The Sun.
London, England, 1848-12-26 00:00:00

LONDON, TUESDAY

EVENING, DECEMBER 26, 1848,

ANCIENT REMAINS DISCOVERED

IN CHESTER.

The drainageof Chester has hitherto been of a very
superficial character, and in making the drains on
which the workmen are now employed, the remains
of former excavations, and some other works have
been discovered, of which I have thought it as well
to make rough notes, to place at your disposal, to make
such use of as you shall see fit.
The drains now making average twelve feet deep ;
principally through the solid rock. Such are those
in St. John-street, Pepper-street, Cuppin-street, and
Bridge-street, in making which a previous excavation
was crossed, which takes the form of a passage running
nearly due east and west ; and which was evidently
in existence before the present streets of Chester were
designed, as it crosses all those mentioned, some
obliquely, and others at nearly right angles. This
excavation in the rock is about seven feet
wide at the top (that is, about four feet below
the surface of the present streets), becoming gra-
dually narrower to the bottom, where it is not more
than twelve or eighteen inches wide ; that is, as far
RS can be judged, as I understand from Mr. Blayney,
he mason, that the present excavations have nowhere
reached the level of the ancient one; and that at their
deepest level (about 13 feet), an iron rod was driven
into the rubbish with which the old excavation is
filled, and that it penetrated 4 feet before it reached
the solid rock. At intervals of some yards occur re-
cesses, or wider excavations of the rock, as if to admit
air ; or, possibly, to allow one person to stand aside
for another to pass. This is assuming it to have been
a subterranean passage, which I very much doubt.
It seems more likely to have been a fosse, or ditch,
belonging to the defences of the Roman camp; This
passage was first noticed in John-street; it was next
come upon in Pepper-street, about 70 yards from St.
Michael's Church, and opposite Mr., Gough's house.
About 70 yards further .on, and about 12 from St.
Michael's steps, it crosses Bridge-street, nearly at
right angles, and runs under the buildings now built
on the site of. Old Lamb-row. It occurs again in
Cuppin-street, opposite the new buildings next to
the King's Head stables.
Mr. Roberts, to whom Old Lamb-row belonged,
and who built the present houses, informs me that
where this portion of the excavation was exposed in
laying the foundation of the present building, it was
divided longitudinally into two passages or galleries,
one above the other, by very substantial timbers and
flooring, which was found about eight feet from the
surface.

On the 24th of November, 1848, and on the Bth of
December, in the same year, were exposed the ori-
ginal (or, at least, what are supposed to be the ori-
ginal) foundations of the old Eastgate. These
remains, which have been only partially disturbed,
still exist. They lay at about four feet from the
surface, and were first met with about eight feet
east of the present gateway, that is, outside it.
Their extreme limit is about 60 feet to the
east of the Eastgate. They consist principally of
several courses of regular masonry, some run-
ning parallel with, and others crossing the street
at right angles. These layers of masonry have
vidently formed part of very ancient foundations
belonging to the Eastgate, and are probably Roman.
From the care with which they are pointed and
finished, it is also probable that, though so far beneath
the present surface, they were more than mere
foundations, and` most likely served for guard-rooms
or dungeons. The masonry did not, in any part
exposed, present any inscription or peculiarity. It
is of the common red sandstone of the vicinity, well
squared and firmly set. The timbers which unite it
are of great strength and solidity, about fourteen
inches thick.

A cannon shot was dug up about ten feet from the
surface near these remains. Also, a mass of dark
matter, supposed to be part of an unignited mine of
gunpowder. Subsequent examination shows no indi-
cation of its ever having possessed the qualities of
gunpowder, and I believe it only to be a mass of
black mud, composed of decayed vegetable substances.
East of these remains, between the present Bank
rnd Frodsham•street, two pavements were found :
one at the depth of three feet, the other at the depth
of nine feet from the present surface. They were
quite perfect, and had never been disturbed ; they
were exactly similar in character to the common
cobble stone paving of the present street, to which
they run exactly parallel, and of which indeed they
evidently formed the former level, at two different
periods. From the depths at which these pavements
were found, it appears that a descent, either
natural or artificial, formerly existed on issuing
from the Eastgate ; most likely artificial, as
the surrounding locality presents an unvaried
flat, if we except a slight inclination towards the
river to the- Southward. It appears singular
that in forming the new streets, the pave-
ments were in neither case disturbed. Either the
paving stones were of less value than at present, or
possibly in the struggles of civil war, during which
we have evidence that the suburbs of Chester (and
particularly those in the immediate vicinity of the
gates) were laid waste, this point was so covered
with rubbish as to render the task of removing it
more difficult than the pavement was worth. •

. *excavating a drain, in_ a .yard_belonging to Mr.
Parkinson, plumber, on the east side of Nortbgate-
street, between the Abbey-square and the Abbey-
green, was found an old Roman vase, of which I en-
close you a drawing. The vase is of clay, not of the
usual red, but of a slate colour. At about eight feet
from the present surface, the labourer employed on
this drain came to the solid
and rock ; -he there found a
circular excavation, about eighteen inches dia-
meter, twelve inches deep, filled with soil, into
which a stroke of his spade encountered this vase,
which was shattered by the blow. The fragments
were nearly all recovered, and carefully reunited by
Mr. Parkinson, in whose possession the vase re-
mains. There were also found two portions of annular
brass money, much corroded, and some small frag-
ments of another jar, not corresponding either in form
or colour with the one restored.

