The Sun.
London, England, 1845-09-30 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TTTE►SDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 30, 1845.

THE ACTION BETWEIiN THE
SUPERB AND THE TWO SPANISH FIRST-
RATES.
The following letter, contradicting the absurd assertion of
M. Thiers in relation to this action, has appeared in the
Times

EXTRAORDINARY WHIRLWIND
AT BABWORTH.
About half-past two o'clock in the afternoon of Sun-
day last, one of these extraordinary freaks of the ele-
ments, designated whirlwinds, was experienced 'at Bab-
wo-th, near East Retford, which in its passage from the
S.E. into the N.W. did considerable damage, and was
productive of no small alarm to those persons residing
upon, and near the course which it pursued. From in-
formation collected from various sources it would appear
that at about 25 minutes past 2, P.M., two dense clouds
were observed moving in nearly opposite directions, and
that towards the upper or western part of the parish of
Ordsall, these tom floating masses suddenly came into
contact with each other, when they appeared to blend
together in a most singular manner, and assumed the
appearance of an immense water-spout. This descent is
the mechanical effect of a whirlwind, which, creating a
vacuum, or high degree of rarefaction, extending
between the clouds and the earth, in which the
clouds descend by their gravity, or by the pressure of
the surrounding clouds or air. Having amalgamated
together fur a few seconds, it soon became apparent that
mischief was brewing by strong currents of wind rushing
about, and beginning to amuse themselves by pitching
and tossing the sheaves and stacks of wheat, belonging
to Mr. Ledger, on the estate of John Kippax, Esq.. in
all directions--east, west, north, and south. Finding
more corn on the opposite side of the hedge, its gambols
commenced here and occupied a slanting breadth of at
least one hundred and fifty yards across the field, which
it left in a most admirable state of disorder, passing
northward over a field of barley stubble, and another of
seeds, where its effects aro only slightly discs!, nible, it
passed the rubicon of Ordsall, at the top of the Whisker
hills, where it set to work in right good earnest. It
commenced its career of destruction in a large planting
of elms and firs, where, in addition to seven trees blown
down, the tops of many of the others are so intricately
twisted into each other as to defy all attempts to sepa-
rate them; whilst limbs and broken parts lie scattered
about in every direction. Here its range appears to
have been about one hundred yards wide. Leaving this
plantation somewhat abruptly, it crossed a small valley,
which is liberally strewed over with the trophies of its
victory brought from amongst the trees which it had just
left in such commotion. Entering another plantatioa
where were trees of a sturdier growth, it tippers nut to
have made so great an impression, 114 its pastime
was principally occupied in sporting with the junior
branches, which are susper.ded by the neck or
strewed about in the most admired disorder, to the
very confines of its lateral range. Descending the hill
it appears to have collected its force into less compass,
and after passing a plantation of elderly larches
without committing any depredations. of magnitude,
it entered a plantation of elms where • its powers are
most fearfully visible. Here are no less than a dozen
trees capsized, and split and reft in every direction,
whilst the ground around is covered with the dead
and dying branches. Passing on from thence over the
valley, it crossed the valley which supplies the Babworth
lake, and entering upon two grass fields, which are
divided by an iron fence, it tore up this fragile partition
from end tb end, putting the rods into every conceivable
shape, and snapping the uprights in pieces, as short and
as easily as though they had been radishes, Along the
line of this fence were several large trees, usually de-
nominated hedge-row timber ; three of these were ruth-
lessly torn up by the roots; whilst the large reft boughs
from the others exhibit the resiatlesa force of the storm.
These fields are in the occupation of the Rev. W. B.
Simpson, and are immediately in front of the rectory.
Rushing onwards it crossed the Retford and Worksop
turnpike road, immediately contiguous to the new lodge
recently erected as an entrance to the rectory, which
escaped completely scatheless, and entered the park
attached to Babworth Hall, and in its passage, tore off
large boughs from every tree with which it came in con-
tact, and scattered the branches to a distance almost in
conceivable. Leaving Mr. Simpson's farm premises a
little to the right, it entered Bowman Hill wood, near to
an opening, by which it escaped on to the farm occupied
by Richard Milward, Esq., when all immediate traces of
it appear to be lost on the large brecks of the forest for
a considerable distance. Passing onwards, however,
within a quarter of a mile, we find trees which bear
marked testimony of the tempest's force; and further
onwards it entered the estate of the Right Hon. the Earl
of Lincoln, at Ranby, where its career appears to have
been stayed. Further than this we have not been
able to trace its progress, but, undoubtedly, it has pro-
ceeded much further, and been productive of greater
damage than we have been able to ascertain. On pass-
ing Babworth, an eye-witness describes it as a huge
dense black cloud travelling with astonishing rapidity on
the surface of the earth. It was accompanied by a
singular rattling and moaning noise, and attended with
torrents of rain, which, however, did not extend far
beyond h
at
twhic
ht
it e
rbursehaeddi h wonwhaicrhdsi t
wasr e occupied.aelxlyceedi n
g lyr a
pTi
dhe ,
being
not less than from thirty to forty
.miles an hour. With
the exception of the havoc committed amongst the trees,
no other casualties have come to our knowledge ; and it
is most providential that neither human nor animal life
has suffered from the visitation of this fearful and awfu
elemental contention.--Doncaster Gazette.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.
Sir,—As the modrn history of France by the talented M.
Thiers is now in every reader's hands, I feel it a sacred duty
to the memory of the gallant Lord de Saumarez, and of my
brave old shipmates, to give an unqualified contradiction to
a misrepresentation which casts a deep shade upon one of
the brightest pages of our naval annals—an achievement
which in the House of Peers both Earl St. Vincent and Lord
Nelson concurred in pronouncing to have surpassed anything
they had ever seen or heard of.
In describing the action in the Straits of the Mediterranean
on the eventful night of the 12th of July, 1801, M. Thiers
asserts that the Spanish first-rates, Carlos and Hermenegildo,
were destroyed by red-hot shot, fired from the Superb, and
heated by furnaces sent on board for the purpose. Now, Sir,
at that glorious period I had the good fortune to be the sur-
geonsrivoorfs toht.ahternoolbilleeer:hainpds, aernedw,beli
of honour that there were no means of heating balls in any
nsogleomnnelyopf letdhgeeNm-eyrywfoerwd
of our men-of-war; that every spark of fire was„ put out
early in the day; and that the late distinguished Sir Richard
Keats, our captain, a thorough-bred officer and seaman,
would have scorned to employ any combustible, missile, or
any other mode of warfare than the fair old English way
of fighting, with warm hearts and cold iron.
I write, Sir, a tale of years long gone by; but as the
question is again before the world, some of your numerous
readeis may be interested by my relating some particulars
of the action, as well as the real cause of the tragical catas-
trophe so disastrous to our enemies.
Her Majesty's ship Superb arrived at Gibraltar, from a
cruise, iu high health and discipline, a few days after the
battle of Algesiras, when the Hannibal had been obliged to
surrender from having grounded under the enemy's batte-
ries; and when our other disabled ships were towed back to
the mole with great labour and difficulty from the wind fail-
ing them. Here, also, M. Thiers is in error. The Pompey
suffered, indeed, severely, but never struck her colours, as he
is pleased to assert. The exertions to refit the crippled ves-
sels were, I believe, never equalled; but they were far from
ready for service, when, on Sunday afternoon, the 12th of
July (six days only after this first action), the combined
French and Spanish fleets, plainly in sight of our squadron,
was perceived to be preparing to weigh anchor. -Then all
was bustle and animation ; the whole garrison and population
of Gibraltar were on the qui vivo. The rock was covered
with anxious gazers. The force of the enemy more than
doubled ours, being two of 112 guns, seven of 74 (not reckon-
ing the Hannibal, which they failed to get out), and four
frigates. We bad only four of 74 guns, and one frigate, for
the Pompey was obliged to remain in harbour. Neverthe-
less, our intrepid Admiral determined to attack them in the
night, ordering Captain Keats to annoy their rear after dark,
and adding, that he would follow with the other ships as
soon as possible. About sunset, after long maneuvering to
weather Carbrita-point, the enemy bore up for Cadiz, and at
half-past eight o'clock the Superb made sail in chase.
. At eleven P.M. I had reported everything ready in my de-
partment, and was walking the deck with the Captain, when
we came up with a large ship upon our larboard bow, which
proved to be the Carlos; and another, the Hermenegildo, was
soon after seen a little a-head of her, both unaware of our
stealthy approach, and probably too conscious of superiority
to fear attack.
This was a moment of intense interest; the wind blew
strongly from the East (a black Levanter), it was nearly
midnight, and dark as Erebus, our lanterns were concealed
in match tubs, our other lights shaded, while those of the
enemy flashed brightly from their portholes and cabin win-
dows. Our decks were clear, our brave tars at their guns,
cool and confident of success. The strictest silence prevailed;
and not a sound was heard, except the ripple of the waves
as the gallant vessel made her way through them.
When nearly abreast of the Carlos, Captain Keats said,
" Now, Doctor, below ;" and before I could reach my quar-
ters the most astounding broadside was poured into her,
and repeated again and again before she returned a shot,
being taken so wholly by surprise. At.last she began firing
from both sides, mistaking her consort for another enemy.
The effect of our thunder was terrific: away went her fore..
topmast, the sail fell over her bow guns, their flash caught
the canvass, and the rigging being newly tarred, the fire
flew to the mast-head with the rapidity of lightning, and in
a moment she was on fire fore and aft.

