The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality

<1wyd ac Ehvy; saif Manelwy ar lechweddfa hyfryd rhwng yr aSonydd hyn, ac oddiwrth yr olaf y derbyniodd ei henw C'ym- reig. Efallai mai ar fryncyn lied debyg rhwng afonydd Iago ac lore yr eisteddai Coleg Williamsburg, yn Nhalaeth Virginia, (Jogledd America, lie bu'r Parchedig Goronwy Owen, yn Ddys- gawdwr. t Alynegodd yr anfarwol Bencerdd a nodir yma, ychydig eyn disgyn i fudandod y bedd, fod yn ei fwriad alw syhv'r genedl At y priodoldeb o sael "Tysteb" i wrthrych hyn o gyfarchiad ar gytrit amryw bethau, ond yn fwyafarbenigiiiegisunogyneddfau rhagorol yn disgyn mewn Uinell uniongyrchoi oddiwrth un o'r beirdd grymusaf a phereiddiaf ei ddawn a feddianodd mynydd- oedd Cymru erioed. Er i angcu ei attal t roddi ei benderfyniad mewn gweithrediiul; eto hyderir yr ymdrecha thai o'i gyfeillion 1 dysgedig fabwvsiadu rhyw gynllun a rydd ysgogiad i bwrpas, he inor effeithiol i hyn yn yr Eisteddfod ddyfodol yn Llandudno, fel y dvger Kyda nicsui* o rwyddineb anican ein Cadeirfardd oddi- "tJIylčb. Deupsnh gwaith yw ei ddechreu," gan hyny, pe dechreuid hyn gan rywun o ddylanwad ein llenfeirniadymadaA'- edig, nid hir y byddye heb gael C'ofrodd a fy<ldai yn anrhydedd nidynunig in gwlad uehelfryniog, ond hefyd, yn nynsawd MKINWKK ELWY, yn deilwng o athrylith nerthol a thry- danol y fath gawrfardd ar chwareufwrdd yr awen, am rai o gynyrcbion rgtwyd'tea mynwes" pa itti y dywedodd y l.few" na ddarllenodd erioed yn ngweithiau Milton, Dryden, na Pope, ddim a ddaliai gvstadleuaeth a hwynt. 44 Tywysog ein beirdd a goleddai syiiiit(I in uchel iawn am ei allnoedll awenvddol. ic. modd by nag, cofus genyf i'r Bardd a'r leithydd penigamp R. ap O. Ddn ddywedJd rhywbeth am dano i't' un perwyl ac er proti cywirdeb ei farn adroddai lawer o ddarnau nodedig, ac yn eu niysg yr oedd y llinellau canlynol "Cydt'ydd y fall a'i gallawr, (Vir lechu'n y fagddu fawr A ehan droi ei lygad awengar ataf a'i wyneb yn claerdyw}*nu, gofynai gyda thon a Ueisbwy? mawiygol, Pwv ond gwir fardd a allasai byth gael gafael ar y cyfryw eiriau cj<lf<tdd a ctit lechu ?" Mor aruthrol y desgrifiant y cryndod a'r arswvd a lwyr fediliana hyd yn oed Tywyog y })wll diwaelod, pan y gwvsir ef gan ftocdll ddychrynllyd yr Atchangel i ymddangos gerbron Barnydd mawr y byw a'r meirw ar ei ddyfodiad gogoneddus ar gymyluu'r nef i y byw a'r ineir%v ar i. eiste(ld ar ei a(tios Vf it r byd. Can obeithio y daw rhywun, megis y crybwyllwyd eisoes, allan i Todcli help i d!lwyn oihliamgylch amcan canmoladwy ein Prif- fardd trengcedig, enw yr lfwn a herarogla awyv ein gwlad hyd cithaf terfynau yr oesoedd, y rhoddaf fy ysgrifell fusgrell o'r neiildu, gan sibrwd yr englyn canlynol yng nglilust \I<'ANI>RK. Homer-ein hoes !—deffroed Y tfraw udd mireinfoes; Am groni dysg, mwy gwr nid oes Yuia'll anvr yui -Nljn eirioes. JOA.V O Ko.v.

(Duv library (TaWe. HINTS OM FARMING, by D. G. F. Macdondald. London: Longman and Co. The author of this remarkably useful and candid little book is not only a civil engineer, but a practical fanner and a land agent, and was formerly employed on the Uoversment statl. in the survey of British Columbia, his report on which colony opened the eyes of the British public to the gm-is impositions which bad been practised upon them by interested parties as to its prospects, climate, and agricultural and mining capabilities. On the subject of farming, he not only knows practi- cally wh it he is writing about, but he is evidently one thoroughly honest, and minds no more in cutting down an antiquated prejudice than he would an overgrown thistle or dock. Whilst acknowledging the great and wonderful strides which have been made in the science and art of agriculture during the past few years, he points out that much remains to be done before the ca- pabilities of the land are fully developed; and what is more to the purpose he points out, and to some extent in detail, what ought to be done, and how to do it. He is not a mere theorizcr, as he himself informs us, but a practical man who has proved the truth of what he sug- gests and asserts. Hence, in our opinion, the great value of the book. The beau ideal of his system is the Scotch; and as far as we can perceive from the simple course, that it is the most profitable one. He lays it down as a demonstrable fact, that the produce of the grain crops in the United Kingdom were a proper and an enlightened system to be adopted--cottld be doubled in a few years and that in truth we may become exporters of wheat, instead of im- porting, as we do, 10 million quarters a year. It seems that both the soil and the climate of Scotland are in- ferior to those of England; but by superior cultivation, drainage, management of their farms, and other matters, the poor land in Scotland is made to produce a great sleal more grain than the rich and naturally fertile land of England. He says—"The bleak border counties (of Scotland) are amougst the best cultivated in the king- dom. In Iloss-shire the white crops rival, and often surpass in weight and. quality, the harvest* of Devon- shire aud Somersetshire. Still farther north, along the bleak coasts of Sutherland aud Caithness, the barley fMld tuiiilps—nlU even in the most northerly diäié I hr t of oats will well bear comparison with the gfiwths of regions immeasureably more favCutea U1 i climate and soil." Of oourse this is to prove bility of better culture in more favoured oounttM; end which ought to be done out of regard to the !lfIÔn at large, as well as for the advantage of landowners and fanners. Difficulty," he says, "Ims bred enftrpnze, and obstacles have fostered skill, until the stinginess of nature had been more than compensated for, by the energy and the science of man." We have not space to go into details; but we can honestly recommend this work to the W dsh farmer, as it contains a mass of practical information given in a pithy style, and which if acted upon would be of im- tneuse benefit to them, Of course he is iu favour of drainage, and good drainage of improved homestead, of economy, and care in every ifepavtmnnt of the farm; and as. a land agent, he sftrongly recommends the granting of leases to fawners. It is probable we shall give oc- casional excrarts from this most valuable little work; but in the meantime we would recommend every farmer, who can read English, to get the book for himself, as the outlay" will be well repaid. Books and Periodicals for Review to be sent to W. C. Stafford, Esq., No. 79, (late No. 4) York Road. Lam- both, S., our London agent for the literary department of the Chronicle.

