The Sun.
London, England, 1846-09-04 00:00:00

IT_ EL NUN, J DON, PR IDA V MORNING, 4,_ 1846.

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, WEDNESDAY.—This morning, at 45
minutes past seven o'clock, her Majsty, Prince Albert,
the Royal Family, and their respective suites, embarked
on board the royal yacht Victoria and Albert, Captain
Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence, at Osborne pier, awl at 50
minutes past seven o'clock put to sea, in company with
the Fairy tender, under the charge of Lieutenant Cro-
zier, the Black Eagle Admiralty yacht, Master-Com-
mander Cook, and the Garland steam-packet, Master-
Commander Smithett.

The royal squadron took the western passage, passing
through Cowes Roads at eight o'clock, under the usual
honours.

The Recruit, 12, Commander Slade, arrived this morn-
ing from the eastward.
The Orestes, 18, Commander Cannon, was ordered
. .

this morning to the eastward to be paid off, but her
orders were subsequently countermanded by the Lords
of the Admiralty, and she was towed into this harbour
this afternoon, where she will be dismantled and paid off.
A Board of Admiralty, comprising the Right Hon.
the Earl of Auckland, G.C.8., First Lord ; Vice-Ad-
miral Sir Charles Adam, K.C.8.; Rear-Admiral J. W.
Dundas, M.P., C.B. ; Captain M. F. F. Berkeley,
C. 8.. M.P. ; the Hon. W. F. Cowper, M.P., attended
by Captain Sir William Symonds, Surveyor of the Navy ;
Captain W. A. B. Hamilton, R N., Second Secretary :
and Captain Brandreth, Director of Engineering and
Architectural Works, arrived last evening at the Cla-
rence-yard at twenty-five minutes past six o'clock, on
their annual visit (the first of the present Board) to this
port and its dependencies.
Their Lordsnips were met, on arrival in the Clarence.
yard, by Admiral Sir Charles Ogle, the Commander-
in- Chief ; Rear-Admiral Hyde Parker, Superintendent
of the Dockyard ; Captain Pasco, of the Victory ; Cap-
tain Carter, of Hasler Hospital and the Clarence-yard ;
Captain Robb, of the Gladiator ' • Commander Cannon,
of the Orestes ; Mr. Grant, F. 11.5., Storekeeper, and
Mr. John Davies, Master-Attendant, of the Clarence-
yard ; and Lieutenant Rawstorne, of the Victory, their
Lordships' chosen officer, who embarked them forth-
with in the Admiralty barge, and with the Rig in the
bow, steered them, under salutes from the Victory and
Platform battery, to the King's-stairs, Sallyport, where
their Lordships disembarked, and were conducted by
Lieutenant Rawstorne to the George Hotel, where a
guard of Royal Marines was immediately stationed.
Their Lordships having refreshed themselves, pro-
ceeded to the Admiralty-house, the residence of Sir
Charles Ogle, to dine, where the following guests were
invited to meat them :—The Hon. Mrs. Talbot, Mrs.
Henry Ogle, Flag-Lieutenant Collier, Rear-Admiral and
Mrs. Hyde Parker, Captain Pasco, Colonel Jones, R.M.,
Major. General the Hon. Sir Hercules and the Hon.
Lady Pakenham, Colonel Cardew, R.E., Captain Sir
W. Symonds, Captain and Lady Harriet Hamilton, Col.
Brandreth, R. A., Captain Brandreth, R.E., &c.
This morning at ten o'clock the First Lord proceeded
to the Dockyard to hold a levee at the Royal Naval
College, whilst his gallant colleagues received their re-
spective friends at the George HoteL
The following officers were presented to the Earl of
Auckland, the Noble Lord, with handsome considera-
tion, receiving those earliest who had come from long
distances to see him :

Vice Admiral—Frederick Warren.
Rear Admiral—Browne.
Captains—Pasco, Giffurd, Harrison, Hendry, Hutton,
Pritchard, Mildmay, Searle, Bowyer, Blake, Collier,
Gourley, Carter, Deans, T. G. Wills, Warren, Keele,
and Hallowes.

Commanders--W. E. Triscott, Sulivan, Matthews,
Nolloth, Edwin, Willcox, Holbrook, Langtrey, Wors-
fold, Ommanney, Miall, Hodges, T. Mitchell, Sabben,
Town, Purdo, G. E. Marshall, Roche, Sharpe, Pretyman,
Fagan, Baynton, and Sir W. Wiseman.
Lieutenants—David Welch (1812), First of the Vic-
tory ; Griffiths, Burslern, awes, J. West, Finch,
Brydges, Rawstorne, Pritchard, Warren, Barnes, Tur-
ner, and Sadler.

Surgeon—Dr. Irvine.
Paymaster and Purser—J. Ozzard (1813).
ROYAL MARINES.
_ _

•
Colonel—Conolly.
Majors—Why lock and Mercer.
Captain—Stevens, R. M.A.
First Lieutenant and Adjutant —A. R. Savage,
R. M. A.

Ills Lordship rose at about twenty minutes past one
o'clock, and will see the other officers whose names are
upon the list to-morrow.