The disease with which potatoes are visited this year,
not only in England, but in many other countries of
Europe, threatens serious consequences to the poor, for
whom the potato, rather than bread, constitutes " the
staff of life.' In many parts of England potatoes make
up two meals of the labouring man's day. We believe
that we shall be doing a real service by communicating
to the farmer and to the community generally a mode of
cure, or rather prevention, which has come under our
own notice, and which has been applied with the greatest
success. We are indebted for the experiment to Mr. W.
Gale, builder, of Burbage, in Wiltshire, a county in which
the potato is positively the poor man's chief food, and in
which, this season, the root has signally failed. The me-
dicine employed by Mr. Gale is quick lime. Mr. Gale
placed three pecks of sound potatoes in a box, the centre of
which he filled with several other potatoes in a diseased
and decaying condition. The sound potatoes lying to
the right of the decaying ones he sprinkled over very
carefully with lime. The sound potatoes lying to the
left, he left untouched. Furthermore, he took &diseased
potato and placed a sound one on each side of it.
before, he sprinkled the potato on the right side with
lime; upon the other potato he put nothing. The result
in the two cases was the same. The potatoes sprinkled
with lime came out one month after the experiment
perfectly sound, whilst those on the left without lime
were in a state of decay. This plain remedy is as
cheap as it is simple. One gallon of lime will cure a
sack of potatoes. We do not advise the farmer to place
diseased potatoes with sound ones, unless by way of expe-
ment, and to test the truth of our assertions. In spite
of all his endeavours to prevent it, many diseased po-
tatoes will find their way to the sound ones ; and in this
case we undertake that the further extension of reischi4
it is in his power to avoid. It may be proper to state
that where the lime touched the unsound potatoes, it
prevented the disease going further than it had reached
previously to the application of the lime. Mr. Here.
path, of Bristol, has published a letter, in which he
shows us how we may save the starch or fecula of pota-
toes already diseased ; but the process would be attended
by considerable trouble and expense, and few could or
would adopt it. Besides, Mr. Ilerepath's process goes
only to the cure of the diseased potatoes, not to the
safety of those still sound. As far as the diseased pota-
toes are concerned, we believe the most judicious and
economical plan to be, to boil them for the pigs. In a
raw state they have been found very injurious to this
animal. Many have died after eating them. We trust
that the above remarks will meet with serious
.public
attention, and that they may be the means of saving for
the poor and hard-working much of the nourishment of
which a terrible visitation was about to rob them.
Berwick Warder.

