RANDOM SHOTS.

[By Zamii-.i,.]

#nmc wrlto, a neighbour's nanio In Insh, Si%rio writo—vain thought!—for mit'ilful cftal. ■tteine write to please tho oountrj I'laali, And raise a din. for ki, an aim I never fash— I write for tun.

TmoiiK aro tho usual election stories going the rounds, somo of them exhibiting tho familiar features of old friends. Taken altogether, the election has beon more pro ductive of ruffianism than wit; and tho lying is absolutely staggering. AH tho candidates wore more or less victims of this rice. The defeated aspirant for tho favours Of Parnell had upwards of (iOO promises ; he polled only 411. Many people are of so obliging a disposition that they reassure the canvassors on both sides; and considering what posts some of theso touts are, tlio thing is ex cusable. Than again, many canvassers always manifest a charming readiness to accept an "Oh ! its all right, old man ! l or any other vague general statement as a promise to vote. Tact, tho one thing essential in a canvasser, is just the quality missing in many of them. One of theso gentlemen rushed into the oflico of ii prominent business man. nntl abruptly accosted him with the query: " How arc yon going to vote in this election?'1 to which he was treated with tho prompt reply, " Well! That will only be known to myself and tho ballot-box.'1 There aro olectors who give {heir votes solely on grounds of personal liko or antipathy, but others go through the business as a stern duty. One of these was greeted by a candidato, in the vicinity of a suburban polling booth, with a hearty " Good day. Have you voted V when ho gruffly replied, " That's my business !" He stated later on to a selact knot of friends to whom he related the story, "I wouldn't give tho fellow the satisfaction of knowing that I had rotcd for him. If tharo had been any bettor opponent, ho should have had my vote."

The elections just concluded havo ad vanced by a further stage the process of "political evolution" rcforred to in these notes two weeks ago. The exact point now reached is that represented in the past his tory of primeval man when, friction having done its perfect w.ork, the grand old man of the woods looks round with a piteous ex pression of countenance, asking, " Where's my tail ?" As in that case, so now Echo answers, "Where?" and no other reply is forthcoming, I can only hops that, as scientists suppose was the case with the developed ape, the result of the dropping of the tail will be the evolution ef a higher order of being, and the inauguration of a grander and nobler political career than has ever been known in the colony. "So mote it be!"

The ordinary electors' meeting haa also its general characteristics. It is usually com posed of a motley-minded crowd, and forms a most amusing study. No sooner has the candidate made his appearance on the plat form than he is greeted with signs of both approbation and disapprobation', and almost before he haa opened his mouth it can be easily judged wirat sort of a hear ing ha is to receive However, the speaker commences his speech, and it is very strange if he proceeds far without interruption. The man in the front seat, who has been placed there by the "opposition" party, and who has for the occasion got himself in an excitable mood by numerous potations of strong liquor, 13 most likely the first to create a disturbance. He appears to listen stupidly but determina^ely to the speaker, and, with no consideration as to suitable time or cause, he blurts out some silly remark, and continues to do so at intervals during the evening, greatly to the amusement of the great majority and the disgust of the few. There is another man, and he will generally be found in the centre of the orowd, and his inßlination is to jump np every few minutes while the speech is proceeding and ask questions, and he has, of course, to be ruled out of order by the chairman, or perhaps, if he proves unusually determined, to be hooted and stamped down. The larrikin element is alao present, or the meet ing ii a strange one, and these artists amuse themselves by repeated uproar and most out rageous attempts to be funny. It matters little whether the candidate before them is in favour of either Ministry or Opposition. Some thick-headed individual is almost sure to get up the cry of "Rats," and then others equally well-informed follow suit. Then there are the witty people, who come prepared with whatthey consider "posers," intended to appear bracketed in the news paper reports of the speech, and taken altogether, these sort of people, if once allowed to get underway, make things Uvely.

The candidate in time gets through his speech, questions are invited, a few are handed in'written on slips of paper, and answered, and then from the midst of the assemblage rises a man—a regular note of interrogation—who wants this answered and thai) answered, and puts his questions in such a style that na man can answer them. The audience fcgin to be very jolly, and amidst great applause the man is called to tho platform. It is v.ery un usual if he declines, and he usually brings his hat with him. His hat is a soft one, and of a dilapidated character—prob ably he has been sitting on it to keep it safe —and as he speaks he takes it in his right hand and hammers his left with it, more decidedly to give emphasis to his remarks. He will not put his questions at once, for he wants half-an-hour's speech to lead up, to explain things as it were, and the chances are five to one that the question will be ao long of coming that the audience will hoot him down. xxx

Last we have the loud-voiced individual who carries in his hand a long slip of paper, from which he reads questions. He is listened to for a time because he is a re spected resident, and his queries are clearly put and can he understood. But he almost Invariably objects to the answers given, insisting that the candidate is "merely begging the question." Some support him, and some go with the candidate. As Eene ral uproar ensues, somebody jumps up and moves a vote of thanks and confidence. Somebody- el«e moves a vote of thanks or it thanks and no-confidence." Half-a-dozen people second the resolutions, they are put to the meeting, perhaps the Chairman muddle* them, something is carried, the candidate moves a vote ef 1 hanks to the Chairman, tho audience give cheers for several politicians of extreme viows, and thus> ends the meeting of electors, x x x

That brilliant Frenchman, Voltaire, is said by somebody, somewhere, to have become a misanthrope because he had drank at all the wells of human enjoyment, had analysed their waters, and found all to bo empty, vain and bitter. A more modern Frenchman, whoee name is modestly with held, has been reducing to figures one of the most cherished of human pleasuros.and, hm-riUle dictum, has published the result. This cold-blooded wretch conceived the idea of having reliable statistics of conjugal kiaa ine Here is the rest of tho story as I find it in an English paper: ---"It is stated that on his wedding day, some twentfyears ago, he took the original —perhaps it may be said rather imprudent —resolution to keep a yearly account of the number of kisses exchanged with his wife until their union became severed by the •-• death of one or the other, fle was destined -to be the first to go, but when on his sick bed, foreseeing that he would not recover, he beeeod of a friend to let the world know ' the result of his twenty years' account keeping. During tiie first year of his wed ded life the "kbsss exchanged rjacbed the colossal figure of thirty-six thousand five hundred, or a hundred a day on an average ; but in the following twelve months there was a notable decrease, not more than six teen thousand boing inscribed on his regie ' ter; whilsttho third year showsastillgreater falling off, the average number of kisses ■ being but ten a day. And after a lapse of five years a further reduction is recorded, and the account keeper's task was simpli fied,-for only two hisses were exchanged during each twenty-four hours—' one on rising, one on letiring to rest.' Later on, during the last ten years of married life, ■they 'only ii&sed each other on leaving for or returning from a_ journey,' and he had very HttTe trouble in making up his 'annual domestic statistics." , '■• Now " Zamiel," being married, believes : In the institution, and does not like the - *- •ttreading of statements which tend to Bring the " h '"" ' "Is of hemlock ft |*i-» ■ ' ' ■ -~ ■ i' ■„'"■■■ ~ ""' . ' *

disrepute. This precise Frenchman has dono much to deter pcoplo from entering thomarriod atate, for what bachelor would care to faco tho prospect of having to kifs at tho rate of 100 per diem for n whole year ? Tho baro idea is terrifying to oven the most ardent lover, for though lovo struck swains send " twenty thou sand kisses" in a letter, they never dream of giving more than tho 20. Lost it should bo supposed, thereforo, that the bestowal of 36,500 kisses a year is part of the marriage bond, I hasten to give my solemn contradiction to the statement of this not very brilliant Frenchman, who could deal so repulsively with such a delicious subject.

" Out of the heart are tho issues of life," is ono of iiiOsu bits of wisdom which aro true either in the literal or metaphorical sense. Thus, it may bo road as simply conveying the truth that the circulation of the blood is essential to animal existence, or it may beUevated into tho moral sphere, and interpreted as equivalent to the declaration of. Scotia's darling bard, that

"Tho heart aye's the part ayo That rnaks us richt or wrang!

Popular language and current literature sven, are occasionally rather mixed with regard to the functions of the heart. " Brown is a blundering fool, but his heart's in the right place," I frequently hoar ; or— " Jones is a kind saul; ho lias a good heart;" when all the time I know that Brown is suffering from displacement of tho important organ named, wliilo Jonos is, like Gordon Pasha, a perfect martyr to angina pertorfo— or in other words, has a very bad heart. This confusion arises from tho supposition that tho heart is the seat of the affections and emotions--a bolief which is a survival from the unscientific past, be foro tho brain was ascertained to bo tho centre of all sonsntipn and volition. In still earlier time3 tho scat of tho affections had a loner placo than tho breast, for compassion Wfi*= supposed to dwell in the bowels ; and probably other equally noblo sentiments wcro located there.

All this string of desultory talk lias been suggested to me by a paragraph >vlik.-li I road the other clay of a man whoso heart was found on jwst mortem examination to be lodgod in the region of the kidneys. He might have been a great philanthropist, but assuredly no one could say that his heart was in tho right place ! It must have been of thi3 fellow in his youth that tho story is told of his sweetheart asking him to show her tho portrait of horself which ehe had presented to him. "Oh, yes," hj) replied with fervour, "I have it hero; I always wear it next my heart;" and then the un blushing fool llskcd it «ut of his coat-tail pocket!