gtttytrial ltrtiltmtttt. HOUSE OF LOHDS-FIHDAY. The Chain Cables and Anchors Bill was read a second time. The Chimney Sweepers and the Chimney Regulation Bill was read a third time and passed. The consideration of the Queen's message regarding the grant to Sir Rowland Hill and the pension to the Countess of Elgin was postponed in consequeuce of the unavoidable absence of the Duke of Somerset and Earl Granville. HOUSE OF COMMONS—FRIDAY. Mr. DISHAELI asked Lord Palmerston if he could jo. form him when the Conference would reassemble, and whether any conditions were attached to the agree- ment to prolong the armistice for another fortnight. LOUD PAI.MERSTON replied that the extra suspension of hostilities was not at all conditional, but was simply the limit fixed by Denmark. In reply to Mr. D. Griffith, The PlIEMIER said he could not undertake to state whether a further extension of the armistice would be pressed"\lpon Denmark. On the order of the day for going into Comuiitte, of supply, Lord R. CECIL moved That in the opinion of this house it is expedient that the duty of ascertaining the facts upon which legislation in respect to private bills i. to proceed should be discharged by some tribunal exter- nal to this house." After a short discussion, the motion was withdrawn. HOUSE OF LORDS.—MONDAY. A motion was adopted agreeing with the Queen's reo commendation that an annual pension of ilouu be granted to the Countess of Elgin, in recognition of the eminent public services rendered by the late E;irl, Lord WHARNCLIFFE moved an address praying that the decision of the Privy Council to constitute Leed., the Assize town for the West Riding of Yorkshire should be reconsidered. His lordship said that it was the general opinion of the Magistrates of the riding that Wakefield, and not Leeds, should be the new Assize town, a-s all the riding offices and the riding gaol were situate at the former place. The motion, though strongly opposed by Earls Gran. ville and De Grey and Ripon on behalf of the Govern- ment, was adopted by 80 votes against 54. The Insane Prisoners Act Amendment Bill (the ob- ject of which is to prevent such another failure of jus- tice as occurred in the Townley case) was read a third time and passed. HOUSE OF COMMONS—MONDAY. Sir J. PAKINOTON inquired whether the Government intended to introduce a bill this session for the amend- ment of the Vaccination Law. Mr. H. BRUCE replied in the negative. Mr. OSBORNE asked Lord Palmerston if he had seen a declaration "of the Danish plenipotentiaries in the Conference, published that day in the Morning Post. Lord PALMERSTON said he had not seen the state- ment. Mr. OSBORNE then gave notice that he would repeat his question on Tuesday evening. In reply to Mr. Kingslake, Lord PAMERSTON said he did not believe the state- ment that the belligerents bad entrusted the duty of de- termining the lines of the Duchies of Schleswig aud Holstein to the French Ambassador in London. On the order of the day for going into committee of supply, Mr. SMOLLETT moved the appointment of a se,lect committee to inquire into the claims of his Highness Azeem-J ah to the title and dignity of the Xawab of the Carnatic, and to report on the circumstances under which the treaty entered into between his highness father and the East India Company had been declared void. Ni r. LOWE said it was not intended by the treaty in question to confer permanent rights upon the descend- ants of the Nawab of the Caraatic, and that the Indian Government had simply exercised a right in refusingt0 allow a further nomination in the Nawabship. The house then divided, and the motion was rejected by 65 votes against 45. Mr. HENSESSY and Mr. MALINS complained that the division had been taken before the Secretary for India, Mr. C. Wood, had made any statement on the subject, and expressed dissatisfaction with the tactics of the Go. vernment. Sir F. KELLY said, that for the credit of the 14011e, he should again bring the question forward atthe earliest opportunity. After a brief explanation from Sir C. WOOD, wb said that the statement made by Mr. Lowe really ltit him nothing to say, The house went into committee. HOUSE OF LORiJS-TcESDAY, The Queen's recommendation that a grant of £2U,I)W be made to Sir Rowland Hill, in consideration 01 distinguished services, as a postal reformer, was agreed to. The Court of Justiciary (Scotland) Bill was read third time, I HOUSE OF COMMONS—TIKDAY. The first day sitting of the House of Coulmll" held to-day. The Factory Act Extension Bili was read a 5econd time. The evening sitting commenced at -ix o'dr,k. Air. MILLS gave notice that on the c?f'?" •^ cond reading of the New Zealand Loan M' he ,hour move its rejection. Mr. S. ESTCOURT gave notice tbat oil e should move an address to the Crown praying for a r' consideration of the order iu council constituting Leeds an assize town. In reply to Mr. D. Griffith, tl'e Lord PALMERSTON said he was not aware that tlle present limitation of the armistice was fi,nal. r|.ue pension of hostilities would be continnated or ated, as circumstances should render desirable- Mr HI-BBARD called the attention of the honse t., the operation and extent of the direct and "? tion now levied, with es-peeiatretMeucetotM.' ,?< tax and to the prospects of its continuance, an that the inequaJities and injustice attending tion of the existing property and income-tM ';j. Ii d f b"  Prc¡eo fied it for being continuously re'lInpose HI _? form as one of the means of levying the na re. venue. The CHAKCELMR of the EXCHEQUER -PI ,?ed ?? c'? tion, which, hesaid, would involve a 1088 '"?'? of public revenue, and would be attended w flo quite as great as those of the present systenL tel On a division, the motion was rejected by 6/ vOte# against 28.

