Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

A FORTNIGHT IN NORTH WALES IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST, 1869. VALE OF DOLWYDDELAU, BhTTWSYCOED, TRE- FRnV. There was only one passenger beside myself. We speedily got into conversation, as was only natural. After proceeding a little distance the road commenced to ascend, and Mr M- proposed that we should walk to the summit of the hill. I acquiesced in this, and we alighted, and tramped it" for about two miles-, when we resumed our seats ¡ in the drag. Our route lay among grass covered hills, varying in height from lo-v mound to mountain. They clustered about us, rarely giving any buie or grsy of distance. It was a very silent and solitary region, without any trees, only constant undula- tions of grsm. This kind of scenery, which was not at all uninteresting, continues for miles, varied only by a rippling streamlet by the hill side, and the flying shadows of the clouds. Lovely solitude. Gushing streams and fountains Murmur, "Vod is guod." The beautiful Vale of Dolwyddeiau opened wide, quite hemmed in by mountains, of which Moel Siabod was th-j most conspicuous. The sunlight run down the mountains, across the golden and green fields, and rested on the grey warlls of the old castle. The scenery now was getting more lovely. Our road lay on the bank of the River Sledr, in which loose stones lie about in picturesque con- fusion, while over these moss-grown stones, ever hurrying on, rushes a narrow, clear, impetuous stream, gurgling, tumhlinsr, splashing, leaping, bounding on as if conscious of its free unfettered joyous existence. All around were hills covered I with stately pines, crags, and mounds so richly draped and clothed that the eye rested there I delighted. Mire and more beautiful grew the scenery as we neared that gem of valleys—Bettwsy- coed. No one can describe the panorama of beauty, ever changing, ever new." It is said that in approaching Uettws, the scenery changes every hundred yards to us it seemed to change every moment, each change a new charm. How lavish appears to have btell the hanl of Nature here! Beauty heaped on beauty, till the eye, or rather the soul, C in take in no more, And you are grate ui TO the Source of all for the truth and beauty that iiln His wide universe. Soon after the confluence of the Lledr with the Conway, we pass a pretty ivy-covered bridge, and the delightfully secluded Et aver's Pool. To have lingered here all day would hiiVe been delightful, but we must hasten on. We crossed the Waterloo Bridge, so called from its having been erected in the same year as the Battle of Waterloo was fought. It consists of one singlS arch of iron, 105ft. spaa, and carries the Holyhead road over the Conway. To attempt to rlescribe Bettwsycoed, seen in all its summer splendour, would be vain. Artists go year after year to endeavour to depict on canvass some image of the wonder and beauty of rock and ravine, or meadow and mountain, and mist ani d h 'U spray, which they declare to be inex h austible. Intimating to Mr M-- my intention of staying .at Bettws tor the night, he very kindly volunteered to conduct me to a private house where he some- times stayed. He himself was going to walk on to Llanrwst after transacting some business. I gladly fell in with his proposal, and after going to thd station, where Air il despatched his luggage, we retraced our steps through the village, and re- cro-aed the Waterloo Bridge. The house to which we were hound was most exquisitely situated over- looking the village, and commrni'ling an extensive view up the valiey of the Liugwy. The natural beauty and boldness of the scenery, the rocky pro- jections, deep glens, wooded heights, wonderiul cataracts, made me feel a great propensity to examine this lovely region, the sight of which filled my mlLll with delights of exploring these beauties of ^Nature i. its rudest and most fanta-tic forms. On entering the house, we found to our discomfort that it W¡l filly occupied, the whole suite of apart- ments havi:,g been taken by a lady and her retinue for the Sta-on. The landlord very kindly sent a boy with me to endeavour to seek apartments else- where, but in vain. Everywhere was crowded. The Waterloo, the Royal Oak, and the other hotels were all full. At the first mentioned they had fifteen visitors sleeping out, and at the Royal" Oak no less than twenty-five were similarly aecommod it id. This is a striking instance of the great attractions which this lovely spot affords. We were told that beds were made up on sofas and chairs, and that one night two gentlemen h:!d slept in an omnibus Such was the prospect I had before me for the night. R:;rW.r than be so inconvenienced. I resolved to join .Mr .»l and walk to Lliiirw-t. A delight ful wadv 1: wa; along t'e (.tit ba.ik of the riv,-r. through tLe ma«.-nificunt Yale of Llaurwat, wheh. according .0 Durk", is the most charming spot in North 1\e, Tiie continuous chain of high mOll1,fa: which form the we-?-rn boundary, to?Lcr with the th ivn.g plantations reaching to the sunmr.t of the hills, present a fine ba.-k-roun • for many mnes. Tne foreground is enlivened by the meandermgs of the lovely Conway. But Swift to its close ebbs out life's little ,by, SnqSUnk ?oricu?y beyond th? western ttwwii jii'0^ht t rapidly a ,hr'"ht a?ai:i the ST. mr;f deepening, and bv the time we arrived at our destination it was fl"ite dark We »m»le luSS £ the Kinm's Hea,l and II ample iii,tic-P to a ^°° raRfl'i soon ;¡itr which 1 was lt»lad *'0 retiro' r68t' a!ld :iit,!r which I was glad to retire to rCRt, aid ra;JÍ,lly fG¡1 'L?ieep, dreamu:g or' va}.:s and woo.1hnd-, waterfa:1:; and mountain-, winch seemed d ?a,, ? in ?P?'? S^cas- 6ton before me. The next moraii:? I ro,e 2 l c break- ?? t?. ?c °? ???, f?t exriored the t?.w, which" J*. ? '?' awl contain a Rnc old ch.n.c ;n whirl, V7 6 S' !n t=nl' q fillf? ol,l e l l I re l l wuicli a- e som. -? in.t.iii Scent to?hs and monuh ?:?n of tl\r O? Gwydir. Xp? the <-hnreh ??c?- 13 11 large h.t?, ?h h??,, waeloVw11 P urn.. prietors Laving failed. KetuA, T found Mr M ?v?iti. mn ??'?? IT partaken of our m.tutiu. ??:?:'J?' staying in Llanrwst, while I intended going to Trafriw and back to Llanrwst then by train to Bestws and by coach to Bangor. My way lay over the old bridge huilt by Inigo Jones. After walking about half a mile I reached Gwydir House, the ancient seat of the Wynne family, now represented by Lord Willoughby d'Eresby. The old mansion stands at the foot of a lofty rock, and is surrounded by large aud well laid out pleasure grounds. The interior is open for inspection, but I had not time to avail myself of the privilege, and resumed my journey. Oh! the freshness of the morning l when the cool breeze from the hills sweeps along, when the d amond dew sparkles on the grass, ard the wild flowers, kissed by the rising sun, open their beauteous eyes and look around them, while the fragrance of the hedges steals upon the sense, and induces a consciousness of dreamy delight. Oh! the beauty of the morning when golden sunbeams are struggling through the thickly leaved trees and dancing on the joyous river, when the sweet birds are carolling the r orisons with the clear keen joyance of pure-hearted love, while the god Of day" rides high above in wondrous majesty! It was indeed the finest morning I had yet been favoured with, and I cannot tell how thoroughly I enjoyed it. The scenery, too, was so magnificent. W?t scenes, ?'Mt varied views, unnumbered, spread beneath ? uodg, towers, vales, caves, cUKs, and t?n-ent Hoods. Trefriw is a pleasant village on tlitt torrent floo(Is. Trefriw is a pleisant villa,e oia the slol)e of the hdl, about two and a half miles from Ll?nrwst, and presents a pretty appearance, embosomed as it is in the rich anI thriving luxuriance of the extensive plantations that cover the sloping hills and craggy steeps. The great attraction of Trefriw, however. is the mineral water, situate about a mile aud a half from the village, on the Conway road. This water is used with great effect in divers diseases, and is applied both externally and internally. The spring is the making of the neighbourhood. Visitors flock to it every year from ail parts. Tue weds an pleasantly situated, and kept in good ortier, On re ichmg the place, I found a large number of invalids and al-o healthy persons scattered about "taking the waters." To gratify my curiosity, I penetrated iuto the rock as far as the spring, and had a taste of the fluid which, I must say, wa.; most nauseous. On my return I was overtaken by a man who became very communicative, and narrated to m* the wonderful cures effected by the waters, some of which approached the miraculous I got back to Llanrwst by a shorter way across the fields, and after a slight luncheon hurried off to the station. As usual this is a great way from the town, nearly half a mile. The town, however, is rapidly nearing the station, some large houses being erected on each side of the road. The train was up to time, and I arrived at Bettws at twenty minutes past twelve. The line of route was most beautiful, skirting the river the whole of the way, past mountains and rocks, over which the water rushes in foam and fury, underneath banks clothed in perpetual green, where forests grow and shelter myriads of wild flowers and luxuriant ferns of all the varieties our forests know. The Bangor coach wa-i ready to start, and I mounted to the top with a lady and gentleman, whose acquaintance I had made in the train. They had taken a circular ticket from Llandudno, where they were staying. These circular tickets are issued for the convenience of visitors who fix their abode at any of the water. ing places on the coast between Rhyl and Bangor. They cover both rail and coach fares, and are only available for one day. The great beauty of the scenery, combined with the cheap fares, attract a large number daily..