In Watergate-street, in forming a drain, were found
portions of two Roman tiles (of which also I send you
sketches), each bearing the fragment of an inscription.
One is as follows :7" VVX .;" the other
" LEGXXV ...... ' Each is the commencement
of an inscription, of which the remainder is lost,
and they are both as sharp and clearly defined
az the day they were cast.—Correspondent of • the
Chester Courant.

RAIL WAY INTELLIGENCE.

SALOON CARRIAGES ON THE LONDON AND BRIGHTON
RAILWAY.—A new description of first-class carriage
has been constructed for, and is now running on, the
London and Brighton line. Instead of having three
compartments, as in the ordinary first-class carriage, it
has only two, and these, at the option of the passengers,
family, or pleasure party, may, by an ingenious mecha-
nical contrivance, be thrown into ono elegant saloon.
They are also fitted up at the end and sides with sofas
for general use and the convenience of invalids, and may
be converted into bed-carriages, if required.
SOUTH DEVON.—The directors, in compliance with
the requisition of the shareholders, have just announced
that a special general meeting shall be forthwith held at
Exeter, to determine on the atmospheric question, when
they intend to present a report explanatory of their
views and proceedings on the subject.
RAILWAY POST-OFFlCE.—Passengers arriving at the
Rugby station are not generally aware that a letter-box
has been fixed in the window of the ticket-collector's
room, under the colonnade on the "up " side. Letters
posted here up to nine o'clock in the evening will be for-
warded the same night to the metropolis and all parts of
the country without any extra charge.
RAILWAY READING ROOM.—Many of our readers
will be glad to learn that a reading room has been
opened at the Rugby station, adjoining the Midland
sheds, on the upside," to which passengers may ob tain
access by the payment of one penny, and thus have an op-
tunity of reading the London daily and weekly papers,
the country journals, and a variety of periodicals—a
much pleasanter recreation than walking up and down
the long, cold, and cheerless platform, at this inclement
season, for those persons who are obliged to wait two or
three hours before they can proceed on their journey, as
is the case since the alteration in the time of running the
trains along the several lines that join at this station.
EASTERN UNION (now 511 miles, being amalgamated
with the Ipswich and Bury Railway).-e-Traffic for the
week ending December 16, 1848, 1,1221. 19e. 10(1.; ditto
for the week ending December 19, 1847, 1,110/. Os. 10d.
FRENCH AND BELGIAN LINES. —The receipts on the
lino from Antwerp to Ghent amounted, for the last
month, to 22,188 f. The goods traffic on the State line
has increased so much, that the coke furnaces of the
company are insufficient to furnish the supply of fuel.
The line from Paris to Sceaux, unable to withstand the
commercial crisis, has been sequestered, and will be
worked by the State. The Tours and Nantes line has
been opened between Toursand Saureur, and the second
section, from Saumur to Angers, is to be com-
pleted by the spring. .
AMIENS AND BorreolateE (open from Amiens to Bon-
logne).—Traffic from December 10 to December 17,
1848:—Passengers, 23,641 f. 50c.; merchandise, :6.610f.
70c. Total, 1,2101. Receipts since March 15, 1848,
53,0311. Total, 54,241/.
LONDON AND NORTH - WESTERN MUTUAL ASSUR-
ANCE FuND.—The circumstance of some few cases of
defalcation having lately occurred amongst the officers
of this company, has led the directors to determine on
establishing a mutual assurance fund for their officers,
superintendents, clerks, and other servants, who hold
situations of trust; and whereby it is proposed that each
shall contribute out of his salary 2d. in the pound to
constitute a guarantee fund. If at any time the fund in
hand shall be found insufficient to meet any defaults,
then each officer is to increase his contribution to the
extent, in all, of fourpence in the pound, until the defi-
ciency is supplied ; the contribution thereafter to be
reduced to a penny. It is also to be provided that no
contributor shall have any individual property in this
mutual assurance fund, but that it shall belong to the
company, and be applicable only to its specific purpose.
Great dissatisfaction is said to exist amongst all the
officers of the company at the proposed impost, and a
meeting is to be held to memoraliso the directors on the
subject.
The South-Western Company has served notices on
the landed proprietors on the Basingstoke and Salisbury
Railroad of their intention of going before Parliament
for an extension of time to complete the works, the
stoppage of which has caused much dissatisfaction in this
neighbourhood, and we believe a petition will be pre-
sented to Parliament from this town to compel the com-
pany to finish the works forthwith, as much inconve-
nience and expense are experienced from the loss of a
direct conveyance between Basingstoke and Salisbury.
—Hampshire Independent.
MONSTER TRAINS ON THE SOUTH-WESTERN, NORTH..
WEST ERN, AND GREAT WESTERN RAILWAYS.—On Sa-
turday last the up-trains on all the above name d lines
were immensely laden with luggage as well as passen-
gers. By the North-Western alone, on Friday, there
was conveyed.l6,ooo parcels, baskets, &c., filled chiefly
with poultry, game, and other eatables, as presents for
Christmas. On Saturday more than 20,000 similar
packages were brought to London by the South-Western;
every train was filled (having double the number of car-
riages), and these so heavily laden, that many did not ar-
rive till nearly two hours atter their regular time. The
third-class train of this line, due in London at lh. 40m. on
Saturday, did not arrive until 3 o'clock, although driven
by two engines, the carriages attached having nearly
1,200 passengers. The first and second class trains
were quite as much behind time; the one due in London
at 4 P.M. did not arrive till nearly six, having 42 car-
riages. Tho one due at 96. 10m. P.M., was also more
than an hour behind time, having nearly 800 passengers
and 3,000 parcels. -The mail train yesterday morning
did not arrive till nearly six o'clock, being due at 4h.
30m.; it consisted of 30 carriages quite full. On the
Great Western they were equally busy; thousands after
thousands of parcels and passengers arriving and de-
parting by every train through Friday and Saturday.
The trains down were immensely laden with barrels of
oysters, fish, and other presents, besides crowds going to
different parts of the country to visit their friends. We
were informed that the receipts were greater during the
last three days than in the corresponding period of any
past year. . .

