The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

We direct our readers'attention to the annual of dogs, cats, poultry and pigeons which S^kes place at Chester on Wednesday and hureday next, the 14th and 15th inst. Entries ^Jose to-day ( Wednesday), and under no circum- whatever will entries be accepted after 'hat date. Schedules can be obtained from the Mr. E. Andrews, 6, Newgate-street, tester. BRONCHITIS AND ASTHMA. TURNED OUT OF AN INFIRMARY. CURED byVENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. DWARD PUGH, 15G, Stphpnstllll-street, North Shields, j^ites as follows I was six weeks in the Newcastle January anrl was give a up by eiyhfc doctors, who taid I jj?<' Chronic Bronchitis aud Asthma, and that I could not I could not lay ttraight down in bed; I had a rest- 1 COULr«ed incessantly, was very weak, *e-i attacks of eiitfoeation at night; that is the k^Bon I could not lay straight down ill bed. T have IJIO WORK F°R two years. Since commencing VENO'S COL'GH Cons I do not need the bed rest, I can straight down in bed, I have not the bad attacks at got neither do I cough; the wheezing has entirely *8 tK* Rm a ^ei £ l stronger and can walk about, and feel wiougU I would soon be able to work. C"°" .—Ask for VKNO'8 LIGHTNING COUGH CUKE; *tt<2H.rc yon pet it. Avoid the man who tries to palm off ?. me^iciue. Price 1/1* and 2/9. Sold by BOOTS, J^KERS & HOP LEY PEABSO« & BARTON, and all

FARMING PROSPECTS. There is just now little variation to report from week to week in the aspect of farming matters. It goes without saying that the recent rains have a good deal hindered progress in the working of the land, and though, re- garded in a strict sense, it may be considered as seasonable, a few weeks of dry weather, even if they were attended with slight frosts, would be highly appreciable. October was very variable in this respect over different parts of the kingdom; for while in the east, south, and south Midlands for the most part moisture was much needed to render the soil workable, the northern half generally has had more than its full share. Recently, however, the rain has been more widespread, affording considerable relief in the parts referred to. A feature of the present season to be noted, too, is its extreme mildness, the atmosphere at times partaking of summer sultriness. Summer and early autumn flowers continue almost in full bloom, and thrushes are singing almost as in spring. Further south wheat sowing is completed in many instances, but not much progress has been made as yet locally in this direction, though a few days of dry weather would soon set the ploughs and harrows going. In this connection it may be mentioned that there is a tendency, prompted by the advice of experts, to increase the area of sowings of wheat and future corn crops, as it is pointed out that there is a fair "chance of their selling well nuxt year; and not only that, but it is well to embrace any favour- able opportunity that presents itself, as there is no knowing what the chances are likely to be after Christmas. While, however, the recent heavy rains have been unfavourable locally to arable soils, the wet and spring-like tempera- ture has kept pastures green, to the great saving of the rickyards, and live stock of all kinds are both doing well and making good prices. Potatoes are also advancing, and will be dearer almost week by week. The cheese markets have remained analtered during the week, and only a quiet trade has been moving at late rates, owing to there being prospects of large arrivals of Septembers, while earlier makes are a slow sale. English is con- sequently only is moderate request. It is gratifying, therefore, to note that prices were well maintained at Nantwich on the occasion of the recent exhibition. The finest Canadian is quoted at 54s. to 57s. the cwt. of 1121b. United States, 52s. to 54s. THE ROYAL LANCASHIRE. The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society is one of the few of its class which have come out fairly and squarely with a goodly balance at its disposal atter the recent year's working. At a meeting of the Council held at Preston, under the presidency of Earl Derby, the report submitted stated that the Council were pleased to announce a balance of from 2700 to £800 on the year's workings. The general balance in the Society's favour now stands at about £ 5,600. The Council cordially thanked the Mayor of Rochdale and the members of the local com- mittee for their eiforts to make the show a success. The local committee had raised a sum of over £1,000 towards the prizes and expenses. A further feature of the report, and one which may be worth the consideration of other societies similarly circumstanced, was the calling attention by the Council to the fact that for some years past the local committees at towns visited by the Society had offered prizes for local competition, but the entries had been very poor both in quality and quantity on account of the exhibits being required to remain in the showyard for the whole period of the show. The Rochdale Local Committee this year suggested the offering of a number of prizes for local competition, the animals to be brought to the showyard on the morning of the last day of the show for exhibition on that day only. This was approved of by the Council, who were pleased to report that this section of the exhibition was in every way a great success. The portion of the yard allocated for these classes was thronged with visitors throughout the day, and the popularity of this innovation induced the Council to recommend to future local com- mittees wishing to offer local prizes the adop- tion of this system, which would be the means of inducing the best exhibits in the district to be present on one of the days of the show, and would also act as an educational medium by the comparison of these local exhibits with those sent from different parts of the United King- dom. There was a general expression of regret by the council at the resignation of the, secre- tary (Mr. James Birch). CHARLOCK SPRAYING EXPERIMENTS IN WALES. The charlock spraying