The Ashburton Guardian.

V'ol xxi, no, 4925

Ashbdkton : Tuesday, September 26, 1899,

price : One Penny

A School Essay.

[By "The Bookworm."] It may perhaps amuse some of us elder folk to watch an unfortunate School boy or girl sit down to do an essay " for to-morrow.". We look back with a smile on our young days, when such instruments of torture were rare, and only existed m a few of the schools where "the three R's" were taught. Learning now is so much easier. There is a " royal road" for those who have the aptness to take it and it lies m the " silent land of books." In books, if one knows faovr to use them, all difficulties vanish. Let us suppose for a moment that we are happy school boys once again, and that the subject set " for to-morrow" is the little word " crab." Let as see what sort of " a school essay " we can make out of it, zoological or botanical, grave or gay, academic or anecdotal; and on the time-honored plan of the school boy—and of many a lively writer who is no longer a school boy—let us start with a well-pointed anecdote. Baron Cuvier, then, was once appealed to by his students on this same subject. They submitted tha^their definition of a crab was correct It ran thus—" A crab is a fish; it is red, and walks backwards." " Yes, gentlemen," said the Baron, " with certain exceptions, you are quite correct. Those exceptions are, that a crab is not a fish, it is not red, and it does not walk backwards." To settle this little difference between the Baron and his students, let us refer to one book, the most perfect book of reference that any reader can have m his !ibrary,"Webster's International Dictionary." First of all, by the way, who was this Cuvier? The Dictionary will tell us that too. Turn up the biographical section at the end of it and we find that "Baron Georges Chretien Leopold Frederic Dagobsrt Cuvier was a French naturalist, born m 1769 and died 1832." He seems to have names enough, anyhow, and there they are m full. He was a noted scientist, and bis opinion on the crab, although not so full of information as one could wish, is correct. But Cuvier's answer, though it is what a school boy might call " very crabby," only shows what a crab is not; our Dictionary will tell us exactly what it is —which is much more to the purpose. First, as to the word itself, apart from the thing it denotes. Turning up the word " Crab " at page 337, we find first of all that it is a noun and that m old Anglo-Saxon it used to be " crabba," a word akin to similar words m the Dutch, German, Icelandic, Swedish and Danish languages. A note directs us to compare it with the word " crawfish," where we find an illustration and a definition helping us to see clearly the difference between the two species. We need not follow this second word further, except, perhaps, to note specially that the word was more cor rect m its earlier form of "Crayfish," which was the English peasant's corruption of the Norman-French word ecrevisse (a-cray fets); so that the English second syllable "fish" arose from a confusion with the English word "fish" with which "acray fish " has nothing whatever to do, but which our Dictionary defines on another page (503) as " loosely applied m popular usage to many animals of diverse characteristics living m the water." Going back to the word " Crab," we find that of the five definitions of the word the zoological one comes, of course, first, as follows:—" One of the brachyuran Crustacea. They are mostly marine, and usually have a broad, short body, covered with a strong shell or carapace. The abdomen is small and curled up beneath the body." ' A special note is appended as follows:— " The name (crab) is applied to all Brachywa, and to certain Anomura, as the hermit crabs. Formerly, it was sometimes applied to Crustacea m general. Many species areedible, the blue crab of the Atlantic coast being one of the most esteemed. The large European edible crab is Cancer pagurus. Soft-shelled crabs are blue crabs that have recently cast their shells," The Dictionary gives a picture, m the margin, of the blue-crab (Callinectes hastatm) as a sample of all other species and then directs us to "see Cancer ■, also Box crab, Fiddler crab, Hermit cr&b, etc." Now m the above extracts we have italicised one or two words for further reference; and first of all let us get the definition of Crustacea, as that seems to be a general term including the whole family of crabs. It is given thus: " Crustacea, neuter plural of the New Latin word crustaceus, pertaining to the crust or shell, from Latin 'crusta,' the hard surface of a body, rind or shell. In zoology, referring to one of the classes of arthropods, including lobsters and crabs —so called from the crustlike shell with which they are covered." An illus tration is again given of one of the Crustacea, and further definite information which m this essay we can omit, as there is much yet ] to be looked up. The word arthropod occurred j just now, and we will see first what that is. We find it to mean " one of the Arthropoda," a word that follows it next m the Dictionary, and which is shown to be a scientific Latin name, derived from two Greek words which signify "jointed legs." It is applied to all creatures that have "jointed legs" among the greater division of the creatures called Articnlata, and as the Dic tionary again tells us, " it includes Insects, Arachnida (spiders), Pycnogonida (a class of marine arthropods which are illustrated under that name), and Crustacea." So that we find that crabs and spiders are closely related, m fact at one time they were placed much closer m zoology than they are now. Now, outside the mere commonplace work | of an ordinary dictionary which just indi cates the true spelling of a word and then attempts m vain to satisfy us with a two line bald statement of what the word "generally " means, here we get a full descrip tion of a Crab, as complete, accurate, and scientific as any special book of marine lore could give us; with all its family relations and connections and pedigree traced as exactly as any encyclopaedia could do the work and as clearly as any ordinary reader or student could desire. „, If, however, we desire to investigate the *Crab still further, with all that belongs to him, the Dictionary still enables us to do so. We may return to the word " Brachyura," italicised above for reference, and may fjnd its definition given as follows:—-The word is compounded from two Greek words meaning

