The Sun.
London, England, 1847-06-07 00:00:00

TUE SUN, LOND9N, MONDAY EVENING-, JUNE 7, 1847.

RAILWAY COM M ITTEES.

LITERATURE,

(THIS DAY.)

A SHORT TREATISE on the STEAM-ENGINE,
adapted to the use of SCHOOLS, in which are
given PRACTICAL RULES for the USE of EN-
GINEERS, By James Hann, A.1.C.E., Mathema-
tical Master of King's College School, 6:c.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
GROUP VI.

LTS, SOMERSET, AND WETIVIOUT27. (NO.
XX.) AND EXETER. GREAT WESTERN.
The cross-•examination of Mr. Saunders was resumed this
morning by Mr. COCKDURN.

To the practical engineer this work will be found
to he invaluable. Every difficulty is supplied by a
practical rule, and numerous examples are also given,
worked out at length, so that the application of the
methods to what is required in actual business is
brought within the capabilities of any one possessing
a moderate knowledge of common arithmetic. At
the same time, as a study of the mathematical theory
of the steam-engine, the investigations of the various
subjects are handled with great ability and given in
a remarkably clear and comprehensive manner. The
author treats on the work done on the piston, the
duty of en engine, the safety valve, parallel
motion, the eccentric wheel, the crank, the fly-
wheel, &c., in each of which the latest
and most approved theories are adopted, and in many
respects greatly improved. We may refer to the
article on " Parallel Motion" as singularly original
and ingenious, and calculated to effectually simplify
a hitherto intricate inquiry.
In the preface, the author denounces in forcible
terms the unjust prejudice sometimes absurdly enter-
tained against the productions of continental authors,
who, especially in France and Germany, have for
years been the principal motive powers in the onward
progress of science :
" Pambour's investigations have been handled rather
roughly by some reviewers, who seem to consider it to
be a sort of scientific sacrilege for a Frenchman to write
on the steam engine, as our illustrious countryman,
Watt, was the great improver and almost the invent ,r
of it ; but if those who sneer at our continental neigh-
bours will take the trouble of reading their writings, they
must be ignorant indeed if they do not find sufficient
either to convince their judgment, or to modify their
vanity and prejudice.
" Those who are at all conversant in the history of
French science, know that, since the revival of learning
in Europe, France, under every dynasty, has produced
men who have been the admiration of the world, and
whose inventions and discoveries succeeding generations
will ever applaud as some of the noblest monuments of
science ever reared by the human intellect. It has been
well observed by a Northumbrian writer, that the
philosopher of one country sees not an enemy in that
of another ; he takes his seat in the temple of science,
and asks not who sits beside him. _ _ _

GROUP VIII.
The Committee on this group re-assembled this morning
in Room 8 ; Mr. Young in the chair.
LISKEARD AND LAUNCESTON DRANCH.
This Bill was withdrawn this morning, the promoters
having declined to proceed for this session.
TAW VALE RAILWAY AND DOCK.
A considerable time was spent in discussing whether the
Committee should proceed with this Bill, and it was even-
tually agreed that it be referred to the Committee in Room
No. 6, where the Bristol and Exeter Railway Bill was under
consideration, as it was considered to have a relation to the

lines in that group.
The Committee then adjourned till to-morrow, having
arranged to proceed then with the South Devon (Extension
and Amendment) Bill.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sia,—The dawning of elective commotion again
begins to arrive—music and the rabble parading the
streets, flags displaying, the " minions of corrup-
tion," at work in almost every street ; and in the
pot-houses and way-side innumerable instances of
intoxication and debauchery—these are the elements
which already present themselves in this borough
anticipating the approach of a dissolution of the
Commons. The price, likewise, is passed as current
as at a shamble, at 201 to 251. Really ! the contem-
plation of such scenes, as the sources of our Legis-
lation is enough to disgust any reasonable mind in
the nineteenth century. Our inference presents
itself strongly to notice, in respect of the deport-
ment of candidates for seats ; viz. that those who buy
must sell, and that Halls of Westminster vie with
the Exchange. Be as it may, such a state of things
is too bad, as regards the public credit, their morals,
and their welfare, in this enlightened age.

THE MAN IN THE MOON. Edited by Albert

Smith, and Angus B. Reach. -
The " Man in the Moon," is a " fellow of infinite
jest." The illustrations are most humourous, the
puns most execrably laughable, and the parodies full
of fun.