RAILWAY SIONALB.—A very important discovery has
just been made by Mr. W. D. Wells, and John Broad-
field, surveyor, of Kidderminster, of a new and success-
ful mode of communication, to be attached to every
description of railway carriage, so that in case any one
of them breaks away from the rest, on the line, it im-
mediately communicates the same to the engine-driver,
by blowing the steam-whistle on the engine, and also the
same can be done by the guard at any moment ; in prin-
ciple it is self-acting, and entirely removed from the
centre' of the passengers, simple, efficacious, and cheap
in its application and construction, can be attached
together with great facility and saving of time; and, in
case of breakage can immediately be restored to its
proper action again by the guard, in one moment, and
at the cost of a few pence.
LEASE OF THE EAST LINCOLNSHIRE TO THE GREAT
NORTHERN.—The necessary instruments, after consider-
able delay, are now being prepared for the transfer of
the line, about fifty miles in length, and which runs from
the Great Grimsby and Boston to the Great Northern,
which will commence paying on it the six per cent. divi-
dend from the Ist November last.—Hull Advertiser.
RAILWAY LAW FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF POLICE.—
A correspondence has lately taken place between the
railway companies and the Secretary of State, who, to-
gethar with the Railway Commissioners, are of opinion
.(the decision of the law officers of the Crown having first
been obtained) that the provisions of the Act 5 and 6
Vic., relating to the conveyance of the military force by
cheap trains, also applies to duties of the police body, in
such a way as to entitle them to be conveyed at the rate,
like soldiers, of Id. per mile, by any train that starts, in
order that they may execute their warrants.
THE OSWESTRY BRANCM—This branch of the Shrews-
bury and Chester Railway will, it is anticipated, be
opened for public accommodation in the course of next
week. On Thursday last a ballasting engine passed
along the line, and in a day or two the Government In-
spector will survey the whole and report thereon.—
Hereford Times.
SOUTH WALES.—On Wednesday last the first loco-
motive engine, named " The Dove," and a tender reached
Tidenham for the South Wales Railway cuttings near
the Mead's House. The engine was hauled from Glou •
tester on a carriage built purposely, and drawn by 18
fine grey horses. Four superior black horses hauled
the tender. The novelty of the loads, and the beauty
of the teams, drew the attention of a number of people.
—Hereford Times.

