanding, and not as described by the bard Caled- fryn half a century ago- Swn y don sy'n eu denu-nid y gerdd, ¡ Enaid gwir ddatganu Swn, a dim ond swn, y su Wna enaid i newynu. I Caledfryn, it seems, was not very favour- able to instruments to lead the singing of the sanctuary, though he could not deny that they were adopted in Solomon's Temple— Organwyr a genynt—yn v deml, N id am swn yr oeddynt; Pa enaid, pwy o honynt A fu crioed fyw ar wynt ? Mae enaid yn emynau—a mawl gan Y deml gynt a'r salmau Ni cha'r offer er cryfhau Le byth ond fel ail bethau. It is to be hoped that we shall not have to wait until the National Eisteddfod comes to South Wales again before we will have an- other treat such as we enjoyed at Swansea at. the Gymanfa Ganu'r Methodistiaid." The Mountain Ash pavilion is always available, and a singing festival every year would not be too many. Another interesting fact connected with the thousands who visited Swansea. Was that ninety per cent. of them ware teetotalers and I was informed bv one of the leading deacons of the connexio that among all the ministers present-a,nd there were hundreds of tbern-he could not name one who was not a total abstainer. Our popular M.P. for Mid-Glamorgan, Mr S. T. Evans, K.C., was deeply impressed bv the wonderful sight before him at the evenino- meeting, over which he presided. The anthem" 1, Beudigedig," by Mr John Thomas, Blaen- anerch, as well as We never will bow down." by Handel, were so magnificently rendered in the morning meeting that they had to be re- peated in the afternoon and in the evening meetings. What astonished one most was the refine- ment of the singing from so many voices, and the perfect command the leader had over such a forest of heads. The whole performance was a treat we shall never forget.

Explained. During a spiritualistic seance the medium, after the usual preliminaries, began— I see a man of middle age, with black hair parted in the middle, a black moustache and a prominent nose. Handsome, distinguished, stately, he is hovering persistently about you, sir." And the medium nodded towards an elderly man with white whiskers. The person indicated started, and then burst suddenly into tears. His frame shaking with sobs, he cried- John, John, whv. ob, why did you leave me to the misery of these past years ?" You knew him t" the medium asked gentiy. Knew him ?" moaned the elderly man. I knew him intimately. Oh, John, he burst forth again. why, why did you have to die 'I" Courage," said the medium soothingly. Calm yourself. Though his loss was a great one. you may yet find another friend to fill his place." No. no Impossible His place is filled." Filled ? What do you mean ?" The elderly man sadly ftnswered— He was my wife's first husband." She It must have been very provoking to you last night when you upset your plate of soup in Mrs Minks's lap at dinner. He Yes and you know that it's bad form to ask for a second plats of soup. Charlie, dear," said young Mrs Torkins, the baby is toying to talk again. It's wonderful how he takes after you." What's he talking about?" "1 think it must be politics. He started very calmly, but in a few minutes he was as angry and red in the face as he could be."

