A WOMAN'S FAITH: OR, THE Mystery of a Bunch of Pansies.

By CHARLES T. MANNERS, AUTHOR OF "The Lord of Lylc." "Octavia's Pride," "The Blonkarno Kmeralds," "Tho Flaw in tho Diamond," "Dragging Him Down," " A Silver Brand," &c, &c.

CHAPTER XIII [Continued). "Well!" sho asked, when ho paused. " Are you convinced at last ?" Helena shook her head.

"She refuses to buiieve Mm guilty. Do you hear, you shrewd doteotivo ?—this girl refuses to beliovo that they aro ono in Idantity." " Wait till she sees him," said Chester Harris, gravely. "Sho will doubt no longer." '■Biitsheha3 seen him. His carnage brought her here," persisted Hortense. "He is an inimitable ac.tor ; his assur ance is something wonderful. But facts are facts, and we can prove beyond any contesting that Conway Searle purchased the ticket for the steamer passage in the name of Konrade Earl. Let me recapitu late th? facts we can prove, to say nothing of those for which ciroumstancial evidence is strong enough to convince the most obstinate jury that was ever called to gether." And Chester Harris drew forth his note book and read down a page of its carefully jotted paragraphs. The dowager's face grew sternor still. " Grandma, grandma, you see thatl can not holp it 1" cried out Hortense, clinging to her for a moment wildly. " I love him— surely I lovo him as truly as this girl; but my faith is gone. Even it it breaks my heart, lot mo see Konrade Earlo no more !" "My child, your causo shall be pro tected. Year happiness must not be lightly perilled. Alas !is there no ond to the caro and grief I must bear in my old age?" ro plied tho dowager, kissing her .darling fondly; but her eyes had a far-away look even while she was speaking, as if hor thoughts had flown beyond the scene. " Miss Yerrington, can It be possiblo you persist in believing him innocent in the faco of R.ll this, "asked Chester Harris, in a low voice. "It was not Conway Searle who sought tho hand of Lady Hortense. It was not Con way Searle who met me as a atranger to day," answered Helena, "there issomo gtrange mystery, some fatal complicity of coincidence. I will believe anything but that ho has ever been false and treachorous. Oh, Mr Harris, you are not the subtle un maskcr I believed you, there is a defect somewhere in your reasoning. That honest, uncultivated Silas Green has a truer per ception. I must go back to him. I must return to America. I must still search elsewhere for my Conway." " She is a monomaniac in her trust and faith for that scoundrel," said Harris, com passionately, as he turned back to the sorely distressed dowager. "Madam, I await your further commands." "Hark!" cried out Hortense, springing up and turning a wild face toward the door. "Hois coming. Oh, grandma, Konrade is corainf. I Know his step. Oh, what Bhnlllsay? What shall Ido ?" It was as she said. The opening door disclosed the handsomo, eager faco of Kon rade Earle.

" Ho/tense, pardon this unannounced in trusion. But I could not wait any longer. Aye you convinced at last?" began he, eagerly. But as his eyes took in the excited faces before him, aahe recognised Chester Harris, and read tho stern gravity of the dowager's look, the words died off his lips ; he flushed deeply, and then grew very pale, and stood looking wistfully at his betrothed | She was hidiag her agitated foce upo.i the dowager's shoulder. " Hortense !" he said again, slowly, im ploringly, " I swear to you by everything high and noble that I hare never been un true to you i» thought, or word, or deed. If you have ever loved me I ask you to have some faith in my honourable word to-day. Hero is Helena Yerrington beforo you. Does she say that I have ever spoken the wickud vows to her of which they accuse mo ? J7OCS Slic-^-u. r u*a. l n(l fc lQ,mr ?" "No—more than ever no, answerejtt Helena Yerrington, her eyes shining with 'a light that seomed to como from some miraculous source. " You aro not Conway Soarle, I repeat it." " Hear her, Hortense, as you have heard mo, and answer mo now. Do you believe the lips that have spoken their vows to you bocamo sullied by broken promises to her? Do you believe now that I am Conway Searlo, hor lover, or Konrado Earle, your plighted husband ?" " Heaven help me t" moaned Lady Hor tenso. " Konrado, Konrade, tho black evi denco is before me." " But your heart should have assurance to outweigh it all, as hers has done," he answered sternly. " Hortense, I call for your answer. Doos the woman to whom I have given my life-long happiness, my truest d9votion,trust me as an honourable man, or turn from me as a perjured villain?" Clinging to her grandmother in a wild passion of weeping, Hortenso still hid hor faco, and answered nought. A bitter Bmile curled his lip. " Lady Hortense, you give me elo quent roply. Honceforth it matters little to mo how soon or how late this ugly calumny is blown aside. Miss Yerrington, I cannot say that I have lost my faith in womanhood, for you have nobly upheld your lover's cause, and shown me how a true heart can trust. He is a happy fellow, and I envy him, be he alive or dead, this Con way Searle. Lady Mildway, allow me to wish you good-day. Yon may say to Sir Frederic that no claim of mine will hence forth interfere with hie wishes, and the con summation ho has planned." What grand dignity was in his mien ! AVhat consoious innocence in every look and tone ! Even Chester Harris felt his heart beat in compunction and sympathy. Beforo any one could break the spell, and find voice, ho had turned and vanished. His step echoed faintly from the stair-way. Then Lady Hortonse broke from her grandmother's arms with a heart-piercing

cry. " Konrade, Konrade, come back 1 And the next instant she sank upon the floor in the first fainting fit of her healthy young life. It was a soone of painful experience; and scarcely was it a wonder that Helena Yer rington returned to her duties with Mrs Inclibald, paler and graver than ever before, instead of triumphing, as Hartmann anti cipated, with the eclat of the good company into which she had strayed.

CHAPTER XIV,

TRYING HOUKS.

A rulvmaitT after tho blind woman had taken to her bed, Mary was leaning over it one early morn while yot the feeble beams of the diUvn, streaming warmly through tho open window, wcro too sickly to dispute the light of the still burning lamp. Her face was worn and pallid from cease loss watching and heart-wearing cares, but it shone steadfast beneath a brave restive of heroic solf-renunciation.

'' Mother, mother," phe called gently, touching tenderly with her lips the wan, sunken face lying against the pillow, for poor, sensitive Mrs Converse had followed Mr Smith's cue more literally than ho meant, and was really sinking away out of lifo from the very lack of vital strength for uli'igin; to it. " Dear mother, are you awake ?" "I hear you, Mary, what is it ?" was ths feoblo return, with a flutter of tho closed eyelids, and an aimless movement of the sightless eyes. " I want to tell you something, mothor, something that will give you Murage and strength, I trust. I am goirg to please you, mother," whispered Mary's pale lips across tlio pillow. " What can do that now? it is too late for anything to help me," was the querulous response. "No, not if you will rouse up and be glad, and take an interest," coaxed Mary. " Only one thing could bring that about." But the feeble head was turned with a new interest. Mary saw the hopeful sign, and it gave her.strength to speak what was worse to her than ocr own death-sentence.

: "I am going to write to Chester to-day, L if■' Mothor, I shall ask him to give me back my * promiso, and then " —and here, despite her f best offortß, her. voice broke—'' then I will T consent to marry Mr Smith." '!,.:- ''He won't do it. You don't think he [ wilt yourself," complained the aiek womari. >- " '< 1 shall Bhow him the whole case. He

r . ■ will sco there is no other alternative. Be i'•',: sides'Chester'fa very proud. You need not I fenr. Ho will send me buck my freedom," I answered Mary, holding her voice steady. I- :'^ And you will marry good, ■ kind Mr I Smith 1. Give me your handJlary, jmd my ■fefcjpn." ■"■"'■' •'■.■'>; ■ ■■■■'/

"When Cheater Bends me word that I am free I will marry Mr Smith. You and he may arrange everything," answered this noble daughter. " Heaven be praised ! now I can die happy, or have the courage to live. God bless you, Mary I" falterod the sick woman as she lifted both arms to clasp them around Mary's neck. And tears mingled with their affectionate kisses. "I pray that He will endow me with strength to bear all," was Mary's petition. " Now you may give me the bowl of of gruel, and I would try the beef tea, too, if it was warm. I should like to see Mr Smith. I wonder if I couldn't to-morrow '!" Mary obtained strength horsilt'from this proof of the wisdom of her decision. The patient that had lain passive, hopeless, apathetic, was already rousing (0 interest in life. She watched tho face of the doctor who had shaken such an inexorable verdict the night before, when lie made his midday visit, and saw it brighten. " Why, she is roused to take hold ana help us. What have you done to hor ? If she is going to pull with us, I think I may promise a safe passage out of this," he said. • And cheered by this hope Mary went to her hard task, and wrote her long, long letter to Chester Harris, hiding nothing, ex tenuating nothing, but simply showing him that inexorable duty demanded the sacrifice of her, and she! must yield it. She did not shedanytearsovorit. Hermindwas wrought into too exalted a devotion to bo touched by any woes of her own. But she breathed one prayer that Heaven's blessing might comfort and strengthen him when ho broke the seal and read : that he might judge her truthfully, without bitterness or mis conception, and somehow receive compensa tion for the loss she knew ho would feel so deeply. Christopher Stone had gono away, called South by some abrupt summons, and so she had not his advice or assistance to lean up-

on. To Chester's melancholy father 3110 tried to break the proposed change, and found no heart to grieve him further. Besides, it seemod to her that his mind was failing

him. He talked every time she visited him about dreams of prosperity .md good for tune, and seemed so cheered by the ficti tious light they lent his dreary life that sho would not break the spell. She had a littlo doubt about Chester's whereabouts, since his last letter had sug gested a run into Wales, and being fever ishly anxious that there should be no delay in his receipt of this ono, she came to the sudden determination to call on Col. liivers and inquire if he had received later advices from his detective.

