The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

grttulturt. #- -# NO FAULT TO FIND. The extraordinarily dry and mild season ;hrough which we have been passing is regarded ay many people to be without a parallel in living memory. But, then, the public recol- lection is allowed to be faulty, and, while to bhe present generation it has been given to witness but few such seasons, within living memory is quite another affair. To go back no further than the jubilee year of 1887, it is worth recalling that an extraordinary season was then recorded, and the writer well remem- bers penning a paragraph in the Chester Courant, how, on the 9th at November of that year, a bunch of Michaelmas daisies in his garden presented the spectacle of about a dozen bees and a couple of peacock butterflies upon it, sunning themselves on what was an unusually warm day. But the weather then was not quite of such extended warmth and dryness as the present season, running as it- has quite into a St. Martin's summer. Yet while Thurs- day, the llth inst. (St. Martin's Day) was typical of its name and season as a back-end summer, the barometer for long previously had given indication of a coming change, which found development on Saturday, when the mercury had gone down fully an inch, and plentiful rain fell. The latter, it is almost needless to say, is welcome for the proper working of the land; for it is stated from some parts even of the South of England that all the wheat has not yet been got in owing to hardness of the soil through want of rain. But, after all, the season through which we have been passing has been, and still is, extraordinary to a degree. Many of the early deciduous plants and trees have no sooner put off their leaves than they are shewing signs of thickening buds for the next season; thrushes and other birds are tuneful as in spring-time, and we fully expect to be hearing of stray pear trees in full bloom as every now and then occurs in such abnormally ild seasons. For all that, however, as fariners themselves have been heard to declare, those who can find fault with the weather we have been having must be hard to please.' A SEASONABLE HINT. A Lancashire correspondent, in the course of a few seasonable notes, makes the following observations, which may prove helpful or at least serve as a hint to many readers. He says :—Wheat-sowing has made good progress a fair amount of ploughing has been done, hedging and ditching, attention to drains, &c., and, I am sorry to say, a good deal of manure has been carted out on to both grass and arable lands. From my observation over many years, autumn manuring in our climate is a penny- wise-and-pound-foolish practice. It is defended on two grounds—expediency, getting the work done in view of the pressure of spring work and that, on grass lands, it keeps the roots warm, and prevents damage from frost. Against this I have to put that on arable land the manure left in heaps is often imprisoned by frost and spoilt. On grass lands the spring- manured gives so much heavier crops that it would pay well to hire additional labour to get it out in the spring. Manure put on in the autumn is so deteriorated by winter's rain and frost as to lose the bulk of its nutrients. SCOTCH FARMERS AND THE FOREIGN MEAT TRADE. The Scottish Chamber of Agriculture at its meeting had before it the following resolution:— That all foreign meat should only be allowed into this country in the dead state, the carcases being accompanied by a certificate from a duly qualified official that they were inspected and found free from disease at the time of slaughter and that separate establish- ments be organised, marked, and regularly inspected for the sale of home and foreign meat, so that the public may know what and where to buy." This resolution was agreed to, on the understanding that the meat should be inspected in America, and also when it came over to this country. MR. T. M. HEALY, M.P., ON TUB IRISH SITUATION. Mr. T. M. Healy, M.P., who some little time back made a cycling tour through Ireland, has been interviewed with regard to the economical propects of the country during the approaching winter. Mr. Healy thinks that the potatoes are generally very bad, although where the people had the sense or the capital to spray them, as happened with very few farmers, the crop was generally saved. "Sprayed land," he adds, held good amidst blackness all around. Steps to provide for spraying in future would be most useful to cottier holders. No crop suffered to the same extent as potatoes. Hay would have been a bumper harvest only for the rain. I never saw such luxuriant grass, but the wet spoilt the hay in most places. Oats are generally below the average, and turnips mostly so. Beyond these crops no others in the poorer districts matter much. There must be keen distress in the south-west and western counties during winter and spring. In some areas it may approach actual starvation, and the pinch will come by Christmas. The northern and eastern