THE MIRROR.
The story of the " Miser's Will" is concluded in
this number, and concluded somewhat abruptly.
Hastings, the Miser, disabused of his false suspicions
of his wife, seeks a reconciliation with her—(our
readers will remember that she was living in the house
of Smith, the rascally apothecary, as Mrs. Cart-
wright)—and Smith, finding his intrigues have been
discovered, murders Hastings, and straightway pro-
duces the will which Hastings had made in his favour.
A later will, however, is produced in favour of Mau
rice Herbert (the Frederick Wilson of the early part
of the story), the lover of Mary, and the guilt of
Smith is discovered. Smith hangs at the Old Bailey,
and Maurice and Mary are married. From a paper,
entitled " Notes on Cambridge," by an Under-gra-
duate, we extract the following :
" We wish, however, to recommend one or two things
to the notice of our readers, as the changes which would
most likely tend to increase the usefulness of our colleges
and halls. Extravagance must be checked, before a
large class of persons will be enabled to enjoy their ad-
vantages. We think too that the number of sizarships
might with great propriety be augmented. Although
Cambridge abounds with scholarships opened, in nearly
every case, to every British subject, yet they require, for
the most part, a previous residence in the University.
We think many men may be found, whose talents would
reflect honour on their professions, but who are unable
even to enter their names en the College books from
lack of means, much less reside the major part of one
whole year."
This is very well as far as it goes, but a much more
sweeping reformation is needed before our universi-
ties can become the useful educational establishments
which they were intended to be by their founders.
The other papers of this number (with the exception
of the one entitled " Jenny Lind, or the Idolatry of
voice,") are excellent. The paper to which we take
exception is a diatribe against music, written some-
what after the fashion of Plato's diatribe against
Poetry, almost as clever, and to the full as unjust.

I merely pass these hints, trusting the press may
give it notice, if possible check the spreading evil,
and most urgently the question, whether a better
state of things cannot be obtained.
The basis of qualification is unquestionably both
unjust and false. The press has its duties ; and
btging your attention to it,
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
Penryn and Falmouth, W.
June 2, 1847.

" Those who can see nothing beyond the limits of
their own country should read what one of our own
poets has so beautifully expressed,

" Genius is of no country, her pure ray
Spreads all around, as generous as the day."

THE CROPS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sia,—l think it is the duty of the press, after what
the people have suffered, to seize every opportunity of
laying before the public a correct statement of our
prospects with reference to the crops. I believe there
are parties mean enough to give a false appearance in
order to get up prices. Having recently travelled a
considerable breadth of country, I am bound to say,
never, perhaps, were we blest with such a rich pro-
mise of a bountiful harvest. And as to the potato
disease, of which we hear so much, I believe it exists
more in the imagination than in fact.
Let us thank God, and take courage. A better
day is coming.—Yours,
A CONSTANT READER.
Rochdale, June 4, 1847.

WHITE AND BROWN BREAD.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
SIR,—In your paper of the Ist instant, there are
some very excellent editorial remarks upon Professor
Johnston's essay "On the Nutritive Quality of the
Bread now in Use."
The information contained in that essay cannot be too
widely disseminated, as it would tend to remove many
very common and erroneous prejudices. A medical
gentleman of my acquaintance, who has paid great
attention to this subject, informs me that he always
uses household bread, made at a corn-factor's in St.
Giles's. That when he eats this bread for breakfast,
he requires no luncheon ; but that when he eats the
common white bread, he always requires some re-
freshment at noon.
lie thinks the vulgar prejudice in preferring the
white bread, is one great cause of weakness and de-
formity in the limbs, so very common amongst the
children of the labouring classes in this great metro-
polis, inducing the disorder called rickets.
Brown bread is very much more nourishing than
white, and contains a much larger quantity of phos-
phorate of lime, which is the principal constituent of
bone. Children in the country, who usually eat
brown bread, are less subject to this deformity of the
limbs, though often residing in a malarious atmos-
phere. It might be desirable to change the usual
terms of bread, and call white the worst, and brown
the best.—l am, Sir, your obedient servant,
BEST BROWN.

COURT CIRCULAR.
The Qieen held a Court on Saturday at Buckingham
Palace.
His Royal Highness Prince Oscar of Sweden was pre-
sented to her Majesty at an audience by Viscount Pal-
merston, G.C.8., her Majesty's principal Secretary of
State for Foreign Affairs, and conducted by Colonel the
lion. Sir Edward Cust, K.C.H., her Majesty's Master of
the Ceremcnies. His Royal Highness was attended by
Baron de Rehausen, Swedish Charge Ct'Affairii, and
Colonel Berkeley Drummond, Groom in Waiting to the
Queen, and also by Captain Haffner, of the Swedish
Royal Navy.
The Queen was attended by Lord Camoys, Lord in
Waiting, and Major the Hon. A. N. Hood, Groom in
Waiting.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent visited the
Queen and Prince Albert on Saturday.
Viscount Palmerston had an audience of her Majesty
on Saturday.
His Royal Highness Prince Albert, attended by Capt.
the Hon. A. H. Gordon, visited his Royal Highness
Prince Oscar of Sweden on Saturday afternoon, at the
residence of the Swedish Charge d'Affairie, in Hatkin-
street West.
The Royal dinner party on Saturday, at Buckingham
Palace, included her Royal Highness the Duchess of
Kent, his Royal Highness Prince Oscar of Sweden, his
Serene Highness the Prince of Leiningen, Baron de Re-
hausen, Swedish Charge d Affaires ; the Duchess of
Sutherland, Viscount Palmerston, Earl Spencer, Lord
George Lennox, Captain Haffner, Aide-de-Camp to
Prince Oscar, and Colonel Berkeley Drummond.
The band of the Coldstream Guards attended during
dinner in the Palace, and performed the following