A kind neighbour, in pity of her worn, pale face, seconded her proposal to take tho fresh air, and took her place beside her mother's bed. Thus it happened that she found herself standing at Mrs Marchmont's handsome doorway, with her hand upon tho silver bell-knob, early ono afternoon before that fair lady had thought of dressing for din ner. All Mary's life was too self-poised and even to be fluttered into embarrassment or trepidation by such an experience. She rose from her seat in tho library chair with calm and quiet grace, when Col. Rivers answered her call, with his curt look of astonishment and surprise, and made known her errand in a few plaiu, lucid words. Ho had the grace to return her a respect ful bow, while he replied that he hardly believed himself any bettor informed than she. He had followed tho case with keen interest, but while tho point seemed con clusively established that Mr Harris had found the right man, thero was a tantalis ing slowness of establishing proofs that had disappointed him sorely. Ho did not ex pect further advices until there was some new discovery to communicate, and his own letters were older thnn hers.

Mary rose with a patient sigh. "Thanks for your courtesy. I fancied Miss Yerrington would keep tho closest watch upon their movements, and in Mr Stone's absence ventured to come here for further knowledge." A shade flitted across tho Colonel's fore head.

"Miss Yerrington is not horo. She chose to relinquish my protection," he said, with a bitter sigh breaking through tho formal tone.

Mary's faco showed her surprise. "Can you tell mo where to lind her, sir ?" Another gust of passion which his bost efforts could not hido.

"No. lam in ignorance myself. She chooses to keep me so." "This is a jangled world. How much that irresistiblo tone ofTTe'rsTsoTull bi luncl'iy sympathy. "I am very sorry for her —and for you." "Thank you. The circumstances aro certainly trying for all connected with tho unhappy affair." Mary had turned to leavo, but beforo her adieu was spoken a servant entered with a paper box, and with a nervous look upon his faco, set it upon tho table. "If you please, sir, a box from the gar dener's," he eaid, and hurried out as if dreading an explosion of anger. imprecation, and lifted his eyes hastily and The Colonel seemed to forget Mary's presence. Ho strqdo forward with an angry fiercer/to thedaintily carved ivory calendar holder* against the wall beneath tho Fronch clock.

, "That day I" ho muttered. "Is it that accursed day of the month once mord? Will ?:■ never stop, I wonder ?" And then, with looks of horror and shaking hands, ho tore open th^ dainty ,white wrap pings of the box, flung1, off tho envelope ot white wool, and lifted up a^bunch of pansics, whose rich purple and gold lighted up the the room with beauty as they wafted into it their sable wave of fragrance.

Mary rememberod the connection of these flowers with Helena Yerrington's sorrow. "What 1" exclaimed she, " can it be that the pansies still come for Miss Yerrington ? Surely this is worth tracing up !" "What, are you still here?, Have you come to pry out what you; can find against me ? Who said they ever came before, or that the flowers are for Helena,?"■'.

Mary stared at his angry, excited faco in deep astonishment,' " I beg your pardon, sir—l—saw her name on the wrapper—l did not mean—■ —"

And here she pausod abruptly, for once entirely at a loss how to proceed. ■ Meanwhile ho had regainod a little self command, and looked ashamed of his violence.

" Excuse me, pray, i quite forgot myself, I fear. I thougbt-*-but it is all one of the unhappy results of this wretched affair. For Helena's sake I cannot help being moved, you know. Will you accept the flowers, and take them out of my sight ? It is the sorry jest of some simpleton, sending them so. Good-day." He thrust the flowers into hor hands, opened the door for her, and fairly hurried her out of the room.

Mary romomberedChristophor Stone's hint upon the espionage kopt over Col. Rivers, and fell into a profound meditation. She went home, wrote a few simple lines directed to Miss Yerringlon, and inclosed them in Chester's latter, unscalod, asking him to forward them if he know of tho lady's where abouts. That was all she could do, and her own sore-pressing nffaira claimed attention after ward. For Mr. Smith camo in prompt response to tho blind woman's hint. He was Tory kind, very thoughtful, and generous. Mary could not deny it, and she did not try to con ceal her appreciation from cithor of them when clio beheld the almost miraculous change a week of careful nursing effected in the patient. Tho physician was in ecstasy, poor Mrß. Converse was radiantly happy, Mr. Smith triumphant and elated. Only poor Mary's heavy heart lay like a frozen 'thing''within her patient breast. The luttur was gone, and. was almost to its destination. Mary counted tho days and hours, praying, day at)d xiigh^t, that Heaven would soothe the" shock of its ultimato arrival. AH hernumb -/misery was on Chester's account. For herself, was she not used to grief and trouble?. It was only a little heavier and more enduring burden. Heaven tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. She should be. sustained somehow.

Thus her numb thoughts ran drearily.

Mr, Smith lost nothing of the advantage gained. Everybody understood that the marriage was to'take place. Exactly how or from whom they gained the intelligence remained a mystery, when Mary found spirit enough to declare that there was no engagement, and could not be until her word to Cheater : Harris was given back. " But it is the same thing, of (ourse," said Mrs Converse proudly. And " Of course it is,!' echoed Mr Smith. "I shall ;tnake every preparation for a prompt marriage to take place the very week the European mail gets in. And Mary agrees to it. What do you call that but an engagement?" And sodextrousjydidho manage, through the invalid mother's' Critical condition, that Mary could not refuse, beyond one pitiful protest, when a dressmaker put in appear ance, with her arms filled with soft pearl Filk. hi ride lace, and whito satin ribbons.

'• Mi-Smith, I pray .yen do not bo too hasty," sho iihplor.«l, rushing away from thefinery that >iii» tin own shimmering in lustrous splendour upon the invalid's couch for her stretjng lingers to mjmirej and ap<

pearing before the elated would-be bride groom with painfully flushed cheeks and drooping humiliated eyes. Remember un til that Tetter of release comes, I am still bound. I have no right to give, nor you to claim. Let all this rest until the letter

comes." "But my dear, sweet child, it is not my own impatience I urge, though I might truthfully, and not dishonourably. It is your mother's nervous expectations I am so anxious to relieve. You believe such a letter will come—he would be a pitiful scoundrel to withhold it—and the very next day after its arrival I mean to give your mother hor proper place, and take to my rejoicing home its charming mistress. It would be cruel to your mother to delay, and very hazardous to her health, as the doctor declares. Surely, Mary, you are not ex pecting there will be any hindrance to our

marriage ?"' "No," answered Mary's low, choked

voice, "lam not." "Look into my face, Mary. I hope, I trust, you are notjhopingforsuchhindrance," persisted he, all unaware, perhaps, in the arrogance of his man's assumption of tho I great gain he was to bestow, how cruel he was." She liftod those truthful eyes, still fear less and brave, and returned his steady gaze. "Mr Smith, I have never deceived yon. You understand how and why. You choose to accept me so, and mine is not tho fault if there is any lack. I promised, if I was set free, to do my best to be a faithful wife to you—for—my mother's sake." He had the grace to blush a little, and answer confusedly: "Yes, yes; I understand. You are a good girl, who will outgrow foolish romance. I don't expect too much at first. A good daughter makes the best wife—everybody knows that. And it is pardonable in me to be impatient to have you in the pretty homo I have made ready. So let the women folk have thoir way. Mary—at my risk, you know. Lot them make you as pretty as they can. And there's a gray silk dress fer your mother too. She'll enjoy the rustlo, won't sho ? And the laces for her oap." Poor Mary ! Without another word she went back to her mothor's chamber, and stood up submissively, and was measured, and turned, and manipulated after tho fashion of the latest mode ; and allowed the glossy silken folds to bo flung about her, and the misty laces to be hung upon hor drooping head, and fashions to be discussed, and decisions mado, and not one pretty flush of girlish pride or joy—not one thrill of maidenly delight amid it all from her. Vaguo, dreamy Scripture verses floated through her mind, of lambs garlanded for slaughter, and victims royally attired for sacrifice. But sho made no appeal for sympathy, aud out of her mother's deep contont found strength to keep her own patient, passive, submissive face through all the trying hours. (To be Continued.)

GOSSIP FROM STAGE AND STUDIO.

[By Euterpe.]

Miss Alice Rees, who played " Patience " so charmingly in Auckland, is now at Mcl-

bourne, slowly recovering from a serious

attack of typhoid fever. Sho has just

attained her majority, and when suffi ciently convalescent she will bo married to Herr Max Vogrich, the pianist.

