The Sun. — London, England, 1846-09-03 00:00:00

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE. NORTHERN ClRCUlT.—Liverpool, Sept. 1. (Before Mr. Justice CRESSWELL and a Special Jury.) GERARD, BART. V. MUSPRATT. This was an action brought by Sir John Gerard, Bart., to recover damages for the injury alleged to have been sustained by him from the alkali works of the defendant, situated near Newton, adjoining the Liverpool and Man chester 4ailway, in this county. The *'al occupied the whole of yesterday and the greater part of to-day. The tall chimney of the defendant's works is a strik ing landmark at the junction of the Liverpool and Bir mingham Railway with the Liverpool and Manchester, and well known to all travellers on the line. Mr. Martin, Mr. Crompton, and Mr. Cowling, ap peared for the plaintiff ; Mr. Sergeant Murphy, Mr. Brandt, and Mr. I'ashley for the defendant. Mr. MARTIN stated the case to the jury, and gave the substance of the evidence as it afterwards appeared from the testimony of the witnesses. The plaintiff, he said, was a baronet, whose family was of very old standing in the country, and he resided at New Hall, near the defendant's premises, where he occupied the family seat; one which had descended to him from his an cestors, and which they had, through a long series of years, embellished and improved. Mr. Muspratt, the defendant, had formerly been the proprietor of certain alkali works in Liverpool, but had been obliged to remove from thence, in consequence of indict ments which were preferred against him for a nuisance, and had established his works at Newton, adjoining the Sankey Canal. Very shortly after he commenced the manufacture complaints were made by the neighbours of the injury which they sustained. Actions were com mented ; but in consequence of the expression of a very strong opinion by scientific men, that means existed of preventing the injury complained of, legal proceedings were stayed. Mr. Muspratt raised his chimney to an enormous height, and the result of this was that the gas, which dd the mischief, being emitted into the air at a greate c r i Peight, it travelled further before it reached the grotto : In consequence the plaintiff, among others, was4njured by it. The gas emitted was muriatic acid gas. 'lt had a great affinity for water—on a damp day it combined with the moisture in the atmosphere, and, being carried along by the wind, came in contact with the trees and hedges, and condensed upon the leaves anti branches. Its immediate effect was to destroy the leaves ; the bark then became affected, and the final result was to destroy the trees altogether. Up to the time of the establishment of these works there were an plantations more healthy titan those of Sir John Gerard. He would show, that since their establishment they had been injured to an enormous extent, he would trace that injury to the vapour emitted from Mr. Muspratt's chim ney, and would then claim at the hands of the jury an ample remuneration for the damage which had been sustained. William Daniels—l am gardener to Sir John Gerard, ati'd was also gardener to the lite Sir John. It is my duty to look after the gardens, and the timber as well. I entered the service of the family when, I suppose, from seventy to eighty acres of plantations were laid out; and for some time the timber continued in a flourishing con dition. In the years 1837 and 1838 I perceived some thing going wrong with the timber. The shoots began tts be less luxurious, and in the winter they died of This effect has continued up to the present time, and is paisticularly observable upon all the trees which face the chimney. I was at first unable to account for the cir cumstance; but in 1838, '39, and '4O, I examined, with other persons, different woods belonging to the plaintiff. In 1840 I examined the woods at New Hall, with Mr. Whalley, and found them very bad facing the chimney, which lies S.E. of New Hall. Some of them perished every year. Those that were struck we cut down. Such trees as were sheltered were not so bad as those ex posed to the works. The alders and sycamores stood best. The oaks were very bad. Generally, in that part of the country, the trees were most luxurious on the south side; but now they are best on the north side. Since 1840 we have cut down many thousand trees, from one hundred years of ancient wood to five years. The bark of those facing the chimney has perished, that on the other side is better. Ordinarily the vapour comes out of the chimney about a yard in breadth, and on a foggy day it settles on the woods like a sheet. I observed the vapour twenty-six times in 1841. In 1843, 1844, and 1845 I observed it frequently, but did not make memorandums. In 1846, from January to the 30th of June, I felt it thirteen times. On the 21st of March last the smell was very bad from the chimney, it smelt all day in the canal wood. The weather was thee: foggy. There are three woods in the vicinity of Sir John's house. and also a young plantation. There are besides the Vista plantation and the Haydock boun dary plantation. The woods are now in a very bad state. In cross-examination, the witness stated that many collieries have of late been opened in the neighbour. hood. There ate also gas works. Twelve or fourteen chimneys have been erected since 1822. There are other alkali works in the peighbourhood. Has not ob served the effect of the vapour upon the fruit trees or flowers. There is a clover field outside the boundary of. one of the injured plantations, lying between it and the defenUchimney, which is in a luxuriant state. There are a er of rabbits on the estate. The estate is strictly preserved. On re-examination, the witness said that they had taken 500 trees out of a plantation called the Town Field plantation last year. Had to take a great many dead trees out off the woods every year since the china ney was erected. James Unsworth—l am a joiner and builder living near Sir John's plantations. I have resided there for the greater part of my life. I have been employed since 1816 on Sir John's estate as a joiner, and have been also employed as a timber valuer there. In 1816 the woods and plantations were very healthy. There was some fine, old, full-grown timber there, above one hundred yleaas old, and eighty feet high. The estate was then very well stocked; the soil was good, and everything ap peared in good health, until the years 1836-7, when I observed the timber decay both in the tops and the foliage. The tops became dead. The middle part of the large timber, which was exposed to the vitriol chimney, became of a brownish colour, and the hark would not feed. I then attributed this change to the vitriol works. The small timber decayed in pretty much the same manner as the large. The effects have been worse since 1839. Up to 1829 I valued the timber; since then I have been a purchaser almost every year. I have purchased altogether about 1,200/. or 1,4001. worth. The trees which have been cut down were in a bad state. A great many of ahem had not arrived at their proper growth. They were cut down because they were de cayed. Alder, sycamore, and some beech have escaped; ash, oak, and elm partially; poplar, willow, Stc., have been most injured. The greatest injury has been done on the south-west side—the side facing the vitriol chimney. James Foster, a gamekeeper to Sir John Gerard, was mext examined—He stated that his bnsiness led him to go a good deal through the woods upon the New Hall estate. Knew Mr. Muspratt'e chimney very well. Had seen Ale vapour rising from it on many occasions. It had a very disagreeable smell, and affected the eyes very much indeed. It was worst upon damp foggy days and at night. lied tracked the vapour fur a consider able distance among the plantations. Remembered par ticularlvobse- ;ng it on the night of the 2d of Nov ember last. 'file wind was then blowing from the cast as near as he could think, and the vapour was then on the Smithy wood very strong and thick. Was sure that it came from Mr. Muspratt's chimney. Remembered also observing the vapour very strong at New Hall on the 21st of January, about nine o'clock in the morning. When he first saw it he was going from the house to the stables, pot thinking anything at all about the vapour, anal he smelt it very strong. Went then into the field -near the Big Oak wood, where he could see Mr. Mus• pratt's chimney. Saw the vapour coining from it from iaffie o'clock until eleven. Saw it coming in the direction of the wind, and tracked it amongst the trees of the Waggon Saw it aga'n on Feb. 21. Was at th e - Waggon load plantation, and saw the vapour rising from the chimney, and settle amongst the trees of that plan tation. It was very strong, and made him cough a good deal. ;Had lived with Sir John Gerard fifteen years. The woods were always very healthy before the establishment of these alkali works. The trees had been getting worse every year for the last five or six years. The young trees and the old ones were equally affected by the vapour. A great quantity of trees had died dur ing that time. A great many trees had also been cut down in consequence of the injury they had sustained. In cross-examination, the witness denied that the wood called Smithy wood was very wet. He examined it by digging there lately, but it was after wet weather. there was then a good deal of water apparent. Rabbits and hares bark young trees a little when there is snow on the ground. On re-examination, he said that both in the wet land and the dry the tres had looked well before the erec tion of the alkali w7rks. The trees were generally too seld to be injured by game. .Joseph King—Was agent to the Gerard estates, and in the habit of going over them twice a year. Had done so for upwards of 30'years. There was a good deal of ornamental timber about New Hall estate. When he first knew it the timber was all in very good condition and very healthy. It was very different from what it was now. There had been h great change in it during the last five years. Had observed the woods par ticularly about three weeks ago. The leaves of most of the trees were considerably discoloured. The tops were stag-horned, th a t i s , w i t h out fol i age at all, and the branches standing up like bare spikes. Had particu larly noticed an oak of about twenty years' growth, - which was about 40 or 50 yards from the drawing -roots -witido4, within the gar d en - wall. A great many leaves twere lying under that tree quite parched