Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

THE BOARDER'S SOCK. The star-boarder on Christmas hung up an old sock, And the boardin'-house missis put in it a rock Then the serving-maid thought she would not be outdone, So she stole to the sock and thrust in a bun. Now, the boarder, awaking, dressed up in the night, And expectant slipped slyly down-stairs with a light; Then he boldly walked in with the air of a lord, And there pinned to his sock was a bill for his board.

A SEASONABLE WARNINO. DANCING.—The exercise ol dancing is favourable to health, and the gracefriil development of the body; but, like all physical exercise, it must he pursued it seasonable times, and under such circumstances as are dictated by nature, or it will become hurtful. With every additional movement of the -limbs the respiration is increased, and the lungs take in a larger supply of air and this, if not pure, will act upon the system with the Virulence of a poison. We need hardly say, what must be obvious to every-, one who has breathed it, that the atmosphere of the crowded ball-room at this season is not in the con- dition suitable to health. Better no exercise at all than exercise under such unfavourable circum- stances. Indeed, ball-room dancing frequently becomes a source, as we all know, of prostration and ill-health. No frequenter of the crowded "ball-room will pretent that he or she, atter a long night's indulgence in its debaucheries, sleeps more soundly, awakes more refreshingly, and resumes the duties or labours of the day with a lighter step, and a lighter spirit. The looks are certainly not improved. Whatever, therefore, may be said in favour of fashionable dancing as a social element, it cannot be justified as an exeroise favourable to the health and beauty of the body. The bet phy- sical discipline is to be found in regular and cheer- ful exercise in the open air. Those sports, which are often termed manly, but are no less womanly, as riding, boating, ball-playing, and brisk walking,, are the best means of not only giving strength to' the body, but endowing it with grace of form and motion."

DAVID'S s CIIRISTMAS FORTUNE A sharp sleet had Iltwn falli;», and a bleak aorth-east wind was driving furiously along, almost taking the breath away from those luck- less travellers who happened to be exposed to it, this bitter Christmas-tide. One small grocer's shop at the corner of a hack street in little town of WoodfieLi seemed ths special ,object of its vagaries, r.nd it Vjrvu-^d the abutters, and shook the windows, and whirled in such Minding clouds of sleet, tlaut the owver, David Warwick had taken rc'urw in a aimg little back » • parlour, wh«rein sat liusx Warwick. or Siaaie «s ier friends called her, the cheeriest, neatest, niceat little wife in ail the eastern counties. At least sa David said thought, and there was no one foolish euwigh or L-ardy enoiggli to contradiet him. It was iilmost Iii"icr-time, but there seemed no preparations fer it, and -Sissie was nursing the sole hope of âe faraily--4 fat, chitbby infant, IIOW-SMC months old. David dear," said she, ;as he entered the .room, just hold Wjy a minute, will you, while I put the cloth oil ihe table. David mechanicnily held 'out his Arms and took the rosy little child from its mother, who kegsra to bustle .about., intent upon zaaking ap, for lost time. ""What's for dinner, Sissie J," he asked, as Ae walked gently up and down with the baby i* his arms. Why, only the cold mutton from "yesterday, David. There^s not mach Tl'm afraid," she HCOUtinned, ar she placed the remainsv of"» «OLD «houlder on ithe little table, "but 'tis as lauca as you'll eat, and I don't want any. I had some lunch and, besides, i!'ve doue some beautiful 3toot potatoes, and I'm so fond of them, you know." David difi know, but he knew too that the little woman ought 4o have something better than roasted potatoes for her dinner, with that creat boy to nurse. But he was used to her loving lictious. Anything would do for her, or nothing, so that he-r David had enough. And what's for dinner to-morrow, Sissie ? "Was the next question. To- morrow -said Sissie, laughing, and opening the oven door to see how the potatoes were progressing. Oh, you greedy man! Why, to-morrow's Christmas Day, isn't it, and iou know we always have roast beef, don't we ? I made the plum-pudding this morning." "I wish I was rich Sissie, I do," broke out David, after a long silence; "we'd have such a Christmas dinner !—roast turkey and sausages, or boiled -and oyster sauce. Which do you like best, Sissie—boiled or roast? Sissie put on a grave look as befitted the occa- sion, and considered, and then replied, Well, I don't know that I ever tasted turkey, I have Sowl, I know, and sausages but I suppose ^that's deferent." Very different, Sissie," said he. Well, I think, on the whole, 'tis bust roasted. Then we'd have something else a piece of beef, or a goose perhaps, and plum-pudding and custard, and lots of mince pies." Oh, David, how extravagant!" said Sissie. Not if I could afford it, you know," said David; "and I'd do sach a deal of good if I'd a lot of money, Sissie. I'd settle an annuity on F>or Icke Shaw—cousin Icke you know and d give Tom's widow a good round sum to set lier up in business, or a boarding house or some- thing. 