Mr Darbyshire, of Juvenile Comic Opora fame, has passed over to the great majority. Ho died at Melbourne on tho 6th inst.

Emilio Melville's Opera Troupo will make a descent upon New Zealand as soon as our present visitors leave. Tho repertoire of Dunning's Comic Opera Company, now at Dunodin, includes a version of " Boccaccio," never given hero, "The King's Dragoons," "Manola," " Lcs Mantoaux Noirs " ("Tho Black Cloaks"), " Rip Van Winkle," and " FaMnitza." The Company numbers 62 performers. Tho "Vagabond" is writing a story for Mr Garnet Walch's annual to be published at Easter. It will bo called "No Mercy," after the drama of that namo. Other con tributors to tho annual will bo Wilkie Collins, J. Farjeon, and " Hawkeyo." The Lynch Family of Bollringors are now in China en route to Japan and 'Frisco, while Wilson's Circus and Mcnagorio, Hasolmoyor, tho conjurer, Professor S. S. and Mrs Clara Baldwin, and Woodrufl'o's aro "doing" India. Mr Georgo Giddens, a clevorand versatile light comedian, who appeared at tho old Prince o£ Wales' about oight years ngo in conjunction with "Nell, the Californian Diamond," otherwise Williams, is being sued by his wife (Miss Sydney Cowell) for divorce, on the ground of adultery. He is now playing at Boston. Missßose Stella (MrsF/oomeii), sometime a leading member of the Soldeno Opera Troupe, and Miss Blanche Corelli, late of Salsbury's Troubadours, are now at New York.

The Po'ks had a bad season in the Otago capital. On the last night there were only £3 or £4 in tho house, bo the money was re turned.

Miss Pomeroy has purchased from Mr E. T. Gillon tho right to play tho poworful drama, "The Woman of the People," which created a furore at Home. She will pro duce it in Dunedin.

Sardou's "Fedora" has been successfully produced for the first time in Australia at the Opera House, Sydney, by the Majer onis.

Among tho members of Mr Wybert Reeve's Dramatic Company, which is now playing at Adelaide, I recognise the names of Mr and Mrs Carden, Miss Maggie Knight, and Miss Ethel Adei 6. I hare received a letter superscribed "Victoria British Columbia" from Mr Alphabetical Williams, who piloted Howorth's Hibornicon through the colonies during 74-75-76-77, announcing the in tended advent in September next of Miss Katie Putnam and her excellent Comedy Company. She brings a repertoire of specialtyplays comprising ''Lena the Mad cap," "The Old Curiosity Shop," "Little BlueStocking," "The.Child of the Regi ment," and "Only a Woman." Miss Put nam enjoys considerable repute as a light comedienne.

Mr J. R. Green's unpublished book, " Tho Conquest of England," will be out shortly, and will contain a most interesting preface by the author. Levy, the gentleman who so sweetly blows his sentiments down the cornet, is said to be preparing an autobiography for publica tion, giving a full account of his prof essional and marital struggles. Anton Rubinstein, the pianist, has refused Abbey's offer to go to America and give 100 concerts within five months.

A magazine will, it is said, shortly be published containing articles written ex clusively by members of the upper classes. It will be edited by a member of the House of Peers, and is to be entitled the " Lords."

A very pretty 6ong has been contributed under a pseudonym to " Temple T?ar " by Mr Leonard Huxley, a son of the ('resident of the Koyal Society.

Komenye, the ominont violinist, is to appear in Australia under Mr Allison dur ing tke seaion 1884-85. Miss Mary Anderson on Christmas Eve generonsly presented each member of the company supporting her with a handsomely bound copy of the works of some celebrated poet, bearing her autograph. To Ruby Maud, the child appearing in " A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing," she gave a beautiful doll; to her stage-manager a gold watch and chain ; and to each of the subordinates an envelope containing a piece of gold and a card wishing the recipient a merry Christ mas. On New Year's Day, in conjunction witli a friend, she gave a dinner to 260 des titute boys. Gilbert and Sullivan's latest production is called " Princess Ida," and is alleged to be <; a respectful operatic perversion "of "Tennyson's Princess." It was produced at the Savoy Theatre on the sth ultimo, but the reports as to its merits are conflict ing. One critic says that all the originality of " Patience," and " Pinafore " has in the new work vanished, while a special cable to the Boston " Herald" states that the libretto is the cleverest that Gilbert has ever written for a piece of that character. The same report goes on to say that tho comic humour of some of the musical effects is very delightful, while the melodies are charming, and likely to prove as " catchy " as any in their earlier operas. The "Illustrated London News" praises the music as being replete with grace, fancy, and humour. Thero is, of course, a patter song, also a pathetic ballad in it. On the opening night, the hit of the play was made by three knights in armour—Arac, Guron, and Scynthius—who brought down tho house with their song, running :—

For a month to dwell In a dungeon cell, Growing thin and wizen In a solitary prison, Is a poor look-out For a soldier stout Who is longing for tho rattle Of a complicated battle— For the rum-tura-tum O£ the military drum. And the guns that go boom! boom: Chorus—Boom! boom I boom! boom!

Rununy-tummy-tummy-tunv Boom I boom! boom! boom! boom; boom!

THE GARDEN.

(By Hortus),

Calendar of Operations. March I.

[HoRTtJS is willing to answer any queries. Cor respondents must give their fuU names and addresses, though not for publication.]

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Popular (F.A, Newtoun).—The best and only way to get rid of these trees is to stump them out by the roots. Of course in doing so you will lc.ive the extremities of the roots in tho ground, which will produce suckers. Theso must be dug out as they appear. To entirely root out one of theso trec3 sometimes give 3 considerable trouble.

Sweet Potatoes (J.K., Amateur).—There isno need to lift tho ilants to get early tubers; Bimply scrape away the surface soil from the plants, sec what tubers are large enough for use, take these off, draw the soil back about the plant; the small tubers will grow into large ones, thus increasing the quantity of tho crop, as well as giving you early tubers for use.

Kitchen Garden.

Continue trenching, digging, and manur ing all vacant pieces of ground. Tho soil to be sweetened must be turned over so as to allow a free atmospheric action. In Britain it was the practice to throw the soil np roughly every winter so that tho frost would sweeten it. There being no frost here, tho operation should bo performed in the dry weather, and the rougher tho better ; tho sun and air will soon pulverise and bring it into a fine state for cropping. Clear away all garden rubbish, such as leaves and stalks of vegetables; never burn such, always take it to the rot heap, mix salt and lime with it, and it will thus become a valuablemanure for the garden in the spring. Branches of trees and other litter which is not easily rotted for manure, burn on some vacant piece of ground in tho kitchen garden. When the ashes are cold spread them over tho surface. Make tho usual fortnightly sowings of mustard cress, &c, for salading. Tomatoes, pinch back, tie up to tho supports, keep tho fruit exposed as much as possiblo by cutting out superfluous foliage. Celery, give plenty of water, earth up as tho plants advance in growth. Keep weeds down. This is a good period to got rid of sorrel by forking over the ground where this weed abounds.

Flowor Garden,

Have a propagating bed made up as soon as possiblo for striking cuttings of tho different bedding plants. Mako the bed in a cool shady place; it ought to bo one third sand, one-third good soil, tho balance well-rotted stablo manure. After making tho bed up give a good watering and let it lie for a week boforo putting tho cuttings in. Make a sketch of tho different bods, colouring it to suit tho arrangement of flowers for next season's planting-out; mako an estimate of the quantity of plants wanted, so that you may propagate plenty. Give water freely to all fast-growing plants. Dahlias continuo giving plenty of liquid manure, tie up, thin out; kcop evory thing neat and tidy. Window Gardening.—Plants inside very sunny windows aro at this time far bettor ro moved to the outsidegarden. Hore they gain strength and hardness, whereby the better to withstand the winter months when re turned, as they should bo on tho recurrenco of cold, damp weather, to their places there in. All window boxes and pots containing plants on outside window sills may havo a fresh surfacing of soil placed over tho roots with much advantage. Cocoanut fibro, of which oven a bushol can generally be obtainod from all horticultural sundries men, doos well whoro no bettor material is at hand. Whatever is used, howovor, it should bo pressed down as firmly as rnysibleon to the old soil, and bo mado as far as possiblo also to merge with it. The process of giving two waterings—ono following tho other at night, nud a slight ono in tho morning—is

excel' : t also in connection with keeping their roots cool and active. Any who are anxious at this time to propagate polar-

goniuins may also now do so most easily by simply forming cuttings, fixing them (irmly in the Boil, watering thorn frequently.

Cultivation of tho Strawberry.