fi*fCT»te<l on the death of lh Rev-; ll'illi#t" incum- bent of Rhosllitnerchrii^og, who died at Lhineri'tTugoR Hail,, Saturday, June 4th ltjtfi.> <„ And is this death ? that riMit oonmlslvf Sgn That u|>w«tcMWU»k o! tl)» (jl^tening eye"; That flitfiiig shade* passing o er therface, Which in its wake has left no mark or trace, Of woe and pAin 1 An when a fleecy cloud Glides o er the ttioon and in a silver shroud Half hides her beams; then slowly passing o er leaves her bright disc still shining as before So seemest thou th)" featurcti as they wei-e, The same ticnignant mild e*pression there Still seems to play each lineament is thine, Jiut M la life the same in every line As when the rippling waves that wash the strand, In ebbing leave their impress on the sand So ehbing life on thee has left behind The lovely impress of the soul and mind. Still thou art co id-locked in the arms of death- Stiff, statue-like, devoid of life and breath. The fervid heart so full of ardent heat, And love to God and man, has ceased to beat; Sealed are the lips on which pursuasion hung. And silent is that fluent fervent tongue. Which poured to sinners words of tender lovo As heavenly manna dropping from above Words of coliviction-not from lifeless art. But glowing from his own believing heart. But now he rests-his work on earth is done, His toil it over, and the victory won His last sweet message to his flock is tola. And others now must guard his loving fold fresh from the zenith of his life and bloom, And use ul (lavs called to an early tomb He gently sleeps beside the chancel wall. Esteemed lamented, mourned and loved by all; But still his silent dust speaks from the ground, His solemn voice re-echoes still around: His words and actions ttill survive and teach The blessed Gospel that he loved to preach. His happy oul, conveyed by angel hands. In bliss before the Glorious Presence stands Without a fault; among the joyful band, Of saints redeemed from every age and land, Clothed in the snow-white robe that Jesus wrought, Washed with the blood wherewith his soul was bought, He shall for ever taste in realms above The full enjoyment of his Saviour 0 love. Khos-y-inedre, June 8th.

A FEW PLAIN HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS OX TEACHING TI-IE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN (WELSH) COUNTRY SCHOOLS. BY JAMES JONES. CHAPTER III.—BEADING. The next question we shall notice in conection with the subject of reading, is the amount of time it should have devoted to it in our schools. Reading is not only a desirable, but an indispensable subject of instruction and for that rcason one that should receivea considerable share of the time and attention of both teachers and taught. "Next to the religious instruction of a school, it has, of all subjects, the first claim to be adequately provided for;" and if so in England, surely the argument will ap- ply to Wales with greater force. There may be a few cases among us in which the teachers despise the first principles of education, and hurry their pupils to some favourite subjects of their own taste, forgetting or wilfully ignoring the distinction that should be made between the branches of instruc- tion which are merely desirable and those that are in- dispensable. The time allowed for the purely mechani- cal part of the work should not exceed, at least in the purely Welsh localities, that devoted to explanations and translating. Reading the Holy Scriptures—The Bible, being God's merciful revelation to a fallen world, must not be so dese- crated us to be converted into, and used as, a manual for the acqirement of any language but having an infinite- ly higher object to discharge in the education of the young, it should be held in the greatest reverence by teachers and pupils. The paucity of suitable books for a complete course of reading in any school will not justify God's word being used as au ordinary class- book. In reading, and examining upon, a chapter or passage of the Holy Writ, we are not justified in doing any more than giving the explanations and comments indispensa- ble to the lull appreciation and correct understanding of the lesson. No reasonable objection can, however, be adduced against children reproducing Bible lessons; but the object contemplated is not to facilitate the study and progress of the language, but to render the impres- sions made, deeper and more lasting. CHAPTER IV.-SPLLLING. Without correct orthography, no real advance can be made in the knowledge of English. Proficiency in this respect is the result of familiarity with written words, acquired more by means of the eye than the ear. The "bad" spelling which disfigures the written abstracts and epistolary pioductions of our young learners may justly be said to arise chiefly from their waut of sufficient training in this subject. The amount of knowledge possessed by them, may, in a lingual sense, be estimated, in most cases, by their ability in spelling- The means and methods employed to eiisure correct orthowradliv-iti our schools, are the following 1. The difficult words occurring in the reading- lessons are spelt, in rotation, and their meanings given. 2. The more difficult words of the home (reading) lessons are written and explained on the black-board. These are copied into the children's exercise books, and "got up" by the following morning. In the ease of the junior classes, the Welsh equivalents only are given; in the other, English synonyms. 3. Transcribing. 4. Spelling books—learning out and spelling the words with their meanings. 5. Composition—writing of abstracts and letters. 6. Dictation, which is a good exercise for testing the real progress made in spelling, thus giving the teachers an opportunity of lecturing upon the mistakes commit- ted. The following extract from one ot ProtesRor buliivan s Educational Works may be considered as indicative of the principal points to be attended to by teachers in order to secure good spelling in their school s (a) "Words similarly pronounced, but dillerentJy spelled. (b) "Words similarly spelled, and pronounced alike, but different in signification. (c) Words liable to be mis-spelled, either from the silence, or unusual sound of one or more letters. (d) "All words of unsettled orthography In the exercises given for spelling, aU the climciut words should be written and explained on the black- board. A meaning being attached to every word spel- led, the memory will be exercised with advantage; and indeed this faculty should never be used apart from the apprehensiun and reason of the pupils. Our modern spelling-books and "Word Expositors," surpassing as they unquestionably do, the old ones, both as regards arrange- ment and matter, may with advantage be used, care, however, being taken that all the words are so expoun- ded by the teacher as to meet the requirements of dif- ferent capacities. CHAPTER V.