1 shouldn't miss a thousand pounds then, Sissie. And I'd ask all tho old women to dinner in the servants' hall (we should have no end of a house then), and the children to tea. and Imns. Wouldn't it be jolly ? "Well, I daresay it would," said the little, -woman, cheerily; "but it isn't likely to happen that's one thing. So come and sit down, and Tll take baloy. David sat down, and turned over the bare- Jooking bone before him. 11 f -1 am sure you'll iind enough," said Sissie, anxiously, "just under there; look! there's iqnite a nice lot." To be sure, so there is," said David making jmndry ostentatious flourishes with the carving- knife. Etre, have this there's more than I 4shall eat." Sissie stoutly refused, and made a great show af enjoyment over her roasted potatoes, whilst David scraped the mutton bone, and then lay tack in his chair with a very good imitation of being quite .overpowered by the hearty dinner Jxe had eaten. WeU, 'tis all very well," said he, when his -wile had put the baby iu his cit, and began to kustle about the room again, but it won't do for me to bask here ail day. That boy'll be helping himself to the raisins or some mis- chief." So David opened the door that led into the little shop, and took his place behind the counter, It wis colder than ever, and everybody who jfcssed went briskly along, as though anxious to jget back to a comfortable fireside as fast as they could. But except the girl from the Black Cow fqy a pound of currants, and a poor old woman for "a quarter of an ounce of tea, no one came tc David's shop. So after he had looked up. and down the. street half-a-dozen times, and tied up «few packets of tea and sugar, he took off his apron, put on his hat, and went out for a .strotl It was orriy a by-street were David lived, and very different from the Bridge, as it was called, -where the principal inn and most of the best ahops were. David walked slowly on, casting a scrutinising eye at the huge piles of fruit, -engar, and spices, so temptingly displayed in the grocers' windows. There were bright-look- ing evergreens too, with their glowing bunches of scarlet berries, making the polished windows look like perfect fairy bowers of good things. "Now, I never thought of that," said David "to himself. ■" nor A Merry Christmas in nut- megs aad Sissie's got no ivy and holly, and I'm sure she'd like a bit, to say nothing of the shop. -1 know where to get some, and 'tis not far. I -could easily be back by tea-time." After another criticising survey of the whole arrangement, David stepped on at a quicker jpac alh soon left the little town behind him. Now, the place to which David was bound lisd long acquired a ghostly reputation, possibly from having oeeu the site of an ancient burying- .ground at least human skulls and bones had teen so often turned up there, that it was now allowed to become a complete waste, and the .hedges, long grown wild, were dotted here and there with fine old trees of richly-berried holly. David trudged an, the keen wind meeting him with such force that it .almost brought tears into his eyes. However, he was in that pecu- liar state of mind called a brown study, and sturdily held on, only turning sharply round jaow and then to break the force of the blast, which seemed to grow fiercer and fiercer every moment. Just as lie came within sight of the spot he was bound for, tUe church, bells sud- dealy struck up a merry pe tl.. "Ah, there you go," he muttered, ringing away as if all the world were as merry as you are. You wouldu't though if you'd a wife and a little child, ani next to nothing coming i n. As lie sai(I ti'ii, David vaulted over a low latile, and skirted the hedge, till he reached the place where the largest hollies grew. There they were with their shining scarlet bunches, and the dark glistening leaves, clustered around them, like coral beads in a velvet casket. He "took out his knife, and began cutting away at the best and largest branches he could find, and still the bdls went on ringing. "Now, if I had been Dick Whittington," said David, I should have heard those noisy bells chime out a different tuue Turn again, David, Lord Mayor of London and it doesn't sound bad either," Who knows! perhaps I may be some day." Gathering up his bundle of holly, David com- menced tying it together. "If somebody would only leave me a lot of money," he continued, after a pause, pulling the string with a vicious jerk, I'd give ten years of my life, that I would ten years of my to be as rich as Dick Whittington was. The words had scarcely passed his lipa ■when the wind, which had nearly subsided, broke out again with redoubled fury, and in the (,,u -wailing gust that swept past him he fancied lie heard the sound of laughter. He was by so means superstitious, so what it was that made him hastily grasp his bundle, and quickly clear the space between him and the stile, I cannot tell. However, he soliloquised no more, but made the best of his way home, which he reached just as his wife was setting out the tea things. I Goodness gracious, David 1" sne exclaimed, as he took off his hat, how white and scared jrou look What is the matter!" j liT othing's the matter," replied David stoutly 'tis the wind, that's all. Here, take the holly," he said, tossing the bundle on the table as he spoke. "Oh, what beautiful berries!" said Sissie, looking at it with admiring eyes. Wlierever did you get it, David ? David suddenly opened the door, and darted tack into the shop as though he had not heard the question. < That night David had a curious dream. He fencied he was at the old burying-ground again fetting holly, and just as he had cut the first unch he heard a voice call David Ha turned rouud and saw by the waning light the .Jigure of an old man clad from head to foot in a ^mplete suit ot grey, with a queer conical cap upon his .1-tad.. 1* ">0>, I I heard JOU last night, David," said the 'figure, "and 'tis 4 bargain. Ten years of youi life, remember, to be a rich man: rich as a Jew, David. Shake hands upon it." „ Thea the old man aald out a Ion?, thia. shadowy hand, looking as grey as hisdres3 anj as David sauddoriugly placed his own within it, the bony lingers closed upon his with such a grip that David screamed with pain, and avoke witu a violent start that made Sissio asil whatever was the matter. Do what he Wonl 1, David could not quite rid himself of the licr :(,lB, uncomfortable inv.res- sioui left by his dream, tlnvigh he was ready to call himself all the blockheads imaginable fur being so faaciful. J ut as they were sitting down to bre-tk-ftst, a loud siagle knock resounded through th« house. "What's that. Sissie?" said David, turning quite pale. TJie post, I daresay," replied Sissie, "theugh l'ift sure I don't expect a letter. Perhaps somebody's sent you a large order," she said, laughing, as she went to answer the door. David leaned forward in his chair and listened eagerly. It was the post, sure enough. "A letter for you, David," sail Sissia, hold- ing it high above her hea l, as she entered the room; "a large law-loo;a,ig lett -r, with imme- diate oa. the oatside, aId directed to David Warwick, Esq." David held out