biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

ciples of Unionism. It is said that if the
join the Union they cea.Qe to be free agents. But is
not ninny a farmer in this locality now adopting
the course which he so strongly objects to in his
labourers? Only yesterday a farmer said to me, "I
only employ a couple of men, and I certainly shan't
reduce their wages; but Mr. —, who is a very large
farmer near me, says he shall take a shilling a week off
his lals.nrers, not because he wishes it himself, but
because it has been agreed among the other farmers to
do it." Is such a one really any more a free agent
than a labourer who applies for an advance of wages
simultaneously with a number of his fellow-labourers?
The farmers may be fairly asked before the contem-
plated reduction of wages is actually put into opera-
tion, to consider whether they are acting with prudence
in adopting a course which is sure to spread Unionism
among their labourers, and which will drive many of
their best workmen to seek employment in other
localities. It should be remembered also that the
lowest paid labourer is not always the cheapest, or as
an old labourer with whom I have just been talking
put it, "If they knock us off a shilling, we shall be
more careless like, and the farmers needn't think they'll
get 12s. worth of work for Ils. wages.”—Yours
FAWCLIT.
The Close, Salisbury, Sept. 19.

labourer%
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

-.:.v4sisksoww,
„Aigamgi.aavh •

"FIINGOLOGY."

The first fungus exhibition held in Scotland was
opened in Aberdeen on Friday in last week. The idea
of the exhibition was first suggested by the Rev. Mr.
Ferguson, of New Pitsligo, in the Scottish Naturalist
for April. The suggestion was readily taken up by
fungologists and men of science, and the result was an
exhibition which gentlemen entitled to speak with
authority say was never equalled in this country. The
specimens numbered about 7,000. Almost every
county in Scotland made large contributions, while
England and Wales sent a number of exhibits. In
fact, almost every fungologist in Britain contributed
specimens. A considerable proportion of the fungi
belonged to the larger classes, such as agariei, boleti,
polppori, &c. ; but there were also large collections of
microscopic fungi, and very important additions to
the British flora. Several species of fungi new to
science were exhibited, and some splendid specimens of
spa rassis, which is very rare, were to be seen. Several
fine specimens of tistulena hepatica, polgporus sul-
phureus, and phebia rudiata were much admired.
-There was a specimen of beleella gigas from Heathcot,
near Aberdeen, a species only once before known to
have been found in Britain. Among the edible fungi
was an enormous specimen of hgeoperdon giganteum,
which had been gathered at Fetternear, in the north
of Scotland, numerous specimens of cantharellus
cebarius and boletus edulis. Several specimens of fossil
fungi, which are very rarely found, were exhibited.
An excellent collection gathered on Moncrieff-hill, and
•sent by Sir Thomas Moncreiff, included a One speci-
men of sparasaiscrispa. Another prominent specimen
of the same was included in a valuable collection from
Huntly-lodge.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

AMERICAN OXEN.

The A tigt.ta ;Maine) .1. rnal has the following story of a
conflict between two oxen in that State
" Mr. Corydon Chadwick and Mr. Sullivan Erskine
have a pasture in common at South China, which they
use for cattle. They have each an ox with a lopped
or crooked horn, the right horn of one and the left of
the other having that peculiar formation. For several
days these cattle had been missing; when the other
cattle came up these were not among the number.
Becoming alarmed, the owners went in quest of them.
Coming to an opening in the woods, Mr. Chadwick !
came upon a sickening spectacle. The lopped horns
of the oxen were clasped, and the exhausted animals,
united compactly, stood face to face waiting for
death, having apparently given up the struggle.
It is supposed that after their horns became en-
tangled a terrible struggle of several days occurred.
The open space was literally torn up, as though it had
been ploughed with a sub-soil plough. W hen they
were turned into the pasture they were large, fat,
seven feet oxen, but now they had become sofernaciated
and famished that a person could almost clasp them
round with his anus. They were perfectly docile when
found, but Mr. Chadwick could not untie the knot.
The horn of each was sunk into the other's head, and
it was only by calling help and sawing the horns off
that a separation could be effected. For days they had
not partaken of any sustenance, and perhaps had not
been able to he down. Their jaws had to be opened
and gruel administered to them. Their heads had been
united so closely that their faces were bare to the bone.
It is possible the animals may live."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS.

Mr. Mr. a. Finney, who has already given such valuable
advice to intendiag emigrants, has also sent the following
communication to The Times for publication :

Sir,—ln my letter, published by you on Saturday, I
had brought my confrere to Winnipeg; let me now
advise him to lose no time in the selection of his home-
stead, remembering that time is money, and that
nowhere is this fact verified so fully as in a new
country.
Too many emigrants, unfortunately for themselves,
think that after their journey they are entitled to a
rest. They hang round the city, of course at first
with the intention of remaining only a few days;
meanwhile they mix with a class of men who may
well be termed ne'er do well's," and who are always
on the look-out for the new arrival. The usual invita-
tion to drink is given, the country discussed and
abused, and the new settler, taking it for granted that
he has met with a friend and is listening to the truth,
not unfrequently falls into the ideas of his ill-adviser,
gives up his intention of goingfurther into the country,
and sinks into the "loafer "--a class who, instead of
being regarded in their true light as the authors of
their own troubles, are held up as examples of unsuc-
cessful emigrants by those whose object it is to misre-
present the advantages if the country, when, in fact,
these very men have rarely been beyond the bar of the
saloon or the billiard-room.
There exist in all new countries a class of men who
go about looking for work and praying that they may
not find it. I have known men in Australia who, year
after year, would go up one side of a river and down
the other, from station to station' begging for their
meals, and, if work were offered to them, refuse it.
Again, when I WM in Winnipeg I knew persons who
came by steamer one day and went back the next trip;
in fact, there were three who went up in the same
steamer with myself and never left her, because the
weather was a little squally and the country generally
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

BALLOON ASCENTS FROM THE
CRYSTAL PALACE.