Cases aro not unknown to medical scioneo of the heart being found on tho right sick of tho human body instead of on tho left. Solomon says—"Tho heart of tho fool is on his left sido ; bujfe tho heart of tho wise man is on his right." This goos to prove that the wise King believod tho heart to be the seat of the intellectual powers ; but tho striking thing about his dictum is that it coincides thoroughly with tho conclusion of one of the wisest among us moderns. Carlylo has said—" Tho population of E.ig land is thirty millions, mostly fools !" Cer tainly if the only wise raon are those who have thoir hearts on tho right sido, the vu<t majority must bo classed as fools. This reflection makes even "Zamiol" feol down hearted enough for his cardiac organ to he in tho kidney region.

Sir George Grey speaks of a "reign of terror" in Now Zealand, but it is evident that the veteran knight does not appreciate tho unparalleled p?ace and security which colonists enjoy. I'eop'e understand things better by contrast, und if anyouo tries to realise the condition of Ireland at tho present time, and compares it with the sta c of New Zealand, they will gee how little ground there is for the assertion that New Zealand sulliirs from a reign -of terror. What may happen in Dublin at the present day is as outrageous as anything that may occur in Uiuuua.. On lft June, ten Highlanders who wore to take part in tho Caledonian gamos at the Irish capital had a vivid exponent e of the rigour of tho system of espionage which prevails. They wore at tho North Wall challenged by the police for carrying weapons (the swords and dirks which formed part of their adornment), and a3 they were found to have no licenso to carry arms, they were taken in charge to " the office." No amount of explanation as to the peaceful character of their mission wna of any avail, and they were only released after they had been marched to the Castle under guard, end received tho necessary permit. A still more flagrant case was .that of a poor Irishman who was apprehended near the precincts of Dublin Castle with a quantity of gunpowder on his person. He was marched off to the deepest dungeon, the evidence of his eeditieus intentions was confiscated, and ho was set down as a villain of the worst type. In rain he pleaded that ho w*s a quarry labourer who had been sont by his "boss" to fetch a quantity of powder for blasting purposes. He was duly brought before the police magistrate, and mean while his employer had been found and gave testimony confirming the correctness of the labourer's statement. But the sapient magistrate was not to be baulked of his prey in that fashion. He imposed a heavy hne on the prisoner for carrying gunrjowder without having a license, and administered a severe caution to him for his conduct. "Reign of terror," indeed! Why, we blessed colonists have the utmost liberty to carry dynamite, gunpowder and deadly weapons; we can and sometimes do blow the roof off our skulls or sever our jugulars with the most perfect freedom from inter ference ; and up Mount Eden way " dyna mite outrages" are matters of daily occurrence. As compared with the benefi centruleof Britain in Ireland, the despotism of the "big pawnshop" (which is said to be the real Government of New Zea lond) is of the mildest possible type, and instead of a "reign of terror " we enjoy a perfect millennium of tranquility.

Exptrientia docet! "and in the case of the temperance people I hope, for the sake of their cause, that the old and familiar apophthegm will receive an ample verifica tion. Flushed with tho Hweeping victories which the people united to give them in the election of Licensing Committees, they have sought to raise their par ticular cry in subsequent eleotions—both municipal and general—and have been in gloriously beaten. Rendered self-confident by a sudden accession of power, which they vain gloriously ascribed to themselves in stead of perceiving that it was due to a mere concurrence of public opinion upon a particular question, they have tried sedulously to arrogate ■to them selves a kind of dictatorship in all sorts of elections, careless whether or not their cause was at stak»._ The effort has been a pronounced failure in two recent instances, and the party, by reason thereof, have lost nearly all the prestige which ac crued to them through their overthrow of the publicans. Thus, in the recent municipal contest at Ponsonby, chagrined,' no doubt, at not being consulted in the selection of a candidate, they set up a man of their own in opposition to Mr Upton, who could not possibly be suspected of any alliance or personal sympathy with the Licensed Victualling interest. On this occasion they found it difficult to lead the burgesses by the nose, and consequently found themselves kors de combat. Still incapable of feeing the imprudence of their conduct, they had the temerity to raise the temperance shibboleth again in the City North election, and while pinning their faith to Mr Nowman. they endoavoured to convince the electors that Mr Thompson was being "run" solely by the publicans. The electors, however, have reformed an em phatic answer in the crushing defeat which Mr Newman has juat sustained. As a friend to temperance, I trust, therefore, that they will not again risk tho reputation of their cause by involving it in elections- with which it has no legitimate concern. By so doing they will conserve their strength, whereas by pursuing a contrary, course they will as suredly disintegrate their own forces. Verbum sat mpinnti.

Tho "Devil amongst the Tailors" is an episode as old us the hill?, but for a late sensation, unique and crisp with the charm of novelty, give me the " Lawyers amongst the Pigs." But for well-authenticated and ably-reported police reports, I would scarcely believe that these gentlemen of tho long robe should.be so thoroughly at home when in company with these quadrupeds; their karas, bacon, and, in fact, all tha other points exhibited by pig alive and polk dead seem to have been happily treated up on ; indeed, the whole of the material uni verse appears to have been ransacked in order to give eclat to this famous case. The pigs were shipped at Whangarai for Auckland per the s.s. Waitaki, Captain Crawford, being all alive and closely packed (like good spirits). The quality was good, the quantity about eight; no difficulty would be experienced by the tide waiter or others concerned ; the gauge of the case being 32 feet certain, and thus the lawyers wove saved froTi *eA» splitting as it r«*B»"&»

tho said point; but, here come in etrangoly the !aw and the gospel. It may probably not bo known that Mr Brassey conducts cases gratuitously (at least so he says) on behalf of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and in this respect ho diit'cr.s a trille from his legal brethren ; but the labour of luvo in Hrasaey's caso docs what tho coin effects amongst tho other learned gentlemen ef the law. A fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind. The scono borrowed from Scripture, as the sapient counsel admitted, when the herd ran violently down a steep placo into tho sea and wore choked, was a possibility which, under the circumstances, seemed imminent, and as our friend has shown ac quaintanco with the passage, he may also bo familiar with its treatment by an ex cellent Yorkshire lay preacher. It was as follows : —Observe, in tho lirst place, that tho devil never walks when he has the chanco of a ride —"and the dovil entered in to tho swino." Observo, in tho second placo, that whoever tho devil drives ho drives violently—" tho herd ran violently ;" observe in the third and last place that the devil generally brings his pigs to a pretty market—" the herd ran violently down a steep placo into the sea and were choked." I think that the gentlemen of tho law will admit that the above divisions are logical, truthful, and possibly a whit humorous, and the discourse from such divisions would opon up a theme of all but infinite magnitude. Only fancy tho pigd going a header when liberated from thoir cruol con finement to tho marine depths, and what rare sights won't present themselves to thoir astonished gaze. Not boing gifted with tho powers of Jules A'erne, I will not attempt to portray tho wonders of tho deep, includ ing the "gems of purest ray serene " which are supposed to bo scattered about in tho "dark unfathomed caves of ocean." Besides, thero is as littlo good in casting swino among pearls as there would be in casting pearls before swino.

THE LONDON THEATRES.

[I'KOM OUK OWN CORItKSPONDENT.]

London, Juno 6. My letter this mail will bo chiofly of a gossipy character, as only about half-a ---dozen theatres mado changes in their pro grammes for the Whitsuntide holidays, and nono of them were important. Havorly'a Minstrels (a mammoth combination of 150 porformora, plain and colourod) took pos session of Drury Lane last Saturday, and on tho same evening Irving and hie com pany made thoir rontroo in "Much Ado About Nothing " at tho Lyceum. Judg ing by the extraordinary reception* aceordod to the horo of tho oroning and Miss Terry, absence haa for onco in a way inndo tho public'* huart grow fonder. The unreserved parts of tho house were crammed to excess directly the door wa« opened, and pit and gallery beguiled tho half hour of waiting by welcoming, in characteristic fashions, the various notabilities and notorieties who dropped one by ono into their own particular boxes and stalls. Some of tho chad' was very rough, and many fenrod it bodod the pro sonco of a hostilo clicjuo. Nothing of the kind. Directly the popular favourite's voico wa= heard, stalls, pit, dress circle and gullury, bounded to their feet, and began to cheer and stamp, and clap and wava handkerchief* like mad folk. Inured as ho mutt be to these triuuipks, Irving was obviously takeu aback by tho scone. Ellen Terry burst into hysterical tears, mil at the light of her very real emotion the enthusiasm af tho •udence know no hounds. In vain Irving bowed and Miss Terry curtsied. At last, as a sign that the uproar hud lasted long enough, tliu former coolly turned his back on tho house, and inudw an inporntive sijn for the porformunoo to proceed. Than, by degree*, the turmoil tuuijuratily nubsidtxl, but only to break out u<;ain at the and of the comedy with rennwed furrour. Of course, Irving came finally forward and saiii a fow graceful wordi! of thanks, at the same time announcing the immediate preparation of "Twelfth Night."

"Much Ado About Nothing" went as well as over. Tho Cathedral of Messina, with its vftut gloomy perspective, lofty roof, solid pillars and gorgeous altar, is probably one of the greatost triumphs of sconic art we shall see for yearn. Many more difficult tilings have been at tempted — tlio marvellous caitliquuko In "Claudiau " pur o.reinp/e —hut though oflec tivothe latter is not real Hitting in the stalls at the Ly Jen in; itisasif you wore in .Messina Cathedral youisolf. The pealing organ, the cool incense, scented air, the dim religious light, the monks Hitting hither and thither —all tend to produce an atmosphere of startling reality ; indeed, I should think good Catholics amongst the audience must find it hard to resist dropping on their knees when the priests enter.