experiments carried out by the North Wales University College in 1899, writes Professor Winter, were repeated in 1900, on a slightly different scale, on three farms in Carnarvonshire, viz., Penrhyn Home Farm, Bangor Louisa, Llandegai, Bangor, and Hentaes, Aber. The plots were each one- eighth of an acre in size, and the dressings were applied by means of Strawson's Twinspray machine. Sulphate of iron was not used in 1900, as it utterly failed to produce any result in 1899. Tho spraying was carried out by two members of the college staff, and each centre was visited at intervals on three different occasions. After giving details respecting the several plots, the Professor sums up as follows It cannot be claimed that any one of the solutions was entirely successful, for all failed to destroy the charlock. On Plots 1 and 2, which received 50 gallons per acre of a 2 per cent. and of a 3 per cent. solution respectively of sulphate of copper, the dressings destroyed a large proportion of the weed, possibly about 60 per cent. of it, at two of the centres, and checked the growth of the remainder, the 3 per cent. solution being the most effective. The poor results obtained on Plot 3 shew that even when a strong solution is used, it must be applied in greater quantity than 25 gallons per acre, if it is to be successful The results were on the whole rather dis- appointing. Although the conditions wero very favourable at two of the centres, the dressing were only partially effective. In 1899, 50 gallons of a 2 per cent. solution of sulphate of copper gave the best results, but only succeeded in destroying part of the charlock. In 1930, the results were very similar. Where the wild turnips occurred, the results were also the same as in 1899, further tending to prove that the char- lock plants are attacked because the dressings adhere to their rough leaves, whereas the smooth-leaved plants are but little affected. The corn &t the different centres was dis- coloured more than was the case last year, but at no centre did the crop appear to ultimately suffer. The grass and clover seeds growing in the corn at two of the centres were also unaffected by the dressings, indeed at one place they appeared to have been improved. Although our results have not been so favourable as some obtained elsewhere, they yetf shew that the operation is one which will do much more than repay the outlay, and justify the belief that if the spraying be carried out for a number of years the charlock will ultimately be got rid of. SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. Mr. Alfred Mansell, the. well-known auc- tioneer, of Shrewsbury, writes :-It will, with- out doubt, interest breeders of Shropshire sheep in all parts of the world to learn that at the recent public sales held in various parts of (Jreat Britain and Ireland no less than nine rams have realisad lOOgs. and upwards, and have made the splendid average of L130 10s., while several others have made between 40gs. and 90gs., and that several ewes have realised between 20gs. and 30gs. each. North America, as usual, has largely helped the general run of prices, but Australasian breeders have done the most to enhance values, and have been spirited bidders at several of the sales, giving in one case 240gs. for a ram, and in others 140g.s., 120gs., and 90gs. The Australian demand has been greatly fostered by the wonderful results obtained by the Shropshire ram or cross-bred Merino ewes to produce fat lambs for export. Mr. G. S. Kempa, a well-known Australian authority, says Shropshire cross lambs are now to be seen in every farmer's paddock, and that the breed has secured a very strong foothold in Australia. These facts should encourage home breeders in their efforts to maintain and improve the valuable qualities of the breed. POTATO CROP PROSPECTS. A writer in The Times points out that the Irish crops of potatoes for the past four years have been: In 1896, 2,701,000 tons; in 1897, 1,498,000 tons (and she bought heavily in Scotland for seed) in 1898, 2,942,000 tons (this year she exported large lots); and in 1899, 2,760,000 tons. He then goes on to say If the estimates of half a crop for 1900 be correct, say 1,500,000 tons, she has nothing to export. In your issue of September 3rd you mention the outlook for England, Wales, aid Scotland, and the remarks published then have been amply verified, as everywhere the crops have been most disappointing and many districts do not average more than three tons per acre. The total crop for Great Britain in 1899 was reckoned at 3,076,721 tons. This year, with an increase of 13,000 acres, I do not estimate the crop over 2,300,000 tons, and in making my estimate I have been very particular in getting my informa- tion, some of which I have personally verified. The lowest estimated crop we have bad for the past ten years was in 1897, when we only grow in Great Britain 2,608,193 tons, and to make up the de- ficiency of that crop we imported from foreign countries 275,000 tons, of which 78,000 tons came from France, 97,000 tons from Germany, 33,000 tons from Holland, and 53.000 tons from Belgium. Imports of potatoes into the United Kingdom for the 14 days ended October 20th were 20,500 tons, principally from Belgium, Holland, Germany, and France. At any time frost may set in and stop importations till spring. I question very much if France can spare us 78,000 tons this year. Neither do I think Holland and Belgium can send so many as in 1897. Some districts in Germany have fair crops, and it is to be hoped Germany can make up the deficiency. Another writer says :—Instead of the season opening with an average price of 50s. a ton, it commenced at 60s. and in some cases 70s. a ton, while good Up to Dates are selling for as much as 80s. a ton. So long as potatoes average between 40s. and 50s. a ton foreigners will not send supplies, as they can realise better prices for their stocks for starch-making, but when tbe prices rule high early in the season they send vast quantities to England instead of keeping them till about Christmas, as is their usual custom.