up. had not the least doubt the injury was caused by these alkali works, and was not owing to the dampness of the soil. H at t observed the same effect; upon two poplars at Ever ton, caused some time since by Mr. Muspratt's weeks.; in Vauxhall-road. On cross-examination, the witness stated that Sir J o hn Gerard had an extensiv.3 colliery on his own estate. The !mrolce from this went on the trees. Ge butler to Sir John Ger ar d. H a d , Lyne lived with him thh•teen years. Find seen the vapour from Mr. Muspratt's c'iliuney about the house. Th e windo w of the dining-room opened on the side of the house .!acing the works. Hal observed frequently that the knives became tarnished after being laid for dinner, and al to the brass work in the room was often tarnished by the admission of the vapour when the window was open. Had frequently observed the vapour. The smell of it was very pungent and disagreeable. Did not go much about the fields, but had observed several trees in the neighbourhood of the house quite dead. Mr- William South, a surveyor of the roads ; Mr. Willi am. Mercer, a surveyor and land agent, living at IsTewt.ox ; Mr. W. R o th we ll , agent to the Rev. Mr. Horn'by, rector of Winwick ; Mr. William Kerfoot, farm, in the parish of Winwick ' - Mr. Rich ar d Nor man, a farmer at Newton ; and Sir. John Ward, a cow keeper at St. Helen's, bore testimony to the appearance and effect of the vapour from the chimney. It could be TILE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 3, 1846. traced from the chimney among the woods. It was white, and very pungent, producing coughing, and causing the eyes to smart. They imputed the decay which was visible among the trees on Sir John Gerard's estate and the neighbourhood solely to its influence. Mr. Thomas Green—Resided at Arvistock, in Den bighshire, and had followed the business of a timber surveyor nearly fifty years. Was called upon in the year 1840 to survey the damage done to the trees on Sir John Gerard's property, and again at Midsummer last. The trees were very considerably more injured than in 1840. He believed the soil was favourable to the growth of timber. Had observed the position of Mr. Muspratt's chimney; the trees most exposed to it were the most demsged. A great number of them were absolutely killed. The bark was also much injured. There were many thousands of the trees affected. He had no doubt the injury was done by the vapour from the alkali works. The trees that showed the effects of it now would die in a few years if the cause continued. He made a valuation of the injury done. The injury actually done to the present time amounted to 5,8251. 125., without including any prospective damage at all. Ile had no doubt that if the works remained every tree would be destroyed. Had made the valuation in company with Mr. Whalley; it occupied him four weeks. The witness stated, that in forming this estimate he had taken every tree which seemed to him to be damaged. Mr. Joseph Whalley confirmed the evidence of the preceding witness. Mr. Adolphus Manbert, land agent to Sir John Gerard, gale similar testimony as to the decay of the plantations. William Reynolds, Esq., M.D., examined by Mr. MARTIN—Was a lecturer on chemistry, and had be stowed a great deal of attention to the study of che mistry. Was generally acquainted with the nature of the articles manufactured by Mr. Muspratt. There was undoubtedly a noxious vapour arose from the manufac ture of alkali, but when the apparatus was easefully constructed, the escape of vapour was to some extent prevented. The gas emitted was muriatic acid gas, which had a strong affinity to water or damp. On issuing from a chimney such as Mr. Muspratt's, it would have, in damp weather, the appearance of thin white smoke. It would depend in a great measure upon the state of the atmosphere as to whether it would fall at a short distance or be conveyed to a greater distance. In a dry atmosphere it would perhaps float a distance of four or five miles before falling near to the earth. The moisture given out in the manufacture of the material was un doubtedly noxious and injurious to vegetation. It had a strong pungent smell, and made the eyes smart. It likewise affected respiration a little. Its effects upon the leaves of trees would be, when weak, to turn them brown, and when strong, to curl them up and make them crimp. Leaves were certainly essential to the health of trees; without them they would soon die. He had been over the plantations of Sir John Gerard's estate, There were a vast number of trees injured to a great extent. He could suggest no other cause for the injury they had sustained than the gas emitted from the manufactories of alkali in the neighbourhood. Cross examined by Mr. Sergeant MURPHY—The effects he had seen were only to be attributed to the noxious gas from the alkali works. It was not possible for him to assign any other cause. If the quantity of gas evolved from the chimney were only as one cubic foot to 10,000 cubic feet of air, he did not think it would have any effect upon vegetation at all. He could not say to what extent the gas would be diminished in its passage through a flue of 500 feet in length, and a chimney of 300 feet in height, having also to pass through a descending current of water. He did not know whether, after floating through the air for two miles and a half, its strength would be decreased or ren dered innocuous; it depended, no doubt, to a great ex tent, upon the state of the atmosphere at the time. He thought grass was less susceptible of its influence than the leaves of trees, as the former was always growing. He should think it probable that, if a strong volume of the gas was to pass over a field of grass its abets might be visible; but of course it depended, in a great mea sure, upon its strength, and the length of time it re mained. Did not think that plants were quite so sus ceptible as trees, the latter being much higher. The flowers might be affected, and yet the plant not be in jured. By Mr. MARTIN—Was aware that means had been tried to condense this gas, and prevent its escape alto gether, but he believed they were ineffectual as to the entire prevention. The body of gas was too powerful to be overcome by the water through which it was caused to pass in its passage up the chimney. As far as his experience went, he had never known any means effectual in preventing the escape of muriatic gas. John Lindley, Esq., examined by Mr. MARTIN—Was a professor of botany in the University College of Lon don, and vice-secretary of the Horticultural Society ; had devoted a considerable number of years to the study of botany. Had examined the timber on the estate of Sir John Gerard. Had found a great number of trees dead. Had examined the soil in places, and found it very good land ; had done so in places where there were trees actually dead and dying. Trees seffering from damp exhibited an entirely different appearance. Their leaves and bark were preyed upon by numbers of insects. He had examined several of the trees carefully, but they bore no evidence of having been injured in that manner. The injury at its outset was most apparent at the extre mities of the upper branches. He had observed in many instances that that side of a tree which was pre sented towards the alkali works was more injured than the opposite side. The alkali works of Mr. Crossfield as well as those of Mr. Muspratt had been pointed out to him. He had also particularly noticed six Scotch fir trees, which, from their age, must have been at one time very healthy. They were planted on a hill in the form of a lozenge. The one immediately fronting to wards Mr. Muspratt's works was quite dead. The two behind it were dying ; and the other three, which had in some measure been protected by them, were comparatively uninjured. This had struck him as a remarkable case, and he had, therefore, particularly noticed them. The muriatic acid gas emitted from the manufacture of alkali was well known to be injurious to trees and vegetation generally. The trees he saw had undoubtedly been affected by it. He had no doubt the appearances he had witnessed amongst Sir John Gerard's woods were solely to be attributed to the noxious vapours in the atmos phere, and not to any natural causes. Wherever the trees had been protected, by being in hollows or other wise, they were at present uninjured ; but if the alkali works were continued to be carried on, he had no doubt all the trees on the estate would be even tually destroyed. - Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant MURPHY—The stag-headed appearance of some of' the trees, such as had been described, might sometimes be caused by defects at the roots. It was a common result in bad soils. Could not say whether apple trees were very susceptible of injury from the effects of the vapour. He had noticed that oak and ash trees were affected soonest. If flowers were subjected to the vapour they would doubtless be destroyed, although the plant might not be injured. If the vapour that passed over a .lover field in bloom was sufficiently strong, it would no doubt destroy it. It was not possible to say what strength would be necessary unless by actual experiment. By Mr. MARTIN—He had seen no appearance of bad soil on Sir John Gerard's estates that would cause the stag-headed appearance to trees which had been sp , ken of. By the JUDGE —Had seen no natural causes which could account for the injury done to the bark of many trees he had examined. Had particularly noticed a beech tree that was somewhat exposed towards Mr. Crossfield's chimney. On the side which faced it the bark was rendered quite hard, and very difficult to be peeled off, while on the opposite side of the tree there was no apparent injury done. There might have been some very few instances of a tree being diseased, when the others around it were in a comparatively healthy state, but it generally happened that three or four trees near together were all alike affected. Mr. Sergeant MURPHY then proceeded to address the jury, and went through the evidence adduced in sup port of the plaintiff's case, contending that the suppo sition that this injury had been caused by the vt , nour from the defendant's chimney was inconsistent wi.h 4 1.1 e fact of the flowers and grass remaining uninjured, and isolated trees being affected, not whole clumps, as might be expected if the plaintiff's case were true. The neigh bourhood, too, was full of chimneys, some of them