Tho Empire Theatre has completely " euchred" its oldor rival, tho Alhambra, and the management of tho latter are at their wits' end what to do. Prices have ■been reduced 50 per cent., and if tills doesn't answer, a change of programme, in the shape of a gorgeous re-sotting of Burnand's burlesque, " Black-oyed Susan," is to be tried.

Young Boucicault's "Devotion" proved a comparative failure; at least it wouldn't draw ; so on Thursday last the court mana gers revived ono of the least successful of Kobertsun's comedies, "Play." Even In the uld days, when this piece had tho assis tance of Mrs-Bancroft and poor H. J. Mon tague, Mr ITare and Mi»s Sophie Larkin, it didn't "hold" an audience,and nowadays it seems feeblenws intensified. Who ad vised its resurrection I can't conceive. You are not likely erer to be bored with the pioce in the colonies.

I went to the Globe last Saturday to see " The Private Secretary," and shouted with laughter all tho time. This piece has been successfully cempressed, and now runs quite as merrily as any of the famous Criterion comedies. You will certainly have it at your end of th« world before long. Tho part of the curate, originally created by Mr Beerbohm-Tre«, is now admirably played by W. S. Penley, who means to take tho comedy on tour pre sently.

"In the Kanks" is the greatest success tho Adclphi Theatre has eref known. To morrow will be the 208th night, and busi ness in still good. I don'fc think the melo drama is likely to make a big hit in the colonies. Mr Charles Warner's Ned Dray ton, and Mr Hawes Craven's scenery are its principal attractions, and the piece won't to well without them. Charles Wyndham as revived "The Great Divorce Case" at the Criterion for 14 nights, after which something new by James Albery is pro mised.

"Little Cricket," a version of "Fau chette" (played through New Zoaland under various names), seems to bo attract ing fair audiences to tho Avenue. The part of the Will-o'-the-Wisp heroine intro duces Londoners to Miss Lydia Cowell, a clever girl who has for a long time past been a great favourite in Liverpool and Man chester.

David James revived " Our Boys " at the Strand Theatre on Whit Monday, when tho houso was crammed from floor to ceiling with a very friendly audience. His Perkyn Middlewick seems a trifle broader than it used to be, and Mr Sugden, who plays Talbot Champneys, is a very poor substi tute for Tom Thorne. Miss Fortescue, costumed in delicate poach silk, and smoth ered in stophanotis blossoms, was a beautiful but singularly incongruous representative of the friondlcss and impecunious Mary Mclroso.

Lotta'a season at the Opera Comique comes to an end shortly—"Nitoucho," the Fronch Vaudevillo she is now playing, being a very poor aft'air.

Remember This.

If yon are sick. Hop Bitters will surely aid Nature in making you well when all else fails.

If you are costive or dyspeptic, or are suffer, ing from any other of the numerous diseases of the stomach or bowels, it is your own fault if you remain ill, for Hop Bitters is a sovereign remedy in all such complaints.

If you are wasting away with any form of Kidney disease, stop tempting Death this mo ment, and turn for a cure to Hop Bitters.

If you are sick with that terrible sickness Nervousness, you will find a " Balm in Gilead" in the use of Hop Bitters.

If you are a frequenter or a resident of a miasmatio district, barricade your system against the scourge of all countries—malarial, epidemic, bilious, and intermittent fevers—by the use of Hop Bitters.

If you have rough, pimply, or sallow skin, bad breath, pains and aches, and (eel miserable generally, Hop Bitters will givo you lair ikin. rich blood, and sweetest breath, hoaith, and comfort.

In short, they onre all diseases of the Stomach, Bowels, Blood, Liver, Nerves, Kidneys, Blight's Disease £500 will be paid tor a case they will not euro or help. Droggista and Chomista keep.

That poor, bcdriddon, invalid wife, eister mother, or daughter, can be made the picture or health by a fp™ '""ties of Hop LiiUers,« uw-in« but a"trifle. VI >t them Buffer J

SPORTING

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

Now Zealand,

(Jtcraldino H.C. Spring Soptcniber 2<">, 2» Hawlie's Buy J.O. Spring October l>, 7 Canterbury J.C. Metropolitan.. ..Nov. 11, 13, H

Australia,

Huwkcabury H.C. Spring August 21, 23. A.J.U. Spring AUKUBt3o;Seutenibgr2, 1, (i V.K.C. Spring NoTombor 1, i, 0, 8

To Correspondents.

M. L.-Kelpio died in 1882. and Yattondon in 1880. The formor was 27 years old at tlio tinio of his death. W. J.~Johnny Faulknor was got by St. Albuns from Impudence, He was brought over from Tasmania by Mr W. Davidson, and purchased by Mr D. O'Brien. J. It. P.—Tho distance of the English Derby is one and a halt mite. Tho quickest time it has boon run in is 2min. ltisoc. by Kettledrum, in 1851, and by Blair Athol in 18(tf. Ponsoniiv.—Tho Hon. J. White has won throo Maribyrnong Plates, one Victorian Oaks, two V.K.C. Derbies, two Melbourne Cups, two Metropolitans, and ono Sydney Uold Cup. Constant Rkader.—The iron. W. Robinson has won both tho C. J.C. Dorby and Welcome Stikcs for tho post two years. Tho C.J.C. Handicap, now changed to the N.Z. Cup, has only beon won by him on ono occasion, viz., In 1881 with Grip.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

The results of the two principal events of the Victoria Racing Club Steoplucliaso Mooting reached us by cablo in the early part of tho wook. In the Hurdle Race, tho popular colours of Mr D. S. Wallace wore seen in front on tho well-performed Don Quixote, who carried list. 131b., Mr J. 0. Ingliß'BSundownor(loat. 31b.) being gecond, nnd Mr H. R. Falkiner's Ringwood (!2st. 71b.) third. Tlie Stoeplechaso fell to Cliippenham, owned by n Victorian gentlo man who races under the assumed uamo of "Mr \V. Noil." Ho was purchased by him in May lust, for 107 guineas, nnd uh ho has besides won u couplo of Bteoplechases at minor meetings since then, he has turned out a moat profitable investment. Cliipiwn ham, who i« an inmate of Ciippn'.s Htnblo, was got by Alarm, s son of tho defunct hero Panic, and Alarm also claims being tho siro of last year's winner, Blackthorn. If the time, 7mins., is correct, it is tho fastest yot recorded for tho roc«, Great Woßtcrn'i time in 1882 (wbioh is the no.it best) being 24 «cconds dower. From wTmt has come to my ears during the lost few days, I think it is inure than likoly that Major George's colt Nelson will be lakon to tfhristehurch for tho purpose of taking part in the contest for the Now Zealand Cup. My information i* may bo Btiitod is strengthened by the fact that the eon of King Coin and My Idea was sup ported in local circles at tho end of lust week to win the event ta tho exteut of £400 or £500, aud bad the bookmakers cared to hare gone on at 100'» to 0 and 7, a good deal moro would have been readily accepted. A iriend of mint) who haa lately been on a visit to tho South, tells mo that while in Christchurch, he had a run out to Mi D. O'Brien's picturesque litfto establish ment at Rlccarton, for the purpose of in terviewing bin team. Tasuian, Johnny Faulknor, Siesta, and Rubiiia he found to be in the boat of health, while Tronton u also looking remarkably well, but ho has not furnished to any groat extent. Mi- O'Brien intenddnominating foreur Sumnior Meeting, and from what lie ututetl it is not uulikoly wo will see his pretty "rose aud black " banner unfurlod for the lirat time at Ellorslie in December noxt. In Duncdin, my informaut had a look over Lady Emma, Lady Bvelyn, Captaiu Webster, and Tuia roa, aud tho whole four n:« wintering on well. Th« latter hax a heap of frinuds f»r the Now Zealand Cup, and there ai'a nut a few who look with great favour upon his cUiiiice of appropriating the 1,000 sovs. Tho Ifawke'* Bay Jockey Club bavo fixed upon the (ith mid 7th uf October for their Spring Meeting. From the pro framnic which has been Iwued, I gather that they will give nwuy 1.,920 in added money during the two days, duided an fol lows:—First day: I'ree Handicap of 60 sovs.; Maidun Hurdle Race of 50 sova. ; : Hawke's Bay Guinoua of 200 »ov«. ; Selling Raco of 50 hoys. ; Hack Kaco of 20 »ots. ; Flying Handicap of HO aovs. Second day : Hurdle Handicap of 75 sove.; Hack Hurdle Raco of 20 sovs.; Spring Hundicap of 200 sovs. ; Maiden Plate of 50 bovb. ; Hack Race of 20 sovh. Connotation Handicap of 80 sovy. Nominations for the Spring and Flying Handicaps andHurdlo Kace are due on the 12th of August.

lloi-ttoownuM should bwir in mind that the first acceptance of 3aov§. for the Non- Zealand Cup, tho necond payment of Atom, for tho Derby, and iiomimtionß for the Canterbury Cup, w.f.n., sro duo on Friday noxt at 9 p.m. Mr J. .r. Miller's '■ Sporting Pamphlet and Official Trotting Record " lms made its appearance, and I hovo to acknowledge a copy of tho Ham*. This is tho Bixth year of its publication, and as usual it contains the performances for tho past season of all the horses engaged in tho Melbourne Cup, Oaullield Cup, Great Metropolitan Stakes, and Hawkesbury Handicap, besides a mass of other u.mful information indispensable to racing men. It in also cloarly printed and well bound, which is u great thiug in its favour.