The Mold Railway, a line in the mineral districts of
North Wales, is now nearly completed.
RAILWAY COMPENSATION.—An inquiry was held on
Thursday last before the Sheriff of Surrey, Mr. Sergeant
Wallinger, assessor, to award compensation to the firm of
Brown, Gordon, and Dunn, residing in Gravel-lane,
Southwark, for their leasehold and other interest at-
tached to the premises which were required for the pur-
poses of the London and South-Western Railway Com-
pany's extension to London-bridge. The claimants had
obtained a writ of mandamus to compel the inquiry.
The Attorney-General, Mr. W. D. Hill, and Mr.
Merewether, appeared on behalf of the company on the
instructions of Messrs. Birchem, Dalrymple, and Drake,
the solicitors to the company. Mr. Watson, Q.C.,
Mr. Pollen and Mr. Duncombe, for the claimants, on
the instruction of Mr. Patterson, as regarded Mr. Brown
and Mr. Gordon; Mr. Dunn appearing by his solicitor,
Mr. Smith, of the firm of Whiteside and Smith, and
repudiating the claim altogether. The claimants de-
manded in the whole 14,7421. 6s. 10d., which was par-
ticularised in the following manner, viz., for lease of
premises, 5,2021. 18s. 3d., an additional amount alleged
to be secured by the terms of the partnership, &c.
2,7122 55.; an amount to be expended upon new pre-
mises, 1,0001.; loss of interest on that amount, 7501.;
removal of stock, 400/.; and 2,0001. for loss of profits
on the business, and a sum of 2,676/. 13s. 7d. for Mr.
Samuel Brown's private interest in the rental of the
residence, and for the removal of some patented inven-
tions. The parties, it appeared, had a lease, of which
six years were unexpired, at 2501. per annum. The
claim was, we understood, reduced in court to half the ori-
ginal amount. Several witnesses were called, and the
jury returned the following verdit :—" To the firm, for
damages, removal, refixing the plant, and adaptation to
other premises, 7501.; for the lease, 3001; ;for Mr. Brown's
private interest for gas, engine, &c., 1001.; and for house
fixtures, &c., 344/. Is., making a total of 1,394/. Is.
DUNDEE AND PERTH.—With reference to our rem arks
last week regarding the stoppage of the works of this
line across the town, we now understand that it is in con-
sequence of the exorbitant demands of the tenants occu-
pying the property purchased for the formation of the
line; and that, by not proceeding with the work till their
occupancy expires, which will be at Whitsunday first,
the company will effect a saving more than equivalent to
any profit they would derive from having the line opened
at an earlier period.—Perth Advertiser.
DUNDALK AND ENNISKILLEN.—The works between
Dundalk and Castleblaney are completed, and trial
trips aro now made over them preparatory to the public
opening.

,
WATERFORD AND LIMERICK.— There was a me-)ting
at the Court-house, Clonmel, on Wednesday la,t, for
the purpose of reducing the Railway Inquisition, to be
held for !and by !Ilf. tor,, i
Railway. Mr. John Preedirga.t, solicitor, is retained
by the olainiants. There are three. cases for trial.—
cork ,Reporter.

WATERFORD AND tLIRIERIcK (25 MILES OPEN)—
Traffic for the week ending Saturday, 16th December :
—Passengers, 266/. Os. 5d.; goods and cattle, 931. ss. 11.;
total (exclusive of mails), 3591. ss. 6d.
DUBLIN AND DROGHEDA RAILWAY AND THE POST-
OFFICE.—In the arbitration case respecting the amount
of payment for the conveyance of mails between Dublin
and Droghedg, the Recorder yesterday announced a sum
of ten guineas a day, or 3,832/. 103. per annum, to be
paid by the Post-office to the company for the convey-
ance of the mails.

DUBLIN AND DROGUEDA.—Traffic on tLis line for the
week ending Thursday, 21st December :—Passengers
(6,122) and mail, 5141. 16s. 3d. ; parcels, 371. 7s. 9d. ;
merchandise, 118/. 2s. 6d. ; total amount, 670/. 6s. 6d.
Corresponding week last year :—Passengers (6,582) and
twill, 5821. Os. 10d. ; parcels, 411. 9s. ld. ; merchandise,
1231. 12s. ; total amount, 7471. Is. 11d.

NORMANVILLE'S PATENT AXLE

BOX.

