County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

PRESIDENT McKINLEY. Washington (says the Westminster Gazette) is not only one of the pleasantest cities in the United States, but also, like the ancient city of Zion, beau- tiful for situation." As seen from the top of the Washington monument, with the river winding in and out from among wooded scenery, making here an island and there a lake, it presents a panoramic view that in my judgment has few equals among such capitals of the world with which I am familiar. The White House looks strangely small from such a giddy height, and indeed at close quarters its proportions are by no means colossal; but it has a snug and cosy appearance that many more porten- tous edifices might well envy. Standing in the midst of a small park, and being well set back from the road, with its ranges of conservatories and hot- houses, it has an appearance at once dignified and homelike—as befits the official residence of the first gendeman and the first lady in the United States. Nor is this iirpression lost when, on entering the building and your credentials duly examined, you are presently ushered into the Presidential cabinet, opening out of a large ante-room in which day in and day out are gathered all sorts and conditions of men, and women too-politicians, place-hunters, everybodies, nobodies-all waiting their turn to in- terview the long-suffering Chief of the State, if haply he will see them A few words in the ear of the private secretary, and my letters of introduction formally presented, the President intimated his pleasure to see me quite early in the day, and before I am well-nigh conscious of the fact I am in his presence and being welcomed with outstretched hand and a grave and dignified kindness. A strong man in every sense of the word That is your first impression; and a particularly well-groomed one is your second, as the eye takes in the careful details of his dress and notes the well- cut frock coat, the carefully-creased trousers, and the fresh flower in the button-hole. There is no trace of hurry as he toys with the paper-knife on his writ- ing-table, and he speaks with a calm deliberation, as though carefully choosing his words. The well-known resemblance to Napoleon—suf- ficiently apparent from his photographs—strikes you afresh as you gaze upon his features; hard by, in another apartment, there is a statuette, sent by an admirer, of the President in the slouch hat and folded-arms attitude of the great Pro-Consul. Mrs. McKinley is out driving for the moment; but- think of it, ye husbands with comparatively a great w deal of leisure!—this ruler of a vast Continent, with all the burdens of State on his shoulders, and with considerably less than no leisure at all, nevertheless contrives to keep in such touch with her movements that scarcely an hour in the day passes but he manages either to see or to hear some- thing of her, albeit he sits in his cabinet from ten to four-and sometimes later-engrossed in public affairs; and scarcely anything is more touch- ing than to see the complete sympathy and devotion existing between husband and wife. If no man is a hero in the eyes of his valet, at least he is sometimes a hero in the eyes of his wife; and certainly Mr. McKinley, like Mr. Gladstone, Lord Beaconsfield, Lord Rosebery, Lord Salisbury, and many another statesman, has no reason to complain in this respect,. Well is it that in Washington, as at Windsor, an almost perfect example of a happy, God-fearing, united family life is to be found. "Happy the nation that is in such a case "-to use the fine old expression of the Psalmist I The prospects of re-election were, of course, briefly touched on in the course of our interview, and the President was good enough to explain in some detail, for the benefit of his English visitor, the intricacies of the mode of election, and mentioned with a quiet smile that from his house in Canton, Ohio, he could hear through his telephone something of the enthu- siasm of the populace at New York which marked his nomination as President. But one requires to be neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet to see that, whatever the system- and be its merits and demerits what they may- somehow or other the best man always has the knackof rising to the top and in view of this fact the friends of William McKinley assurely had some grounds for the quiet confidence they felt and for the market of four to one with no takers

THE CHINESE NURSE. Some of the most efficient servants in Japan are Chinese women. It is the custom in that country to place the very young children in charge of Chinese nursee, and when they are older to employ Japanese women. The reason given is because the Chinese women are so faithful in the care of babies. A Chinese nurse will hang her head with shame if the baby cries. She thinks it is all her fault. She hovers over her charge with anxious care, and makes a great fuss if it appears that anyone is going to behave imprudently with the child.

A NEW USE FOR POODLES. The Town Council ofJFleusburg, according to the Kohiische Zeitung, was seized the other day of a singular petition from a worthy burgess, who prayed to be excused from paying his dog licence, on the ground that the brute served as a foot-warmer for his mother-in-law, who was aged and bedridden. Some councillors leaned to the petitioner; others stood (or sat) aghast at the notion of a poodle for a bedfellow; and altogether there was a high debate. Ultimately,:it was decided'to remit the licence on pro- duction ofta. doctor's certificate that no other than 9, canine foot-warmer would suit the old woman's com- plaint.

A STORY OF TWINS, A curious case which recalls that immortalised by the poet, of the twins who when one died the other was buried instead of him has just been brought before one of the courts of Tennessee. The prisoner was tried and convicted for gaming. When asked if he had anything to say, he stated that it was not he at all, but his twin brother, who was the culprit, and that he was charged in his brother's name. The brother was duly produced before the court and proved to be so absolutely like the prisoner that it was impossible for any but their most intimate friends to distinguish them apart.

