SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

New Zealand.

i.j w Tockoy Club Spring.... November 21 ■Cambridge j t 00q jLrfng ....... November 30 fW? n J£ff:... ...NOT 30 and Dec. 1 Dunedin Jf^P" "£/, December 1 ? kffind 80. iCmor. .Dec. 20 and Jan.l & 2 We"S^TC Autumn.. .February 21, iS, and 23 Autumn taarch 6 and 7 &33S BWJ-ttAutumn March 17and 18 ntM of Nominations, Entries and Aooep *"•"" tances. GOnCral . En. triCNo?emb Per^ Cup and Stec.jicchase

To Correspondents.

~r.n ™ .—Wattie rode Tim Whiffler the year the Auckland Derby. Derrltt was on «™CqcRIBER.-GoMsborough was the first foal SffiSra by Sylvia. He was dropped in 1870. u,?m Cynthia was born; in 1872, she gave M to Robin Hood. At that time Sylvia belonged to Mr Petty. r .sminiTi.—Dewdrop carried 7st 21b when she L^"st Andrew's Handicap at the Tnka nuna Spring Meeting. She ran a dead heat ?m second place with Soukar the year Lome won tta Autumn Handicap. Her impost was fetlOlb. ■a v -The best authenticated time for two miles £'that of Ten Broeck, who ran the distance in Lini 27}scc. "Baily's Magazine" and other Pnclish authorities state that timing horse 2 i England is carried out in a very loose manner, and that therefore no dependence Sm be placed upon the records. In America tiicrc are three time-keepers, so that mistakes M e almost impossible.

Tor First Portion of Hippona's Sporting Notes see Fourth Page of " Star."

As might have boon expected, Martini- Henry's double victory in the Melbourne Derby and Cup caused great excitement in Sydney. One writer in reviewing the run ning for the Blue Riband states the colt displayed a pace and stamina such as has never before been shown by a three-year old at Flemington, and further states that if the son of Musket and Sylvia had had anything to bring him along the last ■quarter of a mile in the Derby, the time flf the race would even have been improved on. In reading over the comments of the various scribes before the Derby was run, it Is astonishing to note the universal way la which Martini • Henry was written down as both a non-stayer and weight - carrier, but that he has silenced his detractors may be gathered from the' following remarks taken from y Caspian's " notes : —" I must confess that beyond the winner being a remarkably well bred colt, I could not have him in preference toothers competingfor Blue Riband honours, whoßO performances were known. Martini- Henry was only known on the training track; and hero again is another proof of ■ the fallacy of touting. The colt had been doing excellent work, and still the early risers would not have him. Those who averred that the colt could not stay, and that Musket's stock were notorious non -1 stayers, will have to withdraw the assertion. If Musket cannot breed racehorses, then there is little value in successful lines of breeding. The colt has demonstrated very dearly that he can both carry woight and stay a distance, and merits the proud title of being the best colt of the season." In the early part of the present month, Messrs. W. C. Yuille and Co., of Melbourne, ■disposed of 15 yearlings from 'Mr De Mestre's Terrara stud. Buyers were well represented, and although they did not appear to be in a purchasing humour, the lot were disposed of. The highest price was realised for a brown filly by Robinson Crusoe from Sunshine, who was knocked down to Mr Brewer for 450 guineas ; while Mr C. B. Fisher gave 4?0 guineas for a brown colt by Robinson Crusoe from Cracker. Mr A. F. Smart secured a brown colt by Robinson Crusoe from Patch, who was knocked down to him at his first bid 500 guineas, and a brown colt by Robinson Crusoe from Maid Marian for 270 guineas. Among the other purchasers were Mr B. Lee, Mr J. Whittinghnm, Captain Haimes, •and Mr R. Howie.

From papers to hand this %eek, I learn that the rid.ng oi Huxley on Archie in the V.R. C.Derby, was of avery mysterious char acter, and if one of the most flagrant swindU 8 that were ever perpetrated on a racecourso was not brought otF, it is hard to reconcile Archie's performance aa being his true form. It is said the horso was fighting for his head for the first three-quarter of a milo, and when he did commence to travel he was so far behind that pursuit was hopeless. Upon returning to scale,Martini-Henry and his rider were loudly cheered ; but when Archie came back there .was doml silence for a moment.and then,as though ithadboen a preconcerted idea, the crowd burst out into a torrent of eronns and hisses. Arcliio'a running in the Cup goes against Huxley's statement that the horse could not go up. in the Derby.for although he had the greatest weight a three-year-old ever carried for a Cup, he led his field at a terrific pace for •a mile and a-half and a furlong, when after having run half the field to a standstill, he was compelled to retire himself. The whole of the Press is very severe on the decision arrived at by the Victoria Racing Club, who held the inquiry with closed doors.

