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

-n_ fALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] LUCK AT THE DIAMOND FIELDS. .BY DALRYMPLE J. BELGRAVB (BARRISTER- AT-LAW). A COMPACT. IT was at the George Hotel" at Portsmouth (said Gordon, as we paced the deck of the Trojan on our voyage home) that I spent my last evening in England with my brother. The next day I was to see him off for Cape Coast Castle, where he was going to serve with his regiment in the Ashantee war. To-day I can remember the dingy old smoking- room in which we sat till late at night, talking over the home and school days which were over, and our lives, which having always run together, seemed then to be branching far apart. We had no other relations alive; our father had died that year. The old castle in Sutherland, in which we had been born, had been sold to a rich London stock-broker, and our life seemed to have come to an end. My brother, he was the elder, had chosen the army for his pro- fession. He would have little but his pay to live upon, but it seemed to him to be the proper career for one of his race. I had determined to make money; it had been my dream that I would make my fortune in some distant part of the world where fortunes were to be made easily, though I did not quite know how. I was to come back to Scotland and settle down there, and we Gordons were to take our own place again. A few days after my brother sailed I was to start for South America, the country I had at last determined to be the land where that fortune would be soonest made. My brother had listened to all my schemes and then we had talked about the campaign for which he was going to start. I think we both thought a good deal of the terrible climate he was going to face, and we became grave as the idea came into our minds that the next day's parting was likely to be a long one. There was a story in our family that both of us must have been thinking of, for while it was in my mind my brother Donald suddenly spoke about it. The story was of a com- pact made between our grandfather and his brother. They were both soldiers, and their regiments were en service, one in Spain and the other in America. i'he agreement was that if one of them were killed, he would, if he were allowed to do so, appear to the other. Our uncle was killed in America, and it was always believed most religiously in our family that he was allowed to perform hie promise And that on the day he was killed my grandfather, who was in Spain, saw him and knew of his death. It was of this story as we grew more thoughtful, on that last evening we were to spend together, my brother reminded me. Let us make the same promise; the one who lives will be the last of our name and race, and perhaps it would be as well for him to know it at once," he said to me. We had both become grave and earnest enough, and as we grasped each other's hands and made that promise I think we felt it was not one lightly made. The next morning I saw him off. He said no more about our promise, yet as he stood on the deck of the troopship and I on the dockyard, I think we both thought o it. Neither King Koffee or the more dire potentate King Fever hurt my brother, and he came home well and in good spiriti;, and got on in the service, and of what fighting there was managed to see plenty. I am sorry to say that, unlike him, I did not fulfil the career I had mapped out for myself. I went to South America and did not succeed; and then tried one country after another, until one day, some nine years after I left England, I found myself in South Africa, finishing a long tramp from the gold fields to the Diamond Fields. So far that fortune which I had gone out to seek was as far away in the future as ever. I had ceased even to hope for it. I had been a pro- verbial rolling stone and had gathered no moss. I had tried my luck in Canada, Australia, and South Africa, and had found each country worse than the one I had been in before. My experiences were not very interesting, and they would only make a tale which has already been told many a time before. I had begun to laugh grimly at my old hopes of making a fortune, Iond bringing back some of the family property. And yet my ideas had not been so absurd either; I bad seen men whose chances did not seem to be much better than mine succeed and make something like the fortune I had dreamt of. Still I laughed when I contrasted my life with what I had expected it would have been. Certainly there had been plenty ef incident in it; but it was a better life to talk about than to live-a life full of long dreary days of rough uncongenial society, and I am sorry to say, of coarse, brucalising dissipation and of degrading poTerty brought about thereby. I failed at first from bad luck, and afterwards from my own fault. After one or two failures I came to South Africa and went' up to the Diamond Fields. Kimberley, when I came there, seemed to be the city of the prodigal son. He was there devouring his substance and getting the worst of its kind for it, and feeding the swine, or rather, minding a bar, which is a good colonial equivalent, and only too ready to eat of the husk he served out. I had little substance to devour, and when I had used it up was not even as lucky as the prodigal, for I got nothing to do at all. From there I went up to the gold-fields in the Transvaal, and two years of varied luck in digging ended in my being on my way tramping back. I had not done much towards making my fortune, I had not a penny in my pocket, my boots were worn out, and I had not had a meal for twelve hours, and I was very doubtful as to how or where I should get the next one. I was doing my last day's tramp. Bar away across the veldt I could see the mounds of earth that had been taken out of the Kimberley mine, and as slowly and painfully I dragged across that weary flat they seemed to grow longer every step I took. It was with little feelings of hope I saw the dis- tant view of that most hideous of towns, Kimberley. When I left the gold-fields I had thought that I could hardly be worse off than I had been there, and that I would get some work at the diamond mines. But, weary with my long journey, and weak from hunger and dysentery that had come over me, I had lost all strength, and thought that the best I could hope for would be that I should be allowed to crawl into the hospital at Kimberley and die there. Every step I took pained me, for my feet were sore and swollen. I remember I had been thinking a good deal about my brother and constrasting his career with mine. Already he was known as one of the most promising young officers in the army. I had not heard from him for years, for I had left off writ- ing, and he did not know where to write to me. But I had seen by the papers that he had gained the Victoria Cross in Afghanistan. I thought of him and I thought of myself, and cursed mylaok then, for I was too weak and out of spirits to fool myself I cursed my own folly, which I knew had