At half-past one their Lordships embarked in the Ad-
miralty barge at the King's-stairs, and, followed by Sir
Charles Ogle and Rear-Admiral Parktr in their respec-
tive barges, proceeded to the Excellent, and witnessed
practice, but which, to our thinking, was not in keeping
with the name of the ship. Their Lordships' flag being
hoisted at the main of the Excellent, Sir Charles Ogle
was obliged to strike his and transfer it to the Gladiator
steam-frigate, Captain Robb.
At five minutes to five their Lordships left the Excel-
lent under a salute of 19 guns, with manned yards, when
Sir Charles Ogle's flag resumed its place at her main,
and was at the same time struck on board the Gladi-
ator. Their Lordships landed, and proceeded to the
George Hotel without visiting any other objects at the
. . -

This evening their Lordships honour the Superinten-
dent of the Dockyard with their company to dinner.
The same guests who were at the Commander•in-Chief's
last evening, are invited to dine with their Lordships this
evening.
The Comus, 18, Commander Thompson, was in the
Obligado, Parana, on the 21st of April.
The Eagle, 50, Captain Martin, with the flag of Rear-
Admiral Inglefield, was at Monte Video on the Gth of
June ; her movements very uncertain.
The Muni, 10, Commander Ward, is destined fur the
coast of Africa. She is full to the hatches with provi-
sions, which are also stowed on the lower deck. She
takes out 20 supernumeraries for the squadron.
The Prince of Wales, Captain Hopkins, 1,400 tons,
another of Mr. Green's splendid frigate.built ships,
sailed yesterday at 5 A. 31 , from Spithead, for Calcutta
direct, with the Lord Bishop of Calcutta and fifty other
cabin passengers on board. In nine hours after clearing
Dunnose, she discharged her pilot off the Start.

APPOINTMENTS.

Lieutenant David R. B. Mapleton, to the Torch.
Lieutenant Henry A. Norman, to the Devastation, ad-
ditional. _ _

Lieutenant Charles B. Bayly, to the Devastation, ad-
ditional. _ .

Lieutenant A. It. Dunlop, to the Sidon.
Master W. J. W. Burney, to command the Maia-
gascar.
Dr. David Graham Miller, to be Surgeon of the Sidon.
Mr. W. T. Doraville, to be Assistant-Surgeon of the
Excellent.

Mr. George J. Roberts, to be additional Assistant-
Surgeon of the Vindictive. •

Mr. W. Evans (b), acting ditto.

Dr. Archd. Arintrong, —additional acting Assistant-
Surgeon of the Caledonia.
Mr. Augustus R. R. Preston, ditto.
Mr. Andrew Clark, additional acting Assisting-Sur-
von to the Victory.
Clerk Alfred Whitehouse, to be Clerk in Charge of
the Madagascar.
Clerk Frederick Lucas, to be additional to the Devas-
tation.

A. Ballister, acting Second Master, to the Devastation.

DEPLORABLE CASE.

Wednesday morning an inquiry of some duration was
gone into before Mr. William Carter, the Coroner for
Surrey, at the Huntsman and Hounds, Park-place,
East-lane, Wa'worth, respecting the death of Francis
Howley, aged 37 years, a costermonger, lately living
in Park-row, East-lane, who died under the melan-
choly circumstance briefly detailed in the following
evidence :

The jury, having been sworn, proceeded with the
Coroner to view the body, the appearance of which
cave unmistakeable evidence of extreme destitution and
want. _ _ _ _

Mary Mowley stated that the deceased was her hus-
band. He was a co3termongcr and hawker of fish ; but,
in consequence of ill health and the want of employment
they bad suffered great privation, being often in the
want of the common necessaries of life. (The wit-
ness here became so weak as to be almost unable to
tand, which she assured the Coroner and Jury arose
from the want of proper nourishment. The Coroner,
seeing her exhausted conditon, ordered her a seat and a
glass of wine, which were supplied by the summoning
officer ; after which she proceeded.) That the only
means they had of living were by selling and pawning
their goods, &c. They had not tasted any meat for
three weeks, and the only food they had was a little
bread and tea daily for the deceased and three children.
On Monday morning last the deceased went out in search
of work, and returned again about eleven o'clock, much
.xhausted, and after a short time he was seized with a fit.
Witness became alarmed, and called in a neighbour, who
raised the deceased from the ground, but he was quite
insensible. Mr. Bell, surgeon, of John-street, East lane,
was sent for, and attended, but life was extinct.

A Juror—What is tita reason, when you found your-
self in such deplorable circumstances, that you did not
make application to the parochial authorities ? Witness
(crying bitterly)—Because my husband would rather
put up with anything than do so.
Brooks, the relieving officer, said he had known the
deceased for some years. He was a very sober, steady
man, but latterly he had been much reduced, owing to
the dull state of the occupations he followed.
Other evidence having been taken, confirmatory of the
foregoing facts,
The CORONER remarked on the deplorable nature of
the case; after which,
The jury recorded a verdict of " Death from natural
causes."

At the close of the inquiry, the jury expressed great
sympathy for the unfortunate family, and kindly raised
a subscription in the inquest room to relieve their imme-
diate wants, which was benevolently hcaded by the
worthy Coroner.

THE CONVICT SMlzll.—The petitions for the ex-
tension of the mercy of the Crown to Smith, now under
sentence of death, will not be presented to the Home
Secretary till Friday. The jurymen who pronounced
the verdict of " Guilty " have signed a short memorial
again pressing their recommendation to mercy. A de•
putation offered one of the petitions for signature to Mr
Alderman Wilson, the sitting magistrate at Guildhall,
yesterday. The Alderman, after reading it, affixed his
name. The Lord Mayor has also intimated his willing-
ness to sign it.