This admirable invention which as regards loco-
motives is of the utmost importance, and the use of
which will be a saving of time to the public, and of
wear and tear of machinery to the shareholders, has
been now in use for some months on the North-
Western Railway with the most complete success.
The patentee, in carrying out this invention, has
had the following objects in view, viz., the enclosing
within a comparatively air-tight vessel the brass
step or bearing, the journal itself, and the lubricator
used to keep the journal at a proper temperature.
This he has accomplished by a contrivance of so
simple a nature, that while the whole of the parts of
the carriages, or other vehicles, remain as before, the
axle box itself is so simplified in construction, that it
lifts on and off the journal in one piece; and the
mere pressing it forward towards the nave of the
wheel brings the end of it in contact with a brass
washer or valve, acted upon by a spring of vul-
canized India-rubber, which valve and India-
rubber rotate with the wheel, and being pressed
against the end of the axle box effectually closes it.
A reference to the annexed diagrams will fully illus-
trate the arrangement of the parts. The axle box
itself is a cylinder, to which both ends are affixed by
screws. These and the spring ties are fixtures to the
box, and lift on and off with it as before described,
the end towards the wheel is turned and polished,
and the box in this state is ready for use. To prepare
the axle to receive it, a washer or spring of vulcanized
India-rubber, of the same diameter as the axle, is
passed on to it, and placed against the nave of the
wheel. A brass washer, or valve, is then placed
against the India-rubber, and both these washers are
forced to rotate with the wheel by small pins acting
against each other, the axle box being previously
filled with grease (leaving room for the journal), is
pressed forward upon the journal, and the end of it
corning in contact with the brass valve and spring, is
effectually closed thereby.
IVe hope to see this excellent invention in use on
all the railways, and we would suggest to the pro-
prietors of steam-boats also, whether the use of this
patent axle box might not be advantageously intro-
duced on board steam-ships.
The advantages above enumerated are entirely
referable to the careful exclusion of the dirt and grit
from the interior of the axle box ; and this is further
demonstrated by the Slow wear of the axle brasses,
which, when closed, as decribed, will last out three or
four sets of brasses under the ordinary circumstances ;
added to which, the end wear of the brasses, the cause
of so great a portion of the lateral oscillation of rail-
way carriages, is prevented. Another advantage of
this arrangement is, that in the event of an axle be-
coming heated, from an excessive load upon it, de-
fective workmanship, or any other cause, as long as
the valve closing the end of the axle box continues to
retain grease, it cannot " fire," the axle and brass
bearing being immersed in it, and should the valve
even fail altogether, the carriage may travel safely to
its journey's end, by being attended to in the same
manner as the common axle boxes are. These axle
boxes are intended to be worked with the grease in
ordinary use on railways ; free oils must on ne ac-
count be introduced into them, as they decompose the
vulcanized India-rubber.

One of the carriages has been running with an
express train since July the 24th. It has been greased
twice since that date, the last time was on the 6th of
September, since which period it has travelled 8,000
miles. Nor does it yet appear to require grease.
Other carriages, fitted in the same manner, travel
distances varying from 4,000 to 6,000 miles.

THE FOLKESTONE GHOST.—For about a fortnight
a story has been in circulation that a " ghost" was to be
seen on the " Bayle," nightly playing his pranks upon
those unlucky beings that came within his reach. As is
usual in such cases, the most ridiculous reports were
greedily devoured by the lovers of the wonderful and
strange; children were fearful of stirring out of doors
alter dark; women were seen in groups discussing the
various taloa of ghosts and goblins which they had heard
spoken of. A piemau was stated to have been robbed of
his dainties—veal, mutton, and beef pies "vanishing at
the sight of the spectre," the pieman leaving his basket
in haste to escape from his clutches. Then, again, we
hear of a long, lanky being dressed in white, nine feet
high, appearing to a lad carrying some stout to a custo-
mer, who, frightened to death, dropped his basket and
ran away. The story of the ghost became at last a
general topic, and all sorts of schemes were talked of to
catch his ghostship, if ho was made of flesh and blood,
and drag him through the Bayle pond. The other eve-
ning a little child was running down the steps, when a
man, extraordinarily dressed, ran after him. The child
ran home to his father, crying " Father, the ghost I the
ghost I on the steps I" The man hastened to the spot
and succeeded in capturing the " real ghost," in woman's
attire, having wrapped round him two or three blankets,
and two boards lashed one behind and one before. It
proved to be a poor old man named Spicer, upwards of
70 years of age, who lived in a wretched shed near the
steps, a recipient of 2s. 6d. per week from the parish; he
was taken by the man before the mayor in his " ghostly
attire," a pitiable object. His worship taking into con-
sideration his great age, ordered him to be deprived of
his weekly allowance, and to be taken to the Elham
Union. The "ghost" was than escorted by the police to
his cottage amidst the yelling and hooting of a large
mob, and was shortly afterwards taken to his destina-
tion. Thus ends the story of the " Folkestone ghost,'
which has turned out as harmless as the " Fiery Ser-
pent," the one! being a man, the other a peacock.—
Dover Chronicle.

A FARMER ROBBED.—Mr. Noyes of Highworth,
attended Farring market, where he met a gentleman
most anxious to purchase some of his cxcellent cattle
if he sold them at a fair price. Mr. Noyes was so
flattered that he sent his son home before him in his
gig to get out the beasts so that the gentleman might
see them, for which purpose he would ride to his farm
in the gentleman's gig. Mr. Noyes appointed to meet
his customer at the Salutation, where he found him
dealing with a butcher for sheep, which he ultimately
purchased, offering in payment his cheque for 401., but
the butcher, not having the balance to pay back, the
utmost regret was evinced by the gentleman, who would
not on any account have lost his bargain, and offered
103. to any one who would cash the cheque, which had
but a few days to run. Caught by the tempting offer, and
anxious to oblige his new friend, Mr. Noyes cashed the
the cheque. The sequel need not be told. By some strata-
gem the gentleman and the pseudo butcher made out of
town together, leaving an old horse, not worth 405., for
Mr. Noyes, who soon learned that he had been regularly
done, and that both the gentleman and the butcher were
a pair of sharpers.
PLAN FOR INCREASING THE 'TEAT FROM A COM-
MON FIRE, AND IMPROVING VENTILATION.—A Corres-
pondent of the Builder says, " the plan I propose is a re-
ciprocating or self-acting arrangement, by which a spiral
current of air is formed, commencing externally by
means of a small grating, or air brick, let into the front
wall, and carried through a pipe (tor which a chase may
be cut behind the skirting), to the side of the stove pass-
ing near the fire. The air within becoming immediately
heated, is forced by the greater gravity of the cold air
from without, through the continuation of the pipe at
the opposite side of the fire, and from thence, by a sheet-
iron tube under the floor, behind the skirting, or other-
wise to the opposite extremity of the apartment. It there
emerges in a heated state, warms the whole room in its
passage across to the fire again, and having supplied
entirely the place of the cold air usually let in through
doors and apertures, it passes through the flue, and gives
place to the fresh and continued (warm) supply which it
draws after it, mingles again with the external atmo-
sphere, and completes the spiral and reciprocating I
current."