been the cause of my having come down so low. Slowly and hopelessly I stumbled along through the sand. When should I get to Kimberley, what should I do when I got there?" I kept asking myself, and I feli too. dull and tired oat to answer the question. I had very few friends there, and my appearance, ragged, almost barefooted and obviously penniless, would not tell in my favour. What was the good of walking any faster? I might as well sleep there on the veldt as go on," I said to myself; and then stumbling over a stone, I half fell, half threw myself down beside the road, and lay there exhausted, thoughtless, and almost insensible. I was roused by some one lifting me up and pouring brandy down my throat. Played out, eh ? well, take a good nip of this, it will pull you together if anything will, it's Eckshaw's No. 1, the best brandy that comes to this cursed country. Where have you come from, eh ?" The voice I somehow seemed to remember, and as the brandy revived me I took a look at the Good Samaritan who had come to my assistance. I knew him the pleasant voice belonged to Jim Dormer; and it was his handsome reckless face I saw looking down at me. "I have come from the gold-fields and have had a hardish time of it," I said in answer to his question. Well, I don't know that I'd have done myself up like that to come to this-hole 'Kimberley; but you'd better get into my cart—I'll give you a lift in anyhow," he said. Of course I was glad enough to accept his offer and to get into his cart, which was drawn np close to where we were, his Kaffir boy holding the reins. Let's see, ain't you Mr. Gordon, who used to have claims at old De Beoy's ? Thought I knew you. Do you remember that day on the race-course when Cockney Bill and his pals tried the system of going for the banker at faro and jumping his satchel ? That system would have come off if it hadn't been for your taking a hand in the game." I remembered the incident he alluded to, which took place one evening after the races. Some roughs had made an attack upon him and his partner, who were keeping a faro table, and I, who had been losing my money to him, came to his assistance. "I haven't forgotten it and shan't in a hurry. That's the sort of chap I'd like to have with me in anything that wanted good grit,' I said to myself when I saw you in that row," he said. "Look here, Mr. Gordon, where are you going to put up when you get to Kimberley?" he added, after thinking for some time. If you like to come to my place I can look after you and give you as good a room as you will get at any of the hotels, and you'll be made quiet and comfortable." It was a good-natured offer, and all the more good-natured from the way he put it; but I hesitated before I accepted it. Ah, you think that stopping with Jim Dormer won't gp-nd over well, and I don't say you're not right; but times are bad in the camp and there isn't much chance of your getting a billet all at once, so you might stop at my place till you get over your tramp down; but you won't hurt my feelings by refusing, I ain't one of the respectable crowd and don't want to be." He had guessed my thoughts. He was a pleasant, well-mannered fellow enough, but he had acquired rather a doubtful character, and I am afraid to a certain extent deserved it. It would be difficult for anyone who wished to do so in a friendly spirit to say how he lived and had lived for the last ten years. He himself would probably admit that he was a professional gambler. His enemies would declare that in the matter of buying stolen diamonds he was not altogether without reproach. This charge, how- ever, was not true, for he preferred winning money from the buyers of stolen diamonds to indulging in such a risky trade on his own account. He never for one moment was able to see that he was one whit worse than the people who belonged to what he called the respectable crowd. He won money from some of the biggest thieves in the camp, so he was called a sharper and an asso- ciate of bad characters, while your respectable men got hold of honest men's money with their bubble companies. He wished he got as much the best of it at a deal of faro as honest Mr. Bowker, the mem- ber of the Legislative Assembly, did when he started the Boschfontein Mining Company. He was too straight to be respectable, that's where he went wrong," he would say to me when I got to know him better; and I believe he thought it. Thanks, you're a good fellow, but I don't like to sponge on you; I am dead broke," I said in answer to his invitation. "Dead broke be blowed No man's dead broke till his neck's broke; and as for sponging on me, one never loses anything by doing a good turn to one of your sort who had good grit. You're looking pretty bad though—dysentery do yeu say? Well, you'd better watch it; come up to my place and 111 put you straight," he said. It was not, perhaps, a very wise thing to do, but beggars can't be choosers, and I was very little more than a beggar, besides I liked Jim Dormer's cheery, free and easy manner. It was pleasant to meet a man who seemed to think something of one ahhough one was unsuccessful and dead broke. So I accepted his offer, and leaned back in the cart, relieved to think that I should have a place to rest in after my long weary journey. Jim Dormer was on his way back from a viait to a roadside canteen, where a man he was interested in was training for a foot race. "I am glad I met you I like a man who has got grit; maybe it will be a lucky meeting for the pair of us," he said some what enigmatically. I did not take much thought about what his motives might be, I was too tired. Take a man as you find him he has been a good friend to me anyhow," I thought as I drove through the well known street. The town looked dull and depressed there was a marked change, one could see that bad times were felt more than they were when I left some months before. Bars, stores, and billiard rooms that used to be doing a roaring business were empty. Several stores were to let; there was not as much traffic in the streets, while I fancied there was something in the listless gait of the men one saw lounging about which expressed bad times. Glad enough was I when we pulled up at a neat iron house where Jim lived, and where that great luxury, as it seemed to me then, a bed, was to be found provided for me after I had attempted a meal. (70 60

TRADERS WITH RUSSIA. I Shippers trading with Russia are instructed by a new Foreign Office memorandum how to proceed when fined for errors in bills of lading or other ships papers. If equity suggests in any case that the fine may be remitted they should petition the Russian Im- perial Minister of Finance. The petition may be drawn up in English, but it must be furnished with the requisite Russian stamps. In an urgent case, or if that procedure fail, a copy of the petition may also be sent to our Ambassador, with the request that he will support it; but shippers should never begin by ] applying to him or to the Home Government.