All was now horror and dismay on her deck, the Herme-
negildo was close to her; in utter confusion they fell aboard
each other; their yards locked inseparably; and in another
moment this second formidable vessel was also in a blaze.
Their sad fate was now too evident; the Superb, therefore,
ceased firing, and passed a-head to avoid the awful conflagra-
tion, for already some sparks had come into a port on her
lower deck, by which two cartridges exploded, wounding
Lieutenant Waller desperately, and several of our sailors
more or less severely.
According to my general orders, on the first alarm, I called
out for the magazine door to be shut, but when one vivid
blue flash after another came down the cockpit hatchway,
I thought our fate was sealed also; happily, however, the
deck was wet, and the evil extended no further.
From my pandemonium below I ran on deck for a mo-
ment's breath of air, and to catch a glance of the sublime
but appalling spectacle ; and the deep red glare illuming
and spreading over the sea and sky, the impetuous roar of
the raging flames, and the shrieks and agonising gestures of
the despairing Spaniards can never be effaced from my
memory.

It seemed wonderful that the adverse squadron, still so
superior to ours in strength, did not put about at any risk,
and try to rescue the hapless crews of the burning ships ;
but as they continued their course, it was obviously our
duty to fol,ow them. _ _

Accordingly, the Superb overtook and engaged Le St.
Antoine, a krench line-of-battle ship of equal force, which
after an honourable defence surrendered, just as the Admiral
in the Caesar, and Captain Hood in the Venerable, came up.
The latter being the fastest sailer, at daylight, near Cadiz,
brought to action the gallant Linois in Le Formilable, but
without any other result than a mutual severe mauling, the
brave adversaries parting by consent with both their ensigns
flying. _ _ -

-Asthe Suberb had suffered damage in the engagement, we
necessarily laid to, not only to repair them, but to take pos-
session of and man the captured French ship ; and while
thus employed, a large boat came alongside, with 2 officers
and 39 only of the ghastly Spanish sailors—wet, nearly
paked, panic-struck, and speechless.
At noon next day we passed by the melancholy wreck of
the ships, blown into fragments by the explosion of the ma-
gazines, the only relics of two " wooden worlds," which the
day before floated proudly on the ocean, peopled with 2,400
men, all of whom perished, alas ! except the comparative
few we had the happiness to save.

In the evening we arrived at Gibraltar, with our prize in
company, under the command of our first-lieutenant, the late
Rear-Admiral S. Jackson, C.B. (than whom a braver fellow
never stepped on ship board), and were welcomed by the
garrison with the warmest enthusiam.

I fear that this tough old yarn may be spun out too long
for insertion in your valuable columns, even at this compara•
tively dull season, and have the honour to subscribe myself,
with great respect, Sir,
__

THE EFFECTS OF SEA WATER

. •
Your very humble servant,
B. F. OUTRAM, M.D., F.R.S.
llanover-square, Sept. 20.