BARTHOLOMEW FAlR.—This annual Saturnalia is
virtually abolished ; the enormous rents required by
the City authorities, together with the restrictions im-
posed upon the booth and show-keepers by the police,
have rendered Bartholomew Fair anything but a pro-
fitable speculation.

POISON BERRIES.—It is said that excessively strong
coffee is au antidote to belladonna.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.
SHERIFFS' COURT, September 3.
(Before Mr. Under-Sheriff BuncliELL.)

There was only one undefended cause set down for
hearing this morning, and was not of the slightest inte-
rest. The Court was then adjourned till the 17th inst.
The following days have been appointed for sittings
during the vacation :—October Ist, 15th, 22d, and 29th;
and all writs must be lodged in the Sheriff's-office at
least three days before the day of hearing.

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY, September 3.
(Before Mr. Commissioner FANE.)
IN RE DONALD WLEAN.
To-day was appointed for the last examination of this
bankrupt, who had, however, not surrendered, being
abroad, end the time had been enlarged to the 22d Oc-
tober. The business of the day, therefore, was to receive
proof of debts.
A proof was tendered on behalf of a gentleman of the
name cf Page, for the sum of 14,0001., on a bond for
money lent.
After a short discussion, the Learned COMMISSIONER
required evidence as to the consideration for the bond,
and the proof stands over till the next meeting
The whole amount of debts proved did not exceed 5001.

the least doubt the injury was caused by these alkali
works, and was not owing to the dampness of tho soil.
Had observed the same effects upon two poplars at
Everton, caused sonic tune since by Mr. Muspratt's
works in Vauxhall road.
On cross-examination, the witness stated that Sir
John Gerard had an extensive colliery on his own estate.
The smoke from this went on the trees.
George Lyne was butler to Sir John Gerard. Had
• _ _

lived With him thirteen years. Had seen the vapour
from Mr. Muspratt's chimney about the house. The
window of the dining-room opened on the side of the
house facing the works. Had observed frequently that
the knives became tarnished after being laid for dinner,
and also the brass work in the room was often tarnished
by the admission of the vapour when the window was
open. H.id frequently observed the vapour. The smell
of it was very pungent and disagreeable. Did not go
much about the fields, but had observed several trees in
the neighbourhood of the house quite dead.
Mr. William South, a surveyor of the roads ; Mr.

William Mercer .a surveyor and land agent, living at
Newton ; Mr. W. Rothwell, agent to the. Rev. Mr.
floruby, rector of Winwick ; Mr. William Kerfoot, a
farmer in the parish of Winwick ; Mr. Richard Nor-
man, a farmer at Newton ; and Mr. John Ward, a cow-
keeper at St. Helen's, bore testimony to the appearance
and effect o the vapour from the chimney. It could be
traced from the chimney among the woods. It was
white, and very pungent, producing coughing, and

„
causing the eyes io smart. They imputed the decay
which was visible among the trees on Sir John Gerard's

estate and the neighbourhood solely to its influence. .
Mr. Thomas Green—Resided at Arvistock, in Den-
bighshire, and had followed the business of a timber
surveyor nearly fifty 3 ears. Was called upon in the
year 1840 to survey the damage &ate to the trees on Sir
John Gerard's property, and again at Midsummer last.
The trees were very considerably more injured than in
1840. He believed the soil was favourable to the growth
of timber. Had observed the position of Mr. Muloratt's
chimney; the trees most exposed to it were rile most
damaged. A great number of them were absolutely
killed. The bark was also lunch injured. There were
many thousands of the trees affected. He had no doubt
the injury was done by the vapour from the alkali works.
The trees that showed the effects of it now would die in
a few years if the cause continued. He made a valuation
of the injury done. The injury actually done to the
present time amounted to 5,825/. 125., without including
any prospective damage at all. He had no doubt that if
the works remained every tree would be destroyed. Had
made the valuation in company with Mr. Whalley; it
occupied him four weeks.
The witness stated, that in forming this estimate he
had taken every tree whichseeined to him to be damaged.
Mr. Jcseph Whalley confirmed the evidence of the
preceding witness.
Mr. Adolphus Manbert, land agent to Sir John Gerard,
gave similar testimony as to the decay of the plantations.
- William Reynolds, Esq., M.D., examined by Mr.
MARTIN —Was a lecturer on chemistry,• and had be-
stowed a great deal of attention to the study of che-
mistry. Was generally acquainted with the nature of
the articles manufactured by Mr. Muspratt. There was
undoubtedly a noxious vapour arose from the manufac-
ture of alkali, but when the apparatus was carefully
constructed, the escape of vapour was to some extent
prevented. The gas emitted was mariatic acid gas,
which had a strong affinity to water or damp. On issuing
from a chimney such as Mr. Muspratt's, it would have,
in damp weather, the appearance of thin white smoke.
It would depend in a great measure upon the state of
the atmosphere as to whether it would fall at a short
distance or be conveyed to a greater distance. In a dry
atmosphere it would perhaps float a distance of four or
five miles before falling near to the earth. The moisture
given out in the manufacture of the material was un
doubtedly noxious and injurious to vegetation. It had
a strong pungent smell, and made the eyes smart. It
likewise Affected respiration a little. Its effects upon
the leaves of trees would be, when weak, to turn them
brown, and when strong, to curl them up and make
them crimp. Leaves were certainly essential to the
health of trees; without them they would soon die. He

had been over the plantations of Sir John Gerard's
estate. There were a vast numbeeof trees injured to a
great extent. He could suggest no other cause for the
injury they had sustained than the gas emitted from the
manufactories of alkali in the neighbourhood.