THEBE IS UNQUESTIONABLY no better remedy in the whole world for all coughs and throat troubles than KEATING'S LOZENGES-any medical man will assure you of this fact. Relief is speedy; simple but sure in action; the most delicate can take them. Sold everywhere in 13id. tins. LOBD JAMES OF HEREFORD has determined his tenancy of Ferne, Sir Walter Grove's picturesque seat in South Wilts, a few miles from Shaftesbnrv, which he has occupied for several years. Lord James has taken Breamore, Sir Edward Hulse's pretty place near Salisbury, for a term of years, along with the shoot- ings. MR. B. D. TURNER, Rector of Kelvinside Academy, Glasgow (late Fello w of Jesus College, Cambridge), has been appointed headmaster of the Grammar School, Loughborough.

I A NEW WARE. Under the heading "Exceptional Exhibit at Earl's-Court," the Court Circular devoted a page to Messrs. Wileman & Co., Foley China Works. Long- ton, Staffs., remarking: "Of the few exhibits that have any claim to novelty, that of Messrs. Wileman stands out as by far the most important; and we ven- ture to assert that were the Womens' Exhibition one of pottery only, this would occupy a foremost place, for the simple reason that the bulk of the articles mark a distinct advance in the potter's art. We con- sider the place of honour is gained by that known as 'Intarsio,' which is both rich and handsome; em: bellished with original designs executed under the glaze. Apart from the beauty of the ware and the high art character of the designs, the quaintness of the shapes of the articles is eminently attractive; and for this particular ware no praise would be excessive." The same praise is merited by this firm's staple pro- duct, The Foley" china, now so well known, for general use and for the fashionable reproductions of the heraldic crests of our towns and cities, which might be called Heraldic Souvenir China. Consider- ing the Artist devoted nine pages to describing Messrs. Wileman's Pottery it must be out of the common.

I A STRANGE LAKE. Should the beautiful Monaro district, situated in the south-eastern portion of New South Wales, be selected as the site of the Australian federal capital, those travelling by the railway branching off at Gonlburn, on the main line connecting Sydney and Brisbane with Melbourne and Adelaide, will (says the St. James's, Gazette) have opportunities for visiting Lake George, situated about four miles from the railway station at Bundendore, and which has for many years engaged the attention of scientific men, by reason of the singular and inexplicable phenomena connected with it. The estimates of its size vary considerably according to circumstances, but when moderately full, about 20 by seven miles will be found tolerably correct. It is about 2267ft. above sea level, and enclosed on two sides by gigantic towering mountains rising in grassy slopes from the water's edge, and assuming vaster and vaster propor- tions as they recede from it. At either end the land is fully 100ft. above the highest recorded surface of the lake, which possesses no known outlet, although it is fed by numerous mountain creeks. The lake was discovered by a bushman in 1820, and was known to the blacks as the "big water." Shortly afterwards it was visited by Governor Macquane, by whom it was named Lake George, and who was amazed at the immense numbers of wildfowl seen floating on its surface. It was then supposed to form the source of a river having its mouth on the coast, but subsequent visitors were much perplexed at the manner in which the blacks avoided the lake, of which they appeared to entertain a superstitious dread, one aged aboriginal stating she had seen it all covered with trees; another explaining that the whole of the water sank through the bottom and disappeared; while others remem- bered the lake only as a series of small ponds. During the following 20 years considerable variations were noticed in the depth and extent of the lake. In 1841 the lake became partially dried up, the moist portions being simply grassy swamps. A few months later large numbers of sheep were depastured in the bed of the lake, but fresh water had to be carted for the use of the shepherds, that of the lake being too salt for human consumption. The place remained more or less dry until 1852, the year of the great floods in that part of the colony, when it again became filled, with an average depth of nine feet. Since then the surface level of the lake has varied considerably, but the bed has never been so dry as in former years. There are indications that many hundreds of years ago the lake covered a far larger area than any yet recorded, remains of trees over a hundred years old being found in spots formerly under water. The saline character of the lake is the more remarkable by reason of its being fed by pure and sparkling fresh-water streams. It is a favourite resort of sportsmen, there being an abundance of edible fish; while ducks, swans, peli- cans, spoonbills, and other kinds of wild-fowl are found in myriads. The surrounding country presents many attractions for tourists and others, being of exceeding beauty-a picturesque combination of romantic grandeur and sylvan loveliness; of grandly swelling downs, rngged peaks, broad and fertile plains, and lofty snow-capped mountains-with a climate delightfully cool during the hot months of summer, and highly bracing during those of winter. —»

NOBEL'S BEQUEST. The operation of Nobel's philanthropic bequest starts with the coming year, when the year's interest on £ 80,400 is to be divided between four people who have most distinguished themselves in experimental physics, chemistry, literature, and the suppression of war. It is more than doubtful whether prizes of this kind, handsome as they may be—in this case they will probably work out to something like E500 each —have exercised any real direct influence in the promotion of the ideal that has been present in the mind of the giver. It is true they may stimulate activity in the direc- tion desired, but they usually stimulate the wrong people. Invention will not be forced, and that necessity is its mother, is a very doubtful axiom. There are rewards now on offer, E4000 for a navig- able balloon, 95000, it is understood, for a certain kind of scutching machine; but the principal result of offers such as these is only the encouragement of a number of incompetent experimenters. The evolution of the higher principles in science and mechanics is little influenced by pecuniary motives, and it might be possible to successfully argue that such inducements really do much more harm than good.