ON IRON.

In the course of the late Government inquiry on
establishment of harbours of refuge, Professor Faraday
furnished some interesting particulars respecting the
effects of sea water on iron. His observation had un-
fortunately been rather limited, and confined to the
question of cast-iron. Between this body and sea water
he considers the action to be vigorous, and greatest in
the water near the surface; less in deep water, and least
of all when the iron is buried in sand or earth, or build-
ing materials (into which the water may penetrate), for
then the oxide and other results formed are detained,
more or less, and form sometimes a cement to the sur-
rounding matter, and always a partial protection. Soft
cast-iron corrodes more rapidly than hard cast, and than
the brittle white iron. As to the amount of corrosion in
any given time Professor Faraday had not an opportu-
tunity of observing any good and satisfactory cases of
illustration. In estuaries and the mouths of rivers, he
considered it probable that great differences of corrosion
would arise from the different circumstances of variable
saltness ; the soil of the river, if near a town, will
much affect the metal; thus, a harf of cast-iron might
occasionally be greatly injured by making fast to it
vessels that are coppered, using iron cables. As to the
protection of iron, with respect to the permanency of a
coat of paint, or tar, or bituminous matter, the only ex-
perience the Professor had was in a case where coated
iron, sheathed for vessels, was brought under his no-
tice. He was then much impressed with the thorough
adhesion of the coat to the iron. Zinced iron would re-
sist the action of the sea water as long as the metal
would crust the surface, but zinc dissolves rapidly in sea
water, and, after it is gone, the iron would, of course,
follow. As to voltaic protection, Professor Faraday
considers that the cast-iron piles, proposed for light-
houses or beacons, might be protected by zinc, in the
manner proposed by Sir Hutnphry Davy, to protect
copper by iron; but even in that case, the corrosion of
the zinc would be very rapid. If not found too expen-
sive, the object would be to apply the zinc protectors in
a place where they could be examined often, and re-
placed when rendered ineffective; in this manner, he
entertains little doubt that iron could be protected in sea
water. It is oven probable that, by investigation and
trial, different sorts of iron might easily be distinguished
and prepared, one of which would protect the other:
thus soft ,cast-iron would probably protect hard cast-
iron, and then it would be easy to place the protecting
masses where they could be removed when required.
Hence, though iron be a body very subject to the action
of sea water, Professor Faraday considers not unlikely
that it might be used with advantage in marine construc-
tions, intended to be permanent, especially if the joint
effects of preserving coats of voltaic protectors were
applied.

MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE AT
HOUNSLOW BARRACKS.
We regret to state that an occurrence of a melancholy
character took place on Sunday night at the barracks of the
4th Regiment of Light Dragoons, stationed at Hounslow,
during which Quarter-master Thomas Tarleton was stabbed
in the belly by Lieutenant Martin Kerwan, of that regiment.
The greatest secrecy relative to the circumstances connected
with the unfortunate affair has ever since been maintained
by the military authorities at the barracks, and it was not
until yesterday afternoon that the fact began to be known,
even in the town of Hounslow. Various reports were im-
mediately in circulation as to the particulars of the trans-
action, one of which was, that in consequence of the pro-
motion, by purchase, of Major Harcourt Masters, of that
regiment, to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, unattached, which
appeared in the London Gazette of Friday last, that officer on
Sunday last gave a dinner to his brother officers, which took
place In the mess-room of the regiment at Hounslow bar-
racks. The convivialities of the evening were kept up until
a late hour, and it is stated by some who profess to be
wellzinformed, that about twelve o'clock, while under the
influence of wine, Lieutenant Kerwan took umbrage at some-
thing that occurred, and finally quitted the mess-room for
his own apartments, whither he was attended by Quarter-
master Tarleton, who endeavoured to soothe his irritated
feelings, hut on reaching the Lieutenant's apartments that
officer immediately seized his sword and stabbed Tarleton as
above described. From inquiries made by our reporter at
Hounslow last evening, we have obtained, from a source of
the highest respectability, upon which every reliance can
be placed, - the following particulars, which differ consi-
derably from the statement in current circulation. After
the dinner, the officers generally amused themselves with
wrestling, and eventually with fencing, and our informant
states that it was in one of the passes, while fencing,
that the wound was inflicted. This account would make
the occurrence purely accidental, and this we trust will
turn out to be the correct version of the matter. Quarter-
master Tarleton was immediately attended by the surgeon
and assistant-surgeon of the regiment, who were present at
the dinner, and who, on eeamining the wound, finding it
to be of a most serious nature, communicated the fact to
Colonel Maley, the commanding officer, with a suggestion
that the assistance of Mr. R. Frogley, surgeon, of Hounslow,
should be procured. Colonel Daley immediately directed a
mounted orderly should be dispatched to Mr. Frogley's resi-
dence in Hounslow„ and that gentleman promptly arrived on
horseback at the barracks, where he remained in attendance
during the night. The wound is understood to be of a most
serious character, and at present it Is impossible to ascertain
its depth, or to form an opinion as to what the ultimate re-
sult may be. Mr, Progley and the regimental surgeons were
in attendance several times yesterday, and we understand
that if was found necessary, from the symptoms which ap-
peared to first apply leeches, and afterwards to bleed to the
extent of 28 ounces; Quartermaster Tarleton is a man much
respected in the regiment, and in figure is very corpulent.
It is not known whether Lieutenant Kerwan has been
placed under arrest by the military authorities, but up to six
o'clock last evening no steps, as far as our reporter could
learn, had been taken by the police with a view to his appre-
hension by the civil authorities,
Colonel Daley, our reporter was informed, left the barracks
in the course (41 the forenoon for the purpose of reporting the
occurrence at the Horse Guards, and receiving instructions in
the matter.--Times:

HORRIBLE AND FATAL ACCIDENT.—A most dis-
tressing and fatal occurrence horrified St. Catherine-street
and its neighbourhood on Monday afternoon last, about three
o'clock, by which in an instant a married woman was, under
most awful circumstance; hurried instantaneously into eter-
nity. Mrs. Eliza Baylis, wife of Mr. Baylis, butcher of St
Catherine-street, had been washing some offal meat at the
pump, with which to feed a dog and cat, and this operation
attracted around her some other dogs and cats from neigh-
bouring houses. In order to cut up the meat she had taken
one of her husband's sharp Tointed knives, and leaning for ward to drive away one of the cats, her foot slipped and she
fell on her face to the ground. She sprung up again in-
stantly and uttered a scream of pain, and immediately fr'per-
feet torrent of blood gushed from her mouth and she fell dead
A neighbour, Mrs. Webb, was standing near her at the time,
and called assistance, and Mr. Wathen, surgeon, was imme-
diately sent for. It was at first supposed that the knife had
penetrated her mouth, but on examination it was found that
the instrument had entered her left breast just above the
nipple. The ill-fated woman bad, no doubt, the knife up-
right in her hand, when she fell, and the whole weight of her
body coming upon it, it entered her heart, causing the gush
of blood from her mouth, and produced death almost imme-
diately afterwards. The blade of the knife was eight inches
in length, and it is supposed penetrated the unhapp;s:
body up to the haft. The deceased was 37 years of age, she
andwas inquest
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SUDDEN DEATII or CAPTAIN D'UIIDAN, R.N.—
Yestwiny information was forwarded to Mr. Bedford, Coroner
for Westminster, of the death of Capt. J. G. D'Urban, R.N.,
which occurred under the following circumstances ;—The
deceased gentleman had for sAII)0 time past occupied apart-
ments at No. 38, Norris-street, Haymarket, and was a mem-
ber of the Junior United Service Clhb, About half-past
eleven o'clock on Sunday night he returned home, when he
appeared in his usual good health and spirits, and shortly
afterwards retired to his bedroom. Bet Ween one and two
o'clock the landlady of the house was alarmed by deceased's
bell ringing violently; and on going to his room and open-
ing the door deceased said, "Leave the light and withdraw,"
which she did. For some time afterwards he was heard to
be moving about; but on the servant taking up his shaving
wafer yesterday morning at the usual hour (eight o'clock),
and receiving' no answer to her knocking, she entered, when
she discovered lairdlying with his head forward on the bed,
Witt under him, and the other outside, his
He was quite cold; and a
We was pronounced to have been some
footone leg partially rtitaolulyching
the
was about My yPirx of age.
tsiurmgeet el thct, being
pwaed for,
Loss or LIFE Ents.—Late last night, Mr.
sents
Wm. Payne, the Coroner, hsld an inquest at Guy's Hospital.
on the body of Eliza Evans, aged, sib years, the daughter of
a labouring man living at 21, Brunsnelp.-conrt, Bermondsey.
On Saturday morning, about seven o'slockr tkeeeased was
about lighting the fire, when her pinafore suddenly ignited
from the candle which was standing by, 411(I burned so ra-
pidly that in a few moments she was enveloped in dames.
Deceased was removed to the hospital, and expired the same
evening from the effects of tba in cries. Yerdiet—"Acci. •
eath.”

ACCIDENT TO Mr. ORMSBY GORE, M.P.—An acci-
dent of an alarming nature occurred at Boreharn House, the
seat of Sir John Tyrrell, Bart., on Tuesday night. Mr.
Ormsby Gore, who, with his lady, was on a visit at the
mansion of the Hon. Baronet, on leaving his dressing-room,
overlooking several steps to the staircase, and losing his ba-
lance, was precipitated over the balusters. Mr. Gore, in his
alarming descent, grasped the hand-rail of the next flight,
but it gave way, and lie fell with considerable violence upon
the stairs below, severely, though we are happy to say not
seriously, injuring his side and one of his feet. Mr. Gore's
watch, which was in his hand at the time, was dashed to
pieces.--Essex paper.