—COMMITTING TO MEMORY. The memory should regularly be exercised by our children, and that conjointly with their apprehension and reason; and in no subject of school instruction can the use of this faculty be attended with better results than in that of language. The cultivation of the memo- ry is now too much neglected in many of our elementary schools. In former days, it was not uncommon for Welsh children, who knew nothing of English, to recite in school, and to their parents at home, whole pages and columns of their reading and spelling books; but this process, not being preceeded or followed by a judicious system of explanation, was no mark of intelligence for, as they were not taught to comprehend the ideas con- tained in the portions committed to memory, how can it be expected that they could derive any intellectual ad. vantage from them, or apply them when they were wanted. The faculty of memory was thus unduly, and indeed cruelly taxed; aud although its retentiveness was im. proved, all their other faculties were allowed to remain in a dormant statf. The abuse in question has caused teachers to run to opposite extremes, i.e., to banish memory-work almost entirely from their schools. This faculty is very strong in children; and it is, therefore, a very powerful instru- ment for acquiring any foreign language, and one that is constantly exercised by young men whilst pursuing the study of the Classics. In no case, however, should a child's memory be called into operation apart from his conception and ima- gination. Welsh children should be required frequently to learn out and repeat passages, with readiness and accuracy. These should be in harmony with their at- tainments and abilities both as regards quality and quantity. A piece of poetry or a passage from the read- ing-book, if only half "got up," can answer no good, in fact it is worse than useless, as it cannot fail to lead a child to contract habits which will eventually prove fa- tal to all mental activity. Short political piece, descrip- tion of countries, account of the most interesting and important events in the reigns of English kings, may prove very suitable to the real memory of the most ad- vanced children whilst, to the younger ones we would recommend easy passages from the reading and other books in use among them. Among the advantages re- sulting to Welsh children from learning by rote are the two following :-It furnishes them with a vocabulary of English words, and promotes in them a fluency and con- fidence whilst enagaged in carrying on a conversation in English. CHAPTER VI.-LETTER-WRITING. I We cannot refrain from offering a few remarks here on the task of letter-writing in (Welsh) country schools. The act of arranging words so as to express ideas in a strange tongue, will never be acquired by rules without practice. The benefit which has already accrued to many of our boys and girls, from the prosecution of this species of school employment is at least in a lingual sense, in- calculable. It is a work which calls into full play the mental efforts of the pupils; and it is partly by this that confidence grows from hesitancy, and competency from inability. Teachers should embrace every opportunity to train their pupils to observe and consider the most trifling and unimportant event which occurs in the neighbour- hood in which they reside; and in order to promote in them habits of observation, they should be set minutely to descHbc every incident, /J.rid thus Hbe aocttgfiimed to express oirginfcl thoughts to tEnglish Letter-writing forms an excellent cfxerfilse, as every attempt made to express ideas in a foreign language (other means also being used) is attended with a propo"- tioonte acquisition of potter. Jt iS a work whidh ror- I nishes thp teacher with ample opportunities of ascer- taining the nature and extent of the difficulties which meet the juvenile authors in their attempts to express original thoughts, and he will find that, for a long time, their sentences, though clothed with Eng- lish words, will essentially be Welsh as to construction and idiom. Each letter produced should be minutely examined, kindly criticized, and carefully corrected. The teacher's emendations, when offered in the spirit of genuine kind- ness and love, cannot fail to be appreciated and remem- bered by the young authors, whose progress in the diffi- cult work of expressing their thoughts correctly in the language in question, will depend quite as much upon this appendage to their efforts as upon the efforts them- selves. In the lower classes letters should be written on the board, and explained by the teacher, to be transcribed and committed to memory by the pupils. The following subjects, among others, will perhaps be found appropriate 1. The history of each individual child for a day, of a week, or a month, &c. 2. How he spent his holidays-what he saw, and did. 3. IT orne incidents. 4. School treats. 5 Acei(lents-misfortlines, ti. Lectures. 7. Funerals. 8. Letters to friends and relations.. 9. Festivities. 10. Singing meetings. 11. Adventures. J. ObservationThe writer nopes uiat tile insertion here of a few (out of many) of the blunders to which country children are found to be most liable to, will not be considered irrelevant to the subject I am write this few lines to you by hoping that you are quite good. I am fond of school; and I am learn my lessons very good. I was see the man going to the shop very early the morning of to-day. The corn is seeding. There was no place for him in the house at that time. We ought not to give our caps on our heads in the school. I go home earlier to-day, Master, if you see good. The keeper is a very good shooter. William is killing hay to day. I will sing the bell this week. John Jones and Evan Evans speaking all the time in the class. The master is learn me to make Bums. John will never do nothing for nobody. The children was keep noise in the streets. John is very quarrelsome; he is drawing everybody to his head. I can not say when I started this morning, for the clock was stand. I was see the mail giving the watch on the table. Our sheep has brought a little lamb and our bitch has brought some little dogs. There is a new book with me. The books cost a shilling the one. My father did not buy the pig, for there was too much price on him. The yoltng man is live on the back of his parents. Some men is laugh at his head. The little timepiece is keep his place very good. There is good work on the cloth. There is plenty of money with that gentleman. There is oil John fear that he cannot learn his lesson. The master is telling the wicked boys to go on their own heads. After leaving school, I am going carpenter. David never dries his nose. The water broke my thirst. There is hunger on John. John broke his finger last night with a knife. The grazier breaks the class with all instrument called a diamond. He was not look on the eyes of money. The woman is very poisonous. My mother is mending a little every day. I am now take the pleasure of write a short letter to you. My grandfather is going on his age. My father is go to kill peat to-morrow. He went away without know to me. John has had his fourteen. It is better with me to be in school than to go away. My father had returned home before to me to start to school. My slate is that, Make silence in the boy. My master is going to break my name on the book. He was given to death. This book costs 2 shilling. CHAPTER VII.