••short tall," and is zoologically applied te " a group of decapod (having ten feet or legs) Crustacea, including the common crab, characterized by a small and short abdomen, which is bent up beneath the large cephalo thorax. (Also spelt Brachyoura), see Crab and illustration in appendix." Pursuing the matter further, the Ccphalo tborax is defined on another page as " the anterior portion of any one of the Arachnida and higher Crustacea, consisting of the united head and thorax." For those who want still further definition the word thorax will be found also fully described in its alphabetical place in our Dictionary's learned columns. There is not space here to branch off, as the Dictionary does, to the dozen or more other meanings of the word Crab in addition to its original zoological meaning; or we might learn all about a Crab-apple, a wooden cudgel, all sorts of machinery and instruments, even a con stellation in Astronomy, and other un expected objects, all of which gb by this little word of four letters for their name. A reference has been made in a former paragraph to the "Illustration in Appendix," and in this wonderful collection of many thousands of little pictures at the end of the book there is a wealth of classified in formation that the casual reader little dreams • of. Under the heading "Crustacea" he will find figured about seventy species of crus taceans, all with their proper names attached, and the number of the page in the Dictionary where they are described given for full reference under each. And thus by turning up each of these the scientific student or the wanderer by the sea-shore, the holiday-maker or the ordinary reader, the curiosity collector or the school boy essayist, every body, in fact, who "wants to know* can find out for himself in a couple of minutes everything that he can reasonably want about any variety of Crab, land or sea, common or rare, that he is ever likely to read about or to come across. Indeed an essay of ten times this length on this subject (or any other) could be col lated from the pages of this wonderful " International Dictionary," which in the hands of a studious enquirer is worth itl Weight in gold,



Nicoll Bror, ISLINGTON FERTILISERS J GARDEN USE MAY bn ibpuud in Cwt. and half Cwt B*ge frcm KICGLL BROS., District Agmf»_ ~ISKW~S EAh ON'__ sllbs. "^ RAPE, Cioverp, Ryegra.B, Crcksfoot, C«wp,rsss, etc, at kwe.t market prices. NICCLL BROS., _^_ Fast Street FREEZERS. FREEZERS.' T7IARMERS wishing to consign Sheep on their own account can book space at any time to suit their own convenience, by com' mnnioating with üb. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGENTS, CHRISTCHURCH MEAT COMPANY. Limited. 8 Tl/'E ARE CASH BUYERS OF FAT SHEEP AND LAMBS AT HIGHEST MARKEF RATES. NICOLL BROS., East Street, Af.hburton. THE CHRISI CHURCH MEAT CO Limited. ISLINGTON MANURES Especially prepared for Wheat, Turnips, Rape, and any ot her crop, and to suit any description of soil. , GREATLY INCREASED PRODUCTION ! WHEREVEK ÜBl.li. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERY WHERE Nicoll Bros, .tore five varieties of this celebrated fertiliser. Price on application. Allowance made for quantities. Letters will receive prompt; attention. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGENTS $m.". mmMmmmammmmmmmammmmmammmmmmcmmmmmmQ Om JL-J* -fciJ.(jl(jll^j ART DECORATOR k SIGNWRITBR, \\7 ISHES to intimate to the Ladies o Ashburton that he has made a Speoial t Stady of COLOUR during the last Seventeen Years, and is therefore prepared to give tha GREATEST SATISFACIION IN BOUS-i- DECORATING. Tesms Modeuatr. WOBKMASSI.I-» StOOH TO _\O»K. App'y early to avoid the rush' for SPRING CLEAFINfI J, L. TiIGGS, TANCRED STREET.