THE POTATO DISEASE.
DUBLIN, JUNE 4.—A very full meeting of the Royal
Agricultural Improvement Society was held, with closed
doors, yesterday, for the purpose of receiving authenti-
eated reports of the actual condition of the potato crop,
with a view of elucidating to what extent, if any, the
sS mptoms of last year's blight had shown themselves.
Sir Robert Kane presided. The Duke of Leinster, the
Earl of Charlemont, and several other leading members
were present.
The SECRETARY stated that he had received various
communications from several places respecting the state
of the potato crop, giving different accounts of its ap-
pearance up to the last few days. Messrs. Higgins and
Sons, of College-green, stated that they had planted a
plot of " early martins" in the open ground in January
last, the seed of which had been saved with great care;
and about the same time they had also planted a few
sets in a green house. They both came up well, and
appeared healthy until the early part of last week, when
they all manifested unquestionable symptoms of disease,
similar in its appearance to that of last season. Those
that were under glass and those in the open air were
affected at the same time and in the same manner.

pieces :
Grand Fantasia from " Gustave."—Auber.
Waltz, " The Garland."—Kcenig.
Cavatina, " La mia Letizier" (I Lombardi).—Verdi.
Polka, " The Camelias."—Jullien.
Quadrille from "Don Pasquale."—Coote.
Shortly before eight o'clock the Queen and Prince
Albert, and their Illustrious Visitors, left the Palace, in
five carriages for her Majesty's Theatre, to honour the
performance with their presence.
The August party consisted of her Majesty the
Queen, his Royal Highness Prince Albert, her Royal
Highness the Duchess of Kent, his Royal Highness
Prince Oscar of Sweden, his Serene Highness the
Prince of Leiningen, Baron de Rehausen, the Duchess
of Sutherland, the Viseountees Jocelyn, Earl Spencer,
ess Royal,
the
Lady Augusta Bruce, Baroness de Speth, Lady Caro-
line Cocks, Hon. Miss Paget, Lord Camoys, Lord
George Lennox, Captain Haffner Major the A.
N. Hood, Colonel Berkeley Drummond,' Lord Alfred
Paget, and Captain the Hon. A. H. Gordon.
Yesterday morning her Majesty and her Royal Con-
sort,
edto,otkhethperinire
early walk.
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, Prince
hthe Duchess
airings.
PrincessDu cAlice,he ss
oafn
Dent,
et
nh
te
Princess Helena took their accustomed
,
the
, the Ladies and Gentlemen of
the Court, and the Domestic Household attended Divine
service yesterday in the Private Chapel in Buckingham
Palace. The Hon. and Rev. C. Leslie Courtenay offi-
ciated.lmperial Highness the Grand Duke Constantine
nis
of Russia, attended by Vice-Admiral de Lutke, dined
with her Majesty the Queen Dowager on Saturday, at
Marlborough House. At eight o'clock the illustrious
party left Marlborough House for the Royal Italian
Opera Home to honour the performance with their pre-
sence. The Royal party consisted of her Majesty the
Queen Dowager, his Imperial Highness the Grand
Duke Constantine, of Russia, their Royal Highnesses
the Hereditary Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of
Saxe Weimar, the Countess Brownlow, the Countess of
Assonburg, Earl Howe, Vice-Admiral Lutke, Count