—SPEAKING ENGLISH. I It is, we think, generally admitted that more atten- tion should be paid to the desirableness of training our country children to use the English language in their ordinary intercourse with one another. As long as the encouragement to speak it is confined (as is now the case in many places) within the walls of the schoolroom; where except on extraordinary occasions, it is an offence to speak at all; and where no portion of time is exclu- sively devoted to promote the power of speaking it, we must not wonder that our children leave school with but very little amount of colloquial knowledge. The country boy, who is able to read a tolerably stiff para- graph, but who is seldom exercised in speaking the Ian. guage, is not rightly and systematically taught. Limi- ted and imperfect as his acquaintance with its principles -and rules may be, his theoretical knowledge far exceeds his ability to speak it. The hesitancy, deficiency, and the almost numberless blunders which usually attend his first attempt in this work, will be remedied by prac- tice only; and if we are anxious that the English accent should penetrate to every cottage iu Wales, teachers must direct their efforts in a manner that will ensure its introduction to the schoolroom, playground, the roads, the fields, and the children's homes. This work should have allotted to it a distinct, as well as a prominent, place in the school economy of Wales; for very little good can result from a smattering of grammar and his- tory, if the pupils are at the same time incompetent to make the simplest statement fluently and correctly in English. Mr. Currie, speaking of the constructive power over language, and the best means of promoting it in chil- dren, says :—"Familiarity with a language implies, in addition to the power of reading it with intelligence, that of using it for the expression of our own thoughts. The one of these is a necessary means to the other, hut by no means implies it. Oral compositions may be cul- tivated from a very early period, indeed, from the be- ginning of the pupil's school-education; and whatever degree of facility he attains in it will secure his more rapid advancement when he enters on the study of writ- ten composition. This facility depends, in the first instance, on the example set before him for imi- tation, and then on the nature of the practice which he receives." As a rule, they should not be allowed to proceed with the higher branches of instruction until they are some- what proficient in the art of speaking the language; and we are of opinion that the amount of ability displayed by a child in the power of speaking English should consti- tute one of [he essentials of the qualification test for promotion from class to class. Let teachers impress on the minds of their pupils that their progress is partly measured by the correctness and fluency with which they acquit themselves in conversation. Let them be trained to cultivate a habit of speaking English; then, and not till then. will the teacher's efforts be crowned with success. Bishop Butler, speaking on the formation and force of habit, says By accustoming ourselves to any course of action, we get an aptness to go on, a facility, readiness, and often pleasure in it. The inclinations which rendered us averse to it grow weaker; the diffi- culties in it, not only the imaginary, but the real ones, lessou; the reasons for it otter themselves, of course, to our thoughts upon all occasions; and the least glimpse of them is sufficient to make us go on in a course of ac- tion to which we have been accustomed." A habit acquired in school will eventually extend its influence into the playgrounds, roads, fields, and the children's homes. The following considerations may be deemed worthy of the teacher's attention :— 1. Let your children have the benefit ot every possible advantage to improve the practical character of their kijowledge of English- 2. Render them every aid and assistance in their efforts. 3. Encourage them at all times to give an account of themselves and pursuits after school hours. .1. Ask them to relate occasionally some stories or accounts which they may have read at borne. 5. Be ever ready to express your approbation of their humblest attempts at speaking the English language, and never ridicule them. {To be continued. ) I

MANCHESTER CAMBRIAN LITERARY SOCIETY. TOUR IN SWITZERLAND, BY MR. W. J. WIL- LIAMS (GWILYM ELAN). (Continued from our laet.) Wednesday, July 22nd. I left Interlaken by steamer across the lovely Lake of Thun. The town of Thun, in the guide books, is represented as beautiful and much frequented by the English. It is rather a large place, having 3,780 inhabitants. It is also the centre of all the trade of the district. The town is very peculiar, and will not soon be forgotten by the stranger. The principal street is curious and antique in its appearance. The houses are remarkably lofty, having in front a row of stalls, projecting about 10 feet above the pave- ment, on the flat roofs of which another street is con- structed with shops and drinking places. The shop count rs, in many instances, front the street, like but- cher's window counters or benches in our own country. The draper standing inside, ready-armed with a pair of scissors and a measure, brings his ware, as required, to this counter. His eustomers, on the pavement outside, inspect the goods; and when it suits them, make their purchased. Many fit the shops have no windows, unless they are BWfl&Vle, to be put oir, 'or tfiken off, accdhKng to the season. There Wire soiie tlftgg in Ttift that Wttiia&id me of our aucieut city df 'Chester. 'Èy Its rows of tfftc&nt arcades, the pedestrian ic fHhelterTO from the HSÙ, and screened from the rays of !the scorching sun. A great desideratum, it the weatherbe as hot as it was during my visit The view from the parish church yard is uceedingly picturesque, embrcwing the lake, the Alps, the valley of the Aare, and theold tow". Thursday, July 23rd. I left by an early train for Berne, the capital of that Canton. Upon this line the passenger has a splendid view of the whole Alpine range-* moving panorama gliding swiftly before his gaze- ??enM is the seat of the Swiss Government, and has a nonulation of 29,000. It has some very fine and wide stAsfe. with streams of pure water, flowing under cover- ed slabs, through their centres. The pavements, in some of the old streets, are covered by projecting houses, as in Thun, affording thereby a shelter from ram, and ;ashade from the sun. I breakfasted at a celebrated cafe, having a terrace commanding a in-t comprehensive view ot the Alps. I had my breakfast under an awning upon that terrace, and with the fine prospect before me, with a keen appe- tite, and with a tranquil rest, I enjoyed the rich cottee, the delicious cream, the dainty bread, and the luscious honeycomb, with