From " Tout Cola's" notes in the Sydney "Sportsman,I'l learn that Tromando seoms fancied in certain quarters for the Mel bourne Cup, and has been frequently taken straight out at 100 to 4 ; and, conpled with Bargo for the V.R.C. Derby, 1,000 to 5 is wanted. Tromando is a three-year-old colt by The Tester ont of Agitation (imp.), and ; an inmate of the Hon. James White's stable. In Melbourne I also notico that Tremando has been backed for the Melbourne Cup coupled with his stable companion Salvo for the big Caulfield event. Writes " Actoeon " in the Canterbury " Times " :—On Thnrsday morning, taking advantage of the favourable state of the elements, I paid a visit to the racecouree, and had the plearuro of witnessing a doal of work on tho part of the rising two and three-year-olds. July, with rugs on, went three times round the plough, while Sou' wester, in company with Water King, covered three miles at a steady pace. Dam O'Brien did easy work with Johnny Faulk ner, and Trumpeter went twice round steadily. Patsy Butler's Fusilier and tho Watcrwitch colt did gentle exercise, while Charmer and Tim Whiffler covored three miles steadily. Both Charmer and Fusilier have grown into very taking colts, and the easy way in which they did their work pleased me greatly. Three of the Russley team paid a visit to the course, viz., Puck, Carlton, and Russley, but only indulged in easy cantering. Sam Higgot gave Minerva some steady werk. Mr Pilbrow's Ugly Buck has grown into a strapping big colt, and is looking remarkably well and going in excellent form. Ray gave Oudeis, Non sense, and Welcome Jack easy exercise, and sent Eskatos and Liverpool twice round, the first time steady and the next a half pace, botii going in very good style. The "Now Zealand Referee" in its en larged form came to hand this week. A number of new features have been in troduced, and it now compares favourably with any of tho Australian journals de voted to sport.

The Committee of tlio N.Z. Grand National Club held a meeting at Timaru several days ago with regard to the Clarence cant-Billy-go-by-'em affair at Wnnganui, and resolved upon the following :—" That the jockey F. Hedge be disqualified under N.Z.G.N.S. Club Rules from riding, train ing or running any horso or horses whatso ever, during the ploasure of the Club, for tampering with tho rider of Billy-go-by 'em ;" and " That the jockoy Cqpestake be disqualified under N.Z.G.N.S. Club Rules from riding, training or running aoy horse or horses whatsoever, during the pleasure of the Club, for not starting his horso Billy go-by-'em." I am indebted to "Mazeppa's " notes for the following:—Mr Sheenan's gelding The Lad has started this season in twelve races and has won every one of them. He com menced business in August by winning the Amberly Plate and the Tally-ho Plate, nt the North Canterbury Steeplechases for Mr Rutherford. We then hear nothing of him till February, when he was fetched out at Hurunui, and won the three events for which he started. Then he again relapsed into retirement until June, when, owned by Mr T. Sheenan, he showed up at the Heathcote Meeting, and carried off the Maiden Steeplechase. This was followed up by a win in the Waimate Steeplechase, and then in quick succession he appropri ated the. Oamaru Steeplechase, the Geral dine Tally-ho Handicap, the Plumpton Park Hurdle Race, and the double at the South Canterbury Steeplechases. Altogether he has won about £500 in stakes; that is after allowing for the portion allotted to tho second horses. Hit preseat owner has ridden him in all the race* except thos* at Hurunui, when Murfit had the mouatg. Granted that The Lad has once or twice been rather lucky, ho has performed a feat worth recording. The abov«^m(er has also concluded his review of the'New Zealand Cup candidates, and selects the following twelve as being likely to furnish the winner: -ft*M» July,

Salvage, Turquoise, Johnny Faulkner; Sou' wester, Nelson, Ike, Sir Bedevere, Tim Whifller, Captain Wobstor, and Talebearer. Ho adds :—To make a baker's dozen of it, I must nay that I have a sneaking, regard for oithor Lady Evelyn or Matanaka, which: over turns out to bo the representative of tho Hon. G. McLean's stable.

At tho annual mooting of the Dunedin Jockey Club, the balance-sheet showed that the expenditure amounted to £9,735 4a Bd, whilo tho recoipts vvcro Cl 1,557 3s sd, showing a balance of £1,821 18s 9d, which reduced tho debit balance to £321 lls sd. Of the expenditure, the stakes paid over amounted to £5,005 G.s. Tho statement of assets and liabilities showed a balanco of £2,125 10s 6d to the good.

From Australian papers to hand this week 1 gather that King's Own and Buck ingham, and all of Feimolly's string, look well, especially Tremanuo and Bargo, whilo Bristol has thickened out into a nico horse. At EUternwick Park, " Augur " statos ho noticed Sirocco, but failod to recognise Ins companion, King of the Gipsies, until his trainer, Foulsham, pointed him put. Sirocco is wintering splendidly, and is filling out bo well that no will be a very presentable three-yoar-old next season. King of tho Gipsies is improving out of all knowledgo (says tho writer), and with this son of Gang Forward, and his Btablo-mato Sirocco, tho Brighton stable should be very strong in three-year-olds, and I shall not bo surprised to sco ono of them mako a bold bid for victory in tho Derby.

Tho annual roport of tho Wangonui JocUoy Club showed the year's operations resulted in a loss. This won causod by » falling off in the receipts, and tho writing off of £130 1!)h, (is beyond recovery. The ontmnoo money for tho your was C1,178 Is, ns against £1,250 Gs received last year. Subscriptions were £120 13s loss, and tho privileges realised £142 (is loss than lust year, making ft total difference of £575 4s. 1'2,450 were paid away in stakes, as against £2,093, while tho charges account had in creased from C503 13s 3d to £013 4s lid. This was caused by tho bonus to tho lato luindieapper, and the fact that all tho labour accounts over £200 liad boon charged to that account instead of a propor tion tothoimprovomontuccountas formerly. The steeplechase mooting loft a 1083 of £120, imd the Committoo thuight that for tho future if stoonlochasM were continued, tho Waiigauui Club should fraino and race under rulos of their own, conKidoring that stewards present would bo bettor able to pass judgment thnn would others to form an opinion from written evidence. The objoction to St. Oatien for tho English Derby was not on account of his nominator failing to state by which Hire his dam was last covered, but on account of the outry failing to discriminate between tho two Rorore contained in the 9tud-buok. The following paragraph from the " SporU m»n" explains the position :—" Consider able sensation was created yesterday at Epaom owing to Sir John VVilloughby lodging an objoction against St. (Jation, tho half-winner of tho Derby, on the ground of insufficient descriptien. Ho toby llotbor hill or Tho Rovor, and the Stud-book con tains another Rover, who was foaled ia 1856, and was the sire of a few winners sonic ton or a dnzon yoarn back. An at tempt will be mado to provo that thU Rovor, by Flying Dutchman out of Moa nco, by Touchstone, is still living, in which cano St. Gnticn should }>avo beon described us by Uotherhill or the Roror, by Blair Atbol. Mr E. C. Smith, V.S., of Midhurst, owned tho Flying Dutohmun Rovor after tho death of tho late Mr W. Roores of Epaom, and has heard nothing of him nince he was sold nt Tattergall's. About this time the Rover by Blair Athol was foaled. In order that Sir John Wllloughby may have ample opportunity of making out hU case tho stewards of tho Kiwom Mooting havo postponed the hearing of tho cose until Tuesday wook at Ascot." Tho objection was eventually withdrawn.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Mr J. Pilbrow has gone to Australia on a risit.

Wullangra is first favourite for tho Great Metropolitan Stake* at 100's to 8 (taken). The Tasmnninn Uuciu^ Club liuto decided to offer I.OOOsotm. for the noxt lloban Cup. The Hawko's Bay Jockey Club cleared ovor £170 at Uieir recent Steeplechase Mooting. This yoar tho weights for tho English Dorby wero, for the first time, colta !)st., fillies Bst. 01b.

Aclaia is tho only ono of tlio ChrUtchurch Middle I'ork Stud Company mares not ia fool this season.

The Dauphin, winner of tho G.J.C. Derby of ISSI, is open for leuso for the forth coining racing season. lietting on tho N.Z. Cup is ot a staitd etill in Cnristchurch, Sou •woaUr roruaina favourite ut 100'.* to 15 (olTured).

Friday next, Ist of August, ii tho oqnino birthday. All horscn in Anstnilia and Now Zealand are twolvo months oklur on that dnto.

Mr 11. Biv^tingH has boen elected Presi dent of tho Dunodin Jockoy Club for the cunning year, and tho Hon. Q, McLean Vice-President.

Wull.-in^ra and Jeesio are the most fanciod in Sydney for tho Hawkosbury Handicap, and 100 to (>' in tho boat price ob tainable about tho pair. Moody, tho winner ot tho Consolatiou at tho S.A.J.C. Steoplechasos, paid a dividend in tho outnido totnlisator of £72 18s. There was only ono solitary invostor on him. Writes " Tout Cola ":—Thoro seoms a constant inclination atnongat a certain soction of Sydney baokors to nibble at the South Australian horse, Sir Garnet, for the Melbourno Cup, Tho stud horso Patriarch, located at Napior, has had to be destroyed. Patriarch was got by Yattondon out of Days of Old, and was a big performer on tho Australian turf.