on the plaintiff's own estate, which were always pouring forth gases, which more or less might affect vegetation. It would be shown by a great mass of evidence that farms more exposed to these vapours than Sir John Ge rard's estate were wholly uninjured ; that the decay of the woods on that estate was referable to peculiarities of soil, to bad draining, and neglect, and by the evidence of scientific men, that the vapours emitted from the de fendant's chimney were incapable of producing the effects alleged. Thomas Tehay—l have for several years been the steward and agent of Mr. Baggs, at Winstanley, ad- joining Sir John's. I was requested to make an ex amination of Sir John's woods and plantations in August last. I made it. It lasted three days, and was a very minute survey. At Smithy-wood there are ex tensive plantations. The oak, ash, elm, beech, and other forest trees there are healthy and well managed. The trees in the other part of the park are withered at the top from injuries from storms and effects of wet soil. There was no appearance of external causes having produced this effect. [A report made by the witness of the state of the other woods was put in and read. The purport of it was to show that the trees were generally hellthy and foliage luxuriant.] Where trees had been affected they consisted chiefly of single trees amongst others. I think there was not a tree upon the estate the decay of which might not be attributed to natural causes. It appeared, on the cross-examination of this witness, that twelve or fourteen years ago he attended as the representative of Mr. Baggs at a meeting, held at New ton, the object of which was to indict Mr. Muspratt for a nuisance. Jonathan I3inns—l live at Lancaster, and am a sur veyor and valuator. I have been conversant with timber for yettr. I surveyed Sir John Gerard's estate in company with the last witness, and have embodied the result of my observations in a report. [Report put in and read. ibis report also represented the trees to be healthy and luxuriant. He attributed the decay of some of the trees to the want of thinning and draining.] John Shaw—l am a landscape gardener, and made the survey of Sir John's estate in company with the last two witnesses. Dampness of the soil, I consider, has affected the ash and oalc trees. The lower ground is defective in point of drainage in many parts, and that would pro duce unhealthiness in woods. The trees exposed to the north-west winds were very much dead; the trees on the opposite side were healthier. Natural causes, aris ing from bad management, have produced much of the decay. . - Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN -_The appearance of moss and lichen is not an indication always of the un soundness of a tree caused by a wet soil. Our survey lasted three days. The first was wet in the morning; the second was fine; and he third was very wet towards evening. The soil was saturated with wet. There are two clumps of trees on the New Hall estate, which have recently been transplanted, and they are (lead and dying. The ash are the most unhealthy trees, gene rally speaking, on the estate. They are generally in jured. The oaks are sickly, but not to the extent of a quarter. Mr. William Henderson and Mr. Henry White, land surveyors, gave similar testimony At the conclusion of their testimony the Court ad journed till this morning. At the sitting of the Court, the first witness examined was Mr. Samuel Curtis, who said that he had been en gaged in the nursery business for fifty years, during a great portion of which time he had been with the Duke of Newcastle. He had near 4,000 acres of wood land under his management, and about 20,000 acres altogether of meadow, arable, and wood land. Was at present iu the employment of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, engaged in laying out the Victoria Park, in London. Had had considerable experience in the plant ing of trees. Surveyed the woods of Sir John Gerard last week, and took particular notice of the different plantations. Went through the Haydock boundary plantation. The surface of that part towards Mr. Mus pratt's works was very healthy. Went into New Hall wood. Saw the butt-end of a large beech tree that had been cut down near to the boundary wall. It was in a direction facing Mr. Muspratt's works. The general appearance of the woods in the neighbourhood of New Hall show of good health. The foliage on either side of the canal was very good. Saw a few trees which were rather bare at the roots, which could not be ex pected to• look healthy : they were a few which had formerly stood upon banks. Examined the garden, and thought the appearance of it very flourishing, but only observed it from the terrace. Many of the woods were deficient in drainage. A hole which had been previously dug was full of water, although it was a dry season. There was also a good deal of dry land, where the trees did not flourish in consequence of the strong and rubbly nature of the soil. The root had penetrated as far as the soil was good, and when they had decayed for want of sustenance, the trees became stag-headed. Generally speaking, the woods looked well. Thought the causes of such decay as he observed were quite natural. Had noticed the effect of the wind upon the trees. The whole of the trees of that o part of the country have an inclination in one direction. Saw trees on the New Hall estate which were inclined from the north-west towards Mr. Mus pratt's works. The luxuriant foliage of these trees was invariably on the side facing the works. In the butt of the large beech tree that was mentioned, there was evidence of decay from natural causes. The tree was ripe. Observed several others along the boundary wall that would never be much better. They were ripe and full grown. The leaves generally were full grown. The insects which were upon the leaves of the oak gave them an olive-green colour. Sycamore leaves, generally in the autumn, have a blotched appearance. Extreme drought wculd bring on a premature autumn. Walked through a clover field outside the boundary wall. The vapour from Muspratt's chimney would pass over it b?fore reaching the plantations. It locked very well, and had no appearance of ill-health. The more recent plantations have all been made when the trees have been too advanced in growth. The young plantations were very foul. There was no appearance of any tool having been applied amongst them. Saw a good deal of game. The country had the appearance of being preserved. Hares and rabbits damaged young plantations very much. Did not see that any care had been taken of the planta tion. The Scotch firs in the plantation generally are doing well. On the average of the last six years should think that they had grown a foot each, and in some instances two feet. Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN—The fir trees I ob served in the Haydock boundary plantation. Went over the New Hall property twice, once on the 25th, and again on the 29th. Was accompanied by Mr. Johnson, an attorney. Supposed he was sent for through Messrs. Lowndes. Met Mr. Johnson in Liverpool, he believes at Messrs. Lowndes' office. He accompanied mo merely to point out the different plantations. Did not see much injury that had been done by the hares and rabbits. Should think the clover he saw was a second crop. The first crop might have been grazed, and then laid up. It might have got into the state in which he saw it in six weeks afterwards. Did not think it was a rich country. It was principally coal. There were some very fine trees where the soil was deep enough for them. There were large beech trees in the Ilaydock boundary planta tion. There was a large oak. There might have been other kinds of trees, but could not say positively. Did not inquire whether the beech, the stump of which he saw, had been blown down or not. There were a great number : ash trees in the plantations. Did not think that one-half of them were dead or injured. Did not inquire as to the age of the trees when planted out, but, from his long experience as a planter, should think they had been planted when nine or ten years old. A number of witnesses, resident in the neighbour hood, were called, whose testimony went to show that their premises were exposed to the action of the ♦apour, and that notwithstanding no injurious effects resulted. Mr. William Adel Miller, M.D., professor of chemistry at King's College, London, stated that he had, in con junction with Dr. Brett and Sir Robert Kane, of Dublin, conducted a series of experiments at Mr. Muspratt's works the greater part of one day. Muriatic gas is un doubtedly evolved. Part of it is condensed, and part of it escapes let() the air. The gas arising from the de composing chamber passes through a flue separate from the smoke flue into a tower, filled, as he was informed, with coke, through which a stream of water was flowing Water was admitted from the top of the tower from a cistern placed there for the purpose. The gas ascend ing would meet the water and be absorbed and diluted. The gas which was conveyed into the tower was evolved from six reverbatory furnaces—an older method—these opened to the works through doors, through which the materials were stirred up from time to time. A strong current of air passed through the doors in consequence of the flues being connected with a long horizontal main flue opening into the high chimney at its base. A stream of water was flowing through the flue which would condense a considerable portion of the gas. Had no means of know ing how much escaped, but he analysed the air as it passed from the main flue into the chimney at different periods of the day. He found the quantity of gas dif fered at the two different periods, which must necessarily be the case, because the evolution of gas is greatest soon after the charge is first introduced. At that period there is a larger quantity of gas given off. The furnaces were all in active operation. The muriatic acid gas, when in the largest quantity was in the proportion of one part to 1,866 parts of atmospheric air. On the second experi ment it was one part in 6,500. The vapour has the greatest tendency to fall in damp weather. By the JUDGE—No gas escaped from the top of the tower connected with the decomposing furnace. He put his nose to it to ascertain the fact. Examination continued—The vapour was carried to a greater distance in dry weather. The manner in which the fume entered the air was in a constant revolving motion. In that manner a large surface was exposed for gaseous diffusion. As it went along, the quantity of gas in the column was diminished. That was one of the causes of the dilution of the gas as it passed the country. In his judgment the gas would not travel two miles in damp weather. Evaporation took place to a greater extent in dry weather, and when evaporated the gas could descend. The gravity of water was some hundred times greater than that of air. He was of opinion that the gas would be diluted to the extent of fifty times in half a mile. Did not think the gas would be appreciabe at a distance of two miles. Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN—If the eyes of per sons were affected at the distance of two miles or two miles and a half from the works, the gas was certainly appreciable. There was other vapour besides that from the chimney which would affect the smell and the eyes ; it was sulphuric acid gas. Both gases flowed from Mr. Muspratt's works. Was engaged last Friday in making his examination. Came down last Wednesday according Re -examined Mr. to appointm en t. Th e s p ec ifi c grav i ty o f t h e vapour i s greater air. n-RnANDT—It may be smelt when s quantity is extremely minute : it is the most pungent rras in existence. It might also affect the eyes when in a ve-y diluted state. Sulphureous acid was produced to some extent by the burning of coal. By the JUDGE—iIiS experience of alkali works was chiefly derived from the examination he made last week. White vapour might arise from steam ; it was no posi tive indication of the presence of muriatic gas. Steam would disperse after flowing a moderate distance, perhaps one hundred or two hundred yards. 1)r. Brett, examined, gave similar testimony. Mr. MARTIN replied; and his Lordship having summed up, the jury, after being in consultation about t -o l•ours, returned a verdict for the plaintiff—Damages 1,0001. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. MANSION--HO USE. FORGERY.—A young man, named James Hyde, was brought before the Lord Mayor, charged with having committed forgery upon the banking-house of Messrs. Smith, Payne, and Smith. Mr. Thomas Evison, cashier at the banking-house, stated that on that morning the prisoner presented a cheque for 32/. 12s. 6d. at the counter. Witness asked him how he would have it, and he said in two 51. notes, and the rest in gold. Witness suspected the genuine ness of the signature, and referred to the book, having cancelled the cheque before he had a7sy suspicion of it. He found the signature differed from that in the book, and he wrote across the cheque the words, " Signature differs." He was directed to send the prisoner round to Mr. Fowler, and the prisoner went and was detained. The prisoner said to that gentleman that his name was Williams, and that he lived at No. 32, Weymouth -place, Hackney-road. Mr. Bushe, of the firm of Bushe and Mullins, so licitors to the Committee of Bankers for Protection against Forgery and Fraud, conducted the prosecution, and here produced a cheque for 5L 4s. 6c1., and the witness said he had paid that cheque, which was also a forgery, to some person, but to whom he did not recollect. The prisoner said, " I confess it." Mr. Henry Pedley, solicitor, of No. 59, Fenchurch street, stated that he kept an account at Messrs. Smith, Payne, and Smith's bank, and that. the prisoner had been a messenger in his office for some months. He did not send the prisoner to the banking house that morning. The cheque produced was not in his handwriting, but ho believed it to be in the prisoner's. It was forged, and had not been done with his authority. He believed the cheque produced by Mr. Bushe, for Si. 45.6 d., purporting to be signed by him, to be in the hand writing of the prisoner. He kept his cheque book in a drawer locked in his office, and that morning ho tried in vain to unlock his drawer, and he found there had been a small portion of the wood ,work taken away, so that the drawer would open with the lock shot, and he saw two small pieces of iron upon the desk. He had left his drawer safe on Tuesday afternoon when he left town. Out of his cheque book he missed some cheques, numbered 5399, being the same number as that upon 4, each of the cheques produced. He paid the prisoner six shillings a week regularly, and the last cheque he drew was for 71. to a Mr. Vincent, on the 31st of August, and he sent the prisoner with it to the bankers' to get it changed, and on that day Mr. Vincent went out of town. The cheque produced for 361. 10s. 6d., purporting to be drawn by witness, and bearing the same number, viz., 5399, was a forgery. Alexander Scott, one of the Mansion-house officers, stated that he was sent for, to the banking-house, at half-past eleven o'clock on that day, and he apprehended the prisoner there on the charge of forgery. The pri soner at witness's request emptied his pockets, and handed to witness the cheque for 361. 10s. 6d., and the piece of paper, on which was written " 22 in gold, and two five-pound notes," a duplicate, and twopence. The prisoner was remanded till Friday next. A strapping woman, named Mary Wilson, appeared to complain against her husband for having refused to support her and her children, who thus became charge able to the parish of St. Butolph, Bishopsgate. The woman said that she had been married to the d<-fendant about 13 or 14 years ago at the Church of St. George, Bloomsbury, and he deserted her in Church row, Bethnal-green. Mr. Child (solicitor for the defendant)—Whose child is that yo❑ have in your arms ? Complainant—Whose child ? It's the child of a man of the name of Osborne who used to work with my husband. Mr. Child—l believe you are in the family way now? Complainant—l am. Mr. Child—And whose child is that ? Complainant— Why, that's Osborne's too, and no mistake. The parish officer—ls your husband in work and able to support you ? Complainant —He is able to sup port me and the family. He has from 30s. to 40s. a week, and I have been obliged to get relief from the parish. The LORD MAYOR—And you want your unfortunate husband to support you and the children which are not his? Complainant—Osborne used to help me to sup port the children, but he has left me for another woman, that he has married. I can't support the family, and what can I do if I get more babies? Mr. Child—But is not a third child you have, who is elder than the child you say is Osborne's, also his? Complainant—No. I had two by my husband, and the one I carry will be two by Bill Osborne. He has de serted me as well as my husband. If I get ch ldren in this way its not to be expected that I can keep them. The fathers ought to keep them. An officer from Worship-street, who attends at the police-court, said that he was present when the woman stated to the magistrate that two of her children, as well as the child she was great with, were O,borne's babies, and the oldest alone was her husband's. He believed that Osborne was willing to support his own children, but the woman was such a diabolical wretch that it was quire impossible to regard her in the light of a human being. The LORD MAYOR—It is quite impossible that I can think of compelling the poor man to support such a wretch. The children must be protected. I shall there fore postpone the case for a week, and think of some remedy in the meantime. WORSHIP-STREET. Mr. Edward Honeyball, the well. known brewer of Stamford-hill, was placed at the bar before Mr. Green wood, charged with having feloniously received a stolen gelding, the property of Mr. Thomas Colson, an ex tensive brickmaker, residing at Mercer's -terrace, Upper Holloway. Mr. Robinson appeared for the prosecutor, who stated that he bought the horse in August, 1845 ; it was stolen on the 21st of September. On Monday last he found it in the possession of the defendant, who said it had strayed into his field, and insisted on detaining it till he was paid 21/. for its keep and other expenses. He said he had advertised the horse in three papers, but ad mitted having failed to do so until six months after it had been lost. The prosecutor added that he was at a loss to conceive how the horse could have strayed into the defendant's field, which was more than six miles dis tant from the paddock whence it had been stolen. James Foddy, the prosecutor's foreman, also posi tively identified the horse, and stated that it must have been stolen, as the paddock was securely fenced, and there was no aperture to admit of its passage. In answer to the charge, Mr. II 'bier emphatically denied that there were the slightest grounds for su3h an accusation against his client, who was a person of the highest respectability, and said that the prosecutor and his witness were evidently mistaken in the identity of the animal, as he had abundant evidence to prove that it had actually strayed into the defendant's field a month before it was alleged to have been stolen, and he s h ou ld also prove that th horse had been extensively adver tised in the ensuing March, and that every effort was made to trace its owner, but without success. Mr. Robinson said, that several other servants of the prosecutor, and also the original owner of the horse, were present to prove its identity; but Mr. GREENWOOD considered the evidence wholly in sufficient to substantiate a charge of felony, however successfully it might be advanced in support of an action of trover, and he should, therefore, discharge the defend ant, with the assurance that nothing had transpired in that Court to militate against his character. THAMES. Richard Ronan, a boy about 14 years of age, the son of respectable parents, who was for some time employed as collector of tolls in the Commercial-road East, sur rendered on bail before Mr. Broderip to answer a charge of defrauding the trustees of the road. The lad was collector of tolls at one of the numerous side bars on the road, where his labours ceased at nine o'clock every night, and he had no right to collect any toll after that hour. During the last fortnight, however, ha had gone to another side bar after that hour, and col lected toll there. Mr. BIIODERIP, when he consented to take bail for the appearance of the prisoner, made some observations on the irregularities which prevailed in collecting toll on the Commercial-road. It appeared that a number of boys were employed for this purpose at the side streets, where there were no,tollhouses or gates, and he had when riding been run after himself