-v. Illustrated Humour. Answered. Begad, Mrs Smart, where do you keep your complexion 1" "Where you lost yours, Major-in a bottle." Cheaper Still. A civil engineer with some excellent work to his credit, is noted among his friends for his wit and his lack of skill in' handling horses. One day when he wa»s giving a. guest a drive along a narrow country mad, the horse bolted. By Jove exclaimed the guest, in a panic, I'd give ten pounds to he out of this rig "Don't be I'ash," counselled the driver."Stay "here von arc and you'll get out for far less than that," h' The Easy End. My son. I am surprised, mortified, snd amazed to find that you stand at the foot of the class. I can hardly believe it possible." Why, father, it is the easiest thing in the world." The Continuous Challenge- Jimmy Aw. no wonder yer kin lick me— yor two years older'r). ixie., Mickey Well, come round when ycr as old as me, an' 111 lick yer den too An Awakened Interest. Mike,(timidlv): Molly, did ye ever think of mairvm' ?" Molly (demurely) Sure. now, the subject has niwer entered me thoughts. Mike (about to turn away) It's sorry I am. Molly (softly) Wan minit, Mike. Yc've set me a-thinkin' I" The Innocent Victim. Next Friday, Henry, is our silver wedding day. Don t you think we might kill the fat pig and have a—— ?" Kill the. pig, woman ? Wny. how is the unfortunate pig to blame for what happened five and twenty years ago ?" Of Course Not. E siness Man Now, look here didn't I tell you not to show your face here again ?" Persevering Commercial TravelJcr: You did, my dear sir, but I can't leave my face at home. can I, when I come here ?" A Doubtful Point. Jones, after fishing for five hours, at length has a bite. Affable Little Stranger (inspecting catch) Oh, I say, how splendid—or, is it bait ?" An Inside Judgment. Clock Before yon set me doing time, I only ask that you judge me by my works. Repairer We shall see about that after I have looked into your case. Shopping Politeness. Never point, my dear," said the mother gently. "But, mamma," objected the little girl. "sup. pose T don't know the name of the thing ?" Then let the salesman show you all he has until he comes to the article that is desired." Very Much Left. Prospective Employer Your parents left vou something when they died, did they not ? Boy Oh, yes, sir. Employer And what did they leave you, my boy ? Boy: An orphan, sir. j Fears, Idle Fears. What makes old Blank so uneasy when a motor car-comes along ?" Why, his wife ran away in one, and he is always afraid she is coming back." Suitable Treatment. It was evening, and while the young man was waiting for the girl of his choice, he made desperate attempts at conversation with the girl's father, What do you think of the outdoor treat- ment of disease ?" he asked rather wildly. Well," the old gentlemau blandly res- ponded, for the sort you have, the outdoor treatment might be all right in summer, but at this season a quiet parlour is better."

Picture Dealer (to artist) Observe this new frame, sir, which I have patented.— Artist: Yes, nice frame, but what's peculiar about it ?—Picture Dealer Why don't you see, sir, it says Top." That's to prevent the committee from hanging your pictures up- side down. So you quarrelled v, ith George," said one young woman. Yes," answered the other, with much pathos, Is your engagement broken off. Oh, no I told him [ never wanted to see his face again, and he told me he would leave me for ever. iiut we didn't go so off our engagement."

TALKS ON HEALTH. I By DR. ANDREW WILSON, Preparing for the Autumn. I The succession of the seasons means and implies certain risks connected with our health interests, and the wise amongst ns are those who carefully anticipate seasonal changes, and revise the order of their lives consistently with each period of the year as it approaches. The long days of summer soon shorten into those characteristic of the autumn time, and with the advent of the cooler weather and long nights, certain health considerations appeal to us in a, forcible fashion. There is. above all things else, one caution or consideration which should appeal to i.-s in connection with the I transition period between the summer and the winter. I allude to the fact that one disease is specially characteristic by a marked increase in a liability to attack in the autumn. This disease is typhoid fever, and on account of the greater number of cases which occur, .say, from the middle of September onwards to November itself, it, has received the name in America of Fill lever," being ill that country, 3." well as in our own. a disease speci- ally characteristic, as regards its prevalence. of the fall of the year. The reason for this autumnal prevalence of typhoid fever is pro- bably to be explained, ns is the prevalence of other diseases at particular seasons of the year, by the fact that its germs from one cause or another acquire an increased power of dc- velopment at the time mentioned. It is at once a probable and a reasonable supposition. and it is furthermore srpportcd by the fact that each of the fevers, wiieh are the ailments most typically due to infection by microbes, appears to have its own special season for devel opment. Disease and Seasons. It may be interesting to ghnce for a moment at these seasonal variations of disease. They are best expressed in diagramafic fashion by a straight line which indicates the mean or average prevalence of the disease. Taking the development of any ailment through the month or year, sve can by means of a carved line note its prevalence or its decrease accord- ing as the curve rises above or falls below the straight line. The diagram for small-pox is thus seen, calculated a-s such diagrams are on the mortality