Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
7 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
. FIELD AND FARM. -
FIELD AND FARM. LATE ROOT AND GREEN CROPS. Rape and kale are now (remarks Professor John Wrightson in the "Agricultural Gazette") more suitable for sowing than swedes, but white turnips may still be drilled. The variations in practice are considerable. Green-round turnips and other hardy and late varieties capable of standing frosts may yet produce full crops, as they can grow up to February. Kale and rape will be preferred by some, and two drills of swedes with three of kale by others. Good results are sometimes obtained by broad-casting a mixture of lib. of turnip seed with 31b. of rape, when the season is late, and expenses of hoeing are thus saved. Others may co. sider an early sowing of rye better than a late sowing of turnips, as July-sown rye will be ready for folding in the winter, and may be followed with wheat. ROTATION EXPERIMENTS. While doubting the value of the numerous isolated published experiments conducted by State-aided institutions during the last few years, it must be allowed that rotation experiments are likely to throw light on practice. Such experiments can- not be undertaken by private individuals, as they entail much expense and trouble. They stand on a different footing to experiments upon roots, etc., as they are less affected by disturbing influences, and the land being constantly under observation and under controlled management becomes much better fitted to return a coherent answer. The effect of removing roots partially or altogether from the land; the effect of cake- feeding, c-n the following crops; the effect of Z, heavy crops of roots grown with expensive manures, as against light crops of roots grown without manure, and other points, are worthy of deep attention. The whole question of high farming v. moderate farming is brought into prominence by the fact that unexpectedly good crops of oats have been grown after very poor crops of roots which had not received manure. The widely-spread opinion that root crops, although not directly profitable, are wisely grown with a view to the improvement of future crops is not fully borne out bv the rotation experiments of the County Councils of Cumberland, Durham, and Northumberland. Professor Middleton pointed out last year how much better the oat crop could grow on unmanured land than the root crop. This has been again very strikingly illustrated. "The unmanured plot produced only It ton of swedes in 1901, but it produced 32t bushels of oats in 1902. The available phosphoric acid and potash in the soil of this plot is in each case under .01 per cent. From the result it is evident that the swede crop cannot succeed with these low amounts, but that the oat crop can make a very good struggle indeed, as they still produce a respectable crop on this plot." That a crop of oats should be able to extract nourishment from land which could not grow a root crop the previous J»ear is itself striking but none the less so when on other plots which had grown manured root crops the oats in some cases yielded only 37 bushels. It is true that in other cases heavy crops of oats were grown of 66 bushels per acre, but only after heavily-manured roots, half of which were fed on the land with linseed cake and hay. An equivalent for the cake in the form of fish manure, etc, applied directly to the oats, produced a still heavier yield of 69t bushels per acre, showing clearly that it was just as satis- factory to manure the oats directly as to interpose sheep fed on cake as a means of improving the corn crop. If it is true that the oat crop can make a better use of the inherent fertility of the ground, as also of mnnurial dressings applied to it directly, than the root crop, the question arises, Why not grow two oats crops in succession instead of growing a root crop as a preparation for oats? This question might well be discussed with the aid of rotation experiments, in which successive corn crops, each manured directly, might be sub- stituted for root crops followed with corn. We have become so accustomed to regard the root cron as a means of keeping up the fertility of land that we have forgotten the teachings of science. Root crops, removed, are known to be the most exacting, the most exhausting, the most risky, and the most expensive crops grown. It is only by feeding them on the farm or on the field that they have a leg to stand upon. It is, in fact, only through the addition of cake, hay, and corn fed with them that they can increase or even keep up the fertility of land. Supposing we manure a crop directly with superphosphate, kainit, guano, etc., is it not likely that we shall obtain as good a crop as after expensive cultiva- tion and expensive manuring to a crop which is not profitable in itself? Why should not the process be repeated both years with a cereal crop? The object is, of course, profit, and those who find root crops directly profitable will stick to them. It seems, however, time to look closely into the matter, for we live in altered circum- stances, when agricultural chemistry is better understood, and complete artificial manures can be easily obtained. THE WYANDOTTE AS A FARMER'S I FOWL. The domestic fowl is kept primarily ("E. W. R." remarks) that it may produce eggs to a much smaller extent it is kept that it may provide food for the human race, and on those farms where artificial incubation is not prac- tised it is necessary for the hatching and rear- ing of the chicks that are to be drafted into the flock, to supply the places of those weeded out during the year. The number of eggs con- sumed