The promoters of the "Spero" Sporting Club, Adam Easton and Henry Evans, who recently levanted, were well known on the Melbourne turf, but not favourably by any means. It appears they commenced their oareerthereabout eight years ago by running a wheel of fortune or spinning jenny on the Flemington Racecourse. They did not do much in this line, and in the Grand Flaneur year they were defaulters to a large amount. They got up a £2000 sweep on the Melbourne €up, out they managed by "financing" to avoid any settlement. Encouraged by the gullibility of the public they apparently determined to go in for another swindle, and their success demonstrates how easy it is for clever scoundrels to fleece that section of the public who support these sweeps. They are supposed to have cleared out with £3000. The " Locos " Sporting Club was managed by an ex-coachman named W. J. Mackay, who called himself Secretary, and so great was the business done by the "Club" that he employed several clerks. It is supposed lie must have carried away with him about £2000._ There was one feature in connection with the Melbourne Cup race which deserves notice (says a Sydney paper), and it is one that usually crops up on all similar occa sions. We refer to the superstitious faith placed by a large number of backers of horses in dreams. Even the shrewdest and most clear-headed men are not exempt from a sort of half belief in, half fear of, dreams. Perhaps the most remarkable dream in con nection with this year's Cup was that in which a resident of Sydney is said to have been forewarned in his sleep that the Hon. James White's flbrses would win the Mari byrnong Plate and the Derby, that Dirk Hatteraick would win the Cup, and that he (the dreamer) would be dead before the Derby was run for. The man's death is said to have occurred as predicted, and as everyone knows, the Hon. James White yon both Maribyrnong Plate and

Derby. This tragic dream was pub lished in a Sydney paper on the day before the Cup race, and the consequence was that scores of dupes backed Dirk Hat teraick to win the big event. In this way some hundreds, perhaps thousands, of pounds were lost by backers, and won by bookmakers or speculators, who wished to " lay off" about Dirk Hatteraick. Had these gullible backers reflected, they must have known, from the way the South Aus tralian colt was beaten in the Melbourne Stakes,that he could have little or no chance of winning the Melbourne Cup with the weight he had to carry—l2lb more, for instance, than First Demon, who had beaten him easily at equal weights. But it is probable the whole story was simply a hoax, got up by gome cunning individual who wished to Jay off his Dirk Hatteraick money. If so, it succeeded admirably.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Weights for the Dunedin Cup are due on Tuesday next.

Le Grand was pulling his jockey out of tho saddle in the Melbourne Cup until half-a-mile from home, when he suddenly stopped racing. In the race for the New Zealand Cup, won by Tasman, the first half-mile was covered in 54Jsecs. ; the second in 53Jsecs.; the third in 54|secs. ; and the last half mile in 53Jsecs.

Mr J. Wilson, of St. Albans, has had the misfortune to lose his .valuable brood mare Mischief, dam of Petrea, First King, and Mnid of All Work. Mischief, at the time of her death, was IS years old.

£2,331 was put through the totalisators at the Auckland Racing Club Spring Meet ing. At the recent C.J.C. Meeting, the immense sum of f 25.23G was put through machines during the three days. Hales rode Nicholas in the Melbourne Cup, while Gainsforth had the mount on Aide-de-Camp. First Water was ridden by McGrade,and Yeomans made his ro-appear ance in the saddle on Sweet William.

So great a certainty was tho V.R.C. Derby regarded for Archie that nearly all the Australian tipsters voted for him, and some went so far as to assert that tho race would be a mere working gallop for him.

Immediately after Archie returned to scale in tho V.R.C. Derby, Mr Smart had him up before tho stewards. He declared that Huxley was either a rogue or a fool, and shortly afterwards dismissed him from his employ. While running in the Melbourne Cup, Dospot nearly fell when passing the stand, and pulled up very lame. It is stated that had it not been for this accident the Hon. J. White's horses bade fair to bo first ;ind second.