A "TIP" FOR PALL MALL. The United States War Office is now engaged in a scientific test of the possibility of marching on a small emergency ration. A troop of cavalry is making expeditions which will cover two or three weeks in all, and during this period each man has to depend on a daily ration weighing ono pound, put up in an elliptical can eight inches long. The contents of the can consist of three cakes of sweet chocolate and three cakes of a palatable meat and grain com- pound. which can be eaten uncooked or made into a porridge or soup. The detachment is accompanied by a physician, who will closely observe the condition of the men. They are also to be weighed daily. When the experiment is ended an official report is to be made to Washington, and may be expected to reach our own military authorities in due course— II.bat is to say, about the year 1950.

CAPTAIN Sip. EDWARD CHICHESTER, C.M.G., created a C.B. for his services in South Africa, took part in the previous operations against the Boers in 1881. He was then Naval Transport Officer at Natal, and acted there until the withdrawal of the troops. He has on several occasions received the thanks of the Lords of the Admiralty for his promptitude and tact. This was the case when, as Principal Transport Officer, he landed the forces for the Nile expedition of 1884-5. Since then he has rendered valuable service in connection with the North Sea and other fisheries, and has earned the gratitude not only of the Admiralty Lords, but of the Board of Trade. STORIES about misers are sometimes exaggerated, but it has been verified that a beggar-woman named Marie Leret, who has died at Versailles, left behind her in gold and bonds about £ 8000. The money was found in an old cupboard iu the hovel wherein the deceased had lived for over half a century. Marie Leret was 83 years old, and was one of the most successful mendicants of the day. She begged per- sistently at church doors, in streets, at the rail- way-stations, and received, moreover, substantial gifts from charitably-disposed persons, who had no idea that they were assisting a miser. Of the sum found, nearly E3000 in gold fell out of a long stock- ing, the remainder being in various securities, of which the dividend warrants had not been utilised for 18 years. Leret a next of-kin, who are really poor people and few in number, have claimed her property, and are now waiting until the legal formalities are carried out which shall lift them from the dismal depths of poverty into a brighter region of comparat- live prosperity.