NANTWICH DAIRY SHOW. [BY OUR OWN REPORTER.J The annual two days' show of the Cheshire Dairy Farmers' Association, at Nantwich, was opened in the Market Hall on Wednesday. The weight of the cheese pitched established a record, being about fifty tons, compared with forty at last year's show. This was naturally an exceedingly gratifying fact, shewing, as it does, that the friendly rivalry-always- keen aud popular—among the farmers and others in the production of the county's staple commodity is a steadily growing one. Such an appreciable increase in the weight of the pitch compared with that of last year, together with the fact that the entries in the five cheese classes (179) were a considerable numerical increase on last year's is a sure evidence of the continued, it not enhanced, popularity of the cheese-making industry in the county. In point of quality the show was worthy of tne reputation of the agri- cultural district of Nantwich, which is the centre of cheese-making industry of Cheshire. Local farmers were, as in previous years, well represented among the exhibitors, and were conspicuous for taking a large proportion of the awards and cards of commendation. In the class for ten uncoloured cheese a well- known maker, Mrs. Peacock, Huxley Hall, Hargrave, gained the premier award in the face of exceedingly keen competition. The general quality of the ex- hibics in that class was in tact so meritorious that the judges had great difficulty in making distinctions, and were obliged to award com- mendation cards to the great majority of the exhibitors. The difference in quality between the first prize specimen and the reserve prize one, belonging to Mr. W. G. Moss, Roundelow Farm, Betley, was very slight. Mr. J. Jones, New Farm, Dodleston, captured the second prize. The quality of cheese in the class for 12 coloured was not quite so satisfactory as might have been expected, and several exhibitors would have had better chances of success had their samples not been deficient in colour.. The first prize here fell to Mr. N. Dale, Brassey Green, Tarporley aud the third to Mr. T. Shaw, Hatton Heath, who won the gold medal at Chester recently for having the best cheese in the show. It should b3 explained that, in the opinion of the judges, the cheese for which Mr. Shaw was awarded third prize was inferior in quality to his gold medal sample at Chester. In the class for six cheese the judges had the same complaint to make with regard to colour. The first prize samples, exhibited by Mr. T. Greenway, Burton, Tarporley, were small and hardly good enough in appearance, or they would have competed very keenly for the champion prize for the best lot of cheese in the show. This coveted trophy, in the form of a silver cup, was won by Mr. John Dutton, of Swanley Hall, Nantwich, who has a distin- guished record as a cheesemaker. Premier honours in the class of twelve Cheshire cheese alsJ fell to a Chester farmer in the person of Mr. W. Lee, Tattenhall, the quality of the exhibits in that department being on the whole very creditable. The only respect in which they were marred was that the inferior flavour of single cheeses spoiled the whole collections of individual exhibitors. There were upwards of 73 entries in the four coloured or uncoloured class, and in point of quality there was very keen competition. The first prize samples of Mr. J. Dutton, Nantwich, were conspicuous for their quality of flavour and texture. Speaking generally, the judges were of opinion that in one or two instances there was evidence of over-forcing" in the manu- facture of the cheese, and, occasionally, want of flavour in odd cheeses spoilt the chances of otherwise good dairies. The demand for the show cheese was perhaps not so eager as we have noticed it to be in previous years, but as buyers attended from all parts of the kingdom the cheese will probab.y be well distributed. The champion prize cheese fetched from 803. to 100d. j second and third prize cheese from 70s. to SJ.3. and honourably mentioned at a minimum price of 65s. There was also on exhibition a new patent barrel churn by Mr. Lloyd, cooper, of Watergate-street, Chester, which met with the approbation of all beholders, as being a thoroughly practical and well- constructed churn. The judges, who per- formed their duties to the satisfaction of all concerned, were:—Cheese, Messrs. W. Gunstone (Sheffield), W. E. Holt (Rochdale), C. W. Barrett (Leeds), and J. Malliasou (Bradford) aud butter, Mr. S. Coppack (Chester). In the butter classes there were 44 entries, an increase of 10 compared with last year's entry. Messrs. W. Coomar, J. Williams, G. Lea, and C. Forsdick as stewards, while the secretarial duties were, as in former years, ably dis- charged by Mr. Robt. Challinor (Chester). PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The awards to tho successful exhibitors were distributed on Thursday afternoon at the Town Hall by Mrs. Cotton-Jodrell in the presence of a crowded assembly. Col. Cotton-Jodrell pre- sided, and was accompanied on the platform by Miss Cotton-Jodrell, Mr. H. J. Tollemache, M.P., Mr. Henry Hinde (chairman of the Nantwich Urban Council), Mr. A. E. Wittingham, Mr. Thos. Dutton (Ash House), Mr. R. Challinor (secretary), and others. The Chairman announced letters of apology for absence from Mr. George Barbour (the chairman of the Association), Mr. Verdin (who had interested himself considerably in the Association), Major Kearsley, Mr. Wood, Mr. Bowyer, and Mr. W. Johnson. In calling upon Mrs. Cotton-Jodrell