his hand, and tore it opeu with shaking fingers. The contents were as follows 100, Wall Street, New York, Dec. 23,18-. "SIR,-W-chave the honour to inform you that in consequence of the death of your great uncle, Timothy Swell, Esq., late of Boston, who was lst in the wreck of the Atlantic on the 20th uli., you Ha"Ve, under his will, become entitled to the whole of his fortune. We shall bf itl)!JY u to act under any instructions -nit. *ay favour us with, and beg, to remain, sir, your obedient humble servants, ROB, CHEAT I Co." To David Warwick, Esq." David threw down the letter, sprang from his chair, seized Sissie round the neck, and ga/e her a hearty kiss. Then he picked up the precious document, waved it triumphantly round his head and almost frantic with joy, read its con- tents aloud. "Only think," he exclaimed, "'tis all come true after all I'm a rich man, Sissie, though I can hardly believe it yet. I can't, and tha:d"t a fact." "Nor I, I declare, David, said bissie; but it must be true, you know. I've heard you talk of your Uncle SwcJ) many-a-time." So you have, Sissie, so you have," said I David, "and it must be true, as you say. I wonder how much it is. The whole of his vast prù¡Jerty'vast you see, Sissie, so it must be something wondertul." Suppose it should be ten thousand dollars, David!" "Ten thousand dollars!" said he, contempta- ously pooh, that's nothing. A hundred thou.-and moTe likely." "Oh, David," exclaimed Sissie, after an astounded pause; "You don't really thirik *o, do you ? Whatever should we do with it all ? "Do with it!" said David, why spend it, to be sure. No more bare. boues and roast pota- toes for dinner again, if you please, Sissie. But give me tIle pell awl ink, and let me write directly, liiess me, IlJW my hand shakes After riany fruitless attempts to keep his thoughts iWm wand- ring to his new-born great- ness, and his hand steady enough to form the letters, David managed to indite a tolerably-, coherent epistle, which was then carefully buttoned up in his safest pocket and deposited by his own hand iu the post-oiiice. A few months saw David in full possession of all his wildest imaginings. He lia L an immense fortune, a splendid establishment, the finest equipages, and the richest wines in the county. Yet he was by uo means the happy man he had pictured. Numberless petty annoyances and small vexations were constantly happening to disturb him. He had gradually dropped all his old acquaintances as not genteel enough for his new sphere, and he found it no easy matter to replace them. Then again, the unearthly sounds he had heard in the old burying-ground, and what he considered the mysterious ratification of the compact to which he ha1 so rashly pledged himself, were, he Ult cor.viuced, no mere phantoms of his imagination so that every little accident, every trifling ailment frightened him to death, and he became by degrees a ner- vous, fanciful, irritable, hypochondriac, utterly inable to enjoy the good things lie had risked 89 much to obtain, and a prey to innumerable evils, both real and imaginary. "Oh that I had been coutent as i was n« would groan oh that I was once plain David Warwick the grocer What signifies all the good things the world can give, if one can't enjoy them J Didn't I eat my cold mutton with a better appetite than t do now when I sit down to thres courses dnul a dessert ? Besides, how, do I know i; ow long I may be here at all Poor David would actually shake in his chair as ha thought M- consequences of his follvi in fa t, "Sr* 1bd nothing but vex and fret, till he became the, shadow of his former self; neither was lie now the kind and generous friend aui telation he had formerly been. AD hisgpodresolutions had melted away in the strong .sunshine, of prosperity; aud his liberal inten- tions towards "poor Icke" and "Tom's widuw," were no more mentioned or thought of. It was once more Christmas Eve. ¡Da.vid Sissie were seated in their gorgeous drawing- room beside a blazing tire. The storm rattled without, and the hail aall snow p:\ttcred against the windows, but David never heeded it his' thoughts were far away-in the little shop PC, haps, or at the disinit burying-ground. U:h he shuddered as lie thought of it. "Sissie," said he, trying to rouse himself, how many are coming to dinner to-morrow ? How many echoed Sissie why, really, David, I scarcely know. We shall be a large. party though, a very large party, David. The more the m-rrier," said David. "Have you invited Icke Sh,tW inquired Sissie, with rather an ambiguous glance, at leost. so David thought. Well, no 1 haven't," said David. "Nor poor Caroline and the cnildren, David?" continued Sissie. "The children!" muttered David; 1 don't exactly know what to say about that, Sissie. I'll think about it." And then David you could settle what you mean to do for them," said Sissie but David only coughed. "A shop, or a boarding house," she con- tinned you know." 11 Hum I muttered David. "A shop, or a boarding-house, persis..«a Sissie,—" what you were talking about so lorr ago when we had a col 1 mutton bone for dinner one day," said Sissie, laughing merrily. David didn't like these allusions. Why couldn't the let him alone, he wondered. But she Waf in a strange mood that night he hud never known her so obstinate, and at last his gatiinc* fairly gave way, and he rebuked har so tharpif that the poor little woman quitted the room in a flood of tears, and left her indignant lord to his meditations. 9 These meditations were not, however, alto- gether of a pleasurable character lor, mixed ap with the pride of wealth, and the antic)palliou of to-morrow's ostentatious display, came an uncomfortable recollection of poor Icke in his miserable lodging, and lom's widow-whe had, been his youllger- brother ;J.