FIELD AND FARM. (From the Agricultural Gazette.") PROI DROUGHT TO FLOOD. Everything in extreme seems to have been the rule of the meteorological conditions of this country in recent years. When we have sunshine we have prolonged drought, and when it rains it pours, and keep- on pouring. Only a. few days ago the South of England was suffering from a degree of drought rare in the latter half of the autumn and since the low- lying lands have been flooded, whit the soil gener- ally became completely sodden. Where land was toe dry for wheat-sowing it speedily became too wet where mangels of a long variety could not be pulled without breaking the roots, the land became so rotten that carting over it would be highly injurious; and where pastures were bare and almost brown, they were in many cases too soft to bear stock. But there was a great quantity of rain due, and if we should have a fine time after it, the downfall will prove bene- ficial on the whole. Perhaps its chief benefit has been that of washing mildew off the leaves of swedes, refreshing the roots at the same time. For many other purposes rain was needed; only farmers are apt to think that they could have done with a little less of it. OATMEAL FOR FEEDING STOCK. The time has again come round when feeders of live stock for the Christmas fat markets will be anxiously contemplating the progress of the animals they have set apart for competition at the various prize centres. The primary essential, I take it (writes Samson ") is that the animal selected should be of pure breeds. We know that cross-breds, by skilful feeding, do occasionally run out winners, but it is certain that the pedigree animals, whether of cattle, sheep, or pigs, require less food to bring them I cl to the desired state, and that the numerical pre- ponderance of winners come from that class, and at less expense. Some feeders spoil their chances by too great reliance on cakes, especially oilcakes, by which their animals are made to look glossy in coat and fat, but they will not bear the necessary hand- ling, more especially if there is a butcher amongst the judges. The touch is blubber-like, and the butcher judge knows that the flesh of such aotmals will never set properly, and also that the colour of the flesh, the fat especially, will be objectionable and unsale- able, except at lowest prices. To secure perfection of flesh, choicely warbled, firm, well set, and of the best colour, be chary of the cake-only just a fair modicum to keep the bowels in order, especially if it possesses a high percentage of oil; but begin now and make up, night and morning, a few balls of oat- meal and cold water about the size of a cricket ball, and of the consistency of dough. Place a couple of these on the top of the tub of each heifer, bullock, cow, or bull that is in feeding night and morning, and gradually increase the number up to six or eight, as the time goes on, meanwhile noting the dung of each. If there are signs of constipation stop the balls for a day, and give a little more oilcake. When animals so finished come into the ring, it will be noticed what an attraction they have for the practical butcher judge. It seems to be a positive pleasure to him to handle such a beast, and he returns to it again and again for that purpose, his mind fully made up as to his award, and no argument on the part of bis brother judge can shake him. Fatter animals may influence the farmer judge, but that is the best flesh, the best commercial products, and he is generally the last bidder for such at the sales, for he knows that it will show off his Christmas stall to advantage, command the highest figure per lb. as beef, and give the greatest satisfaction to his customers, especially those who are willing to pay the highest price for the highest excellence. The same results are followed in the case of pigs, whether for pork or bacon, for pig balls-that is, balls of oatmeal and water for finishing in pig feeding-are an old institution in the northern counties of England. The same excellence, whiteness, and firmness of flesh that the balls produce in cattle and swine, may be attained in sheep by the feeding of oats, either whole or crushed, just as the teeth are good or bad. IMPROVEMENT OF MILCH COWS. A most instructive illustration of the advantage to fie derived from "breeding with a purpose" is afforded by the milk records of the herd of dairy cows kept in connection with the famous Cornell University in the United States. Starting, close on thirty years ago, with a herd of about twentj cows, which were only capable of producing an average of about 300 gallons of milk in the year, an effort was made to so cross and select these animals and their progeny as to improve their milk-producing capaci- ties from year to year. A beginning was made by using bulls of well-known milhing strains, and little by little the milking capabilities of the cows were steadily improved until, at the present time the record of the twenty odd cows kept in the herd (all of them descen- dants of the original twenty which only averaged 300 gallons of milk) works out to close on 800 gallons per annum All this was accomplished by the com- bined results of crossing with bulls of good milking strains, and the careful selection for breeding pur- poses of animals whose dams had specially distin- guished themselves as milkers. What has been done here is capable of achievement by every farmer who lays his mind down to that end and operates accord- ingly. Instead of selling off the calves produced by their best milkers, they should make a special point of retaining these in their own herds and mating them with purchased bulls of a good milking strain. Working upon these lines the milk records of nine out of every 10 herds in the country could be im- proved by hundreds of gallons annually. POULTRY HATCHING AND REARING FOR FARMERS. Mr. Snell, who, like Mr. Palmer, is a farmer, gave a lecture on Hatching and Rearing Chickens at the Dairy Show, under the auspices of the Utility Poultry Club, and the following is a summary of some of the most informing remarks made during the lecture. When he had first introduced poultry on his father's farm the lecturer said, he bad met with con- siderable prejudice, and poultry is even now a very neglected feature in agriculture. Mr. Snell, however, finds poultry to be one of the most profitable things kept by the farmer. Prices for eggs and birds had increased during past years, whilst food has become cheaper. The field is the place to keep poultry ia, and it is there that they make the most money. Hatching the eggs is not easy, but it is worth while to have something worth hatching. Lay out a few shillings in the first instance, and the shillings often return in pounds. The proper and natural place for a hen to sit is on the ground. The dampness from the soil favours the hatching-indeed it is an essential feature. With- out it the membranes within the shell would become dry and hard, and the young chick imprisoned in the shell. There is not room for development, so that on the twenty-first day the chicken is only advanced as far as it should be on the fifteenth day. Exces- sive heat in incubators—that is to say, tempera- tures above the normal 104deg.—as well as a defec- tive supply of moisture, are very often causes of failure. The nest should be scooped out in the ground in shape of a basin, and over it place a box or coop. A little straw may be added. In order to test the in- clination of the hen to sit, place in some nest-eggs for a day or two. In front of the nest-box a run should be placed, containing food, so that the hen may come out to feed whenever she pleases. A separate run for each sitting hen should be used, and the nest divided off. April is the best month to start hatching. After hatching has taken place, the hen should not be worried, but left to herself as much as possible. The young chicks may remain in the nest for at least twenty-four hours before being fed. More chickens are killed by kindness than by neglect. Some persons take them by the fire wrapped in flanael such chickens die when afterwards exposed in the open. The lecturer emphasised the necessity ef keeping them in the nest to get strong. They are thin after- wards fit te put out in the field in a coop, even when frost and snow are upon the ground. It is impossible for a greased egg to become 0. hatched or for one which has been covered by the contents of a broken egg in the nest. The reason is that the pores of the shell are closed up, the chick inside is deprived of air, and on the twenty-first day is too weak to liberate itself. If such a chicken be helped out it will be found to be backward. There will be a protrusion from the stomach, due to inability to consume the yolk whilst in the shell. It is useless to try to rear them; and they may be killed at once. Eggs so soiled should be very carefully washed in warm water and the nest cleaned. Some hens fail to turn their eggs; therefore mart all eggs for sitting, so that the neglect may be reme- died, otherwise failure will ensue. There are more failure throngh neglect of the hen in this respect than from bad eees. Deformed chicks are generally caused through stfivin-j in the shell some hours bt.. yond the normal period. There are various opinions as to giving water to young chickens. Mr. Snell obtained the best results without iising water at all; but on a farm it is some- times difficult to keep water away from them en- tirely. When chickens suffer from disease it its always of a feverish nature. This causes them to drink, which soon kills them besides contaminating the water for the others. If water be gi-ven at all" remove it again as soon as the chicks have drunk. Whenever a bird is noticed to be ailing, isolate it immediately, or infection may spread through the whole brood.