by lads who ran from the side streets and demanded toll. Travellers, who were strangers on the road, hardly knew what such a practice meant. The system ought to be altered. On the prisoner surrendering himself, Mr. W. Baker, jun., clerk of the trust, said that the trustees had taken into consideration the extreme youth of the pri soner and his contrition, and did not intend to prosecute him. They, however, wished it to be distinctly under stood that if any person offended in like manner here after, the trustees would suffer the law to take its course. Mr. BRODERIP said the conduct of the trustees was highly creditable to them. He would not stand in the way of mercy, but allow the prisoner to depart. Mary Ann Irwin and Frances Lowrey, women of the town, were brought before Mr. Broderip, charged with violently assaulting and robbing Michael Ostrowski, an old man, a Polish refugee. The complainant stated that he obtained his living as a shoemaker, and lived at No. 7, Devonshire-street, Commercial-road. On Tuesday morning he was coming out of a public-house, when he met with Irwin, of whom he had some previous knowledge. She asked him to give her something to drink, and he did so. She then asked him to go home with her. He foolishly accepted the invitation, and when he reached her lodgings, he tank a shilling out of a handkerchief, w!:lch contained a so vereign and eighteen shillings more, and asked the wo man to procure more liquor. She imrnediatfly made a snatch at the handkerchief, and took it away from him, money and all. A signal was given, and the other woman, Lowrey, came in. The handkerchief and money were thrown to her by Irwin, and she ran away with them. Irwin also tried to escape, but he prevented her, and seized her by the waist, on which she beat him in a savage manner, and rendered him nearly insensible. He was covered with blood, and wits difficulty escaped from the house, and gave information to the police.—The pri soners were committed for trial. LAMBETH: Louisa Arney, Julia Arney Charlotte Arney, Emma Arney, and Henry Arney, were placed at the bar for re examination on a charge of felony. Mr. Clarkson appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Rippon for the prisoners. The property in question was so bulky as to require a large van for its conveyance to the office. emw:ai l appeared sen t rsajArmeretired t prisoner, airteEdnbaahl banker, eeu t ir h id,s e :g arAve iernnng,Arney, 7 prosecu tor, estatesare entered , t ge l ir r. i Thomas ineadirm o,hrsik susrhservice Bl aydes, was Surrey. a iac y neT d d e ha s aes , housekeeper in November, 1843, at a salary of 40/. per annum, and a system of plundering by wholesale muit have been shortly after begun, and carried out up to the period of her arrest on the 9th of August. At the time of her engagement with Mr. Blaydes she represented herself as a widow without family, the fact being that she had four daughters and a son living at No. 17, Hart ford-place, Walworth. Mr. Blaydes having on the Bth of August last got certain information as to the removal of property from his house, applied at this office, and went with Sergeant Morton of the police force to the house in Walworth, where the four daughters of the prisoner were residing, and found in their possession such a quantity of his property as justified him in giving the three elder girls into custody, as guilty receivers of the property stolen. Nothing appeared to be too large or too small for the housekeeper's notice. The goods displayed for identification included every variety of article in domestic use up to a mattress and a feather bed, with bed linen, bed curtains, window curtains, car pets, stair carpeting, blankets, counterpanes, decanters, sugar basins, wine glasses, looking glasses, wine and brandy, and, in fact, the table of the police-office gav e the court the appearance of a miscellaneous sale room. The defence attempted for the female prisoners was, that the elder prisoner was entitled to take the articles as perquisites. Mr. ELLIOTT committed the female prisoners for trial, and allowed the act' to be at large on his own recogni zances, to appear if called upon. WESTMINSTER. Richard Mare •h, William Biter, and James Clan 't, three privates in the Scots Fusilier Guards, were charged with the following outrage, and Edward Stockwell and Alfred Walters, civilians, were charged, the former with assaulting the police, and the latter with inciting the populace to rest ue the other prisoners. Biter, who w as drunk, sallied with his two military companions out of a beer-shop in Great Chapel-street, on the previous e vening, with an evident determination to amuse themsel yes by insulting and ill treating any person who h a d ,the misfortune to c r o ss their p ath. Biter commenced aperations in Or chard-street, b y kick ing over a p oor wit iman ' s s tall, loaded with crockery ware. The ne x t ex p, loit was throwing a p oor deaf organ grinder and his mat !hive into the road ; and the third knocking down a n lan named Burrell, who has the charge of New-squa re, because he interfered to prevent their doing mischief at the expense of the humble resi dents in that localiti Burrell, who in his fall from the effect of the blow, lad his head cut, fetched the police, who in vain for a 1€ ngth of time endeavoured to secure Biter, but were ob structed and assaulted by his " com panions iu arm." A crowd of 500 or 600 persons as sembled, and it was not until the arrival of a large party of the police that the three military defendants were captured and anything like order restored to the neigh bourhood. Withers, in the course of the riot, used language calculated to excite the mob to rescue the mili tary, and Stockwell OR being repeatedly requested to remove from the entrance to the station, struck one of the constables a violent blow. Clark received a good character from a sergeant o the regiment, the other two were spoken of but ques. tionably. _ _ _ Biter: was fined 51., or two months' imprisonment ; Marsh, 51., or six weeks'; Clark, 31., or one month ; Stockwell, fourteen days without fine; Withers, 205., or ten days. being found wholesome or fit for human food. Fruit also withering, falling off, and rotting. The fields co vered with diseased potatoes, turnips, &c. The poor almost heart-broken and spiritless, dreading the ap proaching winter, and every face appearing with traces of grief and misery. Returning to Stalbridge brought us to HENGRIDGE, which we would not pass by without making a few observations and inquiries ; finding two or three plots of ground with potatoes in a much more healthy state and appearance than in any other part, during this our inquiry. We were there shown the rough reds, large and free from blemish, speck, or apparent disease, though it must be confessed they have not as yet grown to their usually natural size ; the tops are still green, the haulm sound, and apparently in a grow ing state. Other potatoes are diseased, some in the same fields more than half rotten—the waluut•leaf shaws and reds particularly and extensively so. In our next report we purpose going through the other parts of this county, hoping, as we proceed further, we may find many fields of the old rough reds having escaped this disease. SEDUCTION, SUICIDE, AND RE- VENGE. A young lady named Eulalie now aged 18, about two years ago lost her widowed mother, whom till then she had never quitted. She came to Paris on the invitation of an aunt, who undertook to find a situation for her. She was presently offered, and she accepted, the place of superintendent of the house of one Barnage, a bachelor of 45, who promised to be as a father to her, and ulti mately to provide for her, should her conduct be satis factory to him. Eulalie was beautiful—Barnage soon manifested intentions which were anything but paternal ; he left untried no means, of success, and finally the young lady became his victim. In a few days, however, she bitterly repented her fault, and at once determined on the course she would pursue. She declared to Barnage that nothing should induce her to continue in a position so repugnant to her feelings, and so contrary to the principles in which she had been brought up, and consequently that she would instantly return to her aunt. The attempts of Barnage to induce her to remain with him were un availing, and it was with a sort of savage spirit that he witnessed her departure. Returning to her relative, the poor girl, saddened by the remembrance of her fault, applied herself diligently to the task of needlework, de clining to partake of those pleasures and amusements so natural to her age, and which were frequently proposed to her. In this way did two months pass. It happened that in the same house there dwelt a young man, a work ingjeweller. He had often noticed Eulalie; and struck with the modesty of her appearance, as well as by her assiduity at her work, he, after making certain inquiries con cerning her, asked her hand in marriage. His offer was accepted ; he became more and more enamoured of her ; and the wedding-day was fixed. They looked forward to a life of happiness ; but, alas ! who can command the future ? One morning the bridegroom received a letter, which informed him that a person, who had his interest at heart, would make certain re velations calculated to induce him to pause ere he fulfilled his promise of marriage to Eulalie. This letter was from Barnage. Instantly the young man presented himself at his house. Barnage related all that had occurred between himself and Eu lalie, but falsely boasted that she adored him, and that to captivate him she had had recourse to every mode of female seduction. The lover desired some proof of this, which the other being unable to supply, he, in a paroxysm of rage and indignation, struck Barnage to the groun I and fled. Returning to the object of his love, he related to her what had occurred, and asked, " Was there any truth in the allegations of Barnage ?" Eulalia would not be guilty of a falEehood. Her afflicted lover declared that the engagement between them was void. In hopeles despair the poor girl resolved upon suicide. She lighted a pan of charcoal, and after writing to her lover these few simple and touch ing words, she prepared to die :—" I have at, once lost your love and your esteem. I h ave no hope but in God, who sees into my heart, and by that will he judge me. Adieu! adieu ! or rather let us hope to meet above." Fortunately, assistance was at hand, and the life of the unhappy girl was saved. The news papers, continues the Gazette, have related this attempted suicide, but without stating the motive of it. This day the young man appeared before the correctional police, to answer for the blow he gave to Barnage,:who laid his damages at 3,000 f. The President, after having in the severest terms commented on the conduct of Barnage, asked the accused if the marriage would yet take place? The young man, with tears in his eyes, replied, " I shall never marry." He was adjudged to pay a fine of 16f. and the expenses, as sufficient compensation.