The Statesman.
London, England, 1823-08-30 00:00:00

HARVEST AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

From the various accounts we have seen respecting the
weather and the harvest, we are inclined to think that snore
rain has fallen in Wilts than in either of the adjoining
counties; and that the harvest generally is more backward.
A great deal of Wheat has been housed in Berkshire dur-
ing the last fortnight; and in Devon and Somerset they
have reached the middle of their harvest; while in many
we have scarcely begun. The warm drizzling rains in the
latter part of last week, have caused the grain, here an I
there, to re•sprout ; but generally speaking, the crops are
yet sound ; and if the weather should prove fine for the
next fortnight, we slisll have an abundance in excellent
condition.—(Deei.vcs Gu.nite.)
The harvest in this neighhourhoml has hitherto proceed-
ed slowly, from the very tickle weather • but we were
yesterday gratified with the information dim experienced
horticulturist and practical farmer, that the little herb
called Shepherd's Purim was snore generally open than it
has been this year before ; and this little plant is well
known to be referred to as a sign of fine weather.—The
corn round Stamford is nearly all cut ; and the report of
the crops is favouralsla with respect to every thing but
beans.—(StanVbrel Mercurg.)
In different parts of Staulli, notices are stuck on the
church doors—that the farmers will not use the thrashing
machine so long as the distress of the agricultural la-
bourers and the poor may continue.

The East India Company's ship, Thames, is reported to
have arrived at Penang on the 31 April.
Etsr INDIA COMP tAV.r—lt appears from °facial Document;
that the East India Company have acquired by toe suceessful
termination of tue late Millman& war, a vast extent of valuab:e
country, and a net additional annual revenue of upwards of One
Million Thirty Thousand Pound; sterling This large increase
of revenue is derived from three different sources—
Rupees.
From the Ptialowa .10.00.000
From the linosltia State
And from lloikar

Making together an annual total of 81,47,200
Besides this, it is said, that the Company were I kewise en
rimed in various ways in the course of this war.
Hors.—Caxver, nv, Atiliusr IS.—The few days of fine
warm weather, have been productive of great benefit to the
hops. Those grounds which a short time since bore but a
mean appearance, now begin to brush up, and put ou a very
different aspect. In some, however, where the mould has
token too great hold, they will not be affected by any weather.
We know of a grower, who oalculates upon picking 600 cwt.
an acre ; but there are many not worth picking at all.
On Saturday night, about a quarter before twelve o'clock,
the house of Air. Cragg, fanner, of Normanton, near Dot-
tesford, in the county of Leicester, was attacked by five
men, who fired four tin s at the kitchen door ; one ball
actually passed ilitoitgli the ontward, and entered the in-
ward door, which fortunately missed Mr. Cragg's son, who
was passing at the time. On an alarm hieing given by the
family, the villains retreated. Four of the men are taken,
viz. an. hall us, Win. Stokes, (lately servant to Mr.
Cragg), Thomas Osborne, anti Benjamin Callam. These
four were fully commived to Leieester jail, for trial, by Dr.
Staunton, on Wednesday. The other man has yet escaped;
his name is Hickman. They all resided in the pariah of
Botteaford.
A few days since, t woman named Prior, residing near the
Water-side, in Ely, left her infant (about 2 months old) upon
the bed; and soon after hearing it scream violently, she ran
up to it, when she found that it had been attacked by a rat.
who had bitten the child on the forehead, in two or three places,
and like Wise one of its fingers.
LAUNCH OP THE LtNCASTER OF SIXTY Gums.---The
launch of the fine vessel above named, took place l ist Friday
evening about six o'clock. A little before six o'clock, Mrs.
limes (the lady of the present worthy Might Sheriff of
Devon), was introduced by Commissioner Shield to christen
the vessel, and almost immediately after the performance of
that ceremony, the Lancaster glided from her slip towards
the harbour, and in lcs than half a minute embraced her
native element in Hamoaze. She is a remarkably fine fri-
gate, mounts 60 guns, has a flash deck, a beautiful round
stern, and an animated bust at her head. She has been
built upon the same glan, anti has much the appearance of
the Portland. lately lannelied at this port. We sincerely
hope, and we have not the least doubt, that if ever " Jona
than" should be so foolish as again to go war with us, the
Lancaster will give his huge frigates the dressing they too
long wanted in the late war, in consequence of our not then
having any fit class of vessels to combat them. If ever she
shoal.) come alongside any of Jon ithan's crack frigates, let
her be but well manued with British seamen, and then
stand clear, Master Yankee, say we.—(Plyerauth Journal.)
As an instance of the active exertions which are now
making to enforce the law against the emigration of Arti-
sans, we have to state that an officer arrived in Bristol, a
few days ago, having travelled post haste from Dumbar-
tonshire, with a warrant for the apprehension of a man,
who had come here for the purpose of embarking for
America. In order to have his warrant backed, the officer
waited npon one of our local Magistrates, who, being
taken by surprise, demurred to the application, and was
immediately threatened with a mandamus. After some
deliberation, however, the %warrant was backed, and the
man secitred. To be compelled to return to Scotland,
under any circumstances, is not the only hardship in
this case, for the unfortunate artisan having engaged him
self to work in this city, at a rate of wages which satisfied
his expectations, had, at the time of his arrest, giving up
the idea of going to America.—(Bristol Mercury-4