in this country is yearly on the increase, and it is mainly to the farmer that we must look for the supply of the home-produced article. In order that this demand for the fresh egg may be met, fowls must be kept that are noted for their prolificacy. A hen that spends a great part of its time in broodiness is a source of loss rather than of profit, and by keeping fowls of those breeds that become excessively broody, the farmer fails to meet the demand, compels us to go to the foreigner for our supplies, and at the same time engages in an industry t-at yields him little or no profit, and becomes a source of dis- gust rather than of pleasure. It'is not too much to say that twice as many eggs might be pro- duced on our English farms if the farmer would keep more suitable fowls. It is not at all an uncommon thing at this time of the year to find, on visiting a homestead, nearly every nest occupied by a broody hen, and occasionally to find two in possession, with the inevitable result that eggs are broken, and the laying hens steal nests in inaccessible places, and the eggs are lf)ss to the farmer through not being collected. Undoubtedly the general-purpose or utility fowl is best suited to the needs of the farmer. Artificial incubation is rarely practised, and in most districts the farmer's wife gets many orders for dressed poultry, consequently the general-purpose fowl is most profitable, and where there is a good demand for eggs it is questionable whether there is any breed superior to the Wyandotte, combining as it does the capa- city for laying a considerable number of eggs with a moderate degree of broodiness, and es- pecial excellence as a sitter and mother, while as a table fowl it always presents a very re- spectable appearance, on account of its meaty breast, and bears favourable comparison with those varieties usually denominated table fowls, All the varieties, though they differ considerably amongst themselves, possess some claim to be called farmers' fowls, and it is somewhat difficult to say which is the best, though we are inclined to give the preference to the white and the silver, with a decided leaning also towards the partridge variety. The greatest failing in the breed is the smallness of the egg, and if this could be overcome, it would do much to remove a certain prejudice against the breed; the egg laid by the silver and golden varieties is especially de- ficient in size, but that laid by the white, buff, and partridge is somewhat larger, though we have-- noticed a greater tendency to broodiness in the last two varieties. ———
[No title]
The Hampstead Borough Council has decided to spend £ 25,339 in extending the accommoda- tion. for the Works Department. Jics, including a sword scabbard, have been r< covered from the wreck of the Armada ship ^Jiniral of Florence, sunk in Tobermory Bay, Argyllshire.
1 GARDEN GOSSIP.
1 GARDEN GOSSIP. Budding Roses.—The insertion of buds is (says an expert, writing in "The Gardener") best carried out in dull weather. Shorten the side growths to a convenient length, and when the bark works freely prepare the buds and stocks. Insert the former quickly, tying se- curely. Bud dwarfs near the ground. Layering Carnations.—Healthy growths are in condition for layering. Introduce some light, rich soil round the plants, into which the layers may be pegged. To prepare them remove the lower leaves, and with a cut inwards and up- wards through a joint form a tongue, which keep open, and secure firmly with layering pins. Chrysanthemums.—Frequent attention to watering must be accorded to Chrysanthemums in pots. Weak doses of liquid manure may be given where the pots are full of roots. Remove early buds and superfluous side shoots, also stake and tie loose, strong shoots. Propagating Pansies and Violas.—Plenty of small growths may be found at the base of old plants suitable to insert as cuttings. Place them 2 inches apart in rows in a cool, shady position in sandy soil. Cinerarias.-A cool and shady position must be found for the plants, whether seedlings or larger plants. The pots or pans should stand on a moist base of ashes. Shift on as required in rich, open soil. i Arum Lilies.—iJiants in pots are now suffi- ciently well ripened. They may be turned out, divided, and the crowns repotted. The smaller may be potted separately if required to form new stock. After potting, stand on a path in the open air. Hard Wooded Plants.—Azaleas, Camellias, Cytisuses, Acacias, and Coronillas are best stood out now in the open air, partly plunging in ashes to steady the pots. Much attention is required in watering, as the soil should never become absolutely dry. Ferns.—Cool and shady positions where tho pots can stand on a moist base are best for greenhouse ferns, while some of the hardier stove varieties may have several weeks' sojourn in the greenhouse. Shade is essential, and due attention to the supply of moisture at the roots and in the atmosphere. Colouring Grapes.—Adequate vigour and moisture at the roots, abundance of air, and a fair amount of sunshine are essential for the proper colouring of grapes. Black grapes coloui best under ample foliage, but white varieties need plenty of light. Moistening and Feeding Fruit Borders.- Moisture must be maintained in a regular man- ner, but excessive supplies should not be given, as they are likely to induce cracking in swelling fruit. One of the advantages of a mulch is the prevention of this. Strawberries Rooting in Pots.—Early runners pegged down in pots of soil will now be rooted, and should be detached from the parent plants. Stand the pots on a hard base close together, and afford the plants plenty of water until they can be planted out. Layering Strawberries.