Cross examined by Mr. Sergeant MURPHY—The
effects he had seen were only to be attributes to the
noxious gas from the alkali works. It was not possible
for him to assign any other cause. If the quantity of
gas evolved from the chimney were only as one cubic
foot to 10,000 cubic feet of air, he did not think it would
have any effect upon vegetation at all. He could not
say to what extent the gas would be diminished in its
passage through a flue of 500 feet in length, and a
chimney of 300 feet in height, having also to pass
through a descending current of water. He did not
know whether, after floating through the air for two
miles and a half, its strength would be decreased or ren-
dered innocuous; it depended, no doubt, to a great ex-
tent, upon the state of the atmosphere at the time. He
thought grass was less susceptible of its influence than
the leaves of trees, as the former was always growing.
He should think it probable that, if a strong volume of
the gas was to pass over a field of grass its effects might
be visible; but of course it depended, in a great mea-
sure, upon its strength, and the length of time it re-
mained. Did not think that plants were quite so sus-
ceptible as trees, the latter being much higher. The
flowers might be affected, and yet the plant not be iu-
j ured.
By Mr. MARTIN—Was aware that means had been
tried to condense this gas, and prevent its mealy/ alto-
gether, but ha believed they were in:ffeetual as to the
entire prevention. The body of gas was too powerful
to be overcome by the water through a hich it was
caused to pass in its passage up the chimney. As far as
his experience went, he had never known any means
effectual in preventing the escape of muriatic gas.
John Lindley, Esq., examined by Mr. MARTIN—Was
a professor of botany in the University College of Lon-
don, and vice-secretary of the Horticultural Society ;
had devoted a considerable number of years to the study
of botany. Had examined the timber on the estate of
Sir John Gerard. Had found a great number of trees
dead. Had examined the soil in places, and found it
very good land ; had done so in places where there were
trees actually dead and dying. Trees seffering from
damp exhibited an entirely different appearance. Their
leaves and bark were preyed upon by numbers of insects.
He had examined several of the trees carefully, but they
bore no evidence of having been injured in that manner.
b‘as most apparent at the extre-
rvanches. lie had observed in
mThiteieisnjoufrytahteitsupopuetsret
many instances that that side of a tree which was pre-
sented towards the alkali works was more injured than
the opposite side. The alkali works of Mr. Crossffeld
as well as those of Mr. 111uspratt had been pointed out to
him. He had also particularly noticed six Scotch fir
trees, which, from their age, must have been at one time
very h.-althy. They were planted on a hill in the
form of a loa,nge. The one immediately fronting to-
wards Mr. Musprett's works was quite dead. The two
behind it were dying ; and the other three, which had
in some measure been protected by them, were
comparatively uninjured. This had struck him
as a remarkable case, and he had, therefore,
particularly noticed them. The muriatic acid
gas emitted from the manufacture of alkali was
well known to be injurious to trees and vegetation
generally. The trees he saw had undtsubtedly been
affected by it. He had no doubt the appearances he had
witnessed amongst Sir John Gerard's woods were solely
to be attributed to the noxious vapours in the atmos-
phere, and not to any natural causes. Wherever the
trees had been protected, by being in hollows or other-
wise, they were at present uninjured ; but if the
alkali works were continued to be carried on, he
had no doubt all the trees on the-estate would be even-
tually destroyed.
Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant Munruy—The
stag-headed appearance of some of the trees, such as
had been described, might sometimes be caused by
defects at the roots. It was a common result in bad
soils. Could not say whether apple trees were very
susceptible of injury from the effects of the vapour.
He had noticed that oak and ash trees were affected
soonest. If flowers were subjected to the vapour they
would doubtless be destroyed, although the plant
might not be injured. If the vapour that passed
over a clover field in bloom was sufficiently strong,
it would no doubt destroy it. It was not possible
to say what strength would be necessary unless by actual
experiment.

By Mr. MARTIN—He had seen no appearance of bad
soil on Sir John Gerard's estates that would cause
the stag-headed appearance to trees which had been
spoken of.
By the JUDGE —Had seen no natural causes which
could account for the injury done to the bark of many
trees he had examined, had particularly noticed a
beech tree that was somewhat exposed towards Mr.
Crossfield's chimney. On the side which faced it the
bark was rendered quite hard, and very difficult to be
peeled off, while on the opposite side of the tree there
was no apparent injury done. There might have been
some very few instances of a tree being diseased, when
the others around it were in a comparatively healthy
state, but it generally happened that three or four trees
near together were all alike affected.
Mr. Sergeant MURPHY then proceeded to address the
jury, and went through the evidence adduced in sup-
port of the plaintiff's case, contending that the suppo-
sition that this injury had been caused by the vapour
from the defendant's chimney was inconsistent with the
fact of the flowers and grass remaining uninjured, and
isolated trees being affected, not whole clumps, as might
be expected if the plaintiff's case were true. The neigh-
bourhood, too, was full of chimneys. some of them on
the plaintiff's own estate, which were always pouring
forth gases, which more or less might affect vegetation.
It would be shown by a great mass of evidence that
farms mere exposed to these vapours than Sir John Ge-
rard's estate were wholly uninjured ; that the decay of
the woods on that estate was referabe to peculiarities of
soil, to bad draining, and neglect, and by the evidence of
scientific men, that the vapours emitted from the de-
fendant's chimney were incapable of producing the effects
alleged.

