The North Wales Weekly News

PASTURE LAND. There is an excess of old fog on the pasture ground and meadows just now, and it should be made the beet of, for nothing must be lost in these hard times. But there are difficulties in the way of consuming the herbage hard to deal with. Many low-lying lands are in a state of flood, or nearly so. It is not safe to put sheep thereon, and cattle and horses are too heavy—would trample the ground too much. So all kinds of stock may best be kept on the uplands until the lower fields get firmer, and then be moved thither to eat down the rough places. Sour, rank grass begets coarser herbage still, if not grazed down quite close every winter or spring, for it is no good trying to graze these rich fields evenly in flush of grass in summer. Where meadows are to be hained early, they should be taken in hand without delay. First, there is the grass to be grazed off bare —the barer the better. Then there is manuring. Advantage should be taken of all frosty days to haul on the dung or comport, and from 12 to 15 loads per acre will be an average dressing. If basic slag is applied, a dressing of about 6cwt. per acre will answer very well. This should be given some time during the next month. Hedges should be trimmed risund the meadows, and any wild, rambling briars be rooted up, lest they spoil the fence, by crowding out whitethorn, and spread out to hinder working the mowing machine and rake near the fence. To get a big liav-stack, it is imperative that there be early haining," generous manuring; in fact, good farming.

IELLIMANSB B IJJ-i^ROYAL. for AN!111 S^e the Fi'.imaa E.F.A. Booklet B ( UNIVERSAL, for HUMAN USE S L See the Eilimm R.E.P. Booklet J'g ps-found enclosed v.i;h bottles of Elliman's j The Na me in IEII.Msn 8 ELLIMAN. SONS & CO.. SLOUGH. ENGLAND. 1 NOW IS THE TIME for FARMERS WITH CAPITAL to turn their attention to the money-making possibilities of WESTERN AUSTRALIA Special selected Government- surveyed and cleared areas are available for settlement. ASSISTED PA SSGES. For illustrated pamphlets and furthet particulars. apply to the AGENT-GENERAL for WESTERN AUSTRALIA. 15, Victoria Street, London, S.W. CARTRIDGES. CARTRIDGES Kynoch's Smokeless Telax 6/10 per 100 Nobell's Sporting Clyde 8/6 per 100 Curtis' and Harvey's Diamond Smokeless 10/6 per 100 A GOOD SELECTION OF RELIABLE GUNS from 30/- to S20 in Stock. THE-NEW SMOKELESS OIL STOVES from 15/6 each. ANTHRACITE STOVES from 37/6 to £ s, plain and in colours. V A large Stock of WIRE NETTING, CORRU- GATED SHEETS, KITCHEN RANGES, GRATES and MANTELPIECES, JOINERS' and PLUMBERS' TOOLS, CUTLERY, ELECTRO PLATE and HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS of all kinds at Lowest Prices at MARFELL'S IRONMONGERY STORES, ABERGELE ROAD, I COLWYN BAY. Tel 2X. 137 Established 1884. THOMAS DAVIES Wheelwright and Coach Builder, Waggon, Van, Cart and Lurry Builder, ABERGELE ROAD, COLWYN BAY. —— Mangle Rollers ot the best Maple Wood supplied and fitted at the lowest rates. Wheelbarrows for Contractors and Farmers. ESTIMATES FllE. TERMS MONTHLY. T. T. ROBERTS, PENMAENMAWR. Family Grocer & Provision Dealer. GENUINE HOME-MADE BREAD DAILY. Home-cured Hams, Bacon, and Wiltshire Smoked. Sole Agent for Lord Vernon Butter. Hcmei's Devonshire Cream and Cream Cheeses. Sole Agent for W. & A. Gilbeys Wines and Spirits. Purity and Genuineness guaranteed on the labels, (rrice list of 3*5 varieties on Application to the Agent). Ale and Porter Stores. In Firkins, Pins, and BottleF. Telephone No. 8. 26 DAVIES BROTHERS BUTCHERS. Only the Primest Quality of Meat Supplied. Windsor House, Abergele Road, COLWYN BAY, AND AT DOUGHTY BUILDINGS, Conway Road. Tel. No. 95. Telephone No. 17. Telegraphic Address Davies Bros, Colwyn Bay. Cerdd-Drysor y Plant, CASGLIAD 0 DONAU at wasanaeth y Band of Hope, yr Ysgol Sul, a'r Gymanfa. pHSj 21(. Telerau Gostyngol i Ysgolion Sabbothol, &c. Cyhoeddedig ac i'w gael gan Mri. R. E. Jones a'i Frodyr, Swyddfa'r Weekly News," Conwy. Guaranteed to cure the worst cases of j FOOT ROT WITHOUT REMOVING SHEEP FROM THE WETTEST PASTURE. Per Bottle, post paid, 1/3, 2/ and 2/9. Sole Manufacturer- REDHILL Z W.J.FREELAND, ggggfr I

