The Sun.
London, England, 1847-06-04 00:00:00

WEATHER AND CROPS IN AYR.,

SHIRE.

It is gratifying to state that the westl:er has at last'
become auspicious for the growing crops. Vegetation,
from the peculiar nature of spring, was considerably re-
tarded ; the later sown seed found cold and ungenial
soils generally throughout the west country, and, conse-
quently, no great hopes were inspired for much progress
of growth. Thursday may be noted the precursor of
summer. The thermometer stood high in the shade,
end potent heat breathed favourably on every vegetable
thing. Friday was most auspicious ; but Saturday
broke in lowering and gloomy—the atmosphere was
charged with electricity, and thunder was heard at in-
tervals among the hills. Slight showers fell in course of
the afternoon—most welcome on light soils for the young
hints.
The wheat crop on good soils, in this district, presents
$ most promising appearance, having made considerable
'progress within the last few days. Genial sunshine by
day, and dew by night, have had a most beneficial effect
on the oat and barley crops, which are very luxuriant on
the lighter soils.
The hay crop promises to be abundant. This, in itself,
himportant, and shows the fruitfulness of the season.
Potatoes, we rejoice to communicate, are everywhere
doing well. The plant is vigorous and healthy ; and
She utmost regularity is perceptible in those fields in the
neighbourhood of Ayr. Our correspondents speak cheer-
fully of the progress of this valuable esculent, and cite no
Instances of its deficiency in their respective districts of
Ibe county.—Ayr Observer,

A NovEL GRIDIRON.—A short time since, the
labourers in the district of Ardagh, not being altogether
allitisfied with the manner of the authorities in providing
them food, resorted to a most ingenious and prompt method
et securing the attention of the rich to their wants. Having
Mad a turf kish with fuel from the nearest bog, they yoked
en ass to it, and having accidentally stumbled across a flock
Yr. Kellett, of Buie k
"I fine weld"' abi'llt a hundred in number, belonging to
hill, they very leisurely commenced
driving them away, aT-
-I,ta.t they would take thela ilitliTe time politely informing him
neerty of having the loan of one
Vais nice iron gates, to
the purpose of a gridiron.
The bars being crossed in scir: 8
, b:tr.weN it would have answered
beavitifully, and, no doubt
anthtreived to serve uria
gridiron and the
isatt`on and turf, they would hquaviFe,ra
deal of persua-
dainty dish. As it was, it re
but
skin to dissuade them from their benevlOZl
get boiled,
they
boiled, if
111Uch was the impression the gridion left intentions;be'.
breed,
'have now a capital soup kitchen, where theyind'
pot roast, at least ence a day.—Armagh Guardian.
A LONG RACE.—A mare of the hackney
rather
rt
heavy
the
jbelong:ing to Mr. Baxter, of Dalston, ventured, on Friday
eight last, to try her speed against a railway engine engine on the
ga
ro
Wary-port and Carlisle Railway, selecting f
I'm Sir Wilfrid," which was laden with
as soon as
Stain Having scaled the fence which separates theeavldLocall
b which she had been grazing
forwarda in
the engine came in view she started, and dashed
from the railway,
the true Yankee " go a-head " style, exhibiting
• ex ing
a little playfulness, as if in contempt for her rival's power of
Jlacomotioti. She made no attempt to leave the line at the
Curthwaite, or the Wigtoa station, or even at Aspatria,
where the " Sir Wilfrid" required the refreshment of a little
eater, and where she had a good opportunity of leaving the
Brie by turning into the station-yard; but, as if determined
to prove to the most incredulous the superiority of a
Dalston mare to a locomotive of the Maryport and Car-
Bele Con ipany, she started again in gallant style and ar-
'iv e d at Maryport very little the worse by her exertions
giui beat ing the " Sir Wilfrid " by " many lengths."--Car-
,
Vale Pats iot.