RANDOM SHOTS.

[By Zamiel.]

£»mo write, a neighbour's name to lash, f .no writo—vaia thought!—for needful cash, Soinr. writo to please the country clash. And raiso a din. For re, an aim I never fash— I writo for fan.

The introduction (almost) of small-pox into Auckland brings to mind tho lines of Byron— 1 T,3 siiid tho small-pox have como in of late: No i! ju!>t thny will be followed by the pre.it.l And then conios t.lje reflection that, if a threatened invasion of small-pox has cansod su-ih a scare, a regular panic would ensue if the great-pox were to make their appoar an.-e. Joking apart, the terror displayed by colonists at tho mere mention of fever or small-pox seems inexplicable to new arrivals fro.n tho old country, where long familiarity with those deadly maladies has had the elect of breeding contempt for them. But i> miu-t be remembered that it is no ground loss fear which actuates the people of New /•jalanj in their efforts to keep the fell dwease out of this country. Thoy have for fifty years enjoyed almost complete in-nunity from infectious diseases, while at t le same time witnessing at their very doors tie frightful ravages of measles among t'xa nutives of Fiji; they know that ull mi'adiis of that nature are much more latal in a new lutbitat than in an old ono ; they are also aware that preventive measures aro the only effective moans of dialing with these pests, and thoy aro thcre f)ie fully justified in taking even oxtra n Tlluary precautions against their intro d lotion. All tho same, ono portion of tJiese precautions strikes mo as being a bit oi lidiciuiis superfluity. I refer to tho tt'inonncemcnt by tho Superintendent of O'i:irantine cautioning the public against g ting near the infected steamer Waihora or tv islaridhonieofher crewawl passengers, on nun of "the utmost rigour of the law." If I gauge aright the public sentiment of A usklandera, there are none of them, any nure than myself, anxious to make the ac quaintance of the Quarantine Station at tho present time, with tho risk of contracting a paiulul, loathsome, and dangerous disease, aud the certainty of a fortnight's " dnranco v lo," in a bondago as bad as that of Mount Eden.

If "Zamiel" was on a former or.sasion overjoyed at having been honoured with flattering notice by the Apostles of Keason, lie is vow quite beside himself—is in a per fect ecstacy of delight—on learning that ho has boon mentioned from tho pulpit of one of tho orthodox churches. Tins is the very acme of earthly gratification, for in all sphores of activity, and in every phase of life, the notice of " tlie cloth " is a guarantee of respectability, and equivalent to what tho ancients called "the favour of tho gods." Robbie Burns finely expressed this idea when he wrote —

' I've beon at drunken writers' feasts- Nay, beon Win1 fou 'mans godly priests (Wi' reverence be it ?poken !')

So, with all duo reverence, be it recorded that on Sabbath evening last "Zamiol" so far ascended tho patk of inexpressible feli city thatliewas spoken of with approval from the pulpit of Pitt-street Woslyyan Church. This is fame indeed, and if I had only sufficient sense to die now, I might die hapjjy and renowned. But 1 have a word for the ear of tho Rev. Mt Reid, who with all his excellences of character, is rather Puritanic in his cast of mind. Though he confessed to the un ' objectionable character of my weekly soibblings, he objected to ilie newspapers issuing double sheets on Saturday?, on the gpuud tiiAt tho people were thereby t:mpted to spend tho Sabbath in secular r aiding; that is, "Random Shots " arogood eao igh reading for a Saturday, but they bee 'rao objectionable, degrading, and i npure when road upon a Sunday.' There is a flaw in tho reasoning here; for surely what is healthy reading on sne day is equally so on any other. And does Mr Reid dream that any of thoso worthy people who spend their Sabbaths in reading " The Golden Treasury," " The Saints' Rest," and " The Pilgrim's Progress" are in the slightest danjjer of being seduced from the path of rectitude? Could they.possibly leave tho green pastures of sacred literature to batten on the moor of common news paper* ? Verily, no; but he might iather conclude that the healthy, interesting, and elevating Teading which is pre sented in the Star Supflemest will do much to wean readers from the- perusal of such debasing produc tions as "Bill the Bushranger," 'The "Pirate King." or "The History of the Kelly Viang." If the newspapers do this, either on Saturday or Sunday (and of course " tho better the day the better the deed "), they do.a noble work, and the intelligent compositor or reporter may justify his Sunday work just as completely as the par son defends his own labours on the so-called s tcred (Jay.