returns, to be a disease character- istic of the first six months of the year. During the latter six months the curve falls. Measles exhibits a double curve. It is high in January, sinks in February and March, rises in May and June, and then falls until the end of October, again exhibiting a marked rise in November and December. Whooping cough resembles small-pox in that it is more decidedly a dis- ease of the earlier year than of the later year. Scarlet fever, on the other hand, is opposed to small-pox and whooping cough, for the curve, which is low for the first seven or eight months, begins to rise, and is of marked cha- racter duringtthe last four months. Typhoid fever, as we have seen. is Dracticallv low a regards its death rate from January to the end of August, whilst the curve is high for the remaining four months 01 the year. As might be expected, lung troubles, taking them generally, show a curve which is high in the inclement weather which marks the beginning of each year, droops in the milder and more genial weather of summer, and rises again in November and December. The curve for rheumatism is a very irregular one. showing considers hie ups aud downs as regards the straight line from January to May. falling from June to September, but rising markedly in November aDd December. These interesting facts, as T have re narked, have been detailed as the result of a close study of the curves of epidemics of those diseasas, such a study bein< pursued or continued through a long series of years. The information thus afforded is- of a practical kind, because it enables us, being forewarned in some degree at least, to be forearmed regarding the special risks of infection which await us at different period of the year. Typhhoid Infection. The infection of typhoid fever, as a rule, is conveyed to us through the germs of this disease getting into drinking water and being conveyed by its median to the body. These germs are also know- o gain access tc- the bodies of oysters, coeeles, suid other kinds of shell-fish which happen to nave been laid down in sea-water, with which the drainage from towns has mingled. Watercress grown in water which has been similarly polluted are also credited with being a source of typhoid in- fection. It is not a disease which is convved, by the air, and in this respect differs very materially from such infectious troubles as small-pox and scarlet fever. One feature of typhoid fever is found in the fact that epide- mics in which large numbers of persons are affected are undoubtedly caused by apollnted water supply, and health reports teach us the prejrnant lesson that such infection may arise from one patient Polluting the common source from which a community derives its supply of drinking fluid. Its Nature. u r Typhoid fever is a disease which has its special seat of attack in the'lining membrane of the small intestine of the bowel. The glands of the intestine are specially affected, and ulcers are produced, so it can well be under- stood that in the treatment of this fever no solid food can be given. and it is part and parcel of the rigid instructions carried out in the nursing of patients that. milk should form the only article of food allowed to be ad- ministered to patients. It may also be noted that, having regard to the part of the body which is directly attacked in this fever, in- fection from person to person does not occur. Nurses rarely, if ever, contract the fever from their patients. The bowel discharges and also the urine contain the germs, and it may be distinctly understood that it in every case of typhoid fever these discharges were at once efficiently disinfected, so as to kill their con. tained germs, no pollution of a water supply or drainage containing the microbes of the fever would be possible, and a vast amount of pain, suffering, and risk of death would in this way be avoided. A caution which might generally be given as regards infection by ty- phoid fever is that care should be specially taken in the autumn months of the year regarding not only the water we drink, but regarding the shell fish which may be consumed. Unless oysters, cockles, and the like can be guaranteed to have been taken from beds the water of which is of a thoroughly pure character, these articles of diet should not be consumed at all. When typoid fever infection has taken place, there is generally lassitude and weariness experienced during a fortnight after infection. Headache is present, with constipation and furred tongue, and the temperature of the body rises regularly at night. This fortnight of uneasiness and illhealtb is the incubation period, as it is ealkd. of the fever, during which the germs, so to speak, are breeding and multiplying in the body preparatory to acquiring their full development, when the symptoms of the fever indicated by the rash and other signs are distinctly declared. Some Other Hints. The autumn season becomes a treacherous season with regard to other aspects of health when we have to consider the question of a changing and lower temperature. It is to be feared that many persons tempted by the prospect of a mild autumn do not make that necessary provision for a change of clothing in some degree approaching to that which is required for the winter time- Hence it is that the foundation of many attacks of rheumatism, for example, is laid in the cold and chill thus experienced. We should be extremely careful to see that a sufficiency of warm clothing is provided on the approach of autumn, and whilst it i" not necessary to adopt our winter garments in full, neverthe- less, there are many cold days to be expe- rienced even in autumn itself, and skin chills are further commonly experienced at this season of the year.