[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED]. At Short Notice BY FRED M. WHITE. Author of The Cardinal Moth." The Crimson Blind," The Midnight Guest," &c. CHAPTER II. Ethel's heart seemed to eland for a m0- ment, then the blood rushed back t ) her veins again, the feeling of numbness and sleepiness passed away, A moment later she look- ing up into the face of the man whoarrièd the lantern, and he wae gazing<k^oncernedly ifttoherown. A light of recognition came into his eyea. "Why, Ethel," he exclaimed. "What are you doing here? Don't you know how dan- gerous it is to be out in a storm like this? To think [ should run against you like this the very day I come home. But perhaps you. have not yet forgiven me." "Oh, take me back to the Grange," Ethel moaned. "Thank heaven you came in time. It is only a few minutes since I left the vil- lage and yet I am absolutely exhausted. I caine down here to see if I could find some assistance. All our servants have gone away and the General and myself are quite alone in the house." Roger Keene suppressed a smile, for the General's queer notions of discipline were well known to the young sailor, who was now hastening home to his father's house. Sir Roger Keene's residence lay fairly close to Seagrave Grange. There had been a time, two years ago, when Roger and Ethel had been someth ng more than friends, but some stupid misunderstanding had arisen between them, and a long voyage in the Chinese seas seemed to have nipped the romance in the bud. "And so you are absolutely dependent upon yourselves," Roger said chccifully. "How liise the General t is. Nobody but he would have chosen a time like this to get rid of all his servants. But I darc.av we shall find some way out of the difficulty. The first thing is to get you home again. Juat you lean on my arm and trust to me to pull you through. It is a precious lucky thing that I thought of borrowing a lantern in the village. I don't believe I should have got home with- out it." "But you will be snowed up yourself," Ethel protested. "And they will be anxious about you at home. And, besides, I don't see why you should go out of your way like this for my sake, especially after the way in which I Ethel broke off in some confusion. It seemed to her that Roger pressed her arm to his affectionately. "I thiak I know what you are going to say. he whispered. "But we will go into all that later on. As a matter of fact, my people won't be in the least alarmed, because they don't expect me till to-morrow, which is Christmas Day. and lots of things might happen be- tween now and then. You are not to say an- other word till you are warm and comfort- able again and have had some hot food. You are under my protection, now. How stupid we have been, Ethel." Ethel made no attempt to deny the charge. She war, ieeling strangely happy and comfort- able, despite their slow progress and the sting of snowflakes on her cheeks. They managed to pick tneir way between the snow- drifts, thanks to the f1(,lldly light of the lantern, until presently Seagrave Grange loomed out of the darkness, and the warmth of the dining-room was reached at length. A great fire blazed upon the hearth. General Francis had managed to light the lamps, both of which were smoking horribly. The anxiety cleared from his face as Ethel came into the room. "I was beginning to feel terribly worried," he said. "Hallo, Roger, is that you? How did you come here? Roger Keene proceeded to briefly explain. Without ceremony he extinguished one of the lamps and relighted it dexterously. In a few moments both lamps were burning brightly. Now you go off to your room at once," Roger said, cheerfully. "By the time you get downstairs I will make you some tea. I daresay you have got a kettle and hot water somewhere. If you don't know where it is I can find it. But don't you worry, Genera!. You just sit down and smoke a cigar and leave it to me. One doesn't knock about for two or three years in