THE CASERTAS. By the marriage of the Princess of the Asturias, which has received the Pope's blessing, Spain will link herself with the family of the Pretender to the throne of Naples, the Count of Caserta, whose son Prince Charles is the favoured bridegroom. The Casertas,: well-known figures on the Riviera, have never given up their vain hope that some day they may rule over Naples. The marriage of their eldest son connected them with the Royal House of Austria, and with a second Royal family behind them they will probably be all the more inclined to cling to their lost throne in their dreams.

AMONG the various modes of celebrating the open- ing of the 20th century the Swedenborg Society of London has adopted one which is both original and enterprising. They offer to all teachers of religion, whether engaged in this work in the pulpit or in the Sunday school, a monthly booklet gratis and post free during 1901, on one of the Foundation Truths of the Christian Religion," explained ot course in their peculiar method, which they claim however to be" in agreement with reason, Scripture, and human experience." Swedenborg has widely influenced the thought of the past, as the work of such diverse writers as Emerson and Coventry Pat- man clearly show; and it should be worth while for many to make his acquaintance on the remarkably easy terms on which it is offered. Particulars of the scheme are being extensively advertised.

THE WOMAN'S WORLD. WmTJI is by no means (as the Evening News points out.) always the colour chosen to vei) a young bride. A Turkish maiden must be completely hidden from view under a thick covering, which consists, among the wealthy classes, of a rich brocade, shot and worked with silver, as much of this being intro- duced as possible. Both Greek and Persian brides were wont to array themselves in red, and thus appeared in a glory of colour. A Bokhara bride must always appear in a veil which is highly becoming, rose-coloured—to match her own blushes. But probably no young bride sin our own country will ever wish to change for a bright colour the customary virgin-white, which should be typical of a madien's life and mind. WE all ought, of course, to possess such ideal tempers and strong nervous systems that we should not even notice the irritating little ways of our friends and relatives, or the people with whom our daily life brings us in contact. But in these days of constant rush and hurry few possess a strong nervous system, and still fewer a temper ideal enough to remain sweet when the tired nerves have been racked by some thoughtless, "tiresome little way." They are of all descriptions, these annoying little ways. Who does not know the amiable but impatient creature who will spend the best part of a rainy day drumming out the "Dead March" in Saul, or some equally inspiriting melody, on the window-pane, in a fashion that is simply maddening to the busy person with work that must be finished ? Or the fidgety soul who sits opposite, jerking his foot up and down, and absent-mindedly taking all the veneer off your pet table with a pointed lead- pencil ? Trifles, are they? Wait till your nerves are a little less steady, and you will find them anything but trifling. The writer has known a whole family driven to the verge of comical despair by one member who had a persistent habit of sniffing-not that she suffered from cold or ohronic catarrh merely one of those little nervous tricks which, noticed at once, can instantly be stopped, although, if allowed to continue for any length of time, are difficult- indeed, almost impossible—to cure. Children should be instantly checked in any little fidgety habit they may develop-but be sure it is a habit. Correct; don't scold. Treat it as a joke if you can do so, and refer to it as seldom as possible else, by making the child self-conscious, you will render him liable to all kind of irritating little mannerisms. Perhaps no habits are more easily acquired or more difficult to alter than those of speech and manners. We all have our little pet expressions, which slip out at every turn. Those are hardly ever tiresome while the manner is pleasant and cheerful. Imagine, however, living with a person whose favourite relaxation is heaving deep sighs and mournfully ejaculating, "Oh, dear me!" on the average three times in the houe-without a vestige of real trouble, merely a tiresome little way SONG parties (remarks the Sun) are the latest society amusement. The guests are expected to appear with a badge illustrative of a popular song, and a prize is given for the best idea, and also for the largest number of correct guesses. A young lady typified My Queen at & party of this kind given recently by wearing a small oval photograph of her Majesty suspended by a tricolour ribbon. Tom Bowling" was typified by means of a tiny picture of a soldier playing cricket. "I Had a Message to Send Her. lost all its poetry when represented by simply a blank telegraph form, white the portait of a bald-beaded man gave the death-blow to all senti- mental thought connected with Mendelssohn's song, Ok, Cruel Parting." BEFORE going to a ball the face should be tho- roughly washed in hot water, and well rinsed after in tepid, with a pinch of carbonate of soda added. Redness of the nose frequently debars a girl of all pleasure, and no wonder, for it spoils the prettiest face when the roses on your cheeks invade your nose. This redness is stmaetimes due to dryness of the nasal passage, or to the delicacy of the capillary vessels. To remove the inflammation, damp with a lotion of a pinch of powdered borax, a teaspoonful of eau de Cologne, and four ounces