Tins is ono of the most useful and popular spring fruits which wo possess in Now Zea land, and by good cultivation tho quantity and quality of tho crop can be greatly enhanced. The soil in which it delights is rich, rotentivo land, but it will succeed well in nearly all good garden soils, giving magnificent returns in most gardens in the province of Auckland. Prepabino tjik Guouxd. —Somo time about tho end of February, decide on the pioco of ground whore tho fresh strawberry plantation is to bo. Then liavo any quail-

small heaps. When this is accomplished, commence trenching tho ground two spits deep. If tho ground has never been trenched before, bastard trenching is tho beat. When the ground has beon tronched some years previously, then trench three spits deop, bringing now soil to tho surface

Tho manure ought to be buried in tho soil

about six inchos deop, as the trenching pro coeds putting an equal quantity in each trench, and distributing it ovor tho tronch. The labour of trenching and manuring should be finished sometime during the be ginning of March. Whenever a favourable period of wet or showery weathor occurs, have the runners transferred from the old plants and planted out on the tronchod ground in rows twenty inches apart and fifteen inches from plant to plant in rows. Some like thorn closer, but I think the abovo is about the best distance to plant; there is nothing to be gainod by overcrowding. Tho earlier the young plants arc out tho botter ; they will got all the sooner established and make nice little plants boforo the cold, wet weather sets in. After planting, eivo them an occasiwil watering till thoy got established, or » iong -as tho dry weather lasts. The young plants will only afterwards need to bo kept free of weeds during the winter. In tho beginning of spring givo the young plantation a good dose of bonedust, and fork the surface soil

about the beginning of October, taking care not to interfere with the roots of the plants. After forking over the sur face, give a good dressing of lime, so as to kill slugs and other insects, then mulch with long litter-grass, which will havo the effect of keeping the fruit clean, and will also assist in checking the too rapid evaporation of the moisture from tho soil, and thereby greatly prolonging the fruiting season. When the plants havo done flowering for the season they should be kept clear of weeds, and free from

runners, with exception of a few on which runners ought to be allowed to grow so as to make a fresh plantation the following autumn. The strawberry planta tions in Britain usually last for threo or four seasons, but in New Zealand two sea eons are as long as they can profitably bo grown ; the third season tho crop is small. Therefore, when the plants havo done fruit ing the second season, trench the old plants down, heavily manure the ground, and put in Borne other crop. It is always hotter to mako a fresh plantation every season, as the old plants are usually the first to bear, and they bear the heaviest crops. The young plants aro sometimes a little later in coming into bearing, but when they do they produce the largest and finost fruit. When making fresh plantations of strawberries always chango the piece of ground ; and another good plan is to try and make an exchange of plants with some acquaintance whose garden has a different soil and locality from your own. The occasional change of stock is a very good plan.

Laying off New Gardens.

(Continued From Last Week.)

Where any serious alteration of levels of the ground takes place—such, for instance, as making a tennis lawn, whero there is a moderate slope, the drains in this instance must be carried on at the same time as the levelling, making them sufficiently deep so to thoroughly drain the excavated portion of the lawn. In making these lawns and terraces, great care must be observed so that they will settle down to their proper level at once. To do so, troublo must be taken to proporly pack the soil in throwing out the made terraces. A plan which I ' have invariably followed is to take all the ' good soil of a portion of the ground to be excavated on to the ground to bo filled up, commencing the excavation one foot lower than what the permanent surfacb .of .the lawn will be when finished, running out the soil in a thin layer, keeping the barrows continually going on the fresh-made sur | face, packing and ramming the front of tho terrace, and making it as solid as possible up to about a foot of the permanent level with the clay and sub-soil. When such is finished pick up the hard bottom of the solid portion of the ground, also the hard terrace to a depth of six or eight inches. I then take and strip another portion of the good soil, and put it over the top of the levelled clay, bringing it up to its per manent level. If the made terrace is very high, there must be a certain allowance made for subsiding. Such allowance will vary according to tho character of the soil dealt with, some soil packing closer than others, but a good average id one inch in ten, which must be increased regularly as tho terrace increases in depth. Continue thus stripping and filling up the soil till fho whole ground to be dealt with is finished. The rest of the place, where little or no alteration of level is to be made, should, be all trencbed to a depth of eighth >

inches. This, I consider, is essential for the future well-being of the whole garden, whether it be pleasure ground, flower bordera, shrubbery, or kitchen garden. If trees, shrubs, plants, etc., are expected to do well, the ground must bo broken up to a considerable depth so as to - give more opportunity for roots to penetrate deep into the ground. I would also add, on no consideration bury a single spit or barrow-load of good soil while tronching or altering the surface levels. Every spit which is thus buried is so much good soil lost to the place. The sub-soil which is used in its place takes years to make into good soil. Often in New Zealand I have been astonished at the wilful waste of good soil by burying. After the trenching is done, and levelling is fin ished, commence marking out the walks and forming the edges thereof, taking out sufficient to give the required depth for all. The above work ought to bo completed by April. (To be Continued.)

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACTION.)

Aquatics. Wellington Regatta March Rowing Association Regatta March 7 GeorKe Bul)car (England) v. Wallace Ross (U.S.), for £100, over Thames Championship course (U miles) March 10 Tauranga Regatta March 18 Whangarei Regatta March 17 Coromandel Regatta March 18 Edward Hanlan v. Elias Laycock or the next best man in Australia, £1,000 a-sido, bofore _March 31

CRICKET.

March I—United v. West End, Auckland 2nd v. Excelsior, Otahuhu v. South End (at Otahuhu), Our Boys v. North Shore, West End 2nd v. Waverley, Avondale v, Eden, "Herald" v. Our Boys 2nd. United 2nd v. Parncll, Standard v. Alpha, Gordon v. Grammar School.

March B—United v. West End, Grumniar Schooi v. Excelsior, Otahuhu v. South Knd, Nortli Shore v. Our Bovh (at North Shore), Unltei: 2nd v. Alpha, "West Knd 2nd v. Kdcn Standard v. Wavorly, "Herald" V. Gordon v. Ponsonby.

There is a probability that another largo racing yacht will bo built hero before next season to order of a well-known local yachts man.

Tho now six-ton yacht built by Logan for Waiwera was launched this week. Sho carries 2J tons of lead outside Hor namo is tho Merry Duchoss.

The twenty-foot open sailing boat Eunico recently won easily a numerously-contested raco at Fiji. Sho was sailed by W, Matthews, lato of Auckland.

The Ponsonby Rowing Club has pur chased tho racing whaloboat built by Albort White, in which one of their crewß rowed at tho last Auckland Regatta.

Tho Auckland-built yacht Waitangl scored another victory at Sydney on the l(sth instant, boating tho Sirocco, which hold second place, by 4 mins. 7 sees. C. C. Dacro has beon induced to givo the North Shoro Regatta anothor start. A better man could acarcoly be found. He takes a pleasure in tho sport, is very encrgotic, and knows exactly what is wanted.

Tho new boat shod for tho Ponsonby Rowing Club is complotcd. It Is ono of the boat in tho colony, being large and well fitted up, with lockers, etc., while a special feature exists in tho shapo of a fresh water shower bath.

ENGLAND V. AUSTRALIA.-ANOTHER MATCH.

Thk English Cuiukuticu ovku Tiikde and the Victorian Maiden ovkh Herb. Am: "Nolly Bllgh."

Ivo Bliuh Heaved a sigh, AVhon across tho main. Said—" nnto Victoria's shores I'll go back again." 11l Ivo ! Ho Ivo ! Cupid takos a turn, Puts to Ivo's heurt a torch. Ami " Ivo'B ashes" burn. Ivo HHich's Roguish eyes Mako a suddon " catch," Scch a Southern beauty lioro, And seeks to play a "match," HI Ivo! Ho Ivo! l'hreinlx is tho same, From his "ashes" ho will rino To play tho samo old gamo. Ivo Bllgh Mcuiia to try Ufo o£ married bliss, Although ho seeks a "mTaa." Hilvo! JJoIvo! Happy may you he! May had luck never "run you out" From your felicity, Ivo BliKh Need not ory For cricket's ashes more Sinco he taken his flamo away To burn on England's shore. HI Ivo ! Ho Ivo! This truth novor donbt— A married man ia best" at home, And should bo seldom " out." Melbourne Punch.

The Capture of a Duke by Brigands.

From Naples it is reported that tho brigands who captured tho Duko of Calvino on the ovoning of November 4 in tho neighbour hood of Trapani, of Sicily, released him on payment of a ransom of 150,000fr by his family, who never expected to sco him alivo again, ho bcingvery oboso, advanced in age, and afflicted with a norvouß malady. He has passed 35 days with the brigands, and, strange to say, thetreatmont hohadrecoived, though by no means ploasant, had the effect for a time of curing him. Tho duke related that in the night when ho was takon he was put on horseback, and made to ride till next morning, when the brigands stopped at a kind of warehouse. There ho remained tho first day, and wrote, athiscaptors' dictation, a letter to his family, asking them to send tho above-mentioned ransom. In the even ing the journey was resumed, and as the rain was falling in torrents the duko was clad in some tarpaulins, and a sack was placed over his head to protect him. The second night the party reached an abandoned shod, wcro tho duke was left, with a guard outeido the door. The third night the journey was ended at the place destined before-hand for the duke's concealment. He had to enter this retreat on hands and knees, through a narrow opening, into a cave, and thon through a second hole into a subterranean grotto. Here he remained for 30 days with out any light, lying on a bundle of straw which was never changed. His food con sisted of bread and cheese and water. The brigands left him aione, only returning to bring food. By the light of a lamp, which was lowered from above, they foroed him to write other pressing letters to his family, and dictated whathe should say. Hisfamily, to obtain his release, used their utmost in fluence to prevont the military authorities from pursuing the brigands until the ransom had been safely paid and received. The band liberated their victim after having con ducted him on foot for a considerable distance to the territory of Castellamare, whero a peasant's house had been indicated to him, whence he would bo conducted by the inmates to Trapani, about twenty mileo distant.