I THE WEEK'S HISTORY. TESTING THE ARTILLERY RANGE.—UNSUCCESS- FUL ATTACK ON SAARBRUCK.—THE FIRST SHELL FIRED.-CAPTURE OF SAARBRUCK BY THE FRENCH.—THE PRINCE IMPERIAL UNDER FIRE.—DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF THE MIT- RAILLEUSE. RELEASE OF ENGLISH NEWS- PAPER CORRESPONDENTS. The first puff of wind that prefaces the storm of war came from the mouths of French cannon on Thursday (28th uit)—the very day of the Emperor's departure for Metz-when the Imperial artillery was, for the first time, brought into play. The exciting cause was a general movement of recon- noissance by the Prussian?, who seem to have been met at all points by French troops, and forced, by a heavy fire, to withdraw. In the afternoon the French retaliated by an advance with artillery, throwing shells, which, however, inflicted no damage worth mentioning upon the Prussians. After a short cannonade, the object of which must have been rather to test ranges than to injure the enemy, the French withdrew. On the morning of tho same day, a reconnoitring incursion into Prussian terri- tory was made by a body of French hussars and in- fantry, who crossed th^ frontijr at Perl, a small village situated on the Mosselle, at that point where the river divides the frontiers of Prussia and Luxem- bourg. The French would appear to have aff xted their object and to have retired unmolested, or, at all events, una-sailed. The Prussian frontier town, Saarbruclren, it seems, was attacked by the French on Saturday, when according to Prussian ^accounts, notwithstand- ing the great numerical superiority of the latter, thy were successfully repulsed. According to the French oiacial telegram, which left heal-quarters at one o'clock on Saturday afternoon, the march for- ward had not then commenced, and the Saai brucken engagement, therefore, must have bsen simply an affair of outposts. On the same authority we re- ceive tidings for the first time, of a rather instruc- tive skirmish between French ani Prussian out. posts, which took place as far bick 2. the 26,h ultimo (Tucslay last), but a" whtt point is no: stated. The interest of this affair consiatod n )t so much in the effects a hieved on either side, which were comparatively trifling, as in t'.e confirmation it afforded ot the superiority of range claimed for the Chassepos over the needle-gun. When about SlJO metres (866 yards) distant, we are to'd the Prussians opened fire, but their balls fell 100 metres short of the French ranks. The French officer then ordered his men to return the fire. Their first volley miscarried, but at the second discharge, the range iiaviug presumably been corrected, some of the Prussians fell, aiid tlia detachment then re- treated. The Englishman killed by the French chas- seurs at Niederbronn, turns out to be an officer in the Baden service name i Winslow. He was one of the seven sons of Mr Richard Winslow, of Mann- heim, but though of EnöLh extraction he is said to have been a native of Baden. A,l his brothers hold commissions in the German army. A special correspondent of the Daily News, who is with the Prussian army at Saarbruck, describe- the events witnessed from that advanced post, up to the morning of Saturday last, when the French are said to have attacked the place in force, but were repulsed. It would appear from this report, tli:tt the harmless cannonading by the French on the afternoon of Thursday last, was nothing but prac- tice designed to test the range. On the morning of that day, the Prussians received information that six French pieces of artillery, rhe first that had bec:h seen up to that tiin", hal been t)!,i,e I on the top of a neighbouring hill (Sp clieren, wa believe, is indi- cated), and no surprise was fe t, therefore, when fire was opened from that einineuco in the course of the a tarnoon. The mark selected by the French artillerymen was a little itin-the Belle Vue—situa- ted on a hill behind the town of S iirbruck. Only .six or seven shells were thrown altogether, and though the distance exceeded a mile, three if no- four of the missiles struck the mark. Happily LO body was in the house at the time, the inhabitants having decamped at the first sight of the artillery, and all the damage done, was to bricks and mortar and furniture. Strange to relate, the first shell of the war was a ti LICO. It fell on a soft pie te of n-ronnd, where the fase presumably was extinguished, and the unexpected globe of iron was carried in triumph into the town, where it will doubtless be preserved with all the honour befitting so precious a relic. Although the writer does not feel at liberty to communicate any intelligence as to the milita y preparations of his hosts, it is evident that the Saarbruck girri.-on, 11,0 to Friday at ail events, was very much weaker than the French can have suspected, or they would never have allowed it to continue so long unmolested. The Prussian-, it is true had takm energetic precautions to defend the •xopro iches from the French side by barricading the bridges across the Saar with casks of heavy stones zil-lol freely tlirowinllm out pickets, patrols, and rucon- IH1.VP noitnn<r parues; uut, vuoac p't'w — been quite ineffectual, in the absenc) of a stron- -arrison to resist a consorted attack with artidery. ny delaying that step until S.itarday, however, tne French appear to have !et tluir opportunity slip. Reinforcements, both of inrantry and cavalry, reached Saarbruck in the course o £ I aur.-uay, anu on Friday night some artillery was expected. Tht" would account for the issue of the French assault on the town OH Saturday morning. The preparations for that attack were already apparent at the eariv hour of 8 a.m when the Daily Netvs can-espondent despatched his letter. On the previous afternoon, a detachment of French infantry had appeared on the top of the hill, where they were occupied some tim3 in making survejS and taking distances. W inin they went down, a c .mpany of men in white jacket- a;>peared, and began to throw up the entrenchment. of a protected batt -ry. In the course of the night the Prussian patrols, who had hitherto escaped wonderfully well, considering the vigilance of the French outposts, an i the long-range of their Chasse- pots, suffered rather severjly, and four men wee rought in wounded. To crowing evi'lene s of tlh! +'1 hostile intentions of the French was afforded by the construction of a brilire over the Saar, near the Pr;.r.ch sti o ighold of Sarreguemines. '1'1 fi.. I. The fust achievement ) of the war have fallen to the French. Saarbru-rk, the scene of the abortive F/ench attack on Saturday, was assailed iu force, on Tuesday morning, and after a sharp engagement, lasting ouly two hours, was carried by a few battalions, with comparatively trivial loss. In re- spect to the numbers engaged, however, there ia some conflict of evidence. The French assert that whereas only one division, that of General Froissardr was engaged on their side, the naturally strong position of the Prussians was defended by three divisions. Considering that a Prussian division con. sists of from 30,000 to 35,000 men, this statement, which would bring their total strength up to 90,000 or 100,000 men, is an obvious exaggeration. In the first instance, the French seem to have con- tended themselves with carrying the heights com- manding the town, wherce their artillery soon drove the enemy out. On the French side the loss in killed was only eleven, including an officer. The number of wounded is not yet declared, and no esti- mate is afforded of the Prussian losses. On this occasion, the Prince Imperial, who accompanied the Emperor, made his first acquaintance with the horrors of war, amid which he is said to have displayed complete coolness and presence of mind.- The effect of the mitrailleuse in this first engage- ment appears to have fu.ly justified the expectations of its sponsors. When the French occupied the heights at Saarbruck, a battery of this formidable weapon was placed in position in the presence of the Emperor and of the Prince Imperial. Presently, a Prussian detachment marched over the railway bank, at a distance of 1,600 metres (1,700 yards), or a fraction under an English mile. The mit- railleuse was brought to play upon them, and in a moment the detachment was swept away, or d:s- persed, Laving half their number upon the ground. A second detachment, which afterwards attempted to cross the same bank, experienced a like fate. They were literally mowed down by the death- dealing machine. The French artillery officers are naturally enthusiastic at the effects of a weapon to which so much of the suci-e-s of their first serious operation is due. The capture of Saarbruck is likely to mark an epoch in military history—an epoch stamped in characters of blood. The possession of Saarbruck no: only gives the French the virtual command of the frontier com- munications on the side of Rhenish Prussia, thus opening a road to them into the enemy's territory, but it practically decides in their favour the all- important question, whether the war is to be fought out on French or German soil. It is announced from Metz that a special corre- spondent of the Standard, who had been uncondi- tionally released by order of the Emperor Napoleon, the facts of the case having been laid before his Majesty. The Emperor has also requested it to be made known he relies on tie honour of the English journalists to act with discretion and judgment, wishing, as he does, to preserve the most cordial re- lations with Eng'and. In case of diffiaulty, the correspondents ire to address themselves to the Provost-Marshall. It would appear, therefore: that the representatives of the English press will not now be prohibited from accompanying the French army. The operations on Tuesday against Saarbruck were undertaken with the object of capturing the left hank of the Saar and cutting the railway com- munication between Treves and Neukirchen. This object was effected by a detachment of engineers. A telegram from Coblenz says that 600 men were put hors de combat after the fight at Saarbruck. Many prisoners were brought to Coblenz, and the wounded to Cologne. In the meantime, the French fleet is evidently not idle. Heavy cannonading was heard at Ramsgate on Monday, and we have news of a naval engagement which took place off Cuxhaven, on the coast of Hanover, on Wednesday last, between two French vessels of war and some Prussian gunboats, one of the latter of which was sunk. The King of Prussia in his proclamation to the army says,—"All Germany is in arms against the the Stite which declared war without justifica- tion. The safety is threatened of the Father- land, our Honour and our Healths, and I cheerfully take command of the whole Army.—God will be with our righteous cause. Due ,'e Gramont has issued a reply to Bismarck, re secret treaty. He quotes the words of Bismarck to Prince Napoleon refusing to relinquish the Rhine provinces, and ad-ising the annexation of Belgium by France. He denies that France opened negotiations, and says that Bismarck, whatever other calumnies he may put forward Las for. feited all claims to be believed. Amongst the distinguished Germans who have been summoned to take up arms on behalf of their country are Prince Pless, the purchaser of Blue- gown, and M. Andre, who some time since bought The Colonel. M. Andre has, with praiseworthy patriotism, ma4m, a present of the son of Knight of Kars and Boadicca to the King of Prussia, with the hope that he may b3come his Majesty's favourite charger. The double winner of the Grand National wi:l doubtless soon be called on to give proof whether he can behave as well under fire as across a stiff line of ciuntry.-Spoi-ti)ig Life. It is stated that the late Confi-derate Generals Lee and Beauregard and the U. S. General Philip Sheridan wish to take service in the French army, but that Marshal Lebceaf, in accordance with the rule he has laid down, will not give them per- mission.