Put Plainly. A gentleman who went for a walking tour in a very rural part of England recently, came across a very sleepy little hamlet. Anxious to learn its name, he asked the first man he met,— •• Are you a native of this town ?" Am I a what?" asked the one addressed, stupidly. Are you a native of the town ?" Wbat'stha^ ?" I asked you: whether you were a native of the place-" I At this juncture there appeared at the open door of a near-by cottage the man's wife. After a careful survey of the questioner, she said,- Ain't you got no sense. Bill ? He means was you livin' 'ere when you was born. or was you born before you began livin' 'ere ?" The young girl's air was pensive. To- morrow," she said, Reginald will conduct me to the altar. There," she added smilingly, his leadership will end." Dolly: Did she make a good match ? Molly: Splendid. Lots of money, good social posi- tion, and all that. In fact., the only drawback is the husband. She Would you really die for me. ? Ile No, dear, I would not. She There I thought you would not, and yet you talk of love. He Mv dear, mv love is of the undving: sort." Pretty Girl (sentimentally) There's r ways something -ci aboutparting, isn't the l Bill Collector (ab ^ntmindedly) That dep< on whether or n ^you've succeeded in get the money."

Fashion and Things Feminine. By MISS IDA MELLER. A Rainproof Coat. The day.- of the old fashioned mackintosh are past, and in place of the unbecoming wrap that was donned as a protection against rain, and in which one felt ashamed to be seen when the sun shone, has arisen a charming coat of rainproof tweed, as suitable lor fine as for wet weather. The new waterproof coats are cut ou the simplest lines, but are at the same time quite smart. They fairly loose fitting, of course, but indicate clearly the curves of the figure, the side seams being beautifully shaped and falling to the '.vaist line, while the fronts hang straight. The tailor-made rainproof coat, illustrated herewith, is typical of the latest design, which is calculated to give the effect of length and slenderness to the figure—points that are earnestly sought after by the woman of fashion and her followers. Nothing could be simpler than our model coat. which is of black and white checked tweed of rainproof quality, with a faintly marked over-check in mauve, and a rcvers-collar and cuffs faced with 1llauvc cloth. The buttons are also of cloth, em- broidered with a.spider-web in black purse silk. It isno longer the day of the shapeless coat. even the wet-weather garment taking upon itself a graceful outline, and the tendency, with regard to the new coats, whether long or short. being to remain true to the natural curves of the figure, and to emphasise rather than submerge them. Pretty Neckwear. In considering questions of dress it is im- possible to overlook the importance of neck- wear, which plays so great a part in fashions of the day. Indeed, under the term neckwear are included plastrons and other things, pro- ceeding from high collar-bands, that form a complete trimming to the front of the bodice. See, for instance, among the various articles of neckwear sketched, the tucked and hem- stitched collar-band, with frilled plastron, centred by a. plain band of cambric studded with small cambric buttons. This is one ol the most popular fashions for the accompani- ment of a morning shirt. Simple and pretty, too. is the tucked muslin collar, with a glace silk sailor's knot, as shown also in the group; and below it is a smart double collar of stiff pique and muslin, with coloured embroidered spots and rabat ends, edged with washing lace. Near by is another double collar, this being of white embroidered pique, with a hem-stitched border and little bow of plain pique, edged with lace and op- posite is the picture of a tucked and frilled collar of lawn, with a tie of its own material and a frilled bow of the same. The remaining sketch in the group shows a handsome collar of embroidered muslin and guipure suitable for a cashmere or plain silk shirt. Trifies such as these go a long way towards making the success of a shirt. The two double collars fasten in front, while the others open at the back. Frenchwomen are encouraging the wearing of stiff linen collars with closed fronts, these even allying themselves to silk blouses. Early Training. When children are beginning their educa- tion, the mistake is often made of putting them under indifferent teachers, the idea being that it is not worth while paying for first-class teachers while the scholars arc so young. Later on." parents are apt to say in referring to their children, they shall