GARDENING GOSSIP. I (From Gardening Elustrated") CONSERVATORY. The Chrysanthemums will eclipse all other plants for general effect now, and the temperature and atmospheric conditions must be made suitable for them whilst they continue in bloom. The most suit- able conditions for keeping the flowers are a tem- perature not exceeding 50degs. at night, with more or less night ventilation according to the weather, and a little warmth in the pipes sufficient to keep the atmosphere buoyant and mobile. As soon as the flowers die the plants should be taken out and others brought in to take their place. Late sorts will now be in bud, and disbudding should be freely done if fine flowers are wanted. We have not used any fire yot for the late kinds, such as Princess Victoria and W. H- Lincoln, and air is given night and day, ex- cept when wet or frosty, and even then an inch or so of air is given along the ridge. It will soon be time to look after the cuttings. Our practice after this date is whenever a strong cutting is seen it is taken and struck in a small pot, for the strong cuttings made strong plants, and all through the plant's life that strength will keep that plant in the front rank. For small houses cuttings struck in March and April, kept to one stem and one bloom, are very effective for grouping, more so, indeed, than the early strnck, Ilolthough early rooting is necessary for the exhibitor. Now that the climbers have been much reduced, if not altogether cut back, to give light to the plants below, an effort should be made to get a little colour into the upper part of the house by using baskets of some kind. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine makes a charming basket plant when well grown. Small plants of Ficus repens may be planted to cover the sides and bottom of the basket. Fireball Tropaeolum is bright now in baskets. At this season Chinese Primulas make pretty basket plants, with creeping growth to surround the basket. Sedum carneum variegatum comes white or nearly so under glass, and is pretty and graceful hanging from a basket. Good specimens of Scarborough Lilies are lovely now, and when approaching the flowering stage weak liquid-manure should be given two or three times. A soaking or two of liquid-manure has a wonderful effect upon Cinerarias now. STOVE. There should be a choice assor Iment of plants in bloom in this house, including a few Orchids. Even those of limited means may grow a few of the cheaper kinds of Orchids, such as the Cyp/ipediums, Calanthes, Dendrobiums, &c. This house will be too warm for the Odontoglots and other cool-house species, which might have a small house to them- selves. Many people who formerly never touched them are growing a few Orchids now. There must, of course, be proper materials for their culture, such as good fibrous peat, Sphagnum Moss, crushed char- coal, and suitable pots and baskets, or blocks of wood fer those that do best on blocks. Begonias in many varieties are in flower now. Poinsettias should have liquid-manure to increase the size of the heads of bracts. When sending up the flower spikes Eucharis Lilies will benefit from some liquid stimu- lant Where there is bottom heat propagation may go on all winter. Young shoots of Crotons will strike now, and old plants of Draceenas may be cut up for stock. Gardenias at the warm end will soon swell their buds. Retarded Lily of tbe Valley crowns will soon feel the influence of warmth. Get more Tuberoses into heat from the cool-house in batches as required. A lot of these that were potted late and stood outside are now throwing up the spikes, and with a little warmth the flowers are very fine, and will come in succession till Christmas or later. These are the easiest things possible to grow. OTTTDOOR GARDEN. Creepers of all kinds will go out well now, &nd naked walls and fences should be covered with flowering, fine-foliaged plants, or fruit-trees. There is plenty of material in the nurseries to meet the needs of all. There are lovely Roses of free growth and many tinted blossoms, Honeysuckle, Jaamines white and yellow, Cydonias in much variety of colour—all of which are among the most beauti- ful spring-flowering shrubs. The self-clinging Vitis inconstans is much planted in'some places, and many buildings have latterly had a crimson glow, but the effect is rather dreary in winter, and I should like some of the variegated Ivies, which cling very closely, and if kept in order always have a dressy effect. The Fire Thorn (Pyracantha) is very effective. The other day I saw a house front completely covered with it, and the effect was very bright and cheerful. There is a yellow-berried form which might be planted as a contrast. The Wistaria is a well- known climbing plant, and it has a pretty effect when rambling over old trees of rather low stature, such as Laburnums or Thorns. In sheltered gardens the Ceanothus in some of its varieties is beautifully in flower now, and the Tamarix, which makes a rather graceful wall plant, will soon cover a wall 10ft. or 12ft. high but the most lovely thing for covering a low wall is Berberis stenophylla. Tufted Pansies may be planted in the beds and borders now: Have all herbaceous and alpine plants, which require it fresh labelled. FRUIT GARDEN. I Now that the leaves are all down, the pruning and training of wall and other trees should be pushed for- ward before the cold weather comes, and if the grease-bands have not been placed round the trunks of the trees attention should be given to it immedi- ately, as every means that are likely to be useful should be adopted for the destruction of the larvae of the moths, which do so much harm to the fruit. As regards the pruning of orchard- trees and pyramids of open growth more rational treatment is becoming general. The main point, after the heads have been formed is to thin only sufficiently to let in the sunshine and air, and prevent the branches rubbing together when the wind blows. Of course, trees on walls and espaliers must by treated differently as crowded foliage is a bar to obtaining plenty of fine fruit. The spurs of old Pear and Apricot-trees where much crowded should be thinned to obtain substantial foliage. It is an advantage, when possible, to lay in young wood in Plums and stone-fruits generally, but not to overcrowd. Of late years more lime has been used with advantage, and this treatment might be continued in a moderate way, especially for stone fruits. VEGETABLE GARDEN. I Autumn Cauliflowers have been very fine this season, and up to the present there has been no frost anywhere to seriously injure them, but we cannot ex- pect this immunity to continue, therefore provision should be made for affording protection to anything which requires it. We are still gathering French Beans from cold pits and Mushrooms from air-beds. The open-air Mushrooms-beds protected with warm coverings may continue bearing for some time, but the French Beans in cold structures will soon be over. The tuberous roots of Scarlet Runners are sometimes stored in dry sand and planted again in spring for an early crop, but for main and later crops seeds are best. In warm gardens Peas sown in autumn are frequently a success, and the cost of the seeds is not great. Even if a sowing should fail, there is time enough to bring on a successional crop in pots for transplanting. Asparagus the* was cut down early will now be in a condition for lifting for forcing when required. The old-fashioned hot-bed system of leaves and manure answers well where leaves are plentiful. Vacant land should be trenched up deeply. This is work we keep for bad weather, though it is unwise to trench in snow or hard frozen soil, especially on hey.,vy land. Tomatoes in warm- houses must be well ventilated when the weather is warm, as s.fter this the blossoms are difficult to set, and things move so slowly.