... - . -,
in/
THE POTATO CRORA-0- ' IRELAND.
We regret much to learn, from accounts on which we Dissime, SEPT. f.: s.—The weather, which was very
can rely, that the disease in the potato, first noticed in iinfavoarable for harvest operations during the latter
Belgium and France, has been traced too clearly to ex- end of last and beginning of this week, is now exceed-
tend to this country. Many fields in Ayrshire and ingly fine, and in consequence reaping has become very
Dumfries shire are infected—so much so that the loss in general even in the late districts of the west and north•
Dumfries-shire alone it is calculated may amount to west. The advance in corn will not, it is expected, be
50,0001. The presence of the disease in fields and ridges sustained at to-morrow's market. The .Newry Telegraah
is first discovered by the decay of the haulms and leaves of this morning says—" We are much gratified to ob-
of the plant, and is exhibited at an advanced period of serve that the alarm respecting the potato failure is ba-
the season, when the tubers are ripe, and when the leaves ginning to subside, and that hopes are entertained that
have encountered a severe frost. As there has been no the injury will not be so serious as was at one time
such frost yet, it is found on examining the roots that feared. A considerable rise in price is, however, ex-
am potatoes, when cut through, are filled with black . petted to be inevitable. It is stated that orders, to the
spots and holes, and the roots turn out rotten and unfit extent of five or six thousand tons, have been received
for boiling. We understand that Professor Johnston in this country from those places on the Continent where
has been in Ayrshire, endeavouring to trace the course the disease has been most prevalent to be shipped so
I
and extent of this distressing occurrence, and of course soon a. the crop is ready for lifting."
his report will be anxiously looked for.—Scoasesen. LIMERICK. WEDNESDAY MORNING.—The Liberator,
We mentioned in our last that the highest price oh- accompanied by his daughter. Mrs. French, his chaplain,
tamed for this crop in the field was 191 per acre. Oa the Rev. Mr. Rooney, Mr. O'Nei'l Daunt, and a large
Friday, however, several extensive bargains were made party, left Derrynane on Sunday morning for Hillgrove,
so high as 251. The cause of this rise was two-fold— the seat of John Primrose, Esq , Mr. O'Connell's agent,
the failure of the crop in Belgium and the countries bor- from whence he proceeded on Monday to Killarney- in
dering on the Baltic, and the prevalent disease among I his travelling carriage.
1
the same root in England. We understand that Along the road he was received with every demon-
orders to the extent of 5,000 to 6,000 tons for stration of attachment and respect. At Killorglin a
shipment abroad have been received here, so soon as large number of the inhabitants were prepared to greet
the crop is ready for lifting ; and several agents from him on his way through, which they did with great en-
London are at present going the round of the farmers, thusiasm. On his arrival in Killarney, the lion. and
purchasing up their potato crops at very high Learned Gentleman was waited on by several of the
figures. The disease is described by those who have principal inhabitants, amongst whom were I), Shine
examindd the crop in Yorkshire to be a sort of spongy Lawler and Myles Mahony, Esqrs., Secretaries to the
growth, or excrescence, on the first joint cf the stem lLnquet Committee. In the evening several of the
above the ground. of a yellow colour exteriorly, and houses in the town were illuminated in honour of his
whitish within. Where the plant is thus affected, the arrival, and bands paraded the streets till a late hour.
stalk is in an entire state of decay, and the potatoes "Pie Very Rev. Father Mather arrived here at nine 1
nearest the surface are invariably Sound in a rot en or o'clock in the Tralee mail, on his way from Cork to
blemished state. Hitherto, however, it has been con- Dingle, and had an interview with the Liberator. Mr.
tined to those nearest the surface, and hopes are thus O'Connell left Killarney at nine o'clock, A.M., on Tues-
entertained that even where the disease prevails, only a day, and shortly after arrived at Castleisland, where the
part of the crop will be lost. We believe a disease of houses were decorated with laurel and other evergreens,
this character was previously unknown in this root, and and the streets crowded with enthusiastic peasantry.
it has been stated to be most prevalent where it follows We arrived at Limerick so late as nine o'clock, and
wheat which had been matured with guano. What yet the streets were quite full of people, eager to mani-
there may be in this we know not, but we should ra- fest their love for the Liberator. The bands played up
ther apprehend that the very wet summer, with a greater and down before the hotel, and the people remained
degree of cold than almost ever experienced in cheering at intervals to an advanced hour, when they
July and beginning of August, acting upon a root im- retired in the utmost quietness and order.
poverished by too frequent replantings on the same soil, At ten o'clock this morning (Wednesday) the Libe-
is more likely to have generated it.—Perth Coup is r. rater leaves for Cashel, whither he will be accompanied
Speaking of the distemper, the Dumfries Courier ob- and attended by great numbers from this city, who have
serves—" We imagine, at least, a sovereign remedy, arranged to attend the meeting to-morrow and the
which we would recommend to all, but for the trouble dinner, by which the day's proceedings will be con-
of its immediate execution. In raising stems to all ap- eluded.
pearance withered by the agency of frost, one or two
tubers nearest the surface are found more or less
mildewed ' • now, supposing those removed, so as to
prevent farther contagion, and the slums
.pulled at
the same time, the remaining roots, in ripening in the
ground, might be unearthed hereafter perfectly sound,
however inferior in point of size. This notion
we communicated on Wednesday last to a number
of farmers, all of whom admitted the feasibility of the
process, but at the same time demurred to the enormous
trouble incurred, not to speak of expense, wherever the
scale of operations is large. Indeed, most said that as
white is of more importance than green crop, setting
aside the turnips, which are progressing so beautifully,
they deemed it better to encounter further risk, than
withdraw labourers from the harvest field. Upon the
whole, we do not consider the blight by any means so
overpowering as at one time imagined, although, truth
to say, bad and bad enough. Many fields are entirely
free, and though many anticipate difficulty in obtaining
proper seed, it will be found, when spring time again
arrives "