— Gazette de Tribunaux. GREENTVICIL A person, fashionably attired, about 25 years of age, and six feet high, with the address and appearance of a gentleman, and described in the police-sheet as Henry Nicholson, of 14, Gray's Inn, barrister, was placed at the bar, charged with indecent conduct towards a little girl, aged 10 years, on the previous day iu Greenwich park. _ _ _ The prisoner had been locked up all night at the sta tion-house, bail having been refused in consequence of his giving a fictitious ua►ne and address. Ou his taking his position at the bar, Mr. TRAILL asked hi :n if the name he had given was the proper one? —The prisoner said it was not quite the proper one. His real name was Nichol. He then suggested that all women should leave the Court. The . Court having been cleared, Elizabeth Garlick, the mother of the child in question, was called to the witness box, and stated that her daughter was born in Feburary, 1836. She was sent into the park on the previous day about two o'clock, and about four the witness went to seek her ; saw her daughter on the lawn near one of the gates, with a troop of children ; the prisoner was lying on the grass near them. Witness was remarking to a neighbour on what she considered improper conduct of the prisoner, and was proceeding towards him when the child got up and ran towards her, and said the gentleman had offered her a shilling to go with hi m f or five minutes, and asked if she had ever been with gentlemen before. Prisoner must have heard this. He then got up and went away. Witness followed, and asked him what he meant by offering her daughter a shilling ? He was a genntleman in appearance, but not in manners. He said he did not know what witness meant. Mr. TRAILL asked the prisoner if' he wished to put any questions to the witness ?—The prisoner replied that he was certainly talking to some little children whilst lying on the grass smoking a cigar, and the nearest approach to the charge was that he certainly had offered a shilling to buy cakes and fruit, as he had done on other occasions. Mrs. Garlick, reexamined by Mr. TRAlLL—Believed the prisoner handled her child improperly. The prisoner said he did not run away, but walked off, and had no idea of any impure motive. There were two young women near them. Susannah Mather, of Holdsworth's Rents, Deptford, deposed. that she was in the park at the time. The pri soner was lying on the lawn smiking a cigar. There were two maid-servants with children; he made up to them. They refused to have anything to say to him and ran off. There were some young children on the grass. The little girl, daughter of the witness Garlick, was one of them, close to the prisoner. Witness heard prisoner say, as he lay on the grass, to the child, " Don't you know what I mean?" The child was sitting within reach of him, and he was lying down. Saw him lay hold of her hand, and pull her frock towards him. The child got away and moved off. The prisoner here remarked that he took hold of the hands of mw,t children there. Hannah Cavannah, of New Town, Deptford, confirmed part of the last witness's evidence. Frances Jane Garlick, the complainant, was then called, and in reply to Mr. Trail as to her knowledge of the sanctity of an oath, stated that she had not been to church for two years, had nEver learned a catechism, was only imperfectly acquainted with the Lord's Prayer, had ritv2r heard God spoken of, and had no idea of a future state. The child's mother said she had a family of seven children, and did the best she could for all of them. The child had been to school and church also, but not regularly. Mr. TRAILL said, it anpearerl as though her parents had done nothing more with her than send her out to grass. It was very horrible in a Christian country to see a child ten years of age who had not heard of God. He could not think of receiving her evidence, but thought that sufficient had been stated to justify him in remand ing the case for further inquiry. The prisoner, who repeatedly declared his innocence, was then informed that he would be required to appear again that day week, but as he admitted that he had not given his proper name and address at first he must do so then. He accordingly retired into the clerk's office for the purpose, but neither his name nor address was suf, fered to transpire. An officer was sent by the magis trate with the prisoner to test his statement, and he was liberated on such condition, and entering into his own recognizances of 40/. to appear on Wednesday next. POTATO FAILURE IN DORSET SHIRE. YEOVIL, AUG. 26.—Our inquiry into this alarming disease brought us to Yeovil, a large and important place of business, with a considerable market twice each week. Here we found the potatoes for sale full three fourths infected, some of the early ones even more; the country growers around bringing them in for sale in prodigious quantities, many not half grown nor ripe, selling them for what they can get, rather than take them home again. The only potatoes apparently sound are the round reds, many of which are grown in this county, yet such is the fear of the cottagers that they are digging them up before they are half grown, fearing the disease will also spread to those; no where can be seen a plot but what has all the leaves dead, and the stalks dying fast, leaving the most abominable stench. The turnips along here are also much diseased, and drily spreading, the tops pierced with innumerable punc tures or holes, then turning of a sickly yellow, after which the root becomes rotten through. The carrots and parsnips are also much diseased, the tops dying away, and the lower part of the roots rotting. The onions, of which there are many acres growing here, are also more than half destroyed; we proceeded on to SHERBORNE, five miles from Yeovil, and through se veral villages right and left leading thereto, where we heard the general complaint, " that all their potatoes were diseased; that in a month or two, if the disease continued to spread as rapidly as it has done for the last month, they will not have a sound potato to eat." Here we found several plots of rough reds not at all in fected, which we heard the growers had been strongly advised to let remain in the ground, and to preserve them with great care, which they (it is said) have pro mised to do. The kidneys called " Wimborne," are dreadfully infected, to the extent of more than two thirds, though fine in size, yet rotten to the core or heart ; the red-nosed kidneys are also much diseased, though not yet fit to dig. The chief dependence for the poor's subsistence during the winter around this part is on the potato, and those this year are nearly all de stroyed. The poor agricultural labourers and their fami lies are almost frantic with despair and grief; exclaiming " What shall we do this next winter?" as many farmers around here last winter were not giving more than 7s. per week, and they have expressed their determination already to give no more this. Some asserting that only 6s. will be their price after harvest—that they will not be enabled to give more. If so, famine must be the re sult, and that in its most dreadful fn.'s:), as many, no doubt, will be driven to eat this poisonous diseased escu lent, which the medical gentlemen pronounce as likely to produce fever of the most malignant nature. At STURMINSTER, twelve miles from Yeovil, and four or five villages on the way, we are informed also of the direful effects of this pestilential disease, and the dread ful effects likely to follow the fast decaying and the principal food here of the poor. Already sickness sits upon the now half-fami"hed labourers and their families. What must follow the total destruction of their winter's food no one can foretel, and many shrink here from con templating or discussing this heart-rending topic. Gardens most of the poor have; but what are they now to them (the occupiers), covered with disease, in stead of yielding sustenance, as in other years, such as to carry them through the long and dreary approaching winter? It is not only that their potatoes are rotting, but their carrots, onions, apples, &c., are also fast de caying, and also the greens are scarce, from the long hot weather destroying many early planted. The tur nips, too, of which so many were allowed to gather and partly live thereon last winter, are this year also tainted to a great extent in this county. We here saw several pieces of the rough reds still sound, though the haums were dying prematurely this summer, full two months before this time. At STALBRIDGE, twelve miles also from Sherborne, and through other hamlets, the complaints were not quite so general, though the tops were found dying. There ap pears to be another hardy potato similar to the rough red grown here, through the skin of which the disease has not as yet penetrated ; many are pulling up the tops and leaving the roots in the ground, which appears in some instances to stop the spreading of this direful plague. It appears difficult to make the country people believe it as being wiser to let the potatoes remain in the ground than to dig them up now. There is a chance for the potato when covered over with the earth they grow in, and none when they become exposed to atmos pheric influence. At REDBRICK. four miles from Sturminster, many hardy rough reds and others are grown, which as yet have not much suffered from this distemper. The white shaws and yellow lemons, with the early walnut and ash leaf, are more touched than the later sorts, about one third having been found unfit for human food. The poor about here will not give them even to their pigs, as se veral have found that . their swine became sick and wasted away after their eating them for a week or two, One farmer had three pigs died, which he attributes to their having been fed with diseased potatoes. At (ERNE ABBAs, and within a few miles around, the disease has, within the last three weeks, extended most alarmingly ; it is with the greatest difficulty sound po tatoes can be purchased at any price. 