Owing to tho abolition of tho totalis.it or and public betting, it is thought that ulti mately tho South Australian Jockoy Club (Adelaide) will have to ga to the wall and wind up its affairs.

It is said that Hungarian jockeys some times tio a clove of garlio to their racer's bits, so that tho horses that run against them will fall back as soon as they breathe the offensive odour.

A number of alterations and improve ments aio to bo effected to tho Canterbury Jockey Club race-course at Riccarton. Seven or oight boxes, which are badly wanted, are also to be erected.

The billiard match between Roberta and Poall, played during tho Epsom Derby week, resulted in a viotory for Poall. Roberts con ceded 2,000 start in a game of 10,000, and was boaten by 589 points. "Augur" states regarding tho Mel bourne Cup weights that of tho horses from 7st. 81b. to 7st. he likes nothing so well as Garfield, Bargo, Vorgy, Ned-o'-the-Hille, Wing, Wal'angra, and The Broker. Nicholas, the son of Robinson Crusoe and Dagmar, who proved such a disappoint ment when trusted with tho care of Mr do Mestre's colours in the last Melbourne Cup, has gone to tho stud. An exchange tells of Homo " beet, on record" jumping at Madison Square Gardens, New York. A horso called Leo is credited with having negotiated, during a trial for hunters, a rail 6 feet 5 inches high.

" Nomo " thinks the winner of the Great Metropolitan Stakes will come from the following lot: —Martini-Henry, Warwiok, Jessio, Bristol, Despot, Littlo Sister, Coir, Britisher, Battailous, Wallanjjra, Reginald, and Wing Walton, the Yankee plunger, who, during ono season in England', hit the ring to tho tune of £75,000, has once more beon knocked ont, the defeat of his colt, Richmond, jo the English Dorby, being the last nail in his coffin.

Inclusivo of tho 300 sovs.,which according to the conditions of tho race, were to bo awarded the second horse, the Derby this year was worth £4,850, this sum being equally divided botweon the dead-heaters, St. Gatien and Harvester.

Mr G. L. Lorillurd has, it is assorted, re fused an offer of 15,000 dollars for tho last filly Louisotte, by Glenelg out of Stamps, by Lexington. The three-yoar-pld evonts for which she is engaged are, by many, be lieved to be quite at her mercy. Of tho two dead-heators in the English Derby, Harvester was got by a horse stand ing ad 150 guineas, whilo the services of the supposed sire of St. Gutiun could have beon obtained for 3 guineas before his now cele brated son had run in the Derby.

The best two-year-old at Home (says "The Field,") is Necromancer, by Touchet (grandson of Stockwell) out of Enchantress, sister to Lennoxlove, by Scottish Chief out of Ladylove, by Blair Athol (son of Stock well), a colt bred by Mr Quartermaine East, and now the joint property of that gentle man and Matthew Daweon.

In " Augur's " remarks on tho Caulfield Cup weights, he writes as followe concern ing Martini-Henry :—"I am positive that we h'ave seen the son of Musket thoroughly fit only once, and that was in the spring of last year, and if Mr Pennelly can " nick " him again in October, this Caulfield Cup should nearly, if not quite, fall to his lot." A meeting of breedors was to have been held at Doncaßter shortly after ..the miail left, the object being to frame a petition to the Jockoy Club to allow of purchasers of yearlings to take over if they so wish the engagements of the youngsters so that in the case of the death of the original nomina tors they will not, as is p»~*u«p»«e, become invalidated.

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS

)■■•■{ (BY ACTION.)

FOOTBALL FIXTURES.

Auckland Rugby Union Pi-ograuhiiO,

July 26— Auckland v. North Shore, Nowton v. Albert, Ponsonby v. Gordon, August 2 — Auckland v. Ponsonby, North Shoro v. Albert, Grafton v. Gordon. ,

AugUßt !>-Auckland v. Go; don, Ponsonby V. Grafton. North Shoro v. Nowton. August lti—Auckland v. Gratton, PoiißOnby v. Nowton, Gordon v. Albert. August 23—Grafton v. North Shore, Ponsonby v. Albert, Gordon v. Albert. August 30— Sopt. G-Club ties.

CRICKET FIXTURES. The Australian Eleven.

,liily 31—Ovnl, Australians v. Players. August 4—Canterbury. Australians v. Kent. August 7—Clifton, Australians v. Gloucester shire. August 11—Oval. Australians v. All England. August 18—Cheltenham, Australians v. Glou cestershire. August 21—Nottingham, Australians v. Notts. August 25—Brighton, Australians V. Past and Present of Cambridge August 28-Gravosond, Australians v. South of Kngland. September 1 — Nottingham, Australians v. North of Kngland. September I—Scarborough, Australians v. I Zingari, Septcmbor 11—Oval, Australians v. All Eng land.

Hanlan expocts to remain in the colonies about a yoar. Then ho goes homo by way of Suez Canal, and will givo exhibitions of his skill on tho Seine, at Paris, and throughout England.

Articles have beon drawn up for a match bolweon Robert Edwards, of Melbourne and M. Mattorson, tho lining young Cliironco oarsman. Tho match is for i'loo, and will lake plnno on August !>, over tho champion course on tho Parramatta River.

S. E. Sloifjh, manager of the Now Zea land Football Team, writes to tueCunter bury " Times " :—" To tlio Football Editor: Sir, —I notice in your football notes lust Saturday ;tn artioto reflecting on the finan cial munagouient of the Now Zealand foot ball team. It was fully understood by tho various Unions hero that tho trip to N.S.NV. was ono bearing risk, inasmuch as N.S.W. only (ruarantood tho oxpenses of seventeen men if the profit* allowed. Wo won our matches with such apparent ease that tho poople would not turn out to soo our lattor matches—hones the deficit, All the profits, after doducting advertising and gnt.o keopers, were handed over—£334 odd— no that wo aro loft about £180 to tho bad. Tho Southern Rugby Union fulfilled its con tract in OTory way. A full statement of accounts, duly audited, will bo wont to each Union. I can assuro you that, if wo had waited for a better yuaruntco from the Southern Rugby Union, the trip would havo fallen through for this yoar at any rato. Of course I paid my own expenses. No ono regrots moro than I do that tho trip was not a financial success, but that it was a blunder I bog distinctly to deny."

The Walking Contest.

A great dual of intorent in being excited In the walking content on Saturday week, for which there aro sovon entries Tho walking track will bo laid down on the Amorican principlo, under the supervision of Mr W. G. Connolly, and will bo measured by Messrs lioylun and Lundon, C.E. Mr F. 11. Lowisson, (ho well-known jowelier, will present a trophy to tho competitor who covers tho longoiit distance in the twelve houre, and the whole of tha arrangements will bo under the miinugemout of Mr M. (/ullaghor, who conducted Edword.s'x nix days walk, and which was witnessod by ten thousand peoplo. Tho following aro the performances of tho competitors:— A. IIKNDKY started eighteen time." in different walking contests. Ho rocords Grain*, onecs. S-'i ; beat J, O'Connor in a tou hour* walk, l.oino-strcct Hall, and the bout record in six days tournamont itguiimt Kdwardu, Australian Champion. Ham GOODMAN started in ten walking matches. Won sovon (7), second in thro (3); won tho one milo run in the Lome street Hall; won the walking match at tho Eight Hours Demonstration Sports. (.. CuTi.Etti* unknown uu u wiilkist, but has a good record as a long-dintanco run n«r, Won milo raco lant Novomber Sports, Auckland ; second in half-hour go-as-yon pleaeo at Edwurdn's benefit, Theatre Royal. J. HniCDBV i* a good stayer. Walked second amongst lociil men in six dnyiT walk against Edwards, and Li backed to make a good record un this ihv»i<liiu. T. Jkromh hails from VVanganui, and is furourito for the present contest. Walked fifty DlilCH (M) in Hamilton in OJhours ; won two milo walking coutost, and ton milo walk for Championship at Wanganui. Ho covered fifty -three and a-half miles in Cham pion walk, won twenty mils walk at Morton, won tun hours walk at I'atea, won live mile walk in Wellington, and a num ber of other smaller events.

W. Stki'iiknsmn has only started once, boating Jerome in ten hours walk in Lome street Hall; is a good walkor, and likely winnor of contest.

T. Wiu.in is a wtll-known long-dUtanco walker, having walkod against Edwiudn, .Scott, and othorn. Ho is training In the country, and getting himself well for tho coining contost.

Salvationist Pranks In Australia.