go abroad to acquire an accent, or to be finished off in music." as the case may be. but in the mean- time So-and-so is considered good enough to impart the first st;iges of knowledge, which are really the most important. Take the study of languages, for instance. It is all-important that the' first teacher should be one possessed of a pure, perfect accent, for the child beginning to learn languages simply imitates the pronunciation of the teacher, from whom he or she acquires the accent that will be lasting. It is just as easy to acquire a good as a bad accent in the beginning, but it is no easy thing to substitute a good accent for a bad one la.ter on. or to undo bad habits in any form. This applies to music, of course, as to other things. The teacher of singing should be most carefully selected, also the pianoforte teacher, etc. It is especially important < hat the student should be taught from the first how and when to take breath in singing, other- wise the finest voice will lose much of its charm. The advantage of a sound training from the outset cannot be over-rated. A mere smat- tering of accomplishments gives very little satisfaction, and is of no use in the event of an attempt to turn one's vague knowledge to money-making uses. The Table. In regard to the arrangement a.nd serving of meals, the "appointments" of the table should be cared for in order that the eye may be charmed as well as the palate. Above all, the plate and glass should be well cleaned and bril- liant, and be wiped with a. clean cloth just before being put on to the table. Dusty-looking, smeared spoons and forks, and soiled knives are sometimes to be seen even on otherwise nicely served tables, and. of course, give a slovenly appearance to the whole. Certainly the care of silver-plate adds very much to the parlour-maid's duties, and if that individual is also housemaid, and perhaps even general servant, it is unfair to keep too much of this out in everyday use, and it would be better to repla-ce it as far as possible with nice-looking glass and china, which is more easily kept clean. Silver salt cellars especially need a great deal of looking after, as they should be emptied and cleaned frequently, and unless the mistress of the house is prepared to attend to these herself, it is advisable to put them away altogether until she can afford to keep a properly trained servant to look after them. Salt cellars, whether of glass or silver, should never be filled to the brim. The salt in them should be smoothed over and pressed down with the back of a spoon or the foot of a wine- vlass before they are J; laced on the dinner yOlc. /he mustard cruet, jke the salt cellar, re- 4 tires frequent took ng to and washing ou ^>.id particular care should betaken .that t •9 pepper cas-t^v siits easily.

L I Songs for the People, ¡ i Andr** Fletchsr. o' Kiltous, tu to th# j flar^uia or iiontrose, TOS :—"I know vitt wta. man tbst b»lit.-T3d thit fa man wars perrnntta to, make Joll tho billa.di h? neei not cars who afevkld ■Mice the itwi of the aa-tioa."

I WANT TO BE A BOY AGAIN. I want to a boy again. about so h;h," And wander where 1 used to make the old mud pie, Where Bessie laughed her girlish laugb, and cried, Oh, Fred Will mud pies be our sport when childhood's days have fled t, I cannot tell," I atisv.-ered. -1 life is such a stat And then I wondered if she'd finally be my mate. But, no the mud-pie days are over. I'm a man No longer 'neatb my straw hat smiles the face of tan, No longer from her bonnet peep the roguish curls. Though she to me then was the prettiest girl of girls She's sleeping in her grave behind the little ( church, ) Her only monument a single yellow birch The old folks, too, are gone. The house is in decay A. scene of desolation where we used to play Old Tige is dead, and Brindle Horn and. pranc- ing Bess, But, sadder still, the girl that wore the check- ered dress The wooden schoolhouse now is just a thing of brick I wouldn't give my Bess for any I could pick. The old familiar faces These are new to me. 0 what a change, 0 what a wondrous change I see Oh, years come back! I'd be the mud-pie I boy again. With Bessie by my side who scarcely reached to ten I'd swing her in the swing beside the babbling brook, And dream a thousand dreams as in-her eyes I look. But all is changed, 0 all is changed, I'm old., and gray, I cannot be a boy again I'm sad to-day, But all the hoarded wealth and diamonds that I own I'd give, to be with her in days that now arc flown. To be with her beneath the happy, happy skies, With not a care, and making still the old mud- pies I Horace Eaton Walker.