elderflower water. Use when the burning comes on. If red without any apparent cause, bathe with very hot water at night to remove the congestion. Sometimes, however, this abnormal redness is due to scrofulous tendency. When such is the case, ham, fat of any kind, meat (especially salt meat), and spiced foods should be abstained from. When the redness is accompanied with an unhealthy state of the nostrils, apply a little toilet lanoline up the nostrils, and bathe the nose with hot water, drawing a little of the water inwards and ejecting it gently. Tight corsets and a too feeble action of the heart cause this red- ness. IT was a common belief in olden times that the character, history past and present, and the fortune of every individual were, to the eyes of the initiated, quite legible in the hands it is far from an uncom- mon belief even now. Not only was palmistry prac- tised, but" onychromancy" or divination by the nails, and there are still certain travelling profes- sors," more than one of whom I have met, who, for a small fee, will tell one's fortune and character bv what they can read on one's nails. Spotted nails meant good or evil fortune, according to their place and number, and whether they were found on thumb or finger. Nails that had been bitten told of an irrit- able, nervous disposition, a nagging tongue, or, with other signs, of despondency or mental anxiety while the gentle temper and sweet nature thatgained love and a happy marriage, were possessed by those whose polished nails were things of beauty, the colour of the almond flower, with pearly white crescents at the base. Deeply into this it will not profit us to go, but it will perchance be helpful to know that the health of the body affects the health of the nails, and that this in turn affects their beauty, and to see how defects may be remedied by a little daily attention. The nails will be more transparently clear if a slice of fresh lemon be rubbed over them, and wiped off again after the skin has been pushed back, and this will also prevent the skin from growing up again. The sides of the nails should then be pressed up gently with the finger and thumb of the other hand, and this will in time much improve their shape. Nails should never be cut with a pair of common scissors, or they will get thick and hard. Small, curved, cuticle scissors should be used, the nails shaped as nearly as possible to the curves of the outlines of the finger-tips, and then filed on the inner andMter edge with a tiny emery board. KISSING (says the London Journal) was introduced into England by Royalty, tradition tells us. The British monarch Vortigem gave a banquet in honour of his Scandinavian allies, at which Rowena, the beautiful daughter of Hengist, was present. During the proceedings the Princess, after pressing a brimming beaker to her lips, saluted the astonished and delighted King with a little kiss, after the manner of her people." Little doubt that he took kindly to a custom inaugurated in so charming a manner! At all events, the lovely Rowena after- wards became his wife. AN amusing story is told of Whitelocke, Crom- well's Ambassador to the Court of Queen Christina of Sweden. The Queen one day, accompanied by her ladies, dined with him. At the same time she requested him to teach her suite the common Eng- lish mode of salutation. Whitelocke at once com- Plied with her wish, and soon found his pupils apt scholars, in spite of a little shy reserve on their part when first following his instructions. That royster- ing fellow, King Charles II., was partial to kisses from the fair sex, and it is recorded that when he was making his triumphal progress through the land, certain ladies who were presented to him, instead of kissing 'he royal hand, in their simplicity held up their own hands to be kissed by the King. The King excused the blunder, and accepted the new form. WHEN Adelina Patti had the honour of singing before the Queen Regent of Spain, the singer asked permission to see the little King, as he was the only sovereign in Europe with whom she was not personally acquainted. Alfonso XIII. was brought into the room in his nurse's arms. Patti made a deep j curtsy to him, and pressed his little dimpled band to her lips. But the Queen interposed, saying: "My son shall not be the first Spaniard who is so un.1 gallant as to permit a lady to kiss his hand. Allow j him to avenge himself with a kiss." Obediently Alfonso threw his fat 14ttle arms round the neck of tbe prima donna, and bestowed upon her a most warm and unkmgly kiss.

I MARKET NEWS. MARK-LA,m-The general markets of the Corn Exchange have been again disappointing to holders, breadstuffs being much out of request, and, although the attendance was fairly well sustained, the limited purchases concluded were for the most part in buyers' favour. Feeding stuffs manifest little or no change in quotations. Home-grown wheat slow, and generally unchanged; the little doing is chiefly on the country Exchanges. Very fine white quoted 31s; good red, 30s; and not thoroughly conditioned, 29s, 631b. delivered up. Shipments of American were comparatively light last week, as they were the week before, but this is completely neutralised by the excessive supplies on hand, and holders were in- clined to treat at rather less money. No. 1 Northern Spring, old, quoted at 32s 6d landed. No. 1 hard Manitoba in the same position, 33s 9d; with hard Duluth at 34s, ex-ship. Parcels are not named Red Winter, new No. 2,30s 6d ex-ship, 30s 9d landed. Australian, 31s to 31s 6d 4961b., ex-store. New. Zealand, Hunter's, 28s 6d to 29s 6d, and Tuscan, 29s 6d to 30s 4961b. Reports of the Argentine