BATTLES BETWEEN THE PRUSSIANS AND THE FRENCH. PRUSSIAN VICTORIES. 1. 1701i Turin .o. Prussians and Austrians 2. 1701) jMalpLujuet Prussians, English, and Austrians 3. 1757 Rossbach .Prussians 4. 175S Crefeld Prussians 5. Ii5!! :\IimIel1. Prussians Ii, 1813 Grossbeeren Prussians 7. ua: Dennèwitz, Prussians 8. 181:5 Katzbaeh Prussians n. 1813 Hagelsberg .Prussians 10. 1813 Kulm Prussians, Russians, and Austrians 11. 1813 Wartenburg Prussians 12. 1813 Leipzig Prussians and Allies 13. 1S14 Lrienne (la Ratlierie) Prussians 14. 1^14 Laon Prussians and Allies 15. 1814 Craouin Prussians and Allies lfi. 1814 Arcis aur Auhe .Prussians and Allies 17. 1^14 Montniartre.Prussians and Allies is. 1815 Waterloo .Knglisit and Prussians li). 1815 Wavre .Prussians 20. 1815 Quartre Bras. English and Prussians FIIKXCII VICTOR!KS. 1. 1702 Valmy Prussians and Allies 2. 1 s:Hi Jena and Auerstadt .Prussians 3. 1-(07 Friedland.Prussians and Russians 4. IS 13 Liitzen Prussians and Russians 5. 1814 Montniimil.Prussians (j, 1814 Monterou Prussians and Allies UNDECIDED BATTLES. 1. 1S07 F.ylau Prussians and Russians 2. 1813 n;mt7.eu. ..Prussialls and Russians 3. 1815 Ligny Prussians and Russians 4. 1813 Dresden. No Prussians

The Scotsman War Correspondent says — We have ha 1 a battle on the frontiers, not per- haps to be called great, but not unimportant. Success has gone to the French, and the Prus- sians have had to retire under considerable disadvantages. The disadvantage on the side of Crermanv, howevei, has not been so great but that the combatants may meet again on equal terms a we k hence. THE IMPROVED PRUSSIAN NEEDLE GUN.-The alterations of the needle-gun are very blight. The whole change consists in the insertion of a caout- chouc rin, which does not increase the efficiency, but facilitates the handling of the arm, and in a new cartridge with a smaller ball, and a proportion- ate increase of the thicknes of the case. As the barrel remains the same, both the old and new cartridges may lie employed indiscriminately, the only difference being that the smaller ball would have a wider range than the larger one. A PRUSSIAN Spy DETECTED.—A letter from Nancy to the aiecle says that Prussian spies range round a11 the French posts attired in every imagin- able costume. One was taken in one of the forts of Metz, where he had obtained employment a-; a working carpenter. He was discovered by a curious chance. It seems that one of his fellow-workmen had been employed some years ago at Luxemburg, where he hal been brutally treated by a major in the Prussian army. This man was astonished at tne resemblance which his comra le bore to his old enemy the major. He at length commuuicated his suspicious to --he commandant, who at once pro- ceeded to the spot at which the man was working, and addressed him on the instant with Good morning, major." The major turned pale, stAm- mered, and was at once consigned to prison. PRIURIS,AX TACTICS. — An important light is thrown u)oz Prussian tactics by a letter from Mut enz, near Bile, under date the 27th July, vhici appears in the columns of the Francais. According to the writer, the rec nt official report as to 'he entire free loin from Prussian troops of the country between Constance aud Bale," is a seriou- i-rror. Tueir chief concentration is not, as supposed, >11 the Moselle, bat in that part of Baden which s Bale. A iarge Prussian force is sai I to be concealed iu the Black Forest, near the Swiss ■ rontier, and the whole valley cf the Wiese is full of nl'antry and artil ery. Tne object of this secret con- ce:.tration, which appears to have escaped detection till the eltvo.-itli h-ur, will be evident at a glance. -Vs the Fren'-h army has been massed towards the Prussian an 1 Bavarian frontier, in the area inclosed by Metz Nancy, and Strasbnrg, and is supposed to h, m .rolling in a northerly direction upon the line of the Saar, the country behind them is left coin n-iratively op m to the inroads of an enemy from the 01) ?l to th-t iriro,,t d south-east. This is the very quarter threatened by rhe Prussian ambush in Baden. Tuelr plan would be to awaii the general advance of the French army uovi S'-ieuish Prussia and Bavaria, and then slip in behind Theui, across the Rhine at Huniuguen, or i L t. I t hb some oiber convenient point in that neighbour- hood They 'might then either attack the French amy in the rear, or push on to Hulhouse, in either case compelling a retrograde movement on the part of the Frer-eh, winch could not fail to embarrass them very senousiy.