One of the quickest balloon trips on record was made
on Mondayfrom the Crystal Palace. The balloons Duke
of Edinburgh and La Continent—the former contain-
ing Mr. Charles Spencer (the well-known bicyclist
and gymnast) and Mr. Lithgoe; the latter, Mr.
Wright and Mr. Webb—left the grounds of the Palace
at 4.40 p.m. passing over Forest-hill, New Cross,
Isle of Dogs, Stratford, and Chigwell. There they
parted company, the descent of La Continent being
watched by Messrs. Spencer and Lithgoe from
the Duke of Edinburgh at a height of 2,000 feet
from the earth. There was a strong under-current
blowing, and the balloon was dragged over several
fields, giving its occupants some awkward bumps be-
fore it was landed. The Duke of Edinburgh con-
tinued its journey over Epping and Saffron Walden
to Haverhill, where Messrs. Spencer and Lithgoe
ventured to descend, but owing to the thick wood-
lands they were compelled to make another ascent,
again passing through the clouds at an altitude of
2.n, miles, and at a speed of sixty miles per hour. The
Wash and the German Ocean now appeared in
sight, and it HMS determined to descend. The
valve was opened, and the balloon rapidly descended,
the grapnels soon feeling the ground. Suddenly a
sharp tug was felt, and upon the occupants looking out
from the balloon it was seen the grapnel had torn up a
small oak, and was dragging it along the ground. The
balloon ultimately reached the ground in safety, but
not till Messrs. Spencer and Lithgoe had experienced
a severe shaking, the distance (70 miles) having been
accomplished in lb. 20m.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

A SCIENTIFIC BEQUEST.

Lord Derby announces in the London Gazette that
the Italian Minister in Londcn has communicated to
him a copy of the will of the late M. Girolamo Ponti,
of Milan, by which he has bequeathed a portion of
his property to the "Academies of Science of London,
Paris, and Vienna." It is understood that the re.
latives of the testator intend to dispute the will, and
as it does not clearly appear what British Society is
indicated, the Secretary of State gives notice of the
bequest, in order that those societies which may
wish to put forward their claims, may take
such steps in the matter as they shall think fit.
The will, which is a remarkable one, contains
the following passages relating to the bequest :
"I dispose of the whole of what belongs to me on this
day in favour of the three Academies of Sciences, of
London (capital of England), Paris (capital of France),
and Vienna (capital of Austria), so that my said patri-
mony is to be divided amongst the said three Acade-
mies, in equal parts (after deduction of certain
charges). My patrimony consists for the greater
part of mortages, and taking account of interest,
amounts at present to 865,000 Austrian lire. Each
of the three Academies above named shall be bound
to invest in a perfectly safe and profitable manner
the third part of my patrimony which falls to
its share, and with the proceeds to institute
two annual competitions for ever, in equal amounts.
Consequently, each of the aforesaid Academies will have
to appoint a committee to decide upon the grant of the
rewards annexed to the two competitions, which are to
embrace the following branches: 1. Mechanics. 2. Agri-
culture. 3. Physics and Chemistry. 4. Travels by sea
or by land. 5. Literature. The object of the committee
must be to give the preference to whomsoever among
the competitors, that shall have advanced the sciences
by the discovery of new and simple appliances, and
this refers to mechanics, physics, chemistry, and agri-
culture; in regard to travels by sea and by lands
whoever has distinguished himself by a long journey
by land and by sea or has been able to make proposi-
tions fitting to diminish the dangers inherent in the
present systems, should have the preference : in de-
fault of inventors and distinguished travellers the
committee will turn its attention to the most dis-
tinguished publications of original works, or at least
of translations from other languages of works upon the
above mentioned sciences and travels, including litera-
ture."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

CRAPLEY HEATH, uHALESOWEN, & DISTRICT CHTIONWITY,

i REGISTERBD FOR 1
1 TRANSMISSION ABROAD. 1

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1874.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

-
Jr TIME ARM *sir LADIES who have not yet used the
GLENFIELD Brazos, they are respectfully solicited to
give it a Walt and carefully follow out the directions
printed oa every riLeklige, and if Wm is done, they will
say, like the Queen's Laundress, it is the finest Starch
they ever used. When you ask for GLESPIELD STAROII,
see that you get it, as inferior kinds aie often substituted
for the sake of extra profit. Beware therefore of spur.
ous imitations.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

PRINCE BISMARK AT HOME.