Thomas Tebay—l have for several years been the
steward and agent of Mr. Barge, at Winstanley, ad-
joining Sir John's. I was requested to make an ex-
aminatiol of Sir John's woods an 3 plantations in
August last. I made it. It lasted three days, and was
a very minute survey. At Smithy-wood there are ex-
tensive plantations. The oak, ash, elm, beech, and
other forest trees there are healthy and well managed.
The trees in the other art of the park are withered at
the top from injuries from storms and effects of wet soil.
There was no appearance of external causes having
produced -this effect. [A report made by the witness of
the state of the other woods was put in and read. The
purport of it was to show that the trees were generally
healthy and foliage luxuriant.] Where trees 11d been
affected they consisted chiefly of single trees amongst
others. I think there was not a tree upon the estate

the decay of which might not be attributed to natural
causes.

It appeared, on the cross-examinathn of this witness,
that twelve or fourteen years ago he attended as the
representative of Mr. Biggs at a meeting held at New-
ton, the object of which was to indict Mr. Muspratt for
a nuisance.

Jonathan (inns—l live at Lancaster, and am a sur-
veyor and valuator. I have been conversant wi th timber for
years. I surveyed Sir John Gerard's estate in company
with the labt.witness, and have embodied the result uf
my observations in a report. [Report put in and read.
This report also represented the trees to be healthy' and
luxuriaitt. He attributed the decay of some of the trees
to the want of thinning and draining.]
• John Shaw--I am a landscape gardener, and made the
sarve:,- of Sir John's estate in company with the last two
Witnes,4s. Dampness of the soil, I consider, has affected
the ash and oak trees. The lower ground is defective
in point of drainage in many parts, and that would pro-
duce unhealthiness in wo,ds. The trees exp Ned to the
north-west winds were very much dead; the trees on
the opposite side were healthier. Natural causes, aris-
ing from bad management, have produced much of the
decay.
Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN—The appearance of
moss and lichen is not an indication always of 'the un
soundness of a tree caused by a wet soil. Our surves
lasted three days. The first was wet in the morning;
the second was fine; and the third was vt-ry wet towards
evening. The soil was saturated with wet. There are
two clumps of tries on the Now Hall estate, which have
recently been tratipp!anted, and they are dead and
dying. The ash are the most unhealthy trees, gene-
rally speaking, on the estate. Toey are gPnera!ly in-
jured. The oaks are sickly, but not to the extent of a

quarter.
Mr. William Henderson and Mr. Henry White, land
surveyors, gave similar testimony
At the conclusion of their testimony the Court ad-
journed till this morning.
At the sitting of the Court, the first witness examined
was Mr. Samuel Curtis, who said that he had been en-
gaged in the nursery business for fifty years, during a
great portion of which time he had been with the Duke
of Newcastle. He had near 4,000 acres of wood land
under his management, and about 20,000 acres altogetter
of meadow, arable, and wood lend. Was at present in
the employment of the Commiisioners of Woods and
Forests, engaged in laying out the Victoria Park, in
London. Had had considerable experience in the plant-
ing of trees. Surveyed the woods of Sir John Gerard
last week, and took particular notice of the different
plantations. Vt ent through the Haydock boundary
plantation. The surface of that part towards Mr. Mus•
pratt's works was very healthy. Went into New Hall
wood. Saw the butt-end of a large beech tree that had
been cut down near to the boundary wall. It was in a
direction facing Mr. Muspratt's works. The general
appearance of the woods in the neighbourhood of New
Hall show of good health. The foliage on either side
of the canal was very good. Saw a few trees which
were rather bare at the roots, which could not be ex-
pected to look healthy: they were a few which had
formerly stood upon banks. Examined the garden,
and thought the appearance of it very flourishing, but
only observed it from the terrace. Many of the woods
were deficient in drainage. A hole which had been
previously dug was full of water, although it was a
dry season. There was also a good deal of dry land,
where the trees did not flourish in consequence of
the strong 'and rubbly nature of the soil. The root
had penetrated as far se the soil was good, and
when they had decayed for want of sustenance,
the trees became stag-headed. Generally speaking, the
woods looked well. Thought the causes of such decay
es he observed were quite natural. Had noticed the
effect of the Hind upon the trees. The whole of the
trees of that part of the country have an inclination in
one direction. Saw trees on the New Hall estate which
were inclined from the north west towards Mr. Mus-
pratt's works. The luxuriant foliage of these trees was
invariably on the side facing the works. In the butt of
the large beech tree that was mentioned, there was
evidence of decay from natural causes. The tree was
ripe. Observed several others along the boundary wall
that would never be much better. They were ripe and
full grown. The leaves generally were full grown. The
insects which were upon the leaves of the oak gave them
an olive-green colour. Sycamore leaves, generally in
the autumn, have a blotched appearance. Extreme
drought wculd bring on a premature autumn. Walked
through a clover field outside the boundary wall. The
vapour from Muspratt's chi:cney would pass over it
before reaching the plantations. It locked very well,
and had no appearance of ill-health. The more recent
plantations have all been made when the trees have been
too advanced in growth. The young plantations were
very foul. There was no appearance of any tool having
been applied amongst them. Saw a good deal of game.
The country had the appearance of being preserved.
Hares and rabbits damaged young plantations very much.
Did not see that any care had been taken of the planta-
tion. The Scotch firs in the plantation generally are
doing well. On the average of the last six years should
think that they had grown a foot each, and in some
instances two feet.

Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN—The fir trees I ob-
served in the Haydock boundary plantation. Went over
the New Hall property twice, once on the 25th, and
again on the 29th. Was accompanied by Mr. Johnson,
an attorney. Supposed he was sent for through Messrs.
Lovvndes. Met Mr. Johnson in Liverpool, he believes
at Messrs. Lowndes' office. He accompanied me.merely
to point out the different plamiations. Did not see much
injury that had been done by the hares and rabbits.
Should think the clover he saw was a second crop. The
first crop might have been grazed, and then laid up. It
might have got into the state in which he saw it in six
weeks afterwards. Did not think it was a rich country.
It was principally coal. There were some very fine
trees where the soil was' deep enough for them. There
were large beech trees in the Haydock boundary planta-
tion. There was a large oak. There might have been
other kinds of trees, but could not say pcsitively. Did
not inquire whether the beech, the stump of which he
saw, had been blown down or not. There were a great
number .f ash trees in the plantations. Did not think
that one-half of them were dead or injured. Did not
inquire as to the age of the trees when planted out, but,
from his long experience as a planter, should think they
had been planted when nine or ten years old.
A number of witnesses, resident in the neighbour-
hood, were called, whose testimony went to show that
their premises were exposed to the action of the vapour,
and that notwithstanding no injurious effects resulted.
Mr. William Adel Miller, M.D., professor of chemistry
at King's College, London, stated that he had, in con-
junction with Dr. Brett and Sir Robert Kane, of Dublin,
conducted a series of experiments at Mr. Muspratt's
works the greater part of one day. Muriatic gas is un-
doubtedly evolved. Part of it is condensed, and part of
it escapes into the air. The gas arising from the de-
composing chamber passes through a flue separate from
the smoke flue into a tower, filled, as he was informed,
with coke, through which a stream of water was flowing
Water war admitted from the top of the tower frum
a cistern placod there for the purpose. The gas ascend-
ing would meet the water and be absorbed and diluted.
The gas which was conveyed into the tower was evolved
from six reverbatory furnaces—an older method—these
opened to the works through doors, through which the
materials were stirred up from time to time. A strong
current of air passed through the doors in consequence
of the flues being connected with a long horizontal main
flue opening into the high chimney at its base. A stream
of water was flowing through the flue which would condense
aconsiderable portion of the gas. Had no means of know-
ing how much escaped, but he analysed the air as it
passed from the main flue into the chimney at different
periods of the day. He found the quantity of gas dif-
fered at the two different periods, which must necessarily
be the case, because the evolution of gas is greatest soon
after the charge is first introduced. At that period there
is a larger quantity of gas given off. The furnaces were
all in active operation. The muriatic acid gas, when in
the largest quantity was in the proportion of one part to
1,866 parts of atmospheric air. On the second experi -
meat it was one part in 6,500. The vapour has the
greatest tendency to fall in damp weather.
By the JUDGE—No gas escaped from the top of the
tower connected with the decomposing furnace. He put
his nose to it to ascertain the fact.

Examination continued—The vapour was carried to a
greater distance in dry weather. The manner in which
the fume entered the air was in a constant revolving
motion. In that manner a large surface was exposed
for gaseous diffusion. As it went along, the quantity of
gas in the column was diminished. That was one of the
causes of the dilution of the gas as it passed the country.
In his judgment the gas would not travel two miles in
damp weather. Evaporation took place to a greater
extent in dry weather, and when evaporated the gas
could descend. The gravity of water was some hundred
times greater than that of air. He was of opinion that
the gas would be diluted to the extent of fifty times in
half a mile. Did not think the gas would be appreciabe
at a distance of two miles.

Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN—If the eyes of per-
sons were affected at the distance of two miles or two
miles and a half from the works, the gas was certainly
appreciable. There was other vapour besides that from
the chimney which would affect the smell and the eyes ;
it was sulphuric acid gas. Both gases flowed from Mr.
Muspratt's works. Was engaged last Friday in making
his examination. Came down last Wednesday according
to appointment. The spicific gravity of the vapour is
greater than common air.
Re-examined by Mr. BRANDT—It may be smelt when
its quantity is extremely minute : it is the most pungent
gas in existence. It might also affect the eyes when in
a very diluted state. Sulphureous acid was produced to
some extent by the burning of coal.
By the JUDGE—His experience of alkali works was
chiefly derived from the examination he made last week.
White vapour might arise from steam ; it was no posi-
tive indication of the presence of muriatic gas. Steam
would disperse after flowing a moderate distance, perhaps
one hundred or two hundred yards.
Dr. Brett, examined, gave similar testimony.
Mr. MARTIN replied ; and his Lordship having
summed up, the jury, after being in consultation about
two hours, returned a verdict for the plaintiff—Damages
1,0001.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.
BOW-STREET.
Mary Ann Jones, a woman of bad character, was
charged before Mr. Henry with stealing 44 in gold and
a fourpenny-piece from Mr. James Mason.
The complainant, who gave his address 38, Michael's-
place, Brompton, said that, shortly before two o'clock
that morning, he was passing through Constitution-hill,
on his way home, and met the prisoner there. She
walked up to him, seized him by the arm, and dragged
him to the railings at the side of the street. He offered
to give her a shilling if she would let him alone, which
she at first agreed to, but, having got the shilling, she
again attacked him. He pushed her away forcibly, but
she again caught hold of him, and put her hand into his
pocket. lie then knocked her down. A policeman