FATAL WAGBIL—On Saturday evening Mr
Baker held an inquest at the Black Lion, New Mon-
tague-street, Spitalfields, on the body of ornelius De-
lany, aged 36, a plasterer, who came by his death under
the following circumstances :—George Croft, a plasterer,
residing at 4, Montague-street, Spitalfields, deposed to
having known the deceased, who, up to Sunday evening
last, was in perfect health. About seven o'clock on that
evening, witness was in company with the deceased in
the tap-room of the Black Lion, when a conversation
about " hearty " drinking having arisen the deceased
wagered with some of bis companions that he would
drink twelve pints of porter within an hour, allow-
ing himself five minutes to each pint, or forfeit ten
shillings' worth of drink. The bet was accepted, and
the deceased having drank ten pints within the specified
time, was in the act of drinking the eleventh, when be
suddenly fell to the ground, and was immediately con-
veyed to his lodgings in a state of insensibility, where
he was allowed to remain on the floor wholly unattended
till the following morning, when, not having rallied, a
surgeon was called in, but the usual remedies were of no
avail, and he died the next morning. The Coroner
having animadverted in severe terms upon the gross
impropriety of such wagers, the jury returned a verdict
of " Died from excessive drinking."

INCREA.SED VALUE OF GROUND IN THE METRO-
POLIS.—There are many estates in the metropolis which,
fifty years back, were worth 31. an acre, as cow, pasture,
and dairy ground, now realising from 1,000/. to 2,000/.
pnr acre per annum 1 Many within thirty years, which
w..ro brick-field roughs, now return half that rental ;
and in another generation these same estates on which
the property of thousands has been outlaid, will, in some
instances, :,viAd to the colossal proprietors from 100,0001.
to 500,000/. per annum.—The Dallier.
"Ma," said a young lady to her mother, the other
clay, " what is emigrating?" Mother—" Emigrating,
't'''ll7.g golng to Austrolz.- 17
,id,
" What is celouizing, ma?" Mother—" Colonizing, dear,
is marrying there and haying family." Daughter--:
"Ma, I should like to go to Australis."

THE COUNTRY MARKETS.
CHELMSFORD, DEC. 22.—The trade in all descriptions
of grain was to day extremely flat. The best Wheats
were Is. and second-rate samples 2s. per quarter lower,
with
,af very limited sale. Oats were from 6d to is
cheaper, and barleys (superfine samples excepted) rea-
lised Is per quarter less money than last week. In beans
and peas our quotations are unaltered, with little busi,
ness dning therein.

Ter Quarter. s. 5.
Wheat, White, 01d... 51 551

Per Quarter.
Peas, Partridge
White ......
Dun
Beans, Tick (new)