The Deutsche Nachrichten contains the following interest-
ing notice
Some days ago the harvest home was celebrated at ,
Prince Bismark's estate, Varzin, and as is customary
there, a grand feast and afterwards a ball was given
by the liberal owner to his farm servants, male and
female. A large and roomy carriage shed had been deco-
rated and fitted up for the occasion, and a raised
platform for the musicians of course was not want-
ing. Shortly after the band had begun to play, and
the different couples were whirling round the saloon,
the Prince appeared with his wife and family, and as
is customary in those parts' did not hesitate to share
in the pleasure of their humble dependents. The
Princess condescended to allow the hind to dance with
her once, and then played the part of a quiet spec-
tator. The Prince, on the contrary, who has been
accustomed to dance with the fine ladies at Court, did
not shrink from dancing with all the girls on his
estate, but not until he had given his first partner a
lesson in the mystic art, namely, as the Chancellor
began to dance with her who was the oldest among her
colleagues, she set to work with such a will and in such
a rough and ready style as the country folks do
dance, that the Prince, who had undergone the hard-
ships of warfare more than once, already was soon
out of breath, and was therefore obliged to check the
impetuosity of his partner. The young Countess
Bismark joined in the merry dance as heartily as any-
body, and set a good example to the maids in this re-
spect. The noble entertainers remained with their
humble guests until late in the evening. Refreshments
were provided in abundance, and as such vigorous
exercise increases the appetite, full justice was done to
them. On the 2nd of September, the anniversary of
Sedan, all Prince Bismark s people, both high and low,
were assembled within the walls of Vermin, and spent
the universal holiday in eating and drinking and
merriments of all kinds, at the expense of their enter-
tainer and master."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

LABOURING UNDER A PECULIAR
HALLUCINATION.

One of the most painful incidents of modern days I
occursed last month in Phillips County, United
States. An amiable and gifted lady, Miss Boomer-
shine, died under peculiarly distressing circumstances.
It seems from the account given of the affaieby the
Troy Chief, that about a year ago a family from
Georgia, of German descent, named Boomershine,
settled near the western line of Phillips County.
Miss Boomershine had an awkward habit of eating
clay, which she usually obtained from the road-
side. Unfortunately, early this summer the grass-
hoppers swarmed in the district where the Boomer-
shines lived, and soon began depositing their eggs in ,
the gardens, fields, and roadside. It was nob long
before Miss loomershine began to complain of internal
pains and exhibited other symptoms of a nature so
alarming as to cause serious anxiety to her friends.
Her fancy for eating clay subsided, but she was con-
stantly nibbling blades of corn, leaves of trees, dog
fennel, and other weeds, and frequently said she felt
as if she "could take wings and fly away." At
last her family called in Dr. Le Due, of Phillips.
burg, who sail he had never before seen or read of
„,
such a case, and that in his opinion Miss Boomer-
shine must be labouring under a mental hallucination.
Her desire to " fly" continued unabated until the
other day, when the grasshoppers commenced rising
and taking their flight. Miss Boomersliine appeared
very restless that morning—standing at the window
and watching the grasshoppers, while her friends were
as anxiously watching herself. Suddenly, as though
unable to control herself, she rushed out of the house,
flapped her arms as though they were wings, rose about
ten feet in the air, and then fell to the ground dead.
A post-mortem examination by Dr. Le Luc revealed
the fact that, within, she "was literally swanning
with grasshoppers." The instincts of these insects
prompted them to migrate with other grasshoppers,
and hence the eccentric conduct and death of this un-
happy girl.—Pall Mall Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

HOLLOWAY'S PILLS,

For all Diseases affeeliny llte Stomach, Dicer,
Kidneys, and Bowels.
These Pills can be confidently recommended as the
most simple and certain remedy for all diseases affecting
the stomach, liver, and bowels. They do not distress
the system, or weaken the frame, bat thoroughly invigos
rate the digs alive organs, gently excite the stomach and
liver, stimulate:the kidneys to perform their functions
efficiently, and act upon the bowels without griping or
any other annoyance.
Diseases peculiar to Women.

There is no medicine equal to Holloway's Pills for cor-
recting the ailments peculiar to females. Their err)
mild and painless action highly recommends them to
every household, as they may be taken with safety for
any irregularity of the system. Any mother, flume, or
young person, guided by the directions which accompany
each box of Holloway's Pills, has at once available means
for checking disease, purifying the blood, and expciling
from the system all gross tumours.
Weakness, Lanyaoe, and Debility.

These famous Pills will immediately YetlloVc all sym
toms of debility, languor, and weakness, no matter the
cause, as they quickly eject all impurities from the
system, give time and energy to debilitated constitutions,
and brace and strengthen the nervous system in a most
wonderful manner.

Biliousness, Loss of Appetite, and Lowness of
Hp bits.

The Pills effects wonderful change in persons subject
tobilious attack, dB they create • healthy appetite, cor-
net indigestion, remove ClCeti6 of bile, and effectually
curt jaundice, bilious remittema, and all the varietie
disease generated by an miliceittly comlitien of the live

The Kidneys—Their beranyernent anti Cure.
If these Pills be need according to the printed direction
and the Ointment rubbed over the region of the kidneys
for at least half an hour at bed Lime, as null is forced into
meat, it will penetinte the kidneys and correct any dc-
rangement. Should the affliction he stow, ur gravel, it
is particularly recommended that the Oint.—ini, in such
cases, be used night and morning, as by its judicious ap-
plication the most astotulaing cures may be performed.