a coasting squadron without learning a thing or two. I flatter myself I can show you a way to do without servants altogether. After we have had tea we'll overhaul the larder and see if I can't cook you a dinner which, at any rate, will have the charm of novelty. It is a lucky thing that I happened to come along just at the right time. For once in his life the General yielded up the reins of office to a younger man than him- self. After all said and done they seemed to have ways of managing things in the Navy which certainly did not apply to the sister service. In an incredibly short space of time Roger had tea on the table. He had found bread and butter foraging about the kitchen, and presently the tea was flanked by a pile of hot buttered toast, to which all did ample justice. "Upon my word, this is a' unique ex- perience, the General cried. I have spent some queer Christmas Eves in my time, but never one like this before. I begin to feel almost glad that I got rid of those servants now. Better tea I never tasted." Roger Keene smiled discreetly. He knew the General well enough to feel that once the novelty had worn off he would soon be hungry again for the good things of life. But for the present it was pleasant enough; it was pleasant to sit there round the glowing wood fire with the curtains tightly drawn, listening to the howl of the gale outside and the angry swish of snowflakes on the win- dows. It was, in sooth, a strange Christmas Eve, but the very strangeness of it added t. its charm and piquancy. Ethel sat there in a big armchair, her eyes half closed. She WM still dwelling upon her miraculous escape; her heart was full of gratitude and tender aess towards Roger. But for him, the shud- dered to think where she might be by thii time. Cut off from the world as they were, the evening passed swiftly enough, and Roger's impromptu dinner was voted as successful as his tea. There was one part of the meal which the absence of servants could not mar. and that was the wines. The General brought them up from the cellar himself. He decanted some curious old port with a reverence and respect which became its great age. He was beaming with delight now. He did not look in the least like the culprit who had brought all this about. "Your very good health, Roger," he said; "and may this be the least pleasant moment in our lives. If you can possibly run over to-morrow and cook our meals for us, I dare- say we shall get along till we can man the garrison again." "I think I have a better plan than that," Roger said demurely. "1 shall have to leave you to get your own breakfast, but you shall see me later in the day." And Roger was quite as good as his word, for early in the forenoon on Christmas Day a comfortable-looking omnibus ploughed its way through the snow to Seagrave Grange, and Sir Roger Keene, followed by his son, alighted, and made their way into the house. "A merry Christmas to you," the Baronet said heartily. "My dear General, why on earth did you not let me know what was going on? Here we are in that big house of mine with no Christmas guests, for once in a way, except Roger, with enough, and more than enough, for a whole village, and you are actually starving here, with no one to help you. I am not going to listen to a single word. I'll send over a caretaker to look after the house, and meanwhile Miss Ethel and yourself are coming over to my place to stay till you can get settled again. Now don't waste any time, because the (MAN we ARE off the better. Just go up- stairs and pack what you want, and we can ^et away in time for a bit of shooting before There was no denying the breezy hospi- talitv of the speaker, and half an hour later the 'bus was rolling down the drive again in the direction of Sir Roger Keene s house, They pulled up at length under the big por- tico; the huge doors were thrown open, ana th« cosy hall sent out an inviting wf*r, Roger stretched out his hand and helped i Ethel to the ground. "As my future wife," he whispered; RÐW, promise." And the look in Ethel's eves answered the questitta.