New 50 54
Red, old 41 47
New 40 46
Barley 29 33
Chevalier 29 34
Grinding 26 30
Oats l7 23
Malt
Chevalier
HADDINGTON, DEC. 22.—We had a larger supply to-
day of all kinds of grain. Sales were quick. Wheat,
top, 2s, and average 2s 8d down; weight of top, per
four bushels, 18st 01b. Barley, top, 6d up, and average
13 down; weight of top, per four bushels, list 21b. Oats,
top, 6d down and average 6d up; weight of top per four
bushels, 13st lib. Beans, top, 2s, and average• 43 9d
down; weight of top, per four bushels, 19st 61b.
Wheat. Barley. Oats. Beans.
First ... 53s Od 33s Od 22s Od 523 Od
Second ... 443 4d 27s 64 20s 6d 28s 3d'
Third
.. 33s Od 21s Od 16s Od 22s Od
Total quantity :of Wheat in market 559 qrs., 433 sold
Do. Barley do. 644 qrs., 532
..solt.
Do. Oats de. 401 qrs., 372 sold
Do. Beans do. 102 qrs., 79 sold
GLA Scow PROVISION MARKET, DEC. 21.—Cheese,
46s Od to 52s Od per mat; retail ditto, Sid to 6d per lb.
Skim milk, 00a to 00s per cwt. Country fresh butter,
10d to lld per lb; Irish powdered, in lumps, 9id to 10d;
country powdered, wholesale, 9d to 10d. Country eggs,
Is per dozen; carried hen ditto, 8s 6d per hundred, or 8d
per dozen, Hens, 2s Od per pair; ducks, 2s Od.
KIreKALDY, DEC. 23.—We had here to-day good
supplies of all kinds of grain, sales of which proceeded
slowly. Wheat was a full is per quarter lower. Barley
of good and fine qualities brought about last day's rates,
but inferior was 6d per quarter lower. Oats of tine
colour brought last week's prices, but discoloured, of
which the supply consisted, were is per quarter lower.
Wheat. Barley. Oats. Beans. Peas.
First 52s Od 305 Od. 21s 6d —s Od —s Od
Second 50,s Od 28s Od 20s Od —s Od —a Od
Third 435... Od 22s Od 15s Od —s Od ,—s Od
Oatmeal, per bag of 2801bs. imp., 28s to 00s.
DALEEITH, DEC. 21.—Tie supply of grain at this
day's market was less than last week. Sales brisk for
wheat and, barley, peas, and beans. Oats a dull sale.
Wheat down on the top 3s per quarter, but up on the
average 4id.
Quarters. Best. I Current. Inferior.
264 Wheat ... 21 12s 0412/ 9s ed I/ 18s Od
952 Oats ... 11 is 4dol 19s Od 01 12s 4d
835 Barley ... 1/ 12s Od 1/ 8s 64 11 Os Od
88 Peas, &c. 11 12s Od 1/ lls Od 11 95 Od
Averages of wheat, 215 s lind per qr.
The relative weight of the three prices of wheat were
18st 81b; 18st llb; and 16st 31b. Of oats, 12st 61b;
12st 21b; and 9st 121 b. Of Barley, 16st 81b; 16st 111);.
12st 91b. Peas and beans, 19st 01b; 18st 121 b, and
18st 41b.
KELSO, DEC. 22.—Wheat, old, 39a to 425; ditto, new,
30s t 0,395; barley, new, 17s to 21s Od;' ditto, old, —s to
—s; potato oats, —s to —,7,; ditto, new, 143 to 165 Od;
common oats, Ils to 14s; ditto, new, —s to —s; peas,
24s to 255; beans, 24s to 253 per boll of six imperial
bushels.
IlAwrcx, DEC. 21.—Wheat, new, 36s to 425; dittos
old, 48s to -s; barley, new, 17s to 21s; ditto, old,
—; potato oats, 153 to 17s; common ditto, Ils to 145;
peas, 27s to 28s; be ens, 27s to 28s, per boll of six im-
perial bushels.
PERTH, DEc. 21.—Wheat, 42s to 525; barley, 25s to
295; oats, 15s to 18s; peas and beans, 26s to 30s per
quarter ; catmeal 28s to 31s per sack.
FALKIRK, DEC. 22.—The supply of grain in this day's
market was 747 bolls. Wheat at 21s to 24s 9d per boll;
barley, 18s 9d to 27s 03; oats, 12s to 15s Od; beans, lls
to 15s 6d per boll; oatmeal, —s to —s per load.
STInLINO, DEC. 22.—Wheat, foreign, 27s to 30s; ditto
home, 00s to 00s; ditto ditto, new, 21s to 255; barley,
per boll of six bushels, 003 to 00s; ditto, new, 19s to
22s 6d; oats, common, 00s Od to 00s; ditto ditto, new,
Ils 6d to 00s; ditto, Flemish, 00s to 00s; ditto ditto,
new, lOs to 12s; malt, distillers, 38s to 40s; ditto, brew-
ers, 38s to 41s; beans, per boll, 15s 6d to Os; ditto,:new,
lls 6d to 14s; peas, 00s to 00s. Flour, 'new, per sack,
403 to 425; ditto, counn,u ditto, 29s to 30s 64. Oatmeal,
per load, 003 to 005; ditto, new, 27s to 295; ditto, per
peck of 71bs, 91d to 10d. Fresh butter per lb, lid to
120. Eggs per dozen, 9d to 10d. Hay, per ton, 465
to 50s.

8. 8.
34 37
36 40
32 35
28 32
27 32
29 34
29 33
26 28
26 30

01d...
Harrow Ticka (new)
01d...
Mazagan (new)......
i 01d...
,2

BERWICK, DEC. 21.—Wheat, 44s 71d; barley, 275
4d; oats, 18s 9d; peas, COi Od, average, per .imperial
quarter.

HAMB URGH eVIARKETS.