The Pi and Ointment are sold at Professor Robb°.
way's Establishinent, 533, Oxford-et., London; also by
nearly every respectabie Verdor of Medicine throughout
the Civilised World, in Boxes and Pots, at Is 11d, 2. 3d,
Is 6u lii, 225. aid 33s each. ftc bendiest Box of
Pills craitains four dozen; and the smailtat Put of Oint-
ment one ounce.
Full printed directions are affixed to each Box and l'ot
and can be bad in any language, even in Turkish, Arabic,
Armenian, Persian or Chinese
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

NOT with a hundred pairs of hands and eyes
Could Punch to daily letters write replies.
And, he it known to all whom it concerns,
Rejected articles he iie'er return), -Punch.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

CUTTINGS FROM AMERICAN PAPERS.

The latest " charm " in the United States for watch
chains is a stick of caustic to cauterise dog bites.

There are twenty thousand strangers in Saratoga
and no handsome women. The Boston Cormier editor is
answerable to the twenty thousand ladies for this assertion.

Alluding to the death of a citizen a paper recently
remarked With the single exception of twenty-three
years ago, when he took a few lessons on a violin, his life has
been blameless."
The following advertisement recently appeared :
" Tried to learn, but give it up. Will sell piano, stool, cover,
and hymn-book for x. 50."

One of the cooks at Long Branch has invented a
dish which he calls " cucumber toast." It less good that
when one has eaten a plate of it he is not Likely to want any.
thing else for a week.

The Rev. 0. B. True was married in a Connecticut
town the other day. Oh, be true !

It is singular that mineral waters are only beneficial
to the wealthy. We never knew a physician to advise a poor
man to go to any watering-place.

....-
A New Orleans coloured lady remarks that her hus-
band holds the " 'stinguished position of stupidnumerary on
the metropelican pollee."

One of our "born poets" some short time sines lost
his wife, and in his grief giving up all worldly hopes and
joys, had his manuscript verses interred with his departed
earthly treasure. This is a rare instance of common sense
and lucidity on the part of a poet, and an example to the
rising manufacturers of manuscript which it would be well
for them to take to heart. If any one of them has not the
chalice of a special occasion like the above, he can inter the
paper written upon in any back garden, and to a considerable
depth, it is to be hoped.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

CLIMBING FOR EDELWEISS.

'rho Rev. 11. Smeltiwrites to us (The Times), from Wileott
Vicarage, Marlborough :

"You have lately published one or two very interest-
ing paragraphs relating to this curious and pretty
Alpine Hower, stating the height at which it grows,
and the difficulty with which it is to be obtained. I am ,
therefore tempted to ask you to relate the following I
particulars of a specimen of this plant now growing
in the garden of this vicarage, at a height by Ordnance
Survey of only 423 ft. above the level of the sea. !
The edelweiss in question was brought from Lucerne
in the summer of 1672 ; it was carried for three days
in paper (the little ball of peaty earth nearly
dry) in a hat-box to Frankfurt-am-Main, where it
WAS potted by a German gardener in German peat,
in about the same sized pot as that known to English
gardeners as No. 60, after which it had another live
days with but very little water in the same hat-box to
this. place. On arrival it was immediately planted in
the open ground. During the winter (1872-73) when-
ever snow could be obtained it was carefully heaped
upon it, and in the following summer I was rewarded
with one large pelfect bloom. Being allowed, however,
to remain too long, it lost its proper shape of a star,
andgrew into three very irregular asterisks of white felt.
This year the very dry cold spring and hot burning
summer have agreed with it so well that it produceds
eleven splendid blooms, standing in nearly a circle
round the plant. These were allowed to open well,
and were gathered in June, except one, left, if
possible, to seed. The plant is very healthy, but I
doubt if, even now, the roots extend beyond the
German peat. Every tale has its moral. The moral
of this is that, instead of searching for edelweiss from
7,000 to 10,000 feet above the sea, people may find it
at 423 feet, and, for aught I know, lower; and, instead
of breaking their limbs and bruising their persons on
the rugged Alps, they may, if they like, walk across
their. own English lawns and pick it. I imagine,
however, that this will go the way of most morals to
tales. It is the spice of danger which makes it edel
noble--and urges men and women to try and get it."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

A CHINESE WEDDING.

The San Francisco BulleUn gives the following account of
the marriage in that city, on August 22, of LM Mona, a re-
putable Mongolian, to Miv Chung Fa, a noted moon-eyed
belle:—

" The interest on the occasion extended to a host of
our citizens, who have within the past few years been
intimately associated with the principals. The bride
and groom are both shining representatives of the
heathen whoffiock to our shores, and were early engaged
by humane citizens to assist in converting the Chinese
element to Christianity. ho Mong received a liberal
education before leaving his parental roof; soon after
his arrival here he was engaged as a missionary, and
has induced several of his countrymen to embrace Chris-
tianity. While thus ministering, Miss Chung Fa IVILB
referred to him for religious solace, and it was while ex-
plaining the doctrine laid down in the Old Testament
that the affection which has now ripened into marriage
was rooted. The courtship of this couple was strictly in
accordance with modernusages. The marriage ceremony
was held in the Chinese Mission Home, at the corner
of Stockton and Sacramento-streets, in the presence
of a large number of friends, the Rev. Dr. Loomis and
the Rev. Ira M. Condit officiating, the former in
English and the latter in Chinese. The bride was
attired in an elegant white gros-grain, skirt en train,
pannier looped up with sprays of orange blossoms and
small white satin bows. The corsage was worn high,
and with a white illusion ruche. The hair was worn
high, and was surmounted by a wreath of orange
blossoms. A handsome white point-lace veil was
attached to the orange blossoms, and fell in graceful
folds over the bride's brown shoulders. The bridal
ornaments consisted of pearls and gold. The bride-
groom appeared in a stylish black broad-cloth suit,
including the usual swallow tail coat. At the con-
clusion of the ceremony the party repaired to the
residence of the newly married couple, and assisted in
the wedding feast. The honeymoon will be spent in
the interior. It is stated that this is the first time in
this city that a Christian Chinaman and a Christian
Chinawoman have been married in a Christian
manner."