I PROBABLE PARTICIPATION OF AUSTRIA, ITALY, AND RUSSIA Itf THE WAR. The Vienna correspondent of the Eastern Budget says:-The neutrality of Russia, which that Po wer has declared will only be maintained so long as it may suit her interests, is the chief subject which now occupies the attention of the Austro- Hungarian Government. That Russian interest mast in many contingencies come into collision with those of Austria is evident. The semi- official organs of the Cabinet of St. Petersburg says that it will not abow Prussia to be weakened be- yond a certain point; and if Russia should after a time interefere on behalf of Prussia, this would cer. tainly affect Austrian inierests, for that an en. gagement has be n entered into between the two Powers in view of such an eventuality, there is no doubt. Moreover, it is stated that Prussia has only succeeded in inducing the King of Bavaria to join her in the present war by promising him an increase of territory at the expense of Austria. 1 01lu..h .pnn,-tànp'g it is nnlv ?inftir:il +'hs.af: "& £ IUV*> V» • V—— • — J — Austria should preuare herself for an efficient de- fence of her territories, and also that, in view of the great probability of a Russian intervention, she should look for allies on whom she could rely. Such an ally is Italy. I am enabled to state that th" iifW3 of neeotiat ous between the Cabinets of Vienna and Florence, with the obiet of entering- on a common course ot action in the event of Russia taking the field, is perfectly correct. Italy has made a similar agreement for such an eventuality with France, and Austria would thus be driven, simply by the force of events, into taking thj French side. This League, which is in course of formation, principally with the object of keeping Russia in check, has also, I hear, been joined by Turkey. If England would bring her great in. fluence to bear on the same side, the interests of peace and order on the Continent will certainly triumph.

THE STORY OF A CXIM F, OF CARDS, PLAYED BY BISMARCK, COUNT NES3EL- RODE, AND A FRENCH CONSUL. Appleton's Journal, pub ished in New York. gives currency to the following story :—One hot afternoon in the month of August, 1867, three men sat around a table in a private parlour at the Hotel Darmstadt at Ems, Germany, taking such comfort as they could derive from the juice of the Rhenish grape and a pack of cards. The most conspicuous figure of the group was a large man with a ba:d head, grayish blue eyes, a heavy light-coloured moustache and airs about him that would have done honour to the imperial purple. This personage had even then achieved some fame, and was tolerably well- know to reading people by the name of Bismarck. Next to him sat another bald-headed individual, in- ferior to Bismarck in stature, with a harder of black air about the base of his skull that looked like the rim of au old felt hat (ruthlessly robbed of its crown), condemned to remain there as a ppr- manent fixture. During the Crimean war the father of this man figured at the Cabinet Councils in St. Petersburg as Count Nesselrode, but the son was only known as a clever gamester, and an habitue of the fashionable European watering plaies. The third member of the party was a little fellow (so little that his feet scarcely touched the floor), with dark piercing eyes, swarthy skin, and vivacity enough for half-a-dozen ordinary men. At the time of which we speak he was the French Consul at Stuttgard. All of th m had been partaking freely of wine, and each in turn shuffled the cards with a vim that the generous grape imparts even to the most phlegmatic temperament. The Frenchman, in the interludes of the play, kept up a running fire of conversation, skipping from topic to topic with a facility which only Frenchmen enjoy, until, warm- ing as he went on, he ventured the declaration that France one day would mark her boundary by the Rhine from Basel to the sea. Hundred frederick3 to fifty,' "exclaimed Nesselrode, that she won't.' Done," replied the Frenchman. and let the -ame be the fortune-teller.' I hey shufred the cardland the Frenchman lost. Another wager!' said Nes- selrode, with a glance at Bismarck, who eyed his » •» »i i „j.i two companions calmly, tnouga never ubrcrmg- a word. 'Another wager! Two hundred and fifty that within five years France and Prussia measure swords, and that France yields Alsace and the whole disputed border.' C'est impossible excitedly re- sponded the Consul. Again the cards were shuffled. At the fourth play Bismarck and the Frenchman had each taken two tricks. It was the Russian's lead. He threw the queen of clubs upon the table. King shouted the Frenchman in triumph, as he covered Nesselrode's card, and extended his hand to seize the prize. 'Not so fast,' coolly remarked the Prussian Premier, I believe the game is mine,' and casting the ace, he leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Mon diet&! shouted the dis- comfited player, but cards always were liars;' and unable to conceal the chagrin and excite- ment that overmastered him, he rose from the table and quitted the room. Three jears have scarcely elapsed since the incident here narrated (an ;n,1..mt: whi,,}, Np.flsfilrode told with hearty satis- "I'L" &.0" faction in the Ems cafes that summer); and, now the big cloud of war that his hovered over Europe has burst, the result may prove that the cards were not such liars after all." [It ha3 been r marked upon this that Nes-elrode was not at Ems at the time, and that he was with the French Consul at Stuttgard.]

ENGLISH GUARANTEES TO BELGIUM. The kingdom of Belgium was formed in the year 1831, and was recognised by Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia, and Russia, by a treaty concluded with Leopold, the newly-elected King of Belgium, on the 15th day of November, 1831. This treaty consists of 27 articles, and is sisined on the part of Great Britain by Lord Palmerston, of Austria by Prince Rsterhazy, of France by Prince Talleyrand, of Prussia by Count Bulow, and of Russia by Count Levin. It is al-o signed by Sylvian von de Weyer on the part of Belgium, and by Count Wessenberg aud Count Matterzeion. The treaty was exticuted at London, and is frequently referred to as the "The treaty of London." The first article provides that the Belgian Territory shall be com. posed of the provinces of Sou'h Brahant, Liege, Namur, Hainanlt, West Flanders, East FJanders, Antwerp, and of Limbourg, and of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with the limits specified in article 2. Article 2 describes the limit of Luxembourgh. Article 3 provides that the King of Holland-or, as he is called in the treaty, the King of the Nether- lands—shall receive a territorial indemnity in the province of Limbourg- for a surrender of a portion of Luxembourg. Article 4 describes what that indemnity shall be. Article 5 provides for an arrangement between the King of the Netherlands aud tiie German Confederation with regard to Luxembourg. Article 6 contains a renunciation by Holland and Belgium of all other territories, towns, and fortresses which have been in dispute between the two countries. Article 9 is expressed in the following words— Belgium, within the limits specified in articles 1, 2, and 4, shall form an independent and perpetually neutral state. It shall be bound to observe such neutrality towards all other states." The succeeding articles, from article 7 to article 24, relate to matters of internal arrangement, affect- ing either Balgium or Holland. The guarantee of Great Britain. Austria, France, Prussia, and Russia is contained in article 25, which is as follows The courts of Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia, and Russia, guarantee to his Majesty, the King of the Belgians the execution of ail the preceding articles." There are two other articles after that of the guarantee, but they are merely formal. The one provides for peace and friend-hip between all the parties, and the ratifica- tion of the treaty, which was to he exchanged at London in the space of two months, or sooner if possible. The treaty is described in the last paragraph as done at London the 25th day of November, in the year of our Lord 18 jl." There were other treaties with Belginm, on the 21st May, 1833, and on the 19th April, 1839. The first of these contained the recognition of the inde- pendence of Belgium by the King of Holland. The second defined the boundaries of Belgium and the Netherlands more precisely than had been done in the treaty of 1831. But neither of these treaties repealed or in any way altered the guarantees given by Great Britain, France, Prussia, Austria, and Russia for the fulfilment of all the conditions of the treaty of 1831.