During his Australian racing career tho Hon. J. White has had a fair share of the good things on the turf. He has won three MaribyrnongPlates,one Victorian Oaks,two V.R.C. Derbies, two Melbourne Cups, two Metropolitans, arid ono Sydney Gold Cup. " Spur" states that Alma, the son of Tho Painter, who distinguished himself at tho Wanganui Spring Meeting, is one of twins, said to be the only racehorse in the colonies that can boast of such a distinction. Tho name is native, and means " likeness"—a very appropriate selection considering tho name of the sire.

Mr D. O'Brien purchased Rubina for 220 §uineas when put up to auction after the oiling Race at the C.J.C. Meeting. Immediately afterwards the filly was started in the Flying Handicap, which she won for her new owner, beating Hippo damia, Lady Emma, Minerva, and Epicure. At the Petano Meeting last week, Hero taunga (6st 101b) beat Leonota (Bst 131b) in the principal Handicap, ljf milos, the former also winning the Stewards' Cup. Pastime secured the Hurdles, and Briar, by Traducer—Sweet Briar, the Maiden Plate, while Escopeta, by Musket— Winifred, won the Flying Handicap from a poor field in a canter. At the disposal of the famous Middle Park Stud, the great stallion, Scottish Chief, who although 21 years old, it is said, looked as fresh as paint, was knocked down to Mr Burton for 500 guineas. When tho late Mr Blenkiron introduced this famous stallion into Middle Park, ho 'had to give 8,000 guineas to secure him for his stud. The SO animals catalogued realised 10,000 guineas. Speaking of tho continued succcspos of Archer, tho great English jockey, "Boll's Life in London " says that " ho rodo rivo times in one day at the Doncaster Mcoting, scoring four wins, his total successes for tho week being 8 out of 1G mounts." At tho end of the Doncaster veok tho state of tho poll was : Archer, 385 mounts, 150 wins ; Wood, 432 mounts, 12S wins; Forclhnm, 22G mounts, 61 wins; and Barrett, 207 mounts, 50 wins.

Strange Lottery Freak.

A wkll-authkn'ticated lottery story was recently narrated by the fouitfotonist Hicr onymous Lorm. Some years ago, in Borlin, a poor orphan girl dreamt throe times run ning of a certain number, which appeared to her in luminous figures, while an un earthly voice, repeating over and over again, "This number will win the first prize in the Class Lottery," resounded in her mind's ear. She imparted the vieion to her guardian, and he repaired to the Royal Lottery Office and inquired what had be come of the ticket bsarng the number in question, receiving answer that It had been disposed of to a well-known lottery agent in Keonigsberg. He forthwith wrote to this person, enclosing the price of the ticket, and requesting that it should bo forwarded to him by return of post. In reply to his application he was informed that that particular ticket had been sold, over the counter, a day or two before, to whom the agent could not say. He, however, en closed in his letter another lottery ticket, which he naively recommended as " an excellent and highly-promising number." But the youthful dreamer's guardian, failing to recognise any special merit in the ticket thus urged upon his acceptance, sent it back with peremptory instructions that his meney should be returned to him without delay. His vexation may be imagined when, at the next drawing of the State Lottery, the number winning the first prize of £15,000 proved to be, not that of which his ward had thrice successively dreamt, but the one he had refused to purchase at. the recommendation of the Koenigsberg agent.

A miserly-clad beggar pursued a friend up Regent-street -with eager importunity the other evening. " Pray give me a trifle —if it's only a halfpenny," he pleaded. " I haven't tasted food these three days." "Indeed, how's that?" asked tho other. "Why, I gave you sixpence only last night. I remember it well." " You may be right, air," rejoined the beggar. •' I daresay you are; but —" "There, don't but me," was tho angry retort. " What did you do with it ?" " Well," replied the fellow in a changed and quietly reasoning tone, " the fact is I sent it to my wife and family down at Margate ; but you've no idea how the money goes at the seaside when there is a family, and especially at the height of the season."

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACTjKON.)

Aquatics.