SOMETHING NEW FOR THE ORIEN-
TALISTS' CONGRESS.
What did Nitsit's Bees do while afloat?
They kept the Are-hives.—Punch.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

THE COST OF MODERN MUM.

The cost of the war of 1870, according to an article
In the Allgemeine Zettunp, was comparatively small.
On the part of France it amounted to £371,000,000, to
which 173 millions may be added as the value of the
ceded territory. The amount spent by Germany was,
of course, less, the troops operating in the enemy's
country, no towns having to be victualled, and the
commissariat being much better managed than with
the French. The cost to the North German Con-
federation has been officially stated as £47,000,000.
When the truce was concluded the German treasury
was empty, and but for the contribution levied
on Paris and the first instalment of the in-
demnity, a new loan would have been necessary. The
£6,000,000 of the German war chest and the £58,000,000
of the war loan must have been exhausted. Contem-
porary wars have been far more costly. Brazil ex-
pended 12!, millions in its war against Paraguay; the
American civil war cost 330 millions; the Crimean
war cost England 167 millions, the Abyssinian expedi-
tion 81 milhons, and the Ashantee war lA millions.
1 The cost of the Franco-German war is all the more
moderate inasmuch as private compensation is in-
cluded-7 millions on the German and 24 millions on
the French side. The loss of 121)250 German soldiers,
who were killed on the battle-field or died in hospitals,
would not, however, remarks the Allgemeine Zeitung,
be compensated even were the cost of the war repaid
thrice over.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

RAILWAY FARES AND RAILWAY
DIVIDENDS.

A member of the Railway Reform Associati al, of
the continued existence f which we are glad to hear,
contributes, from an extensive experience of home and
continental lines, corroboration of Mr. Charles Mark-
ham's observations, already referred to in these
columns. He endorses Mr. Markham's statement
that one ordinary third-class carriage, if filled, pro-
duces mom per mile than the entire cost of working a
line that distance, and two carriages a net revenue of
50 per cent. He next mentions, as an undoubted
fact, that when the contract fare for first-class passen-
gers between London and Brighton was reduced from
£5O to £3O per annum, the dividend was much im-
proved, showing that first-class passengers may be
more profitably carried for a farthing than 2d. a mile,
and then asks how, in the face of this, the companies
can continue to charge the toiling millions a penny
for the same distance? The experience of the Thames
steam-boat companks is then referred to. They were
unable to produce a dividend until they reduced their
fares from 4d. to id, when they paid well. Similarly
the Belgian railways, while they continued to charge
English fares, never paid more than a nominal divi-
dend; but when they reduced their third-class to a
farthing a mile, andthe other classes in proportion, they
went on improving until they reached from 10 to 13
per cent. The secret of scattering, anti yet increasing, is
not, however, unknown even in England. The
London and North-Western nearly a quarter of a
century ago made the station for a suburban district
about fifteen miles from Manchester a free station,
the only condition under which free tickets were
granted for twenty-one years or for life, being that
the passenger should live in a house of £5O per
annum or upwards, and that the tickets should not
be transferable, the company being amply recouped
by the fares of the household and visitors of the
ticket-holder. Something is evidently, wrong, with
dividends down to next to nothing, and railway tra-
velling in cushioned carriages as costly, occasionally
mstlier, than by the old stage-coaches.—lron.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

THE PHYLLOXERA.

7.-1

to expect that a cal; Corse
as heavy a load, to plough
nd, if it were kept on half its
Hitherto the agitation which
td other agricultural districts
tht effect in this neighbour-
is now being prepared for
on a successful propaganda.
again proclaim their unalter-
labourers adopting the prin.