RAILROAD GARDENS.

(From the Railway Chronicle.)
A correspondent of the Gardeners' Chronicle makes a
useful suggestion, to which we think it right to call the
attention of directors, and especially those who have
conquered the difficulties which attend the first start of
a railroad. Every railway which has reached the stage
of comparative routine management, which has attained
the utile, will act wisely in thinking about the duke.
" The sides of both the cuttings and embankments
might be turned to excellent purpose, instead of being a
nuisance to the neighbouring lands by fostering weeds
and maturing their seeds. That they might be culti-
vated profitably is evident from the luxuriant growth of
the weeds in most parts, and of the cultivated plants
on those small portions, generally near the stations,
where cultivation has been attempted. At present,
however, the attention of the directors of railroads
is engrossed by more exciting subjects ; but a time
will no doubt arrive when they will be glad to
turn every part of their property to the most pro-
fitable use. In the meantime, all parts of the cuttings
and embankments, even those which aro too steep for
profitable culture, might be rendered beautiful and highly
interesting during the greater part of the year, by very
little trouble and expense. First, let the weeds be de-
stroyed (and that ought to be imperative on all rail-
roads, for without it they are a nuisance to their neigh-
' hours), and then let the seeds of the various ornamental
plants, generally grown in gardens, especially of half-
hardy exotics, both annuals and perennials, be scattered
on the sides of the banks and cuttings, for which pur-
pose the ensuing month is, perhaps, the best in the year.
There are, probably, no places within this kingdom so
well adapted to the acclimatising of half-hardy, and
even many tender exotics, as the chalk cuttings and
embankments on many of our southern railways ; for
instance, on the Brighton Railway, through the greater
part of its course. And what an alteration this would
effect, at a mere trifling expense in labour and for seeds!
I doubt not that there are many Railroad Directors
amongst your readers, and that a word from you would
have great weight with them ; and I really think it a
subject well worth both your attention and theirs.
I believe the money which they would ex-
pend would be even profitably laid out. There aro
thousands of persons who, at this season of the year
especially, take trips on railroads for mere pleasure, and
to whom one railroad is much the same as another; but
suppose, Sir, there was some one railroad in particular,
the banks of which were beautified in tho way I have
suggested, is it not probable that road would be pre-
ferred by a very great majority of those pleasure travel-
krs? Why, the disposition which such an act on the
part of the directors would eying() to conciliate and
please the public would of itself be sufficient to make
that road popular. At present, it is lamentable to look
On those banks which might be so easily oovored with
beauty, but which, from entire neglect, are both a nui-
sance and an eye-sore,"
We have no doubt that not only beauty, but even pro-
fit, would ensue from cultivation of the roads. The
northern banks, warmed by the southern sun, especially,
are ready-made terraces, suitable for the vine, which used
to be cultivated in England with profit. The Grand
Junction and Brighton seem, for different reasons, both
to be in a favourable position to decorate the banks of
their lines with ornamental gardening. Probably gar-
deners would be found to rent the banks on condition of
carrying the produce along the line at easy terms.