Krug Champagno Cup November 17th Rowing Association Regatta December 15 Rush v. Trickett, for £200 December 1 Auckland Intercolonial Regatta ..January 2'Jth Lyttelton Regatta January 1 Akaroa Regatta December 17 Ponsonby R.C. Trial fours (Ist) ... .Novenibor2t Ponsonby R.C. Trial fours (2nd) December 12 Edward Hanlan v. Elias Layeock or tho next best man in Australia, £1,000 a-side, boforo ..March 31 Bicycling. Auckland Club (rendezvous at Service's, Karangahapo Road).—November 17, Raglan. Waitkmata Club Runs (starting from Park Gates, Princes-street).—Saturday, November 17th, 3 p.m., tho Lake (North Shore); Tuesday, November 20th, at 7 p.m., toOno hunga and back; Saturday, November 24th, at 3 p.m., Otahuhu via Mangere.

CRICKET.

Victoria v. New South Wales Docomber 20

Club Fixtures for the Month. November 17.—West End v. North Shore, Alpha v. South End, Excelsior v. Avondale, United v. Our Boys, Auckland v. Otahuhu, Auckland 2nd v. Ponsonby, Excelsior 2nd v. "Horald,"Gordon v. Grammar School, Eden v. Parnell.

November 24.—Auckland Grammar School v. South End. Excelsior v. West End 2nd, Pon sonby v. Edon, United v. Our Boys, West End v. North Shore (at North Shore). Auck land v. Ottthuhu, Carlton v. " Herald," Par nell v. Excelsior 2nd.

Doccmber I.—West End v. Auckland, North Shore v. Our Hoys, Gordon v. Excelsior, Otahuhu v. United, Grammar Seliool v. Auckland 2nd, Eden v. Wavcrlcy, " Herald" V. Softon, Ponsonby v. Avondalo, Parnell v. National.

December B.—West End v. Auckland; North Shore y. Our Boys (at North Shore), Otaliulm v. United, Auckland 2nd v. South End, United 2nd v. Excelsior, Sefton v. Excelsior 2nd, Grammar School v. Alpha, Eden v. Standard, Ponsonby v. Gordon.

To Correspondents.

Secretaries of Cricket Clubs are requested to forward lists of their fixtures for the season for insertion in this column.

Wo shall bo happy to receive and publish paragraphs relating to the matches and doings of lawn tennis, archery, and other recreation clubs.

Contributors are requested to send In their matter not later than Tuesday night or Wed nesday morning.

With a regularity that is really provoking, each successive Saturday, and almost every other day, proves to be so wet as to rondor cricket and othor field sports out oE tho question. Tho programme of matches last Saturday was abandoned, and at tho time of writing this afternoon's matches ap peared to havo an oxcollent chanco of sharing tho samo fato. Friday was a grand day, and permitted of soveral good matches. Auckland Club had a very soft thing on at Tuakau, and won rather oasily. Ponsonby was beaten at tho Thames through an error of judgmont in changing tho bowling. Sovon wickots wore down for thirty-sovon, and tho last three men mado eighty between them. C. J. Owen and Edwards bowled really splendidly. Gilchrist, Cook, and Poll also bowled remarkably woll, but tho wicket was too bumpy to give thoir'stylo much show. For tho Ponsonby team, C. J. Owon, Edwards, and Poll all dosorvo credit for good batting. C. S. Owon, tho formor captain, did good service as wickot-koopor, and subsequently as long stop. Bicycling has been at a standstill, and thoro is nothing to report in this direc tion. The Whau regatta lacked publicity, and tho attendance was not largo. Tho sport was, however, very good. Tho most creditablo thing about the Kllorslio sports was tho very oxcollent handicapping of Mr Ellis. Tho elements for first-class sports woro provided, but tho discreditable scenes on tho ground will do much to lowor tho tono of this brand) of sport in Auckland. This is very much to bo regretted, and it is a pity that no effective moans of punishing tho offenders is available. Tho cowardly attack upon Monnock by an ox champion walker, gavo rise to a scono less creditable than n. stroot fight, and calls for tho most sovero cousuro. If competitors or their friends have grievances to settle, they should avoid tho disgraceful exhibition of racing first and assaulting tho winner after wards. Nothing will do moro to detract from tho popularity of foot-racing than a repetition of the scones at tho recent sports. Tho cjuartor-mile is to bo run over again this attornoon, and I shall tip Monnock for first place, Pickering for second, and Me- Kinloy for third.

Not moro than 200 persons viowed the Wlmu Regatta.

Logan has got Mr Stone's new yacht in frame. Plie promises to turn out iv pretty looking craft.

During tho gale on Sunday several small boats went ashoro at Freeman's Bay, but none sustained any serious damage.