The subject which seems to cause the most interest
in France at the present moment, and very naturally
so, when the damage it inflicts upon the vine is con-
sidered, is that devastating little insect the phylloxera
(says the London Medical Record). M. Lichtenstein,
a well-known member of the Entomological Society
of France, has just published some interesting details
on this mysterious pest. He informs us that six years
of arduous labour are finally crowned with success,
and that he now thoroughly knows the habits of the
phylloxera. Ile asserts that he has discovered its origin,
and likewise a means of destroying it at small expense.
At the present time he tell us that it swarms on
everything like bees or ante. Winged insects
come out of the earth in unheard of quantities;
at a rough calculation about 500,000 from every two
acres daily, and make their may towards the woods.
There they lay their eggs on the cochineal oak (Quercmi
coccifera), the eggs being of two sizes, large and small.
From these eggs issue small apturcius insects, male and
female, which couple immediately. M. Lichtenstein
has not yet discovered how the product of this
union, which is beyond any doubt the source of the
next year's colonies, returns to the vineyard; but he
is continuing his endeavours to ascertain this point;
it is, however, he asserts, easy to burn and destroy
millions of these insects by setting fire to the chumps
of the oaks mentioned, which surround the vineyards.
This heroic remedy should, he says, be applied
at once, since the insect is only thus within reach
once a year. The epochs when this occurs vary accord-
ing to the weather and other circumstances; thus,
whilst in one locality the eggs are already opening, in
another they are scarcely laid, and in yet another the
laying is going on as fast as possible. M. Lichtenstein
here notes that though be terms the substancedeposited
by the insects on the oak an "egg," it would be more
accurate to term it "chrysalis," since it gives origin to
a perfect insect, and not to a larva. Truly Protean in
its nature, the phylloxera vastatrix presents such extra-
ordinary metamorphoses that it upsets all the reseived
data of entomological science. It
_begins as an
finishes by another and - passes V-

egg, ialtogethero, through
a too complicated kind and number of changes to be
described without considerable space and detail.

Mr. Jacob Bright has refused the invitation given
him to contest Northampton in the Liberal interest. In a
letter to one of the deputation which waited upon him, he
rays that he has looked carefully and anxiously at all the
circumstances of the political situation, and the difficulties
which were apparent some weeks ago appear to him in no
way removed.

I •
"
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

THE STOURPiIIPGE OIMFYIVEII.

THE IRON TRADE.
pHOT OGRAPHY.' aspect of the iron trade has not materially
changed since our last notice, and until the
L A reduction in wages really takes effect, and the
, course of prices for next quarter is definitely
settled, buyers will continue to hold back their
orders for all but the most urgent requirements.
Fire Shilhog, per dezen Cartes Vhite, two posi The orders in the market are known to be of
considerable extent, and altogether the pro-
, snecte of business are more satisfactory than for
a long time past. Operations at the finished
ironworks of the district have been considerably
interrupted by the' wakes" at Brierley Hill and
Walsall this week. Several additional blast
furnaces are being relighted, including one by
Mr. Mathews at Corbyn's Hall, and two by
Messrs. Noah Hingley and Sons, at Netherton.
The pig-iron trade will be most favourably af-
fected by the reduced prices of coal and coke,
and local makers will now be enabled to compete
with those in other districts who have for months
past been sending large supplies into South Staf-
fordshire. Sales of all-mine pig are being re-
corded at £5 per ton, but for best:brands the
price remains at £5 10s. to £5 1,55. per ton.
No difficulty is anticipated in the wages question
among the miners, the reduction announced
being in strict accord with the agreement made
by Mr. Halliday with the full consent of both
sides some time ago. It does not however seem
likely that the extra hour suggested in some
quarters will be agreed to. The old cry about
Belgian competition has been revived by a
strange rumour that the Superintendent of
Admiralty Contracts to Belgium, with the view
of inducing the ironmasters there to compete
for the supply of Admiralty requirements. Sup.
inning this rumour to be correct, few who have
had any experience in Belgian iron will fear the
vsult of such an experiment to the iron trade of
this or any other English district. The applica-
tions for the debentures of the Darlaston Steel
and Iron Company (Limited), were for £12,000,
in excess of the number to be allotted. The list
is now closed. 'the sharp decline in the value
of Sandwell Park Colliery shares, during the last
few weeks, is due simply to realisations, the ap-
pearance and prospects being even better now
than when the shares stood at 25 per cent higher
The new sinkings at Aldridge and Wimblebury,
in the Cannock Chase district, are proceeding
very satisfactorily, and both concerns will be
ready for work in the early part of next year.

ARCHER CLARKE,

buns.

The Portrait and Printing Rooms have been altered
and improved ,luring the V. inter and FOR I'RAITS can
Se Finished and sent home (free I,f cut) wuch quicker
than previously.
THE NEW REMBRANDT PICTURE.
THE NEW CAMEO VIGNETTE.

THE NEW ENAMELED PORTRAIT
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

PUBLIC NOTICES.

FRIEND OF ALL.

OLD HILL.

ASSAULT CASE.—At the Petty Session', held on Wed-
nesday, before Home. F. W. 0. Barra awl N Hingley,
Joseph Pratt was charged with assaulting Si orgc Archer,
On the 15th inst. Defendimt admitted boson: comphow-
ant's ears; but he did so becatiso cow plainant used filthy
language towards his wife. Case dim:kissed.

CHAittiE o INDKCENT A.SSACLT.—Enoch Powell, George
Hickman and Charles Booth, three youihs a ere charged
with assaulting Sarah Ann liittler, on the 25th all.
Mr. Smith. defended. Complainant said that about half-
paet eight o'cleek at night. eke was g i..g to the Pig and
Whistle, to fetch water, when the there defendants came
behind her, polled her cleun, and threw her dress over
her head. On et... F.-examination, defendant advaittod
that elm told Mrs. Hickman that her boy did not aaanolt
her, she also told her that the other two boys did not U.
ult her, and that she did not take out the summons for
a week alter the assault had been Conamitted. Mr. Smith
in defence, contended that the whole affair was tramped
up by the complainant whose character was not good.
and that she had taken this step to recover her character
in the eyes of her father, and called Elizabeth lib:knish
and Caroline May.r, who said that she had previously
ttated that the defendants pre.ent were not the ho3s who
had assaulted her.
_The Bench dismissed the case.