DuniNo tho past four months one of the branches of tho Salvation Array has rendered night hideous at Paramatta, near Sydney, by the discordant braying of brass instruments, and the equally frightlul shrieking of "Oh ! I'm saved ! I'm glad I'm saved !" and other delcctnblo npser tions, until it has become perfectly painful for anyone who does not indulge in the luxury of an ear trumpet, or who retains the slightest regard for anything sacred, to traverse the mam ntr.ofc without having his orsonses shocked. Tho other night this lovely cetorio of "tho angelic clioir" started its evening's oxoitcment at "the cornor," but was promptly moved on by the police. The mombers of the Army then made thoir way over to their houfo of refuge In Paramatta north, and were followed by a crowd of larrikins, whe wore concerned to know whether tho police w««e going to deprive thorn of thpironly remaining sourco of amusoment. Eack time thn loader, who, according to his own account, was a crim inal of tho deepest dyo, and should have boen hanged long ago, stopped to harangue the multitude, ho was promptly moved on. But he took his revenge out of tho Inspec tor when ho reached his haven, for when Inspector Wobb quiotlv told him to dosist ho roared, " I am a lamb," to the groat amusement of the crowd. After the general in charge had howled for 10 minutes, "I am a lamb," tho doors of tho building were thrown open, and a few entered. The re maining portion of tho erowd anxiously awaited somothing startling. Of course when the nuisance abated the police were powerless to act beyond keeping the foot paths clear. The crowd having seen this, soon afterwards melted away. Another disgraceful scono in connection with the Salvation Army occurred in Ka punda, near Adolaido, lately. At Gawlor town, near by, thoir conduct was so bad that tho corporation was obliged to pass Bpecial regulations to control thorn ; but in Kapunda tho Salvationists have hitherto been .practically, quiet. Shortly before 10 p m., after the usuul " Hallolujah drill in the barracks, the enptain _of tho local "brigade" gavo orders to Ins followers to chargotho street, Tho misguided disturbers of tho municipal poace swarmed forth from their suffocating don, and wore mot by an equally rapturous band of larrikins, who were awaiting them in tho mam street. A scone which can only bo compared with the last day of the Donnybrook 1 air ensued. The Salvationists attempted to charge down thestreot with their banners flying, and the usual unmusical "shivarre. The hallelujah female contingent brought, up the rear, but were met by a volley of rotten eggs," dead cats, brickbats and other " trifles " with which tke Skeleton Army had provided itself. The Salvation leader, after having received a severe blow from an over-ripe egg in the left eye, retired pro cipitately from the position of vanguard, and sought safety and protection among tho soft element in the rear. The yells, groans, and -hootings of the larrikins drowned the discordant sounds which emanated from the band, with the exception of tho fearful din of a trombone, whose upper notos pierced the ear from the thickest portion of the fight. The superior discipline and well directed fire of the Skeleton Army, how ever, had their due effect in the long run, and the poor Salvationists, battered and dripping with perspiration and albuminous matter of a foetid character, were driven back in disorder on the barracks. After an in effectual stand at the door, they took shol ter in the sacred edifice, and when tho foiled mob outside had cleared off, the de ffotcd Salv.timists silently stole away. The police intend to lay informations against the local leaders of the Army for having provoked ** * -'; "•' • >f the peace.

THE GARDEN.

Calendar of Operations, July 26.

[By Hoiitus.]

(Hoktub 13 willing to answer any queries. Cor respondents must give tiloir fttll names and ■iddroßscs, though not for publication.]

TO 00UKE8P0NDBNTS, Stiff Soil ('! Farmer," WhftU).—l have not tho Bllghtost doubt but your soil is getting stilter overy season. How I would account lor it ih this: When first you broke up tho soil there was a considerable amount of decayed aim decaying vegetable matter in tho sou. Continued cropping year after . year soon exhausts this; honco the stiHoning ot tho soil. There are three methods of remedy ing it. First—Burn a portion of. the clay and spread it over tlio surface. Second—lf you can procure sand or shells, spread these over the surface and work them into the ground. They will sooi, break up tho ever-closing particles of clay. Thirdly—Manuring heavily with stable manure or other litter wilt havo the sumo offset, and at the same time increase the fertility of tho soil. Hones or other artificial manuro do not have tlio cfleet ot giving so much porosity to soils as litter manure, honco tho more adapted litter is for manuring stiff soils. KKKI'INQ Pi.umks OK PaMI'AR GRASS (Orna mental).—These plumes will keep for a long tiino if they are cut when fully expanded. then place them in vuses without water and keop them in a room witli a dry atmosphere. ' Moisture will soon cause them to decay. Duving Kvicnr.AHTiNd Fi.oweuk.—They ought to bo gathered while fresh, but before they arc fully expanded. When cut, the flowers should bo tied in Hinall bunches, nnd hung up where they may dry gently, and bo Iroo frjm dust.

HaukokKjiuitTiikksChaoking (Orchardist).— You are nuilo right; those are tho hiding pUoes whero a ui'imlicrof iimfctsdeposit, tboir lurva. Parooll'lhu odgo« ol Die cracks with u sharp knife, and iill up wil.li tho following composition : Unis peel; of fresh raw iiminin:, 1 peck or Mm: old planter, and 4 peck ol line wood anlics. tin! whole lo ho made into u line Ij;i.sUj; 1111 up tlie uraekii. and dust with Bonn: the larva of ull insects which may have bum deposited. FIiUNINO THK I"i(i (Figs, Wlmni;iuvi>. -V k», li:<'' all uiliur li'rijs, reijuiro limning. In i>iuiiliv< Iliv lit? yon must recolleel that llio fruit ia pro duced on the yoiliitt wiod ; and 1 think lll« bent, ineiliod of i.runins in whik: i;io trees in;.; Krowin« in lho auiiiin r. Afttr n fair ci'ianiiiy of Hki of tlio nccoinl crop tinvo formed, nip oil' the end of tlio shon. Thiß will keep Hie Ir- e from forniiii.c; more fruit than it can possibly ripen Jiroporly, utilising il to send more of ita strength into tho lesser number, i h us prod iielng am uch better quality. Whon the trccatuiins a Kood size, with loii/ haro branches, il should bo cut back almoat in the same manner us the peach. The stumps will proiiiico a number of now shoots, which will roquire to bo thinned out and rcKiilatid. Wo believe the llg will liuconip ono of the most profitable trees lo grow in the northern portion of the province of Auckland ; but it.-i thorough cultivution must bo attended to.

Planting Walnut Trees.

Anvonk having u large farm with plenty of Bcopo for planting trues, could not do bettor than plant walnut trees. There is no butUsr shade troo for cattle during (lie Hummer monthn. When it cornea to maturity tho timber is of great value for cabinet-making, and while the timber is growing the tree produces cvor) scanou a crop of fruit, which will always find a ready Halo in our market* at a high figure— a fruit that will give the grower no trouble in harvesting; lie can wait till it futß It is not liablo to damage in transit to market, und will keep sweet for a long period, Tho only drawback is that it taken a fow yearn before the tree begin.-j to bear. All tno different varieties of walnuts Huccoed in good dcup loaine or scoria soils, but do not like damp situations. There liavo for a fow yearn back been a good many trees here bringing in handsome pro fits to their owners, mid J oft'n wonder that more oxtantsivo plant ings havo not been made long ago, I

lioro give an extract of tho prolits of the trcos in California. "Mr Congdon, of San Juan, Cal., lias six acres of bearing walnut treo, from which it is reported thut lie cold tho crop last year for COU dollars ; but this year ho realised 1,100 dollars. The crop amounted to upward of 15,000 pound*, and tho nut» fetched 8J conts per pound. Mr Congdon is so well pleaeed with lii^ succcks in raising tho soft shelled walnut* that he w preparing to plant 1,000 trees." Renovating Old TloOB. It somotimes happens tlmt old trees got into a barren and unhealthy condition, and tho owner is much puzzled to know what to do with them. Anyone is loth to cut them down and plant new ones, as it takes a few years befouu those young trees are of *ul!i cient tizo fo as to product) good crojs of fruit. It is much better to try and induce tho tree to make u fresh growth by cutting it back. As tho tree at present stands it porbups has not got suilicient power to pro duce leaves, wood, and fruit. The cutting back will concentrate those powers within a more limited sphere of action, conse quently, in the spring, when the gup begins to risu, it will not need to travel overnuch a large number of buds. It will be concen tinted upon a fow buds. These fow will push out vigorously, and eoon make a con siderable sized head for the tree again. I have jeen many a tioo almost ontir«ly re nowed by the above treatment, especially old peach trees. Old peach trees I have often seen with only a few leaves at the extremity of their branchos, carrying annually a fow fruit of a very poor quality. Such trooi I havo cut back about one-third of tho old limbs, to about a foot from the main stem of tho treo. Those stumps the following spring would push out a number of branches growing protty strong, andin tho autumn forming a great number of blossom buds. Tho next winter Igonerally cutathird off tho old limbs of tho treo in tho 3amo manner as already described, also thinning out a littlo of tho young wood formed by tho previous cutting. The next season the young wood usually carried a large crop of poachos of a superior quality. Tho next winter the balance of tho old wood should bo cut out, and by the third summer tho treo will havo an entire now head of young, vigorous, growing wood in full fruit-bearing. Tho above practice is not so applicable) to apples, pears, plums, &c. Whon they require tho abovo treatment tho wholo treo should bo better hoaded back at ono, but leaving longer stump than on tha peach troos. Those will not come in for bearing full crops of fruit so quickly as tho poach, sot being able to form blossom buds tho first year on the young wood. On theso it generally takes twoyears(anless with a fow exceptions). For the above treatment to bo suoceesful, tho tree must bo possessed of healthy roots. If tho roots are in a diseased or unhealthy state, it is better to have the treo taken out and replaced with a young treo at once, lifting out ull tho soil token out of tho hole in which the now troo is to be planted, and replacing with new soil. Stocks for Grafting. It is about time to got all the stocks lifted and transplanted for grafting in the spring. No stocks should bo allowed to remain in tho samo pieco of ground in which thoy grow last season ; thoy ought to be lifted and replanted, thus curtailing tho root power of tho stock, and whon thoy are cut back so as to apply tho graft the flow of tho sap is not so strong as it would have been had tho stocks been allowed to remain in the samo situation ; consequently the graft is not so likoly to rush away with too strong or rank growth in tho summer, thus making a shorter, harder, and better ripened growth. in the first Foason, giving a much better chanco of a good fruitful treo in the future. Young stock winch wore budded last auutmn, and havo taken, should also for the samo reason bo transplanted, at tho samo time cutting back the old head of tho stock down to vrhero the bnd which was inserted in the spring. Many times I have seen young stock budded in tho autumn left in tho nursery row all the following season. Those buds would iu.«h away with a strong, rank growth, more resembling fishing rods than hardy, healthy grown trees. I bolievo tho first season's growth in a great mcosuro determines what kind of a treo tho future will produce. Wo iilso know that a large Boction of the public when they go to purchase trees always buy the largest and most rank growing one from a mistakon Men that tho larger the treo tho better tho bargain they are getting. Now, if I was crossing troop, it would not bo from tho si/.o of their growth that I would make my choico ;it would rather bo medium-sized trees that wore short-jointed in their growth,and their bark and appearance showed that tho wood was well ripenod off. These aro tho trees which in my estimation would make the most pro lific fruit-producers in the futuro ; and by lifting and transplanting stocks before grafting (same process with young stocks which were budded), then the grower has more chances of produc ing trees of the above class. I also believe if more attention was given to young trees and the stocks they were grafted upon, wo should not see so many unfruitful trees in our orchards. There are a few different methods in which young stock for grafting and budding aro raised. I doalt with this subject last season, but think it of sufficient importance to the amateur to go over portions again. Fikst.—The best method of all is to raise your young stock from, seed, if possible. Stock from seed where practicable always will make the best treo, as the stock will usually be a healthy one, not having; 60 n>»ofe piwnce of carrying any of