( came up then, and he gave the prisoner in charge. He
found be had lost four sovereigns and a fourpenny-piece
from his pocket.
Policeman A 69 said that he was on Constitution-bill
at the time, and found the prisoner and prosecutor
struggling together. He took the prisoner in charge,
and conveyed her to the station. She denied that she
had any money about her. She struggled violently both
in the street and at the station, and they were obliged to
force her mouth open with a key, in order to see if sbe
had anything in it. Four sovereigns were found in her
mouth, and three shillings in her pocket.
Mr. Inspector Martin, A division, corroborated the
policeman's evidence as to the prisoner's violence at the
• station. She war quite sober, but pretended to be drunk.
Mr. HENRY said this seemed to him to be a very bad
case. He feared that such attacks upon passengers by
such persons as the prisoner were becoming very com-
mon. Ile must commit the prisoner for trial.
MARLBOROUGH-STREET.
George Richard Russell, a boy about 12 years of age,
was brought up before Mr. Hardwick, charged with
stealing a silver watch from Mr. Kelly's, 2, Vigo-street,
' Regent-street. It seems that the theft was committed
so long ago as Tueseay week, since which time the boy,
who lived with Mr. Kelly as errand boy, has been missing.
Hannah Ratcliffe, Mr. Kelly's servant, deposed to the
f'act that the watch was missing on Tuesday week, after
the prisoner had left.
John Crampton, one of the prisoner's playmates, said
he met Russell yesterday, and asleed him what he had
done ss NI Mr. Kelly's watch ? Russell said, one of the
oth: r boys htvi p:.wited it for ifs.
Ttu• c,ri,table who took him into custody only yester-
day, on the information lie had received, said the watch
had net yet been found. -
The prisoner, who denied the charge, was then re-
manded for a week.
WORSHIP-STREET.
Mr. Edward Honeyball, the well known brewer of
Stamford hill, was placed at the bar before Mr. Green-
wood, charged with hating; feloniously received a stolen
gelding, she property of Mr. Thomas Colson, an ex•
tensive brielsmaker, residing at Mercer's-terrace, Upper
Mr. Robinson appeared for the prosecutor, who stated
that he bought the horse in August, 1845 ; it was stolen
on the 21st of September. On Monday last he fund it
in the possession of the defendant, who said it had
strayed into his field, and insisted on detaining it till he
was paid 211. for its keep and other expenses. He said
he had advertised the horse in three papers, but ad-
mitted having failed to do so until six months after it
had been lost. The prosecutor added that he was at a
loss to conceive how the horse could have strayed into
the defendant's field, which was more than six miles dis-
tant from the paddock whence it had. been stolen.
James Foddy, the prosecutor's foreman, also posi-
tively identified the horse, and stated that it must have
been stolen, as the paddock was securely fenced, and
there was no aperture to admit of its passage.
In answer to the charge, Mr. H 'bier emphatically
denied that there were the slightest grounds for such an
accusation against his client, who was a person of the
highest respectability, and said that the prosecutor and
his witness were evidently mistaken in the identity of
the animal, as he had abundant evidence to prove that
it had actually strayed into the defendant's field a month
before it was alleged to have been stolen, and he should
also prove that the horse had been extensively adver-
tised in the ensuing March, and that every effort was
made to trace its owner, but without success.
Mr. Robinson said, that several other servants of the
prosecutor, and also the original owner of the horse,
were present to prove its identity; but
Mr. GREENWOOD considered the evidence wholly in-
sufficient to substantiate a charge of felony, however-
successfully it might be advanced in support of an action
of ttover, and he should, therefore discharge the defend-
ant, with the assurance that nothing had transpired in
that Court to militate aeainst his character.
THAMES.
Richard Ronan, a boy about 14 years of age, the son
of respectable parents, who was for some time employed
as collector of tolls in the Commercial-road East, sur-
rendered on bail before Mr. Brederip to answer a charge
of defrauding the trustees of the road.
The lad was collector of tolls at one of the numerous
side bars on the road, where his labours ceased at nine
o'clock every night, and he had no right to collect any
toll after that hour. During the last fortnight, however,
he had gone to another side bar after that hour, and col-
lected toll there.
Mr. BRODERIP, when he consented to take bail for
the appearance of the prisoner, made some observations
on the irregularities which prevailed in collecting toll on
the Commercial-road. It appeared that a number of
boys were employed for this purpose at the side streets,
where there were no tollhouses or gates, and he had when
riding green run after himself by lads who ran from the
side streets and demanded toll. Travellers, who were
strangers on the road, hardly knew what such a practice
meant. The system ought to- be altered.
On the prisoner surrendering himself, Mr. W.
Baker, jun., clerk of the trust, said that the trustees had
taken into consideration the extreme youth of the pri-
soner and his contrition, and did not intend to prosecute
him. They, however, wished it to be distinctly under-
stood that if any person offended in like manner here-
after, the trustees would suffer the law to take its course.
Mr. BRODERIL' said the conduct of the trustees was
highly creditable to them. He would not stand in the
way of mercy, but allow the prisoner to depart.
Mary Ann Irwin and Prancer; Lowrey, women of the
town, were breught before Mr. Broderip. charged with
violently assaulting •,-end robbing Michael Ostrowski, an
old man, a Polish refugee.
The complainant stated that he obtained his living as
a shoemaker, and lived at No. 7, Devonshire-street,
Commercial-road. On Tuesday morning he was coming
out of a public-house, when he met with Irwin; of whom
he had some previous knowledge. She asked him to
give her something to drink, and he did so. She then
asked bins to go home with her. He foolishly accepted
the invitation, and when he reached her lodgings, he took
a shilling out of a handkerchief, which contained a so-
vereign and eighteen shillings more, and asked the wo-
man to procure more liquor. She immediately made a
snatch at the handkerchief, and took it away from him,
money and all. A signal was given, and the other
woman, Lowrey, came in. The handkerchief and money
were thrown to her by Irwin, and she ran away with
them. Irwin also tried to escape, but he prevented her,
and seized her by the waist, on which she beat him in a
savage manner, and rendered him nearly insensible. He
was covered with blood, and win difficulty escaped from
the house, and gave information to the police.—The pri-
soners were committed for trial.
LAMBETH.