It is stated, on the best authority," by the gtancla,) I. That on Captain Harvey finding the Admira'ity disinclined to purchase the secret of and proprietary rights in his torpedoes, he made offers to Russia. The Government of that country fully alive to the value of Captain Harvey's invention, purchased the secret directions for placing and working these torpedoes, and 100 of the torpedoes themselves. These 100 torpedoes have actually left for Russia." THE DEFENCE OF THE PORT OF LIVERPOOL.— The question of the defences of the port of Liver- pool was brought up on Wednesday at the meeting of the Town Council. The Mayor stated that he had corresponded upon the subject with the local members of Parliament, and bad requested them to brinj the matter under the immediate attention of the Home Secretury. He (the Mayor) had urged that as Liverpool was the second commercial town in the kingdom, and as a large amount of valuable property was constantly deposited there, it should have adequate and permanent protection, both by land and water. Should any threatening move- ment be made on the part of the Fenians, much alarm and inconveiiience m;t-,Ilt he occasioned in consequence of the unprotected state of the town. The correspondence showed that the members for the borough had been in communication with the Home Secretary and Mr Childers, and that the former had given an assurance that in the event of war, Liverpool would be well protected.

I LETTER FROM MR. SPURGEON TO LOUIS NAPOLEON AND KING WILLIAM. In the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's magazine-The Sword and Trowel-for August, we find the follow- ing racy letter from the reverend gentleman to Louis Napoleon and the King of Prussia, in rela- tion to the present war. Mr Spurgeon writes under the sobriqttet of John Ploughman," that being the name ke adopted in a small volume which be published two years ago. It is right to remark that Mr Spurgeon is not here writing in his capacity as a minister of the gospel, but in the character, assumed for the occasion, of a plain ploughman. TO NAPOLEON, EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH, AND I WILLIAM, KING OF PRUSSIA. This comes hoping that you are gjtt'ng better, at least better tampered with one another, though I am much afraid, as the saying is, that you will be worse before you will be better. I beg to send my most disrespectful compliments. Scripture says, .Honour to whom honour is aue but kings who go to wa* about nothing at all liiive no honour due to them. So I don't send you so nine A a- would lay ou your thumb nails. Perhaps you are not both ahke, and only one of you is to blame for beg-inning this dreadful fight; but I do not know your secret tricks, for kings are as deep as foxes, and it is safest to lay it on to you both, for then the right ope will be sure to get it. I should like to give you both a month at our workhouse, and a taste of the crank, to bring your proud spirits down a bit, for I expect it is your high living that has made you so hot blooded. Whatever do you see in fighting that you should be so fierce for it ? One would think you were a cm pie of game cocks, and did not know any better. When two dogs fight one of tli-m is pretty sure to come home lame, and neither of them will look the better for it. Ono or other of you will get a thrash- ing I only wish it would come on your bare backs, and not on your poor soldiers. What are you at ? Have you got so much money that you want to blow it anwy in powder ? If so, come and It off some fireworks down by Dorking, and plea-e our boys. Or hive you too many people, and therefore want to clear them off by cutting their throats ? Why don't you do this in a qui' t way, and not make th"m murderers as well as murdered? I don't think you know yourselves what it is you want; but, like boys with new kn'ves, you must be cutting something. One of you has the gout, and that does not sngar the temper much, and the other is proud about hiving beaten his neighbour; and so you must needs let off your steam by beginning a. murderous war. You are as daft as you are days old if you think any good can come of it. If you think you will get ribands and flags by fighting, you had better buy them at first hand of the dra.pers they will come a deal cheaper, and there will be no u:zly blood stains on them. If you are such great babies you should come to our fair, and buy your- -elves lots of stars and garters, and blue ribands, and the stallkeepers would be glad to serve you. If you must have a fight, why don't you strip and go at it yourselves as our Tom Rowdy and Big Ben did on the green it's cowardly of you to send a lot of other fellows to be shot on your account. I don't like fighting at all, it's too low-livpcl for me; but really if it would save the lives of the millions I would not mind taking care of your jackets while you had a set-to with fisticuffs, and I would encourage you both to hit his hardest at the gentle- man opposite. I dare say if you came over to Surrey the police would manage to keep out of your way, and let you have a fair chai.ce of having it out; they have done so for other gentlemen, and I feel sure they would do it to oblige you. It might spoil your best shirts to have your noses bleed, and I dare say you would not like to strip at all, but there are plenty of ploughmen who would lend you their smock frocks for an hour or two, especially if you would be on your hononr not to go off with them. Just let me know, and I'll have some stick- ing plaster ready, and a basin of water, and a sponge, and perhaps our governors will let Madame Rachel out of gaol, to enamel your eyes, if they get a little blackened. I've just thought of a capital idea, and that h if you will both drop a line to the keepers of tbe' Agricultural Hall, where they have those Cumberland wrestling matches, they would let you have the place for a day, and give you half the takings, and I'll be bound there would be a crowd, and no mistake. So you see you could get dory and ready money too, and nobody would be killed. I like this idea, for then I can get out of my first offer, and can wash my hands of you, and I can truly say the less I see of two such kicking horses as you are the better I shall be pleaded. My uood old grandfather set me against the Bonyparts when I was a boy, but I did think that you, Lewis, were a quieter sort than your uncle however, what is bred in the bone will come out in the flesh, and as the old cock crows the young cock learns. Why you, the King of the Germans, want to go into the butchering line I don't know but if you are at the bottom of this it shows that you are a very bad- disposed man, or you would be ashamed of killing your fellow-creatures. When war begins hell opens, and it is a bad office for either of you to be gate- opener to the devil; yet that's what one of you is, if not both. Did either of you ever think of what war means ? Did you ever see a man's heai smashed, or his bowels ripped open ? Why, if you are made of flesh and blood, the sight of one poor wounded man, with the blood oozing out of him, will make you feel sick. I don't like to drown a kitten; I can't bear even to see a rat die, or any animal in pain. But a man! where's your hearts if you can think of broken legs, splintered bones, heads smashed in, brains blown out, bowels torn, oeiirts gushinsr with gore, ditches full of blood, and heaps of limbs and carcasses of mangled men P Do you say my language is disjusting? How much more disgusting must the things themselves be ? And you irake them! How would you like to get a man into your palace garden, and run a carving- knife into his bowels, or cut his throat ? If you did that you would (lest-rve to be hanged; but it would not be half so bad as killing tens of thou- sands, and you know very well that this is just what you are going to do. Do you fancy that your drums ancl fifes, and feathers and fineries, and pomp, make your wholesale murder one whit the less abominable in the sight of God ? Do not (le-eive yourselves, you are no better than the cut. throats whom yonr own laws condemn better, why you ar* worse, for your murders are so many. Think, I pray you, for your poor people will have to think whether you do or no. Is there so little want in the world that you must go trampling on the harvest with your horses and your men ? Is there so little orrow that you mut make widows by the tliousan-i ? Is death so old and feeble that you must hunt his game for him, as ja-kals do for the lion ? Do you imagine that God made men for you to play soldiers with ? Are they only meain or toys for you to break? 0 kings, a ploughman tells you that their souls are as pr icious in God's siht as yours they suffer as much pain when hullets pierce them as ever you can do; they have hones, and mothers and sisters, and their deaths will be as much wept over aa yours, perh-ips more. How can you sit down to eat when you h ive caused war ? D"e;¡ not the blood rise in your throats and choke you ? Or are you only devils with crowns on ? Creatures who were never suckled at a woman's breast, and therefore have no human feeling ? It will be hard for y.>u to think of the blood you have slied when you lie dying, and harder still to bear the heavy hand of God when he shall ca-t all murderers into hell. Whichever it is of you that has been the wicked cause of this war, I say you smell of blood; you ought to be more hated than the common hangman, and instead of being called his majesty" you ought to be hooted as a demon. You have both made mighty fine speeches, laying all the blame off yourselves; but the worst cause Generally gets the best pleading, for men who can- not walk take to horseback: but all the world knows that wranglers never will own that they are in the wrong, and your words will only go for what they are worth, which is not much. Emperor and King, who are you ? Though the great folk flatter jou, you are only men. Have pity upon your fellow-men. Do not cut them with sword-, tear them with bayonets, blow them to pieces with cannon, and riddle them with shots. What good will it do you ? What have the poor men done to deserve it of you ? You fight for glory, do you ? Don't be such fools. I am a plain-talking English- man, and I tell you the English for glory is -lamna- tion, and it will be your lot, 0 Kings, if you go on cutting and hacking your fellow-uen. Stop this war if you can at once, and turn to some better business than killing men. Set up shambles and kill bullocks for your nations you can then eat what vou slav. and there will be some reason in what you do. Before the deep curses of widows and orphans fall on you from the throne of God, put up your butcher knives and patent men-kiliers, and repent. From one who is no servant of yours, but a Fighter for Peace. JOHN PLOUGHMAN.