Christmas in Scotland.

The popularity of Christinas Day, both as a public holiday and a church festival, is extending very rapidly in this country. This last year thoro has been a marked increase in the observance of the season. In most of the towns the banks, several of the public works, and places of business were closed, while a more than usually lavish display of evergreens and other Christmas decorations were observ able. Special services wore celebrated in the various places of worship, and the "good will " which characterises the season took the form in many places of donations and treats to the children, the aged, and the poor. In Glasgow the customary dinner to the poor was given in the City Hall. About 2000 persons of all ages were gathered to gether, and the Lord Provost provided. The custom of sending Christmas boxes and greetings has everywhere severely taxed the energy and efficiency of the post-office. In Glasgow whore the banks, exchanges, markets, and public buildings generally were closed, the usual services were held in the Episcopalian and Roman Catholic churches, and appropriate devotional exercises were arranged for many of the Presbyterian con gregations. At the post-office large as was the number of Christmas missives in 1882 itwaslastyearmore than doubled. Outward letters were despatched its regular course, but notwithstanding the large force of auxiliaries, the deliveries in the city and suburbs were so heavy that large numbers of letters had to bo left over. The parcel traffic was also beyond all previous experi ence. The weather, though overcast in many districts, was exceedingly mild and spring-like, and a large number of holiday makers left and arrived by train.

Julian Hawthorne's daughter, 11 years of age, runs a mile in seven minutes three times a week for exercise. When .she began to.take this invigorating exercise; is not auwußcedi ...... •;

Anti-Orange Rioting in Newfound land.

3x John's (N. F.), January 3.— Late dcs patches from Harbour Grace contain several alarming accounts of the maddened state of public feeling all around Conception Bay. It is reported at Bay Roberts that a number of armed men from up the bay had formed in squads and were about to proceed to Harbour Grace to liberate their Roman Catholic friends confined in the Harbour Grace Gaol. Thereupon overlOO Orangemen, all armed, met on the vantage ground at the river head, near Bay Roberts, with a dogged determination to resist any such attempt. They were re-enforced by contingents from Bareneeds, Spaniard Bay and Port Malgrave. The excitement was indescribable. They marched to and fro all night, but the enemy had sent out reconnoitoring parties, who ex. aggerated the Orangemen's strength, and they remained at home. From Holyrood and Killigrews intelli gence is received of a new outburst of the Orange-Catholic fever at those places. The Orangemen at Killigrews discovered, through spies, that the Catholics at Holy rood were arming and preparing to make a descent on them for the purpose of deotroy ing tho Orange Hall. They made prepara tions to receive the enemy, collected all possible machinery for fortifications, and secured all the available firearms. They noxt sent special messengers down to Top sail and Bellovue sounding the note of warn ing, and armed Orangemen are hastening in the direction of Killigrews to assist their brethren. It is difficult to anticipate the future development of this new distnrb ance. HaiuiourGiuce (N. F.), January 3.—John Bray and Richard Bradbury, who wero wounded in the recent encounter between Oraugemen and Catholics, have died. Both were Orango sympathisers. Bradbury was wounded by tho bursting of his own rifle. Twenty-one persons are under arrest for participating in tho riot. The depositions of witnesses wore taken to-day. Tho Catholic witnosses sworo that tho first shot, which killed Callahan, was fired by Head Constable Doylo, who had been temporarily suspended from duty. iUuisouu Grace, January 4.—Another victim of the St. Stephen's Day riot—an Orangeman—died to-day. He was a septua genarian. His skull was smashed with blow; from sticks. Two others aro not oxpectec to live, and over thirty aro wounded. Tho Harbour Grace "Standard" says thore is a general feeling among all parties to lot the law tako its courso, and not repeat tho sad occurrences of St. Stophon's Day. The funeral of Jeans was attended by over 1,000 Orangomon in full rogalin. There was n» disturbance.

Floating on Salt Lake.

Salt Lake City, Doc. I.—Pooplo who have not visitod tho Mormon Mecca, or whose knowledgeof gcographyis not vory accurate, think that Salt Lako City is Bituated on the shore of tho great lako. But although tho lako has givon its nnmo to tho city, tho wators of desolation aro not at tho nearest point loss than fifteon miloa from the contra of tho town ; and tho distance by rail to Black R(ck and Point Gariield, tho placoa where during tho summer bathing and boating aro most indulged in, is a trillo ovor twenty miles. These Points aro reached by tho Utah and Novada Railway, which skirts tho eastern shoro i or a consider able distance During thoseanon, which lasts from Juno to October, frequent excursion, or as they aro called, bathing trains, aro run, and tho traflic is heavy. The road, after passing through somo excellont farming land oi> tho outskirts of the city—land, how over, that owes all its present fortuity to irrigation—passes into a portion of tho Groat American Desert, whero tho ground is white with alkali dust, and nothing grows but tho everlasting sago brush. Looking from tho windows of tho cars, it is at times difficult to boliovo that the i country has not recently been visitod by n, snowstorm, so thick and white aro the alkali dust and tho brush. On tho loft of train, as it speeds towards tho lako, is a spur of tho Wasatch Mountains, which ex tends to within about half a mile of the shoro at Point Garfiuld, Black Rock is the first point on the lako that is reached. Here thoro is a small hotel, and boats can bo hired. The bathing is, however, nearly all dono at Point Garliold. A largo pier, running about 300 foot into tho lako, is covered with little bathing houses, and thcro aro also somo built upon tho sands. Accommodation for not fewer than 100 bathers at one time is provided. Stops lead down from tho pior to tho water, but woo to tho bold and un- j. ,ii,.,,,. irhn vnnt.urns to tnko a hoador. Ho will think ho has struck a paving stono and swallowed a combined sulphur and suit mine, lor in hia astonishment at tho con cussion ho will bo pretty sure to open his mouth. Tho donsity of tho water is co groat that to dive into it is simply impossible. The greater tho force with which one strikes it, the greater tho rebound. Thoro is some danger, too, of slipping into tho water face downward, and not being ablo to turn over, oven whero tho depth is not greater than two or threo feet, for tho resistance of tho water is so powerful that only a very strong person can force a foot through it to tho ground. During ono of my visits I saw a lady just about to utep into tho water miss hor foot ing and fall faco forward. Sho strugglod violontly for several seconds, but hor friends, who wero unacquainted with tho poculiar properties of tho Salt Lako water, did not supposo sho was in peril. An alarm was, howovor, raisod from tho pior, and sho was lifted to hor foot. But for this timely help, sho would certainly have boon drowned in less than two feet of water. It sooms al most impossible that any liquid can bo so intensely salt as this. Tho swallowing of a vory email quantity produces violent vomit ing, tho action ol tho salt being aggravated by several other alkalis hold in solution. Tho proportion of salt alono is ovor twenty peroent,—somewhat greater than that of tho Dead Sea—and, ovon in tho rough way of making salt common in this region, namely, flooding meadows and awaiting tho results of evaporation, a gallon of salt is obtained for every five gallons of water. To those who cannot swim, and who havo boon duly warned of the dangers to bo avoided, bathing in Salt Lake is particularly delightful. As ono lies upon the water a sense of lightness seems to pervado the frame. One appears to bo half floating, half flying, for only a vory small portion of tho body will sink into the water, and only the exercise of groat muscular strength can keep the limbs upon tho surface of tho water. The exhilaration produced by this novel feeling of lightness is very remarkable. It seems to give the limbs absolute rest si they float in tho air,; upheld by no conscious volition or expenditure of physical force. But to the swimmer the bathing is by no means so enjoyable. The resistance of the water is so great that to force a way through it requires great effort. I saw a strong swimmer who had gone out about 100 yards from the end of the pier, obliged to call for a boat, as ho was too exhausted to make his way back. On coming out it is necessary to sponge tho body with fresh water, as the salt forms a complete scalo armour. One man of our party, who forgot to use fresh water on his head, speedily had his black hair changed to a very light grey. Fastened alongside tho pier is an old steamer, the General Garfield, which used to take excursion parties upon the lake. About two years ago a fire destroyed her machinery, and since then sho has beon turned into a floating rostaurant. An ox cellent dinner is served to the hungry bathers at a very modorate price, and during the season trade is very brisk. For some time capitalists have talked of erect ing a summer hotel at Point Garfield, and at last tho site is said to have been selected.