HAMBURGH FUNDS, DEc. 22.
Bills. Ileum
Hanoverian New Loan, 5 per Cent. .. • . 103 102%
Bank Shares •••• • • • • ...............,, _ ~.„
Anglo-Russian Loan ............... 983
Ditto, Metal., in Ilamb. Certificate •. • • 96%
New 6 per Cent., Hope and Co. ••.• • • 91 —.
Ditto Stleglitz ———.•.•.•.• • • • • • • • • 30
Belgian Loan ••• ••• .. ••••••• • • • •• • • 43 % II•%.
Anglo-Danish Loan, 3 per Cent •.• • • • 65%
Ditto, in 100/. skarems........ .••• • , • • 66%
.Angio-Swedish Loan .. .. • ........... 98
Ditto, Transport Loan •• ••.•.. • • .. • • 93
Norwegian Loan, 1848 .... ..... .... 95 96
Spanish New 5 per Cent. ••——. • • • 93. 9
Ditto 3 per Cent .......... •••• • • • • 18% 18%
Ditto, 1846............ —•• .... -.—
Angio-Portuguise Loan, 2% per Cent..
Dutch Actual Debt, 2% per Cent.... • •
Ditto 3 per Cent. ...............•
National Bank Shares...... ........
RAILWAYS.

I3ergd.
Ditto, Priority Shares ...
Berlin and Hamburg
Ditto, Priority Shares .. .......
Cologne and Minden .• • • .... .......
I)itto, Priority Shares
3fecklenburg• • • • •• .• • • .. •• • • • • • • •. ••
Altona and Kiel ....... ...... •• ..
Gluckstadt .. ••••••..•• .. • • • • •• •• 25
Rendsburg.......... ••••..•••• •• • • .• 99
Hanseatic Steam Company .. •• 93
EXCHANGES ON LONDON.
Hamburgh, Dec. 22 ........ ••• • • • 13 10%
Ditto, Two months • •• • • l3 9
Berlin, Dec. 21. two months 6 251 i
Leipzig, Dec. 20, three months •• .• 6 26%
Petersburgh, Dec. 15, three months 36%
HAMBURGH CORN MARKET, Dm 22.
WHEAT—Polish .........• •• •• •• lO4 125
Ant. Magd., Red •• •• .• •• 110 125
Ditto, White •• •• 110 125
Marks and Brunswick ••
Silesian yellow •• • •
Mecklenb. Porn. .. •
Holstein •• •• •••• •• 92
Eider and Busura ........ •• •
Lower Elbe .... •• • • •......• • 8
RYE -Russian . .. •• •
Arch. and Magd.
Marks., Meck., and Pom. ••• •••
BARLEY - Mark, and Oder •
Anhalt and Magd .........
Lower Elbe, winter .. •• .
Ditto summer •
OATS —Upland .......
Meek and Holstein
Lower Elbe, White
VETCHES • .
RAPE SEED • •

34'
VI%

25 38
26 40
..... 22 36
52 80
• • ...• • 62 78
68
•. •• ...... 145 156

[ADVEILTISEMENT.]—A Cure of Rheumatism by
Holloway's Pills, certified by Mr. James Rochford, of
Port Phillip, who states that his wife Hrs. Lydia Roch-;
ford was affected with Rheumatism in the head for fif-
teen months, and although attended by the beat medical
pracitioners she could obtain no relief, it also affected
the palate of her mouth to such a degree that she could
not articulate her words properly. She was advised to
try Holloway's Pills, and by their efficacy she has been
restored to her usual good state of health. This won-
derful cure is now made public for the sake of suffering
humanity. Holloway's Pills are equally efficacious in,
the severest cases of gout. Sold by all Druggists, and
at Profsssor Holloway's Establishment, 244, Strand,
London.

STRIKES.—An entire stoppage has been put to the
further progress of the railway bridge over the Tweed at
Brriviek, in consequence 'of the men in a body having
refused to work uny longer for the contractors without
wages. On Saturday night the arrears amounted to
nineteen weeks. A number of masons employed by
Messrs. Thomas and William Smith, shipbuilders, at
their now dock at North Shields, are now off on strike.
They hare refused to comply with certain deductions in
the rate of wages proposed by their employers..—Newa
castle Journal.

BIRTHS.
On the 17th inst., at Shortwood, Wells, Somerset, the wife
of the Rev. Philip Wynell Mayow, of a son.
At Ainslie-place, Edinburgh, on the 21st inst., the lady of
Sir G. G. Montgomery, Bart., of Stanhope, of a daughter.
On the 22d inst., in Queen-street-place, the wife of W. S.
Lucas, Esq., of a son.
On the 22d inst., at Edmonton, Mrs. J. Bernard, of a
daughter.
On the 22d inst., at Dulwich-commen, Mrs. E. Horner, of
a son.

On the 22d inst., at Bridgeworth, Somersetskire, the wife
of the Rev. A. F. Carey, of a son.
On the 23d inst., at Stockwell-place, the wife of W. Graf,
E.g., of a daughter.
On the 23d inst., Mrs. James Lavell, of Ludgate-street,
City, of a daughter.