The Sun.
London, England, 1846-08-13 00:00:00

TI Z SUN, LONDON) THURSnA V 1 EVENING, ATTCHTST 13, MK

over the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton
Railway near the central station, which would be aged by
) the different companies referred to by Mr. Locke and the
I other witnesses c lied by his Learned Friend in support of their
case. The Learned Counsel concluded his address 1w
calling the attention of their Lordships to three clauses which
he proposed to insert in the Bill, making it compulsory upon
the promoters of the line to afford suitable accommodation
between Wolverhampton and Showhill for the Oxford, Wor-
cester, and Wolverhampton Railway.
The Learned Counsel then called
Mr. W. Mathews, director of the South Staffordshire and
other railways, who stated that in consequence of the late ar-
rangements which had been come to by the Grand Junction
Railway. with the London and Birmingham Railway,
and their fusion into the Great North-Westion scheme,
the directors of the South Staffordshire line had
thought it inexpedient to leave this branch entirely
in the hands of the Grand Junction Railway. The
witness also went at considerable length into
the details of the disagreement which had taken
place between the various companies in consequence of this
amalgamation of interests.
In the course of the witness's examination by Mr.
HOPE, he admitted that he could net say what interest the
Grand Junction Company could have in carrying the traffic
away from Wolverhampton, rather than through the central
station of that town.
Mr. Brunel, C.E., engineer to the Oxford, Worcester, and
Wolverhampton Railway, was then examined, and stated
that he had always thought that the line up to
Showhill was to be used by the broad gauge line as
well as the narrow gauge line; and he had stated his
opinion to that effect to the directors of the Oxford, Wor
cester, and Wolverhampton Railway, when spoken to by
them upon the subject. If the broad gauge trains were
allowed to run on this line in continuation with the Oxford,
Worcester, and Wolverhampton, they would then be able to
compete upon fair grounds with the Grand Junction and
other existing companies.
Lord CHURCHILL said that the real difficulty which he
thought the Committee had to deal with was the question of
the level crossing proposed to be made by this railway near
the station at Wolverhampton.
Mr. Horx said that he did not think any difficulty existed
upon that point, as the crossing being so close to the station,
the trains would consequently be in estate of quietus.
Lord CHURCHILL said that unless the parties could come
to some arrangement between themselves he was afraid that
the Committee would be compelled to refuse their sanction to
the line, upon the ground of this level crossing; and further
intimated their opinion that evidence upon this point was
desirable.
Mr. HOPE then called Mr. Brunel, who said that the line
would cross the line of the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolver-
hampton Railway in a very injurious manner, as it would
interfere with the various forks and switches belonging to
the station.
Mr. IIoPE then proceeded to address their Lordships, but
was interrupted by
Lord CHURCHILL, who stated that the Committee had made
up their minis on the subject, and the only question which
they wished to hear the Learned Counsel on, was the level
crossings, and he thought the better course would be for the
parties to come to some arrangement.
A clause was then submitted, on the part of the promoters,
by Mr. HOPE, regulating the number of trains which should
pass through Wolverhampton, from the Grand Junction
Railway, or submitting the same to the decision of the Board
of Trade.
Mr. AUSTIN, Q.C., could not accept of it, and would come
to no terms whatever upon such grounds.
Mr. HOPE then said that he would take the opinion of the
cutter, as to the level crossings, and proceeded accordingly
to address the Committee upon this point, and contended
that no danger could possibly arise from this level crossing,
because it was near to the station, at which point the trains
would be comparatively quiet. Level crossings were not at
all unusual; upon the London and York Railway there were
several of them, and with the slightest care and diligence
on the part of the officials of the Company, no difficulty or
danger could possibly arise.
The room was then ordered to be cleared; upon our re-
admission,
CHAIRMAN announced that the committee were quite
ready to pass the Bill, if the clauses postponed by the oppo-
nents were inserted in it, and he hoped the parties would
come to some arrangement.
Ms. HOPE said that, with such clauses, he could not accept
the Bill, and must therefore withdraw it. The Learned
Counsel also stated, that in consequence of the intimation of
the committee that he should confine his remarks exclusive!),
to the question of the level crossings, he had purposely ab-
stained
from going into the subject of these clauses. They
were money clauses, and could not be entertained by their
Lordships. .
The parties having deliberated for some time,
Mr. HOPE stated, that the difference between the parties
was so great, that he did not think they would prepare any
clause at all likely to give satisfaction to the parties, and as
to the proposed clauses he must say, on the part of the pro-
moters, that they could not for a moment think of receiving
them. If their Lordships, therefore, were of opinion that
such clauses were necessary to the Bill, he must beg leave to
withdraw it.
The Bill was accordingly -withdrawn.
The result of the contest, therefore, is similar to that of the
celebrated battle of the Kilkenny cats, for neither the broad
nor the narrow gauge remain in possession of the field, and
and it may be said that the coaduct of the promoters in the
fight has been similar to that pursued by parties who, in
order to prevent their treasures falling into the grasp of the
enemy deliberately set fire to or otherwise destroy them.
TAFF VALE RAILWAY.
Mr. Sergeant WRANGHAM then opened the case for the
promoters of this scheme. This Bill has been referred
back to the Committee, in consequence of some technical
error.
Considerable discussion arose as to whether Mr. Calvert,
who appeared for the Glamorganshire Canal, in opposition
to the Bill, had or had not a locus standi before the Com-
mittee.
The CHAIRMAN at length decided that Mr. Calvert had
not proved, to the satisfaction of the Committee, sufficient
grounds to enable him to have a locus standi before their
Lordships.
Mr. Heighton, the engineer to the line, was then called,
and asked a few formal questions.
After which their Lordships declared the preamble of the
Bill to be proved.