btate Insurance ITS EFFECT ON FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. (By J. H. WALLJNGFORD, P.D.S.C.R., Bangor A.O.F.) Amongst the questions likely to receive early consideration at the hands of Parlia- ment will be the scheme of State Insurance against Sickness and Invalidity, a draft of which has already been prepared but has not yet been made public. This scheme will be of paramount interest to the working classes, and, speaking in no party sense, it would be diiiicult to over-rate the far-reaching and beneficent character of the Chancellor's proposals. What are the facts ? There are in this country some 16,000,000 workers over sixteen years of age, of whom about 6,000,000 are members of Friendly Societies, so that the formidable number of ten millions remains outside the aid of these institutions. And it may safely be assumed that it is in the interests primarily of this great mass of humanity that Mr. Lloyd George has devised his scheme, in formulat- ing his proposals, which are already printed, but not made public, the Chancellor paid the ¡ leading Friendly Societies the compliment of inviting certain of their leaders to confer with him, so as to obviate the possibility of any ininry being done to these Societies. Several interviews took place, and although those who took part are pledged to secrecy, it is not difficult to draw the inference from their subsequent speeches on the subject that the Government scheme is regarded as satisfactory from the Friendly Society stand- point. There exists, however, amongst the rank and file an apprehension, which is shared by certain influential leaders of the Friendly Society movement, lest the Chancellor's scheme may prove detrimental to voluntary thrift organisations. Indeed, some go so far as to speak loudly of confiscation," oblivious of the elementary fact that no Gov- ernment wouid dare, even from motives of self interest—to put it no higher than that, —to confiscate the funde: of our great Friendly Societies, which are, in the words of the Chancellor himself, the finest in the world." it must be obvious to the Chancellor's critics that there are in this country many thousands of worthy and deserving persons who, from various causes—such as the age- limit, unsound constitutions, defective eye sight, and so forth-are ineligible to become members of Friend!y Societies. In addition, account must be had of those—and they are numerous,—who have been unab!e to keep up the payment of their contributions, and have consequently been lapsed by their Societies. Again, there are thousands of persons who. from similar causes have never been in a position to join Friendly Societies. In proposing to make suitable State pro- vision for these persons, it is to be regretted that the Chancellor should be met with the crv of confiscation," and be suspected of designs upon the independence of volun- tary thrift Societies. Whilst reiterating his determination to safeguard the interests of the Friendly Societies, Mr. Lloyd George recognises that no State scheme of Insurance can succeed unless it contains an element of compulsion." The voluntary system has long been in existence, and has proved a partial success-and a partial success only, as is evidenced by the fact that in addition to those already referred to as being unable from various causes to participate in the benefits of Friendly Societies, there are many thousands who, whilst in a position to do so, have neglected to make suitable, if any, pro- vision for themselves against periods of sick- ness. The element of ccmpulsion spoken of by the Chancellor, indispensable though it be, is nevertheless being strenuously op- posed in certain quarters of great influence in the Friendly Society world. For example, Mr. T. Barnes, the Grand Master of the Man- chester Unity, speaking at the National Con- ference of Friendly Societies, at Heading, last month, expressed his deliberate hos- tility to a compulsory system of State In- surance," being of opinion that they had gone far enough on the lines of continued in- terference with personal liberty. He abhorred, as an Englishman, the interfering with the action and motive of our people. To establish a system of Compulsory State In- surance meant that they were going to debar many even from having the right of virtue they were going to make them walk in lead- ing strings. Fie personally protested against any such procedure." The right of virtue spoken of by Mr. Barnes will be left untouched, whilst under the scheme it is going to be a virtue to render State aid to those who are unable to purchase it through the medium of Friendly Societies. That is all In contrast to the attitude of Mr. Barnes on this question is that of Mr. J. Lister Stead, Secretary of the Ancient Order of For- esters, who abo spoke on the same occasion. Mr. Stead's words, although necessarily guarded, cannot fail to carry weight, inas- much as he was one of those chosen to re- present the Friendly Societies at the inter- views with the Chancellor. And what does Mr. Stead say ? If it were possible," he remarked, for the brethren to see the shorthand notes of the interviews between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Committee, he ventured to say they would agree-and he thought they ought to give them credit for it- that they had endeavoured, as far as they possibly could, to RAISE EVERY POSSIBLE OBJECTION m the matter, and had taken all possible steps to protect their interests. A good result had been obtained by the interviews which had taken place. They certainly had changed the mind of the Chancellor on one or two important points, and the result would be shown when the scheme was sub- mitted to Parliament. bí- at This statement is strengthened by a com- munication which the writer received from Mr. Stead a week or two ago, in answer to a request for information on a point raised in an article on State Insurance, which appeared in an influential weeklv paper. This is a copy of Mr. Stead's letter;— Ancient Order of Foresters, Central Office, Burton-on-Trent, November 2nd, 1910. Dear Sir and Bro.,—In reply to your letter of yesterday, the article (which I read) was based on speculation, and had no authority. It is impossible for me to say anything more at the present juncture, but I have been alive to the