the diseases which stocks raised from root cuttings may possess. A t the same time it I ho eSlhas yb«m good it good free-growing roots. And if the scio is taken from trees in fu 11 beanng, ami which have attained near y full growth the union of these two should ProJucQ^^ e° (of course, with proper management neither prone to too much luxuriance of (*ro-vth or too slow and tho scion coming from ii trco which has produced good crops Will have all the elements in its composition to produce good crops also. But wo know it is not always practicable to raise seed lines from stock to suit our localities, theic fore wo adopt the other measures tor raising stock.

(To be Continued.)

CLIPTOMANIA.

Socially Selected by oto London

COKBESPONDENT.]

"Spotted Tail" and "Red Cloud" and '' Path-finder " we have heard of; but a new departure in the naming of Indian " braves " in tho Far West seems to have sot in when we hear of a Cherokee of the namo of "Jack Womankiller." This desperado is said to be badly " wanted "for a series of murders.

The Empress Eugenie is now busy on tho book she lias had in mind, if only rarely_ in hand, since tlie death of the Prince Imperial, and arrangements are already being mndo for the publication of her "Memoires," which will bo produced simultaneously in England and France, lam given to under stand that the book iutobe done into English under tho supervision of a lady of tho highest rank, to whom the Empress is much attached. The Empress, lam told, writes with a great deal of esprit—a. quality which has been conspicuously absent from tho books of our own Royal authors.—" Life."

Lacaseagnc, in his work on tattooing, Lc Tatuwujc, elude Antltroiwlogique el Mcdko- Lei/tile, given an interesting table of tlio designs lie found imprinted on tho person in a batullion of Chasseurs d'Afriquo, thir teen hundred and thirty-three strong : " l'atriotic and religious emblems, 91; in scriptions, 111 i military emblems, 14'.); metaphorical emblems, 2(iO ; love emblems, ; fantastic, historic, and miscellaneous, 314.

On the occasion of the recent Wall-Street crash,Cornelius Vandoi bilt cabled 300 words to his father explaining the situation and asking what should bo done. "William 11., it is reported, took just threo words to answer : " Feed my lambs."

To the New York Stock Exchange, how ever, this laconic answer was like Tarquin the i'roud's reply to the messenger from .Sextus at Uabii, when he walked up and down tho garden switching off tho heads of the tallest poppies.

A current advertisement : " For gale by auction, the Island of Anticosti, 140 miles long, by about 30 broad, situate in the Gulf of St. Lawrence; contains about 3,000 scjuaro miles and nearly two-and-a-half million acres ; it is noted for its valuable fisheries, timber and mineral wealth. A perfect title to tho freehold will be given to the purchaser." Hero is a chanco For some one who wishes to be " Monarch of all lie surveys."

Ono day last month no less than l,f>0() persons loft New York for Europe. By far tho greater number of these were Americans on pleasure bout, and a statistically in clined reporter has computed that each of them on an average took 10,0'JO dollars or so to spend in the whole world. Tho pros pect for holelkeepcrs and dealers in articles of " bigotry and virtue " is not a little encouraging therefore, the panic in Wall-street notwithstanding.-" Figaro."

A very characteristic anecdote of the enfant terrible is going tho rounds. They were asking the girls .questions in rulo of three, and tho teacher wishing to make tho calculation interesting, put it thus to tiie precocious child of the class: "Now, my dear, supposing it takes one servant six hours to do all tho v/ork i;i your papa's house, how long would it take three servants to do the eamo work ''." " Oh, ye*, I know !" exclaimed tho child eagerly." I know I because I have heard mamma say !" —"how long would it take them, then, my dear?" repeated tho teacher. " Why, just three times as long !" returned the little girl triumphantly, and the teacher thought it best to make tho next question more abstract.

A very quaint report has been issued by the Committee appointed by tho State A?.«ombly of New York to investigate t lie condition of municipal government in that city. It is full of "revelations" for the people who wish to remodel London on the lines of the great American Municipality. Tho county clerk of New York, it appear.-!, has stolen 13,700 dollars in fees alone. That is how we should put it, though of course the report says more gracefully that he only "received in fees 13,700 dollars, which ho retained, though tho law requires these fees to bo handed over to the city." His predecessor, however, was much greedier, though lar "cannier." He " re tained " 3G,2G0 dollars, but he explains he did it by the advice of counsel. We cannot believe that this statement is quite fair to " counsel." What probably happened was that the wily .official asked counsel whether, if ho took the money, he could legally be prosecuted for theft.

In the progress of " the sex " towards in dependence, America has just scored a point in advance of tho Old World. Europe has women who gamble—too many of them, probably—but no gambling house for thoir cxclusiro uso. That i» the stride ahead taken by the Transatlantic female, as an nounced by an American newspaper, which publishes a description of a so-called ladies' club in New York. According to this, tho building in which tho club is located is a palatial ono, only womon are admitted, play is constant and heavy, and no outsider is admitted who cannot show an introduction from a frequenter or a card from the pro prietress. Tho latter is well qualified.for her post of superintendent, having for many yoars lived with the " boss " of one of the most famous gambling houses of the Em pire City. After quarrelling with him, she hired the house where at present she rules supreme over a staff of femalo serTants and assistants.

Mark Twain when at homo lives in tho suburb of Hartford, Connecticut. His house is built of brick, and is said to be as funny as its owner, rambling in three direc tions at once, and bristling with peaks and chimnoy-pots. It has been said to be in style a crystallised expression of an on countor between Mark Twain and Queen Anno, with tho humourist in good feathor and tho monarch singing small. The draw ing-room is a dream of pale blue satin, stained glass, carved furniture, rich cur tains, and articles do luxe. A buck negro answers the door, and shows the fuest into this room,which is Mrs Clemens's obby. Mark himself is rarely seen thero, as he spends most of his time in his den on tho top floor, a'cosy sanctum of literature and littor, dedicated to pipes, billiards, rocking-chairs, and native humour.

Tho author of "The Jumping Frog" is an exceptionally good billiard player, and ho has during the past year gone in for lawn tonnis to an astonishing extent. He lias one very quaint rule. He makes it a point, when he is at home, of seeing every one who calls either begging or seeldng to sell something. The buck negro has im perative orders to send no book pedlar or lightning rod dealer, or tramp, or map scller away. Mark insists on seeing them all. It means good "copy" ho says, and probably ho is right.

Madame Sarah Bernhardt has obtainod a complete triumph at the Porte Saint Martin, Paris, in M. Jean Richepin's French version of Shakespeare's " Macbeth." M. Jean Richepin's work, it is said, is a poor thine, and very different from tho classic interpre tation of Julos Lecroix. But the innumer able defects of tho version, especially of (ho language, whieh in many parts is simply vulgar, disappeared owing to tho marvellous interpretation given by Sarah Bernhardt.

Baker Pasha has sufficiently recovered from his recent operation to be able to go into the country. During his stay in London there has beon a disposition in hit'h quarters, Ministerial as well as fashionabfe to take up the ex-colonel of British cavalry' and on his return to town he will bo enter tained at a dinner to be given to him by the members of the Salisbury Club. This is the club to which ladies are admitted.

Mrs Langtry is said to have boon the defendant in an action lately brought against her by a member of her Company for alleged breach of contract. Tho fore man of the jury, in intimating that a verdict for the defendant had been arrived at added, " May it please the Court, I wish to state that wo have not been influenced in reaching this verdict by the great beauty of the defendant, nor by the ranis she occupies m her profession, but we find for her be cause *h-s tr<* jwstice on her 6ide "

It Conquers Pain.

HER SPEECH RESTORED.