TATTERSALL'S—THIS EVENING
SIX o'cLocic.

ST. LEGER.
5 to 1 agst Pyrrhus the First
5 to 1 agst Sir Tatton Sykes
10 to 1 agst Traverser
10 to 1 agst Fancy Boy
20 to 1 agst Sting
25 to 1 agst Erin go bragh
30 to 1 agst Poyntou
30 to 1 agst Cranebrook
30 to 1 agst Mount Callan
EBOR ILLNDICAP.
5 to 1 agst Bourton
8 to 1 agst Druid

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

(THIS DAY.)

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
BRITISH POSSESSIONS BILL.

On the order of the day for going into Committee on
Bill being read.
_ _

Mr. GOLTCBURN said he wished to offer a few ob-
servations. The policy hitherto pursued by the Govern-
ment in relation to the colonies was to regulate their
commercial proceedings by Act of Parliament; but in
the present Bill a departure from that course was pro-
posed, and the colonies were to be left to regulate their
own commercial affairs—thus taking away an authority
which the British Legislature had invariably exercised,
and placing it in the hands of the colonial legislatures.
He should like to hear some good reasons for this new
policy before the Bill was allowed to pass. It was his
impression that great inconvenience would arise from
leaving these matters to the colonies. Each colony
would act according to its own views of what was ex-
pedient, and thus there would be a want of that har-
mony and uniformity of principle which was so de-
sirable in colonial affairs. He considered it would have
been much wiser for the Government to have introduced
a general Bill into the House, fixing on a general prin-
ciple the rate of duties which should be imposed on the
commerce of all the colonies. Should they depart from
the principle on which they had hitherto acted in the
present instance, the next step would be for the
colonies to take the regulation of the navigation laws
also into their own hands.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER be,