de Beust, and Baroness de Zigesar.
His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Constantine
and Suite dined with their Royal Highnesses the Duke
and Duchess of Cambridge yesterday at Cambridge
House.
Prince Oscar of Sweden visited her Royal Highness
the Duchess of Kent on Saturday, at Clarence House,
St. James's, Yesterday the Prince, attended by Baron
de Rehausen, Colonel Berkeley Drummond, and Cap-
tain Haffner, paid visits to her Majesty the Queen Dow-
ager, at Marlborough House; the Duchess of Gloucester,
at Gloucester House; the Duke and Duchess of Cam-
bridge, at Cambridge House; and also to the Prince of
Leiningen.
Saturday was the birthday of his Majesty the King of
Hanover. His Excellency Count Keilmansegge his
Majesty's Representative at the Court of Great Britain,
gave a grand dinner in honour of the day, at his re-
sidence, in Grosvenor-place. His Royal Highness the
Duke of Cambridge, attended by Baron Knesebeck,
honoured his Excellency with his company.
The Duchess of Kent visited the Queen Dowager on
Saturday.
rile Duchess of Cambridge, attended by Mr. Edmond
Mildmay, honoured the Royal Italian Opera with her
presence on Saturday evening.
Her Majesty the Queen Dowager, and their Royal
Highnesses the Hereditary Grand Duke and Grand
Duchess of Saxe Weimar,
cthhea
el v attended.RGeßeDle,ipvtionne, stehrevilceessyoensstebry-
St. James's. The
'tplhraeaylnleternsvr.wnTilnirgeHrieenlmadtohbreey. and the communion service by the
Rev. Dr. Wesley. The sermon was preached by the
Rev. Dr. Hook, who took his text from Acts, chap. 26,
verse 28, The anthem, " Ascribe unto the Lord"
(Travers), was sung by Messrs. Lockey and Machin.
Sir George Smart presided at the organ. The sacra-
ment was administered by the Rev. Dr. Wesley.
The Bishop of Norwich and the Dean of Hereford
the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Closet were in
waiting. The Countesses Be rownarloewe aned Assenburg, Earl
Howe, Count de Betiqt a d B
and •dR
Zielgegar were m
their Royal Highnesses.
St.
Albans, and the Countess of Erroll,
Duchess of .
attendedad-
ministered the Sacrament. The sermon was preached
wTahietiDegukeens ohferelaijinesgtyon,Rutland, and St. Albans, the
rhlyloosker.vice. The Rev. Dr. Wesley
The Hereditary Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of
Rev.th the early
and Count de Beust, visited and inspected the National
by thee
Saxe Weimar, attended by the Countess of Assenburg
Gallery on Saturday.
Her Royal Highness the Hereditary Grand Duchess
of Saxe Weimar and Suite, honoured the establishment
of Messrs. Hunt and Roskell with a visit on Saturday
afternoon.
A Cabinet Council was held at three o'clock on Satur-
day afternoon, at the Foreign-office. The Ministers
present were Lord John Russell, the Lord Chancellor,
the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl of Minto, Sir
George Grey, the Earl of Clarendon, Viscount Pal-
merston, Earl Grey, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
the Earl of Auckland, Sir John Hobhouse, Lord Camp-
bell, Viscount Morpeth, the Marquis of Clanricarde, the
Right lion. T. B. Macaulay, and the Right Hon. IL
Labouchere. The Council sat two hours.
Mr. Wilson Patten, M.P., and Mr. H. Tennant, of
Glasgow, bad an interyiew with the Right lion. Edward