importance of protecting the interests of our Order. Yours very truly, "J. LISTER STEAD, Co Secretary of the Order." Instead "of weakening friendly Societies, the Government scheme is likely to materially strengthen them. As a rule, persons join Friendly 9 Societies ;from purely personal motives. They enter, in a business-like way, into a contract to subscribe, periodically, certain specified sums for certain stipulated benefits. And they naturally expect that so long as they carry out their portion of the contract, the Society will also carry out its part. But circumstances not infrequently occur which render it impossible for the Socie- ties to discharge the original contract. As is well known, Branches of Registered Friendly Societies are compelled-to submit to quinquennial valuations at the hands of properly-qualified Actuaries of their assets and liabilities. Like the laws cf the Medec; and Persians, actuarial laws are immutable, and—inexorable They muzt be obeyed. And the result of obedience often involves financial "reforms" which constitute real hardships to the members, and more especi- ally to the older members, of the Societies. To contribute for twenty, thirty, or forty years without drawing but a few occasional small sums in sick benefits, and to find in the hour of need the benefits considerably reduced, and the period during which the maximum benefits are payable cut down to the extent of 50 per cent., is no uncommon experience in Branches of our great Friendly Societies The reforms which entail these reductions are effected, it is true, in the interests of what is euphemistically; called "permanent solvency," but their conse- quences are none the less bitter on that account. Despite the gigantic accumulated capital of our great Friendly Societies, this is a common experience in many Branches. The ordinary member has neither the in- clination nor the ability to enter into an analysis of causes-he can only regretfully survey the effects of the reforms which are stated to be imperative in the interests of permanent financial stability." He ma\ marvel at the total of the accummulated funds of his Order, but-he mustn't touch them This state of affairs will doubtless be al tered as the result of State Insurance, by which Friendly Societies will become subsidised. Contemporaneously with the payment of State subsidies, too, will be a demand for increased efficiency in the management of these organisations—in the appointment of competent auditors, the- mere satisfactory and profitable investment of funds, and a general oversight of the whole structure in the interests of each and all of its parts. Whilst it is not proposed under the scheme to interfere with the autonomy of Branches, it is inconceivable that contracts entered into by State-sub sidised organisations will be held less sacred than the payment of the salaries of Civil Servants or of Cabinet Ministers Will not this prove a boon and a blessing r One is entitled to think that it will j On the question of non-interference in the management of Friendly Societies, Mr. Lloyd George is most explicit. During the last Election—on Thursday, January 20th of this year, to be precise--the Chancellor addressed a political meeting in Bangor, when the writer grasped the opportunity of submitting to the right honourable gentleman the follow- lowing (itiestion Are the great Friendly Societies to be merged in a universal scheme of State In- surance against Sickness, in which all thinus will be ordered and directed by State off:- cials armed with autocratic powers, or will the Societies be allowed, whilst receiving the proposed subsidy from the State, to manage their own affairs in their own way through their branches ? The Chancellor, after stating that the scheme was more or less based on what had been done in Germany, and that they (the Government), having provided for those who had attained the age of 70, remarked that they were going to deal with the period before a man r< aci ed that age. A man," said Mr. Lloyd George, mav break down on the road long before he reaches seventy, Something in the brain may snap, for which he is not responsible he breal<s down, and there is nothing in front of him but dire poverty, which he and his children must face. For that contingency the Government in- tended providing £ 4,600,000." Coming to the question given above, the Chancellor proceeded :•—" The question is, How do we stand in reference to the Friendly Societies ? The first thing 1 had to consider when I came to prepare the scheme, was the position of the Friendly Societies in this country. You have the finest Friendly Societies in the world and any scheme of insurance which would interfere with them would be disastrous t(I the community. I decided that no scheme would be desirable which would inter- fere with the Friendly Societies or their right of self-government." When Mr. Lloyd George was leaving the meeting the writer had a short conversation with him. g w, Mr. Lloyd George," remarked the writer, if I interpret aright your reply to my ques- tion, it means that any scheme of State In surance introduced by the Government will IN NO WAY INTERFERE with the right of Friendly Societies to manage their own affairs in their own way, as hither- to, through their different branches ? iít Mr. Lloyd George Exactlv." And, sir," continued the writer, that the £ A,000,000 is to be adnimistered through the Friendly Societies entirely ? Mr. Lloyd George Yes the only stipu- lation being that the money is devoted to the purposes for which it is intended. We are not going to interfere with you in the least. You are to go on exactly as now, and I am glad you asked the question." This conversation, as well as the whole of the Chancellor's remarks on the subject, were contributed to the Foresters' Miscellany, and duly appeared in the March issue. The writer thought it prudent to submit these for the Chancellor's perusal, and has received from his Scretary, in returning the same, the following letter :— Treasury Chambers, r:' Whitehall, S.W., 10th October, 1910. Dear Sir,—I am desired bv the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th ultimo, for which I am to express his thanks. 'I he enclosures to your letter are re- turned herewith, as you request. t.- OJ Yours faithfully, R. C. HAWTREY."