counties have come off beet." Proceeding to discuss the question of remedies, Mr. Healy said I am wholly opposed to Poor Law relief to meet exceptional distress. Work is what is wanted. Roads in the poorer districts are still badly needed, and there are a number of unfinished roads in the most picturesque districts of Cork and Kerry which, if completed, would do a great deal for the localities, not to speak of opening them up for tourists. Two of the finest glens in Ireland are almost unapproachable for want of a short two or three miles of road. ANOTHER VIEW. The reports of the poor condition of the Irish potato crop are making a considerable stir in various quarters. At the weekly meeting of the Castlerea Board of Guardians, the Chairman proposed the following resolution Owing to the failure of the potato crop, and the low prices of stock and farm produce, it is to be feared that the greater portion of the people around this district will be in great distress in the coming winter. We respectfully call on those whose duty it is to save the lives of the people, to aid us in giving them relief by starting useful and remunerative works in this locality." The resolution wa? passed unanimously. THE AGRICULTURAL RATES ACT, 1896. The return issued by the Local Government Board shews that the sums certified to be pay- able to local authorities in England and Wales under this Act amount to EI,332,512 lis. lOd. The annual grant is shared between the various classes of spending authorities in the toa,Hii6i; following :—County councils, 9329,199 Is. 8d.; councils of boroughs, £18,121 3s. 4d.; councils of urban districts other than boroughs, C5,366 5s. 8d.; councils of rural districts, S327,091 3s. lOd.; boards of guardians, E506,059 7s.; receiver for the metropolitan police district, £ 4,389 14s. 8d.; school boards, 1107,347 3s. 8d.; highway boards, 916,368 7s.; surveyors of highways, X18,570 5s. DISEASES OF ANIMALS. The returns under the Diseases of Animals Acts compiled by the Board of Agriculture for the week ended November 6th again shew a blank under the heading of pleuro-pneumonia. The outbreaks of swine fever numbered 18, and 319 pigs were slaughtered as diseased or exposed to infection. The figures for the corresponding week last year were 65 outbreaks .and 1,588 pigs slaughtered. There were five outbreaks of anthrax, attacking seven animals, against 12 and 23 last year. Of glanders there were 10 outbreaks and 31 animals attacked, against 16 and 30 last year. Four cases of rabies in dogs were reported, against three last year. BIRMINGHAM AND THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. In view of the fact that the annual show has not been held at Birmingham since 1876, at a meeting of the Birmingham Agricultural Exhi- bition Society it was decided to suggest to the Lord Mayor and Corporation of the city the desirability of inviting the society to hold their meeting of 1898 in the district of Birming- ham, the opinion being expressed that such an important exhibition would be welcomed by all classes in the neighbourhood. On Tuesday the Lord Mayor, at a meeting of the City "Council, brought the nfatter forward, and it was decided to hold a public meeting to consider the ques- tion, subject to the approval of which, the General Purposes Committt e were authorised to send an invitation on behalf of the Council. It is understood that the society would be willing to consider favourably an invitation from Birmingham, since it has been felt that the time for another visit to the district was approaching, and it had been settled that the 1900 show should be held at York. IMPORTS AND KXPORT8. During the ten months ended Octoba? 31st, the value of living animals imported into this country for food has been X9,756 0-19. compared with £ 9,025,321 in the corresponding period last year. Of oxen 529,843 were imported during the ten months, against 484,913 last year. The United States sent 353,276, against 339,354; Canada 108,778, against 84,131; and the Argentine Republic 66,330, against 59,521. The value of the oxen imported increased from ES,004,010 to 98,930,332. The number of sheep and lambs imported was 547,494, against 688,961 last year. Of these 317,253, against 313,314, came from the Argentine Republic; 161,630, against 243,054, from the United States; 52.840, against 70,752, from Canada; and 15,771, against 61,841, from other countries. The value of the sheep imported was X825,747, against JEl.021,306 in 1896. The value of corn imported was X42,775,090, against £ 40,391,630. The value of dead meat imported was zC22,775,984, compared with £20,460,315 last year. The quantity of fresh beef imported was 2,477,213 cwt., against 2,193,571 cwt.; and of fresh mutton 2,631.501 cwt., against 2,396,622 cwt. Other large increases were of bacon and hams. Butter of the value of L13,371,865, against L12,692,445, was imported; margarine X2,054,986, against X2,048,926 cheese 14,848,917, against £ 3,940.286; and eggs X3,526,461, against £ 3,376,615.