STURBITCH FAIR.—The once " great day " came
off on Thursday last. Of horses the show was somewhat
small and generally inferior, with the exception of cart colts,
several of which fetched the high price of upwards Old Kent Hops realised from 01. to 6/. 10s., and Sussex from
GI. 10s. to 71. Of cheese there was a very small supply, in
consequence of the inclosure of Cottenham, which has to a
very great extent done away with that place as one of the
largest dairies in the Kingdom; the prices ranged from ss.
6d. to 7s. per stone, which was rather higher than last year.
The supply of onions was very large, and fetched 2s. 601. per
bushel, which was also rather higher than last year. The
wood fair was very thinly attended, neither was there a very
large supply of brooms, wooden ware, or leather, The
" Fur Shop,' which for so many years made the fair look
somewhat comfortable, has at length vanished. Of the plea-
sure fair little need be said; it was very thinly attended, and
must have been unprofitable to all coneerned.—Canthridge
Chronicle.
DUCAL OPPOSITION TO RATLWATS.—We observe,
from a neighbouring print, that the Duke of Cleveland con-
tinues his opposition to the railway surveyors, in reference to
his estates in the neighbourhood of Barnardcastle ; the aer-
vices of the police being put in requisition to prevent the
engineers passing across his Grace's property, and instructions
having been given to his tenants to afford neither shelter nor
accommodation to the persons employed in ascertaining the
traffic of their neighbourhood, In their houses, or even their
barns. Mr. Merritt, of Rokeby, is represented to be united
with the Noble Duke in this praiseworthy attempt to repress
public enterprise. Apropos of the pollee. Is the intention to
augment the rural police, elsewhere advertised, in any way
associated with the employment of the force for the protection
of the Duke of Cleveland's estates? The attempt, we are
persuaded, would be found unpopular enough, with-
out this individual distinction. We rather think
the rate-payers will be of opinion that their money ought not to be 'applied for such a purpose ; but that his
Grace ought to be left to his remedy at civil law, if lie seek
to punish the corps of engineers for the invasion of his terri-
tories.—Durham Chrankle.
The Americans threaten soon to compete with the
English iron trade, A Liverpool merchant who went through
the American ironworks, in August last, writes as :follows :
" Mr. Wenslow, of Troy Ironworks, says that the owners
of the Danville furnaces have contracted with the owliers of
the mills and forges to supply them with their pigs at 11
dollars per ton, or about 21. ss. of our money, and they have
contracted for a supply of coals, which are got close to the
works, for 114 dollar, or ss. per ton, and he says he has no
doubt but that in a short time they will be able to make
their pigs for 8 dollars per ton. You may judge for your-
selves, therefore, what chance We have of long competing
with these people. Charcoal blooms are now at 50 dollars,
or about 10/. per ton sterling," And he adds, in regard to
wages--" The average wages of the workmen is about 3s. Bd.
sterling per day, paid in truck at the employer's store, in
provisions, clothing, &c., for which they pay 2.5 per cent., and
in some cases higher, then that they would buy them from
the regular stores,".. Worcester Herold.
DREADFUL ACCIDENT AT KINGSTOWN.--On Fri-
day last some gentlemen, whose names at present we forbear
publishing, went out in a boat between Bullock and Kings-
town, for the purpose of shooting.. It appears that they
agreed to shoot at gulls with rifle guns and balls, and they
commenced
firing In the direction of the Victoria A.
baths.
great number of ladies and children were bathing at the place
at the time, and a ball from one of the rifles whistled amongst
them. Several ladies heard the whiz of the bullet, but for-
tunately all escaped save a boy about seven years of age,
whose name is Dooley, and who was bathing with his mother.
The lady had a most miraculous escape. She was dressing
her boy in the box when the ball entered, and struck the lad
in the back of the head. He fell insensible, and it is stated
that his skull is fractured. lies at present in a very dan-
gerous state. The greatest consternation prevailed amongst
the bathers, and a policeman was called, who took the names
of the persons alluded to, after a good deal of trouble and
abuse, given him by these gtntlemen. It is understood that
an investigation will take place in reference to this very un-
fortunate affair.....Pub/in Evening Past.
SCOTPii POOR-LAW.—A number of the parishes
in this district have already met, and put the New Peer-law.
Act in operation by elecing inspectors of the poor. Generally
speaking, they have selected the parochial schoolmasters
that important office, and the duty could not, we are sure, be
devoted on more fitting individuals. In
parishes cannot be tea cautious. Those en r ed
sutcluisatppomn.iittnhietnhtse
many duties of thftenignsepietchteerrslhigitt
or pleasant.
wiiiiwe suspect,l find them
very far fromour more
populous parishes the inspectors will have their time fully
engrossed by the business of receiving claims, visiting pau-
pers, making inquiries, giving relief, preparing returns, age,
&c., and the proper way to do is to grant them corresponding
salaries. Let them be well paid, and let them perform their
offices well. So far a% we have heard, the assessments are
being imposed according to the first mode prescribed lA, the
Act—onoshalf upon the owners, the other upon the. Wen iers.
This is found by experience to be the easiest and also')
the
tOO Much, and
fairest, and supersedes all uncertain guesses at what -
income may be, and the setting down one at at a man's
against time came off
another at too little.—Fifeshire Joania/.
ASta.tsArtivialyii,aniat
Ipt%
PEDESTRIAN PEA'r--.A. rite aLta Binrbacirntt rbeeei t
ionna
ve o'clock Mn. William
folk pedestrimana,&sh4olultdhert over a "
Pets Little Snowy, a 3 he ja five sovereigns that his
COgnomened, the celebrated Nor-
lad did
Coggleshall 111.+e of ground, on the
116 Vurii well, and had twenty seconds to spare,
to the astonishment of tl
much short spaee of five minutes. The
the delight of his haeltevr-Cheliaalefoimuerraaousicsie.peetators and