The Late Mrs Griffith, Carnarvon The funeral of Mrs. Griffith, wife of Captain J. Griffith, Church Army, Carnar- von, whose philanthropic work bad endeared her to a large section of the community, took place on Friday at Llanibeblig Church- yard. A service was conducted at St. David's Schoolroom before the funeral pro- cession left the residence, the Vicar (the Rev. J. W. Wynne Jones) officiating. There was present a representative gathering. The coffin, which was of polished oak, was cov- ered with a profusion of wreaths sent by relatives and friends who had been co-oper- ating with Mrs. Griffith in her good work in the Church and among the poor of the town. EXTRAORDINARY SUCCESS IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY. Our corpulent readers will be glad to learn how to positively lose 2 stone in about a month with the greatest possible benefit in health, strength, .and muscle by a com- paratively new system. It is a singular paradox that the patient, returning quickly to a healthy state with increased activity of brain, digestive and other organs, naturally requires more food than hitherto, yet not- withstanding this he absolutely loses in weight one to two pounds daily, as the weighing machine will prove. Thus there is no suggestion of starvation. It is an ab- solute success, and the author, who has de- voted years of study to the subject, absolute- ly guarantees a noticeable reduction within 24 hours of commencing the treatment. This is different with other ailments, for the pa- tient in some cases may go for weeks with- out being able to test whether the Physician haq rightly treated him, and may have de- rived no real or apparent improvement in health. Here, we repeat, the author guar- antees it in 24 hours, the scale to be the un- erring judge. The treatment aims at the actual root of the complaint, so that the superfluous fat does not return when dis- continuing the treatment. It is perfectly harmless. We advise our (readers to call, the attention of stout friends to this, be- cause, sincerely, we thinlc they ought to know. For their information we may say that on sending cost of postage {two pence) a re-print of press notices from some hun- dreds of medical and other journals (British and foreign), and other interesting -Darticu- lars, including the recipe can be had from Mr. F. C. Russell, Woburn House, Store-street, Bedford-square, London, W.C.

-+-- FORCING CARROTS. Carrot seeds require more time to germi- nate than many others, so that if young car- rota are needed early in the gpring it will be well to make up the beds for the same. Carrots do not like hard forcing, and if grown in heated frames they are not always a success. The best roots are those that are grown on a mild hot-bed. Fortunately, car- rots do not require a great amount of top protection as long as they have steady warmth underneath them. Of course, the lights will require covering up with mats or sacks on frosty nights. Of far greater im- portance than the covering is the bed itself. and this should be thoroughly well made and trodden firmly, so as to retain a steady moderate heat throughout bad weather for many weeks. To enable this to be done, a large proportion of the heating material should consist of good, hard leaves. tiay. three-fourths of the whole, and the remain- der of stable litter. It would be well to make quite a large bed, even if the whole of it is not required, as the bigger it is. within reason, the less fear there will be as to loss of heat. It ought also to be deep, landing not less than four feet above the ground level when finished. With the frame 011 a body of heating materials, it is an easy matter to give a good lining round, covering this with long litter or soil, to retain the heat. A fine or light soil should be used for surfacing the beds, and allowed to become thoroughly warmed through before sowing. For frame work, stump-rooted kinds such as Sutton's Inimitable Forcing, and Champion Scarlet Horn—both excellent varieties—are two of the earliest kinds in cultivation.