which I was abundantly provided be- yond any other meal that I ever remember to have par-  a visit to the Federa l Council Hall, or the Rp ta paid a visit to the Federal Council Hall, or the Re- publican Parliament-a magnificent stone edifice. I also inspected some of the different chambers which are strikingly effective, though simple. The sessions were oil at the time. I was present during an animated de- I bate, which, unfortunately for me, was in an unknown toligile. ThlTpublic are admitted into the house without fees or orders during the sittings. A large and commodious gallery is provided for their use. "? also visited the Cathedml-a magnificent structure, in the Gothic style. The stone carving over the pnnci-. pal door, representing the last judgment, is much lauded by the guide books, but in my opinion, the car- ving is not so effective as that over the entrance to St. Giles' Church, London. The Cathedral terrace is a de- lightful spot to lounge in on a fine summer day. It forms a shady promenade, under the umbrageous foliage of tall trees. Seats are also provided, whereby the wearied pedestrian may rest, and gaze at the snowclad peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Berne abounds in fountains, all of which are oniamen- ted wi;h representations of bears. The bear being a symbol of the power of their city, his effigy is seen in stone and bronze almost at every turn. The bears den, on the bank of the Aare, is also an object of attraction. It is, however, nothing more than what we see in our zoological gardens. A round stone pit, with a forked pole in the centre, wherein the hideous beasts perform their unsightly eircumatd btilations, and sometimes in the way of variety, exhibit their gymnastic skill in climbing the pole Friday, the 24th July. A wet and miserable morn- ing. Returning on Thursday from lierne to Thun, and being too late for the Diligence leaving there for Fruti- gen, f crossed, by all early packet, to a suiall place called Spicz. ^As ic rained in torrents, I WM glad to obtain a shelter, in a humble cottage near the landing place, where I was regaled with a dishful of cherries, and a modicum of cogniac. Meeting there with a vivacious young French- man, who was travelling in the same direction, we agreed to hire a conveyance to a village called Irutigen. The owner of the vehicle, finding that we readily accepted his fare, repudiated the bargain, and claimed a few more francs before he would start with us. We had to sub- mit to this imposition. My fellow traveller knew just as much English as I knew French, which was only a little I picked up on the way-side. Our route is described by the guide books as very beautiful, proceeding by the side of the river Kander, and passing the end of the Semmenthat, a rich valley, studded with numerous villages, and covered with green pastures, and well cultivated garden. This charming scenery was entirely lost to us, being curtained from our view by dense mist and pouring rain. The Frenchman and myself, notwithstanding, were not in the least damped in spirits. We were determined, in spite of the weather, not to be baulked of our anticipated pleasure, in one form or another. The simplest incidents were turned into fun. We were exceedingly loquacious, one jabbering French and the other babbling English, and now and then a little Welsh, but neither comprehending much of each other's meaning. The very attempt to make ourselves intelligible was a continuous source of merriment. I found that by the use of synonyms, I oftentimes stumbled over words, which, by their simi- larity to French terms of the same meaning, I made myself understood. For example, a curious house was pointed to. I said, "Very old-no compna—old fash- ioned—no ancient-a shrug primitive, a shake of the head antiquated. Ah-antique-we-we-we massive —antique—antique. We at length reached Frutigen. It was our intention to tarry there until morning. The weather clearing, and we being refreshed with dinner and rest, we deter- mined to walk to Kanderstag, a distance of 9 miles. We hired a guide to carry our baggage. Our anticipation of a fine afternoon, was soon scat- tered to the winds, for before we had proceeded a mile, it came on a heavy rain, and continued pouring without ceasing until midnight. The valley of the Kundes, and the towering Altels, visible from this spot, were hidden from our view, being shrouded in watery mist. Three hours' walk, up hill, on a bad road, and drenched with wet, was to me a trial of strength, which I should not wish to undertake again. The kind-hearted guide sympathized with my strained efforts, and gave me all the assistance in his power. My gallic friend, dripping from head to foot, encouraged me onwards by his everlasting pleasantry and merry shouts of courage excelsior. We reached Kanderstag—tired, hungry, and drenched with the rain. Never was a hotel more welcomed. There were several Englishmen in the Salle-a-manger. We formed acquaintance with two young gentlemen, who were my companions for the subsequent portion of my tour. After enjoying a very acceptable meal, I retired early to rest, husbanding my wearied strength for the arduous task of the following day. Saturday, July 25th. Kanderstag. A fine morning. On looking out of my bedroom window, I found myself in a most remarkable looking place, surrounded by a magnificent show of wild mountain scenery. The village is situated amidst green meadows, and fortified with mountains capped with snow. It had the appearance, though summer, of a Welsh valley, on a fine frosty win- ter's day. The sun smiled faintly upon the withering grass, which appeared to struggle in vain to burst forth and germinate into life. The flowers and plants wore a sickly aspect, as if brought into existence prema- turely. Kanderstag stands 3602 feet above the level of the sea; that is about 100 feet higher than the summit of Snowdon. After about five hours' hard walking through a pass between mountains, where glaciers-like streams of ice almost reached our pathway, we arrived at the small inn of Schwerenbsch, standing 6360 feet above the level of the sea. It is a solitary looking inn, rendered notorious by a tragic event, in the year 1807, viz., the atrocious murder of the landlord's daughter by two travelling Italians. Its being also selected by Werner, as the scene of one of his tragedies, had given a notoriety to this inn, which renders it a point of attraction to all tourists. Notwithstanding its isolated position, it was this morning a scene of bustle inside and out. The house crowded with tourists of both sexes, English, German, and French, and outside was a small fair of guides, mules, and drivers, waiting for hire. This lovely scene in a spot so desolate was truly refreshing. After a hearty breakfast, aud an hour's rest, I started leisurely on, before my companions, up the rough and dreary road of the Gemmi Pass. Ascending with slow pace, without the toil of walk- ing, upon my sure-footed mule, gave me an admirable opportunity to gaze at the strange and barren prospect, with which