The Express.
London, England, 1849-05-29 00:00:00

THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS.

ESSE-C.—The heavy rains of the week, especially on
Sunday tight, have worked havoc in some i arts ofthis couaty,
the waters, in consequenoe,rthing higher than has been known ,
for some time at this period of the year, and flooding the ,
meadows and lowlar.ds. At Rayleigh the rain fell in • per-
fect deluge, and it is said that severe I small fishes were after-
wards picked up in the street. The roads and watercounes
in that district bear deep marks of the working of the tor-
rents. In the neighbourhood of Sudbury much damage is
expected from the flooding of the meadows, the depaaturing
for the cattle of the free-burgesses having commenced only
last week. About three o'clock on Monday morning, the
inhabitants of Saffron Walden, and particularly in the vici-
nity of East-street, were alarmed by the rushing of water
into their dwellings, sad on examination it appeared that in
oonsequeaee of the inoessant tall of rain, the water had
IWM to such a height as not only to drive up the ground and
inky, the lower part of the house", but to endanger the
lives of the inmates. Several sheep were washed away, and
have not been recovered.—Chstenaford Chronicle.
Ifito-Kmen.—The wheat plant is looleng well, and the
same remark. we are happy to say, applies to barley, oats,
and beans. Peas hay! suffered much from the effects t f the
slug, the ravages of which 'save exceeded anything almost
ever before known, leaving the plant very thin on the
ground. Cherries are very much blighted, but there will be
some black hearts and Kentish reels. The gooschcrries are
entirely destroyed. Currents and apples promise a good
crop. There is every appearance of an abundant crop of
grass. Clover and seeds general:y lout well.—Manisfone
Journal.

OXFORDS/MlL—The weather during the week has been
a little variable, though upon the whole highly favour-
able for vegetation, being marked by frequent sheens-
•ioas from bright unshine to a cloudy alive of tl e sky,
with light shewees, although the retarding irfluence
of a backward spring is in many instances 'WM.)
in the appearance of the young crops as compared
with their condition at the same period in former years ' • the
aspect of the whole may be considered satisfactory. The
young wheats, in particular, hear for the most part as pro-
mising an appearance of health and vigour as could be de-
sired, and the other wain crops seem to thrice equally well.
The late tract of cold weather has, however, had a visible
MEM upon the fruit trees, especially those of the peach,
plum, and apricot tries, which in numerous instances have
suffered severely.—Orford Herald.

YORILIIHIRE.—The state of the weather continues to be
highly favourable to the progress of vegetation. The
quantity of rain already descended has been very
croions; and the earth, having received this bounti-
ful supply, presents an appearance of remarkable
luxuriance. It is almost a matter of Impossibility
to wish for finer
_growing weather than that which at
present prevails. The remarkable change daily presented
on all hands in the growth of the several corn and grass
crops, as well as in the various productions of the garden, is
highly gratifying to behold. Na doubt the wheat plant,
which now looks well, would, especially on some soils,
flourish better with a succession of ary days and genial
nights, than with a further come': uance of moist weather.
The megrims have made very great proems, and the pas.
tures afford an abundance of heritage. The immense
amount of good which has recently been roceived and which
is manifested in all directions. ev n in the luxuriant foliage
of the woodlands, the replenishment of the springs, and the
augmentation of the river streams, would, if possible, be
reredere I more manifest by the caintinusnce of a sunny and
genial atmosphere. At the present moment, however, the
whole face of the country has the appearance of, as it were,
an immense garden of luxuriant vegetation, which, in the
lurther development of every description of produce, pro-
Multi all the innumerable blessings of abundance in due
season.—Shefseld Independent.
EDINBVIIOII.—Under the influence of the present genial
weather vegetation is making rapid proirese, and probably
never did the crops look better than at this: moment.
There are no exception., for wheat, barley, on's, and beans
have all a very promising appearance. The recent showers
have rather interrupted the preparation of land for turnips,
mad, as it is impossible to clean wet land, dry weather will
for some time be of the greatest consequence. In agriculture,
so much depending on the weather, the proverb, " where
there is a will, there is a way," unfortunately does not al-
ways hold good.—Scotsman,