♦ STARTING INCUBATORS. Some hundreds of incubators will be set te work during the present month, and even those poultry-keepers who do not really need euch early chickens ought to be getting their machines in order, and testing the eggs from their various pens. so as to see that the eggs are getting fertile, when they really do want to commence hatching. Personally, we are of opinion that any egg that can be turned into a chicken ought not to be eaten new- laid, because at the present time the demand for eartly chickens is far in excess of the supply, and all who can, ought to bt-gin their incubation. Some people have the idea ftiaf incubators do not hatch out so well in the winter as they do in summer. This. how- ever, is not so, as they do just as well, and it is in the winter that they are so much to be preferred to hens. People so often neglect the sitting hens in the winter, as a rule, from lazy motives. Those who are in a position to do so ought to rest some of their runs from now until the chicken season, or there will be no sweet ground for the young stock. It is a fair rule to give. that out of three small runs. one ought always to be empty and free from stock of all kinds, though the grass should be kept mown. Kill off any stock that is not wanted, therefore, and see that you have some clean land next spring. It is wonderful what an effect a winter's rest has. The rain and he snow clean it thoroughly, and then the mew grass springs up abundantly, just at the very time when it is most wanted.

-+-- THE FRUIT GARDEN. All open-air grapes left unpruned should be Been to at once, and all crowded vines should be well thinned out, cutting out some of the old wood to make room for new canes to be laid in next summer. Get the pruning done now. and where there has been any mildew on the foliage or fruit, give the branches a good wash with GifihuTst Com- pound, in the proportion of six ounces to the gallon. Remove some of the old bark from the main stems, and apply the wash with a brush, rubbing it well in. Open-air grapes may be looked upon as hopeless by some, but the foliage forms so beautiful a covering for south walls that if a crop of fruit were a much rarer occurrence than it is. those who are capable of taking in details in fruit cul- ture should plant them, and do them well. There is still plenty of pruning to be done among fruit-trees, and after the wall trees are pruned the branches should be securely tied or nailed to the wall. Every new Avail ought to be wired, especially walls of build- ings or dwelling-houses. Driving nails in a wall injures it, and the holes made by the wear and tear of training trees with nailfi and shred6 harbour insects, and are other- wise objectionable. Another matter which should be kept constantly in mind when training trees is—do not brace the trees in too tightly. There is much harm done by tight bracing; leave the ties or shreds loose, so that the branches may have room to grow. Hardy fruits succeed very well trained against wood fences, but the fences should be wired, and the branches trained thinly.

TO FARMERS AND ESTATE AGENTS. GROUND LIME IN BAGS FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES For Prices, apply to the Manufacturers, RAYNES & CO., Llysfaen Quarries & Lime Works, Near COLWYN BAY, OR OF THEIR VARIOUS AGENTS. 162-44 A r" 0 0 k (:\ d Oq f meal vllich builds IfH ■ p a poweiful rime and a CALIF M E;l L obustconsti- T'he, fee It 4 u tion. r Aftt foo for IU.'6;(RINCx CALVES I cwt. bag, iss. "•4^ 5- cwt. bag, 85. 