Salt Lake is about 100 miles long, and its greatest width is 50 miles. The average dejpth is 40 feet, and soundings have no where reached beyond 90 feet. The bot tom is a hard white Band, with a very gradually shelving shore, and go far as is known no form of animal or vegetable life exists in the water, which is wonderfully clear, the white sand being easily visible where the depth is over twenty feet. There are several islands in the lake, and all are mountainous, although some have some good farming land between the peaks. The two islands nearest to the city are Church Island, bo called from its form, and Kimball Island, named after a prominent light, of the Latter Day Saints. The former is farmed, but the latter is the haunt of ssa gulls, which, during the fall, come hear to breed. They make the journey from the Pacific coast in about two days, the dis tance being fully 800 miles. They live, while raising their young, upon worms and insects, and do not suffer from the loss of their usual fish diet. It is amusing to see them sailing about looking sadly at the water, which they Know by bitter experience is a cruel disappointment, but never ven turing to insert their bills in it. The young birds, and even some of the older ones, are quite tamo, and come at the call of tho saloon keeper to be fed. When the old birds think that their offspring are strong enough for the long flight, they give tho signal for a start, and after circling for a moment or two, bend their course due west ward, and are seen no more till the next year. There is a Territorial law against the destruction of these bird*, and they I seem to be thoroughly awaro of their safety. la winter the ttorma upon, tUg lakg are.

often heavy,'but there is no mercantile navigation, and the yachts, of which there are a good many belonging to wealthy Salt Lakers, aro safely housed. Eventually, as the Mormons extend their settlements m thia region, which they are very rapidly doing, tho Lake will become a very valu able means of communication ; but since the dismantlement of the General Garfiold there has not been a single steamboat, large or small, upon its waters.

An Excellent Ear.

The lady sat in tho distant corner of the room with her back to the piano, while a performer took his station at the instrument. In the first place, in order to produce a con fusion oi tone and deprive the lady of any pitch whioh she might be carrying in her mind as a basis of reckoning, the experi menter drew his thumb quickly up and down tho key board two or three times, with the dampers raised from tho strings. When the noise had subsided ho struck a a single note at random; when the lady promptly declared it was " E flat," which was correct. Alter she had been thorughly tested on single tones, without a single mistake, the pianist went through a series of complicated modulations, and when he tested and inquired, "In what key is this chord?" the response came quickly, "G." Although lacking the technical knowledge of harmony, and unable to tell every chord by name, she would mention the component tones ; as once, being asked, " What chord is thisV" she replied, "I don't know the name of it, but tho notes are C sharp, E, G, and B flat," which was correct.

FOR THE LADIES.

Woman's Capabilities.

Sho can say " No" and stick to it for all time.

She can also say " No" in such a low, soft voico that it means " Yes."

She can sharpen a load-pencil if you givo her plenty of time and plenty of pencils. She can pass a display window of a dry goods storo without stopping—if she is run ning to catch a train. She can danco all night in a pair of shoes too sizos too small for her and on joy every minute of tho time.

Sho can appreciate a kiss from her hus band sovcnty-livo years after the marriage ceremony has been performed. Sho can walk half tho night with a colicky baby in her arms without once expressing a dosiro to murder tho infant.

Sho can sutler abuse and neglect for years, which one touch of kindness or con sideration will drive from her recollection.

Sho can go to shurch and afterwards tell you what every woman in the congregation had on, and in some rare instances can givo a faint idea of what the text was.

Sho can go to tho theatro overy evening and tho matinco on Wednesday and Satur day, and still possess sufficient strength to attend a Sunday-night sacrod concert. Sho can—but what's the uso ? A woman can do anything or everything, and do it well. She can do more in a minute than a man can do in an hour, and do it better, Sho can mako tho alleged lords of creation bow down to hor own sweet will, and they will nover know it.

Mrs. Wallaoo's Visit to the Sultan's Harem.

The following is adescription of the Sultan's harem takon from Wallace's " Light of the Harem" —A brand, low divan of pale blue silk ran round the apartment. No pictures on tho marble walls, no books, no bric-a-brac, no trumpery "collections, "ceramics, esthotic trash, gravo or gay, nor muffling hangings. These are not Oriental luxuries, but instead a cool, shady emptiness, plenty of space for tho breeze to flutter tho gauzy curtains and carry tho coho of tho plash and drip of the fountains.

At tho farthest end, and reclining on pil lows of silk and lace, rosted tho lady wo sought. One little foot in red velvet slipper was first soon below wido tronsers of yellow silk ; a loose robo of white silk, embroidered with gold thread, was perfectly covered by a sleeveless jacket of crimson, dotted with seed pourl; a broad variegated sash wound tho slender waist. Half concealing tho arms was a light scarf, airy as tho woven wind of the ancients. A headband, with diamond pendants, fringed her forehead ; a reviere of diamonds circled tho baro throat, and here and thero solitary drops flashed in tho braids of hor night-black hair. Among tho billowy cushions and vaporous veilings ros-'e tho young face—oh, whatarovolationof beauty ! —uplifted in a curious questioning way, to eeo what manner' of womon thuso aro, who como from the onda ot the earth, with un veiled facos and go about the world alone, and havo to think for themselves—poor things ! Tho expression was that of a lovoly child, walking from summer slumber in the happiosthumour, ready for play. Asenßitive, exquisite face, fair as tho first of women whilo the angol was yet unfallon. A perfect oval, the lips a scarlot thread, and oh, those won derful Asiatic eyes ! —lustrous, coal-black, long, rather round, beaming under tho joined oyebrows of which the poet Hafiz sings. Nourniahal did not rise, but held out ono jowellod hand, dimpled as a baby's, with nailsand finger-ends dyed pink with venna— fivo clustered rosebuds. Themogicof boauty made us her subjects. We kissed tho little fingers loyally, and yielded ourselves willing captivos ready to bo dragged at the chariot wheels. My life-long notions of the subjoc t'on of a woman (see Stuart Mill) and tho wrotchodnoss of prisoners pining in palatial splendoursvanished at tho first glance—went down at a touch, like tho wounded knight in tho lists of Tomplostowo. Sho smiled and hoped wo woro well ; then followed suitable inquiries as to health and journoys, and expressions of tho charm of finding it all out. I vonturod tho high assertion that wo had sailed 6000 miles on purpose to lay our homago at her blessed feet, which rhetorical flourish was received with a childish nod at about what it was worth. Somohow sho did not seem so enchanted with her new worshippers as they were withhor. Itseemed tho beauty had never seen the sea oxcopt f r»m the shore.

At the signal the slaves disappeared, ex cept ono old woman and tho negroes, silent as ghosts, beside the Lahore drapery. In a few minutes five slaves returnod, each carrying a small round table of cedar, inlaid with scraps of mother-of-pearl. Fivo othors followed with lighted cigarettes, lying each in a silver saucer; and coffee in tiny cups, about the size of a giant's thimble, resting in a silver filagree holder, set round with diamonds.

"My new friends have come far," said Nourmahal, "they must be tired. Take a cigarette and refresh yourselves." I rather awkwardly adjusted the holder of amber and ventured ono faintwhiff. Ima gine my astonishment at soeing my friend, whose name with difficulty I suppress, puff away like a dissipated old smoker. The Armenian wasnative and to thomannerborn. Nourmnhal smoked, of course, and a lulling calm succeeded the excitement of the bril liant conversation reported above. While feeling around in my brain for a subject of common interest, adapted to my hostoss' capacity and mine, I tried a sip of tho coffee. It was strong enough to bear up an ogg, thick with grounds, and bitter as death. I protonded to deep enjoyment of tho dose, and sipped it, drop by drop, to the bitter end. Nourmahal clapped her hands again and tho ton virgins took away the caucors. I think none of them wero foolish, for they foil into line without effort, each ono tread ing in tho footsteps of her predecessor, at an interval to avoid her train, "In this charming palace yon must be very happy. How do you pass the timo ?" The dimples deepened in tho cheeks of Beauty, " Pass tho time, pass the timo J" she drcamly repented, playing with tho knotted fringes of her scarf. "1 do not pass it; it passes itself I" and again she laughed, and the laughter was as sweet as the tendorest voice can make it. " Are you fond of music ?" Threoladies in black : " Oh ! vory." " Oh ! rory." "Oh! very." " Then you shall be amused.'« She clapprd tho rose-leaf palms and in marched eight women musicians (we saw no men that day but the harom guard), bearing stringed in struments, curious-looking things, like over grown violins and half-finished guitars, and a round shell, with strings across, beaten with two sticks. " Didst ever hear Arabic music, beloved ? No ? Thennever hast thou known sorrow.,, Since Jubal first struck the gamut thero can have been no improvement in these com positions. How long tho exercises lasted I am unable to record, but I do know wo grow old fast under the beat, beat, hammer, ham mer, in the terse, unmeaning notes of the banjo. In the brief interval at the end of a peculiarly agonizing strain, sung by the mulatto, I seized tho moment to ask what were the words of the song, and was told it is a serenade, very ancient, dating back to the times of ignorance, before the coming of Mahomet, whose tomb is covered with tho splendour of unceasing light.

AicKm'a Infants' Food—or Maltod Phos phates (barley and wheat).—This sweet nutri ment is a close imitation and substitute) for mother's milk. Children getfat and enjoy gojd health under this diet. "The most wholesome food for your baby." Try it—Prepared at The

WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE.