. i."
" The object purposed by the establishment of ' The f Strutt on Saturday, at the office of the Commissioners of apricot, and nectarine trees. It is now feeding upon the the carriage that was destroyed, and a
Shilling Magazine' has been acknoAledged by unequi- Railways. I turnip, potato, and other plants. Allied species are de- i collision was inevitable threw himself,
vocal success from the first. Aiming at rivalry with no I A deputation from the London Missionary Society, stroying the currant tree, and damaging to a serious Opt- top down the-embankment and
elder periolical, it sought a new path for itself, in which cunsistivf,* of Mr. Robert Charles, Chairman of the extent the carrot, parsnip, and parsley crops, that they The second guard afro followed his e
however,
it is hoped it has undeviatingly continued. There may Board; Rev. W. Ellis, Rev. John Burnet, Rev. C. Bath; have exhibited iu s ane instances the fatal plague-spot uninjured.
aunmaoureeadauedthnenitthic daucescereiapst.ionhoifsthteo
bpearthieosr:ed,
have been occasions when performance has halted short of Ilnahine; Rev A. Bnzzacott, of Rarotonga, and the noticed in previous years upon the potato plant. Although every endeavour was made 14
of' intention,—but the purpose that animated the first Rev. J. J. Freeman, had an interview with Viscount
b,).fillilet;ettetgsrueautfoprltaughaaeteolyf
Aprpohviedetahviratiliinaaglal
ihnumruaantphreoir-
number is as vital as ever, and seeks to vindicate itself Palmerston at the Foreign-office on Saturday.
in the ensuing volume, in which—with the appearance of Mr. E. B. Roche had an interview with Sir George destructive course this year. that by the publicity given to the supposed names in the
novel and characteristic papers from practised pens— Grey at the Home-office on Saturday. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, I foregoing account of the accident the friends will be dis-
will be found a gossiping commentary on the leading A deputation respecting the Metropolitan Buildings ALFRED SMEE. covered.
topics of the times in a New Series of ' The Hedgehog Bill, headed by Colonel Wood, had an interview with 7, Finsbury-circus, June, 5, 1547.
Letters.' Viscount Morpeth, on Saturday, at the office of her Ma- P.S. I should feel obliged for information and speci-
"ln addition to this, a New Story by the Editor will jesty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests, in White- wens of the Aphis from all parts of the country.
be commenced as soon as it shall be sufficiently advanced hall-place. The deputation consisted of Messrs. W.
to ensure its unbroken continuance to the end." Cubitt, Grimsdell, and Piper, on the part of the Builders'
Right glad are we that Juniper Eledgehog is about to Society, and Messrs. H. Biers and Stephens of the
resume his pen. He is the very spirit of "Punch"— .`.caster Carpenters' Society.
a judicious mixture of spirit, sweet, and acid. We Mr. T. Greene, M.P., and Mr. E. Rice, M.P., had an
look forward with pleasure to his reappearance in the interviewi
leon Saturdaywithth the Righticri f Hon.
next number. Right glad are we to find that the
mnt iw with S . jnnentailr George
Mr. Homer H. moi e 'of Glasgow,
Office,
editor is about to commence a new story; for, albeit, an ir
on Saturervdeay. g
" the Dreamer and the Worker," which is continued Mr. Cunard had an interview with Earl Grey, on Sa-
in the present number, promises to be an excellent turday, at the Colonial Office.
and instructive novel, yet the author is somewhat too
didactic, and lacks the spirit that is in St. Giles and
St. James. The best paper in the present number is
the one entitled " Glances at Family Biography—
Cent. per Cent." It is full of caustic sarcasm,
" richly deserved and well laid on."

DREADFUL EXPLOSION-EIGHT

FRIGHTFUL COLLISION ON THE
LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN RAIL-
WAY.
WOLVERTON, SUNDAY.—Last night one of the most
alarming and fatal accidents that ever occurred on the
line of the London and North-Western Railway took
place within a short distance of the Wolverton station.
The down mail train for Liverpool, consisting of 19
carriages of various descriptions, started at its appointed
time, a quarter before nine o'clock last evening (Satur-
day) from the Euston-square terminus, and was due at
Wolverton at 15 minutes before 11. The train was
heard approaching the Wolverton-station at its proper
time, and was properly signalled by Police-constable
Fessey, who was stationed at the bridge between 600 and
00 yards on the London side of the station. The signal
indicating that all was right for the train to enter the
station was hoisted at the latter place, but to the asto-
nishment of the officers at the station the train turned off
into a siding instead of coming onward down the main
line, and in an instant after a fearful crash was heard.
On the superintendent reaching the spot a shocking
scene presented itself. The mail train had entered the
siding commencing near the bridge, usually appropriated
to coal and merchandise waggons, and bad come into
collision with five or six waggons laden with coal. The
fifth and six carriages of the mail train were literally
smashed to pieces, and were strewed about the line to-
gether with the passengers they had contained ; whilst,
singular to relate, the engine and tender and all the
other carriages in front of them, which consisted of the
Liverpool and Manchester parcels' vans of the second-
class carriages, were, with the exception that the engine
had its buffers and plant somewhat broken, compara-
tively uninjured.
The consternation amongst the passengers at this mo-
ment was frightful in the extreme, and some were ob-
served rushing from the broken carriages with blood
streaming from their faces ; and the groans uttered by
those unfortunate persons who were unable from the
severe injuries they had sustained to extricate them-
selves from the fragments by which they were sur-
rounded were truly appalling. As soon as the conster-
nation created by the first shock had somewhat subsided,
all the energies of the company's officers, and the more
fortunate of the passengers were directed to the assist-
ance of the sufferers, and body after body, apparently in
a lifeless condition, was removed from the line to one of

MEN KILLED

the ante- rooms of the Wolverton station, where they
were at once attended by Mr. Rogers, surgeon, of
Wolverton, in the employ of the company, and by the
other medical gentlemen who happened to be in the
train at the time of the collision. We regret to state,
that no less a number than seven persons, who were in
the sixth second-class carriage, were found either in a
dead or dying condition, scarcely half an hour having
elapsed from the time of the occurrence before they had
all ceased to exist. The most singular circumstance,
however, connected with the deaths of these unfortunate
persons is the appearance of their bodies, so unusual in
cases of railway collision. With the exception of a few
slight scratches and bruises, none of the bodies (which
are those of seven male persons of various ages) ex-
hibit crushing of bones, and other marks of violence.
Scarcely any blood is to be seen about them, and they are
all believed to have died from the same cause, namely,
crncussion, resulting from the suddenness and violence of
the shock.