ù his father's pat ia days gone by—surrounded by five p"-facat hungry children. Do what he would Davil could not quite suc- ceed in driving away th se and many such thoughts but he contrived to lull them in some degree by firmly resolving that he certainly would see about it; yes, he would. New Year's Day would soon be here, and then he really would have them to a firi '-rate dinner and surely Sissie would be satiskud then. And so David stalked off to bed, an L got up in the morning in as complacent a st te of mind as if he had already carried into eliVt the good reso- lutions he had just been forming. We shall dine earlier to-day, David," said Sissie, as tuey walked from churcn the following morning. What nonsense exclaimed David, angrily; why can't we dine at five, as usual, I should like to know ? till, IVII),, the children would want their tea by that time, David dear, said Sissie, timidly. "The children exclaimed David in high anger; "what children, I should like to kiiow'i" "Don't talk so luud," said Sissie "here we are at home. Coiiiti into the dining-room they'll be here directly." .1 1. David bounced into tne lluue, and opened the dining-room door but the sight that met his astonished gaze made him recoil in speechless amazement. The room, large as it w,s, was completely filled with long tables and baize- covered forms, placed lengthways, sideways, and corner ways. Not an inch of space was left ^appropriated, and in the centre of the table stood a silver epergne filled with richly berried hOIIY-the very counterpart of that he had I brought from the haunted burying-ground. He had scarcely time to take in the whole scene, when the door was flang open, and in came, not only Cousin Icke, aud poor Tom's widow, but a host of little nephews and nieces besides; children with shabby garments, and red, chilblained fingers. David felt ready to collapse altogether, and thought with an agony of fear of the possibility of any of his grand acquaintances making their appearance, and discovering the ignominious fact that he really had poor relations low creatures, who had never heard of turtle soup or tasted lobster salad. Sissie burst out laughing and jeeringly bade him look through the window. There, tor Jlis horror and dismay, he perceived a whole tribe of men, women, and children, all Poorly clad, .fild JU evidently making theil Jfay wilri taces or joyous expectation to the hospw able mansion of the unhappy David. His rage was terrific. He stamped and stormed, and asked Sissie how she dared do such a thing without his orders. "O but I knew you rieant it David, dear," said' she, coaxingly. Don't you remember when we lived at the little shop, and were quite poor people, and I had roasted potatoes fat diii v. and you had-" Ij,,¡ t your tongue, Sissie," whispered David in an s /ony of shame. W .It, never mini," said Sissie, "there's more c.v.upany coming." Again the door opened, and a second party poured into the room not as before, ia poverty an t but gentlemen in full-dress suits, aud stately ladies if satin and velvet. l)i,i i eonLl bear no more. He sprang for- ward, and aiming a violent blow at a soup tdre,i. he dashed it into a. thousand fragments, rind pioceedin^ to commit farthqr atrocities, when IC one seized hold of his arm with a haJ. shriek, and turning round with a violent I" I v art, he saw Sissie standing by his side, holding ip the remains of an old-fashioned China tea- pot. Oh, David 1—see what you've done Poor mother's best teapot "i £ u?—what!" ccclaimcd David, with a ;„ok of intense bewilderment. "I haven't been asleep, have I ? "Vof course you have," replied Sissie; n Of.-aming too, I should think. Whatever y'Hi throw your arms ab i it in that fashion? n. oi.i;, tea's jjeadyy will do you good •L -r your nap." A s Ah, to be sure," said David absently, as he drew iij> t the table, and stirreti his .L. Well, but to-morrow's really Ciiristiua,- Da* aall, I suppose, isn't it Sissie he coi. ■ ■ • i • t' ter -t silence. W David," laughed Sissie, "what can you be ti; about? Vou kuow it is as well as I dc" D;u't 1 tell you I'd been making the pu-i dug this morning ?" Ah to be sure, so you did," said David. "Aii(i, Sissie dear, suppose you take a bit to poor Caroline, arid T- ra cun come iu at night and finish what's left ol the beef." To this Sissie gladly consented. So Christmas Day came and passed, as all Christmas Duys should, in the mutual exercise of kindly fellow- ship and good feeling. It was a long tune before David told even Sissie of the wonderful dream he had had and it was equally remarkable that he was nevei afterwards known to express tho least wish tc be any richer than he was. And when, in year to couie, he prosper ■ t in the world, and became the most thriving tm■■■■ m ui iil Wuodtield he was also well-known asmost liberal and kind- hearti-.d, i. ore far more respected, and a th- ,iu >s m .re happy, than it' he had in reil'ty iiit# .-Lied lus imaginary Curuit.nas For _U_

STollY OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE. At tins season of the year the decorated, Jhristmas tree, laden with its harvest of gifts is the centre of attraction in all housesof England. While the snow lies on the hills and the rivers are covered with ice, the boys and the girl, bring in from the woods the green fir-tree placing it in their cozy, brilliantly-lighted parlour, where it dispenses its joy to young and old. Whence comes the custom? Why do we have Christmas trees ? These questions are doubt- less asked by many curious folks every year. The answer involves a little historical. retro- spection. Modern history begins with the introduction of the Teutonic element among the peoples of Southern Europe, and it is to those same races; -hat we must look for the beginnings of our much-prized Christmas tree. The old Germanic and Saxon nations in Cen- tral and Northern Europe, before the introduc- tion and spread of Christianity, had a great veneration for trees. They would never wil- iiilgly injure one. The great national councils were held, and the chiefs sat in judgment, under the branches of huge oaks. When a warrior died he was always buried under the roots of a tree. All the German graves were found in groves. This was a result of the superstitious belief that their gods lived in the trees. In the linden-tree dwelt the benign spirit Berchta, who took charge of the babies and rocked their cradles when the nurses fell, asleep. Thor, the thunder god, lived in the oak in the willows all sorts of spirits in the eldertree the dwarfs. At tiie festivals of these gods their trees were decorated with lights, wreaths and tassels, and offerings were hung in the branches, which, howerer, were removed b the worshippers when ? the festival was ovej^ the godbemg supposed to appropriate only the t6 his own use. Une of the principal; 'festivals was .the "Jala- Cnd," or Joel feast <(3fcle), As ancieiit1 as the Kunie stones"aud thevEdda of the old Scandina- vians, wi&iii their wqisgletftil accounts of the Gi.iij :i iiga-Cap," and* the birth story of. Ymir ¡],!)