lieved it would have been better for the British Legisla-
ture to regulate on a general principle the duties im-
posed on the commerce of the colonies ; but, as no
time had been afforded for consulting with the colonies
on the subject before the end of the session, the
Government thought it would be better, rather than
that the colonies should be without the means
of raising supplies, that the present Bill should
be introduced. By another session the whole
subject might be fully considered, and such steps taken
in regard to a general measure as might be thought
most expedient.
Mr. WARBURTON thought the principle of the
present measure dangerous, and likely to prove in the
colonies subversive of free trade. Though the Right
lion. Gentleman who last spoke said the question might
be fully considered in another session, in looking into
the Bill he found it was to be a permanent measure.
Mr. HENLEY briefly expressed himself against the
principle of the measure.
Mr. NE WDEGATE also thought the principle of the
Bill a bad one, and thought that, whatever was done with
it, it should not be made a permanent measure.
Mr. HUME thought they should be careful how they
parted with any of the powers of the House, and he would
advise the Government to postpone the consideration of the
question. If the colonies were to be placed in a more in-
dependent position, they should take care that they were
placed in such a position as to regulate their own finan-
cial affairs without interference from any British Acts of
Parliament. Ills opinion was, that the,colonies should
have the management of their own financial affairs.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL said, he differed very much
from his Hon. Friend, the Member for Kendal, who had
said that we ought not to allow our colonies any con-
siderable power in regulating their trade according to
their wishes, and he also differed from his Right Hon.
Friend, the Member for the University of Oxford,
who thought that the Legislature ought to pass
an imperial Act with regard to these matters. go
(Lord John Russell) thought that they would hate
great difficulty in legislating in that way during the
present session. This country had adopted for them-
selves generally the principles of free trade, and had
determined not to preserve any differential duties for the
sake of protection merely—that they would not impose
duties upon.one country more than on another, or upon
foreign productions more than colonial productions,
or upon foreign productions more than upon our
home productions. But, in applying those prin-
ciples, they must make some exceptions with
regard to the colonies. His flotnurabie Friend the
Member for Kendal, bad, in the course of the present
session very warmly and ably supported a differential duty
of 15s. upon the articles of timber. He had also supported
the 15 per cent. ad valorem duty upon silk, and he (Lord
John Russell) thought that the Government had now a
right to look to that Hon. Member, consistently with his
votes upon those occasions, for his support on this.
In his (Lord John Russell's) opinion, the fairest

mode of dealing with this question was to allow
(Le colonies to deal with their matters of com-
merce as they deemed best. The L. gislature would
still reserve to the Crown the controlling power by which
ran ux;ensiie variety and multiplicity of duties might be
Avoided, and likewise the power of calling upon the
,ecretary of a colony to require the governor thereof to
explain to any other colony what were the general prin-
ciples which guided his conduct.
The House then resolved itself into Committee on the
1101; Mr. GREENE in the chair.
On the Ist clause having been read,
Mr. BORTHWICIC and Mr. HENLEY deprecated the
discussion of so important a matter at so late a period of
the session. The powers given to the colonial legisla-
tures were unheard of.

Mr. C. BULLER said that the Legislature of this
country had frequently delegated to Canada and other
colonies powers quite as great as those intended to be
delegated to our other colonies by this Bill.
Mr. GOULBURN denied that those powers alluded
to were as comprehensive as those conferred by the Bill
before the House.

In answer to Mr. SPOONER,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
that all that this Bill contemplated was the enabling of
our colonies to repeal as many of the additional duties
as were now imposed upon foreign goods as they pleased.
The clauses were then agreed to, and the Bill reported
without amendment. It was ordered to be engrossed,
and read a third time on Saturday.
The House then resumed.
IRON WAR-STEAMERS.

Mr WAWN wished to know, from the Secretary of
the Admiralty, how many iron war-steamers were being
built , and also, whether any experiments have been
tried as to the eff eta of cannon shut upon iron vessele,
and if those experiments have been satisfactory or not;
and lastly, whether the Government intend to persevere
in 'he building of iron war-steamers?
Mr. WARD said, in reply to the first question of the
Hon. Gentleman, that there were 16 iron war-
steamers at present in commission ; that there
were four not in commission, including the Birken-
head, which was 14,000 tons burden, and 556
horse-power. There were seven more building, in-
cluding the Simoon, which was 1,953 tons and 780
horse-power. IN ith respect to the second question, he
said that one experiment had been made, and it would
be highly improper as yet to give any opinion
as to what might be its effect for the
purposes of war. With respect to the
last question, the Board of Admiralty would be ex-
tremely cautious in giving any new orders for building
any more iron war-steamers. They had, however, de-
cided on nothing definitive as vet.
PAVILION AT BRIGHTON.

Captain PECHELL, having observed by the supple-
mentary estimates that it was proposed to sell this
palace, wished to know from the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer whether it was intended to do so by Act of
Parliament, or by virtue of the powers vested in the
Woods and Forests?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER would
answer the question to-morrow.
BOROUGH OF ST. ALBAN'S.