Clalr View.lnvorell, Dec. 10,1881 Messrs Publishers Evening Star. Dear Sirs,—l beg to acquaint you of a marvel loua euro following on tho use or St. Jacobs Oil,. which has token place in my own family. I an> a poor man with eight children, and for years have been a great sufferer from sciatica. My wife was advised to try St. Jacoba Oil. Bh« procured a bottle, and I have been using it ol [ato with good results, but it is oi myeldesj daughter, 13 years of a«e, that I wish to tell you She retired one night, about 4 nionfhsago, in hor usual t?ood health, but the next morning sho could not speak. I thought it was cold, an3 nnnlied the usual remedies, without effect. My Wife took her to Inverell to soeDr —, who said that it wasnot a cold, but that.her throat was ulcerated low down, and he prescribed cod HVor oil and other medicines, and also advised her to inhalo tho fumes of Stockholm tar, say ing she mightnever recover her speech again. At tho expiration of a fortnight, the medicine having been finished, another visit to the Dr. waß made, who again prescribed for her, but told my wifo he had no hope of her ever being able to speak again. We began to despair, bu| the day I used the oil-about three months af tci Jho was token lII—I persuaded my wife, after wg had retired, to uso the oil. She got up and save tho girl two drops in water, and rubbed tt on hor throat. Next morning wo wero dclightod to find that sho could talk as well as ever, ana has been able to do so ever since. I : remaiD' K°ntlemenjis. t K?^iTCHBR. '

£100 Reward.

£100 —A cash reward of one hundred pbnndt will bo paid by tno Charles A. Vogeler.Com pany, of Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A., proprie tors of St. Jacobs Oil, or by their accredited focal representatives in various parte of the world, to any person producing proof to the effect that the testimonials published by them in regard to St. Jacobs Oil aro not otnetly genu. me.

The Great Pain Conqueror. St. Jacob'sOil relieves and cures rheumatism, Neuralgia, Headache, Toothache, Backache, Sore Throat, Quinsy, Swellings, Soreness Chaflngs. Eruptions, Inflammations Chapped Hands, Corns. Bunions, Frosted Feet and Ems, and all bodily pains for which an External Remedy may bo applied. Sold by DruggUts and Chemists everywhere. Price 3s.

Wholesale Depot for Auckland-

M. LEVY & CO,

Emil Frese's Hamburg Tea.

THE GREAT GERMAN FAMILY RELIABLE, BIMPLK, EFFECTUAL j The well-known Tea has proved itself to i» 8 Moat Certain and Efficacious Remedy for Bach diHeaooß a8 Sudden and Severe Colds, Coughs, Fevers and Ague, Asthma, I'hthlsis, Headache, Bowels. Kidney, and Liver Complainte, th« ■ Piles Congestion, &c., caused by an impure stato, or a superfluity of blood. Its use removei Scrofula, Contanoou"! Eruptions, Pimples on the Face, Blotches, Uoilfl, Kheuinatic Paiha, nod Pains in tho lionea and Joints. It is a Preven tive against Contagion, ar-d destroys Inhaled ; Miasmatic and Contagious Vapours. Itmintlea the Blood, cleanses tho Stomach and Bowels, ' and (fives to the whole system a healthy, easy tone It opens the Mowels in a very mild and certain way. It works on tho system generally, oausing little or no discomfort. It will prevent almost any disease if used at least onoe a month. It restores tho appetite, it removes th« distress caused by eating hearty food or over loading the stomach, and will be found effectual bb a Family Remedy where a eimplo purgatlvi only la ncedod. HAMBUKG TEA KBUEVES and CUBES SICK HK.AUAUHK .".•,; SICK HEADACHE . j HAMBURG TEA ftBIJEVKS and CURES " BILIOUEiNKSS BILIOUSNESS HAMBURG TEAItKLIKVES and CURES CONSTIPATION' CONSTI'PA'i'KJN' CONSTIPATION HAMBURG TEA RKLTKVES and CURES INDICATION INDIGESTION HAMBDEG TEA (8 SOLD BY ALL 01IBMISTS AND STOBEKEEPBBI TIHtOUOUOUT TUB COLONIES. PUICR: y One Shilling and Tltroepcnco a raokos. •, Wholesale Depot for Auckland— MOSS LEVY k CO., QtJKKN 3TKKKT, AUCKLAND.

THE AUCKLAiNP EVENING dTAH, SATURDAY, JULY 26.': I*B4.

4



THE PUBLIC SATISFIED AND f^gr MONEY SAVED! IS3 - ■ | The Proprietor of the '; Lfttle Monster Clothing Hall" begs to return his sincere thanks to the Public for their very large patronage during the first two days of the Greatest Boiia Fide Sale EVER HELD IX NEW ZEALAND, And to apologise to (Iwo who were unable ..-.■ to bo so promptly iittsnilnd to as ho could .'>< have wished, o'.vihji to the smnlluess of the present premises, lie would respectfully ask them to conic as EARLY as poasible during the day to secure the BARGAINS I esr DURING THIS WEEK la , § Great SLAUGHTERING will be made'! IN ORDEB TO EFFECT A SPEEDY CLEARANCE, >. §| Priob to Removal to ocn New Premises. '. — V--1 Country Ordera promptly attended to. : MONSTER CLOTHING HALL 214 QUEEN ST. 214 '| (Opposite McArthur'g). .. .."ff THE FEDERAL CONSULTATION COMPANY Herewith Submit their NEW PROGRAMME ON TUB ■; :'':?3ia MELBOURNE CtfPW.; OF 1881, Run first week im November. CAPITAL. ■ -~'s'-'fii £ 25,000 in 25,000 Sfiares of £1 Bach. Promolors—Jas. aicLcod, Esq., Melbourne; ,;-.: Hy. Ford. Esq., Sydney; P. Inpram, ESO;, ' Perth; W. J. Erskino, Koq., Adelaide; J. F. Mofiam, Esq., Brisbane; all genuine namea and ;! men of good standing. Promoiors pruarnuteo to take up first 1,000 shares, and have already auto- ;i ■ scribod £1.000. 1000 PRIZES GUARANTEED. Plan of distribution. : . , jlffl FirstHorso ..£2,500 Iffii Prizes of £50..£5.000 Second Horse .. 1,000 3) i Prizes of 25.. 5,000 .-•.■.. Third Horse .. 500 300 Prizes of 12.. 3,600 Starters divide.. ;">OO 20:) Prizes of 5.- 1.000 , Non-starters .. 50) 100 Prizes of 1.. 100 : 10 Prizes of £500.. 5,000 —^SJH Total .. £25,000 Tho Public are respectfully requested tojom the Promote™ in the above enterprise, the bona fide of which is unquestionable.. Money ■■>'? promptly roturnod should any subscriber iviah . to withdraw before tho drawing. Drawing held 30th October next. Conducted publicly in presenco of Shareholders; representatives 01 Press admitted. Result posted, and advertise! ■ in " Town and Country Journal." Sond P.O.Wy Notes. Cbciiues, and 3d extra for lieply and Result (Repistored if convenient). Write for ■ .- Prospectus giving fuller particulars. Enclosa ...., BClf-nddrcsse'd envelope. Addross all Letters and make all Orders payable to tho Secretory, as under, ROBERT RAMSAY, Commission - . Agent, 405, George-street, Sydney.' _ '. O OS I N S AND AT KIN. COACH BUILDERS, KLLIOTT AND Axußl'.T-STBEETfI, . ' Have In Stock— " ; Wm Double and Single-seated Buggies, Hooded Phaetons, Vis-a-via, Waggonettes, Dog % Carts, Second-hand Phcetonß ' and Buggies. Also, Many Thousands Seasoned Finished Bpokei. lha Boat Stock In Auoklanit ■; ji^'-jill A. and Gr« Price, ENGINEERS, BOILERMAKEKS, IKON AND BRASS FOUNDERS, AND GENERAL MACHINISTS, , ;; THAMES, Have for sale tho following Machinery:— ," ( M 1 Portablo Engine, by Horr.shy & Co., 8 li.p- . t Horizontal Engine, double cylinder, Vm :^^m diameter, 2lin. stroke 1 Horizontal Engine, lOin. hy ISin. Btroke 1 Launch Engine, ljin. by sin. stroke ■ 1 Multitubulavßoiler, 17ft.lonprby5ft.diamet6« 1 Cornish Boiler, 20ft. lonjj by Bft diameter ,;;;?,$ 1 Cornish Boiler, 18ft. long by sft. diameter ; 1 Cornish Boiler, 17ft, long hy lft. Gin. diameter 1 Cornish Boiler, loft, long by sft. diameter : ' * \jmS 1 Cornish Boiler, 15ft. long by 4ft. Gin. diameter 1 Vertical Boiler.-Field tubes, 7ft. x 3fUu).; new A quantity of second-hand Quartz-orusiung Estimates supplied for all classos of Engineering . Work.-Makers of Sawmill and Quartz- . ffl crushing Machinery, Turbine WheelSi Hydraulic Machinery, Timber Jacks, and Patent Safety Catches for , Warehouse and other Lift . }|S Cages. ; , .. .-.'|S:iJ| CJTOP TH!AT COUOHI DON'T DELA*j « How can you stop It 1 Where is the Remeoji ..m BONHHIGTON'S T|CTORAL OXYKEL QARRAQEEN OR IRISH MOSS (RF.GISTERKD). , . Can produce morn evidence of ' "al merit tow:« any other urlide for I', ; ■-vposo, ■■; .-jm