'We heard of 6s. per bushel having been given by the master of a gentle men's boarding-school here, and the half of those were not fit for food in three days. We were shown a five acre field of potatoes, that three weeks previously pro mised to be the best crop around —now, upon digging three rows, each twel ve yar d s i n length,' one gallon of sound ones would not be picked out. We were shown plums, much diseased, just picked from the trees ; sear lot runners not fit for food, onions three parts rotten ; turnips dying away in the fields more than one-half daily increased in putridity ; apples, the very few there are, decaying within a few days after they are gathered. At MILBURN PORT the very atmosphere is impregnated with impurity and disease ; the air there breathed ope rating injuriously on the human frame—every field and garden being in a state of putrescency—no vegetables HERRING FISHING. BERWICK, Auc. 28.—The fishing here is still not very encouraging. The take on Monday morning was from 10 to 20 crans-13 boats out. Tuesday morning a good fishin g ; highest take, 30 crans. Si nce t h en t h e fishing has been light, and some of the fish spawned. This morning the boats appear to be still very poorly fished, with the exception of a few who have about 10 crans. Next week will determine what this station will do, as if the fish do not set in then there is little prospect of any good being done this season. floLv ISLAND, AUG. 27.—The fishing has this week decidedly improved, being more general, and the shots better than formerly. Our boats were not off on Sun day night. On Tnesday the highest boat was 24 crans. Wednesday the highest 18 crans. This morning (Thursday) all the boats are well fished. The fisher men are now in better spirits as the prospects are good, and the weather is remarkably fine. NORTH SUNDERLAND.—Very few herrings were got here on Friday and Saturday. On Monday morning several of the boats had a few barrels, but in general they had none. Tuesday the boats were all clean, except 4or 5 that had about 20 barrels each. Price 14s. to 16s. per barrel. Wednesday morning the boats in general came in with from 10 to 13 barrels ; two or three brought in from 30 to 40 each. Price 13s. Thursday the take ranged from 5 to 20 barrels ; two top boats 35 barrels each. Price I Is. Curers are and have been giving his. per barrel from the commencement of the fishing. DUNBAR, Auc. 27.—Since the 21st inst. the fishing has improved daily, for although several of the boats have repeatedly returned with none, and many had but a few hundreds, a still greater number have had from four to twenty crans. On Tuesday one boat had seventy crans. At present the fishing is but a very short dis tance off the harbour. To-night (Thursday) there can not be fewer than from five to six hundred boats lying off. Prices 12s. to 14s. The foreign curers are pur chasing freely.—Berwick Advertiser. WICK, AUG. 25.—There are great hopes of the fish ing this week. The appearance has not been so good this season; but yesterday there were very heavy hauls-50, 60, and 70 crans, and a great many blanks. The average would be about nine crans. To-day the boats have not all got nut; the average will probably be about ten crans. They are very bad this morning, all spent. The average for the season will now be about ninety-five crans. Sales are still being effected at 193. 6d. full brand, and 18s. 6d. eight days old. The failure or the potato crop in Ireland will no doubt affect the sale of herrings there, and being the principal market, the curers are much afraid of a fall in prices immediately. The potato crop in this quarter is all but completely gone ; the few that are still untainted the people are afraid to eat, for fear of the potato disease affecting them. The process is going on so rapidly, that it is believed that in the course of two or three weeks there will neither be any for eating or seed.—Ross-shire Advertiser. THE CORNISH PILCHARD FISHERY, Scc. MOUNT'S BAY.—Since our last report, the boats have caught very few pilchards. For several days the weather was very boisterous, and the boats did not go to sea. On Friday last, the weather was more promising, but the whole fleet of boats returned without having taken 100 pilchards. On Monday last, there was a slight improve ment, the boats taking each from 1,000 down to 100, and from two to three score of hake. Pilchards sold for Is. 84. per hundred, and hakes at ss. per burn. ST. IvEs.—A small number of mackerel were taken last week, which realised 15s. per hundred. This (Tuesday) morning, about 200 mackerel were brought ashore, and sold for 20s. per hundred. No pilchards.— Penzance Gazette. TENBURY, WORCESTER, and LUD LOW RAILWAY COMPANY. An adjourned meeting of this Company (of which it will be remembered Captain Richardson, who is charged with a forgery on Coutts' bank, is chairman), was held yesterday, at the London Tavern, for the purpose of de ciding whether the co-partnership existing between the shareholders should be dissolved or not. Mr. Davies was called to the chair. _ The scrutineers who were appointed at the last meet ing, and who weie this day re-elected, then proceeded to take the number of shares in the room, in order to as certain if the Act had been complied with. Soon after they presented a reptlit. stating that the aggregate number of votes was— a. dissolution Against it Thanks were then voted to the chairman and directors, and the meeting was declared dissolved. Before separating, however, Mr. Knox (one of a com mittee appointed by the shareholders) read a lengthened report, in which, after detailing the rise and progress of the Company, the committee adverted to the facts connected with the fraud or forgery, alleged to be committed by Captain Richardson, and added that they deemed it their duty to allude to the improper and unjustifiable conduct of the directors in voting sums of money for "services," although they knew that the individual alluded to (Mr. Howell) had no claim upon them. They also felt bound to express their disapprobation of the manner in which the signatureg had been got, as the same gave unusual opportunities for the commis sion of fraud. The report then alluded to the expenses incurred, which had been characterised as exorbitant in the highest degree ; the legal and engineering ex penses alone amounting to 4201. per mile. The Com mittee, however, trusted that they would preserve to the shareholders at least I7s. on every share, and they also expected that a further dividend of Bs. would be realised from the deposits still unpaid. The committee urged upon the shareholders the propriety of signing a requi sition calling on them to convene a meeting at the earliest possible period for the purpose of determining what future steps should be taken. Some opposition on the part of the directors was manifested to this recommendation, and after some de sultory discussion, the meeting separated. OSTEND, WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2.—Lady Hope Wallace, with her family and two carriages, arrived here yest.erday by the general Steam Navigation Company's steam-ship Triton, after a delightful trip of only ten hours., 'from Black. wall. WINDSOR, SLOUGH, and STAIN ES ATMOSPHERIC RAIL WAY COMPANY. a WINDSOR, WEDNESDAY EVENING.—An ndknirnpeid meeting of the shareholders in this Company westuo• this afternoon, in the Town Hall, for tho purpose n' t i e ceiving a report from the Committee appointed on, 19th ult., to obtain terms from the South-Westernc'ts. pany, relative to an union of their respective irate the Amongst those present were Mr. J. T. Bedbcrough to projector of the atmospheric line from Winds J o ys Slough and Staines), Messrs. Apsley Pella tt. j J. Ridgway, Caleb Norris, S. Minton , AV. Li/e),cl. C. Poster, J. Cleave, W. Chater, J. Chapman, if borough, W. Fowler, &c. the Mr. J. T. BEDBOR O U G H, ha v ing been voted Into s tating chair, after briefly opening the proceedings by rr that the meeting had tak e n place for the purpose o f ceiving a report from the fiv e gentlemen who werep,o pointed at the last meeting of the scripholder s to 101 tiate with the South-Western Railway Company' tes o' upon Mr. Chapman to read the report, whic h sta- a of follows:—The deputation have now the satisfacttoare reporting that the South-Western Railway CornFel t he prepared coadially to co-operate in the extension ato line through Richmond *co Staines and Windsor, and t he 'accept the proposals made by the deputation , and following basis of an agreement has been com e " That a new company be formed by an arnaltatol of the Windsor, Sze., and the Staines and Ric7oer Company, in conjunction with the South- Western pany, the directors of which are to be appointed °.cocito ding to the capital represented. The Windsor be considered as 150,000 Z, and the Staines and mond as 200,0001. " Such part of that capital as the present scr i t,e is in each of those companies may re s pectfully P le° ;:it) , to be contributed by them (taking their shares etbrpsti the South- Western Company agreeing to fiad of the capital as may not be thus taken up. ante to " The South-Western Company will gaurssso te lease the line at a rental of 41 per cent. on the V' d hi> lay (including the expenses hitherto incurred)' an the profits, with an option to purchase." • tee.) • (Signed by the five members of the Comnu t 1 , 5 0 5 ' The report, which appeared to give very gen era v 50 5 ' tion to all present, was, upon the motion of Mr' it t r seconded by Mr. APSLEY PELLATT, unanimous' ceived. RAILWAY SHARE MARKE TS MANCHESTER SEPTEMBER 2. aaal , STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sales are - Ambergate, 1 , 1 - 0 1 1 1n „°_.13 15 : 4 ), Boston, 9-16 dis.-Birmingham and Oxford Junction, 4 %,:i n ' ingD c ,,l burn, Clitheroe, Re., 1 1-16 dis.-Boston. Stamford, and 13 I Is. dis.-Direct Northern, 11.16 c. dis.-Eastern COD r oof'', Extension, 1 15-16 p. -East Lancashire (late Blackburn an d 4 9% p.-Glasgow and Dumfries, % die.- Grand Union, Great Grimsby and Dock Extension, 1 5-16 dis.-Hod ders se Manchester Railway and Canal, 2% p. -Ditt o Esters Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction, 7% p.-Lancashire frolto Yorkshire, % dis.-Leeds and Thirsk, 3 dis.-Leicester a n pe l.dr s t, 7-18 dis.-Liverpool and Bury, New Shares, % kirk, and Preston, 4% p.