FALKIRK —There is a general report current that a good
deal of the fallow wheat has given way in some places in
this locality, owing to the frost in the spring, and tbat iu
consequence some of the farmers have been obliged to
Vough down some of their fields and re-sow them. From
personal observation, about twelve days ago, it was evident
there were great blanks or. some field, the crown of the
ridges, in some places, being entirely tiue. We are happy
to state, however, with regard to wheat after green crop,
that it is at present most luxuriant, indeed, perhaps too
thick. With regard to the bean fields, they look uncom-
monly well and healthy. The copious showers that we
have had for these last eight days have brought up a fine
healthy breird of oats and barley. The late change in the
weather has come very opportunely to the aid of the hay
crop, as it was very stinted in general. The pasture lands
were sadly in want of moisture, having long severely felt
the baneful influence of the long protracted cold and
drought.—Stirling Journal.

FBABERBUROII.—The weather has again become cold and
inconstant. The country looks much improved this week
oat brand is rising up rapidly ; grass has a very healthy
pearance.—John o'Groal Journal.

OWENBY —KiaxwALL.—This is the eoldeet May ever
remembered by the " oldest inhabitant" Vegetation is
coosequently going on at a slow rate in the fields. Gardens
look better ; potatoes are coining up ; blowouts on fruit-
trees promise well ; but caterpillars, grub, aphis vastaton,
and others of like character, are commencing their devasta-
tions. A great breadth of land is this year occupied by
potatoes in Orkney, in consequence of the high prices ob-
tained last year for that article, and the low price of grain.
John o' Groat Journal.

RENTREW6IIIIII.—SiIIOO oar lilt we have had abundance
of wet weather, and vegetation of allkinds basin consequence
made rapid strides. The fields in most parts of Renfrew-
shire look well. The wheat has brairded luxuriantly; oats
have come well forward, and potatoes are shooting up with
every appearance of health. The grass we have seldom seen
better ; m fact, the promise of all descriptions of green crop
is good. In the orchards we have also a goodly promise.
The small fruit has not suffered to the extent which was
anticipated from the late frost. The bushes show abund-
ance both of fruit and foliage. We are sorry, however, to
observe that the fly and este rpillar are already at work, and
the magnums of their destructive labours may be serious.
The fruit tuts have flourished largely, and on some of the
early kinds the fruit is setting well. This season we have
every prospect of a large and early crop of strawberries. We
do not remember ever having seen the plants so loaded
with blossoms. Raspberries, and other descriptions of garden
produce, look equally well.—Renfrewhi►e Advertiser.

THE POOR LAw.—A retom moved for by Mr.
Wodeltouze, 34. P., states that the total number of officers of
all classes employed in 591 unions of England and Wales for
the year 1844-5 amounted to 8,290, and their salaries to
419,9011. There were 690 clerks, 415 chaplains, 2,680 medi-
cal attendants, 1,267 relieving officers, 1,238 masters and
matrons, 284 sheolmsetere, 423 ithoolmistresses, 347 porters,
171 name, 28 Imimaralm, 499 deaden, or aseistant-overn
sees, 62 treimenee, end 204 ether officer. The total ex-
pense of the peer-law eagagaimicia for the year ended the
Mot of Mink 1849, 11•1111111111111 to 34,3661. 'The rate in the
peso& whet the charge he educating the poor, together
whit het if neeiked relief to he poor, bears to the annual
nine of mil property assemail to the property sad income-
tar In 1843 (viz., 85,002,7351.) is p-100tha of a penny in the
pound, or one farthing 3- 25ths of a farthiing:n the pound.
CLOSING A GILAVBTABD.—In wnsequence of re-
pieemalatiseis made to the Bishop of London by the inhabit-
ed. of ER Martin's, respecting the crowded state of the
Eaddinoson graveyard, end the horrible effluvium betting
from It, a prodemetion has been boned by the bishop, di-
viding the churchwardens of the parish to prevent any more
graves being dug, or bodies being buried within that yard
Wit !mem Gam

SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF FOREIGNERS IN pre-
emie—The anniversary festival of this institution was held
last night at the London Tavern, where nearly 200 gentle-
men sat down to a banquet provided in the best style of that
eseablightnent. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cam-
bridge, the patron of the society, presided, supported by
his Excellency Count Kielmaniegge, his Excellency Baron
Rehausen, the Marquis of Westminster, Count Harden.
berg, Baron Knesebeek, Chevalier Tottie, Consul-
General May, Consul. General Zobrab, Rev. Dr. Kuper,
and a number of other friends of the society. The eerie. of
touts began with " The Queen and Prince Albert," " The
Queen Dowager," "The King of Hanover, the Prince of
Wales, and all the ether members of the royal family,"
"the foreign sovereign., protectors of the society," and " the
Army and Navy." The toasts were drunk with great en-
thusiasm. The Marquis of Westminster, in propostng " the
health of the Duke of Cambridge," took the opportunity of
making a strong appeal on behalf of the society to thine
who had travelled in fe reign lands, and who, whether they
had experienced the warm affection of the south or the open
hospitality of the north, must feel their hearts burn within
them to show kiadeing in return to distressed strangers
here. The Duke of Cambridge, who was very much cheered,
f :pressed his deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of
the society; this, he said, was the eleventh year of his presid-
ing at the anniversary dinner, and, as long an he was able to
attend on these occasions, he should be most happy to dose;
he trusted his eon would inherit his s•l in this noble cause.
The " Health of the Duke of Wellington, the President,"
followed, and then " the foreign ministers who have
honoured the society with their presence." Count Kleiman-
' lenge acknowledged this toast in appropriate terms. After
the " Health of the Vim -Presidents," the secretary read a
list of contributions received on the occasion, amounting to
upwards of 2,0001. The following were among the an-
nouneemcnts The Queen, 1001.; the King of Hanover,
601 t Bee Duke ef Cambridge, 201. ; his Ezeelleney S. Van
de Weyer, 101 ; the Chevalier Bunsen, 301. ; the Turkish
Ambassador, 20/. ; Count Co'loredo, 101. 10s ; Admiral
Cecille, 151.; the Menne of Westminster, 251; Mademoiselle
Jenny Lind, 30/.; F. Huth, Req., 501.; blesses. Rothschild,
301. The annual report was distributed among the company;
it appeared that the society had, during the year, ex-
pended 1,0911. in giving casual relief in 2,653 instance..
and in assisting 236 individuals to return to their native
countries; 9431. in weekly pa. meets to 80 pensioners, and
3431. in regular allowances to 93 aged persons. It was
stated, however, that, owing to the circumstances of the
yen, the directors had been camp, bled to nil a portion of the
funded property, reducing it from 10,4001. to 9,400/. ; the
contributions col this evening had therefore been looked for
with some aexiety. After tee secretary had read his list, the
Duke of Cambridge retired, and the chair was occupied by
Mr. E. H. Sieveking, under whose presidency several other
toasts were drunk and the entertaiument was conducted to
its conclusion.
INSOLVENT POST-OFFICE OFFICIALS.—The Post-
master-General intends inning a notice that persons in the
employ of the Posenlice will be dismissed if they take the
benefit of the Insolvent Act. In peculiar cam, however,
where a person bas become insolvent through sheer mis-
fortune or from the treachery of .there, the Postmaster-
General reserves to himself a power to reinstate such a per,on
in office. This notice has, been rerdered necessary in conse-
quence of the frequent appearance of the clerks at St.
Martin's:le-Grand on the insolvent newts, and the almost
perpetual blockade of the points of it geese and acres' of the
General Post-office by sheriffs' officers. Some of the strata-
gems to elude the vigilance of the blockade are exceed-
ingly comic, and are oftentimes very ffectual, owing to the
numerous avenues to the interior of St. Martin's le-Grand.
WILLIAM HAMILTON, NM° FIRED AT THE QUEEN.