X X X Piofessor Tucker's recent lecture on

"Athenian Lifa and Thought" has set

mo a-thiiikinsr that a more fitting theme ' might be got in " Aufckland Life and Thought." Tho latter would cer tiinly havo more present interest than the Professor's "flowery" discourse. " The violet ■ crowned city !" Shade of Socrates ! what a rosy appellation ! " A

roao by any other name would smell as sweet." Let me, howevor, weigh the place and not the title, which nevertheless, is well calculated to tickle the aesthetic imag inations of the tender sex (bless them !), always an important art, and evincing a refined knowledge of human nature worthy of a Jesuit priest. The Pro fesßor does no* appear to have struck out much original thought in his lecture, which was mainly a mere ci tation of facts familiar to every well-in formed schoolboy. Athenian Ufa and thought in the time of Socrates would prob ably "find no unfit parallel in the dissolute Court of Charles 11. Few Maids of Athens methiuks would eclipse Mrs Eleanor Gwyn, Barbara (Duchess of Cleveland), and others of that ilk. The Court of Solomon would perhaps take a premier position. The former pair of worbhies laboured wjll in their avocation to promote the ex pulsion of the House of Stuart, and so were i-istrumental in establishing the liberties of old England, whilst Solomon's wives turned away his heart. The fair Xanthippe (an intensified Doll Tearsheet) doubtless gave Sjcrafces a warm time of it. For the sake of the Athenians it is devoutly to be hoped that this was a unique dame, and not pne of a genus. When the Professor premises wo are not much in advance of the Athe nians, ho is indeed a " laudator temporis acti," and here I require a very largo grain of salt.

Iv one thing the Athenians were incom ""■parably our superiors. The more general diffusion of thoso healthful athletic exercises amongst them which string'the nerves and purify the blood, gave to their bodies great suppleness, and to their figures that grace ful contour bunded down to us by the chisel oc the immortal Phidias. Ono great fault of our education is to exalt the intellectual at the'expenne of the physical; with the Grooksthe converse was the case. Their pre-eminence in oratory and word-painting piobablv arose from the continual n ..! ...in"»e-t r<tudy of their own language. Hudibras says very appositely :—

Tlio more languages a inun can speak, ili» u'tmt his but sprung the greater leak, And for tliu liwo HJid trouble spent upon't Jtuat full as muohaoine other way discount. Hence it is that very few learned men aro practical. How few of our M.H.R.'s have a correct knowledge of their mother tongue I

Let me now look at life and thought in modern Auckland. A short time ago, by a little native ingenuity and the aid of Voile's paten 1 (kindly lent by a Shortland-street mercha \t for the occasion), I constructed a large biHoon; the gas was supplied by the member for Auckland West, so wanting nothing in the way of inflation, I gradually ascended until I arrived at a point whence I pould, unobserved, watch the transactions below. I looked down on Qaeenstreet.and tho sight reminded me of a hive of bees, in which every bea was armed with a large sting. Some domineered over their fel lows like • hornets ; some were like wasp*, stinging wherever they had a chanco, neither making honey nor contributing any thing to the public good ; whilst not a few wero idle drooos.'living on the industry of their companion <. The Exchange appeafed to be the natural habitat oi this latter class. "Anil this," SJi'(' It "is Christian brother hood." P.* ing election time, I saw several imp'iftant disclosures. A can didate, h.i.uding a roll of bills to his agent, «aid, "You can pay those and keep the discount yourself." I saw a burgess canvassed by two candidate.*, for both of whom I heard him distinctly fledge himself to vote. "This," said , "shows the morality of personal canvafs ! iag; a candidate who employed Life Assurance agontß would stand a graiid chance." Taking advantage of a suddon change of'the -wind, 1 now shaped my course to University Buildings; by DManii C«the patent I was enabled tq adjust

my position so as to command a view of what was going forward within, and I quite envied tho partakers of tho "feast Oi reason and tho How of soul" provided for such a beautiful bevy of young ladies by our modern Socrates. "Aud this," said 1, "speaks much for tho culkhah of rising Auckland."

