The Sun.
London, England, 1851-12-16 00:00:00

SERIOUS POACHING AFFRAY.

NOTTINGHAM, MONDAY.—A desperate encounter
took place this morning about one o clock at Barton
Wood between the gamekeepers of Sir Arthur
Clif-
tor, of Baton Lodge, and a number of poacher.
(amounting to forty, at least), who are supposed to
belong to one of the poaching associations in this
county. The particulars of this affray are the fol-
lowing :—William Dabell, and two other keepers, in
the service of Sir Arthur Clifton, went as usual on
their rounds last night, and saw very little to
arouse suspicion, until after midnight, when
one of the keepers observed three man corn
ing towards them. The keepers had with them
a large night-dog, which they immediately let loose.
The dog commenced the attack, the keepers at the
same time using their weapons. At this juncture the
foremost poacher drew an immense clasp•knife, and in
a moment ripped open the belly of the mastiff. Upon
seeing this the keepers were more fierce than ever in
their attack, and very likely would have overpowered
their opponents, when one of the poachers gave a shrill
whistle. The grounds now seemed alive with men ;
the poachers poured in from all quarters. One of the
keepers (less hurt than the others) states that there
were "a lane full." The odds at this moment were
fearful ; the keepers still, however continued to fight.
valiantly. All attempts at capture were given up,
and it was now merely in self-defence that Sir
Arthur's men fought. In a short time they were
completely overpowered, the poachers leaving them in
the preserves frightfully mutilated. It is perfectly
miraculous that no sacrifice of human life took place.
Imagining that the villagers might be aroused, the
poachers beat a rapid retreat ; not, however, before
several of them were so fearfully bruised as to be
obliged to be carried out of the field. Early this
morning two messengers on horseback arrived from
Sir Arthur's lodge at the police. station here. Every
outlet near was guarded, but we have Lot yet heard
of any capture having taken place. The dog (a very
valuable one) died this morning , • the keepers are pro-
grassing favourably.

A TOWN KILLED WITH KINDNESS.—DroIIy enough)
Bedford is an example of a town killed with kindness. It
has been pauperised by the number and wealth of its cha-
rities. A mechanic or small tradesman can send his child, if
it be sick, to a free hospital ; when older, to a free school.
where even books are provided; when the boy is appren-
ticed, a fee may be obtained from a charity; at half the time
of apprenticeship, a second fee; on the; expiration of the
term, a third ; on going to service, a fourth ; if he marries,
he expects to obtain from a charity fund " a portion" with
his wife, also educated at a charity ; and if he has not suffi-
cient industry or prudence to lay by for old age—and these
are virtues which he is not likely to practice—he looks for-
ward with confidence to being boarded and lodged at one of
Bedford's 59 almshouses.—Sidney's Rides on Railways.

IMPROVEMENTS IN ST. JAMES'S-PARK.—lien have
been for come time engaged in St. James's-park and the
enclosure in removing all the rotten and decayed trees in
the place, and planting with young ones. Many of the trees
had been there so many years that the trunks were com-
pletely hollow, and the wood like sponge. A similar clear-
ance is to be made of the dead wood in the other parks and
Kensington.