—The full number of runners required for forming early beds ought now to be secured either on pots or turves. Superfluous runners of a weak character may be cut out. Summer Pruning.—The side and foreright shoots on all restricted trees on walls and in the open should now be shortened to six leaves. Apples, Pears, Plums, wall Gooseberries, and Currants are chiefly dealt with. The leading shoots must also be stopped where exceeding the allotted space. Netting Fruit.—Trees bearing fully ripe Cur- rants, Gooseberries, Plums, Cherries, Apricots, and Peaches must be netted over to preserve the fruit from injury. The season for Morello Cherries and Red Currants may be extended by thus preserving them. Outdoor Vines.—The crop of bunches now thinned out and the berries swelling, maintain moisture in the soil, and afford the roots sus- taining liquid of a nourishing character. A little latitude may be allowed the grow,hs if not too crowded, but keep them duly within bounds. Feeding Fruit Trees.—Bush and cordon fruit trees bearing a good crop may require some further assistance, with the aid of liquid manure. Give it only to moistened borders, and not to very dry soil. Cabbage.-It is well to make an early sowing at this date, following shortly with another, too early plants being liable to bolt. Reliance should be placed on the well tried varieties adapted to stand the winter for cutting in spring Flower of Spring, Mein's No. 1, and Ellam's Earlv are good. Vegetable Marrows and Gourds.—At nearly all summer shows (says "Solent") Marrows are largely shown. During the past ten years or so I have noticed a vast improvement in the speci- mens which have been put upon the tables in the tents. Uneven, yellow, hard Marrows are rarely exhibited now, whereas mere size was at one time thought much of. To obtain a pretty pair of Marrows or Gourds, select those speci- mens which are about even in size while they are quite young and growing on healthy haulm. Disbud, and stop shoots in such a manner that the full strength of the plant will be directed to the stems and fruits upon them, and which are required for exhibition. Raise up all haulm upon a platform of hurdles or rough stakes-even a few old Pea sticks would answer the purpose, which is to keep the specimensi clean and of a good colour. Here, again, feeding is quite neces- sary. It is very desirable in choosing specimens to take those that are similar in colour as well as in size and form either pale or dark green according to the variety. 0 White Pinks.—The white Pinks have been a grand feature this year in those gardens where generous space has been allowed them. One old garden I know has long straight paths edged with these sweet scented old flowers. This means that their number runs into many hun- dreds, and the result is that every portion of the garden is filled with sweet scent. There are a, few points that should be remembered with regard to the culture of these flowers. One is that the plants will not last for ever. As they grow old they get unsightly and straggly, ana some winter frost in all likelihood deals them a fatal blow. To prevent bare spaces, it is advis- able to put in a few cuttings in early August in some spare border, to be transferred in autumn to take the place of any plants that have the signs of age and decrepitude upon them. It is a good thing when putting out these new plants to add a certain proportion of new soil, as, like Carnations, Pinks generally get tired of the same soil year after year, and are finer and better in fresh positions. This change of position can scarcely be accomplished when the plants are used as permanent edgings, and therefore new- soil and an occasional top-dressing is the next best thing. The plants should be transferred to their permanent quarters early in the autumn, hence the necessity to get the cuttings rooted as soon as possible; if left until winter has. set in (as too often they are left as work that can be done at any time) they do not seem able to get that grip of the soil which enables them to pass that grip of the soil which enables them to pass safely through a pevere winter. Planted early, however, they proved as hardy as anything in the garden. These Pinks make one of the most satisfactory of edgings—silvery foliage for the early months" masses of sweet smelling flowers for June and part of July. A little work with the garden scissors to remove all the faded flowers, and behold again neat, silvery foliage for the remaining months in the year.
I OUR SHORT STORY,
I OUR SHORT STORY, I SYB'S SOLDIER LOVER. A STORY OF SCHOOL AND WAR. Miss Fanny Banner was walking with Miss Sybil Washerton when the soldier crossed the road and smiled a smile so ludicrously ugly that Fanny looked at the schoolmistress to see if she were as shocked as herself. The other girls didn't notice, being too much ahead at the time. But, in fact, Miss Sybil seemed distressed and joyful at the same time. Her hand went to her heart, she gasped as if her breathing troubled her, and a forced smile answered the soldier's smile. One moment, jny dear," she whispered to Fanny and then, heedless of the look of the thing, she gave both her hands to the sallow-faced soldier with the little snippet of coloured ribbon on his breast, and exclaimed- "Oh, James, how thankful I am to see you alive once more On his part, what must the soldier do but lift one of Miss Sybil's hands to his lips. It is true the Wilberforce-road was a very quiet thorough- fare but still it was a thoroughfare. Fanny Banner's blue eyes widened considerably at the spectacle. In a sense, it was lovely. Even tnough he was only a common soldier, or