--
BREACH or 111 R PEACE.—John Williams and Joeeph
Griffiths, wore charged by Inspector Price with comma-
Ling a breach of the peace by lighting, on the 14th Mat.
Mr. Smith defended. Police-sergeant Baldwin, proved
that he now the two defendants fighting at Black Heath.
Mr. Smith, for Williams, said that he posacied one of
the boa ponies in Old Hill, and on the above date. he
was going to run, when Griffiihs, got into the paddock
alit began to quarrel, and struck Ms client, who struck
again. Withdrawn on payment of costs.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

EXPERIMENTS WITH DYNAMITE.

On the occasion ofxa recent visit to Muncaster Castle,
where he was the guest of Lord and Lady Muncaster,
his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught was pre-
sent with the party of distinguished visitors at the
firing of shots with the explosive dynamite, for various
industrial purposes, such as the rending and removal
of trees, stumps, rocks, and boulders, and the getting
of stone by blasting operations in Lord Muncaster's
adjacent granite quarries. The composition and
nature of this explosive were explained to his
Royal Highness, and its perfect harmlessness,
except when exploded by a detonating fuse, was ex-
emplified practically in various ways. The important
fact that water is in no way detrimental to the explo-
sive powers of dynamite was shown by the subaqueous
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

A NOVEL EXPERIMENT IN
NAVIGATION.

The New York papers state that on the lot. inst.
Mr. John F. Lacey successfully accomplished the feat
of crossing Long Island Sound in a twelve feet rowboat
drawn by a kite. The kite was ten feet high by eight
feet wide, and WU attached to the forward part of the
boat by a strong cord, about six hundred feet of which
was let out. The wind was blowing northwest at about
two o'clock p.m. when the start was made from Sea
Side Park. The start was witnessed by a large num-
ber of people, and the success or failure of the enter-
prise was the suhject of much comment and specula-
tion. The fresh breeze carried the boat steadily out
into the Sound, and in a direction toward Port Jeffer-
son, L. I. A sailboat accompanied the kite-propelled '
adventurers, but the strength of the kite was so great
that the sailboat WAS left behind before the Long
Island shore was reached. When about half way
across the Sound the wind hauled to the west, but the
kite continued to draw quite as well as before, and
Port Jefferson harbour was made in three hours
' and a quarter after leaving Sea Side Park. The
distance is twenty-two miles, and the boat drawn by
the kite reached the shore at least a mile ahead of the
sailboat which accompanied it. Old Field light was
the point sailed for, and it was made exactly, and thus
on the voyage over about four points to the windward
were made. As the success of the experiment had
been pronounced impossible, the achievement was
very gratifying, and demonstrated that the theories of
would-be philosophers were all wide from the mark.
The kite was covered with fine white cotton cloth and
had a tail of "listing" 10C feet in length. No other
motive power than the kite was used to draw the boat
through the water, and there was not the least tendency
to fail during the entire trip over. Mr. Lacey is con-
fident that he can guide a boat nearly as closely as if
run by sails, and he is ready to undertake still farther
excursions to demonstrate the feasibility of this method
of navigation.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

110P.§.

The market is firm, and the better gnalities of new hops,
the supply of which is as yet comparatively small, are held
for somewhat better prices. Businms, however, is still
quiet, though a little more animated than it was. The im-
ports of foreign hops into London la,t week consisted 01 370
hales from Antwerp, 208 from Hamburg, 25r, from Ostend,
30 from liavre, 33 from Toraeueen, 36 from Rotterdam, and
63 from Calais.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

POTATOES.

The supplies on offer have largely increased, and the trade
is dull on lower terms. The quotations are now as under :
Regents, 60s. to 70s. : rocks, 555. to 60s. , kidneys, 805. to 90e.
per ton. Foreign Fotatoes.--The imports into London last
week were confined to five bags from Hamburg, 06 Ter-
neuzen, 204 Antwerp, 16 Ostend, and one case from Lisbon.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

THE STOURI3IIIDG-E OBSER%

No. 549

20, COLMORE ROW, BIRMINGHAM.

DAILY ATTENDANCE 10 TILL 6
PERFECTLY PAINLESS DENTISTRY.-NITROUS OXIDE OAS.

By the use of this, the most simple, speedy, and successful agent, after an experience:of upwezds of 15,000 ma,
MR. B. L. MOSELY,
The Dentist, Member of the College of Dentists, England, and Original Introdueer of this Gas,
Guaranteee entire immnnity from pain in every operation pertaining to Dental Surgery, and
successful painless adaptation of Artificial Teeth. The daily experience of Hospitals and extensive private
practice demonstrates that, unlike every other anseathetic, the Nitrous Oxide Gas is inocuous and even pleasant,
while want of success or the least pain is simply impossible. For confirmation of this VIDII Lanett, British
Medical Journal, of 15 Jan., and opinions of leading members of the faculty. In the use of Mr. B. L. Mosely's
Painless Artificial Teeth, the following results may be confidently relied on :—All loose teeth are permanently
fastened, and the Artificial Teeth as firm in the mouth as the natural. Such entire comfort, combined with a fit so
perfect, I. secured by this specialite, that the wearer, so far from being inconvenienced by his Artificial Teeth, is
actually uncomfortable without them. In appearance and in use, both for eating and speaking, they are preci•ely
the same as one's own natural Teeth—there IS no difference whatever.
" Nous en parlous par experience, &pint confle l'extraction de deux de DOB dents a M. Mosely, Is dentiste de
Begentlitreet at n'ayant reesenti de cette operation minute dooleur. 11 faut dire quo nous scions eteprealablement
nada insensible u moyen do gas oxigene, agent dune inocuite parfait. Ce ne'est plus line operation; cost one
simple formalite."—Courier de l'Europe.
"Painless and conservative to • dre---- "—Standard.