BARRETT BROS, htve jusfc opened up their first thipment et New Spring Goods, and respectfully invite inspection- We have confidence m showing these Uoodi, as they are m » nice variety, and honett value.—Babbett Baos., l>r»p«rt, Clothiert, SMI Sim ■» fc-3 "•



An Ctlitor finds w »nr« fare for Itlivuiiiattmii A R De Fluent, editor of the Journal Doylestowu, Ohio, suffered for a number of years from rheumatism m his ri'ghr shoulder and side. He saye : "My right arm at timea was entirely useless, I tried Chamber-, lain's Pain Balm, and was surprised to receive relief almost immediately. The Pain B&lm has been a constant companion of mine ever since and it; never fails. For sale by Ashburton Drug Company, i



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HARDLEY \BROS. TTAVE just opened fup their newlj imported Stock of Fishing Tackle. FLIES, [MINNOWS, TRACES, LINKS, GAFF HOOK^, BODS, IN 3REAT VARIETY. A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF Garden Tools AT PRICES THAT DEFY COMPETITION Plumbers, Tinsmiths, & Gasfitmrs. Hob and cold water laid on at the shortest notice. A LARGE STOCK OF TANK?, BATHS, SINKS, PUMPS, Itc ? TO SELECT FROM. ESTIMATES GIVEN WITH PLEASURE HARDLEY Bros. NATIONAL MORTGAGE AND AGENCY COMPANY OF NEW ZB\LAND. (Limited.) OAPiTAL ,£1,000,000 £200,000 PATD UP. London Office . 8, Great Winchester Street NOTICE m FARMERS T¥TE are making ADVA NO HIS on GRAIN, etc., for Shipment; on growers account, fend,having a thoroughly efficient Staff ie London, can ensure clients interests at that end having the best possible attention, while selling and ship* ping charges are kept at the lowest possible scale. We are also m a position to secure freight to London at the very lowest current rate by Direct Steamer. Grain received at oar Warehouses, Addington, and advanced upon if required ; also Grass Seed and Clovers, oar machinery for cleaning the latter being of the latest and bast American patterns. FBOZESN MEAT, we handle m large quantities m both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, employing a special Salesman ia London, who has been la oar service for some 15 years, and gives special attention to the disposal of consign ments without the intervention of outside Brokers. WOOL CONSIGNMENTS, either foi local sale or shipment, will always have our usual care, which has earned its own reputation from our position m the liotoi Wool Exporters for New Zealand, while our local salesmen are Messrs Pyne and Co., whose care and attention to the Wool Business is fully recognised bj Canterbury Producers. ADVANCES. —We are prepared tc make these on Produce placed m out hands for Sale, or pending ultimate ship ment at Fivs pee cent Intbkest Free Of Advance Commission. G. F. MARTIN, MANAGER. m connection with the above we teg tc intimate that Mr Edward Saukdb&3 has been- appointed to act as our Sub-Agent m the Aehburton County, and will afford all information as to charges, etc., on prodace placed m the Company's hands for Sale oi Shipment, also for the sale of Woolpacks, Corn Sacks, Seeds, etc, all of which we import, or supply. 9 69 A OABD MRS An riLARIDGE jEL* \J» I^LARIDGE TEACHER OF PIANOtfORTE, ORGAN, and SINGING COX STREET, ASHBURTON. Terms on Application. ___ MISS CARSON. rnEACHER of Pianoforte and Organ, JL For terms, Bto., apply at Residence Corner of Wills and William Streets near Wak»om Bead Bust, 19^