to distribute the prizes, the chairman said he was happy to observe that the number of exhibitors of both cheese and butter was every year increasing, and although their samples might not have attained that high standard of quality which gained prizes there was, he noticed, each successive year, an increasing number of exhibits that came under the recommendation of the judges for honour- able mention. (Applause.) He thought that fact shewed that every year the science of cheese and butter-making was becoming not only more and more generally understood, but, what was better still, more and more success- fully practised. (Hear, hear.) Mrs. Cotton-Jodrell having distributed the awards, Mr. Tollemache moved a hearty vote of thanks to her for her services. He remarked that one could not but be struck each year in visiting the Nantwich dairy show with the very largely increasing numbers of those exhibits which, although they might not gain prizes, at least came in for high com- mendation. He sincerely hoped and believed that the interest in the manu- facture of good cheese and butter was spreading throughout the county, because unless they could obtain a good article to put on the market they could depend upon it their cheese and butter industries would not be successful. He was told that the exhibitors this year had nob done very well as regarded prizes. Well, people who won one year did not always win the next, and he supposed it was a very wise pro- vision of nature and of judges that it should be so, because failure served as an incentive to exhibitors to persevere until they won. He personally had no cause for complaint against the judges, because they had awarded his friend, Mr. Dutton, one or two very handsome prizes, except that they had allowed that gentleman to accumulate such an enormeus, I number of trophies that he did not think his farm would be large enough to hold them. (Applause and laughter.) He was truly proud to have such a teu.,int on his estate as Mr. Dutton. (Applause.) He had to ask them to pass a hearty vo'o of thinks to Mrs. Jodrell for coming there t hat day. He felt from the bottom of his ho.U-R, AS he knew every TOP would feel, that they heartily thanked Mrs. Jodrell for the exertions she made on behalf of every good cause in that neighbourhood. (Applause.) They knew that in all the diffi- culties and dangers which the Cheshire soldiers had encountered during the past twelve months in South Africa they had had no kinder friend at home in that neighbourhood than Mrs. Jodrell. (Applause.) That she came there to present the prizes on the present occasion was only another instance, to pay what was really the highest compliment they could to a Cheshire lady, of the keen and anxious interest she took in. all that pertained to the welfare of her neighbours. (Applause.) Mr. Whittingham seconded the motion, which was carried with hearty acclamation. The Chairman, in replying on behalf of Mrs. Cotton-Jodrell, assured his audience that any good work his wife tried to do for the good of the district or elsewhere in the county, was done from a thorough sense of love for, and loyalty to, the county, not of her birth, but the county of her association by marriage and by the ties of her children. (Applause.) Mr. W. Coomer proposed a vote of thanks to the Urban Council for the use of the Market Hall; to Mr. Hornby, the judges, the Nantwich tradesmen, the show stewards, and all who had helped to make the show a success. Mr. Hornby bad always been a practical friend of the association in augmenting its coffers by his influence, and thus enable the committee to enlarge the prize list. They were also under a debt of obligation to the Nantwich tradesmen, who had every year made a handsome subscrip- tion to the asHr>n.iafcir»n The resolution was heartily carried, and the acknowledgments concluded the proceedings. The following is the PRIZE LIST. CHEESE. Twelve coloured Cheshire cheese: 1, N. Dale, Brassey Green, Tarporley; 2. P. Dutton, Hoofield Hall, Huxley; 3, T. Shaw, Hatton Heath; 4, W. Moore, Checkley, Nantwich; 5, C. E. Parton, Haughton Hall Farm, Tarporley; r, W. Dutton, Brindley Hall, Nantwich. Very highly com- mended: E. Charlesworth, Stoke Hall, Nantwich; T Brassington, Dairy Farm, Austerson J. Jack- son, Chorley Oak Farm, Handley; W. G. Moss, Randilow Farm, Betley, Crewe; S. Dutton, Bur- leydam, Whitchurch; J. Houlbrooke, Peckforton Hall, Tarporley; T. Dutton, Ash House, Brindley, Nantwich. Highly commended = R. Cooper, Rid- ley Hill, Tarporley; G. Lea, Oscroft, Tarvin. Commended: G. Perry, Parkside Farm, Chol- mondeley; H. R. Dutton, Spurstow Lower Farm, Tarporley. Twelve Cheshire cheese 1, W. Lee, W oodlake, Tattenhall; 2, R. Booth, Fields Farm, Crewe; 3, H. Rutter, Aldersey, Handley; 4, J. Hough, Shocklach, Malpas; 5, E. Fitton, Eaton, Tarporley; r, H. Hobson, Hatherton, Nantwich. Very highly commended: T. Vaughan, Ravens- moor, Nantwich; W. Dutton, Brereton Park, Hargrave; R. Davies, Round House, Edge, Malpas; C. J. Goulbourne, Brick Wall, Audlem. Highly commended W. H. Hobson, Wood Farm, Malpas; T. Tew, Coole Pilate, Nantwich R. Ankers, Rid- ley, Tarporley. Commended: JtL. E. Cooper, Biokley, Malpas; Mrs. Johnson, Wood Farm, Wirswall; A. Lea, Hankelow Farm, Nantwich; J. Sandbach, Woore, Newcastle. Six cheese 1, T. Greenway, Burton, Tarporley; 2, J. Williams, Hollin Green, Sound, Nantwich; 3, J. Perry, Hoitridge, Norbury, Whitchurch; 4, J. Parry, Oscroft, Tarvin r, J. Taylor, Lees Farm, Malpas. Very highly commended P. Bostock, Green