seemed such, the homage was of a kind to satisfy any woman. Fanny was fifteen and a half, and had never had her hand kissed. "Go on with them, dear," murmured Miss Sybil. Sue was blushing frantically, with the alarm look in her eyes. And now Fanny flattered herself that she grasped the situation. "All right, Miss Sybil," she said heartily. This time she smiled at the soldier. Poor chap! He had so plainly been in for a bad bout of enteric. Her smile was meant to be encourag- ing—for both of them. She caught up the others in eight or ten enormous strides. "Go slow, all of you!" she cried. "And any girl who looks round till I say she may will be --Kate Carton, you are a. mean cat! You're the only one I was afraid of." Kate Carton, a girl with very fair hair in a single plait, looked steadily at Miss Sybil and the soldier for about five seconds. Then she took up Fanny's challenge. "Who are you to give us orders, I should like to know," she said, "though your father is a millionaire! "Well, I can beat you at most things, I do hope, and that's good enough to go on with." "Really! Some people can brag. Poor things it is their nature to, I suppose I" Kate Carton jerked her plait. She was the daughter of a very pugnacious K.C., ad hadn't much respect for mere money. But suddenly a murmur of somewhat exciting quality passed down the ranks. The leaders, in turning Lilac-lane, almost came face to face with Miss Washerton, tall and stiff as a poker. They also drew themselves up, and endeavoured to walk "as young ladies should." Further, they whispered the words, "Here's the old dragon Fanny Banner was instinctively tactful as well as other things. Directly she heard the news, she signalled to Miss Sybil. But that was no good. Miss Sybil was radiant with a pride almost divine while she listened to James Simpson's short, yet moving, tale of his sufferings in South Africa. And then Fanny decided to bolt and warn her. Unfortunately, she was a little late. Miss Washerton passed her pupils with a high-bred smile, and saw the soldier lift his cap as he left her sister. "Bother it-never mind, Miss Sybil," said Fanny softly, when they had both noticed Miss Washerton's expression. She was a rare little champion of those she loved. "I'll stick to you i" she added. "Do you mean to tell me, Sybil," began Miss Washerton, towering above her smaller sister, after an indignant glare through her glasses at the soldier's back, "that that low fellow has dared to come here again, after what I said two years ago?" In her wrath she seemed oblivious of Fanny. '• He—couldn't help meeting us, Maria. He's been sc ill, too, and has the—the Victoria Cross "I don't in the least care what he has. Upon my word, I am astounded. The disgrace of such a publie catastrophe It would ruin any reputation. I trust he does hot presume to en- deavour-" "Go on, Fanny, my dear!" said Miss Sybil. Her voice trembled. "Very well, Miss Sybil," said the girl. She had heard enough, however. There had been rumours in the school of Miss Sybil's broken heart. Now she under- stood. Miss Sybil loved a soldier, and Miss Washerton was mad about it. This explained a good deal. » The school soon knew more than enough, about the subject. Not from Fanny, but from Kitty the housemaid (an inveterate gossip), who confessed that she had instructions to refuse him admission if a soldier named Simpson dared to ring the bell and ask for Miss Sybil. Kate I Uarton put tne necessary irius to tnis news. She did not do it unkindly, but her slight laugh in the matter well nigh brought about a duel betwixt her and Fanny. "You haven't the proper feeling of a gentle- man, Kate Carton!" said Fanny. "Miss Sybil is worth" forty of you put together!" "There's nothing to get so waxy about that I can see, Miss Guncotton retorted Kate. It was this chance shot that nearly led to the duel. Fanny's father had made his million and more by explosives. But, in fact, Kate alluded to Fanny's temper, not her sire's manufactures. They were in the music room at the time, and Fanny's voice rose to something like a scream as she stepped towards Kate Carton. But, hap- pily, little Tiny Smith, a humorist, poured oil on the commotion. She sat down on the bass notes of one of the pianos, and Miss Fanny's voice had no indignation in it after that. "I'm as sorry for her as you are, Fanny, you fool!" then said Kate stoutly. "You should show it better if you are," said Fanny. At this stage the majority present gathered in a group, and ere they separated decided upon a round robin of sympathy, to be formally handed to Miss Sybil by Fanny Banner. This was the writing on the document itself: "Dear Miss Sybil,—We hope you will not think we are meddlesome and impertinent, but having heard the order Kitty has received about Mr. Simpson, V.C., we wish to inform you how horribly sorry we are. We wish, of course, to behave as young ladies should, but we cannot and will not hold our tongues on this subject, especially where such a hero is concerned. Dear Miss Syb., it is only a simple little token of love from, as follows-- Every girl in the school signed it, though the young ones were not indulged with permis- sion to read what they put their names to. And Fanny presented it after supper that night, staying behind on purpose. Miss Sybil didn't know whether to smile or cry. "You—dear girls!" she stammered, looking as confused as a girl herself. "You oughtn't, my dear Fanny! And yet it is so kind of you. Of course, you oughtn't to know about such things, my dear but I do love my poor James, ever since he saved my life in Hertfordshire-" "Did he do that as well?" asked Fanny, eagerly. "That, my dear, was how it began. But- oh. I