IN the Atti dei Lincei Professor Grassf and M. Noé show that the anopheles mosquito not only communicates malaria with its bite, but another disease, caused by the parasite, Filaria immitis. Both diseases can be warded off by moans of wire gauae over the windows, doors, and chimneys of bouses, and by the inhabitants wearing veils or staying indoors at night.

I A LUCKY SMASH. I There was no question about the fact that Wetherall was on the wrong side of the road but then there were excuses for him. The trim, clear-cheeked and rather handsome girl who had just cycled past towards the village wu3 also on her wrong side, and Wetherall, with the gallantry natural to him, meet- ing her, had crossed over, allowing her to pursue her improper course unreproved. The serene light of her clear brown eyes as they had looked a moment into his, the dewy ripeness of her lips, and the healthy tint of her smooth cheek, remained pleasantly as a picture in his mind's eye as he rode along, still with pensive, and perhaps natural forgetfulness, on the wrong side. Then, with a rush and a whirr, just as he approached the quaint old stone bridge under which the neighbouring brook ran, a bicycle came swiftly round the corner of the adjoining lane, aud with a crash and a shout, the two riders were into one another. The new-comer was a thin, sinewy, little old gentle- man, in a light grey cycling suit. His age could not have been much less than sixty, but he was still active apparently as a boy. and his alert pair of dark eyes flashed with angry spirit as he picked himself up from the roadway. His neat brown stocking was badly rent, and a nasty gash from Wetherall's pedal was bleeding freely. Wetherall himself, with a look of acute anguish, lay on the dusty roadside for a moment and rose lamely. Both men surveyed each other meanwhile with a strong antagonism. "Well, where are your apologies ?" demanded the little gentleman fiercely then his temper burst forth. Have you no more sense, you crazy fool, than to ride on your wrong side at a turning ?" Wetherall eyed him deliberately. If I am a crazy fool," he said, slowly and with studied insult, for riding on my wrong side, which latter fact I freely admit, then you are ten thousand times more a fool for racing round a corner in the idiotic way in which you did." Why, confound you," blustered the old gentle- man-" vou talk to me like this ? Do you see my leg, sir ?" "I see your leg, yes," replied Weth jrall; "and I see it with the utmost pleasure. If you ask my opinion, you richly deserve what you have got." "You impertinent rascal I" said the old gentleman irately. I return you the compliment," said Wetherall. The old gentleman lifted his machine angrily which seemed little the worse. I waste words on you," he declared. I confess I have no special dosire to listen to your further personalities," said Wetherall. Turning, the little gentleman placed his foot on the step of his machine. "You you low-bred ruffian I" he remarked. Then, mounting to his seat, he rode away. As he did so, Wetherall limped with considerable difficulty down the 8ghbouring grassy slope to the brook, and sitting down by its side, proceeded to draw off his boot. A dislocated ankle, or I'm mistaken," he re- marked. My fault, too, when all's said and done, and I'd have admitted it if the old chap had only been reasonable." He drew off his stocking and sur- veyed his foot with a groan. Great glory he murmured, can I have broken something ?" The ankle was already swelled to an abnormal size, betokening some serious displacement, and Wetherall gazed ruefully. His agony, too, must have been intense, for as he bent and stretched his foot in the cooling waters of the brook he gave a sigh of relief. I may be laid up here for a week," he declared. I must wire Poole and Grey I cannot meet them. And the question now arises, what next ?" Raising his foot he again eyed it disconsolately. Then suddenlyfte started. From the stone parapet of the bridge above, a sympathetic voice, soft and musical as the brook that gurgled at his feet, de- scended in modulated tones. I am afraid you have had a bad accident." Glancing hastily up, Wetherall flushed slightly as he encountered the gaze of the brown-eyed giri whom he had met previously, in reality the primary cause of the accident. As she looked down, her face wore a look of pleasant concern. "I found your bicycle lying in the roadway here," she declared, and I have put- it against the hedge. Your ankle seems horribly swelled. May I ask how the accident occurred ?" I hardly know myself," confessed Wetherall beyond the fact that some madman or other—a fiery, ill-tempered little old gentleman in a light grey suit, came racing round the corner here and ran into me." Had he light brown stockings ?" asked the voice from above, with sudden interest. I believe he had," said Wetnerall staring. Then it must have been father," remarked the brown-eyed girl placidly. Wetherall's face fell abashed. Really I must apologise"—he began. "Please don't," replied the girl. "May I ask whether my father was damaged at all ?" "A slight flesh wound, I regret to say," said Wetherall politely. The girl nodded. He was to have followed me up Primrose Lane; but I presume he has ridden on to the village to be attended to." She glanced again at Wetherall. You yourself, I suppose, would like to see a doctor?" she asked. I should indeed, if I knew where to find one," replied Wetherall, as he pulled on his stocking. "There is Dr. Randall," said the girl, my brother-in-law, just down the roadway here, or old Dr. Truscott up in the village." I think I had better seek the latter," said Wether- all. If Dr. Randall is your relative your father will probably be seeking his aid." The brown-eyed girl frowned slightly. Just the reason why he won't," she remarked. Wetherall stared. You had better try Dr. Randall," she proceeded. In fact "-she paused and smiled-" I confess I should like to bring him a patient, as he has only been practising two months in Fallowdale." Wetherall paused in an effectual attempt to draw on his boots. Randall ?" he asked. Surely it is not Dick Randall, lately of St. Thomas's ?" The very person declared his listener. Wetherall sat up joyfully. You know him ?" asked the brown-eyed girl. I knew him extremely well," said Wetherall. He glanced up curiously. He recalled the stirring incU dents of Dick Randall's recent runaway marriage with the daughter of Squire Newdigate, and how he had boldly set up in practice near the village where his irreconcilable father-in-law lived. The brown- eyed girl's remarks concerning her father's journey to Dr. Truscott were now