AT THE LAST MOMENT TIT E have received instructions from head-quarters to £ell the] WHOLE OF OUR STOCK la ASHBURTON , « soon M poisible, oMuqpent'j, the GOODS MUST GO. Nowps your:time;- thbichanoe may netbrsoccur::again| TO SECURE SUCH CHEAP DRAPERY. ALL COME to the GREAT SALE OFJ SMITH'S ASSIGNED STOCK, R S- MALOOLM- Vendor EAST STREET H. M. JONES. TDMiIUJOXION &A.X4JBS Prior to STOCKTAKING, to Sbptembeb 30. XV CHINA, GLASSWARE, & VASES Specially Reduced to Clear. SEWING MACHINES. Having been appointed Agent for the famous ANCHOR SEWING MACHINES, one the most up-to-date, well finished, easy running, reliable^ and handsome machines m th< market. lam prepared to supply these Machines at very low prices for cash. Terms oas be arranged. Inspection invited. AGENTS FOR MILNER AND THOMPSON 8 -PIANOS- By Brinsmead and Sons, Hopkinson, Goss and T*>T A XT.r\C! Kallma», Wagner, Collard and Collard, Broad- X-LiLiN Uu"~ wood, Haake, Spaethe, Channell and Son, Lipp — PIANOS — and Sohn. -ORGANS- By Bell and Co, Smith, and the :Needham Company, /"\T> _T1 A TVT d_ Willcox and White, Mason and Hamlin, the Chicago Com- O~~" P»ny» Palace Organ Company, and other makers. -OKGAINS- FRwa&iJSS 1O» «o &50. ORGANS From ... M .• M .. .- 1©» per month PIAINOH „ ... .., ... - ... .- SOg  „ LALL INSTRUMENTS GUARANTEED. — Base Cash Valxtb OBTAWABtB. Latest Books by every Mail, ab Published Prioes for Cash. Magaeines and Periodicals, at LOWEST CASH PRIOES m all Departments. Equal to Ohnntoharoh and Dane, din Bouses, Do your Business here and keep the Trade m the District INSPECTION INVITED. h. m.Tones. WHEAT. WHEAT. WE ARE PEOMPT CASH BUYERS OF PRIME MILLING WHEAT. AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES WE are also Prepared to STORE GRAIN on Fam,6U Account m oar New GRAIN SHEDS, West Street, Aehburton, on very favorable Terms. FULL-SIZEDo CORNSAOKS AND TWINE BUPPLIFDKAT LOWES3 CURRENT RATES. ROLLITf~& Co., CANTEKBUEY FLOUB MILLS. OFFICES AND STORES—WEST STREET, ASHBURTON PIANOFORTE SINGING, ORGAN, AND R . J; HUGHES, Certißoate* THEORY OF MUSIC. IVX Ladies' Nurse, takes m accouche- ~T"., . „ __ _ v ment cases at her residence, Triangle* RS TJOWMAN T7IOX Ashburton. Every care and attention JJ JL given. 8 Member of the Canterbury Society of C^rr^rr^r-^: -rr ————-—■ Professional Musicians, TT7ANTED Known—That we are show — — —• T ? ing » grand line of Fancy Flanellettei ffhe reliable Family Remedy Woods' Great for Children's Frocks, Blouses, and Dressing Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Golds— Gowns at 3d per yard under usual prioes.— 1.6 and2i6d Miiohbll & QCubher.