MESSRS. PROCTOR AND RYLAND'S ROOR PRIZES. In these exacting times of agricultural com- petition it is important that the land should be made to produce the largest possible crops, and this can only be attained by keeping up the fertility of the soil. From the appended awards of the judge, Mr. A. S. Berry, of Great Barr, in the forty-fourth annual competition for the prizes offered by Messrs. Proctor and Ryland, of Birmingham and Chester, for the best crops of roots grown with the aid of their specially pre- pared manures, it will be observed that the three first prizes in the classes for swedes go to crops weighing over 49, 42, and 41 tons respectively, while the tirst in the class for mangolds reaches over 66 tons per acre. Mr. Berry in his report remarks that, although the crops in some districts have suffered from drought, upon the whole the competitors are to be congratulated on the results obtained. The following are the awards :— DISTRICT No. 1.—CLASS A.—Five acres of swedes, grown with Messrs. Proctor and Ryland's specially prepared manure, upon any farm within the counties of Hereford, Salop, Stafford, Warwick, Worcester, Gloucester, Berkshire, Hants, Surrey, Oxford, Buckingham, Hertford, Bedford, Northampton, and Huntingdon.—First prize, ElS 15a., to Mr. Thos. Williams, Slindon House, Eccleshall, Staffordshire. Average weight per acre of five statute acres, 41 tons 17cwt. Oqrs. 161bs.; second prize, S10 10s., to Mr. Thos. Clarke, Knighton Grange, Newport, Salop, 39 tons 7cwt. Oqrs. 161bs.; third prize, R5 5s., to Mr. S. B. Foxley, Chatcull, Eccleshall, Staffordshire, 35 tons 2cwt. 3qrs. 12lbs. DISTRICT No. 2—CLASS B.- Five acres of sWedes, grown with Messrs. Proctor and Ryland's specially prepared manure, upon any farm within the counties of Cumberland, Westmore- land, York, Lancaster, Lincoln, Nottingham, Leicester, Rutland, Derby, Chester, Flint, Denbigh, Carnarvon, Merioneth, Radnor, Mont- gomery, and Anglesey.—First prize, £ 15 15s., to Mr. Samuel S. Raingill, The Grange, Ringway, Altrincham. Average weight per acre of five statute acres, 49 tons, 5cwt., 2qrs.,241bs.; second, prize, 910 lOs., Mr. Hugh Williams, Bodrida, Llangaffo, Anglesey, 44tons, 15cwt., 2qrs., 241ba.; third prize, C5 5s., Mr. John Griffith, Bryn, Carnarvon, 41 tons, 5cwt, 2qrs., 241b. CLASS C.—Five acres of Swedes, grown with Messrs. Proctor and Ryland's specially prepared manure, upon any farm in England or Wales (not eligible to compete in Districts 1 and 2).— First Prize, zClO IDs., Mr. F. H. Sharrod, Cher- rington Manor, Newport, Salop, 42 tons, 4cwt., lqr., 41be.; second prize, S5 5s., Mr. Thomas Owen, Rhuddgeer, Dwyran, Anglesey, 40 tons, 5cwt., 2qrs., 241bs. CLASS D. Two acres of mangold wurtzel, grown with Messrs. Proctor and Ryland's specially prepared manure, upon any farm in England or Wales.—First prize, X15 15s., Mr. John S. Billington, Balterly Hall, Crewe, average weight per acre of two statute acres, 66 tons, 14cwt., lqr., 41bs.; second prize, £ 1010s., Mr. William Clifton, Clay Hall, Reigate, Surrey, 57 tons, 8cwt., 2qrs., 8Ibs.; third prize, Mr. Henry Harker, Nutfield, Red Hill, Surrey, 55 tons, 15awt., 2qra., 241b.