intelligible. The irate par- ticipant in the recent accident must be Squire Newdi- gate himself. With an effort, Wetherall arose and poised himself painfully. If I could reach my machine," he declared. Let me help you," said the Squires daughter. Hurrying round, she descended the grassy slope, and, taking Wetherall's arm, assisted him to the bridge. Really," said Wetherall, blushing a deep red, I hardly know how to thank yon for your kindness. If I could get on my machine I think I might man- age to reach the doctor's with my sound foot. I will bring it," said his assistant. Lean there a moment I" Returning with the machine, she held it dexterously, and, helping Wetherall again, enabled him to gain the saddle. Her busy arm steadied him as she did so; and once "aer breath, lightly fanning his cheek, caused him tc glow with a nameless sweet emotion. Now if you are quite sure you can manage," she remarked, I will start you, and follow in a moment." I really cannot express my indebtedness to you," said Wetherall weakly, as he was safely launched on his way. ? < Proceeding towards the village, the two presently, when half the distance had been traversed, ap- proached a pretty little cottage, embowered in trees, its neatly kept garden blooming with flowers. Has- tening ahead as they drew near, Wetberall's com- panion quickly dismounted, seizing his machine as he drew up. At the same moment she beckoned to the verandah, and an instant later the doctor and his wife came hurrying down the garden, as Wether- all awkwardJy sought his sound foot. My darling Phyllis!" exclaimed the doctor's wife, a sweet-faced girl bearing a strong resemblance to Wetherall's companion, as she hurried forth, what- ever is the matter ?" Oh, nothing the matter with me, Gwen," replied the latter, as she held WetheraU's arm, but this gentleman has met with a serious accident. And also, he knows Dick." ✓ As she spoke, the doctor, a broad-shouldered, cheery-faced young fellow of about Wetherall's age, was clasping the latter by the hand. "What, Tom Wetherall I" he cried. "By all that's lucky, what brings you here ?" By all that's unlucky you mean, old chap," smiled Wetherall ruefully, though I'm delighted to meet you nevertheless. Just look at my foot!" Dr. Randall whistled as he obeyed the command. "Good graciotis!" he exclaimed. "You've had a wrench there I" He bent and touched the ankle, and Wetherall winced with pain. "Heavens man I You've got a foot there that will lay you up for a month. How did it occur?" A few words, after the necessary introductions, sufficed to explain the details of the accident and also the identity of the other participant in it. The doctor ncdded grimly. "We saw him scorching past ten minutes ago with his leg all bleeding," he remarked. But if he is looking for Truscott he is doomed to disappoint- ment he has gone to Winstanton for the day; I had it from old Forbes." The Squire's younger daughter clasped her hands rapturously. Oh, Dick," she exclaimed, if he were only com- pelled to come to you I" "Anyhow," said the latter, "we must look im- mediately after Wetherall here. Help him up to the cottage, girls, while I bring the machines." As he spoke he seized the latter; and Wetherall laying his arm on the nearer shoulder of each of his charming companions, hobbled painfully forward. Suddenly, however, all four paused. Along the road came the whirr of a bicycle, and a moment later the grey-suited gentleman of Wetherall's adventure drew up before them. For a second he eyed the scene with a half angry embarrassment. Then the two girls, at the sight of the bleeding leg, leaving Wetherall leaning against e gatepost, ran forward. "Father, father I" exclaimed the doctor's wife. "Whatever has happened to you P Oh, do come in, for pity's sake!" Yes, do, father," cried Phyllis. "How dreadful your leg looks I" The squire frowned around. I have just been to Dr. Truscott's, and he is out for the day," he replied. But I suppose I shall have to be doctered by someone." I shall be pleased to attend to you, sir," said his son-in-law cheerfully. But what is this f" asked the Squire, apparently half won over. "Is not this the—ah!—the person with whom I collided ?" He glanced down at the ugly swelling of Wetherell's foot. "I had no idea you were hurt, sir. Is it serious ?" I am not yet sure whether the ankle is broken or not," said the doctor promptly. But it is a serious injury in any case." The Squire stared again at the foot. I am very sorry to have left you, in that case,' he replied to Wetherall. Don't mention it, sir," said the latter, with ex- treme politeness. I feel that I owe an apology to you myself, sir. I am extremely sorry that, in the pain and heat of the moment, I should have used words which I feel were so ill-chosen especially, too, considering the unusual kindness that I have since met with at your daughter's hands in assisting me here to the house of my old college friend, Dr, Randall. But I see you are badly hurt, sir; may I dot any rate, atone in some degree for my conduct by begging you to make the first use of his valuable assistance ?" The remainder of the party, who had listened with deep satisfaction to his somewhat cunningly con- ceived address, which had evidently agreeably im- pressed the Squire, eyed the latter anxiously. Not at all. sir," he replied to Wetherall; you are much more seriously hurt than myself, and must take the first turn." "I could not dream of such a thing, sir," said Wetherall. But I insist," said the Squire firmly. Then let us proceed to the surgery at once," said Dr. Randall cheerfully. It is almost needless to say that there, under his treatment, both men were soon skilfully bandaged and plastered and that before the afternoon was out the inauspicious meeting had developed into a happy and joyous scene of reunion and reconciliation. Nor was any person there more divinely happy than Wetherall himself, sitting with his leg propped on a neighbouring chair, and the recipient of every'atten- tion, as he chatted gaily with the Squire's youngest daughter. The ankle had proved to be unbroken but, as the doctor foretold, its recovery was slow. It was a month, indeed, before the patient, who had speht the intermediate time under the doctor's hospitable roof and care, was pronounced fit for travel. Nor had the intervening time been eventless. The serene brown eyes which had looked down over the bridge had long ago worked a much more serious injury than the mere accident in the roadway; and it was not till he had gained the Squire's consent (this time freely given) to the marriage of his re- maining daughter that Wetherall breathed freely once more.