must not talk to you like this. Good- night, dear. I shall lock this pretty letter among my fondest treasures." "Go,-d-,iight, dear Miss SIb, and if we can do anything solid "Hush, hush!" This time there were tears in Miss Sybil's gentle brown eyes. In a passion of impatience with the ridiculous prejudices of life, Fanny assured Miss Sybil, with one more kiss, that, of course, it would all come right in the end. "I don't care if he is only rt sergeant!" she said savagely. "He's braver than my brother, though Ralph is a captain!" Perhaps it was as well that Miss Sybil had this little consolation note that night, for ere she went to bed Miss Washerton uttered ter- rible words. Sergeant Simpson had ventured to call at Baslow House and been denied admission. I "The audacious fellow, Sybil," eaid Miss Washerton, when she had told of his reception, "proposes to repeat his insolence to-morrow morning at eleven o'dlock. I will see him then, and, put an end to this absurdity." » » Needless to say, poor Miss Sybil's emotions the next day were of the harassing kind. She was at the parting of the ways. Either her sister or James was in future to be nothing to her; and wounds of any kind hurt her dreadfully. She was pale at breakfast, and even more pale when she took the younger English Literature girls. That lasted until half-past ten. She had not then decided what to do. She felt she could not give up the true love of a man like James Simpson, though he was only a gardener's son. And for thirty years she had lived with her sister and relied upon her in all her difficulties. When, at twenty minutes to eleven, the visitors' bell pealed loudly she almost fainted. It was not like him to be so—challenging; but nerhaps love had made him fierce, even desperate. What might not be about to happen? But Kitty entered the schoolroom with a message for Fanny Banner, not for Miss Sybil. "If you please, miss, I was to ask you to spare Miss Banner. Her father and brother, Captain Banner, are in the drawing-room." Fanny jumped and beamed. "Yes, Fanny, you may go," said Miss Sybil. Her heart ached and ached. If she were of an envious disposition, she might have resented the little girl's rapture. The clock hands moved showly. She knew that James would be punctual to the minute. There was a little commotion in the hall. Miss Washerton's bell-like voice was uttering common- places as she accompanied the millionaire to the front door. Fanny Bahner laughed now and then, with respectful restraint, as her brother fa mere other voice to Miss Sybil) made mischievous remarks. How slow they were in going! Miss Sybil watched the clock hungrily. How truly awful if poor James should be the centre of a scene, with visitors as spectators of his humiliation Eleven o'clock On the instant, too, she heard his voice, drowned by that eager other mere voice, actually as if in cordial greeting. And now Miss Fanny's shrill soprano sounded, with most cheerful note. "How—splendid cried Fanny Banner. A sort of contagion of interest got hold of the class; their bright young faces showed excitement as they looked, openly too, towards the door. There was a continuing colloquy outside; and, now Miss Sybil blushed like a child, for she could hear James's voice, quiet, yet manly. And Maria was not silent either. "Indeed!" she said, and "Indeed!" again, not in the frigid way that implied humiliation soon or late for the other party, but as if she were really interested. And now the talk ended with good-byes, and the door banged. "Oh, dear! Oh, dear! What does it all mean?" whispered Miss Sybil to her troubled heart. The answer was not long in coming. Fanny Banner bounced into the room with sparkling eyes. "If you please, Miss Sybil," she said excitedly, "there's a gentleman in the drawing-room to see you. I was to say so from Miss Washerton. It's I Lieutenant Simpson, V.C.—Lieutenant Simpson. And, oh, I can't hold my tongue about it. It was him-he, I mean, of course-who saved Ralph's life, my brother, you know (that stampede business), and father's influence, as well as the other cfficers, the Crown, and all that, have got him his real commission. Father wants-but I'll whisper that, if you please." In Miss Sybil's private ear she told her most significant item of news. Mr. Banner had begged to be allowed to endow Lieutenant Simpson with £ 300 a year for ever, in gratitude for saving the life of his only son. "You must make him have it," urged Miss Fanny. "He says you shall decide. Miss Washerton thinks it is his duty to take it, and so it is. Rather Miss Sybil stood very straight for a moment ere leaving the class. "Be good girls till I return," she pleaded, look- ing almost feverish with happiness. "Of course we will, Miss Syb. said two or three together. All the same they agreed to fire a volley of "Three cheers for Miss Syb. and Lieutenant Simpson, V.C." when the door was shut. They did it in a glorious whisper.
!RED TAPE.I
RED TAPE. The "Deutsche Juristenzeitung" records the following instance of Prussian red-tape. A woman who disappeared from her home was legally adjudged dead after a time. Three years later she reappeared, proved her identity beyond a doubt, and demanded a passport and other legal documents which Germans are re- quired to possess. The authorities, however, refused to give her the documents, declaring that legally she was dead, and the law courts decided that she could not appeal against the ruling that she was dead, because too great an interval had elapsed for an appeal to be allowable. The courts of appeal upheld this decision, so that the unfortunate woman is still dead, though very much alive to the absurdities of red tape.