I was surrounded. I passed a winterly looking lake, which is supplied by snow only, and which for eight months in the year, is frozen over. The summit of the pass is fortified by limestone rocks, so barren that even a blade ot grass could not grow thereon. But while desolation meets the eye to the right, to the left, and to the rear, in front, a most magnificent prospect is unfolded. The valley of the Rhone, in all its verdant beauty, lies beneath and above it, and around are groups of snow-peaked mountains- Mount Rosa and Mount Crevin amongst the rest, towering one above the other, in the far distance, until they fade and vanish the in fleecy clouds of summer. Looking down a precipice of 1,600 feet into the small hamlet of Lukerbad, the houses appear like the carved toys representing Swiss cottages, upon which so much native ingenuity is employed. I observed, on the summit of the pass, litters on hire, whereby the invalids might be conveyed down by the aid of two or more men. The timid have their eyes bandaged, so as to avoid the nervous fear, which the sight of this terrific pathway might produce. This is one of the most remarkable paths in Switzerland, the south side of the Gemmi ridge being almost perpendicu- lar. A zigzag winding path is cut on the face of a ver- tical rock, a portion of which, in some places, protrudes over the narrow road, and in others hangs over the deep abyss below. In the words of Bradahaw, "It wiuda about in such a way that you can neither see the turn- ing you have left, nor that which you are eoming to, but oull the vast precipice below, which, Î4 one part, desc?heerdownUke?aU, .nd f-M W4101t you ? protected by nothing but a t^r^et at th^ the nath not more than three feet high. a protected only by a fmil woadeu fell?4 4 and that |^rnr ins^cr brienmdy^ dangeroud  protection wate.. Thi. rocky track has been deeigvtFte4 a perilous path, and tiuUd tarvellers, in view g W.e deep abY8s o?-t?r which thev stood, have been fOfW-alyiied with fear as to I be Mllitble"to pl'odeed, 1 cetfwnly would prefer the u e of my own legs to thoBe of a mule or I horse, providing ?? doi e carefully and Purely To run down .ode, Gradient where its )-cwHdered windings and abrupt angles are ')?enf?view,is without doubt exceed- mg)v dangerous. The impetus gained increases so as to iconic beyond phyMcat control. It is to me remarka, ble ?tmLy fetal accidents do not occur through this foolhardy. f°' I was alarmed for the safety of some youthful tourists during my descent. I had no fear as to my own safety. I gazed with the utmost composure, as I descended, the rocky shelf of 10,000 feet in length, into the yawning abyss beneath. I experienced no dizziness, as I looked down the giddy precipices, nor any morbid impulse to take a fatal leap. I amused myself with the echo, shouting sometimes Welsh and sometimes English, which words were re- peated three or four time., with a marvellous distictness by the surrounding rocks. The guides sang snatches of Swiss songs, in their peculiar manner, which were echoed and re-echoed with striking exactness. I observed, in descending, inscriptions relating to some calamities which had befallen travellers on this peri- lous path. This adds to the excitement of the enter- The inhabitants, or the authorities, regard, I believe, this excitement as indispensable to the continuance of public interest. They make a capital of it. Hence, the most dangerous places are, in many instances, left un- protected, and that which was once a protection is al- lowed to be so dilapidated as to be more dangerous than if left open, By 2 ovlock p.m. we descended to Leukerbad, a noted bathing place. Upon this hamlet, of 300 inhabitants, the sun never shines after five o'clock in the afternoon. It is a cold dreary spot, situated 4,500 feet above the level of the sea Most of the houses, which are com- posed of wood, are shut up from October to May. The village has been three times swept away by avalanches since the 16th century. It is now protected from the drifting snow by a strong dyke. In and about the hamlet there are ten springs gushing forth from the earth, at a temperature of 100 to 124 degrees. I entered the principal bath house. It is di- vided into four baths of 20 feet square. The patients of both sexes, sit oil benches, up to their chins in wa- ter. Some remain in eight hours a day, and drink seven or eight glasses of the nauseous draft. They are provi- ded with small floating tables, upon which are held articles of various descriptions. As a pastime,-they read, play at cards, eat, drink, and chat. A perfect Babel of tonguts- French, Swiss, and Germans, vieinq with each other in unceasing loquacity. The water is believed to be a remedy for skin dis- eases, a malady which is common to these mountaineous districts. About, 4 p.m., I left Leukerbad, in an open convey. ance for Sion. I was accompanied by the two English gentlemen already alluded to. Our drive was exceed. ingly pliaiant. The day was hue, and the road remark. ably good for the district. the journey abounded in interesting objects. On each side, and on our rear, we were shut in by high mountains, some 11,000 feet in heighth. They appeared like walls of perpendicular rocks, utterly unscaleable. Beneath, in a deep ravine, runs the river Dala, through one, it is said, of the finest gorges in Switzeiland. Prospectively a splendid view of the valley of the Rhone is here disclosed, with Sion and its turretted castles in the centre, and Martigny in the far distance. I was much struck with the appearance of small hamlets here and there, clustering on the steep mountain sides, in situations more accessible to the ehamoi goats than to human beings, had a remarkably strange appearance. Sion is a miserable town, of 3,600 inhabitants. The streets are poor and dingy. The chief street called the Pont, appears to be the only tolerable street in the town. The town hall, a Gothic structure, with an astrono- mical clock in front, is deserving of notice. The clock, I presume, is of little use to the benighted inhabitants. The shops are exceedingly poor in appearance and in stock, inferior to many in the mountainous districts of Wales. I visited, I believe, every draper's shop in the town, seeking a small piece of flannel, but could not procure any. I much doubt if the article is known to them. Every third or fourth door were druggists, which did not surprise me, the place being notoriously un- healthy. Sunday, July 26th. Up at 8 o'clock, and left, by train, for Martigny. The railway traverses the Rhone, and the view of the country around is very beautiful. A Catholic lady evinced some solicitude for my eternal welfare, and presented me with a French tract, which, of course, was to me as unintelligible as a Chinese ma- nu script. We had also an elderly English lady in our carriage, who was an enthusiastic mountain tourist. She worshipped the Alps, and visited them annually. Martigny, like Sion, is close, sultry, and unhealthy. Being walled up by high mountains on all sides, no re- freshing breeze cools the heated air. Its