crop peint to nothing fresh from recently received, and a little harvesting has apparently already commenced. The flour market is occasionally 3d lower on the week. The London Millers' Association have made alterations. Town households, 25s; and whites 28s. Top price town made 30s nett. All English stone, 19s 6d to 20s; roller whites, 20s 6d to 21s; English patents, 22s 6d to 23s; Cascadias, 23s 6d ex-store. American first patents quoted at 25s to 26s; second ditto, 24s to 24s 6d; first bakers, 19s 6d to 20s; and second 17s to 18s. Hungarian up to 29s per sack. Australian patent roller, 21s 6d to 22s. French, 21s 6d to 22s 6d. Grinding barley steady, and in limited supply, while Persian is held for 17s 6d ex-ship, 18s ex-quay Azoff in these positions 18s 6d and 19s respec- tively. The little demand prevailing for English malting is still confined almost ex- clusively to fine samples, white useful quality selling without difficulty at 32s to 36s; medium, 28s ts 28s 6d; French quoted at 28s to 33s, 4481b. Danubian, 20s to 22s. Oats well maintained. Amer- ican mixed clipped quoted at 14s 9d ex-ship, and 158 ex-qnay; white clipped, in these positions, 15s 9d and 16s to 16s 3d respectively, 401b. Common Peters- burg, 14s 9d ex-quay, 381b.; while 401b. samples are generally named at 16s and upwards. Valogdas, 14s 6d ex-quay, 381b. New Zealand ordinary bluff, 25s to 26s per 3841b. Duns, 18s to 19s, 3361b. ex- store..Flat maize rather easier in some cases. American mixed, 20s 9d to 21s ex-ship arrived, and landed 21s 9d to 22s. Round corn well maintained. Odessa, 26s to 26s 3d landed. Bessarabian, 23s 6d ex-ship about. due and Plate, sound,*23s ex-quay, supplies remaining scarce. Beans and peas unaltered. Egyptian splits held for 21s 3d ex-mill. Magazans, 20s 3d ex-granary, 3201b. Canadian white peas, 29s ex-ship, 30s ex-granary. Maize germ meal still commands full prices. LONDON METROPOLITAN CATTLI.-IlMsto supplies were smaller. A moderate demand was experienced, and prices ruled steady for both prime and second qualities. Fat butchering cows, being held firmly, moved off slowly. Quotations: Scotch, 4s 9d to 4s lOd Devons. 4s 8d to 48 9d; Herefords, 4s 6d to 4s 8d; Norfolks, 4s 8d to 4s 9d runts, 4s 4d to 4s 6d; Lincoln shorthorns, 4s 4d to 48 6d; Irish, 4s to 4s 4d; fat cows, 3s 8d so 3s lOd per 81b. No store beasts were offered. A quiet demand for both wethers and ewes. n- to 8-stone Down wethers, 5s 8d 2 to 5s lOd; 9-stone ditto, 5s 6d to 5s 8d; 10-stone half-breds, 5s 2d lO-stona Irish, 5s to 5s 2d 10- stone Down ewes, 3s lOd to 4s: and 11-stone half- bred ditto, 3s 6d to 3s 8d. The calf trade was nominal. Pigs, in fair supply, ruled quiet, neat small being quoted at 4s 2d to 4s 4d per 81b. to sink the offal. Milch cows, E15 to E22 per head. Coarse and inferior beasts quoted 2s lOd to 3s 6d; second quality ditto, 3s lOd to 4s 2d prime large oxen, 4s 6d to 4s 8d ditto Scots, &c., 4s 8d to 4s lOd coarse and inferior sheep, 3s 2d to 4s; second quality ditto, 4s 4d to 5s prime coarse woolled, 5s 4d to 5s 6d and firsts, 5s 8d to 5s lOd large hogs, 2s lOd to 3s 4d second quality, 3s 3d to 3s lOd neat smal porkers, 4s to 4s 4d per 81b. I SMITIIFIELD MEAT.—Fairly good supplies, with a slow sale. Quotations: Beef: Scotch, 4s to 4s 6d; English, 4s to 4s 2d; American, Dept- ford killed, 3s 8d to 3s lid Liverpool, 3s 8d to 3s lOd American refrigerated, hind-quarters, 3s 8d to 3s lOd; forequarters, 2s 8d to 2s lOd. Mutton Scotch, 4s 4d to 4s 8d; English wethers, 4s to 4s 4d; ewes, 3s to 3s 2d. Veal: English and Dutch, 3s 8d to 4s 4d. Pork: English, 4s to 4s 4d Dutch, 3s 6d to 3s lOd; and Irish, 3s 6d to 3s 8d per 81b. POULTRY AND GAME.—Quotations: Fowls: York- shire, 2s 3d to 2s 9d; Essex, 2s 6d to 3s; Welsh, Is 9d to 2s; Boston, 2s to 2s 6d Surrey, 2s 9a to 3s 6d; Sussex, 2s 6d to 3s; Irish, Is 6d to Is 9d turkeys, cocks, 6s to 8s 6d; hens, 4s 6d to 5s 6d; geese, 4s 3d to 5s; Bordeaux pigeons, 8d to lOd; feathered, 7d to 9d; wild rabbits, 8d to lid; tame, lOd to Is 2d each; Australian, 7s 6d to 8s 9d per dozen; pheasants, 3s 6d to 4s; young partridges, 38 6d to 3s 9d; old, 2s; young, grouse, 3s 6d to 4s 6d; old, 3s pM brace; ham, as to 3s 3d; leverets, Is 9d to 2a 3d; wild duck, 2s; pintail, Is 6d; widgeon, la 2d; teal, Wd to Is; woodcock, 2s to 2s 6d; snipe, 8d to lOd; golden plover, 8d to lOd; black, 5d each. BILLINGSGATE Fisix.-Soles, Is to 11 4d; slips, 10d to Is Id; red mullet, Is Od to Is 8d; dories, 2d to 3d per 1-b.; turbot, 7s to lis; brill, 58 6d to 7s halibut, 6s to 8s; lemon soles, 7s to 8s; plaice, 4s 6d to 6s per stone; steamer plaice, 17s to 36s per trunk; Aberdeen plaice, 33s; whiting, 4s to 8s; gurnet, 12s to 15s; hake, 14s to 20s; skate, 9s to 12s bream, 6s liwe cod, 16s to 22s; dead, 10s 6d to 30s per box English mackerel, 15s to 18s per 60; fresh haddocks, 10s to 14s per trunk; loose, 2s 6d per stone lobsters, 20s to 50s per score; crabs, 30s per hamper; Dutch smelts, Is to 3s per basket; live eels, 14s to 20s dead, 8s to 14s per draft; oysters, 6s to 16s per 100; smoked haddocks, 6s to 10s per dozen; whitebait, 9d to Is per quart. CoVENT GARDEN.—English grapes, 8d to 2s per lb. Almeria, 10s to 18s per barrel: cranberries, 10s to 12s per case; English tomatoes, 4s to 5s 6d; Channel Islands, 3s 6d to 4s 6d per 121b.; Canary, 3s to 4s per deep; French, 3s to 12s per crate; chestnuts, 7s to 10s 6d per sack; parsley, Is to Is 6d per dozen bunches; lettuce, Is to Is 9d per score; cabbages, 3s to 4s; savoys, 3s 6d to 5s per tally; celery, 8s to 12s per dozen rolls; Brussels sprouts, Is 3d to Is 9d per half-sieve endive, Is 6d to 2s; cucumbers, 2s 6d to 4s; artichokes, 2s 6d to 3s per dozen Madeira beans, 2s to 3s per basket; parsnips, 2s 6d to 3s per bag. WOOL.