Tho new yacht Seagull was rigged this week by .lack Bell, who also rigged tho yachts Rita, Arawo, and Tamure.

Tho match between Ponsonby and Tuakau docs not tako place until February 2nd.

Tho Auckland Cricket Club defeated Tuakau rather easily on I'rinco of Wales'* Birthday.

Kilfoylo's canoo Zoo capsized off tho wharf the other day, but tho occupant reached tho shore in safety.

I have to thank tho Secretary of the West End CricUot Club for a neiit card of fixtures, which contains the engagements of both elevens for tho season.

The Rowing Clubs wero not sufficiently interested in the Whan Regatta to send crews there, and consequently there was no four-oared gig race.

The new yacht Tamure has been out several times during the week. She is very fast, and will most likely take part in tfie Auckland Regatta.

The now 20-footer which Bigelow is building for W. Farqulmr, junior, will be turned out in time for the Auckland Re gatta.

The Franklyn cricketers defeated Pukc koho last Friday by nine wickets. The Pukekohe men hospitably entertained their visitors at dinner.

Tho Vagabonds Cricket Club has received an invitation to play a match at Tauranga at an early date. The boys also contem plate trips to Mangawhare, Whangarei, Waikato, and New Plymouth.

The employe's of the Gas Company have been permitted the use of tho Company's property on Mount St. Mary for cricket practice, and have bconhardatwork cutting down the titree with that object in view.

Mr Alfred E. Whltaker has presented two bats and a ball to be competed for by members of the Auckland United Cricket Club. The trophies and the con ditions under which they are to be com peted for can be seen at Mumford's cricket emporium, High-street,

Brott rowed Woods at Melbourne on the 7th, and defeated him easily.

At the annual athletic meeting held at Preston, England, August 18, Tom Ray, the champion polo-vaultor, succeeded in beating his own previous record, clearing the uuprecodented height of 11 feet 4.', inches.

A professional sculling race will take place on December Bth between E. Trickett, M. Rush, D. McDonald, and W. |Beach, each contributing £20. The first prize will bo £150, presented by Mr J, Hunt, of the Oxford Hotel; second prize, £G0; third prize, £20.

In applying to the Harbour Board for a shed site the other day, the Waitemata Boating Club stated its intention of foster ing aquatic exercise in all its branches. The same privileges in regard to boatshed site was given to this Club as had been'pre viously given to the Rob Koy Canoe'and Auckland Rowing Clubs.

A most remarkable cricket match was not long Bince played in the county of Devonshire botween two teams of twelve a-side. One side went in first, and obtained 75 rus, the other responding with 76. Those who went in first then took their second innings, and were all disposed of without scoring, beaten in one innings.

The following entries were received for the Krug Champagne trophy, which was to have been rowed this afternoon at Sydney : —Messrs A. P. Sharland, Tasmania, list ; A. \V. Fittes, Victoria ; C. W. Gaden, list 121b ; (i. W. Brett, list 71b ; G. Kobert son, list 41b ;J. Trimble, lOst 81b ; D. Middloton, lOst 41b ; A. Uobson, lOat 41b ; F. Ives, 9st 21b.

It is announced in the English sporting Press that the Scottish built cutter yacht Marjory is to cross tho Atlantic to throw down tho gauntlet to tho American yacht fleet, and to challengo for tho America's Cup if moro favourable terms can be secured. Tho Marjory is a composite built cutter of OS tons, designed by G. L. Wat son, of Glasgow.

Tho following havo been clioson by the New South Wales Selection Committee to practise for tho Intercolonial match :— Messrs Allen, A. Bannerman, C. Banner man, J. Cleovo, Elder, Garrett, A. Gregory, Hall, Middolston, Jones, Leo, Massio, 11. Moses, and Powell. Mr D. Gregory was chosen, but as ho would be unable to go, ho declined to allow his name to stand.

Sunday's galo placed soveral of tho St. George's Hay yachts, and other vessels in the vicinity in a somewhat unpleasant posi tion for a short time, but fortunately tho damage done was very slight. Tho Magic dragged anchor and ran into Hilditen's baths, and it was found necessary to cut her mast away, while tho Vestal and others dragged anchor for somo considerable dis tance, but brought up before sustaining any injury.