[No title]
The oak is my favourite tree," said she. She paused-he took the cue. "If I have a favourite tree," said he, "it is undoubtedly yew!" "Your husband," said Mrs. Oldcastle, as she again availed herself of the privilege of inspect- ing the splendid library of the new neighbours, "seems to have a particularly fine taste for articles of vertu." "Yes," her hostess replied. "I know it. But then it's only natural he should have. John's one of the virtuousest per- sons—for a man-that I have ever seen." "A despot is never happy," remarked the Wise Guy. "Oh, I don't know. I think our servant-girl is," said the Simple Mug. THE MOST WONDERFUL ZOO IN THE WOULD.— Those who have visited our London Zoo, no doubt, thought it a. large place but what would they think of a zoological park occupying 261 acres of ground ? Yet such a zoo exists, says the "Penny Magazine," and it is perhaps superfluous to add that it is to be found in America, just out- side of New York. It is a veritable countryside of open woods, snnny hillsides, lakes and ponds— a habitat for wild animals as natural as the forest glades where once they roamed. This wonderful zoo, which is now nearing completion, owes its inception to the efforts of the New York Zoological I Society, which sprang into existence in 1895. So far, fifteen large buildings have been erected for the reception of various kinds of animals, nineteen dens and aviaries have been planned and built, and some twenty animal ranges laid out. Eight miles of wire fences have been erected, three miles ot walks constructed, water laid on for a distance of 2J miles, while eight large ponds have been dug. At the time of writing there are over 2000 animals in the garden, representing some 500 dif- ferent species. This is nearly as many as can be seen in our own Zoo. We have to bear in mind, however, that they have been collected together and housed in the short space of only three years. It is notso much the great size of the garden that demands attention, but the original manner in which the grounds have been laid out and their undoubtedly natural charms. The park is nearly a mile Ion, and three-fifths of a mile in width. One-third of this vast area is covered by heavy forest, one-third by open forest, and the remaining third consists of open woods and glades. Next to the animals, the large primmv.91 forest constitutes the chief natural attraction, and for this reason is rigidly preserved. In this great park there are four large lakes, while a river aiso runs through the garden. It also boasts of a natural waterfall and a* large rocking- stone. The great flying cage is a remarkable structure, the largest of its kind in the world. It is 152ft. long, 72ft. wiie, and 55ft. high. It cost E1700 to erect. A block of 10 three-storey houses could stand within it, with a 10-foot side-walk in front, and back-yards 25ft. deep. Three forest trees have been enclosed by the cage, while many saplings and shrubs grow within it. It also boasts of a spacious pool. Amongst the various houses, first comes the lion-house, opened to the public in January of this year. It is a magnificent building, 240ft. long over all, 110ft. wide, and built at a cost of £ 30,000. Altogether something like EI,250,000 has been spent on the park during the last four years.
-EPITOME OF NEWS. I
EPITOME OF NEWS. I England possesses nearly 15,000 convicts. Their maintenance costs about CI,000,000 a year. Safety pins to the number of 144,000,000 are used by the people of the United States every year. The risk of being struck by lightning is five times greater in the country than in cities, and twenty times greater at sea than on a railroad. Belgium gives the members of her Lower House of Parliament P,160 a year and free rail- way-tickets. The Ilouae of Representatives of the Austra- lian Commonwealth has ratified the Agreement with the Eastern Extension Company. While Europe has 107 people to the square mile, Asia has but fifty-eight, Africa eleven, and Australasia one and a h&lf. On a summit of the Gorner Grat, in the Alps, 9,400ft. in height, a hotel has been erected with accommodation for twenty persons. A post-card which has taken six years in tra- velling from Lemberg to Vienna has just reached that city. Sir Edward Clarke, K.C., has arranged to pay a visit to Canada during the ensuing Long Vaca- tion. Lord Roberts has declined the offer of the freedom of Hawick on the occasion of his visit to Stobs Camp, on August 22. Paper gloves and stockings, for summer wear, are now being made in France. It is claimed that they will last fully as long as ordinary stockings. In the sandy deserts of Arabia whirling winds sometimes excavate pits 200ft. in depth, extend- ing down to the harder stratum on which the great bed of sand rests. Mr. J. C. Watson, the leader of the Labour Party in the Commonwealth Parliament, and the controller of the legislation of Federated Australia, was a typesetter in a Sydney news- paper office ten years ago. The youngest musical conductor in the United Kingdom is perhaps Miss Kathleen Norah Mills, who presides over a choir of boys in the Roman Catholic church at Ongar, in Essex. She is eleven years of age. Terrapin eggs are hatched in about thirty days. With her forepaws the female terrapin scratches a hole in the sand, and in it places her eggs, from thirteen to fifty-nine. She then covers them, and relies upon the sun to do the hatching. It costs very little to support a family in India. Millions of men in that country live, India. Millions of men in that country live, marry, and rear healthy children upon an in- come which, even when the wife works, is rarely above sixty cents a week. In Mexico the cargador, or carrier, transports bundles so weighty that ordinary men could not even lift them. It is not unusual for him to carry a load of four hundred pounds on his head or shoulders. Death from sleeplessness is the punishment for.murder in some parts of China. The culprit is kept awake by beating the soles of his feet, and this treatment continues until he dies. At the end of nine or ten days the victim breathes his last. A New York schoolboy asked his father what was meant by "a strenuous man." The father promptly replied A strenuous man, my son, is a man who does half a day's work, and then spends the rest of the day talking about it." The descendants of