-London Manchester, and Quarters (A), 8 13-16 p.-Ditto, ditto (B), 8 13-16 P. - „li t ssOp r e and Leeds, Extensions, 2 15-16 p. -Manchester and S n n r i pa . ; tr , % dis.-North Eastern, % dis.-North Western, % tricts, p.-Oldham, Birkenhead, &c., 1-16 p Preston Halves (B), 7-16 p. -Sheffield and Manchester, Quarted Cin % p.-Ditto, ditto, No. 3, % p.-Shrewsbury, OswestrY,?:e,.o ter, 1 dis.-Shropshire Union, &c., 1-16 dis-South-Ea' .- Dover, Consolidated, No. 3,5% p.-Trent Valley ;Midis" % p.-West Riding Union, 3 3-16 p. LEEDS, SEPTEMBER 2. 9 oc S Der STOCK Exemann.-The sales are-East Lancasbire,s Ditto, Blackburn and Preston, 8% p.-Huddersfield an Os% ter, 2% p.-Ditto, Extensions, 10s. 6d. p.-Huddersfi eld field, 7 % p.-Leeds and Bradford, 43 p.-Leeds and p.- Ditto, Extensions, 3s. dis.-Leeds and Thirsk, " Cst l New, 3% s. dis.-North British, Half Shares, 6 p.- 5t Os Branch, 3% p.-York and North Midland, East and I . " 12% p.-Ambergate, Nottingham, and Boston, 9s. d , l : . 40! Stamford, and Birmingham, 12s. dis.-Buckinghains ,l : ll --" 4 0 Direct Northern,dis.-East Lincolnshire, 13s. 6a. ve. gefo Union, 145. dis.-Goole and Doncaster, 13s. dis.-Gre nt , - .,fern'r, Western, 335. dis.-Lancashire, Yorkshire, and North s - old .0 dis. -Leeds, Wakefield, and Midland, I ls. dis. -Leicest er ford, 9s. dis.-Liverpool, Ormakirk, and Preston, 4/. 4 s . Vsi t er - s th o and Driffield Junction, 16s. p.-North Western, ss. Rotherham, and Goole, 12s. 6d. dis.-Shrewsbury and 51. 23 10s. p.-Shropshire Union, par-West Riding Union, shire ,and Glasgow Union, 40s. dis. HULL. MBER 2. STOCK EXCHANGE .- The sales SE are PTE Eastern Counties, 138. 1 .1 tension, 2%-North British, Half Shares, 17-Blaclstl e 'itot,d and Bolton, 11-East Lincolnshire, I is,-Fleetvrood , West Riding, 7s.- Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, 3 25 ' and Dewsbry, 21% -Leicester nd Tamworth, Ormskirk, and Preston, 4/. 4s. p.- a North Western, 6s. 3.' Pea BW shire Union. 425. -West Riding Union, Si', 3a.-Leicester ford, 12s. 6c1.-South Midland, 16 p. s. YORK, SEPTEMBER 2. haSb STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sal, -A ' Not sales are -Ambergate, - , Boston, 21. 35.-Ipswich and Bury (Cambridge and Ely)' 'Ago it:eel' Tv tar, Tamworth, &c., IL 175.-Liverpool, Manchester, a no v 3 Junction, 2% -London and York, 21. 3s. GIL-Melton lotto Junction, 2/. 165.-3fauchester, Buxton, Matlock, ancl,, 3 parli r!! scrip-Newcastle and Berwick, 28IA --Newcastle New, 11U -North British, Carlisle Extension, 4/. 9 , * )I , ` Western, 1% -West Riding Union, 5 s-York and N or (Est and West Riding Extension), 13%. • EDIBURGH, SEPTEMBER l• STOCK EXCHANGE.-T N he sales are-Aberdeen, 9 .- pittViS,jl and Bathgate, 31. 17s. 6d. -Arbroath and Forfar, s ad Shares, 15/. 108.-Armagh and Portrush, 12s. 6d.--AY" ii s ad .;J way, 1/. 75. 6d.-Belfast and County Down, Bs.-Brit' s ost. 01 1 Union, 21. 2s. 6d.-Caledonian, 171.-Ditto, New, 11. 142' c CIPPe , l Extension, 1/. 135.-Caledonian and Dumbarton, 11. ----I), )r Junction, 24/. 10s.-Cornwall and Devon Central, 1 i• Railway, 2/. Is. 6d.-Direct Northern, 21. ls.-Da n : A• „ e 24 1 . l ys broath, 371.-Ditfo, New, 23/. 10s.-Dundee and Fer'bar East .Indian Railway, 165.-East of Fife, 1/. Is. , ..t 4 Ilathgate, 2/. 165.-Edinburgh and cliasgow, ;21.-Dido , 1, ; / 171. 155.-Ditto, Quarters, 17t. 10s. -Ditto, ditto, New' 21/. Edinburgh, Leith, and ilranton, 181.-I)We, Preference, btu i v. Edinburgh Atli Tortttern, 10/. Newport, until It Edinburgh and Perth, 21. 78.- Forth and Clyde Jan' / 05.- -V/ -Glasgow and Ayrshire, 761.-Ditto, New Stock, 401. 05. et ares Quarter Shares, 181. 2 . 155.-Glasgow and Belfast Unio n, d 10,1* Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, 1/. 14s. -Glasgow , a. fogA;ei Junction, 11. 13g. 6d. -Glasgow and Garnkirk, vit ro. o cl , neral Terminus, 91.-Glasgow and Greenock, 161. 10 8 . ~1 0 1 11 Stock, W. IN.-Ditto, Preference, 1/. IN.-Glasgow, • 6 1, 9 ,Aef and Ardrossan, 11. IN.-Glasgow, Strathaven, and Lest ua ‘ 195.-Granton Junction, 10s.-Great North of Scotland, 15 ° e, .-"' ness and Elgin, 17s. 6d.-Lanark and Lothians, 2/. 55" 0 5 ' r fast, and Ballymena, 95.-London, Bristol, and South l 1G 3s. 6d.-London and York, 21. 55.-Dltto, Half Shares, , ic ro ti e 3Edland and Eastern Counties. 155.-N ewcas tl e and • o;4' 155.-North British, 381. 10s.-Ditto, Halves, 16/. 15s.- M`" - ,_c,1P17 sion to Carlisle, 4/. 7s. 6d.-Ditto, Fifths, 71. Iss.- „9t shire, 61.-North Wales Mineral, 181. 155.-Ditto, l'T e %9l- ` 6d.-Perth and Inverness, I/. 11s. 6d.-Scotti s h Central. ja rie",/ -Ditto, New, 9/. 55,-Scottish Central and Caledonia); /1. 1 7 1/. 10s.-Scottish Grand Junction, 12s.- Scottish Midland' $10; ;i f Scottish 'southern, 11. 175.-Shrewsbury and Hereford , Is•i - 56 .-V bury, Oswestry, and Chester, Si. 55.-South Midland, 24 A yl. l ling and Dunfermline, It. 63. 6d.-Stirling and Midla nd ' Strathern Junction, 21.-Wishaw and Coltness, 471. SS. .61 5 YACHTING FRACAS.-We hear that a cur l o 4 a. od comical fracas has recently occurred on board ° 5 1 ' ... g , Royal Yacht Club vessels. The y ac ht was out at. _eol, distance from land, when a difference of opinion r u to - fd i o between the noble owner and the captain (a b°ll W ed° officer), and a very pretty quarrel we understaa.tire 4 , 4 ; Epithets of no very gentle or complimentary D ll ' at lel4 very freely bandied between the belligerents, andA t he e i ll the noble owner turned up all hands, and order eu l o ag e ,: e r not to consider M r . as their captain, and n ° „,y . r obey his commands. On this the valiant het t eteV below, and, arming himself with a brace of pist ° ',.'forc i on deck, and, like the man in the play of the Bondy " Be quiet, good lord duke," he said, " Or, please your grace, I'll shoot your het o . l l" telling the crew at the same ti me th a t he was " d e l l is•°;t1)1 1 registered commander, and that u nl ess they oherrtP ir otl he would treat them as mutineers. It is also rec r „id' he went so far as to threaten to p u t th e n oble own ta rs if he occasioned any further disturbance. The OP bedi t ed mately brought the vessel into port, but, of cours e Sig no longer commands her. It is said that this stra i n ;,' fe r ff will afford scope for the display of talent and, ~„8 1 aa' gentlemen of the long robe, as law proceedings n il " - 1 0 1 commenced. OAduring 0 0 CAuTrox.Attempts have been made duri n g six months, in some cases only too successfully , tf,, various houses in this town, orders for lace goOu r : Wiro been received from Liverpool, Halifax, Maneneste foto4itl and Chester, which, on examination, have been te r, 4 iri emanate from firms of the most imaginative charge dep,to have now upon our table a whole parcel of these, rieto orders, with a variety of signatures, such as '° and Co., Halifax ;" "S. Need and Co. , Wiga n ; DP4, M'Farlane, Liverpool ;" and " John Dentith and 0,4,1 chester." We much lament that such practices shoa , eilei s n u o ff t o r e n r l b h e u c t a u a s i es also f f r t o h m e vexation o a r n a d b l l e o s s s p t ir o it th o e f iro is o `;c of jt which must enter into the commercial intercourse s ,fto t o wnsmen with strangers at a distan ce , an d w hi c h to be our duty to awaken.-Nottingham Review. DISTRESSING SUICIDE. -- BARNSTAPLE, AUCi e 2OlOllO During the whole of thi s wee k an investigatio'n bas, progress here relative to the death of Mr. J. II- -°' - _,113°;, for many years held th e joint offices of secretary it surgeon to the North Devon Infirthary, and yue' •3 1 ',t appears, committed suicide owing to same irreg il e •- j, Pit° his accounts, which it was his duty tr, have pres els `..Ks - annual meeting of the governors of the institutir. fli t er circumstance having been comoo unieated to Mr• s oo, the borough coroner, a jury was ernpannelled, , se fol ic the examination of several witnesses, returned', t ' de ge l , io ing verdict :-" That the deceased came to M a l e V. i t titl means of prussic acid administered by hiM S ',,OO l ,l l 9 what state of mind he was at the time of his a ble the act, there was not sufficient evidence to to determine." BIRTHS. he On the 27th ult., at the D erwen , Sh rops hire* in " a., 1, 11 Edward Oswell, Esq., of Li nco l n ' s Inn-fields, of itr; o f On the 31st ult., at Hurley, Briks, the lf"" Hodges, Esq., of a son. On the 31st ult., the wife of the, Rev. W. 1181145°131 ` 't bent of St. Michae's, Pimlico, of a so slj3., b t nt h ha. e r rpe ial 3 si l tee s : t i_onaf u st t l .a. t ~ the wi fe, Vernon-place, n n n . sionn.tath, the wife of Charles r of J. n liandall, o e f: in so g n ;Essex, 51 rs. On the Ist inst., at Park-place, Leyton, Essex' I, gr' 3 ' Tucker, of a son. On the Ist rust ., at m CO I of a daughter. v* - ). MARRIED. ; gra ig te On the 31st ult., at Walcot Church, Bath, 8L e ,4 1 the Pittar, Esc +, to Mary Anne, youngest daughter v •041 ti cs Pendarres Smith, Esq.; M.D. Fere' se' On Vale Ist inst. at St. Pancras New Church , , Forster, Esq., to ' Anne, third daughter of the 1 " o pt , Walker, of Fitzroy-square St. . On the Ist inst., at Mary's, Paddington, Pligirs%l'4' son of the late John Turner, Esq., of Erdington,,,suttf, shire, to Mary, eldest d aug ht er o f William of Howley Villas, Maida-hill. 00° On the Ist inst., at St. Olave's, Southwark' Gre° r . g riv' rl' Leadam, Esq . of Tooley-street, surgeon, r ° 0 SO' Harriet, youngest daughter of the late Rev. Isa, kfriarw% Rector of St. Andrew-by- the-Wardrobe, Blae- DIED. l 7 1 .„ On the 30th ult., at his residence, Sea I.a"''' AP' James Powell, Esq., in the 69th year of his ag e. „ On the 16th ult., at Fulham, Susanna, th e " late Alexander Mundell. 0 1a On the 22d ult., at Bridgewater, Mr. John Lomas ofeet' wick, ad 24. Johl v On the 27th ult, Mr. Henry Robottom, •• road, Clerkenwell, aged 56. ~„2 : 24 - oft On the 27th ult., in Baker-street, Pori- S Jackson Esq., aged 75. On the 29th ult., at East-hill H ous e, Hasting s ' rid Bayley. of O eD ea On the 23d ult., at Berlin, Sevilla, daughterom, g f , pia Howard, Esq., Secretary to her Majesty's Le a tht, On the 28th ult., at Freshwater, Isle of IN at. Jahn 40 only child of G. Miller, Esq., of Goudhurst, On the 31st ult., at Dover, the infant son c " Phillips, of Culham, Oxfordshire. of ' .„t°; 1041 c' „,., yolaTar o e_ f r London: Printed and Published by lant.", -- aad,_ l2 .;ridol' Strand, Printer, at The Sun Mice, No-1 18 + TA" , of the Savoy, in the County of 3111ddles.” tember 3, 1846. I