(Abridged from the Liverpool Journal of Saturday.)
We are sorry to record that, on Wednesday morning,
an explosion of fire-damp took place at Gerard's
Bridge Colliery-, St. Helen's, belonging to Messrs.
Speakman, Caldwell, and Co. There was at the time
about fifty men employed under the ground, and thir-
teen ponies. Most of them were got out in a few
hours, very little injured ; but eight of the number were
found dead.

The inquest was held yesterday, at two o'clock in the
afternoon, at St. Helen's, before John Hayes, Esq., co-
roner for the district.

Mr. Taylor, agent for the proprietors of the mines,
appeared to watch the proceedings on their behalf ; and
Mr. W. P. Roberts, of Manchester, the miners'
" attorney-general," was present, as the representative
of the Colliers' Union. _

The first witness called was Thomas Winn, who said
he was employed as a collier in the Cowley-hill
Mine when the accident happened. All the persons
who were killed worked in the same mine, but in
a higher level to the one ;in which he was em-
ployed. About five o'clock in the morning he
went down into: the mine, but having a long way to
go from the bottom of the shaft it would be six o'clock
before he got to work. It was between seven and
eight o'clock when the explosion took place, there
being upwards of 50 persons in different parts of the
mine at the time. Witness worked in the place where
the fire occurred, accompanied by a man named Marsh,
who worked a little higher up than himself. Marsh,
who was hacking with his pick against the side of the
mine, said to witness that he thought he was going
through, or there was a " bit of a slip, or a shoot.'
Witness said to him, if that was the case he must put
his candle out. They then put both their candles out,
and witness said, "Let's be going." Marsh, at the same
time, observed, " Aye, Lord, it has fired!" They im-
mediately made their escape, and sat down in the next
opening. They both began to be alarmed lest they
should be suffocated, and witness exclaimed, " Oh dear
me, we are all done." He then put his hand to the
mouth of the upper level, and the strong foul air forced
it back again. They then both got into the bottom
level, and ran down the main road towards the pit mouth,
a distance of 400 or 500 yards from where they had been
working. Witness kept shouting to the men to put
their lights out. He never saw a breath of foul air
in the mine before, and could not account for it in
the present instance. Witness did not ask Marsh to
pick through, but said that if he
,did he must put
his light out.
In reply to a juror, witness admitted that he feared
an explosion from the pick going through the old
working.

By Mr. Taylor—Was aware that it was a rule of the
colliery to provide lamps for the men.
By Mr. Roberts—He was not aware that there had
been any conversation amongst the men that there was
foul air where he was working. Ho never heard of
any. He had never used a lamp in that part of the
mine, nor ever saw any one else use any. It is usual
to have candles in preference, as they give a better
light.
Thomas Marsh, a collier, employed with the last wit-
ness, corroborated the whole of his testimony.
After some further evidence,
The jury, after about a quarter of an hour's delibera-
tion, returned a verdict of " Accidental Death, caused by
gases arising from the combustion of coal, which was set
on fire during an explosion."

Amongst the passengers injured is a gentleman named
Turner, residing in Staffordshire, who received several
severe cuts about the head and face, but who was yester-
day reported to be going on favourably. Another
gentleman had one or two of his ribs fractured, and six
or seven others are stated to be more or less injured, but
were enabled to proceed to their destinations as soon as
the train was got ready to forward them, after having
received proper medical attention.
As soon as possible after the sufferers had been at-
tended to, and the broken carriages removed from the
main line, an investigation was made into the circum-
stances which had led to so frightful and fatal a calamity.
It was stated that at the Wolverton station the points
arc always kept straight with the main line, and they
require to be altered to allow a train to enter the siding.
It appears that the constable Fossey, after having given
the signal for the arrival of the mail train, ran from the
bridge, where he was stationed, to the points of the
siding, about forty or fifty yards, and held them back,
so that the mail train passed on to the siding instead
of passing onward down the main line. This was not
discovered by the engine- driver until he had
passed the points a considerable distance, when
seeing the danger he instantly applied the breaks,
turned off his steam, and reversed his engine,
and then both he and the firemen jumped off on
to the embankment, and thus in all probability
saved their lives. The train was at this moment going,
it is stated, at a rate not exceeding ten miles an hour. On
the constable Fossey being interrogated as to the causes
which led him, after signalling the arrival of the mail
train, to run down the line for the purpose of turning it
on to the siding, the only explanation which he af-
forded was, that he afterwards thought it was not the mail
train, but a luggage train, and he did so for the purpose
of securing its safety. This statement, however, being
very much doubted, the man having been employed by
the company at his present duty six months, the super-
intendent of the Wolverton station felt it his duty imme-
diately to give him into custody.
Immediately after the mail train, which was detained
nearly two hours by the unfortunate occurrence, had
been dispatched on its journey, a special engine was
started off to London with the melancholy news to the
directors, and other high officials connected with the
railway, and Captain Huish, the general manager of the
line. Mr. Bruyeres, the superintendent, Mr. Creed,
the secretary, and some of the directors, arrived at
Wolverton yesterday by the mail train for the purpose
of pursuing an investigation and ascertaining who were
the sufferers. This was found extremely difficult; but
from the cards and other evidence discovered on the
persons of the deceased parties their names are supposed
to be as follow:
J. B. Ratteray, belonging to an iron foundry at Dun-
dee; Ifiller, secretary of a London Ragged-school;
James Clifton, supposed to be from Coventry; T. Mac-
kiuson, a collegian of Cambridge; T. Shenott and
pwehchi
tmearbebt
o,belongingattired
, intdone.gn
ti Tty man,h bsAue
tivlewnt
who
se
rdneacnenaerd persons are attired in the most respectable
.
ishC aotTdoh phe nothing
bond :you ge
known
of
nwao- euponrwreens removed to an outhouse at the Wol