the aborigines of Aus- tralia are very fond of jewellery, but they do not pay much for it. They use telegraph wire to make bracelets, earrings, and nose-rings, and tear down the telegraph lines for that pur- pose. Lieutenant-General Lord de Ros, commanding the 1st Life Guards, and Lieutenant-Colonel Fenwick, Royal Horse Guards, will be Gold and Silver Stick respectively in Waiting upon the King for the month of August. When the big organ commenced to play in the Sydney Town Hall the vibration caused by its 42ft. open diapason pipes broke several win- dows and brought down a few hundredweight of plaster from the roof. The other day some members of a New York choir had a rehearsal. They sang their fortissimo passages with such vigour that the ceiling collapsed upon their heads. Lady Constance Mackenzie has been causing a great sensation, in her travels through India, on account of her prowess as a sporting woman. She has visited Srinagar on her trip through Kashmir; since then she has been to Skardo, doing the distance (a matter of fifty marches) through the rough route, even sleeping on the snow-clad heights in the huts provided by Government, without an escort of any kind. I There are some goldfish in Washington which have belonged to the same family for the last fifty years, and they seem no bigger and no less vivacious to-day than they did when they first came into the owner's possession. A few of the fish in the Royal Aquarium at St. Peters- burg are known to be 150 years old, and the age of the sacred fish in some of the ponds at- tached to the Buddhist temples in China is to be counted by centuries, if we are to believe the priests. A French mathematician gives the following rule for calculating the age to which the aver- age human being may reasonably expect to at- tain. The rule, however, is not applicable to children under twelve, and it will not work with persons over eighty. Subtract year, present age, from eighty-six, divide the remainder by two, and the result will give you about the same number of years as the tables of mortality used by the life assurance companies. Mrs. Tennyson Smith (wife of the well-known temperance advocate) who has for nearly a year been seriously ill, has somewhat recovered. During the past year Mr. Tennyson Smith has been very greatly hampered in his work by his wife's illness, having been on several occasions compelled to forego engagements when she was too ill for him to leave her. The violinist Kubelik has a greater readiness of wit than he is usually credited with. He had played one afternoon at a woman's recep- tion at one of the most fashionable hotels in New York, and afterwards he stood, rather ill at ease, in a corner, silent. A young girl, ap- proaching him, said: "Pardon me, sir, but your handkerchief is hanging out of your poc- ket." "Thank you," said Kubelik, "thank you for this warning. You know the company better than I do." Mr. Sousa, the famous band conductor, hates public oratory, and never, if he can help it, makes a speech in public. After one of his per- formances in Cork his audience kept clamouring for a speech, and refused to be satisfied with the usual bow. Finally, Sousa stepped to the front of the platform and, raising his hand, said impressively, "Ladies and gentlemen, can you all hear me?" There was the usual "Yes." "Then I wish you good-night," replied the con- ductor, and promptly walked off the stage. A parcel of the dearest cigars in the world, 1,500 in number, has been dispatched from the famous Vuelto-Abajo tobacco fields in Cuba for the consumption of a New York multi-million- aire smoker. The price of one of these cigars is equal to 18s. of English money. None but the most faultless leaves are used in their produc- tion the making of them is restricted to the most experienced workers, who can only make eight cigars in a day. Every cigar is wrapped in fine Japanese paper and enclosed in a small air-tight box of perfumed wood. The Greek maidens of old who sat on the walls of the city and combed their hair owed the beauty of their tresses to the sun's rays. A contemporary recommends ladies, after the hair is washed, to sit beside a lowered window, as the sun shines stronger through glass, and allows the hair to dry as it is being brushed. No bleach has been found so successful as the sun, which strengthens and beautifies generally. e- "Young man, moderate circumstances, awl, who has glass eye, would like to form the ac- quaintance of young girl, who also has a glass- eye or some other deformity." The above ap- peared in a New York newspaper. A young, woman replied :—"I regret I have not a glass- eye, but I have a wooden leg." While camping out last week on Tunxis Island, Connecticut, a boy in rolling over stone discovered underneath it a box of wood,; partly decayed. Inside was a metal box sealed with wax, and in this box were found a brilliant, diamond of large size, a gold bracelet, and a paper giving the whereabouts of further trea- sure. A cyclist at Montiers, France, after blowing up his tyre, persuaded a child named Jean Rossier to place the nozzle of the pump in his mouth. He then forced air down Rossier'a throat until he fell writhing on the ground.1 Afterwards the cyclist mounted his machine and rode off. King Peter of Servia, on the occasion of his recent visit to Toprla, his ancestral home, pre- sented a valuable silver cross to the church ofi that town, valued at 16,000 francs. His Majesty expressed his desire to rebuild the old residence at Toprla, and intends to make it the Summer; resort of his family. Toprla is in the district of Kragujevatrke, two hours' journey from Bel-< grade. It has about twelve hundred inhabitants, and is romantically situated in the midst of high: mountains. The Direction of the Department of Practical Chinese at the London University, vacant by the resignation of Mr. George Brown, will bee taken, it is understood, by Sir Walter Hillier,; K.C.M.G., who was for some years Chinese' Secretary to the British Legation at Peking,| and afterwards Consul-General for Korea. Sir Walter speaks Chinese fluently, and during the late occupation by the Allied Forces was ap- pointed Political Adviser to General Gaselee. Instead of paying his accustomed visit to Homburg, it is understood that the King will not make any prolonged stay there this year, and