Mr. WARBURTON presented a petition from the
Earl of Listowel, complaining of the return of Mr.
Bond Cabbell for the borough of St. Alban's.
The reports on the Tutnpike Roads (Ireland) Bill
and on the Ejectment, &c., (Ireland) Bill were received.
LUNATIC ASYLUMS (IRELAND) BILL.
The Committee on this Bill was postponed till Mon-
day.
The House then adjourned till Five o'clock.

The House resumed at Five o'clock.
SMALL DEBTS.
Mr. BROTHER FON presented a petition from Sal-
ford in favour of this Bill.

MEDICAL REGISTRATION BILL.
Mr. WAELEY presented a petition from several
members of the Colleges of Surgeons of England and
Leland, in favour of this Bill, and praying that it might
be passed in the present session.

LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
Mr. WAKLLY presented a petition from a Mr.
Mildyard (as we understood.), stating that the present
lunacy laws were not framed go as to enable the Com-
missioners of Lunacy to judge whether some lunatic
asylums were better managed than others, of the treat-
ment of te lunatics, and whether they were treated
properly or nor, and praying that these laws might be
altered as speeeily as pssible.
THE MILITIA.
_ _

Mr. WAICLEY presented a petition from the inhabi-
tants of Stoke Newington and Islington, praying that
the militia might not be called out.

FLOGGING IN THE ARMY AND NAVY.
Mr. WAKLEY presented petitions from Twicken-
ham, Hendon, Hammersmith, Reading, and from mem-
bers of the National Association, signed in the aggregate
by 544 persons, praying the House to abolish flogging
in the army and navy. The petitioners agreed in stat-
ing that the practice of flogging was disgraceful to a
Christian country, and that it ought to be immediately
abolished.

SUNDAY TRADING.
Mr. WAKLEY also presented a petition from the
churchwardens, overseers, and guardians of the poor or
St. Luke's parish, praying the House to introduce a
measure to prevent Sunday trading.
Mr. HUNIE presented a petition from the Tower
Hamlets, praying that that district might not be included
in the operatioa of the Small Debts Bill.

Also a petition from a merchant of Liverpool, com-
plaining of being harshly treated by the Trinity House
authorities, and praying the house to substitute inqui-
ries into the powers and management of the trustees of
that charity.

Also a p.i.tition from a parish in the county of Norfolk
complaining of the enormous amount of poor rates levied
on them (15t. 6d. in the pound), and stating that the
neighbouring parishes were supplied with labour from
their parish. They prayed that a general rate might be
limited in all parishes, instead of the rates being limited
to particular parishes.
The HON. MEMBER also presented a petition from the
inhabitants of Brentford praying for the abolition of
corporal punishment in the army as soon as it could
The Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod here attended to
summon the Commons before the Upper House to hear
the Royal Assent given by Commission to several Bills.
Mr. FIUME presented a petition from James Sedge-
wick, Esq., a barrister-at-law, stating that after a long
service in the Excise and Board of Stamps, he had
been removed from that office, and placed on
retiring allowance of 3001. per annum. The
petitioner prayed for a Select Committee to in-
quire into the allegations made against him, and prayed
that until such inquiry were made the retiring allow-
ance might be withdrawn, and that in case of such alle-
gations icing discovered to be without foundation, that
he might be reinstated in his office.
The IloN. MEMBER gave notice, that to-morrow he
would move that the petition be printed with the votes.
Lord MARCUS HILL presented a petition in favour
of the Small Debts Bill.
FLOGGING IN THE ARMY.
Mr. ESTCOURT said, he had a motion on the paper
on the subject of flogging in the army; but he under-
stood that the Right Hon. Gentleman the Secretary-at-
War, objected to make these returns required. He did
not know what the Right Hon. Gentleman's objections
were, and in the absence of any intimation from the
Right Hon. Gentleman upon the subject, he still re-
mained of opinion that the returns were necessary to
supply the House with ample and accurate informa-
tion with regard to the extent and amount of corporal
punishment which bad recently taken place in the army.
The Hon. Gentleman concluded by moving for a return
of persons flogged in the army in Great Britain and
Ireland, in the years 1845 and 1846, to the end of July ;
specifying, 1. The offence. 2. The regiment, the place
of station, the time. 3. The sentence. 4. The order
for its execbtion. 5. Whether the trials were open to
the public, or only open to the regiment, or with closed
doors. 6. The number of lashes inflicted, and the
day. 7. How soon after punishment the man was able
to return to his duty, and ut what place he was then
quartered. 8. Whether death has followed within twelve
months of the flogging, and the date of such death. 9.
Whether the punishment was inflicted, if in cavalry re-
giments, by the trumpeter or farriers ; if in infantry re-
giments, by privates or drummers, and with what instru-
ment. 10. Copies-of the surgeon's minutes of all such
punishments, and any subsequent observations on their
consequences.