The names of the persons killed are John Matthew,
collier, aged 45 ; Peter Matthew, collier, his son,
aged 22 ; John Matthew, aged 17 ; David Matthew,
15 ; and Joseph Matthew, aged 10—all his sous, all
drawers ; he has left a wife and several young children.
Joseph Worral, collier, aged 50, left a wife a:nd five
children ; John Lea drawer, 17 ; and James Morris,
drawer, 12.

Messrs. Purdon, proprietors of the Farmer's Gazette,
stated that they had issued a circular to the secretaries
of the different local farming societies, requesting them
to send in returns of the exact state of the crop in their
immediate neighbourhood, and the great majority of re-
turns already received described it as still apparently in
a healthy state, and all the other crops looking exceed-
ingly well.
Mr. Mousell read extracts from reports of several per-
sons employed by the Board of Works in drainage,. from
different parts of the country, stating that the disease
had attacked the stems generally, underground, though
the leaves and stalks appeared still healthy and flourish-
ingA.
letter was also read from Mr. J. M. Spong, a prac-
tical agriculturist in Carlow, stating, that within the past
week he had travelled over large portions of Carlow,
Kildare, and the Queen's County, in company with some
gentlemen whose names he mentioned, and that they had
found the first symptoms of the disease existing gene-
rally. It manifested itself in the stem, low down, near
the set or seed, under the earth, and afterwards advanced
into the leaves and branches. It appeared to have at-
tacked the autumn or early planted potatoes to the
greatest extent, and even the English reds, which had
escaped the disease last year better than any others, ap-
peared generally affected at present.
Mr. Spong's statement was accompanied by several
specimens of potato plants, which he stated he had pro-
cured in different places in the above counties, and
which, upon being examined by the council, appeared to
contain evident symptoms of the disease as above de-
scribed. They were also inspected by Professor Allman,
and other practical and scientific gentlemen, who fully
concurred in the above opinion, and considered that the
disease resembled in its leading features the epidemic of
last year.
Considerable discussion then ensued as to the course
it would be most prudent and advisable for the council to
pursue, so as to produce the best information relative to
the exact nature and extent of the disease, and to suggest
such remedial and precautionary measures as might be
deemed prudent and advisable. The chairman was
clearly of opinion, in which his Grace the Duke of Lein-
ster and the other members fully concurred, that their
best course was to seek, through the machinery at their
command, for the most accurate information on the sub-
ject, and, at the same time, to take advantage of the pre-
sent timely warning to suggest such substitutes for the
present crops as may, upon inquiry, be deemed advisa-
ble, 9. n d can be planted in time.
Accordingly, it was ordered that a circular should be
prepared and sent to the secretaries of the different local
farm societies in connexion with the central one, stating
that the council, having received reports from some parts
of the country, leading them to fear that the potato crop
in those districts were already showing partial signs of
disease, deemed it right to direct the attention of all
growers throughout the country to the necessity of im-
mediately examining their respective crops; and in order
to enable them to form a sound opinion on their condi-
tion, they subjoined the following short statement of the
Principal external marks by which the disease can be
generally recognised ; namely—
That the disease is to be found in that part of the
stem which lies under ground, and may exist, although
the leaf appears perfectly healthy. This is shown some-
times on that portion of the stem near the surface of the
ground, but more frequently near the seed, or set, and
presents the appearance of a bruise, or dark mark, upon
the surface.
The council further recommend, in any instance where
a crop appears decidedly affected with this disease, the
immediate substitution of Swedish or Aberdeen turnips,
or of mangel or cabbage plants, where they can be ob-
tained; all of whichinay be dibbled into the drills between
the potato-stalks, without any additional manure.

verton station, where they now lie awaiting a coroner's
inquest, which, in consequence of the distance to send
i❑formation to the coroner for Northamptonshire, can-
not possibly be held before Tuesday.
The following official report of the occurrence was
furnished to
.the reporter by Captain Huish, general
manager of the line, after the investigation by the rail-
way authorities, this day (Sunday):—
" OFFICIAL REPORT.