\I Odin" and Thor, we find the "Yulepeace time" of the Norsemen a season of charity and love and s'seet forgiveness when all quarre's were adjusted, all feuds forgotten, and the shoes, of b.>r-.>ld and young were set side by side in a row, a:i earnest that' peace and love should rule the household throughout the year. A niong the Germa lis as far back as the records rcak, "The Twelve Night" was a festa) season, holy aud solemn, regarded by them as th most sacred of an their annual observances. Everywhere work was suspended. The courts were closed, and the innovation of tlw rights of this sacred time was visited with a double penaity. ? Yule means ivlieel and represented the sun, which at the end of the year is standing lowest and then commences to rise again. The feast was in honour of the goddess Freyja, and lasted twelve nights from December 25th to January 6th. Yule logs, wiiich are still popular in some parts c of England, were burned on the hearth, and fiery mls were sent rolling down the hillsides, and n front of the doors fir-trees were planted and lecorated with lights and garlands aud offerings, these being the only trees which are green in winter time, signifying that nature is not e- tircdy dead. Tile festival of the Twelve Nights originally celebrated the struggles of the condicting forces of nature, which our Norse ancestors symbolized by the battles of the gods and giants. The Ice Giant (winter) reigned in cruel silence. Aided by his powerful steed Swadilfari (the North wind), he built himself a huge castle of ice and threatened to perpetrate Darkness and Death. Then begins the conflict of .the giants, spring against winter, the south against the north wind. At length the god of the thunder storm, Thor, with his hugh "thuider stone," demolishes the entrenchments of the Ice Giant,and behold, Freyja, the lovely goddess of spring, steps forth and sheds light and life over the earth. But the restless giants have only yielded for a time, and they are ever plotting to regain their M' lost supremacy. By a stratagem the giant Thrym at last secures the mighty sledge-hammer of Thor, and buries it eight leagues under the ground. For eight months again the ice king has the mastery and darkness and winter art triumphant. At the end of that time iron-handed Thor re- captures his hammer, and accompanied by Laki, the spring wind, demolishes the giant's castle, aud the defeated enemy of man is once more forced to retire. So the eternal conflict con- tinues, the opposing forces of summer and winter never ceasing to push forward their claims at the proper season. The old mythologies of the northland are full of the story of these struggles, and the oM Ger- man poesy has taken from them some of its most striking features. Beautiful and significant legends arc all of them; and they should be more familiar to the English reader, who traces his anccstrv back to those old races. The ancient Germans conceived the world to be as a great tree, Ygdrasil, whose roots were hidden deep down in the earth, while its top reached to Valhalla Paradise), and then nourished the she-goat whose milk was used to restore and refresh the fallen heroes. The fir-tree dressed up and decorated on Twelve Nights symbolized Ygdrasil. So the Christmas tree is a gift from Germany, though any one curious in such matters might perhaps trace it back to the toy pine-tree, hung with oscilla, which boys and girls in ancient Rome looked for on the sixth and seventh days of the Saturnalia, and one of which the Emperor Tiberius gave to his nephew Claudius. The Egyptians had their palm-tree, and the Budd. hists of India their tree of votive gifts. But it is the tree of Freyja and not of Saturn or Isis or Buddha that is our Christmas tree. 1 The evergreen-tree, emblematic of spring time, because symbolical of an eternal spring. No longer the symbol of a heathenish principle, it 11 has been borne wherever civilisation has pene- trated. Laden with rich varieties of golden fruit, and radiant with light, the tree has taken root, and now lifts its gay branches under every sky, flourishing alike amid Norwegian snows and beneath Italian suns, on the banks of the Neva, and on the Thames, the Hudson and the Rio Grande Santa Claus is the merchant with the largest stockin, trade. We would rather experience a green Christmas than a blue one. If it were always so easy to be good as it is just before Christmas, what a nice place thif would be to live in.

A. SITTER" WIT. Lord ChJof > Ellenboi-migh did j always, when on ttkoe bench, illustrate "the1 of an impartial judge." On the contrary, if the trial at all touched politics, his obdurate Toryism made him a and his anxiety to convict was evident to both bar aud jury. In the trial of Howe for libel the jury brought in a verdict of Not guilty," to the Chief .j u- tice's mortification, for he had charged them against the prisoner. A tremendous burst of applause followed the announcement. 'A tumultuous mob of. people I followed the Chief Justices carriage, resolved apparently to.handle his lordsiiii) roughly they could get hold of him.. „ "lam afraid of their saliva, not of their bite," said the sarcastic judge to a friend who was riding with him.. He was a wit, though a bitter one. Tii the House of Lords a noble lord yawned while de- livering a speech. "Come, come," whispered Ellenborotigh to A brother peer, "the fellow does show some symptoms of taste. But this is encroaching on our province." He once canoe rushing out of a debate in tne House of Lords, and ran ugainst the Prince oil Wales. "I beg your Royal Highness's pardon, P«v. am responsible torny Creator for the use of' my time, and l.ord Dm idey is speaking." My lords, suid Lord Westmoreland, io^dO- bate, at this point T ask my-elf a question. And a stupid answer you'll be sure to got exclaimed Ellenborotigh in a loud whisper.