marshy swamps emit exhalations, which float and spread, in grey mist, over the land's surface, producing malaria, ague, and contagious fevers. We found an excellent hotel in this town, combining everv comfort which could be desired. The table d'hote was first rate, and the wines were delicious. About 3 o'clock we hired a "charabane," a vehicle peculiarly adapted for our purpose, to convey us to the Hospice of St. Bernard. This strange conveyance is thus described by the late Albert Smith There are few places, except the wall of a, house, which a charabane would not venture to ascend. It looks unnatural, and ill at ease upon a smooth road, hut put it on a mountain pass, rough with blocks of granite, and the debris of an avalanche, and it will jolt, and bump gaily on, seeming to revel in its difficulties." Shortly after leaving Martigny, we crossed the river Dranse, near the banks of which our journey lies for 25 miles. This route ascends through a narrow valley, with overhanging rocks on one side, and on the other a dark and deep ravine, where a rapid stream tumbles and roars as it forces its course over enormous blocks of stones or granite. The cottages and hamlets look exceedingly humble, and the inhabitants are miserable looking ob- jects, many having odious swellings hanging from their necks, which are attributed to their poor living, and the quality of the water they drink. This deformity destroys sympathy, by its repulsive hideousness. The women's hats are not unlike an ordinary shaped tin saucepan, blackened with smoke and soot, and without handle, bottom, or rim. They are trimmed with scraps of black or coloured silks fastened around the apex of the hat, forming a thin, cool, and a crude, substitute for a crown. It has a brazen and ungainly appearance. We passed through a village called Orsiers. The bed of the river is so deep that it is rarely visible. Beyond this village and St Pierre is the best scenery on this route. Large cultivated fields extend them- selves over the circuitous plain, overhanging which stands the snowy peak of Mont Vellan. By 9 p.m. we reach the wretched village of St. Pierre. It is a street of miserable cottages, inhabited by about 400 cattle dealers. We staid here for the night, and slept at the inn where Napoleon the First breakfasted on his memorable passage across the Great St. Bernard. We supped in the same room, where a tablet is inscribed in memory of the illustrious visit. The accommodation and fare, as might be expected, are exceedingly humble. It is, however, a great boon to the weary traveller, to have a resting place and a shelter in such a desert. In the winter season, it must be an invaluable accom- modation to the numerous travellerawho enter Piedmont this v ay. Monday, July 27th. We started at 5 a.m. I hired a mule, and my friends walked. At a short distance be- yond St. Pierre, we crossed a deep abyss through which a river forces its course. On the left, a magnificent cas- cade is seen, and several waterfalls are passed on the way. We at length come to the Cantine de Proz, a solitary inn, wtuated in the highest portion of the valley. It is the last human habitation until the Hospice i." reached. It has the appearance of a substantial mountain farm- house. From this point, the road becomes very steep and rugged—the glaciers descending here and there, and on every side towards our pathway. The dread si- lence prevails is now and then happily broken by the merry jingling of the bells attached to the cattle, brows- ing in the valley. As we approached within a mile of the Hospice, we were met by one of the St. Bernard dogs. He appear- ed to have come, or been sent for the purpose, waiting for us, when we hung back, and encouraging us onward by a gentle wag of his frisky tail. We were thus escor- ted to the Hospice door,[our faithful guide accepting few caresses as his only reward, being evidently pleased with the good service he had rendered us. The Hospice is on the very highest point of the pass. Altitude, 7,610 feet. It is a massive stone building, ex- cessively plain in appearance. It has a chilling effect, not at all impressing the mind with the idea of.home or hotel comforts. It looks as cold as charity. A flight of stone steps leads up to the principal entrance. We were there courteously received by one of the monks, dressed in the higher order of Catholic priests. We were usher- ed into a large and convenient room, the sides covered with well polished wooden pannels, Land a large old fashioned fire plaoe in the centre. I trembled with cold while sitting therm, although there was a tire burning a the time, and notwithstanding my being wrapped in two borrowed overcoats. We were soon provided with a good plain breakfast, the hot Goffee being particularly acceptable in that cold climate. After breakfast, we were taken through the edifice. The museum contained plaats, insects, and minerals of the Alps; also s..me paintings and engravings. lob. served portraits of the Queeu and Prince Albert amongst the rest. We next visited the Mosque, or the dead house, wherein the bodies of those who have perished in the snow are deposited. It is a stone building, with chinks in the wall, whereby you may obtain a glimpse of the skeletons within. A melancholy sight, too dismal to dwell upon. The bodies are placed in the postures in which they were found in the snow. Some standing, some sitting, and some prostrate. Their grim coun- tenances, viewed in the gloomy charnel-house, are appal, ling in the extreme. I was for hours haunted by the j'lastly vision. I walked about a mile beyond the Hospice, passing a winterly-looking lake, half frozen over. I passed the stone or pillar indicating the boundary between Switzer. land and Italy. The scene, looking down an Italian val- ley, is not so inviting as we would expect in the "sunny land." I returned to the Hospice, on a hot July day, over wide patches of snoiv. We were invited to take wine and cakes. No charge is made upon travellers for beds or board but those who can afford are expected to leave as much in a box in the church as would pay for their accommo- dation at a respectable hotel. This is applied to defray the expenses of the charity. After entering our names on the visitors' book, we left, on our return to Martigny. (To be continued.)

C h. estiou h. CAUTION TO VOLUNTEEI? CoBM.—Tbieq"?'? tbe we believe, been brought to an issue in the  6f tb« Lybster Artillery were stored was recently M'n????? Lybster Artillery were store d was re? cent I rii do% 0, and the greater part of the arms, as we11 *8 t „f thf eaecta iu the burning tenement, were d? jj, ti« effects in the burnir?g teneluent, were, dests,Y progress of the fire being such that it wM""?.,b)< M save them. The Government, we beheve. eorf responsible for the value of the arms tone ..?rfy? while under their charge, and the commaiio » 0,%Cd has received an intimation that the amount rB ^re funded to the War Office by the colr^ or, f11DS tbem, lybim The sooner that all corps insure their .<? sod armourue the better.-John o'tiroat Journal-