-Very little is doing in English wool, though the tone may be reported as steadier. There appears to be no desire on the part of holders to press sales, and, as a rule, they decline offers below rates which they consider they ought to obtain. Buyers on their part are equally indisposed to do business, unless they can obtain the necessary concessions and whilst things keep in this unsatisfactory state. business suffers. Spinners cannot obtain fresh busi- ness on terms which will leave them a profit at prices asked for the raw material by holders, and, as they prefer to keep their machinery running if possible, make the best offers they can afford, but profitable business in this branch at present is out of ths ques- tion. Downs, 7d to 9d; Kents, 6d to 6id; half- breds, 6!d to 7id. 2 WHITECHAPEL IIAY AND STRAW.-Superior picked hay, 87s to 92s good hay, 80s to 86s inferior, 60s to 72s best clover, 97s to 102s good clover, 86s to 90s inferior, 60s to 75s straw, 26s to 36s. SEED TRADic.-Cloverseeds quiet at unchanged prices. Full rates are asked for mustard and rape- seed. Tares and rye are neglected. Canaryseed attracts increasing attention. Stocks everywhere prove remarkably light. Millet, maw, and hemp- seed unaltered. Peas and haricots realise former terms. Some fine Canadian Wonder scarlet runner and longpod beans are now obtainable at reasonable figures. CAMBRIDGE CATTLE.—There was a fair supply of fat beasts, prices being quite up to those of last week. A large show of store beasts and a slow market. A good number of fat sheep to hand, but prices were not so good. Only a few lots of store sheep were offered. A large show of fat pigs trade not so brisk. Trade for store pigs was a little better. A fair trade for hay, straw, and roots. Prices: Beef, 7s to 8s; mutton, 4s to 5s 4d pork, 6s to 6s 9d. READING CATTLE.—Beef was in average supply, and sold at 4s 2d to 4s 8d per stone for best, 3s 6d to 4s secondary. Mutton trade very quiet, best fetching 5s 2d to 5s Sd, secondary 4s 4d to 5s. Veal supply small, and trade brisk at 5s 6d to 6s for best and 4s IOd to 4d for secondary. CORK BUTTER.—Firsts, 98s; seconds, 88s; thirds, 82s; fourths, 77s; superfine, 104s fine, 96s; mild, choicest boxes, 103s; choice boxes, 97;0.

I HOME HINTS. A RICH CHRISTMAS CAKE.—Put I!-lb. of fresh butter into a bowl, and beat it to a cream with a wooden spoon then add gradually rflb. of fine white sugar, a large teaspoonful of salt, lb. of sweet 2 almonds blanched and pounded, 21b. of carefully- prepared dry currants, lib. of candied cherries cut in quarters or slices, lib. of mixed candied peel, cut in small, thin strips, 21b. of sifted flour, Joz. of mixed spice, and eight or ten well-beaten fresh eggs accord- ing to size. A glass of brandy may also be added if approved of. The additions must be made very slowly, and a brisk beating, or stirring must be kept up all the time, and for quite 20 minutes afterwards in order to render the cake in .every way satisf uctory. Line out a buttered tin of the requisite size with but- tered paper, a double fold round the sides, und six or eight folds at the bottom then put in the mix- ture, and bake in a moderate oven for about three hours, or until when tested in the usual way the skewer comes out perfectly clean. When the top is sufficiently browned, lay a few folds of buttered paper over to prevent its getting' too dark coloured, then when done enough turn out the cake very carefully, and place it on a sieve until quite cold, after which wrap it in a soft cloth, and put it in an airtight box, and keep it as long as possible before cutting into it. This cake if ptoperly stored will keep good for months-indeed, the longer it is kept the better it becomes. A CAKE FOR FAMILY USE.—Put 21b. of sifted flour into a bowl, and mix with it a teaspoonful of salt and two dessertspoonfuls of baking powder, then rub in a pound of fresh butter, lard, or pure beef dripping- or a mixture of all three—after which add a pound of currants, a pound and a-half of raisins, stoned and chopped, 4oz. of finely-chopped candied peel, and lib. of moist sugar. Mix these ingredients thoroughly, and just barely moisten with four well-beaten fresh eggs, pleasantly flavoured with lemon, almond, or vanilla essence, and a small quan- tity of new milk; then bake the cake, cool, and store as already directed. This kind of cake is not in- tended for keeping, and is best cut into about a week after being made. MINCEMEAT.-The following recipe, though very simple, is one of the best I have ever tried. Put 21b. of finely-chopped apples-weighed after being peeled and cored-into a bowl with an equal weight of carefully cleaned currants, raisins, stoned and chopped, moist sugar, and very finey-chopped beef suet, Jib. of candied peel cut into tiny dice, the grated rind and strained juice of three large fresh lemons, two teaspoonfuls of mixed spice, and about the third of a pint of good brandy. Mix thoroughly, and put the mincemeat into quite dry jars, then tie down with bladder. Store in a cool, dry place for a few weeks before using.-Marie, in the Agricultural Gazette. WASHING HAIR BRUSHES.—Hair brushes should be washed in hot or tepid water to which soda or ammonia has been added. The brushes should be dipped in and out of the water till clean, taking care that the backs and handles do not get wet. After rinsing in cold water, put them in the air to dry. They should never be dried close to the fire, or the bristles will become discoloured. WASHING MADE EASY.