J. SEALY AND CO. NEW SEEDS! NEW SEEDS! NEW SEEDS! FOR THE FARM-— Including Clorera, Byegrass. Cocksfoot, Turnips, Bape and Peas. KEW SEEDS FOR THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Id any Quantity Required, or m3d ackots NEW FLOWER SEEDS IN Id PACKETS OB $& PER DOZEN PACKETS ASSORTED. NEW GARDEN REQUISITES IN ENDLESS VARIETY. WHEELBAND'S BLIGHT SPECIFIC.—One dressing nccarding fco direotio t will thoroughly eradicate Scale Blight from fruit trees. TKEE LLJCERN-E. EMr d J. SEALY AND CO. 8 52 TO MY CLIENTS. TAMP R|E PARED TO DISPOSE OF ANY SHEEP AND LAMB SKINS SENT TO FAIRFIELB FREEZING WORKS, TO BEST POSSIBLE ADVANTAGE, lc would be well to give me particulars prior to sheep being forwarded. DAVID THOMAS, ASHBURTON 1 230 MBMMBl,A^..^Bmwp»«llMm»«»i»«ig^^^ lIMI MBII M|||Hl ll ■ I 111 l—imHllllll lIIUJI' Tl» lIIMTP—» "God made the _ "God made the Country, Man made yp£ (H J[|£ OOUNTRY Country, Man made chb Town."—Co-vper the Town."-—Cowper' IS Pleasanter, as well as Healthier, than Life m Town—but it comes more expensive, chit fly— ! THE REASON > Because—Prices are co much Higher m the C THE REASON WHY? ) Country than they ake m the Town. ( WHY? This is just why so many Ladiea shop with us, for by doing so they nob only find MUCH / OUR PRICES ARE INFINITELY CHEAPER THAN \ MUCH CHEAPER !\_ THOSE RULING IN THE COUNTRY, j CHEAPER Bufc, also, that they get better quality and a much wider choice. LOTS of Ladies resident m the Country visit Town but seldom, yet shop regularly with us— ( Shopping by Post ( ) Shopping by Post Josts Nothing but 1 X V P()sT I V Costs Nothing but A2d STAMP. ( -^ -*" -*- WkJJ- . J Agd g TAMp> All that Ladies residing m places distanb from Christchurcb, and who do not wanb to incur the bother and expense of a trip to town, need do ia to write down require" meats as fully and plainly as possible, enclose stamps, postal cotes, or P. 0.0., and forward at onoe bo us. S3SK I CBMMISSIOHS RECEIVED BY POST I Bt^S Are as faithfully and zealously attended to as if the customer came m person bo our establishment aad did he; buying at the counter; OUR SPECIAL r-> —» SHIPMENTS *—«-*» f JUST \ I 3mT 1 ! =} SPBIRC & SUMMER GOODS j =J Including the Very Latest Novelties m MILLINERY, DRESS GOODS, I , MANTLES, GLOVES, COSTUMES, HOSIERY, ! DRESSES, SUNSHADES, j MEN'S AND BO*S' CLOTHING, SERGES. WORSTEDS, Etc, (for made-to-order Suits and Single Qftmaents) have just been opened up, and we can assure you that Latest Novelties Rnanioft > tilvonilua Latest Novelties Newest Stales OfJOUlallf ** lllttOllVtJ Newest Siyles Are this Season's Consignment or New, Beautiful, and Useful Things, specially Shipped to us by our London House, (139 141 Wosl Exchange, E.G.) I foT^fe. I OUR ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE J Z rt&* 03? SSPJEOINC* AND HXJ3JLM.ER, GOODS, Is now io, course of preparation, and will be ready oa or about SEPTEMBER 21. Write for one. It will be sent post free, on application, to any address m the|GolonyJ IN THE MEANTIME— Oub Goods are / LADIES 1 °DB GoODS ABB Chbapeu, Fresher, Cheaper, Fresher, AND MORE FTYLISII QTTfUTfn WRTTW T<T>T? i AND MORE StYLISH ! than those Omain- 1 SHOULD WRITE FOR V THAN thoseObtA i N . | ABLE IN THE OoUN- r, AT T m MO I ABLE IN THE C°UN" ni. I PATTERNSI »*. W. STEANGE & CO,, MERCHANTS, MANOFAOTURERS, & FAMILY DRAPERS, CHRISTCHUItCH. S 66