" It appears that the 8 45 P.M. down mail train on
Saturday, the sth of June, left London at the usual time,
and passed safely till within sight of the Wolverton
gmah.r
et the
wpaoyisntrmig:
station. At the bridge, which is distant from the en-
trance to the :station about 600 yards, a siding com-
mences, into which coal and merchandise trains are
passed. The train arrived precisely at its proper time,
the steam was shut off before reaching the bridge, and
the guards were at their post. The policeman at the
bridge gave the usual signal of the arrival of the mail,
and the signal was acknowledged and repeated from the
station. At this time the points were right, and every-
thing in proper order for the entrance of the train into
the station.
" From some cause, yet to be explained, the signal-
man appears to have gone to the points, a distance of
forty or fifty paces, and to have turned the train into
the siding. On finding himself off the main line and
The break of the tender which locks all the six wheels
reversedgoin g into
his
i sa
engine,ing usuallyand
workedfull o ft
hgood:,
wheelsth the enginem
backwards.an
was applied, and the guards used their breaks. The
train, which was composed of nineteen carriages of
various kinds, after running a considerable distance into
the siding, struck a waggon of coals which, with four or
five others, was standing there. The engineman and
fireman were unhurt, and the buffer plank of the engine
only was damaged. The leading carriage was the Liver-
pool parcel van, and the second the Manchester parcel
van : both are uninjured. The next was a second.
class carriage, also uninjured, and the passengers unhurt
Following this was another second-class carriage ; the
fifth from the engine was a second-class also. This
carriage appears to have been lightly loaded, and from
the momentum of the train and reaction of the buffers
of the leading carriages, was lifted up on its end. The
next carriage was a second-class also, being the sixth
concussion was f, lr in the deaths of seven male persons.
The carriage was forced under the one which was lifted
rufirpao:measnt
shdheotewhnegmi
in.anerj.kuasun.
eodshoa:aenhpmept hecaiaosiritl
ihltosieinoen. lamentable
itself is broken to pieces, and, although the leading car-
, havew
It i s resulteditlhol et,hea entirelyexception
a carriagec t o i
ef thewu shaeteluldetnhdsemeo rlipesflcoryhianimetf
rtsi
mischief'
a p p
ears to have
ktho
fallen on the fifth and sixth carriages.
" It would be improper to anticipate the evidence
the
p a r ironcel
vans,wor
before it is officially given, but from all we can learn the
ofrfotrnhe
accidentturning
omission
hoef arisestrain
entirelytiyn,
o because
e te
for the main line, and require holding back to enable a
train to enter the siding. The man is in
" In a collision attended with so fearfulcustody,
a loss of life
it might be expected that many y
passengers would be in-
jured, but we are happy to say this is not the case. One
gentleman had a rib injured, and two others were much
shaken, but with these exceptions we do not learn that
any passengers were seriously hurt."
SUNDAY NIGHT.
In London, throughout the day, in consequence of a
rumour extensively circulated, that forty lives had been
lost
upon the line, the applications at the Easton-square
terminus as to the truth of the rumour were most inces•
sant, and parties whose friends left last night by the
mail train were solicitous as to their safety, awaiting
the arrival of each train with great anxiety. Some of
those who were unfortunately injured in the collision
were brought up from Wolverton by the York mail train,
and were removed to their residences suffering much
. from contusions and bruises.
The guards of the train had a most miraculous es-
cape, the chief gaard, Haines, was actually sitting on

RE-APPEARANCE OF THE APHIS VASTATOR
UPON THE POTATO PLANT.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
SIR,—I regret to announce that the Aphis Vastator
re-appeared last week upon the patato
i plant in every dis-
trict round London. At present t may be found
sparingly upon the under surface of the leaf, and though
within the last few days it has multiplied twenty-fold,
several plants must be examined before it can be de.
tected.
The present hot weather is highly favourable to the
rapid multiplication of this pest, which, coupled with its
early attack, must lead us to have the worst apprehen-
sions for the crop this season.
This creature has already greatly damaged the peach,

`c • . .