CADBITKY'S (;OCOA.-il Of FOIL strength, of a hiehl economical nature, flee from ftddtd starata and ragar.jraiftA. -v-' vj

TIIASH, ALL." Where did you get that turkey you have in your hand, Sim? said Mrs. Shrinkem, as he en- tered the house at midnight with a sixteen-pound gobbler whose skin was hanging from its carcase in shreds. Won him ater Chrismush raffle, m' dear. Nishe t—tur—tur—hie !—ky. Cosht me four—hie—teen —dollash." U Well, what is the matter with it ? What make- it looks so queer?" U Tbash nulhiu'. I Itn—knoc—hie !—ed a few p—p—pi—hie !—efcs off er fetwhe wiz him coming home. Thash all."

ROCKED THE TURKEY ASLEEP. 0, you good for nothing wretch exclaimed Big William's wife, as she reached her hand out u: bed and felt in the cradle to sseu if the baby was covered up. Whash 'or matter?" murmured Big, as bo turned in his sleep. Matter enough Ough you Wake up and go down-sfcairs and bring baby up here this minute. Did bring him up. in the cradle." No such a tiling.. You've drank too much whiskey. You wrapped the Christmas turkey in baby's blankets and rocked it to sleep in the cradle, you wretch and baby is down-stairs on the sofa catching cold."

HIS CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. L. Arabella Topcrusfc And .Cholly Weak pate were, f fingkged. Cholly wofc-ks ;{» clerk in a dry-goods house -attdrseHs tape cviton the bias, and Arabella's father is a pork-packer who has higher aspirations for his daughter than to have her marry Cholly. On Christmas morning Softop met a chum, who d'splayed an embroidered hat tip his lady had sent i him for a Christinas pre.sent. "What did Arabella give you, Cholly?" he raked. She gave me the shake, and her old man gave me a boot." me a boot."

DEAD STUCK ON HIMSELF. I do like a pig," said Mr. O'Greedy, as he helped himself for the fourth time to a liberal plate-full of the viands at the Christmas dinner. "You should be 'dead stuck'on yourself at that rate," said his landlady, with a smile, but in rather a cutting tone.

IRVING AT REHEARSAL. Mr. Irving's passion for rehearsal ba9 quaint side. There was once a carpenter at '■ ■ Lyceum who knew much of Hamlet by heat ami was fond of reciting to himself. Left alone on the stage one day, he. improyoc the occasion by spouting the glioses ^peecho- to the empty hou-e. presently Hamlet's cm came,, and "horrible, most horrible," said « familiar voice, and Hamlet walked on from tin wines. The -carpenter dropped his tools fleti. I-lad lie reiiii,ii.o,il Irving would pro bably have rehearsed tho whole scene with the utmost gravity. This spice of humour o.ter seasons a. rehearsal in the mo I; U lIeX peelec way. A very young actor was posing in a pk!1.. quite lost in the romance of his tude, when another youthful member of company, said If you please, Mr. Irving, what am I to de here?" The manager's darkling eye fell on the roina"' tic stijdotit. "Do you see Mr. Jones?" Y 68. sir." "Donbdothah." Sometimes the supers are electrified by un. heard-of maxims. They were reprasentmg a crowd of noble- men one day, and made rather a tumultuous entrance. "You mustn't come on as if you were dis- <?ha; from a cannon. Remember what Lord ChesT.trfh'eld said." This authority on stage- maniii't'Jwent rather staggoied them, und l.!it;y looked at' one another in vague wonder, j.urd Chesterfield said: No gentleman is over in a burry.,

STOPPING"COMPOUND INTEREST. A physician once dined with an old merchant;, and when they came to tire wine, a du*ty oi l bot t.ly was carefully decanted ilili pa-sed 1.0 the hosb. Taking the bottle*, iw Iilled I.IIIJ doe(;o)"¡,o glass and handed il, to hinf. Thou, posit ing out another glass, he held it: to ibe light, and said How do you like it., doctor ? ',I tl)iiik it, is a fiite i of ol'i I)ot-t. Now, cau you guess what it cost me?" said the host. 11 Surely nob," said the doctor; I only know that it is excellent." Well, 'low, I can tell yon. for I made a careful estimate the other day. When 1 add the in -erest to the first price, I find that ib cost tne just tho Sum of four shillings and si.pence 1101 Good gracious You don't say so ?" said the doctor; and then, draining his pb^J, ho presented ib again, with the remark: "Fiii it up again as! k "Fi'.i it. ii quick as you can, for I want to stop that compound interest."