No previous cricket season in Victoria has over opened with such tall scoring as lias markov tho beginning of the present campaign. Tho splendid weather and tho grand wickets havo assisted greatly to bring about tho annihilation of bowling. Porcy McDonnell especially has boon very hard on tho manipulators of tho leather, having mado his second century hcoio already. Playing with tho Melbourne Club at Jtallarat on last Saturday, ho made US, not out, and on tho Ballarat side tho veteran W. H. Figgis wan also to tho foro with 115 to his credit.

Tho Wellington football peoplo rcquiro a great deal of assuring to convince them that they did not win that intorprovincial match some time ago Additional support is given to tho Auckland contention by the following answer to a correspondent which appeared in tho last issue of tho "Austra lasian" to hand:—"Sl'OßT (Wellington, Now Zealand). —(1) Wo consider tho Wel lington captain forfeited his claim to* tho " try" by allowing tho ball to bo scrim maged oft'; (2)Tho match is drawn; and (:i) The bets are oil." Surely this opinion, which is tho fourth from the Australian Press in favour of tho Auckland men, should convince, the obstinate Welling tomans.

Tho I'onsonliy team lmd rather a good time of it at tho Thames. The few sights that are worth seeing wero "done to death," so that it was fortunate there wore other resources to fall back upon. The team possessed a wonderful violinist in Mr Cook, whose " Cuckoo " is a treat in itself, excellent pianists in Messrs Tell and Morgan, and a capital banjoist in Mr Foun tain. Tho result was that each evening found the crowd assembled in Mrs Syming ton's largo dining-room, wheroocombination of good voices nnd first-class instrumentation blended into a most harmonious whole, and supplied thorough enjoyment for the largo company. Mr Morris, a genial "taker of lives," was a host in himself. His songs wero more attractive from tho fact that all his cersoa wore impromptu, and related almost entirely to the members of tho team and their respective failings. Tho Pon sonbyitos were not overcome by tho hos pitality of their opponents.

A Horrible Custom in New Guinea.

Tiik special correspondent of tho Mel bourno "Argus," writing in rcforcnco to Boiori, tho nati vo ivt whose place ho was stay ing, says :—His daughter, who (lied b!x or eight months ago, lies abovo my head in tho houso. This curious custom of keeping their dead is the most abominable I over heard of. When a person dies, tho body is placed on a spocies of screen over a trough as long as the corpse It is kept thus until swollen almost to bursting, whon an incision is made into it and tho juices oxprcsscd into the trough. All the relatives and friends have by this time arrived, and a great feed ensues. The children are led up to the body one at a time, and their foreheads and faces daubed with tho liquid in the trough. This alone is sufficient to propagate disease and decimate a tribe. Imagine a small-pox case and tho consequences. The body is then placed on a screen and exposed to the sun until perfectly dried, then it is wrapped in aromatic leaves and slung in a net ! hammock across ono corner of the only room the house contains. It does not resemble n human form, but merely an elongated parcel. And these people occupy this same room quite unconcernedly, although that fearful— lt— is stretched there almost with in reach. They seem quite callous to the fact that the shadow of death is hovering round and about them. I described onr mourning and burial corcmonies to Boiori and his people through Belford, and his answer was very characteristic of the in votorate stubbornness of superstition. ' Yes,' said he, 'that is very good indeed for. the Britanata—very good indeed. But th;on it would not do at all for us Sogere r^on. I Oh, no! We, know best what is to be, dono. 'It is well" 1

SELECTED POETRY.

):o:(

SONG OF THE PEN.

Tho' 1 am a puny thing

Wondrous is my power and might, I am greater than a King Tho so fragile, weak, and slight. Power like mine 'twere hard to iind Mine's tho Empire of the Mind.

Yielded by a gifted hand

I can sway the hearts of Men. Xo Magician's mystic wand

1 liilf as poltmt as Inn Pen, And the sceptro and the sword Yield to mo, and own me Lord.

Vain were wisdom of the Sage, Vain tho Poet's harmony, Darren—lost to every ago, Lost for ever but for me. I can reproduce again Wisdom's lore and Poet's strain,

Friends will wend to distant lands,

Mountains part mid scan divide, Yet in spirit still join hands,

Mino tho glory and tlio pride. For tlio characters I truce Gladden ninny a loved ony's face.