THE LATEST INDIAN FIGHT. + ENGLISH REGIMENT SUFFER HEAVILY. A telegram from the Viceroy says the British force employed on feconnaisance to Saran Sar destroyed nearly 40 Jakka Khel Forts. The rear-guard was attacked as the troops were returning. They are said to have inflicted sharp punishment on the enemy, but the Northamptonshire regiment in retiring along a nullah appear to have been surprised by a party of the enemy lying in ambush, and to have suffered consider- able loss. A court of inquiry will be held te investigate the circum- stances. The casualties during the day were:— Northamptonshire Regiment Killed, Lieut. J. T. Waddell, Second Lieut. A. H. Maclntire, and seventeen privates; wounded, Lieut. Trent and twenty-nine privates. Dorsetshire Regi- ment Killed, two privates; wounded, Lieut. Ingram, Second Lieut. Mercer, and six privates. Natives Killed, one; wounded, seven.

THE LIVERPOOL ELECTION. + UNIONIST VICTORY. Voting took place on Wednesday in the Exchange Division of Liverpool, for the vacancy created in the Parliamentary representation by the appointment of Mr. Bigham, Q.C., to a Judgeship of the High Court. The candidates were, Mr. M'Arthur (Unionist) and Mr. Rea (Radical). The contest was, throughout, an exciting one, and in the first instance the result of the poll was announced as being in favour of Mr. Rea by 47 votes, namely, Rea, 2,706; M'Arthur, 2,659. These figures, however, were discovered on a recount, to be wrong, a bundle of ballot papers for Mr. M'Arthur having been placed with Mr. Rea's votes. The corrected figures were then announced to be :— M'Arthur 2,711 Rea.2,657 Unionist Majority 54 I In 1895 there was a Liberal Unionist majority | of 254, in 1892, a Gladstonian majority of 66, in 1887 a Gladstonian majority of 7, and in 1885 a Gladstonian majority of 170.

CLARKE'S B 41 PILLS are warranted to cure, in either sex, all acquired or constitutional Dis- charges from the Urinary Organs, Gravel and Pains in the back. Free from Mercury. Estab- lished upwards of 30 years. In boxes 4-i. 6d. each, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout the World, or sent for sixty stamps by the makers. The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Company, Lincoln. CAPTAIN LAWLET IN BULAWATO. The festivities in connection with the opening of the Buluwayo Railway concluded on Wed- nesday evening with a farewell banquet to the visitors who came to attend the opening ceremony.—Mr. W. H. Wisher, M.P., proposed •The British South Africa Company and the Administrator in a brilliant speech, in which he eulogised Mr. Lawley, testifying to his distinguished abilities as a statesman, and the immense popularity which he enjoyed. The I speaker also referred in glowing terms to the great qualities of Mr. Cecil Rhodes, and his services to the British Empire.—Mr. Lawley, in replying, announced the introduction of a revised code of law applying to the natives with a view of ameliorating their condition. A new mining law would be drafted better adapted to the requirements of the mining industry. All methods would be used to assist the farmers, and a scheme was contemplated for the eradication of the rinderpest. A muni- cipality would be established for Buluwayo, and the principles of responsible government would be introduced. In conclusion Mr. Lawley con- demned in measured terms what he described as the unjust criticisms constantly levelled by ignorant and predjudiced persons against the Chartered Company and its work. PARTER'S LITTLE u LIVER PILLS. jl BEAUTIFUL TEETH ^HCABTERfl Do«a for all who use daily on the 6«oth liTTir o « brush a few drops ot IVER Price. S0Z0D0NT, Jrn If'y'S Forty in a the yieauuntett dentifrice la flf vial. world. Purely Vegetable. Cleanses the teeth and spaces between them as nothing else sfe wil1- Bound and pearly white Headaches promptly^ teeth, rosy Ups, and fragrant <rare them so Aft to st*T tared, brewn ensured. Chemists, Is. 1*<1. Ask for SOZODONT. &S. fid.