Mr. FOX MAULE had hoped that after the recent
discussion on this painful subject, and after the deter-
mination of' the Commander-in-Chief on the subject, the
matter would have been left at rest for the pre-
sent. With respect to the returns sought, he had no
objection to give them for the last year—noting the
number of cases of flogging, the offence, the regiment, the
place of station, the time, and the sntence. He did not
see much use in giving th -
e order for its execution, though
he would have no objection to that. With regard to the
trials, the custom usually was to conduct court-martials
with open doors, and he had never heard any complaints
with regard to the mode in which these investi-
gations were conducted. Nos. 6 and 7 returns
he had not any great objection to, but he
could not agree that any returns such as
those sought under head 8 should be given. It
would lead to the supposition that the death of any
oldier within a twelvemonth after his being flogged, from
whatever cause, was to be attributed to that event.
As to whether the punishment was inflicted, if in cavalry
regiments by the trumpeters or farrier, and if in infantry
regiments by the privates or drummers, and with what
instrument he had to state, that in infantry regiments it
was customary for the drummers to inflict the
punishment, and in cavalry regiments the far-
riers. The instrument of punisment was the
"cat:" any irregularity as to which could be easily
remedied. With reference to the copies of the
surgeon's minutes of such punishments, and any sub-
sequent observations on their consequences, he looked
upon them as confidential communications to the com-
manding officer ; any attempt to call for which would be
an interference with the discipline of the army, to which
he could not consent. In fine, he did not consider
the whole of the return necessary. He considered that
the House had reposed confidence in the Commander-in-
Chief and the Government with regard to this subject, and
he was sure that every possible care would be taken that
in future the punishment should not go farther than it
ought to go, and that all permanent injury to the indi-
vidual would be avoided. He would conclude by moving
as an amendment the omission of all words after the
word " sentence " in the third line.
M.wEoulcdonbseidearmedplythsautffitchieenfitistthefouorfrepnocine,tsthine
name of the regiment,
the limr.oritioUn
the place where the punishment
was inflicted, and the number of lasher. He hoped the
Honourable Member (Mr. Escott) would be satisfied
with returns on these points. He
(Mr. Hume) did
not see much necessity for information on the other
points. They would then be able to see whether the
sentence of the court-martial hrd been properly carried
out or not.

Mr. NICHOL submitted whether it was necessary to
cell f,,r the whole of such an invidious return. Returns
specif\ fug thn off_.nce, the name of the regiment, the
place where the punishment was inP.lcted, and the sen-
tence of the court-martial, would, in his estimation, be
suflient to enable the House to judge how that depart-
ment or the Government was conducted. If the whole
return were granted, a stigma would, perhaps, be thrown
on officers who might not have an opportunity of defend-
ir.g themselves. •
Sir HOWARD DOUGLAS considered that the re-
turns which the Hon. Gentleman (Mr. F. Nlaule.) had
agreed to, would be sufficient. The others would, pos-
sibly, cast aspersions on the service. After the expla-
nations in that House, and after the statements of an
illustrious individual elsewhere, he thought that the
Hon. Gentleman would not have persisted in his motion.
The House and the country could not fail to see that the
practice was growing into disuse, and when the
moral character of the soldier was improved it would
fall into disuse without being absolutely abolished.
Besides, the measures now being carried out by the
proper departments would have the proper effect. He
had commanded on foreign stations for a quarter of a
century, and could safely say that the punishment was
never resorted to except when absolutely necessary.
and never without a degree of pain to those whose duty
compelled them to resort to it, which ought to prevent
the officers from being stigmatised as wanting in humanity.
There were several measures of great utility that might
be brought forward, and which would, only for the
want of finances. Fur instance colonial securities
might be mitigated. He trusted this explanation would
he considered sufficient by the House, and that the
Honourable and Gallant Gentleman would withdraw his
motion. _