Farm, Chorley, Nantwich; S. A. Bonell, Coos Farm, Audlem. Highly commended: A. Charlesworth, Church Minshull; F. Arden, Daisy Bank, Tatten- hail; Richard Johnson, Tarvin Sands. Com- mended: J. Boughey, Hurleston, Nantwich; J. Jackson, Bank Farm, Isycoed, Malpas; H. Reade, Gradeley Green, Nantwich; G. Dickenson, Hur- leston, Nantwich. Ten uncoloured Cheshire cheese 1, Mrs. Peacock, Huxley Hall, Hargrave; 2, J. Jones, New Farm, Dodleston; 3, W. H. Hob- son, Wood Farm, Broughton, Malpas; 4, James Hulme, Kenwick Lodge, Ellesmere r, W. G. Moss, Roundelow Farm, Betley. Very highly com- mended: W. Evans, Gatesheath Farm, Tattenhall; T. Charlesworth, Baddington, Nantwich; E. Langley, Ridley, Tarporley H. Hobson, Hather- ton, Nantwich; W. R. Huntbach, Dodd's Green, Aston, Nantwich. Highly commended J. Rigby, Ebnal Farm, Malpas; J. Jackson, Chowley, Hand- ley: C. F. Hobson, Weston Hall, Eccleshall, Staffs.; M. Ninis, The Grange, Leighton, Crewe W. Trelfa, Weaver Wood, Winsford. Commended James Blake, Calveley Hall, Handley; W. Bate, Ash House Farm, Darnhall, Winsford J. Dutton, m' Bridgemere, Nantwich; T. Bourne, Goldsmith House, Whitchurch. Four coloured or uncoloilred cheese: 1, J. Dutton, Swanley Hall, Nantwich 2, L. Jackson, Broughton Lodge, Malpas; 3, J. Trickett, Calveley Green Farm, Tarporley; 4, T. H. Simcock, Mort Farm, Alpraham; r, J. Jones, New Farm, Dodleston. Very highly commended N. Turner, Blakenhall, Nantwich; R. Bourne, Bickerton, Malpas; B. Dutton, Baddiley Farm, Nantwich; C. E. Parton, Haughton Hall Farm, Tarporley; S. Holland, Woodhey Hall, Nantwich J. Hulme, Kenwick Lodge, Ellesmere; Huntbash, Moor Hall, Aston, Nantwich. Highly commended: J. Smith, Radnor Green Farm, Spurstow; W. Moore, Cheokley, Nantwich; E. S. Lea, Bridge- mere, Nantwich; J. A. Jackson, Bolesworth; O. Hesketh, Cholmondeston, Winsford; J. Noden, Woodside, Wettenhall; T. Brassing ton, Austerson, Nantwich R. Cooper, Ridley Hill, Tarporley J. Lloyd, Dodleston; W. H. Astles, Swanlow Farm, Darnhall; J. Royle, The Leasons, Westfelton, Oswestry. Commended F. Benson, Aldersey, Handley E. Fitton, Eaton, Tarporley J. A. Johnson, Calveley Farm, Tarporley; C. Birchall, Cross Bank, Barbridge, Nantwich J. Houlbrooke, Peckforton, Tarporley; G. Dutton, Peckforton W. Carter, Bowsey Wood, Madeley; A. S. Lea, Hankelow Farm, Nantwich; W. Allwood, Bank House, Hurleston; M. Ninis, The Grange, Leigh- ton, Crewe; S. Lea, Kinsal, Oswestry; J. Sand- bach, Woore, Newcastle, Staffs.. BUTTER. Six half-pounds of butter, slightly salted 1. P. Reade, Swanley, Nantwich; 2, Mrs. France, Bun- bury; 3, R. Johnson, Tarvin Sands, Chester; 4, James Okell, Park Farm, Great Barrow r, Miss F. Stokes, Tilstone Heath, Tarporley. Very highly recommended: Miss Jackson, Southlej, Tarporley Mrs. Burrows, Pear Tree House, Ravensmoor; Joseph Hough, Calveley. Highly commended: Joseph Boughey, Hurleston, Nant- wich. Commended: E. S. Lea, Bridgemere, Nantwich. Cottagers' class Four half-pounds of butter, made and exhibited by any agricultural labourer resident within the county, or any member of the association, not having more than two co-Ne in milk 1, R. Reade, Faddiley; 2, T. Henshall, Swanley; 3, Mrs. Pugh, Norbury Common, near Whitchurch; 4, Mrs. M. Boughey, Worleston, Nantwich; r, Mrs. T. Woodhall, Burland, Nant- wich. Very highly commended: Mrs. J. Ravenscroft, Tilstone Heath, Tarporley; Mrs. H. Cooper, Cuckoo- lane, Acton. Highly commended: Mrs. Barnes, Alpraham. Commended: Mrs. J. Weaver, Broomhall, Nantwich, SPECIAL PRIZES. A champion prize in the form of a silver cup, given by the Cheshire Dairy Farmers' Association for the best lot of cheese in the show Mr. John Dutton, Swanley, Nantwich. Second champion prize of A;3 33., given by Messrs. Stretch and Harlock for the best lot of uncoloured cheese in the show: Mrs. Peacock, Huxley Hall, Hargrave. The Nantwich Urban District Council gave prizes to the following farmers who had sent the greatest quantity of cheese to the fairs at Nantwich during 1900: 1, R. Cooper, Ridley Hill, Tarporley (8 tons 4cwts. Oqrs. 51bs.); 2, Mrs. Johnson, Springe-lane, Nantwich (5 tons 8cwts. Oqrs. 181bs.). Prizes of Messrs. Fullwood, and Bland, annatfco and rennet manufacturers, for the three best lots of cheese in the show coloured with their annatto, and in .which their rennet (liquid or powder) had been used by the exhibitor through the season—Annatto: 1, J. Dutton, Swanley Hall, Nantwich; 2, Luke Jackson, Broughton Lodge, Malpas. Lot of un- coloured-cheese made from the use of their rennet (liquid or powder): Jos. Jones, Dodleston. Prizes given by Mr. T. Parsonage for two lots of cheese in the show coloured by annatto, any mike, pur- chased by the maker from him; also for the best two lots of cheese in the show made from the use of rennet or rennetine supplied by him to the maker -Annatto: 1, P. Dutton, Hoofield Hall, Huxley, Chester; 2, W. Moore, Checkley. Rennet: 1, N. Dale, Brassey Green, Tarporley; 2, T. Brassing- ton, Dairy Farm, Austerson. Prizes given by Messrs. P. H. Chesters and W. H. Van Hasselt's for lot of coloured cheese in which Van Hasselt's rennet and annatto had been ueed-Annatto: 1, W. Lee, Woodlake, Tattenhall; 2, T. Greenway, Burton, Tarporley. For the best lot of uncoloured cheese in which Van Hasselt's rennet has been used Mrs. Peacock, Huxley Hall, Hargrave. Prize given by Mr. Saddler, Botterley Hill, for lot of cheese in the show,, coloured and uucoloured, in which cheese salt bought through him had been used in manufacture: W. Moore, Checkley.

AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE.—At a meeting of the Bucks Chamber of Agriculture at High the Bucks Chamber of Agriculture at High Wycombe on Friday, under the presidency of Mr. W. H. Grenfell, M.P., the question of agricultural insurance was considered. It was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, that., an appeal be made to insurance companies to return to the former tariff in regard to agricul- tural insurance, and that, failing such con- cession, the formation of a Farmers' oc Agricul- turists National Mutual Insurance Society be considered by the whole of the Chambers of Agriculture.

iLtearg Notes. THE NOVEMBiF^AGAzT^S. [SECOND NOTICE.] Tho November "Blackwood" is notable for the first appearance here of the noted Aus- tralian novelist and poet, Henry Lawson, as a jont-;butor. He gives a capital Bush story, and his subsequent sketches will be awaited with interest. The number also contains an important article on Army Reorganisa- tion," on the basis of the adoption in our national military pohcy of the offensive principle as opposed to that of pure defence. It is urged that, as a prelude to any real scheme of army reform, it is necessary to make a change in the military policy of the country, our plan of mobilisation being shaped accord- ingly. The Home Army is dealt with in this paper, and the points discussed are: How to raise the men we need; the development and expansion of the Militia; the number of the Volunteers to be no longer unlimited and the Home Army to be a fighting force. The writer's contention is that "unless we make preparations for such an offensive as will enable us to guard and support every portion of our Empire, and organise the army with a view to its working in conjunction with tho forces maintained by the Colonies, any tffort at army reform will fall short of what the nation requires and demands." And in further support of it, he will in the December number give his views on the training of our military forces, and redistribution with reference to training and mobilisation for war. His fundamental principles are:— 1. The adoption of an offensive policy for the Army, as being that alone which can secure defence, and as being in the end the most economical policy. 2. The reorganisation of our recruiting system on a national basis, and the establishment of a national system for securing tne employment of sailors and soldiers after service. 3. The resuscitation of the Militia, aud the resumption by the local civii administration of responsibility with regard to this force. 4. The necessity of limiting the number of Volunteers to be enrolled within the area of a county, and of raising a contribution from all men who do not elect to serve either in the county Militia or the county Volunteers to meet local expenses such contribution to be raised locally. 5. Ihe necessity of maintaining at home at alt times as the home establishment a body of seasoned troops efficient for war—youths who are under 20 years of age being excluded from the establishment of the home army. 6. The need for a change in the present Budget system to secure that measures involving large expenditure shall be considered from the point of view of their national importance—the action of the Treasury being directed to harmonise the interests of departments, and to ensure the fullest value to the nation for the funds expended. "Badminton" maintains its reputation as the leading magazine of sports and pastimes. Besides a humorous account of a regimental cricket match, and exceedingly well-written articles dealing with such interesting subjects as Hunting in Brittany," Some scenes in the Highlands," Sportsmen in purple," A day with the King's Otter Hounds," Some Varsity Reminiscences," there are sixteen photographs, every one of which is a real work of art. Rapier's chatty notes on turf matters include the following At Newmarket the other day two people at different times gave me an elaborate and detailed account of the manner in which the American forward seat came to be adopted. According to this legend, Sloan went to one of the Southern States to ride several horses sent down from a leading Northern stable—animals that were confi- dently expected to sweep the board. No sort of sweeping was done. In those days Sloan sat up- right in his saddle in the English fashion. The Southern jockeys-black boys for the most part- sat on their horses' withers as the American jockeys do now and the result of the meeting was that they carried all before them, Sloan failing to win a single race. Naturally struck by what he saw, he went home, so the story ran, diligently practised the new seat, and returned to the meeting next year, where he was received with a certain amount of derision, the Southern jockeys confidently anticipating that matters would fall out as they had the year before. Sloan, however, rode in their style, beat them at their own game, and on this occasion the sweeping duly came off. This struck me as rather an interested anecdote but I took the precaution of asking Sloan what amount of truth there was in it, and he told me there was absolutely none whatever. He hit on the idea accidentally, he said, when larking about on a training ground one morning. It was quite by chance that he happened to get forward over his horse's withers, but he found the animal went so much more smoothly and easily when ridden thus that he set himself to practising the style, with the results we so constantly see. Many interesting particulars about mud baths and mud-bath cures are given by Miss Mary Fermor in an illustrated article in the November number of Pearson's." The writer points out that Nature has been prolific in her supply of healing mud all over the Continent of Europe. Speaking generally, a mud or moor" bath, to use a less objectionable and quite as accurate title, is composed of peaty, boggy turf, which contains stimulating chemical properties, and which, after being carefully prepared, is mixed with the mineral waters of the locality where it is used. For the comfort of intending bathers it may be mentioned that the mixture is not adhesive, but leaves the skin easily under the warm douche which precedes the cleansing bath. At St. Atnand-les-Eaux, on the line between Lille and Valenciennes, the baths are open from May to December. The building stands at an altitude of one hundred feet on the borders of a large forest. The temperature uf the springs is 93° Fahr., and the earth used is dug out from the vicinity of these natural fountains. The baths are heated over night and taken in the early morn- ing, moscly in the large circular building, divided into compartments by means of curtains, which can be drawn back and thrown over the rods when the patients wish to enjoy each other's society. The divisions below thefloor are filled with heated mud, and the cover of the bath serves as a table for refreshments or amusements, a loose garment being thrown over the upper part of the body. As the period of immersion ranges from half-an-hour to five hours, it may be gathered that some diver- sion is desirable. The same mud serves the patient throughout the course you are not obliged to use anyone else's; but this is in strong contrast to the Austrian spas, where the contents of a bath are never used twice. Some Notable Hymn-writers" forms the subject of an interesting and instructive article in the current issue of The Sunday Strand," by Frank Arthur Jones. In it we read that the Bishop of Exeter is one of our fore- most living hymnists, between 30 and 40 hymns from his pen being in common use. The finest of the number is undoubtedly Peace, perfect peace," written at Harrogate in 1875. The hymn owes its origin to the impression made upon the author's mind by a sermon preached by Canon Gibbons from the text Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusteth in Thee." Canon Gibbons was a great preacher in his day, and so much was Dr. Bickersteth moved by his discourse that on reaching home he penned the lines which have become so well-known. The history of the favourite evening hymn, Saviour, again to Thy dear name we raise," is full of local interest. "It is," says the writer, the most frequently sung of all Canon Ellerton's compositions. It was written over .30 years ago for the Festival of the Malpas, Middlewich, and Nantwich Choral Association, and first sung to the tune St. Agnes, by E. H. Thorne. In the original the hymn consists of six stanzas of four lines each, which Canon EUerton subsequently reduced by four stanzas for the appendix to Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1863. This is said to be the most popular form of the bymn, but the tenderest and most exquisite version is to be found in Thring's Church of England Hymn Book," where the original is adhered to with the exception of a few transpositions. The Captain" for November is a capital number, full of stirring stories and items of sport dear to the hearts of boys and old boys alike. The Cruise of the Vengeful," by Dr. Gordon Stables, promises to be a tale of thrilling interest, while C. B. Fry's hints On I keeping fit," will be carefully studied by all athletic youths. The Humanitarian.-Among many inter- esting articles by well-known writers, is one on The Social and Political Condition of China," an interview with the Chinese minister, which I forms the special feature of this month's issue. Asked if he had any suggestions to mak.e with regard to the present crisis, the minister replied It is not for me to do so. The present dynasty, which is two hundred and eighty years old, cannot be preserved unless you recognise the Dowager Empress. Whatever you may think of our methods, China has governed itself for thousands of years, and enjoyed a considerable measure of peace 'and prosperity. It did so without your aid. It can dispense with your help now. If you suc- ceeded in displacing the present Government, you would probably disorganise the country. Suppose you conquered China, could you govern it? Fourhun- t dred million.poople are not so easily governed. In | f all likelihood, one result would be a vastly increased Chinese migration. How would you like it? You j