possibly may not go at all. His Majesty is expected to go to Marienbad and, during his stay in Austria, to visit Vienna. King Edward has not visited the Emperor Francis Joseph since his accession, and this arrangement would enable him to discharge a duty which had only been awaiting a favourable opportunity. It is stated that Sir Evelyn Wood is offer- ing a cup for competition by officers in what is called a long distance compass bearing ride. Though novel in England, similar rides, known as chart and compass races, were carried out under Lord Roberts in India. The distance to be run is 25 miles, and competitors are for- bidden to use whips or sticks, whilst spur- marks on a horse will mean disqualification. At the end of the race the condition of the horses will be judged by their ability to eat half a feed of corn within one hour of competing the course, and the cup will go to the officer whose horse is in the best condition. The idea of the competition is to train the officers in the proper management of horses, the importance of which was demonstrated in South Africa. A Strasbourg farmer (says a facetious writer in "The Globe") objected strongly to the man- ner in which his bullocks swung their tails when drawing the plough. It annoyed him. Having pondered darkly over the matter for some weeks, he had an inspiration. Taking a heavy, lump of lead, he tied it to the tail of the champion tail-swinger, and observed: "Left see what you make of that." The bullock obli- gingly made an effort, and the next moment the farmer was on the ground, with six teeth miss- ing and one of his jaws hanging loose. And there the tail ends. Years ago (says a Philadelphia paper) certain' wise fish dealers discovered that if you take an oyster suddenly from its subaqueous bed it opens its shell, whereupon the life-giving water inside it all escapes, and the oyster dies. There- fore training schools for oysters were estab- lished. The schools are in appearance nothing more than reservoirs full of water. Oysters are put in them, and the water is drained off and then returned again. It is kept off for a few minutes at first, then for ten minutes, then for half an hour, and so on. Oysters in these schools learn that they will live longest and keep healthiest out of water if they hold their shells tight shut. As soon as they learn this they are graduated, and go out into the world. The shape of many a man's hat is, the "Medi- cal Press" thinks, as unchangeable as his habits. The tall silk hat is for not a few the outward and visible sign, not only of professional stand- ing, but of a habit of mind which finds it easier to bear discomfort than deviate front custom. In almost all ranks of life the same conservative spirit in regard to hats prevails. Most men suffer much from the hat habit. The infliction of the ordinary and conventional silk hat is accountable for not a few of life's minor ailments, and unfortunately this form of cover- ing is usually worn under circumstances when the wearer is least able to contend with the shortcomings of his cerebral protector. Far be: it from us, the journal adds, to suggest any ideal form as headgear, but we would suggest that the principles of hygiene might at least be, allowed equal consideration with the claims of habit. The date of the return visit of British members of Parliament to Paris has been arranged for the first week of November. Many of our legislators have expressed a desire to be included in the party, and the necessary arrangements in con- nection with the journey are in progress. Pre- sident Loubet has expressed himself as being most cordially in favour of the visit, and he pro- poses to give a State banquet in honour of the British guests, at which he will himself presid A question always being brought up appears ohce more in the columns of a contemporary. It concerns th.e practice of "giving lines" in schools. There is no doubt that to write against time (and lines must of necessity be so written) is exceedingly bad for the handwriting. James Payn devoted one of his most amusing essays to the subject. It is proposed that for the regu- lation one, two, or three hundred of Virgil, a "copy" of some twenty lines should be substi- tuted. This seems sensible. It would be quite as severe a punishment, and would improve the handwriting. Having now been rewarded at the early age of twenty with the rank of Lieutenant, "especially for services in North China," Mr. Basil Guy enjoys the distinction of being the youngest of the 1,250 Lieutenants of the Fleet. It was during the fighting in the attack on Tientsin, in the summer of 1900, that he secured the V.C. by rescuing a seaman from under the heavy fire of the Chinese on the city wall. There are only two other naval officers now serving who possess the decoration for conspicuous bravery or devo- tion to the country in the presence of the enemy -Admiral of the Fleet Sir Nowell Salmon and Vice-Admiral Sir A. Wilson. Attention has again been called to the whole- sale destruction. of edelweiss by an advertisement in the "Davoser Zeitung" asking for 1251b. of the flowers. The advertiser is a Zurich dealer. The trade in this pretty Alpine flower has within the lasit few years developed into quite a large in- dustry in Switzerland.. It is extensively used for funeral wreaths, and some time ago a large wreath was made here composed entirely of edelweiss, the value of the flowers being over £ 3. It may be added that a fairly extensive allied in.dustry is. the manufacture of edelweiss. The disappear- ance of some of the rarer Alpine flowers is con- tinually being reported in the Alps, and edel- weiss in particular is altogether extinct in some places where it was abundant not many years ago. A painstaking gentleman, having spent much of his time in watching the sun, moon, cloudm, and birds, and drawing inferences from the same- as to the future state of the weather, has pub- lished the result of his labours in a little book. A halo round the sun or moon is said to be the most unfailing sign of bad weather. A writer on the subject also mentions that, when it is pos- sible to hear sounds at a great distance, rain is coming. It is probable that books of this de- scription will always meet with a good reception. The weather is the great mystery, and it will be long before the subject is exhausted.