Lord J. RUSSELL said, that with respect to giving the
name of the regiment would give rise to invidious com-
parisons, which, at the same time, would be very unjust,
for in one case an army might require punishment, and
in another not. A case to this effect was stated by
General Taylor.
Mr. WAKLEY said that, after having examined,
his opinion was unchanged. Their motion was not
refused without a motive, for he believed it would be
very inconvenient to produce these returns, as
they would give facts to show that the brutal
and disgusting practice of punishment by flogging
ought to be at once and for ever abolished.
He inferred, from what had fallen from the Hon. Gen-
tleman opposite, that in his opinion the practice of flog-
ging had nearly arrived at its termination. Why, when
the number of lashes was reduced from 1,500 to 1,000,
the reduction was hailed with delight by the army ;
but still an opinion prevailed that the number
could not be further reduced. The number, however,
was subsequently reduced to 200, and then the reduction
was admitted to be necessary; but still it was thought
in the army that it could riot further be reduced.
(LEFT SPEAKING.)

HOUSE OF LORDS.
ROYAL ASSENT.
The Royal assent was given to-day, at a quarter past
five o'clock, by commission, to the following nineteen
Bills :
The Consolidated Fund Bill.
The Art-Unions Bill.
Airdrie and Bathgate Junction Railway Bill.
East' ru Counties Railway and Thames Junction Branches
Bill.
Rugby and Leamington Railway Bill.
West London Railway Improvement and Extension Bill.
London a►:d South-Western (Basingstoke and Salisbury
Extension) Bill.
Monmouthshire Railway (No. 2) Bill.
Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle Railway Bill.
Andover Canel Navigation Bill.
Tramore Embankment Bill.
Briti4l Guarantee Association Bill.
The Bishop of Norwich's (North Lynn Rectory) Estate
Bill.
Borthwick's Estate Bill.
Lowestoft Charity Estate Bill.
Pemberton's (or Gervis's) Estate Bill.
Clark's Divorce Bill.
Matthysson's Divorce Bill.
The Bishop of Jerusalem's Naturalisation Bill.
The Commissioners were the Lord Chancellor, Earl
Fortescue, and the Earl of Shaftesbury.
The LORD CHANCELLOR retired, and in a few minutes
afterward: took his seat on the Woolsack.
DEODANDS ABOLITION BILL.
Lord CAMPBELL moved the second reading of
this Bill, which was agreed to.
Lord DEM/lAN presented petitions against the
Sugar "--.l.ies Bill.

LAW OF ARREST.
Lord BROUGHAM presented a petition from a Mr.
Ouverard, complaining of a false arrest. He thought the
law that led to abuses of this nature should be altered
It was a great pity that judges were not
agreed, and some would not allow a man to
swear to whatever sum he had until they
had inquired into the circumstances of the debt.
Now, what would be the case, for instance, if the Noble
Lord who was going to Paris in an official capacity,
shold be arrested for any alleged debt.
Lord CAMPBELL said that,•without doubting the
statement of the petitioner, he, nevertheless, thought
the law was in a very satisfactory state at present. It
would be impossible to make a law which would be free
from such circumstances.
Lord BROUGHAM said what he complained of was,
that the judge should have indorsed for the whole sum,
and their Lordships should remember that, it was not
a contract which was alleged in the affi lavit, but a ;sum,
of money was sworn by the person making the affidavit
as the amount which he con►idered that his services were
worth.
The LORD CHANCELLOR said that no law could
he made which would be just and equitable which would
not be open to the same abuses. The judge had nothing
to rely upon but the affidavit of the complainant.
Messengers from the Commons brought up several
Bills, which were read a first time.
POOR-LAW COMMISSIONERS.
Lord BROUGHAM moved for a return of certain
connalunicatiors made to the Poor-law Commissioners.
He stated that one of the Commissioners had
taken upon himself to desire the secretary
to the Commission not to make the return
moved for in that House. The Commissioners ought to
feel that they were bound to comply with the orders of
their Lordships.
LEFT SITTING."