I can mako a great thought live,

I can speak with trumpet tongue. Thrill (he human heart and give Words of sorrow and of song. What can niovo the hearts of men, Hulo or sway them like the pen. All who toll with busy brain Hail mo as their truest friend, "Pis thro' me thoy teach, explain. Few arc they who comprehend. My real value and my might Save the earnest ones that write. I'm tlio wlloy statesman's sword, I'm King Mammon's Bccptre wand, I con swell hit) shining hoard, Bond Ills gold lo every land. Statecraft, ooinmcrco, owo to me All their power and potency. Tlio' 1 am v puny thing. Wondcrous is my power and might. I am greater than a King, Tlio' so fragile, weak, and slight. Power like mine 'twere hard to Ilnd, Kline's the empire of the mind.

Thomas Sharps.

Onclnmga.

THE FARMER'S WIFE.

Up with the birds in the early morning— The dewdrop slows like a. precious gem ; Ucnutlful tints In the skies are dawning, HtU she's never a moment to look at them. The men are waiting their breakfast early; She must not linger, sho must not wait; For words that are sharp ami looks that are surly Aro what men givo when the meals arc late.

Oh, glorious colours the clouds are turning, If she would but look over hills and trees ; Hut here are tlio dishes, and hero is the ohurn ing- Thoso things must always yield to those. The world is filled with the wine of beauty. If she could but pause and drink it in ; lint, pleasure, she says, must wait for duty— Ncglooted work is committed sin.

The day grows hot, and her hands grow weary ; Oh, for an hour to wool her head Out with the birds ami winds so cheery ; Hut sho must get dinner and make her bread. The busy men in the haytlcld working.

If they saw her sitting with idle hand. Would think her lazy, and call it shirking, And sho never could make them understand.

They do not know that the heart within her Ilungora for beauty and things sublime. They only know that thoy want their dinner— Plenty of it, and just on timo. And after tlio sweeping and churning ami baking, And dinner dishes are all put by, Sho sits and sows, though her head is aching, Till time for supper and chores draws nigh.

Her boys nt school must look like others, She says, as sho patches their frocks and hose. For tlio world is quick to censuro mothers For the least neglect of their children's clothes. Her husband comes from the Held of labour,

110 elves no praise to his weary wife; Sim's done no more than lias her ncighbonr Tis tliu lot of all in country life.

But after the strife and weary tussle With life is done, nml she lies at rest. The nntion's bmin and heart nml muscle— Her sons add daughters—shMl cull her blest; And I think tlio sweetest joy of heaven, The rarest bliss of eternal life. And the fairest crown of all, will bo Riven Unto Iho wayworn former's wife.

Kr.LA WIIEELEIt.

ONLY!

Only a shred of hair sol in a ring. Vet liow I prize Unit lock of silken hair! I do esteem it as a priceless thing, And evermore tho precious bauble wean. Only a littlo clinir, lout: vaccjit now, But memory often fills ilia empty sent; A fair, sweet child, with culm and sinless brow. I soo iii fancy sitting at my feet. Only tho portrait of a childish face— The silent shadow of v vanished form— Pressed often to my own in glad embrace, With loving prattlo and fond kissos-warm. Only BOino broken toys; but oh! to me They are tho relics of a happy past; Kept as a treasure under lock and key— Mementoes of a time too bright to- last.. Only some littlo garments worn and old, Gazed at in secret sorrow now and then 5 Guarded as maors hoard their darling koMX And hide ths treasure from the oyes of si«n. Only two ttasy shoes, worn-out almost, You would not deem them worth a passing thought; But oil 1 fchoy conjure up a rushing hesfl Of swt, sad memories that come wnsougnU Only a little bed; how aft I bent. Tokisß the lovely tenant sleeping there, My heart wiw happy in Its great content Jlor rock'rt tho sorrow it has had to bear. Only a liWc whilo. l>ut short at best. And time will watt us to the other shore; Partings and death no moro,shall rack MO In thtttibfoat homo, tho Land of Kvcrmoro! \ jonN Askium,

STAR SATURDAY SUPPLEMENT, NOVEMBER 17, 1883

5



Bret Harte's New Romance. ■IN THE CARQUINEZ WOODS: A TALE OF CALIFORNIA. rpHE OPENING CHAPTERS of the abovo highly sensational descriptive Story will appear In Next Saturday's Supplement. Brot Harte's pictures of Cali£ornian Life havo never been equalled, and his latest work excels his previous productions. The Story is completed in Ten Cluiptors. Those who wisli to rend it should look out for the first number next week.