THERE IS NO CHANCE. There is no chance in circumstance, Epon life's tossing sea. Our boats are launched, we know not why. For shores we do not see. There is no chance in circumstance, The sun-kissed winds blow free. The outlook cheers our sea-sick hearts. The wavelets dance with glee. There is no chance in circumstance, We hail ships on the way. Then thoughtlessly we spread our sails, When we have said Good-day." There is no chance in circumstance, Clouds rise up in our sky, The thunder rolls, the light'nings flash, The waters dash on high. There is no chance in circumstance, The swallows skim the sky. And cheer us for a little while, Then swiftly homeward fly. There is no chance in circumstance, Life's mystery veils our eyes. We bear the signal All js well," And lo the vapours rise. A. G. Riddock.

Looking Ahead. A charming young lady went into tbe prinei- pal stationer's shor ir a country town ar.d asked to .111. some th notepa-per. After selecting what she desired, she hesitated for a moment. Do you make any redactior to clergy- men ?" she a<ked softly. J '• Certain!r tL. with great promptness. Are you a clergy. man's wife ?,r { K-no,- "aid th.. vO!1n 1.dv. Ah, a clergyman s daughter then," said the shopman, as he began to tie up the paper in a neat parcel. S -no." was the lady's hesitating reply. Then she leaned across the counter and spoke in a confidential whisper But if nothing happens I shall be engaged to a. theological student as soon as he comes home from college this term." Great Merchant to an Applicant. A considerable number of years ago a young man went to Marshall Field's great dry goods store to apply for a position, and was fortunate enough to be shown into the office fo Mr Field himself, to whom he stated the object of his call. The merchant was favourably impressed with his appearance and address, and after asking him a few questions relative to his business experience, promisedhiin a place in his employ. But the caller, who evidently had expected to be more rigorously catechised, thought it best be more rigorously catechised, thought it best to volunteer some more information. If you wish," he began, to know some- thing of my antecedents I don't care to know anything about your antecedents, young man," interrupted Mr Field, with a smile. If your subsequents are all right, you'll do. You may report to Mr Hitchcock next Monday. The Answer. Mr Secretary Tait, of the rnited States, says he was once a guest at an hotel in a small Western town. I was assigned to a room. There was no wa-ter nor towels in the room, and I rang sav-R the Secretary. There was no reply. I rang again. Still no reply. And again and again, and yet again I rang and finally a waiter ap- peared. This waiter was a robust man of stern and forbidding aspect. Did you ring ?' he said in a rumbling bass voice. I did,' I answered. Well, don't do it again.' said the waiter. with a menacing scowl, as he withdrew. Priced. A successful business man, whose wealth exceeds his culture, has hanging in his draw- ing-room a large and hideous daub in oils which some dealer in Paris induced him to buy. He is very proud of it. and never fails to draw his visitors' notice to it, with some re- marks as- "G rei t, picture that. By you know. Paid E2.000 for it in Paris, and got a great bargain. F. (namine an eminent artist) says it is worth £ 10,000." One day when F- was dining at his club a friend said to him F-, that old Mr Banks savs that you have valued that nightmare of his at £ 10-000. Is it true The artist answered smilingly I will tell you how it happened. He asked me. to dinner one day. and after we left tbe table he took me to see the picture and told me tbe usual story. Then he asked How much is that painting worth ?" Why, Mr Banks,- said J. 1 really would not like to place a value upon it." Well, I'll put it differently.' said he. How much would you charge for such a pic- ture V I don't mind saying; I answered that I would not paint such a picture for £ 10,000,' I had to be civil, you know." Quoth Smith to Jones: It really is a sin. You do not get your pretty house' fenced in. Quoth Jones You're wrong the place is fenced, confound it! My wife is all the time L railing round it. Sore throat and weak eyes are very perva lent in those schools which are near a dusty road. A teacher declares that there- are ten such cases now for one five years ago. The increase is due to dust raised by motor-cars. Jack Smithson manages his motor-car very dexterously see lrow he steers about in the crowd—-Frank Ah, that conies of practice.