Louisa Arney, Julia Arney, Charl•tte Arney, Emma
Arney, and Henry Arney, were placed at the bar for re-
examination on a charge of felony.
Mr. Clarkson appeared for the prosecution, and Mr.
Rippon for the prisoners. The property in question was
so bulky as to require a large van for its conveyance to
the office.
It appeared that the prosecutor, Mr. Thomas Blaydes,
was a retired banker, having estates in Yorkshire, and -a
mansion at Englefield-green, near Eghain, Surrey. The
elder prisoner, Louisa Arney, entered his service as
housekeeper in November, 1843, at a salary of 401. per
annum. and a system of plundering by wholesale must
have been shortly after begun, and carried out up to the
period of her arrest on the 9th of August. At the time
of her engagement with Mr. Blaydes she represented
he rself as a widow without family, the fact being that
she had four daughters and a son living at No. 17, Hart-
ford-place, Walworth. Mr. Blaydes having on the Bth
of August last got certain information as to the removal
of property from his house, applied at this office, and
went with Sergeant Morton o 1 the police force to the
house in Welworth, where the four daughters of the
prisoner were residing, and found in their possession
such a quantity of his property as justified him in giving
the three elder girls into custody,
as guilty receivers of
the property stolen. Nothing appeared to be too large
or too small for the housekeeper's notice. The goods
displayed for identification included every variety of
article in domestic use up to a mattress and a feather
bed, with bed linen, bed curtains, window curtains, car-
pets, stair carpeting, blankets, counterpanes, decanters,
sugar basins, wine glasses, looking glasses, wine and
brandy, and, in fact, the table of the police-office gave
the court the appearance of a miscellaneous sale room.
The defence attempted for the female prisoners was,
that the elder prisoner was entitled to take the articles
as perquisites.
Mr. ELLIOTT committed the female prisoners for trial,
and allowed the son to be at large on his own recogni-
sauces, to appear if called upon.
WESTMINSTER.
Richard March, William Biter, and James Clark, three
privates in the Scots Fusilier Guards, were charged
with the following outrage, and Edward Stockwell and
Alfred Withers, civilians, were charged, the former with
assaulting the police, and the latter with inciting the
populace to rescue the other prisoners.
Biter, who was drunk, sallied with his two military
companions out of a beer-shop in Great Chapel-street,
on the previous evening, with an evident determination
to amuse themselves by insulting and ill-treating any
person who had the misfortune to cross their path.
Biter commenced operations in Orchard-street, by kick-
ing over a poor woman's stall, loaded with crockery-
ware. The next exploit was throwing a poor deaf organ-
grinder and hii machine into the road ; and the third
knocking down a man named Burrell, who has the
charge of New-square, because he interfered to prevent
their doing mischief at the expense of the humble resi-
dents in that locality. Burrell, who in his fall from the
effect of the blow, had his head cut, fetched the police,
who in vain for a length of time endeavoured to secure
Biter, but were obstructed and assaulted by his " com-
panions in arms." A crowd of 500 or 600 persons as-
sembled, and it was not until the arrival of a large party
of the police that the three military defendants were
captured and anything like order restored to the neigh-
bourhood. Withers, in the course of the riot, used
language calculated to excite the mob to rescue the mili-
tary, and_Stockwell on being repeatedly requested to
remove from the entrance to the station, struck one of
the constables a violent blow.
Clark received a good character from a sergeant of
the regiment, the other two were spoken of but ques-
tionably.
Biter was fined Si., or two months' imprisonment ;
Marsh, Si., or six weeks'; Clark, 31., or one month ;
Stockwell, fourteen days without fine; Withers, 205., or
ten days.