PIANOS 1 PIANOS! SENT FREE ON APPROVAL. CRANE & SONS Will send, post free, a PHOTO, of their EXHIBITION MODEL PIANOFORTE, a facsimile of which was shown at the BIRMINGHAM EXHIBITION, l:eM in June, 1897 (National Trades and Industrial Exhi- bition), at which they were successful in obtaining the GOLD MEDAL. This Model was specially made and designed for this Exhibition, and the succcss having exceeded our most sanguine anticipation, we have instructed our Foreman to complete 50, in addition to those ordered at the Exhibition, a portion of which are NOW HEADY, and we are willing to offer as an Advertisement these 50 Instruments at the TRADE PRICE— £ 19 17/6 That is, the Public will be supplied at the wholesale price until the 50 are sold. NOTICE TO THE PIANO TRADE. In offering 50 of our new Exhibition Models to the Public at the trade price we have no intention of breaking fait,h with the trade, but. are merely offering this number in order to introduce i his Mod -1 to the Public. Although departing from our rule not to supply the Public on the same terms as the trade, we think the advantage will be mutual, as we anticipate the demand for this Mod. 1 will exceed that of the "Eclipse" Model, the Exhibition Model taking if.s place. Tcis Instrument may be seen at any of our Bi-itiielieg:- 4B EDMUND ST., BIRMINGHAM I 80, YORK STREET, BELFAST 40. UPPER SACKVILIC ST DUBLIN 4, RECENT STR^T, Y/ILEXIIAM 48, BRIGHTOI ST., SEACOMBi 42, ALEXAt!DA RD., M:)SS SIDE, MANCHESTER CRANE & SONS, THE LARGEST PIANOFORTE MANUFACTURERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, Principal Sltowroom3- SCOTLAND ROAD Factories—HO KNliY STR K ET, LIVERPOOL. And AGENTS in ail Principal Towns. MAW :2,000,000: PEOPLE, fr YES, TWO-MILLION PEOPLE DRINK BROOKE,BONDS'* TCI TEA jfc EVERY DAY. *This is an absolute fact. And ™ this fact is the best possible proof *thaj: the British Public have found » out for themselves that Brooke, Bonds' Tea is the very best value for their, money. We have AGENTS EVERYWHERE, and they sell our celebrated packets 30C ^Arat prices to suit all people and all purses. jpC .1/ 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 2/ 2/4, 2/8 a lb. *BROOKE, BOND* & CO., LIMITED. The Lancashire Tea Warehouses: *17, Piccadilly, and )H h t MM,LongMillgatej BORWICK'S ■SL POWDER | he Most Safe and Speedy H I lybemedy for u Cough & Cold mmm, \-l»ou Wiil Get D,Calief & Rest. 1/14, 2/9. SOLD EVERYWHERE. Sold in (DAVIES & SHEPHTSARD, Brid^e-st-RoW. CHESTER < CHEERS & HOPLEY, 6, Northgate-st. by (.PEARSON & Co., Christleton-road.

fctterarg Notices. MAGAZINES. The Land Magazine for November keeps pace with its predecessors in instructive and read- able subjects for the farmers' perusal. Among the most noticeable papers are those by Arthur Smith, entitled Do animals reason ?' and The Marquess of Bute's Vineyards,' by Hugh A. Pettigrew, the Marquess' head gardener. The first-named is a rejoinder to an article on the sauid subject by Mr. Bell, in the August number, in which it was maintained that the theory of animals reasoning is built upon the unstable basis of individual freak, and when subject to careful analysis tumbled to the ground. The author of the present paper, however, argues strongly in the affirmative, and gives many instances in support of his contention that, though the reasoning capabilities of the genus homo are greatly superior to other genera, at the same time he cannot admit that those other genera are destitute of all reasoning faculty. The difference is merely one of degree. The number contains several other articles on subjects affecting the land interest, eminently fitted for the thought- ful and serious attention of all intelligent agriculturists. NEW BOOKS. LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE RECORD SOCIETY. We have received from the hon. secretary of the Record Society of Lancashire and Cheshire (Mr. Wm. Fergusson Irvine, of Claughton), the two volumes for the current year of the society's original documents. The first deals with the minutes of the committee for the relief of plundered ministers, and of the trustees for the maintenance of ministers, relating to Lancashire and Cheshire. The papers are edited by Mr. W. A. Shaw, M.A., and deal with the period from 1643-60. The city and county of Chester figure prominently in the records, which are valuable inasmuch as they have never seen the light of print before. There is much to interest the antiquarian in these curious old documents, and the public are indebted to the Record Society for rescuing them from oblivion, and placing them where they are so easily accessible. Here is a sample relating to St. Peter's, Chester, of the date Nov. 15th, 1650 Whereas by ordinance of Parliament of the first of October, 1646, an addiconall maintenance of 150 li a yeare is graunted out of the revenues of the Deane and Chapter for increase of the main- tenance