A CURIOUS TOMB. One of the curiosities of Wimborne Minster (says ,he Church Monthly) is the tomb of Anthony Etricke, the first Recorder of Poole, and the magistrate who committed the Duke of Monmouth after the battle of Sedguioor. Tradition has it that Etricke had a quarrel with the people of Wimborne, so made a vow that he would not be buried in their church or churchyard, under their ground or over." To carry out this vow he obtained leave to cut a niche in the wall of the Minster, and there he placed his own coffin, fixing at the same time the date he supposed he should die, viz., 1691. He did not die, however, until 1703, and the figures were altered accordingly.

THE BETTER WAY. I The municipal authorities of Berlin will make a grant of a million marks to be devoted to the provi- sion of housing accommodation for the poor in com- memoration of the 200th anniversary of the founda- tion by King Frederick I. of the Prussian monarchy, which will be celebrated on January 18, 1901. This, says a contemporary, is better than spending half the million marks in a dyspeptic orgie, as would be the case in the City of Loudon.

IIIE decrease in the exports of iron and steel from the United Kingdom is very unsatisfactory. Last year, the average quantity sent out was 300,000 tons monthly this year 362,000 tons were sent out in May. but the quantity has fallen off mon'h by month until for September the quantity exported was L'59,00C tons. The imports of crude and manufactured iron and steel, howjver, are increasing. The quantity in May was 43,000 tons, and it has risen month by month until the imports for September reached about 72,000 tons.

TO RULE AUS THALIA. I GOVERNORS OF COMMONWEALTH STATES APPOINTED. I The following announcements have appeared in the London Gazette: The Queen has been pleased, by Letters Patent passed under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom, bearing date respectively October 29, 1900, to con- stitute the Office of Governor-General and Corn- mander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia, and by further Letters Patent bearing the same date, respectively, to constitute the Office of Governor in each of the six States of the said Commonwealth, viz.: The State of New South Wales and its Depen- dencies, the State of Victoria and its Dependencies, the State of South Australia and its Dependencies, the State of Queensland and its Dependencies, the State of Tasmania and its Dependencies, and the State of Western Australia and its Dependencies. The Queen has been pleased to appoint The Right Honourable the Earl of Hopetoun, P.C., K.T., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., to be Governor- General and Commander-in-Chief of the Common- wealth of Australia. Her Majesty has also been pleased to appoint: The Right Honourable EarlBeauchamp, K.C.M.G., to be Governor of the State of New South Wales and its Dependencies, in the Commonwealth of Aus- tralia. The Right Honourable:Lord Lamington, G.C.M.G., to be Governor of the State of Queensland and its Dependencies, in the Commonwealth of Australia. The Right Honourable Lord Tennyson, K.C.M.G., to be Governor of the State of South Australia and its Dependencies, in the Commonwealth of Aus- tralia. Some surprise was expressed at the notification of the appointment of the Earl of Beauchamp to the post of Governor of the State of New South Wales, he having recently resigned the position of Governor of the Colony, and being now on his way to Eng- land. The Agent-General for New South Wales told a Daily Mail reporter last night that he could only conjecture that this appointment is a purely technical matter, just made in order to create a precedent for State Governors being appointed by the Home Government."