FAIR, WHITE HANDS. BRIGHT, CLEAR COMPLEXION. SOFT, HEALTHFUL SKIN. PEARS' SOAP, for T-oilet and Nursery, spe- cially prepued for the delicate skin of ladies and children and others sensitive to the weather, win tier or summer; prevents redness, roughness, and chapping. Sold everywhere. Large ecentei sfoJeig. 18; smaller (onsceuted), 6d PHILIP MORGAN, P (L*U POOLE # M9RGJLNJ, STOCK SALESMAN AND GENERA) T ATTCTIOIFEEFE, 'I PUBLIC-BOUSE, FURNITURE, STOCK, and other Valuations undertaken. LIFE, FIRE, ACCIDENTAL AND OTHER INSURANCE AGENT. MONEY LENT 4,;& MORTGAGE. Adyanew HL made on Sales. .< Payment on Eve tf Szle whully made if required. P. M. bold Sales of Fat and Store Stock in Abergavenny Market every Tuesday, and at Uss the First and Third Mondays in each Month also other Markets, when instructed. Ofices CJJJB CHAMBERS, PONTYPOOl nwll 87. MAhY'S CHAMBERS, MONK Si • jg-r & ■- W j •BEST • A hH SELECTED | a E- T T CEYLON O PUBE T 2 T Eo; O PIQUANT ft CHOICE T p;|. £ T o Qj -4 c$ HEW g £ SUPERIOR T o <| Eo; T 8 M ■ w O -W SUPERB c5 f~\ < BLENDED T S T j! EXCELLENT FRAGRANT T SgH T g5 g- ¡ C. I I k I,. R x:: OMNIBUS SERVICE BETWEEN PONTYPOOL TOWN # PGNTYPOOl ROAD STATION. -n! i BUS' will leave the TOWN HALL, PONTT I A POOL, daily (Sundays excepted), calling at the Crown Hotel, in connection with the following, Trains, leaving the Clarence Hotel two minutes after the times given below. FARE FOR EACH PASSENGER 6d. With sp. Extra Charge for Heavy Luggage- Times of Starting. Trains. in n o ♦« f For Nortn Express!, Abdrga- ( venny and Newport trains. j {For misioi and West of England, and North Express also Newport and Cardiff. 99_ f For Bristol, Newport, Cardifl; P-m. | and London trains. D nn f For Abergavenny, Hereford, 3.20 p.m. | and Newport trains. Q_ f For North Express and New- 4.55 p.m. p0rt ail(j Cardiff trains. „ f For Bristol, Newport and 6.40 p.m. | Cardiff traing. Qlr [For North Express, Newport • 0 and Cardiff trains. | ORDERS will be received at the Clarenct, and Crown Hotels also at Mr. H. PIACH S, Grey hound Hotel. POSTING IN .AI," ITS BRANCHES (- — Clarence Hotel, Pontypool, July 1st, 1891. H. BUNTING, Proprietor. THE BEST REMEDY ON EAR 1E 'jpIIOMAS'S RHEUMATIC MIXTURE 'jpHOMAS'S RHEUMATIC MIXTURE r-rHOMAS'S RHEUMATIC MIXTURE rpHOMAS'S RHEUMATIC MIXTURE You need not suffer any more from GOUT, r" RHEUMATISM, LUMBAGO, SCIATICA, NEURALGIA, or GRAVEL, because you can be so quickly Cured by taking THOMAS'S MIXTURE. THOMAS'S MIXTURE. THOMAS'S MIXTURE. THOMAS'S MIXTURE. ThisWonderful Medicine immediately it is taken enters into the blood, and going directly to the root of the disease, gives speedy relief. It is used by Doctors, and Recommended and Praised by all who have tried it. THOMAS'S MIXTURE. THOMAS'S MIXTURE. THOMAS'S MIXTURE. THOMAS'S MIXTURE. The chief cause of Rheumatism is the presence of Uric Acid in the blood. Thomas's Mixture thoroughly neutralises this Acid and drives it out of the system. It is pleasant to take an i certain to cure. Thousands of Testimonies could be published we just give a few as saroples: RHEUMATISM CURED. SiB, 1 have suffered for a long time from Rheu- matism, but a short time ago I tried your Gout and Itheumatic Mixture, and have been well ever since. The wide world ought to know of your most efficacious Mixture. DAVID EVANS, Bute-road, Cardiff. CURE OF GOUT. SIR.—After being a martyr to the Chalk Gout for years, at last I tried your Mixture. Now, I will tell you Its effect upon me :-On a Saturday I was in bed, and could not move either "hand" or "foot." I took your Mixture as directtd, and on the follow- ing Tuesday I could g-o about and do my duty as the Town and Magistrates' Clerk of Cardigan. About two months after I was again taken in the hands and wrists with the same complaint. I resorted to your most valuable Mixture and inTWO days was perfectly cured. I recommend your Mix- ture as the greatest boon to all sirfferers from Gout or Rheumatism.—W., MITCHELL, Town Clerk, Cardigan. CURE OF NEURALGIA AND PAINS IN THE FACE AND HEAD. A lady, after taking less than one small bottle, was quite cured ox aent attack. II THOMAS'S RHEUMATIC MIXTURE is sold at Is. lid., 2s. 9d., and 4s. 6d., by all Chemists and Stores or a Bottle will be sent, securely packed and post free, for 15, 36, or 60 stamps, addressed to A. Smith, Chemist, 5. High-street, Newport. Insist <m having E. M. THOMAS S MIXTUBE. Don't take anything else, or you will be disappointed. It is 1 THE BEST REMEDY ON ETH. 11 XMAS, 1891. THE PBOFfeE OF PONTYPOOL j/^ND DISTRICT ARE SO APPRECIATIVE OF GOOD THINGS THAT THE PROPRIETOR.. OF THE LITTLE GEM HAS DETERMINED TO GIVE THEM ANOTHER TREAT, AND FOR THAT PURPOSE HAS wf A 4 .t STOCKED THE LITTLE ÜEM a L V WfTH UPWARDS OF One Hundred Pounds Worth r OF THE ( eitoiCKST g: CONFECTIONERY, MOST BEAUTIFUL BOXES OF CHOCOLATE, .j AND THE BEST MIXED SWEETS, FROM A GUINEA TO A PENNY. ALL KINDS OF FANCY OENAMENTSJ FOR CHRISTMAS TREES, >, SANTA CLAUS STOCKINGS, FILLED WITH PRESENTS FOR GOOD BOYS AND GrIRES; WHICH 'r GOOD SANTA CLAUS MAY BRING TO THEM CHRISTMAS MORNING, BONBONS, CRACKERS, -&C. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, THE S H O W R O O M S WILL BE OPENED FOB INSPECTION ON SATURDAY, THE 12TH, it t AIND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL AFTER CHRISTMAS. NOT .AIJDRB&: THE LITTLE GEM, Next door to the W Av:i:REY, CRANE ST., PONTYPOOL. Proprietor J. WALKER. MWHY bo YOU COUGH Vf ip CHURCH AND CHAPEL, J| And be a Nuisance to your Pastor and Congregation ? "Because," you say, "I can't help it." Why do you Cough in the'street, and show such bad taste in doing so ? "Because," you say, "Really, I do try to resist, and can't possibly help it; my Cough is so troublesome." WHY DO YOU COUGH AT ALL ? "Well," you say, "find me something to Cure my Cough and Throat." Yes— THE BEST LUNG AND COUGH CURE IN THE WORLD IS TUDOR WILLIAMS'S PATENT BALSAM OF HONEY. FOR COUGHS, COLDS, BRONCHITIS, INFLU- ENZA, COLD IN THE HEAD, RUNNING FROM THE NOSE AND EYES. ASTHMA, WHOOPING COUGH, CROUP, And all Disorders of the Throat, Chest, and Lungs. Thousands of Children Cured when all other remedies fail. What is it ? TUDOR WILLIAMS' BALSAM OF HONEY, An uncompounded product of Nature, secreted in the petals of blossoms and gathered by the honey bee. Do not let yourself and children die. Do not persuade yourself you have tried every remedy until you have had a bottle of Tudor Williams' Balsam of Honey. THOUSANDS OF TESTIMONIALS FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD. OVER TWENTY THOUSAND TO HAND FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD. FEW SPECIMENS OF TESTIMONIALS. TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION. I find Tudor Williams' Balsam of Honey very effectual for my children when suffering from Bronchitis and Coughs. Have tried various other preparations. Of all I find this the best. Can highly recommend to any family. Yours truly, Councillor THOMAS DAVIES. Abercwmboy Farm. ANOTHER SPONTANEOUS TESTIMONY. My children and myself have been great sufferers from bronchitis and spitting of blood from the lungs for many years. A bill was placed under my door; after reading the contents, I found that it concerned our complaints. A bottle of Tudor Williams' Patent Balsam of Honey was sent for post-haste to the nearest stores. After taking four bottles, the effeet was all that could be desired. Two more were sent for, and the result was a grand cure. I wish I had known of this preparation be- fore. Three years ago, I lost a darling daughter suffering likewise. I :deem it a duty to take an interest in pushing the sale of your Tudor Williams' Balsam of Honey. t i Yours faithfully 1. Bower-street, Rochdale. JVxrs. CLUFF. READ WHAT PUBLIC MEN THINK OF IT. My children's cough and bronchitis have been completely cured on several occasions by the cele- brated Tudor Williams Balsam of Honey. The tight breathing and pain in the chest and hoarseness they suffered was dreadful, but on taking the Balsam of Honey they had immediate ease. It act. like a charm on them. I am certain the more the Balsam is known the more it will be appreciated. I am, SIr, yours truly, Alderman THOMAS PHILIP WHITE. Maesycwmmer. THE INFLUENZA. Now that the evil wave of influenza is sweeping over the country, prostrating in its course many hundreds, and in some cases, leaving whole families in bed. I had a most severe attack of the same. I tried various preparations, but to no purpose the only effective treatment that I had was TUDOR WILLIAMS' PATENT BALSAM of HONEY. I had a constant and troublesome cough, tight chest, and stuffed-up nostrils, that I co*ld not sleep at night. I consider that the mass should be made known of this popular drug, which is a pure and simple pre- paration of honey. v n Crescent, Bradford. Captain JAMES BROWN. Sold by all Chemists and Stores all over the World in Is., 2s. 9d., and 4s. 6d. bottles. Sample bottle sent post paid for Is. 3d., 3s.. and 5s., from the Inventor, I; D. TUDOR WILLIAMS, R.D.S.L. MEDICAL HALL, ABERDARJC. I ■ ne « HUGHES & SON, PRINTERS, STATIONERS, LITHOGRAPHERS & BOOKBINDERS, PONTYPOOL. SPEOIMENS FORWARDS* ON JfPLTCJTlOS. ¡=-. ^LETTERPRESS DEPARTMENT. Sale Catalogues Auction Posters Concert, &o., Progfammeg Concert & other Posters Memo. Forms i Report & Balance Sheets Anniversary Hymns Price Lists Check Order & Delivery Books Direction Labels to tie Or guru on Bill Heads Forms for Steel, W & Tinpkte Works Forms lor Collieries t. Solicitors Clubs Local Boards Parish OffikeM n ttt all Trades i Coal Weight Tckt.Bod» checkweigheri, -:JktEï. LITHOGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT. 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