1 cwt. bag, 4s.3d. 14lb, bags, 2s.6d. imple in use n every wa3 nt to Hplacf application.' Solve the problem o' 4 y HOW T( Beach s GETEGG IN Sold in Penny Packets. Cases of 72 Penny Aromatic Packets, 5s Poultry J. Beach Spice & Co., For increasing the EGG yield THE MILLS, and for keeping Poultry healthy Tipton. II has no equal A THE CME CAKE MILLS Co. Offer for Sale, carriage paid, delivered free to the nearest Railway Station in thi I district, in Two-Ton lots and upwards DRIED ALE GRAINS j Containing per Oil 7. Alb. 18, Carbo H 50, atZ7 ton. MIXED GRAINS 8 Oil, Alb. 19. Carbo H. 50 4 Specially recommended for IwO" Stock Feeding, bheep, etc. per ton. OUR SPECIALITY- COOKED FEEDING MEAL & MOLASSES £ 7 per ton. j A relish and fattener for all classes of stock. For increasing yield of milk it is unequalled, We recommend a trial. Sample cwt, of any of the above would be sent at 8s,, delivered free, cash with order; sample lot of 5 cwt. 7s. 6d. per cwt, 5/ per ton allowed for bags returned in clean and sound condition, We are open to appoint an Agent for the Conway Valley district. THE ACME CAKE MILLS CO., Howe St., Pollard St., MANOHESTER. 74 I RANSOMES' Ploughs and Cultivators To suit Every Requirement. -7? Catalogues free on application to Orwell Works, IPSWICH. [_ 156 I SAFEGUARD YOUR HEALTH. ""ear NO MORE COLD OR DAMP FEET. F.1, (If FELT-LINED, CLOGS. Tiwu,ands Suld tast year 4, 11 D 'I-if IS, rh Ap, 7, .1-t". 11-th. is to order, ( le Dear Sirs.- Receh"cn clogs as to orde;. ( le 1$1,t,3,i trul3,, F.FS,r As sketch, 3s. rjd. per pair Pz,.Li. All i., Nv ..it" and Maids'. AJso in :J buckles, 4s. lId, PI)iit paid Men's or Wumcn's iigh- LegKed ';5. paid; ChIld- ren 5, I s to S, .5. l1d., post paid. No 1\lention ¡"e when orderir-j{. The BRITISH CLOG SUPPLY STORES, 8-1-42 Dept. W.N., 5o, Side. Newcastle-on-Tyne. 'n- RATIN Is the best remedy in the rational war against Harmless to human being-s and RATS & MICE do. estic animals. ATAA'WU don estic animals. Tin for Rats 3/6 Bottle for Mice 2 6. Cash with order, post free from— ft, UNION COURT THE RATIN LABORATORY, I BUY YOUR A. & J. MACNAUGHT0N, PITLOCHRY, and you will get lovely, life-lasting ones at most reasoiiabte • prices. |2/, I5/6« 15/, 17/6, 20/6 p€r Pair. Carriage pai<3, ft Samples post free. Don't miss seeing them. H PITLOCHRY MEDAL TWEEDS I for Ladies and Gentlemen. Mill Prices. Patterns free. I We give fine value in RUGS, HOSIERY, WINCEY, & ■ mam m received for manufacture or exchiage. I W mm New Patterns and Price List free. ■ Enquiry invited, 2 J. M&cnaughton, Manufacturers, Pitlochry, N.B- | "WLLMOTS PATENT PRIZE MEDAL SHEEP FOOT BATH," PFJCF/1/7/6 l'f Implement dealers and Ironmongers, fhe claws are opened in walking over the ridges, and solution (any good sheep dip) will penetrate and keep feet sound and prevent maggots. W Laidlaw, Agricultural Inspector, Strathpeffer, N.B.. says For the prevention of foot rot. I walked 200 sheep through it yesterday. The ridged bottom is a grand invention for opening the claws. and in using a proper sheep dip one may have no fear of any disease to the feet. I am highly pleased with it and shall recommend it." S M. WI LMOT & Co., LTD.. BRISTOL. DENNIS'S*) "LINCOLNSHIRE1' | FHPLC POWDERSI The best medicine for PIGS and POULTRY.! Cure all diseases to which Pigs are subject.! ^iSg^g^yBSold everywhere lOd. per doz. Post free. Is. m from the Sole Pr°Prletor— t si J.W.DennLS Chemist,Louth, Lines., MENEM A rpIF-Sti mOM -)! THEBREF-ZY ME DIP Facts about Oakhill Stout. Awarded GOLD JIEDAL at the Manchester Exhibition, 1910. No other Stout is like Oakhill Stout-none is so invigorating, so free from acidity and gassine3s—none so digestible. Its reputation as a unique recuparati ve beverage enjoy- ing the strong recommendation of the Medical profession, has endured without a serioua rival for 140 years. Its regular usa will nourish the strong and strengthen tbe weak TEST ITS MERITS TO DAY Agent: S. K. WILLIAMS, The Clock House, COLWYN BAY. 355 Telegraphic Address FURNISHING, LIVERPOOL." Telephone, 1214 Royal. jeioo.oWt furnishing goods OF JL R H ING GOODS THE LARGEST ASSORTMENT OF BEDROOM SUITES, OABINETS, DRAWING-ROOM SUITES, OVERMANTLES, DINING-ROOM SUITES, BOOKCASES, SIDEBOARDS, HALL STANDS,1 AND OTHER FURNITURE, CARPETS, LINOLEUM. FLOORCLOTHS, RUGS AND MATS, CURTAINS, AND GENERAL FURNISHING GOODS, AT THE LOWEST PRICES IN ENGLAND FOR CASH, 0 £ 1V1 1 L* London Rd., Liverpool- M