—William Ilamtltou is about ttfi years of age, about 5 feet
7 inches in height, stout make, and fair complexion. Ha-
milton is an orphan, and was reared se such in the poor-school
of the Protestant O. phan Society at Cork, until he was ap-
prenticed front that institute to a farmer named Philip Br-
ined, at Graigne, near Mare, about 10 years age, and in
consequence ef Rynard and his family having emigrated to
Am nth on or about the time of Hamilton's apprenticeship
having expired, Hami ten went as a land servant to Mr.
John Berkman, who kept a shop in the town of Adare,
and in whose employment he lived two years', and left
him for England about lour years since, for the pur-
pose, as he then said, of seeking a livelihood and
bettering his condition in life, and from the expe-
rience he acquired in beading term walls and ditches, he
bound himself to a bricklayer since be went to England for
further improvement, but tin profess on did not equal hie
expectations in making a rapid livelihood. During the time
of W. Hamilton's being in the service of Mr. Berkman, and
about which time the Queen was then fired at by Oxford,
Hamilton made use of an expression on that ccrasion, "that
it was not right to serve under petticoat government," and
accompanying the expression with further disrespectful re-
marks. From that until the periel of his leaving Mr. Bark-
man's service, it was almost a customary thing with Mrs.
Barkmen to tell Hamilton. by reproof, in his own remark-
able words that he was Still "serving under petting . go-
vernment': Hamilton is a native of Cork, and no relative of
any person at or near Adare.—Limerich Chronicle.
FIRE NEAR OXFORD-STREET.—Leet night, shortly
after nine o'clock. a fire, which was not extinguished until
nearly midnight, broke out in B'enhern street, Oxford street.
The premises w, re formerly in the tenure of the celebrated
Dr. Brsokes, but at present in the occupancy of Messrs.
Aideesin and Sone, the lead merchants and pewteren. The
Wanes originated, frem some cause at present unknown, in
the warehouse adjoining the Blenheim Dispensary, which,
containing a vast quantity of oil, turpentine, and other in-
flammable articles, caused the fire to prozress with unusna
swiftness; en that, before an engine had time to reach the
place, the warehouse and all it contained were on fire. The
firemen, however, set their engines to work, and did all that
was possible to save the letter building from the ravages
of the ft Imes. Another warehouse, be longing to Messrs. Al-
derson', running under the dispensary, also became ignited,
end as the water was scattered upon the blazing oil and
spirits, it caused the flames to rise still higher, until the
whole neighbourhood was in danger. The firemen, finding
that no good could be accomplished by working the engines
upon the vats of oil on fire, had the hose from the several
engines conveyed round the burning premises, a: d by that
elegies they were enabled to encompass the flames on every
'hie; but at Was not until 12 o'clock that they could be sub-
dued, and not until the exten, lye warehouse in which they
originated was learned out, the contents corsumed, the
building under thidithensiry, and the lecture room of the
dispensary injured by fire, the flooring in several pieces being
obliged to be cut away, so that the men could discharge the
water on the fire.
CORONER'S INQUEST.—SUICIDE FROM EXCESSIVE
DlUNstso.—Derore Mr. Baker, at the Adelaide public-
house, Hackney-road, on the body of Elisabeth Taylor, aged
33. It appeared that the deceased was the wife of a cab
proprietor, and was unfortunately addicted to very intem-
perate habits. Her favourite liquor was gin, and she was in
the practice of drinking half a pint of that spirit every
morning before breakfast, and as much as 10 half-pints
during the day. On Friday last she returned home in es
state of intoxication, end about two hours afterwards she
was discovered lying in bed apparently in a dying condition.
On the table was found a phial, labelled ' laudanum,
poison," which was quite empty. Mr. Langley, a surgeon,
was called in, and recognised the deceased as having pur-
chased laudanum at his shop that morning. Verdict—
: " Temporary insanity from excessive drinking."
ap-