-— Jack But I thought he only got his motor last week.—Frank So he did. but in the years after he was married he used to wheel about the children in a bassinette. A bishop, while walking in a park with a young lady one day, pointed out to her some fine trees. She professed great interest and delight. How the noble aspect of beauti- ful trees stirs as the keenest emotions she said. Then, patting a great rough trunk, she went on. You superb oak What would you say to me if you could talk?" The bishop I smiled. I believe I can be his interpreter." he murmured. He would probably say, I beg your pardon, miss, I am a tweeh. Darling," said the infatuated young man, I must really have something of yours to remind me of you when we are parted-a lock of your baij'.now just one." No, no, Henry," cried the beautiful girl, desperately. not that." Nay, I insist," said llenrv, and he luted a pair of scissors lying ob tbe table, and prepared to sever one of" her beautiful locks. j The look of consternation on his face when the whole thing came away in his hands would have made his fortune on any stage if he could have reproduced it at will.

I WELSH GLEANINGS. I News and .Views in Lighter Vein. Mr David Mac Iver. }I. P. who has iust died. was chairman ot t.he Bala, and Festimog Rail- way Company, whose property is leased to the Great Western f{QiJwa, | Mr Owen M. Edwards, it is now understood, will continue to edit Cymm." the Welsh Nat-tonal Magazine, notwithstanding his acceptance of the Chief Inspectorship oi Welsh schools. This is how the versatile vicar of Llanidloes renders into English one ot Ceiriog's stanzas on Cerddi Cymru :— Songs of Wales live in our ears Through the swiftly-passing years I Moaning storm winds a.- blow, Murmur songs of long ago. FeJ ag yr wyf (Just as I am i is the title of a new song hy Mr Rhedynng Price, of Car. diff. which has just been published. It was sung for the first time at the great Oymanfa Ganu of the Glamorgan Methodists at Swansea Pavilion last week by Mr Sam Jen- kins, Llanelly, and was weii received. Though the Bridgend railway station, being the junction for the Llynvi, Garw and Ogmore V alle's. fs one of the busiest stations in South W ales, it is without adequate refreshment rooms. Many travellers have been heard to express the hope that the G.W.R. Co. will remedy this state of things soon. -J. A Welsh lady met her old servant at a seaside resort the other day. Hullo Annie." said the lady, who was really glad to see her old servant. Wliere are you living now "I am Jiving nowhere now. m'm.' was the com- promising reply. I am married." The council of the Licensed Victuallers' De. fence League of England a.nd Wales, in select- inlZ" place convenient for its half-yearly meet- ing. is influenced chiefly by the desire to visit localities where the work of the organisation is comparatively unknown. For this reason Carnarvon has been chosen as a suitable centre for this year. The Carnarvonshire and Angle- sey Association is the only society in North Wales affiliated to the league. Seren Cymru" is the weekly organ of tbe Welsh Baptists, and the current issue is dated September 6th. On September 6th the Baptist Union of Wales concluded its annual gather- ings at Llanelly. which had extended over four days. One looks in vain, however, for the slightest reference to the Baptist Union meet- ings in the issue referred tn. Is this to h. taken by the English dailies as the measw the importance which the Baptists then attach to their annual assembly ? There are indications that a goodly contingent of members from Wales will visit the Pan. Celtic gathering at Edinburgh the week after next. Those who have the task of re-uniting the Celts in hand have undertaken a difficult task, but the progress made during the last ten years is one of the most remarkable in. cidents of that decade. Judging by the infor- mation to hand from Scotland, the Edinburgh meeting is likely to prove the most remarkable yet held. The late Watcyn WVn, in his autobiography, sounds the timely warning—" Possibly the greatest danger of our country to-day with its free, secondary, and higher education, is that so many our young fellows in thr ochrtote spend so many years without commencing to work, without learning a trade. \vithou+ r ing