The aasnrod must uso his beat endeavours to save and protect his proporty during the flre and afterwards, and until an officer of the Insurance Company arrives, he should act precisely as ho would if ho had no in surance whatever, i.e., do alt, in ins powee TO PREVENT FURTHER LOSS OR DAMAGE. ThW Is especially necessary where the loss la on merchandise or cliattols, it boing a mistake to suppose that goods damaged by or in con aoauenco of a fire mußt bo allowed to remain in the chaotic condition into which a fire Kenerally throws them, to await inspection by the adjuster. On the contrary, they should first Of all be removed (if necessary) to a safe, dry plaoo, and everything done that is requisite to prevont further shrinkage of values. After this they should be straightened and assorted, the damaged separated from the sound, and tho whole cor rectly invoiced. Tho policies make this a part of the duty devolving upon the assured, and prompt, intelligent compliance with this condi tion ia calculated, to facilitate the adjustment ol losses. As the f;oods paved from a fire belong to tho assured they cannot be abandoned to the Underwriters, but tho Companies are liable for all damago thereto so far as tha poliolea will reach.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE A FIRE.

Effect a policy of Insurance with the NKW ZEALAND INSURANCE COMPANY, whero every deßoription of Insurances ato taken at Lowest Uatesof Premium. GEORGE P. PIERCE, Gcnoral Managor.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1884.

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mESTIMONIALS TO " Bglill CfflSm GSißi AND /cyclopaedia of ttseful Lyclopaedia of Useful knowledge » nowledge, BEING A »OMPENDIUM OF INFORMATION BY PRACTICAL COLONISTS UPON FARMING, HORTICULTURE, AND ALL SUBJECTS OF INTEREST TO NEW ZEALAND SETTLERS. Edited by Thomson W. Leys Tho publisher has much plcasuro in acknow ledging receipt of the following testimonial!) from well-known agriculturalists and otfccr practical colonist 3on the value of the abovo work :— lace? l?ill°sV(lo, XIJapatoitoi. As'onc of the most practical and successful settlers inlho Auckland district, his opinion is of great value. "Siu,—l have looked forward with a con siderable degree of interest to the publication of Buktt'h Colonists' Guide, and can now say that it has far exceeded my expectations. Hardly a day passes without my finding some thing in its pages both interesting and instruc tive. It is a book that should be in evory settler's house in tho colony. Tho portion devoted lo funning is full of rellablo Informa tion, and I have no hesitation In saying that It is the most comprehensive and useful guide for a Now Zealand colonist ever published." From Sin Geohou Orey, K.C.B.—"My dear Sir —I have kept in constunt use for upwards of two mouths the ropy of Brett's Colonists' GUIDK AND CYCI.OJVKDIA OF USKKUL KNOW lkdoic, which you were good enough to send me. I have tcstod it in many ways upon a groat variety of useful subjects, and am Batisfled that it is by far the best work of tho kind I have over aeon. I feel that its merits and usefulness in re lation to all practical subjects, on which a settler's comfort and success depend, render it a necessary appendage to nvory home in Now Zea land.—Faithfully yours, G. Qnat. — Kawau. January 7th, ISSI." Mn John Wallace, of Bothwoll Park, Waiuku (formerly of Flat Bush), who is one of our earliest settlers, and has been for many years closely connected with every effort to pro moto the agricultural interests of the Auckland district, writes as follows :— " Dear Sir,—l havo much pleasure In adding my mite in warm commendation of Brett's Colonists' Guide. It is a book that should be, not only in every farmor's library, but should also be on evory colonist's book-shelf, no matter in what lino of colonial industry he or Bhe may be engaged. Thcro is information for all. In looking backovcr a porod of 41 years'of hard colo nial work how much valuabio time and money mighthavc boon saved if at tho beginning such a fund of Information had been available to guide us as is now within the reach of all in tho shape of Brett's Guide. Colonists, who deßlro to bo worthy of the name, should not, from its ole gant appearance or the quality of tho material, make it a drawing - room book, to be looked at and admired as ono would a pieturo or a curio; they should havo it on tho mantle-shelf, the sofa, or the corner of the table ; in fact, anywhere so that the eye of Father, Mother, Johnny, and Jenny, and even tho helps, may havo a chance of look ing at it during spare minutes in the heat of summer or the inclomency of winter. Mr Brett has shown pluck in bringing out such a book, has boon exceedingly fortunato in the selection of his contributor!), and I sincerely hopo it will prove a financial success." Mr George Holdship, Managing Director of tho Auckland Timber Company, and a practical colonist of long oxperience, writes :— "Sir,—l havo looked over your Settlers' Guide, and consider it ono of the most useful and valuable books for tho New Zealand settlor ever published. Tho information is so variod, and tho advioo so practical. A Blnglo paragraph will often bo found worth more than tho cost of the book. Mr T. \V. llickson, Kstato Agent, Auck land, has contributed tho following:— "I havo much pleasure in stating that, having carefully examined into Brett's Colonists' Guiuk, I have no hesitation in saying I consider it good valuo for tho price asked for it, in fact, worth ton and twenty timos tho money to almost anyone engaged in rural industries. From a Pukekoho Settler. Pukekohc, Decomber 1,1883. "Deaii Sin,—l havo recently boon presented hy a friend of mino with a copy of your valuable work. Tins Colonists' Guide. It contains well written articles on nearly every subjeot of interest to tho Bottler, oxcept roligion, with which it does not. meddle. Those articles aro evidently written by practical mon, and contain the result of much experience in a compact and readable form. Thus we have descriptions of the best breeds of Horses, Cattle, Sheop, Poultry, etc., etc., for this part of tho world ; and thcrols also a woll-mado digest of such laws of New Zealand as aro of special intoreßtto tho ordinary sottler; indeed, tho book is a real Vado Mocum, and should bo In tho possession of ovory sottlor in tho Colony. — Yours respectfully, W. H. Madill." " Deaii Sir,—Having subscribed for Brett's Colonists' Guidk, I beg to say that I am vory pleasod with it. Tho amount of practical infor mation contained in it is invaluable and I con sider it tho best 20s worth yet offered to the Now Zealand Public. No settlor or business man should bo without it. I think public opinion will say that you have conferred a boon on tho colony by your spirited effort. Thanking you personally, and wishing tho publication every success, I am, Sir, yours truly, NoAn Wood." Consul Griffin writes as follows with re foronco to this work. Asa gentleman of oxton sivo literary acquirements, and acquainted with tho valuable llhairy of practicnl works for which wo arc Indebted to tho United States, his opinion is noteworthy:— " Tho book Is tho most valuabio work of Oio kind published in the Colonies. I havo road ovory chapter In It with attontion and pleasure. Tho extent, variety, and accuracy of ita infor mation aro extraordinary. It Is what it claims to bo, a Cycloptudia of Unlvcraal Knowlodgo. Tho insight that it gi%'os into tho most approved mothods of agriculture, tho management of llvo stock, tho dairy—in fact ovorything pertaining to farming operations—commond it to evoryono intoreatod in tho prosperity of the colony. Tho oditor has displayod most oxcollont tasto and judgraont. All Mb ideas are cminontly broad and praotlcal. Tho arrangement of tho aubjoct matter is simply admirable I am especially pleasod with the articles on yinory, flar, fruit, and hop culture. Tho abstract of the local Government and land laws of tills colony is the moat Bucclnot and intelligible that has come under my observation, whilst tho printing, binding, and Illustrations of tho work aro superb."



SUMMARY OF CONTENTS: Tho "COLONISTS1 GUIDE AND CYCLO PJSDIA OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE" con tains 830 pagos, and is profusely illustrated with ongrnvings, comprisesseotions on:— THE FARM, by TnoMAS Ailen: Direction for Bush and Forn Land; Growth of vari ous Cereal and Root Crops; Management of CatUe, Sheep, and Horses, with Cure of tholr Diseases, etc, etc. This section, which contains 217 closely-printed pages, with many diagrams and illustrations, including specimens of tho boat puro-bred horses,sheep, and cattlo, togothor with selections from tho Stud and Podigroo Stock Company's thoroughbred stock, comprises tho carof ully collated experience of sorao of the most successful Auckland and Canterbury Farmers. HORTICULTURE, BY W. G section, which coverßlo6pago'«with'mir>ie ous illustrations, spocial attention Is paid to tho management of Fruit Trocß, with such simple directions and diagrams for Pruning, Grafting, Budding, etc., that any settler, without'previous knowledgo or skill, can manago his orchard profitably. POULTRY, by Thomas Allkn : This section, comprising 44 pages, gives specimens of tho best variotlos of Poultry, with directions for their Management, Designs of Fowl-houses, Treatment of Dlseasos, otc. USEFUL MECHANICAL CONTRIVANCES. 3i Pngos: Undor this heading havo boon olassod a variety of contrivances, which will bo found usof ul to tho Bottler; hints and helps for tho bush; chooso presses, carts, fencos, gates, measuring and splitting tim bor, measuring garments, erecting walls and banks, windmills, &0., &c. PRESERVING AND STORING, 30 Pagas: Includos tho oost methods of storing, drying, bottling, canning, and preserving fruit; tho most approvod modes of curing bacon and hams, with design for smoke-house; instruc tions for pickling:, sauces, vinegar-making &c. &c. INSECTS AND AGRICULTURAL ENE MIES, by Cait. Buoun : In this section, Captain Broun, the woll-known Now Zea land entomologist, supplies the results of years of observation upon natlvo and im ported insects, useful and injarlous. with illustrations of the same, and directions for destroying garden and orchard posts. SCIENTIFIC BEE CULTURE, by J. Hop kins Thi3 interesting department has been fully and skilfully treated by Mr Hop kins, of Matamata, whose works on the subject are woll known throughout New Zealand. WINE-GROWING AND MANUFACTURE, Practical Arboriculture, Tobacco Culture, Hop Growing and Silkworm Rearing, with Cultivation of Olives, Toa, &0., are each exhaustively treated. THE FAMILY DOCTOR, nY Dr. Knight and Mb. ;j. A. Pond, of Auckland, comprises Treatises on both Allopathic and Homoao pathio systems, compiled with special regard to Country Settlers. To it is appended a MAORI PHARMACQPO2IA, giving the medicinal propeajieg Of New Zealand, Bu»h Trees and Plants