THE FRENCH OPINION OF BISMAKCK'S POLICY.-We hear a good deal of M. de Bismarck's proceedings, and at the present moment he is more prominent in the French press and mind than all Prussian generals put together, the King and Von Moltke included. We hear that he is particularly giving his attention to Vienna, whither he has despatched tempting offers to the Government and monster subsidies to tli press. The offers seem to be upon the same principle ns those made to France in 1865-6-upon that, namely, of disposing of what he has not the right, and may never have the power to give. He is very generous at his neighbour's expense, and would be htppy to place Moldo Wallachia, or other Turkish provinces, at the disposal of Vienna. It is here believed that lie is making the most desperate efforts to obtain Austra's support, and that some of his promises are so magnificent as to be explained only by the not unnatural supposition that he is beforehand pre- pared to break them. In pursuance of his design he is said to be freely employing the spoils of Hanover, converted into a secret service fund.— Times Paris Correspondent.

I BRILLIANT VICTORY OF THE PRUSSIANS. I A FRENCH GENERAL KILLED. The Prussians on Thurday report a brilliant but bloody victory achieved by the army of the Crown Prince of Prussia, under the eyes of his royal hisjh ness. The occasion was the storming of Wissem- bourg and of Geis Hill, in the rear of that town. The troops engaged on the German side were regiments of the 5th and 11th Prussian army corps, and the 2nd corps of Bavaria; and on the French side, the division of General Douay, belonging to the corps of Marshal M icmahon. The French were re- pulsed and dispersed, leaving behind their encamp. ments. General Douay was killed, ar.d over 500 unwounded prisoners, including many Turcos, fell into the hands of the Prussians. One piece of artillery was also captured. On the German side General Kircli'oach was grazed by a shot. The King's Grenadier Guards and the 50th regiment suffered severel v-