a clear vision as to their life "70..1, preparing in .or it. and thai many t'l wli 'v; ;ible to do any- thing." The Army Council are now prepared tcrccog. nise the senior certificate of the Central Welsh Board as a leaving certificate for Army pur- poses on the following conditions, viz. :—That no leaving certificate for Army purposes be granted to a candidate under the age of 17 that no such certificate be issued to a candi- date who has not attended three years' eon. tinuous teachiug with satisfactory conduct in onc or more properly inspectert schools and that a dictation test be included in the subjects covered by the leaving certificate. At the little Carnarvonshire seaside town of Crk-cieth it is the habit of the natives to gather on the promenade every Sunday evening and sing topical Welsh melodies and hymns. The visitors are naturally much interested in this custom, and a large crowd usually collects to listen. A few weeks ago a lady was struck hv a certai11 tune. and thought shp recognised it- Turning to a Welsh girl who happened to be standing near, she politely inquired, Can you tell me if this is Aberystwyth ?" No," re- plied the girl, with a stare of astonishment, This is Criccieth What Dees it Mean ? Mr O. M. Edwards still edits Cymru," and presumably he is responsible for the following reply tn" M.A. in the cor respondents' nage of the September number :—" A iarge number of Welsh graduates are applicants for positions in the principal English offices. I have heard two complaints against them: (l)Many of them have a handwriting resembling crows' feet, and no one can decipher it without tiring the eye and losing the temper. (2)Manv them write a letter as it the were writ telegram—' Am a graduate of A.B.C- r. took my degree in science desire post in your office.' That is not the way to write a letter." Switzerland in Wales- A traveller by the Cambrian Railways writes a It is not given to many men in midsummer to see a great feature of Switzerland in the very heart of the Welsh mountains. Snow- donia. the famous mountain, was as psrre ir snowy beauty this week a any of the great, sights in Switzerland which men and women- risk their lives to ascend. It a 1-;0 recalled to It: traveller the famous expression of a Welsb bard at a cymanfa held on the slopes of Snow- don hat a century ago. Some day,' he said* the AI! Ruler will g-iyc you the keys of thia. treasure house which under the snow's of winter holds treasures of The bard"; prophecy was verified years ago by the dlS covery of gold, and there are not wanting indi- cations that fn time the Cambrian Railwayr. will lyo the scene of a great crowd of explorer; again flocking to Doigeliy." Eulogy of Mr Lloyel George. Mr Lloyd George, M.P.. is the Figure 0: the Session" described this week by tht Sunday School Chronicle." The writej states :—It was supposed that when the Liberals formed a Government Mr Lloyd George would receive a post with slight de- partmental duties, so that he might. actmerely as general orator. There was a prevalent belief that. be would not settle down to business or that he would serve chiefly in debate. Sur. prise therefore was expressed when he wm appointed President of the Board of Trade. Experience, however, has justified the him.. Minister's selection. Not only has Mr Lloyd George delivered brilliant speeches and ably defended Free Trade, but he has gratified business men by practical reforms in administration, and be has carried several important Bills. What is the secret of his success ? The answer is the same as it was to the question What do yon mix your colours with ? Brains Mr Lloyd George possesses ability of a very varied and plastic order, and it has enabled him to accommodate himself to a position for which he was considered un- suited. He has shown ta.ct, ingenuity, resource of mind, and knowledge of men. Rather than make a fuss over his Bills by contentious speeches he conferred and negotiated with the members who were special y interested in them he treated their arguments in debate with respect he argued with them, and while maintaining the principles of his measures gave war whenever he could. Thus he has come out of the Session with flying colours, justifying the predictions of his friends, falsi- fying the fears of foes. and adding to threpu- tation of the Government- in the world of com- merce. It is believed that he will soon obtain r still higher post.