From the Lancet, April 2nd, 1870 (p. 480.)
"The MOOD/ why we advocate the use of Nitrous Oxide of Use are ' Ito Safety." The rapidity with which
anaesthesia can be induced, viz., from 50 to 100 seconds;' because it is actually pleasant to inhale, and therefore
fright and mental distress is avoided.'—Because recovery is usually bright, pleasant, and complete, afterdiseomfort
being eatremely rare."
Teeth from 21.; seal, sto 30 guiaeu. Every information free.
Attendance daily at 812, Regeot-ttreet, Lomdoo, ad 28, tehnore Row, 131naiogbara.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

SPECIAL ATTENTION.

Is given to Copying and Enlarging (even to Life Size
any Portrait, and finishing the same either in Oil and
Water-colour, or plain black-and-white.
OIL PAIN fIEO, Miniatures, Cartes de Visite, Glass
and other Pictures of self or deceased friends, Copied for
Els Album.
Cartes de Visite from 58 per dozes, token daily.
ARCHER CLARKE,

71, HIGH STREET, 27OU1BRIDGE.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-26

-
A

PRICE ONE PENNY.

155, 111011 STREET,

C ARLES HNOCKER;
General Manrger.

London, 31st August, 1874.

G. F. GREEN,
DIANOFORTE TUNER,
. . .

2-6-0, Castle-street, and 168, Hiyh-street, Dadley,
GAS GREAT PLEASURE IN PUBLISHING IHE FOLLDWING

'fESTIAIONIALS

Flom Mr. C. Potter, Professor of Music, from the
Institution for the Blind, St. John's Wood, London:—
•• I can confidently recommend Mr. Green as • Piano-
forte Tuner. He tunes by equal temperfunent, mid ob.
taia6 an enact Scale. (Signed) C. POTTER."
From Mr. J. F. Patterson, Organist, St. Patrick's
Chinch, Huddersfield :—" I have mach pleasure in tete.
tifying to the abilities of Mr. Green as a Pies °forte
Tuner. He lays tie bearings with efletnenc and perfec.
lion. (Signed) JAMES F. PATTERSON."
From Mrs. Sanderson, Solo Pisuiste, of the London
and Liverpool Concerts :—"Mr.tireen is one of tbe few
who can Tune my Piano to the nicety I require pt., vious
to giving my Public Recitals. (Signed) E. K. SANDER-
son."

From Mr. Batterworth, Orgabiat, Oeheress, near
Manchester:—" Mr. Green's equal ass Piauoforte T liner
can rarely be ix et wilh. (higned) Roan unworrin.'t
.t a. J.

Terms for Yearly Tuning, =hiding minor re.
psirs—
Cottages, per AlOlllOl.. ............ •• • 1 1
(Stands do
Single Timing, (in Town).
s. d. s. d. s. d s. d.
Cottages.... .'3 6& 5 0 Fut; UrardL. 6 6& 7 0
Semi-Gran& 5 0& 6 0 Concert Iron
Triel,otd ot• Orends ......7 6
Ob!igue. . 4 6& 5 6 ,
Pir.,fe Ors 'Fluted to the French Pitch (now %miser
sally alt.red throught:l3l.l4..leud, if required.
• A large stock of elas,ie'il aol led.an :Muir, at
lie f-Irine.
Plurse o!.:erre the .411c70.,,,-510,C,rttle Sir( et,
MS, Jigl Sfral, I,thqf y.

"DIA NOFORTES and If AIZMONII:37.I.IS Taal
k be bad un the tiISIV SI:STEXI lITIIING, fnTwoUt
Three Years; after which, and without any further pay-
ment, to become the property of the hirer. All Instru-
ments had on this system, or otherwise, will be
Exchanged any time within six months for any other, if
not approved of, and returned carriage free. And fur.
ther,after a trial of three years, any Piannforteor Ilar-
monium would be taken back, at its original cost, and
the money returned, deducting the usual chargeforinre
thus offering greater advantages than the Loudon or Rio.
winghain Houses.—Apply O. F. GREEN, Pianoforte
Teacherand Toner, Music Warehonse,2l3o,Castle.street,
awl 1.68, High-street, [Maley.

5 000 PIANOFORTES
:UMS have Leen TUNF.II by G.F. GREEN
Professional 1 mien, 260, CASTLE-1,17E1,LT, alai IRS, HIER
STREET, DUDLEY. Pianofortes Re-silked, lie•strung.
the Ilsiumets lie-cov-ered with Patent Felt,as used 11
the most eminent 0 ms.