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. 1- HOUSE OF LUXtOri.—.UOXUAV. The Royal resent wai _livi n by coin in iz..zion to n number of bills, first of which was the In-h Land Bill.—Earl Russel, without having consulted the Government. brought in :t bill to empower the Crown to c 11 out and embody the militia. The bill was read a first time.—The report of amendments on the Education Bdl was a!terwa**ds r-cei ved and agreed to, and several bills were advanced.—Lord Northbrook announced that, steps wouid be taken to arm the volunteers with the Snider rifle. HOU-E OF COMMONS.—MONDAY. I Mr Stansfeld brought up a supplementary estimate of £,UOO,OOO to defray the expense of maintaining the naval and military services during the existence of the present war on the Continent. The estimate provides for an increase of the land forces to the extent of 20,000 men.—Mr Cardwdl. in answer to a question by Mr Osborne, said the supply depart- ments of the army were in a state capable of rapid extension, and fully able to meet the requirements of the service. The reported arrangement for supplying the French 9"et with coal from Newcastle was a.aiu brought under the notii-e of the House in the form of a question from Mr Sfapleton. Mr Gladr-tone replied that he had no official knowledge; of such arrangement. Reference had been made on the subject to the law officers of the Crown, and the opinion given by them had bt en adopted by the Government. It was to the eff, et, th:tt if colliers were chartered for the purpose of attending a belli- gerent fleet, an 1 supplying it with coal for the purpose of enabling it to pursue hostile operations, such colliers would, to all intents and purposes, becomc store ships attached to that fleet, and this fact being established they would b, liable to th- operation of the English law, provided they were in rech, ut.der the provisions of the Foreign Enlist- ment Act. It would be the duty of Government to make searching enquiries into any such case that might be reported.—Mr Disraeli urged upon th' House the importance of giving au exoression of its opinion on the present state of affairs on the Continent of Europe. He referred to the neutrality of Belgium and Luxembourg, and to the fact of the Rhenish Provinces being guaranteed to Prussia under the Treaty of Vienna, expressing an opinion thai; Government had not fully exerted the influence which their engagements gave them. Russia was under similar guarantees, and was anxious for peace. He hoped that this Government, with Russia, would lose no favourable opportunity for intervention. In conclusion, the right hon. gentle- man urged the maintenance of an armed neutrality, and the placing of the army and navy in a state of thorough efficiency. Mr Gladstone, in reply, disputed the fore-, of the argument tha.t this country ought to have appealed to its guarantees. He also resented the expression a,mecl neutrality as unsuited tt) the frien ily relations which had subsisted between this country and the contending powers, and which had not yet been interrupted. He explained the steps which had been taken to prevent any breach of our declaration of neutrality, defended recent reductions in the military and naval departments as involving no loss of real strength, and urged that the position of this country was never stronger than at present. The debate lasted a considerable time, and theu the subject dropped. HOUSE OF LORDS.—TUESDAY. Earl Russell mov. d the second reading of the Militia Acts Amendment Bill, seizing the opportu- nity to call attention to the state of foreign affairs. An attack upon so peaceful and iudu-trious a country as Belgium, he said, would be one of the most wanton outrages of modern times; but he believed that half the present danger would pass away if England would declare that she intended to enforce her treaties, for neither France nor Prussia would desire to bring upon themselves the hostility of Eugland. E irl Granville, in the course of his reply, said that the Government had been in com- munication with other Powers, and before Parlia- ment separated it would be informed of the steps which they h-ul taken, in full rel;ance that, having once declared the obligations and duties of England, no consideration would ever induce them to depart I from them.—The only other matter of importance I I at the sitting was the third reading and passing of I the Education Bill. I HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUESDAY. I Mr V. Harcourt at the morning sitting, aked the Premier if he had any objection to make public the commuiiic ition entered into with France and Prussia, by the late Lord C:are" 'o i a view to induce those Powers to consent to a mutual dis- armament. In reply, Mr Gladstone declined to reveal the correspondence—fi-st, on the ground that Lord Clarendon did not conduct ib in his official capacity, and secondly, because the Government were of opinion that it wonH not be expedient. It was, however, in the competency of the two princi- pals in thj matter to tell their own story if they thought fit. On the loth July, Baron iJrunnow, in his anxiety to preserve peace, made a suggestion to Lord Grauviile that a protocol should be drawn u t by the Great Powers, recognising the rensr.ciation by the Prince of Hohenz >lleru of the Crown of Spain as a suffieien'; and satisfactory settlement of the differences between France and Prussia, but the suggestion was not authcrative, merely a friendly personal eommunicatioH, besides which there was no reason at that time to believe that the act of renun- ciii,ti(n would not be suffiieitt to t-raiiina,e the controversy. Mr Gladstone added that he did not think a combined remonstrancti to Frauce and Prussia would now have any effect exc,-pt that of exasperation. What her M 'jesty's Government proposed to do was to watch the course of events, and to avail them-elves of any opportunity which might occur to act in the in erests of pf-ace.-A question put by Sir H. L. Dulwer elicited a long statement from Mr Gladstone, in explanation of the policy of the Government in reference to the Greek massacres. The right bun. gentleman gave the satisfactory assurance that, come what might, her Majesty's Government would not forget what was due to the rights and feelines of this country. It would be their duty, he said, to obtain pecuniary satisfaction from the Greek Government for Mr3 Lloyd.—From a statement made by Mr Cardwell, it appears that the army, with one or two Indian exceptions, are armed with the Snider rifle, and that steps are being taken to gradually phice the same breech-loader in the hands of the volunteers.—The vote to increase the land forces by 20,000 men, was, after some discussion, carried by l61 to 5. At the evening sitting, the supplementary estimate of < £ •00^,000 was agreed to. HOUSE OF I On the order of the day for resuming the debate on the second reading of the Sale of Liquors on Sunday Bill, an amendment was moved by Aiderinan Lawrence that the bill be read that day three montli-i, and was agreed to without a division —Mr Loch withdrew the G-ime Law* (Scotland) Bill. —The Lords' amendments to tha Married Women's Property Bill were agreed to with some modifica- tions.—Following up the mode of dealing with the bill for regulating the sale of liquors oil Sundays, the House negatived, without a division, a motion to go into Committee on the Sunday Trading Bill. -In answer to a question the Secretary to the Admirulity stated that it was not intended to add to the number of seamen iu our Lavy, which was already lull manned.—Attention having been called to the exportation of horses, allegtd to be at the rate of one thousand per day, Mr Curd well admitted that the price of horses had gone up, and feared also that the rates of fodder and articles used extensively by belligerents would increase.—After the transaction of some other business, the House adjourned shortly before six o'cock. HOUSE OF LORDS. -TiiUrSDAY. A number of bills were read a third time and rassed, and others were advanced a stage. Lord Northbrook introduced a bill for empowering the Crown to embody the miltr). by PI'. cla.mat:on, in the event of a great national emerjf^iicy. T; e uiil also provides for the as-cm bling of Pari ament on ten days' notice, si ould it be necessary to embody the midtia during the recess. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—THURSDAY. There was another batch of quetions and notices of questions on war matters. Mr Otwily, 111 re¡.ly to Mr T. B. Potter, declined to have copies of the treaty of Paris of 1815 reprintel. He added that for the last eighteen yeirs the treaty which excluded the Buonaparte family had been practically a dead letter. The throne of France was a matter for the consideration of the French alone.— The second reading of the Ecclesiastical Titles Act Repeal Bill provoked a long discussion and much opposition. Eventually the spc'md reading was agreed to by 111 votes against 34.—The Foreign Enlistment Bill was thea considered. Mr Inwthcr moved that the m kinty and export of arms an i ammunition should be included in the prohibitory clause. The amend- ment was opposed by the Government, and rejected by 90 to 29. Mr Monk moved the addition to the shipping prohibition clause of sidl, or contracts to sell," but th:s was negaied by 67 to 36. The bill, as amended, was then areed to.- The Lords' amendments to the Education Bill were then dis- cussed and disposed of, aud the bill rassed.

QUARTERLY RETURN OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN NORTH WALES. The Registrar General's return that has just been published relates to the marriages recorded in the three months ending 31st March last, and to the biiihs and deaths recorded in Abe past Jano qnarter. The report may be briefly epitomised by saying that the 36 506 marriages returned repre- sent a rate of 13.5 per 1000 persons living, against an average rate of 14.0 for the ten previous winter quarters that the 203,485 bhths represent a rate of 37 per 1000, which is somewhat above the average rate and that the 121,14G deaths itt the land yield a rate of 22 per 1000, which does not exceed the average of the season. But if the death rate does not exceed the average of the season, it mnst not be supposed hastily that the current report is altogether of a satisfactory description. Indeed, it is far from this, for a cursory examination of the returns shows that the deaths now returned are 711G in t-xceas of the average of the three previous spring quarters, and from the valuible local repoits which are pnblished so speedily at the General Register Office, it appears that zymotic diseases of the wort forms have been actively at work in our midst in the past quarter. Tims, it will he found that out of the 121,246 dentils from all causes, 110 less than 146 were due to small-pox. If this dreadful disease is capable of bt-ing stamped out," it is sad to see such wholesale destruction of life as this denotes. Then, too, scarlet fever caused 5973 deaths fever, 3524; diarrheal, 2103; measles, 2237; and whooping cough, 3013. The gieat prevalence of scarlet fever gives rise to much serious thought; when it is considered how highly contagious this disease is, it is marvellous it does not spread with greater rapidity than it does aud become little short of a plague. As has been shoNn 5973 fa:al cases have been returned, hut if the thousands of non- fatal cases were returned as well, wh ) can say what would be the total ? In short, the present return, like so many of its predecessors, teaches the old. lesson that nothing but the greatest care on the part of every one will ensure a good state of the public health. Sanitary laws, however, are little studied by the people, and yet surely there is no subject more worthy of their best consideration. It is reported that 614 births were recorded in the district or union of Wrexham in the past Jun& quarter. The average of the three previous corres- ponding quarters is 588, so that the birth rate has been well sustained. There were 315 deaths registered in the district of Wrexham in the past quarter. The three previous June totals stand 256, 258, and 854, yielding an average of 289, so that the deaths now returned are in excess of the average rate. It is satisfactory to find, however, that this does not appear to have been caused by zymotic diseases* taken altogether, for only 17 deaths, or five per cent. of the whole number, come under this head, whereas the per centage for England and Wales is 15. Two cases of measles, one of diphtheria. tune of whooping cough, seven of faver, and four of diarrhoea are reported. Twenty cases were- entered on the information of the coroner, repre- senting for the most part violent forms of death, and 13 deaths in public institutions are also re- turned. Of the 315 deaths at all ages, 70 were those of infants under one, while 67 were adults at 60 and upwards. The deaths in the sub-district of Hope are much below the average rate, and they inc:ude one by diphtheria, one by fever, and one by diarrhoea. Of 22 deaths in Holt, two were due to measles and one to diarrhoea. In Kaabon, 110 deaths were entered, or 21 more than the average. Here whooping cough caused two deaths, fever four, and diarrhoea one. The 124 deaths in Wrexham sub-district are 13 in excess of the average of the three previous June returns. This return includes twelve deaths in the workhouse, and as to age it appears that 25 were under one, and 26 at 60 and upwards. The only zymotia- diseases reported are whooping cough, one j fever, two; and diarrbcei, one. The present return may be safely said to be a fair average one. Ihe deuths were somewhat numerous, but, as if to atone for this, zymotic diseases were by no manner of means fatal in the union. The following table gives further particulars respecting the births and deaths recorded in the past quarter :— (C *3 9J K i.2 H 11 hÕ .0 .s 72 -¡, Xl. tIJJ Sub-Districts 5H scg g-So Wrexham Uuion. "2 s 5 u -Xi = < ? 11 2 r-4 E õ => ;a- 0 g = S'g ;;¡. ,<,1 Z = = WO Hope 13121 2(1303 146 59 17.9 Holt. 4:517 2U!W9 44 22 20.3 Ruaholl. 177tit; 15WM 224 110 24.7 Wrexham, w 21457 14754 200 124 23.1 7JS5P2 614 315 22.2 NOTE.—W denotes that a Workhouse is situated in this sub-district, and therefore the annual rate of mortality is higher than it would be otherwise, in con- sequence of many deaths being entered there which, properly belong to other places. During the past quarter there were 3839 births recorded in the whole of North Wales. The three previous June returns yield au average of 3744, so that it would appear that the birth rate in this division of the land has been well sustained. The deaths of 2214 persons were also recorded in North Wales in the past quarter and here the three previous totals give an average of 2469 j hence the deaths are happily 253 below the estimate. It is also satisfactory to find that the deaths by the chief zymotic diseases were few in number. Only 12 cases of measles, 17 of scarlet fever, 18 of diphtheria, 13 of whooping cough, 58 of various fevers, and 17 of diarrhoea, are returned as having been recorded in North Wales in the past quarter. The only districts or unions in North Wales where the deaths exceed the average of the three previous returns are Wrexham, Ruthin, Bila and Dolgelly. The births and deaths in North Wales are set out in the following table:— S 3= "Sri S ? M ?i. ?' h. .2 s S D!?r:et?;uXorth 5 i?'S?S'g??? W?M. '-3 K 3 ? 3='? S 5 S i5. -?=- '3- "Sis .3 a S.c-. us B? ? « <: R A MONTGOMERYSHIRE 62 4 Xewtown 2:17:12 21!) 142 127 8 Montsromerv 1!)0!I7 177 1*7 79. 6 Llanfyllin -ilUiti) 17 lOG 10:5 4 Fia.NT.sinitK: Holywell 301)41 415 267 193 25 DEMUGHSIHKK Wrexham -1ïlïj til4 289 315 17 Ruthin liiDSli 134 84 8X 14 St. Asaph 2751 206 162 1,,7. 5 Llanrwst 12770 100 69 62 7 MKIUONKTIISIIIIU': Corwen 10107 133 90 70. 4 Bztl;t 0352 45 35 37 I Dolgelly 124-S2 132 73 82 2 Festiniog 1S2S9 222 135 121 6 CARWliYOXSlIIRR f).f, 5 Carnarvon 32125 :9 23!) ]$12. 7 lianjror 3ti3D!) 310 207 1S1 9 71 2 ANGLESEY: 212 lRO 9 These districts are generally identical with the Poor- Law Unions of the same names. The returns of births and deaths for the Eliesmere and Oswc-stry Unions for the same period are as follows 233 147 155 13 Eliesmere 141)11 114 02 84 12