jE Proved by experience. j u Three-quarters of a century before I the Public and constantly growing J III in appreciation I j l 11an 11 SOLUBLE 1 (5 is to-day The Standard Cocoa of |j 1 the World. Exquisite in flavor, jj j highly nourishing and refreshing, j j experience proves it to be | 9 The Best of all Cocoas. t. 7

tiíIHarbs CHRIST CHURCH v. OLD. ST. MARY'S. FIRST TEAMS. CHRIST CHURCH. OLD ST. MARY'S E. Griffiths 100 C. Stewart 82 J. Shaw 100 Mclndow 53 Reg. J. Ash worth 100 H. Dempsey 82 H. T. Bennett 100 J. Browuson 94 S. Hooley 100 J. Potts 98 Geo. Jones 84 H. Edge 100 584 509 Majority for Christ Church, 75. SECOND TEAMS. CHRIST CHURCH. OLD ST. MART'S. T. Kelly 100 G. Edwards 77 A. Bonnar .100 O. Jordan 77 T. Smith 91 J. Watson 100 W. Clarke 100 J. Heath 79 J. Ridley 100 J. Gackinham 54 Ted Davies 100 H, Snelson 52 591 439 Majority for Christ CLurch, 152. )

MALPAS. B.&LL.-OU Wednesday night a ball was held in the Jubilee Hall, under the auspices of he Social Club and Institute. The attendance, however, was not very satisfactory, consequently the funds of the Institute will not benefit very materially. Messrs. A. Bradley and L. Fletcher officiated as M.C.'s.

PLEMSTALL. PROPOSED BOYS' BRIGADE AND PAROCHIAL READING ROOM. Meetings were held on October 25th and 31st at Mickle Trafford school for the purpose of forming a boys' brigade and discussing the provision of a parochial reading room. The Rector (the Rev. W. S. Johns) was voted to the chair. Mr. T. Good, of Strathallan, in a lucid speech, stated that the object of the brigade was the formation of good habits, and the promotion of all that tend to true Christian manliness. He gave particulars of Bible classes, drills, ambulance classes, athletic clubs, instrumental bands, parades, and the employment agency in con- nection with the boys' brigade. He read testimonials to the efficacy of this organisation, including those of the Primate of Ireland and Lord Roberts. The latter says I take a particular interest in the Boys' Brigade." The Rector was appointed president and chaplain, and Mr. Good captain. On October 31st 14 young men and ten boys presented themselves and were drilled by Captain Good. The subject of the reading room was discussed, aad a working committee appointed.

BUCKLEY. AN ANCIENT CUSTOM.-On Tuesday evening the annual Court Leet and Court Baron, in view of frank pledge of the manor of Ewloe, was held at the Hope and Anchor Inn, before Mr. P. B. Davies Cooke, Gwysaney (lord of the manor), Major Birch (agent), and Mr. W. H. Churton, Chester (steward of the manor).—Mr. Churtop called the roll of the jury, who were duly sworn as follows :—Messrs. John Hughes, Thos. Williams, Thos. Taylor, Peter Reynolds, Samuel Dunn, John Hughes (The Pottery), Edward Jones, John Dunn, Thomas Jones, Jonathan Catherall, Charles Gerrard, J. M. Gibson, John Taylor, and the Rev. Harry Drew, MrA. Bur- leymen were elected and sworn in as follows:— Messrs. Charles Gerrard and Samuel Dunn for Ewloe Wood; Messrs. John Dunn and Edward Jones for Ewloe Town Messrs. Thomas Taylor and Thomas Williams for Aston. Mr. Charles Robins was sworn in as bailiff of the manor, and after his appointment he called over the names of those tenants and residents in the manor who ought to have been present, and all those who did not answer were amerced in a fine of lOd. each. He also asked whether any- one had any presentments to make, but there were none made. Tho Steward reported that in accordance with instructions given to him at the last court he had written to the Urban District Council about the bad state of the road near Buckley Church leading past the Wheat Sheaf. It was reported that nothing had been done to it. Mr. Cburtou was therefore in- structed to again call the council's attention to the matter. Mr. John Dann brought for- ward the deficient water supply in the manor, and the Steward was requested to write to the Hawarden and District Waterworks Company on the subject, drawing their attention to the alleged deficient supply and asking for their attention to the matter. After the business of the court was finished, an excellent dinner was served by the host and hostess of the Hope and Anchor. The Lord of the Manor presided, and he was supported by his son, Mr. P. T. Davies Cooke. After full justice had been done to the good things pro- vided, an enjoyable evening was spent, the following contributing to the programme:— Messrs. W. H. Churton, Thomas Jones, J. M. Gibson, Joseph Catherall, Isaac Powell, Charles Gerrard, and A. B. Roberts (under agent, Gwysaney estate). Among the various toasts proposed and honoured were:—" Lord of the Manor," Steward of the Manor," Agent of the Manor," "Bailiff of the Manor," Sub- agent of the Manor," and The Trade of Buckley."

HESWALL. TRAGIC A PFAIK.—Samuel Davies, described HS » jobbing gardener, of Heir.vaii, was t;1keu to the Clrttterbridge Workhouse on • u< s-Uy evening suffering from serious cuts ia the throat. He was attended by Dr. Grant, ana is reported to be progressing favourably.

SAUGHALL. CHILDREN'S GUILTX—OA evening the Children's Guild in connection with All hints' Church commenced its wirier session. 'I'be children present numbered close on fifty, fcnd fcney thoroughly appreciated the excellent tea which had been provided by the kindness of Airs. Keilock. Various games were afterwards indulged in, and, on leaving, each child received a piece of cake. Cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Keilock, for tho vicar and Airs. White, and for Mr. and Mrs. Diicfcwortb, who assisted during tho evening.