of a godly preaching minister within the church of Peter's within the city of Chester, and Mr. JOHN GLENDALL is the present minister of the said church as by an order of the Committee for Plundered Ministers of the 21st of November now produced appears now by vertue of an act of this present parliament entituied an act for providing maintenance for preaching ministers and other pious uses, it is ordered that the Honourable the Committee for the Publique revenue be desired and they are hereby desired to cause to be issued out and paid out of ffirst ffruites and tenthes paid into the exchequer unto the said Mr. Glendall the summe of 56 li 5 0 being i partes of one halfe yeares rent of the premisses to him due on or about the 24th day of June last.- Jo THOROWGOOD, RICHARD YONG, WILLIAM SKTNNKE, Jo POCOCKE, Jo BROWNE. There appears to have been considerable agitation in the county about 1657 respecting a proposal to divide the 'chappell of Whitwill in the township of Iscoyd from the parish of Malpas in the county of Flint.' A minute of November 16, 1658, sets forth among other things:- Whereas the rectory of Malpas in the County of Chester is of thH yearly value of about 450 li and the pari. of .\ll! lp. aforesaid i., of large con41as.se and extend including in it dJ lie 20 township, and whereas tho township of Iscoyd in the said parish ot Nialpat3 i. in the county of Flint (in which townshipp is scituate a chappell called Whitwell ctiappell) and is disiant from the parish of Malpas aforesaid above three miles and severed by a river called Elfe and another brooke which frequently makes the way of the inhabitants of Iscoyd aforesaid to the said parish church dangerous and impassable and the tithe and profitts belonging to the said rectory of Malpas ariseing within the said township of Iscoyd are of the yearly value of 501i, and it is fitt and needfull that the said townships of Iscoyd and chappell of Whitwell bee severed and divided from the said parish of Malpas and united into and made one entire and distinct parish as in and by an inquisition of the said parish taken, &c. upon hearing all parties concerned, we thinke fitt that the said township shall be and stand divided and severed from the said parish of Malpas and con- solidated and made one entire parish of them- selves, &c., &c. The second volume of the year, which is edited by Lieut.-Colonel Henry Fishwick, F.S.A., is devoted to Pleadings and Depositions in the Duchy Court of Lancaster, time of Henry V III! The extracts from those ancient trials are of peculiar interest to tha antiquary, and they are not without value to the general reader as throwing a strong light on the manners and customs of the time. The records tell in their curiously antiquated language of many a bloody foray and faction fight, and it is some- what singular how many of these conflicts came off either in churchyards or in close proximity to churches. Thus we read that in 1535 Sir Thomas Boteler, Knight and Sheriff, complained that whereas he held a warrant against Thomas Pomfret, of Aderton, Lancashire, car- penter, and divers other persons, he sent his under sheriff (Richard Penkyth) and other officers to the parish church of Leghe during divine service on a Sunday to make the arrest. The officers found three of their men there, and requested them to accompany them before a justice of the peace, which they con- sented to do, but as they were passing through the churchyard over 100 riotous persons assembled, and armed with long staves, swords, &c., assaulted the said under sheriff and servants, putting them in fear of their lives,' and rescuing a prisoner. Thereupon the officers went to an adjacent house, which was bom- barded by the mob, till they forced an entrance, and sorely wounded and hurt' the minions of the law, the result being the issue of warrants against over 100 persons for their part in the I fray. Altogether the volume is a most read- able one. A Stout English Bowman (by Edgar Pickering; Blackie and Son, Limited, 50, Old Bailey, E.C 3s. 6d.).—This wholesome story of chivalry in the days of Henry III. will fascinate all boys. It deals with the thrilling adventures, in this country and in France, of two lads. One at the outset takes a friendly interest, which is sus- tained to the end in the career of the hero, Harold Godwith, who on being robbed of his inheritance by a powerful baron, follows the pursuit of a soldier. After undergoing many ups and downs, he boldly endeavours to obtain his own from his unscrupulous enemy, with what success we must leave the reader to ascer- tain tor himself. Written in a simple and yet attractive style, the tale is what it is intended to be—a capital one for boys. Workmen's Compensation Act. We have received a Handbook to the Workmen's Com- pensation Act, 1897, by M. Roberts-Jones. It treats of approved schemes of compensation, notes and decisions on accidents, employers' liability, arbitration, &c., and is a handy work of reference. It is published at Cardiff by the Western Mait,* Limited, and at 82, Fleet-street, London. Price 2s. Ontario.