Shipping, SHAW, SAYILL AHD ALBION COMPANY, LtMtrJSD. FOR LONDON. jjfcjL "OOYAL MAIL STEA #§*JHlfskb. -Oj MKRS, with superior _a§^ll§§^iiK aoeommodatlonforall classes ;Bfev~3iGßg» of pagggngers, calling at Monte Video, ob Rio, Tenettffe and Ply month. Vessel [Ton (Commander From Date. GoUriiT'« 7730 Kidley ... Wel't'n July 20 lonia «.f474BjKempaoD Wel't'n Oct. 12 CARGO STEAMERS. •Delphic.«.|B27s Snowden LytTton June 29 *Aotea ..5364 Evans — August Pakeha „. 4331 Proster — August I Maori ...{5317 Moffatt | — Sept j —::— ' ' — I 'Carries Third-class Passengers. £. W. HANMSJR. Agenb, _«, f?-i H S <m?|fP(s V NEW zeai<and LINE ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS, FOR LONDON, Vl* Mont* Video, Teoerlffe * Plymouth. Beet Accommodation for all classes of Pasisngeri at Lowest Rates. Port of Steamers. Tans. Departure. Data. Rakaia 6688 — August 3 Paptnui 7000 — August 31 Ruahine 8127 — Sept. 28 Wakanai "000 — Ooti 25 Paparoa 7000 — Nov 23 CARGO STEAMERS. Nairnsh re I 8000 Lyttelton June 27 Tekoa ... I 4050 Wellington July Waikafco .„ J 4767 Lyttelton July Fer farther partloulars apply to FRIBDLANDER BROS., Ijtd. Agents, Aahbnrten. ~~WmcK will" you"take f A RTIFICIALLY Coloured and adul jOL terated Teas from China and Japan— OR BRITISH GROWN .... DIAMOND JUBILEE. j pAWATTEEOARPaih » | DiAriONDJUBILEEh c P virw IVy i °J ° "M'KENZIE'S" HONDAI LANKA. TEA. Agents : MESSRS SHEARMAN BROS., Ashburton, and GUDBELL, Tinwald. Mr Chaklks Hardy, Rakaia Messrs Hibbs Bros., Methven Mrs Mabt Johnson, Cnertsey Packed and sealed m Ceylon^ Prices : X, la lOd j XX. 2a ; XXX, & 2d j XXXX. 2s 6d. HENRY STEPHENSON, {ouooeasor ho Alfred Harrison.) Established 20 years. AUCTIONEER, LAND ESTATE AND COMMISSION AGENT AND VALUER WEEKLY SALES of Live Stock Produce, Furniture, etc., EVERY SATURDAY, at 12 o'clock. Clearing Sales of Stock, Household Furni ore, etc, as per arrangement, m any part the county. Adrancea made en Goods placed la my hands for Sale. Eegnlar Consignments of Colonial Grown and Island Fruit sold privately through the week, aad At Auction on SATURDAYS. Agent: Norwich Dillon Fire Insurance Company & Dresden Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agency Company. PIANOS and ORGANS oh time pay menlß from £SO# per month. HENRY STEPHENSGN, AUCTIONEER j ABHBURTON PERMANENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY, THE SOCIETY is now taking MONEY ON DEPOSIT Fixed t Twelve Months 4s"per cent, all^partioulars on application. EDWARD STEPHENS, Manager. Office: Tancred Street Bicycle Harvest, UNDELLS & SON, ENGINEERS." & BICYCLE MAKERS BCRKETT STREET, Next the Club. TO the Farmers and General Public '*! AshburtoDj—We beg to state that we have reaped a harvest m Bicycles, havir iuat landed a big consignment of first-class jiggers at £14 10b. We are the oldest bicycle firm m Aahburton and intend to uphold our reputation. Agents for White Flyers, Rudge-Whit-. orth, Waverleys, Cyclops, The Parrot, eto Repairs hy experts. Ail workj guaraa 66