HELSBY, CONCERT.—A concert was given in the National Schoolroom on Wednesday evening, in aid of the Helsby Brass Up-ud, a large and enthusistic audience being present. In the absence of Mr. G. C. Tlty lor, the chair was taken by Mr. Jas. Taylor. The following ladies and gentlemen contributed to an excellent pro- gramme:—The Misses M. and A. Hill, and Messrs. W. Hopwood and E. Worrall (of Runcorn), C. Warner, W. B. Barlow, and F. Bate (Helsby). There were also a selection by the brvnd, under the conductorship of Mr. C. Bate, and several songs, etc., on the phono- graph, exhibited by Mr. J Atherton. The items deserving of special mention were the songs by Mr. E. Worrall, recitations by Mr. C. Warner, and the cornet solo by Mr. F. Bate; while Mr. J. Atherton's phonographic selections also received very hearty appreciation. The accompaniments were efficiently played by Mr. W. Stanway. The whole of the arrangements were admirably carried out by the secretary, Mr. T. Harding, assisted by the committee. SEWAGE PURIFICATION SCHEME.—A special meeting of the Parochial Committee, to con- sider the question of a sita for the sewerage purification works, was held in the National Schoolroom on Monday evening. The engineer wrote stating that he thought the Earl oi Had- dington s laud was the best because the soil was lighter; it was removed from tbo population and was within the district, but if it could not be ob' ained by agreement, and the one at Hapsford could be so obtained, it would be better to take the latter. lie advised the com- mittee to inspect the latter site and form an opinion as to what opposition there was likely to be to it.- A letter was also road from Mr. R. Dodd, of Tarporley, in which an offer was made of a piece of land in Hapsford for sewage purifica- tion works, and also of a further piece for the pumping station. It was decided that the committee should inspect the land offered by Mr. Dodd, and that the engineer be instructed to take the levels, after which the question of purchase, subject to the Local Government Board's approval of the site, should be settled.

ELLESMERE PORT. Pr.ESIMV-TATION.-On Wednesday afternoon Miss Platt, the infants' mistress of the Primitive Methodist Day Schools, was presented by the infant s and the infants'teachers with a morocco leather lady's dressing case. Miss Martha Jones made the presentation. Miss Piatt has been appointed head mistress of the Wrockwardine Wood Board School, near Wellington. PARISH COUNCIL No RATE THIS HALF-TEAS. -The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Wednesday night. Mr. W. Stockton presided.—Mr. Ollive, clerk of the Wirral Rural District Council, wrote stating that his Council agreed to the extension of the street lamps from Whitby village to Whitby Heath, and from Whitby to Mr. Bradburn's houses in Pooltown-road. Mr. Ollive also wrote stating that a tree was leaning over a street lamp near Mr. Grace's gate, and as the tree appeared likely to fall before very long, it would be well to have the lamp removed, aud asked the Parish Council to attend to this matter also. The Parish Council thought it a very bad precedent to remove lamps because of falling trees, and requested their clerk to see the owner of the tree in question, and ask that attention be given to the matter, As the Council has now X40 in hand, it was resolved that no rate be levied for Parish Council purposes this half year.—It was agreed to lengthen the main sewer in Stanley-road so as to enable Mr. Pain, a builder, to connect the drains of a number of new houses erected near Stanley-road. The cost will be about £ 24.— The Chairman had received the- following peti- tion, signed on behalf of the signatories by Mr. George Forste,r :_u Dear Sir,—Last year some of the householders and residents in the neigh- bourhood of Grosvenor-street, Ellesmere Port, ventured to lay before the Parish Council, through Mr. Stockton, the chairman, a petition, which was extensively signed, and which, after discussion by them at their meeting held in September of last year, was acted upon to the satisfaction of the signatories in question. In view of the fact that the state of matters then complained of has cropped up de novo, we are desirous of learning the proper course to pursue in order to secure the same results as wore b.rOU^M °Uc by tbe Petition referred to. We should, therefore, esteem it a favour if you would kindly inform us whether you consider that it will be necessary for us to draw up a petition on the lines of last year, or whether our laying the matter before you in this way will be sufficient to bring about the reconsideration of the question. We think that it would be a pity, for various reasons, if this matter should be allowed to partake of the nature of an annual affair. Awaiting the favour of a reply at your con- venience, and thanking you in antidpiotion. The Council again thought the residents io this neighbourhood had a legitimate sourca of com- plaint. The clerk was requested to take the matter in hand with a view to its removal.— Complaints were made about the untidy state of the streets. The work was too much for the two men engaged, and it was now agreed to ask the Rural District Council to put on a third man.

NOTWITHSTANDING the many wonderful develop- ments of science, no rival has yet been fonnd to take the place of Holloway's Pills and Ointment as reliable and speedy curea for the various diseases with which we are all liable to be afflicted. The Ointment is universally acknowledged to be a. certain remedy for sore throat, bronchitis, coughs, colds, glandular swellings, gout, rheumatism, and all skin diseases. The Pills have justly earned a world-wide reputation for all female complaints for infantile disorders they are invaluable, a.nd. they are an unfailing remedy for all disorders affecting the liver and stomach. It would be< difficult, indeed, to name a complaint for which both the Pills and Ointment are not beneficial. Thousands of people in all parts of the world can testify to their merits. They are suitable for any climate-or season of the year.

are grumbling now, because a few Chinamen are settin? up laundries in Loudon." Would you hazard any guess as to the future of your country P" "I am sure that in time. a !on: time, China, will become Europeauised. The forces of modern civilization are so great that in the long run no country, however exclusive and intolerant of their presence, is able to resist thetll1. Whether for good or evil, I should not like to say. Once civiltsed accordiug to your Meas, we shall adopt your policies aud methods. We shall develop our military resources; we c-laill become a great fighting nation. And then—? The Wide World" continues to supply ns with stones of aoventure, which prove their motto that "truth is stranger than fiction." The reader will at once turn to "What a stranger saw in China," by Mr. Hopkyn Rees. an article with numerous photographs illustrating many of the quaint and curious phases of Chinese life and manners. The author is thoroughly acquainted with China and the Chinese, asd he tells the story of his travels in an instructive as well as interesting way. Mr. J. E. Whitby fills four pages with an account of how in the town of Ghent (Belgium) dogs have been trained to act as policemen, and have their regular beats night by night. The dogs have, it is asserted, been of the greatest assistance in the prevention of crime. The article abounds in curious facts, such as the training of the dogs by means of dummy criminals. Mrs. Wolffsohn, of Naples, tells a remarkable tale of heroism and endurance in her account of the fatal descent into the Bay of Naples, of "Three amateur aeronauts." These are only a few of the many thrilling adventures described in this month's Wide World."