-Under the title of Ontario- Premier Province of Canada' is published a beautifully illustrated hand-book, just issued by the Provincial Government, Toronto, for the information of persons who contemplate emigrating to that fine country. Besides giving a graphic general description of Ontario and its various institutions, the pamphlet treats fully of its agricultural, manufacturing, mining, and other great industries and also of its rich and varied natural resources and pro- ductions. Due prominence is given in its pages to the remarkable discoveries of gold recently made over a vast area of its territory, and affording promise of an unprecedented flow of prosperity. Copies of the pamphlet can be obtained free on application to the Ontario Government Agency, 9, James-street, Liverpool. The Wreck of the Grosveno)- Messrs Sampson, Low, and Co., St. Dunstan's House, Fetter-lane, London, are issuing a sixpenny edition of W. Clark Russell's well-known book'The Wreck of the Grosvenor.' It is a notable addition to the volumes of good literature published at cheap prices. Some Other Children (London Blackie and Son, Limited, 50, Old Bailey, E.C. 2s.).—This interesting volume is from the facile pen of Miss H. F. Gethen, and consists of a number of stories from a children's hospital. The volume is dedicated to H.R.H. the Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lome, and the talented authoress has woven into story form and pre- sented to her youthful readers some of the incidents which daily occur in hospitals for children. The stories themselves will well repay perusal, even by children of an older growth; and as the work is artistically illus- trated, and attractively presented, it would form a pleasing gift to young people at Christmas. Photograms of '97 (London-Photograms Limited—2s.)—The annual volume of this work, devoted to photography in all its branches, has just been issued. Examples and studies of numerous subjects are produced, including flowers, figures, landscapes, portraits, &c. The progressive strides which have been made recently in the science of photography have been followed, kinetography and radiography receiving a share of attention. The latter is illustrated by a cleverly produced photo of an adult full figure. Annie S. Swan's Penny Weekly Stories.-The penny stories published by this talented authoress have proved a great success. They are all full of interest to old and young alike. They are well printed, on good paper, and they should do much to counteract the baneful influence of the trashy cheap literature so prevalent to-day. The publishers are Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton, 27, Paternoster Row, London. Parson Prince (Bemrose and Son, 2s. 6d.) is published as a story for the people,' setting forth the troubles of a young clergyman in the capacity of vicar to a parish chiefly consisting of colliers. The story is well told, and does not lack incident, the reader's interest being sustained throughout.

At Millbank Bleach works, Glasgow, on Friday, a girl named Lizzie McGunnigal had her hair caught by a revolving belt. She was com- pletely scalped, and now lies in the Infirmary in a hopeless condition. THE QUEEN, accompanied by Princess Beatrice and suite, arrived at Windsor at a quarter to nine on Saturday morning from Balmoral, and was received at the station by Mr. Wilkinson, general manager of the Great Westorn Railway, and by the Mayor of Windsor. Her Majesty, who looked in remarkably good health, drove to the Castle in an open landau. BAD WATER SUPPLIES IN CHESHIRE.—At the fortnightly meeting of the Northwich Rural Council on Friday, the surveyor reported that he had received complaints of the unsatisfactory condition of the water supply of the Sproston district. It had been clearly proved that much contaminated water was being used, but, under the existing law, there was no means of compelling the owners of property in Sproston to provide a proper supply, as the cost would be greater than could be imposed under the Act.—The Clerk said the time had arrived when some action should be taken. In many of the agricultural districts the water was entirely unfit for consumption, and the law ought to be so amended that owners would be bound- to make satisfactory provision.—The Chairman (Colonel France- Hayhur&t) said there were many such cases in Cheshire, and one of the greatest difficulties agriculturists had to contend with was the absence of good water suppies.—Mr. Holland (Little Budworth) moved that the Clerk prepare a memorial to the Local Government Board.— Mr. Capes seconded, and suggested that the co- operation of the whole of the councils in Cheshire should besought.—This was carried.