BOWLS.—A match at bowls between members of the Eliesmere and members of the Llangollen clubs was arranged for Thursday week at Elies- mere but through some misunderstanding the Llangollen gentlemen did not put in au appear- ance. A sweepstakes were entered upon, which, after some excellent play, fell to Mr S. Lea, Dr. Jloorhouse bein^ second. The players and a number of friends afterwards repaired to the bndgwater Arms, and partook thereof a snmptlloas snread, preparedly Mr and Mrs Wright. Mr. K. G. Salter psesided. A very pleasant evening was s-ierit.

HOT )\FATF-R-—Excessively hot weather, so trying to Ileloilitatc11 constitutions, is speedily counteracted, and nervous exhaustion and its consequences removed by the use of Pulvermacher's Patent Self-applicable (talvanic Chain Hands, Belts, ore. Their nvKiiti operandi i> most cllnvindngly demonstrated in a pamphlet Nature's Chief Restorer of Impaired Vital Energy '? and well suppf?rted hy a vast number of t"til.onials of cures, and favourable opinions of the scientific press' viz., Dr. Pereira's "Materia Medica," 4th edition; Dr. l';iiiiiei-'s llr:t(-tice of Medicine," Stli edition and Dr Hautield Jones ''On Nervous and Functional Disorders Are. Post-free on application to J. L. Pulvermacher. 200, Recent-street, London, W. 149ge HOIJ-OWAY'S PIUS afford instant relief. IndisesUn? elves rise to a large sl?re of the maladies of m.?Hn? it occasions more nusenes than the doctor knows n?< for. Jndujesti.m springs from many causes over^ Hollow-ay's Pills exercise the most perfect contr™ol!i They act at once on tbe stomach, lirer WeK 'I'he' Let It Once on the stomarh, liver, howels and kidneys, and correct their torpid, defective or dttilfa~ ordered f unctions. They rpsto'?reth? appetite l strengthen the feeble stomach, and spare ?'? ?P?!te, .Stl,eli."t'Llk?ll tIlt2 fi-It-lile ,t()111, 'lcli, ,'til(I 4pare tile dN-sl)el)tiC sick -!ie: t?laclie, 'an d 111-?iliv torill('Iltg. ""?y recall every or,:tn to a tnl sense  i? ) I?- S'?? way's Pills have with ia..itv" r?r?- HpUo- 'ay H s :a\'e, \;I I:lI'lhty cnrl cases of 11:111 diges- tion which had ex'sced for a !.m t ne .? ? ??M?e'd much medical skill. They -?e ,.?r.) '? remedM. for all varitie, of indigestion.

————- I TO MY ENTOMOLOGICAL FlUEXD. My sonsie brither Galloway, Received your rhyme on entomology Upon our gleesome holiday, For tardy writing greet my apology. In merry plight your mothy fun My bivalves well-nigh cracked, To think the ghostly creatures' run By treacle's charms were tracked. My brains exploded in a roar To hear they sipped your rum in nightly revels Then 'scaped your plot, they gaily soar, Aud laughed at your blue devils." But cannie man 1 and hark mv clatter, In far spun days, Auld Clootie did arrest His game like flies on grocers' paper. The secret try no need to shy your next. By hocus pocus, poodles wigs, prea(I while 'kerchiefs broad and wide, I Set your bait of rotten apples, Turkey Has, Then teutie throw your net astride. To wait for moths I'm unco loth, Since agues and 'tics and 'isms, man, Swim in the mists that gives you troth To tish the fly I'd rather fly the rish, man. But butterflies and sunny skies Have greater charms beyond compare nizin dusky moths and murky nie" That skim and prey in midnight air. The flowery banks, the woody dales, The moss-clad rocks, the reedy stank, The rippling streams, the ferny vaies, The licliened walls of ruins rank. There sits Flora There sits love enshrined, Inviting all to come and sip Of beauty, nectar, love and joy combined, With hearts entranced to holy worship. But haud awee, your rhyme's on test, No spleen, I hope, will follow my opinion I 'Tis like your moth you trap at rest. To see the light it flutters in confusion. I trust you'll mend my brither poet, And nae tak* stilts to pree the muses ir. ou', But bide her coo, and she'll enjoy it. For Gear that's gart is ill to grow." But bide a bit, I'm off the track, You bade run, in mothy poem, May you be sane and meat no lack, Is aye the wish of brither P. M. Wynnstay, July 2Sth, 1870.