COTTAGE COOKERY AND FOODS, covering 120 pages, Is a complete Treatise on Cookery, according to the best methods, and com. prises some thousands of easy receipts for tasty dishes, without the flummery of ordl. nary Cookery Books. HOUSEHOLD HINTS extend the information in the Cookery Books with many usefu. directions on Household Management COTTAGES FOR SETTLERS: Four designs of Useful Cottages, with plans and detailed Estimates, arc given, so that the settler can simply copy the specification and send to the mill and procure the complete material tw the erection of his house. ALES WINES AND SYRUPS, PAINTING, TANNING, SOAP-MAKING, and HINTS FOR PROSPECTORS, form separato sec tions, containing a large amount of Valuable Information. LEGAL MEMORANDA, prepared by Mr TnoMAS Cotteh, Auckland City Solicitor, giving a digest of all the laws which it is imperative for a settler to know, including Fencing Act, Scab in Sheep Act, Timber Floatage, Roads, etc., etc.



The above recapitulation only enumerates the General Heads indicating the scope of the work, It is the largest Book ever published in Austral asia, is Handsomely Bound in Cloth, and published at an exceedingly [Low Price, tor a Cyclopiedia of tills description - namely, TWENTY SHILLINGS (20s).



JJenry Brett, wyndiiam - street, punLisiiKß. ANOTHER FIRE!! "^WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE. The most fruitful sources of fires arc—the oaroless uae of matches, candle flame coming in contact with window curtains or bedhang ings. the mismanagement of keroseno lamps, and the leaving of ordinary household lamps untonded. Matches should always be kept on a high sholf out of the reach of children. When employed in stores, warehouses and factories, they should be protected from mica by moans of proper metal-boxes. Care should bo taken not to duop unlighted matches, nor to throw down unextinguished matches care lessly on the floor. Never leave a lighted candle un watched near hanging drapery, especially if thore be an open window in the room. Reading in bed bycandle light is a practice very much ta he condomned, and a burning candle should never bo suffered to remain after tho inmatoa of the house aro asleep. Gas should be turned off at the main when not in uso. In casa an escape should bo strongly smelt, turn off at once from the main and set open the doors and windows but on no account tako a lighted candlo into the room till tho smoll has passed off. Never pile up partially burnt wood against the chimney; scores of houseß have been burnod in this way in New Zealand. Neverput firewood inside the fender or on the stove to dry Paper, clothing, or similar combustible material should never be left near tho grate. Ashes should never be thrown away against a wooden building, or kept in a wooden box or barrel. The above hints relate to the phkvbn tion OK fire. When unfortunately a flro does ocour remember that wet blankets and ruga economise the supply of water, and are more effectual in preventing the spread of fire than wator simply thrown on, and at the same tuna cause leas damage to furniture. In tho hurry and confusion of a lire doors and windows are too apt to be thrown open ; they should be kept shut as much as possible. Fire can only spread rapidly when it is plentifully supplied with air. Have your chimneys regularly swept, at fixed Intervals; at least once in three months.



/GOODWIN'S ELEPHANT BRAND VJT BAKING POWDER, ONE TKIAL WILL I'ROVK ITS SUPERIORITY. GOODWIN'S RAKING "DOWDER. OODWIN'S -DaKING ■* OWDER. GOVERNMENT ANALYST'S REPORT. Colonial Laboratory, August S, 1882. Mr. GOODWIN: j, Dkak Sin,—Having mudo a vory careful analysis of your Baking Powder, I find ittoba a vory superior article containing nothing in any way deleterious to health. I have, there fore muoh pleasure in giving it my certificate.— J. M. TUNNY, Colonial Analyst. Of all Storekeepers, in Tins Is 6d and2s 6d. Manufactured by GOODWIN & CO., ONEnuNOA. TpUBLIC NOTICE. Notlco Is horcby given that tho Waitakorci West Highway Road Board intend to stop part of tho Koad leading from Mound Springs by Spring Hill to Wnlrlrl. Tho Road proposed to bo stopped adjoins' Allotment No. 1, Waitakcrol Wost, and is immediately opposite tho houso and promisos of John Smyth. The plans of tho proposed alterations aro on view at tho Offlco of tho Board. Mr W. Buchanan's tobl denco, Waitakeroi Railway Station. JNO. SMYTH, Chairman Waitakerei Wost Highway Board \ UCKLAND DEUTSCHER VEREIN, Geselligo Zusanmienkuufto jerlon Mittwoch Abond, 8 Uhr, im Voreins Zimmor. Park Hotel. Wellesley-Btreet. Dcutscho Zoitungon und Journalo, Doutsche Bibliotbck. MAX KOBER. Schriftfuhrer. J YOUNG, Family Grocer, Shortland street, Auckland



Coaches. VTORTHERN OMNIBUS COMPANY J3I (LIMITED). NEW NORTH ROAD TIMETABLE, on and after MONDAY, December 17th, 18S3 :— Auckland to Mt. Albert Avondalo and Mt. Al and Avondale. Bert to Auckland. Loavo Union Bank: Loavo Avondale 7 a.m. 7.55 a.m. 10.15 „ 8.30 „ 12.15 p.m. 11.30 „ •1.30 „ 12.25 p.m. 4.15 „ 3.15 „ 5.15 „ 5.30 „ "To Mt, Albert only. tFroni Jit. Albert only. SATURDAYS. 7 H.m. 7.55 a.m. '10.15 „ 8.30 „ 1.10 p.m. f11.15 „ 2.30 „ 2.30 p.m. * 5 „ 10.30 „ 6.30 ~ U „ 111.15 ~ •For Mt. Albort only. IFrom Mt. Albert only. Auckland to Now Now Lynn to Auok- Lynn. land. 2.15 p.m. 7.45 tun. 515 „ 3 p.m. SATURDAYS. J. 30 p.m. 7.45 tun. 10.30 ~ 4.50 p.m. GREAT NORTH ROAD. Auckland and Arch Hill. Leave National Bank. Leave Arch Hill. 7.80 a.m. 8.15 a.m. 0 „ 9.30 „ 10.15 „ 9.45 „ 11.45 „ 11 ~ 1 p.m. 12.25 p.m. 1.45 ~ 1.35 „ 2.15 „ 3 „ 3.15 „ "3.50 „ 5.5 „ 4.20 „ "5.30 „ 5.45 „ 6.30 „ 7 " Saturday Nighta Only. Saturday Nights Onlfi 8.30 p.m. 9.15 p.m. 10 ~ 10.30 „ An Omnibus will run from Provincial Lunatlo Asylum to Auckland at 9.25 a m and *3.50 p.m.. and from Auckland (National Bank) to Asylum 1.45 and 5.30 p.m. Also, an Omnibus will run from Avondale to Auckland at 9 a.m., and from Auckiand (National Bank) to Avondalo 5.30 p.m. Saturday Nights only; Avondale to Auckland 6 p.m.! Auckland to Avondalo 10.30 p.m. * Will not run on Saturdays. "DAINBRIDGE'S TIME TABLE. From Union Bank— 22 minutes past the hour: and 23 minutes to fte hour. From The Three Lamps—7 minutes to the nour, and evory hour. Night Trips from TowN-1-past 8, J-past 9, J-Paat 10, and J-past 11. From '.Three Lamps- From Union Bank to Shelly Beaoh-7 minutes past 9,7 minutes past 11,7 irinutea past Z, 7 minutes past 4, 7 minutes past 5,23 minutea past 6, and 37 minutea past 7. From Shklly Bkach-8.30 a.ra., 8.45 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 1.30 p.m., 3.30 p.m., 4.30 p.m., and 7.44 p.m. Saturdays pho.m Shelly Bkaoic—B.3o a-m.1 8.45 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m. From UNION I'ank—9.7 a.ni. 11.7 a.m. and 1.7 p.m. FOR SALE (Mangere), a Gentleman's Farm and newly-built Residence, with Dairy, Stables, outbuildings, &o. About oiirht aores of well - known first-class land. The Orchard is ono acre in extent, and the private Grounds are studded with ornamental trees. Alan, sea V>atliinsc. The above is a valuablo