-A correspondent assures me she washes her clothes in this way with the most satisfactory results. Dissolve lib. of concentrated potash in six quarts of water. When cold add half an ounce of salts of tartar and half an ounce of dry powdered ammonia. Bottle and cork. To use, pre- pare a warm suds in the Hsual way in the evening, adding a quarter of a teacupful of the above mixture for each six gallons. Put the clothes in, soaping any very soiled parts. In the morning wring the clothes. Soap any stained-looking parts again, and boil in the usual way, adding more of the mixture in the same proportion. Boil 15 minutes, wash through one water, rubbing soiled places slightly if neces- sary rinse again in clear water, and blue in the usual way. To CLEAN RUSTY FrREIRONS.-First rub thoroughly with sweet oil, leaving enough oil on to soak into the rust. Leave till next day, and then rub with un- slaked lime till all rust is removed. Remember that if rust is allowed to eat very deeply into steel nothing will remove the marks, so always look over any steel articles that are not in constant use every month, and have them cleaned if necessary. An excellent plan is to smear them over with unsalted mutton fat, and then wrap them in brown paper. Tn CHRISTMAS PUDDING.—For the benefit of my lady readers I give the best recipe I knew of for Christmas plum pudding. Take three-quarters of a pound of flour, two ounces of Borwick's baking powder, two ounces of breadcrumbs, one and a half pounds of suet, two pounds of raisins, one pound of currants, ten ounces of sugar, two ounces of almonds, one pound of mixed candied peel, salt and spice to taste. Mix the ingredients well together, and add six eggs, well beaten, and three-quarters of a pint of milk divide into two, and boil eight hoars. • °™E p^DDING.—-Requ ired: Four Seville oranges, fre8^ butt61'. 12 almonds, half a pound Jaioe oi a eight eggs. f,fi .oranges, and chop them finely, ^the pips. Put the butter, the almonds n>n if.n? popped, and the sugar into a sauce- J lc?l 6 orange pulp and the lemon ? i*- pn the hot plate to warm, mixing aH ,ei! unM the butter is thoroughly melted. Turn IS. Iefc ifc get cold add the eggs, which j ^rfit be well beaten. Put all in a baking dish r ered with puff paste, and bake for half an hour to three-quarters. FARMHOUSE PRITTERS.-Reqnired Three table- ipoonfuls of flour, the yolks of four and the whites ?r eSS8< boiling water, clarified dripping, jam. Baethod Put the flour in a basin, and pour over it Bumcient water to make it into a stiff paste, taking care to stir it well to prevent lumps. Leave it to cool; break in the yolks of the eggs, without beating them first, and the whites of two. Beat the whole well. Have ready some hot fat, drop a dessert spoonful of the batter in at a time, and fry the fritters a light brown. They should rise like balls: Serve on a hot dish, with a spoonful of jam dropped between each fritter. This is an excellent dish for a hasty addition to dinner, being easily and quickly made. ALMOND ROCK CAKBS.-Dry half a pound of household flour by spreading it out on a sheet of paper, and putting it into a warm oven for a little while then sift it into a basin, and rub four ounces of butter into it. Add four ounces of powdered sugar, two ounces of ground sweet almonds, and a small teaspoonful of baking powder, and mix with ingredients thoroughly together. Whisk an egg with a patent egg-beater until it is very light and frothy, add a tablespoonful of milk to it, and pour gradually into the basin containing the flour, &c., stirring all the time with a wooden spoon. Work the mixture until it is a smooth, stiff paste, then take up small portions of it at a time with two forks, and place it in little heaps on a buttered baking-tin, and bake the cakes at once in a quick oven until they are evenly browned. When they are rather more than half-done, brush them over with some white of eggs or milk, and scatter a little castor sugar over them. HOT CINNAMON CA"PUt fib. of flour into a 2 mixing-basin with a small teaspoonful of baking- powder, 2oz. of castor sugar, and half a teaspoonful of powdered cinnamon then rub tlb. of butter into 4 the dry ingredients and mix them to a soft dough with cold milk. Turn the dough on to a floured board, and roll it out to about lin. in thickness, and stamp it into rounds with a small cutter. Place the little cakes on a floured tin, and bake them at once in a well-heated oven. When done, split them in half, and butter them, and serve in a hot muffin dish. The Sun. DIAKRHCEA FROM TEETITTlqG.-Th is is often alarming and distressing to a young mother, as "baby" so soon loses weight, and sickness often accompanies it. At the same time it often carries off mischief, and should not be checked by too strong medicines. The most valuable thing is food prepared with milk and isinglass—just enough to thicken of the isinglass. This will nourish the child and stop the sickness. A good remedy for this and all other teething troubles is simple camomile in pilules. Avoid all soothing powders containing narcotics and opiates.-W.IZ World. WHAT TO DO WHEN A CHILD HAS NETTLE-RASH.— Nettle-rash is generally brought on by some error in diet, and the attack generally lasts two or three days. The rash appears as raised white bumps, sur- rounded by a halo of congestion. A peculiarity of the rash is that it often disappears and then is as bad as ever again. The irritation is intense, and it may be accompanied by diarrhoea and sickness. The best treatment is to administer a dose of castor oil, and to bathe the child in warm water containing soda two ounces of soda to three gallons of water. After drying, dust over the skin with some oxide of zinc powder.