THE PAY OF THE CABINET. The annual "wages-bill" of the Cabinet is no light sum—at present it nearly reaches £ 100,000 or, to be exact, it amounts to £ 93,550. Of the Cabinet as at present constituted, the" best-patd" is the Lord- Lieutenant of Ireland, who receives 220,000 a year; the Lord Chancellor comes next with Y.10,000, and the Irish Lord Chancellor's salary is E8000. Seven Ministers-respectively stationed at the Foreign Colonial, War, India, Treasury, and Home Offices, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer-are paid £5000, which is the standard salary for a Secre- tary of State; while the First Lord of the Admiralty has JZ4550. The remaining eight members of the Cabinet are each given £ 2000 per annum. The offices of the Irish Chief Secretary and of Postmaster- General, neither of which has been included in the old Cabinet, are respectively rated at £ 4425 and £2500.

A JOHN BRIGHT STORY. A characteristic story of Mr. John Bright may be mentioned. It has not hitherto been recorded, and it illustrates the distinguished man's dislike for any- thing savouring of public display or ostentation. Some twenty years ago one of Mr. Bright's daughters was married at Southport, and her father attended to give her away. After the ceremony (which was J considered a great event in the little town) was over be addressed a letter to the editor of the Liverpool 2nd Southport Daily News (which ceased publication in 1881), requesting that an extended notice of the marriage should not be published, but one written by himself and enclosed. That was a model of sim- plicity in style and pure Anglo-Saxon diction, and in print did not exceed 20 lines.

GENERAL SIB WILLIAM BUTLER, according to present arrangements, will turn over the command of the Aldershot Division to General Sir Redvers Buller, V.C., on January 12 next, when he will resume his post at Devonport as Officer Commanding the Western District. A TELEPHONE exchange at Budapest, Hungary, to accommodate 10,000 subscribers, is to be constructed at the Government expense; it is designed so that at some future date it can be made to include a further 10,000. Firms of any nationality may sub- mit tenders for the work.

THE TOWER OF LONDON. a- London, says Mr. J. C. Paget in the Agncultmrcti Review, is fortunate in retaining its ancient palaces- prison in a conspicuous place by the banks of its inam perial river. No Englishman can hear of a proposal to deface it without indignation, and it might be thought that, whatever changes were made elsewhere, no stone of this building at least would be touched uDftecessarily-that the hand of authority would be stretched out only to preserve our greatest relic. But the modern official world has decided otherwise. A few feet distant from the White Tower rises one of the ugliest structures imaginable; this is the new guard-house, and it can only be described as utterly incongruous and a perfectly wanton outrage on the sense of fitness. It is not a slight addition or altera- tion, but a very large structure, close to the great Norman keep, and among all the buildings of the Tower and its 40 lofty turrets, with their ogee cupo- las and gilded vanes, always arrested the eye and' dominated the general view of the Tower. Now ital; supremacy is challenged by this strange rival, which refuses to be put aside, which loudly asserts itself, and sorely puzzles the spectator." Responsibility for this improvement," it seems, rests with the Wsit- Office.

ANCIENT RUINS IN GERMAN EAST AFRICA. Further discoveries of ruins, dating apparently from before the arrival of the Portuguese in East Africa, are reported from the Deutsches Kolonial- blatt. Herr Karl Perrot, of the mercantile firm Perrot and Co., of Wiesbaden, whose attention had been directed to reports of still undiscovered riiinx in German East, Africa so far back as 1892, induced the firm to organise an expedition for their discovery early in the present year. It was placed under the command of Herr Bernhardt Perrot, and left Limli on July 15 for the bay of Kilwa Kisiwani, which has down to the present remained quite un- frequented by European traders. On the north-west corner of Songa Manare island, and on the side facing the mainland, the ruins of am important Shirazi town were discovered, almost overgrown with vegetation. The appearance of the houses, almost all of which were two-storied and built of hewn stone, in some cases provided with ornamentation, indicated that the town must have been considerably more weii-to-do than Kilwa Kisi- wani itself. The remains of a ruined mosque, and of a Shirazi palace in a better state of preservation, were also seen, while the existence of cotton bnshea run wild proved that this crop must once have been cultivated in the locality. Other ruins having been. reported by the natives, Herr Perrot has undertaken a second expedition for their examination.

I A PROFESSOR'S REBUKE. The recent graduation ceremony at Glasgow Unn versity was the scene of much boisterous fun. So badly did the students behave that Principal Story, who was received with cheers, hisses, cat calls, and! ironical singing of Tell me the old, old story," said I wish to say, before leaving this hall, that I have never in my life been face to face with an audience which had so much reason to be ashamed of itself. For the last balf-hour you have behaved with the stupidity jmd violence which one would have ex- pected from uncultivated boors only."

MR. RHODES AND CHRISTIAN DE WET. A characteristic story of Mr. Rhodes and General De Wet is told by the Kimberley correspondent of the Glasgow Herald. "How you must hate Rhodes a burgher now on parole rentarked to, Christian De Wet not long ago. Not at all," the intrepid raider is credibly reported to have cried. "He tried to patch up matters as long as he could; but when things got to a head he sided with his own country, and I should have despised him if he had done otherwise. I, too, have sided with my country, and,, when it is all over I shall not mind shaking him by the hand." This anecdote was carried to Mr. Rhodes, who replied promptly, "I think De Wet must bo a very fine fellow."