•
ccnlirtn our fears that this destructive plague is general
and severe. The early sorts, which last year either en-
tirely escaped or were only very partially tA2cted, are
already quite diseased.

A' A
PERTIMIRE.—Much has been said (says the Perth
Courier, in its Agricultural Report for July) by vege-
table physiologists about the potato disease commenc-
ing in the leaf and descending to the tuber; but of the
theory we are led to doubt, by observing that many dis
eased tubers have the rootlets that attach them to the
stem quite sound and fresh, while the embryo potato at its
point is a bloated mass; but whatever the cause may
be, the disease is this season of a general and deadly
nature—many fields which a few weeks ago would have
brought 161. to 201. an acre, cannot now be sold at 5/.
If, however, our theory is correct, those fields, or even
parts of fields, that still retain fresh foliage and sound
tubers, should the weather throughout this month (Au-
gust) and next continue ordinarily dry, many may yet
escape unaffected, and potatoes may yet be safely
cultivated in future years. We would conclude this
part of our report just by asking, when, in the annals
of meteorology, 10A- inches of rain fell before in the
short space (4'31 days, while potatoes were in a growing
state ; and what was the result ? A disease in some parts
amongst cattle has also produced an uncertainty in cattle
markets. Dealers prefer purchasing from healthy stock
at pasture.

PORFARSIIIRE.—The disease made its appearance in
various situations about the middle of Ist month, and
since then it has been gradually extending both in the
gardens and fields, and to all appearance a large portion
of the crop will be lost. The kidneys were first affected,
and in many cases are literally destroyed ; but the dis-
ease does not seem confined to them, as other varieties
are sharing the same fate. It is reported to prevail to a
considerable extent in the neighbourhood of Stonehaven,
Fettercairn, Laurencekirk, Arbuthnot, Auchinblae, &c.
Some fields have been or are immediately to be ploughed
up. It appears to affect the crop very rapidly, as the
most healthy looking crops have been observed to get
into a sickly state in a few days.
DUNDEE.--It is now Lut too certain that the undis-
covered foe which spread havoc among the potato crops
of last year has again commenced its ravages. The
visitation is earlier this year than formerly ; it is also
evident that it is far more extensive. 'We have heard
already not merely of fields, but of entire parishes in
which it is scarcely anticipated that there will be a
single sound potato. Another peculiarity is, that
hereas it was stated by Professor Johnston and others
that last year the disease was not found farther north
than Montrose, it has now made its way beyond that
latitude, and is ravaging the fields of Aberdeenshire.
In some extreme cases we are told that the corrupting
shawl emit an offensive and unwholesome effluvium,
which taints the atmosphere at a considerable distance
from the fi.•ld.

ARBROATH.—The potatoes in this district are now
fearfully affected with the disease—every field yielding
to its destruction, according to the forwardness of its
crop. Early planting has. only tended sooner to deve-
lope it, which, with those planted in March and begin-
ning of April, or previous to winter, began about the
second or third week in July. The latest planting, or
those planted about the end of May, are just legun to
show the disease ; and in one or two instances, where
vigorous, are barely yet affected. It would appear that
no kind is exempt either from itself, or from condition of
soil or manuring.
A BERDEEN.—We are sorry to learn that the potato
disease, hitherto unknown in Aberdeenshire, has made
its appearance in various places, and to such an extent
as to excite very general alarm. It was remarked on
Deeside last week. It is now to be seen in the parishes
of Udny, Tarves, Auchterless, Fyvie, and elsewhere, and
its ravages seem to be utterly and rapidly destructive of
this valuable root.—Aberdeen Journal.

ItIORAYSTERE.—We are sorry to learn that, in com-
mon with the other counties in the south of Scotland,
symptoms of murrain have at last partially appeared in
the potato crop in various quarters in Morayshire.
Hitherto free from the scourge, the utmost interest is
now attached to the future condition of the crop in this
district. Where disease has appeared, the former luxu-
riant blossoms have assumed a blanched and withered as-
pect—the flower changing into a blackish hue. On ex-
amining the roots, no disease is apparent on the exterior
of the potato ; but, by cutting it, dark brown lines or
rings are clearly discernible. In some cases, both garden
and field produce are affpctod,—Elgin Courant.