I next saw a doctor and a chomist atten tively examining a (lea, which seemed much to excite their wonder. They wore ardont devotees of science, for tho one had ovor looked a confinement case, and tho othor had forgotten his dinner. Tho wind again shifting, I was conveyed to a point over looking tho residence of a celebrated proa chor, whom I saw cutting extracts whole sale from Hooker, Baxter, and Spurgcon, which he was welding into ono harmonious whole tor his next Sunday's masterpiece. " How many theological pirates havo we in Auckland?" I wondered. In my passage over the Domain I saw two strangers con templating the stupendous grandeur of that most remarkable monument raised by a grateful and admiring people in honour of the Americans who came to make observa tions on the transit of Venus. Tho noiso of their scoffs and jeers reached me, and they mado remarks anything but compli meiitary to tho wisdom of those wiseacres who allow such a fine park as the Domain to bo converted into a hugo bog or Slough of Despond by depasturing cattle therein, All my tucker being exhausted, 1 now mado a descant, but was unfortunate enough to alight in a sea of mud, which caused me heartily to beshrow the Corporation u'diles ere I Waddclled out of it.

Tho Editor of tho Star has conveyed to mo the compliments of my young tiiend Mr Win. Cooper, along with nn expression of that gentleman's mind to the ell'ect lhat ho would much rather bo a " Rationalistic bantam" than a pious Christian goose. 'Twns very kind of the Pro'ident of the Rationalistic Association to acknowledge that slight reference I mado to him last week. Then how neatly and briefly and wittily he has done it! How interesting is tho information conveyed! How relieved every one must bo to learn that it does not hurt* Air Cooper to bo a Rationalistic ban tam, but that on tho whole he rathor likes it! Kay, ho is so of his own free will and choice. And who can blanio him, when the only alternative open to him is becom ing'a " pious Christian goose?" There may not bo much to draw botweon a gooso and a bantam, but tho bantam has rather tho advantago in that ho is wonderfully self assertive, and always ready to crow. lam rejoiced to know that Mr Cooper would not bo a goose, though Eo easily could ; in fact, Uko tho transition from tiio sublime to the ridiculous, it but requires a single step to completo tho metamorphosis—l may say just a goose step 1

Tho Auckland Sooiety for Promoting Christian Knowledge have not made a very auspicious ittbul upon the arena of polemics. Noither have they manifested any enthu siasm in the cause of which they aro tho self appointed champions. In response to tho challenge of tho daring I'hilistino of Free thought, thoy sent into tho right against him a man whoso dialectical talent was by no means of the order that would afford a reasonable promise of victory. It matters not that Jlr Buchanan was eager for tho fray, confident of his ability to withstand any unbelioving opponent, and sanguine of success. Ii became apparent from the very first that he was thoroughly out-matched at all points. He proved himself a poor speaker, and a weak debater, lacking concentration of thought, and constantly mistaking mere assertion for argument. I attended tho lecturo in tho hope of hear ing a keen and ingenious argu mentative discussion ably maintained on both sides, and of seeing a crowded audi ence to applaud the speakers, but in both respects 1 was greatly disappointed. Mr Solby, though by no means a man of out standing ability, "had it all his own way, and people present s;eme.l to be for the most the part his own immediate partisans, while the Chairman and Mr Bramo wero the only members of tho Christian Knowledge So ciety present to support their delegate.

On the second night of debate ho was so thoroughly deserted that I am informed he had even to light and trim hid owu lamp and to fill hia carafe with water. It was discourteous on tho part of the Society to allow their representative to make all his own arrangements, and to con tend upon a strango platform,without tho countenance and support of their presence. The great body of a population who hold fast to the faith of their fathers have cer tainly grave cause of complaint against a society which, having been avowedly formed to check the spread of unbelief, provoke a debate on an article of Christian belief, and then by want of due prevision and sub sequent indolenco allow their active and vigilant opponent to achieve a pronounced victory. If they wish to atone in some degree, albeit tardily, for their culpable negligence in connection with the recent debate, they will, without further delay, find a thoroughly competent champion tv meet and cope with the Free thoucht lecturer, who is now said to bo meditating a series of challenges to the leading divines of the city.

" Zamiel" is not what can be called a chronic theatre-goer. Still ho does now and then illumine with his august presence the local temples of Thespi3, and never fails to be disgusted with tho incivility and uttur incapacity of some of the personages who act as ushers and fill other menial positions in connection M'ith these establishments. One of the membersof thisbrigadeof "Jeameses'1 is an oily-looking gentleman who indulges in a practice for which I understand ho has been called to account by the managers of many successive theatrical companies. I refer to his acting the part of "claquer" on every conceivable occasion. Right in the middle of some piece of harmony, the stentorian voice of this gentleman will be heard applauding, and when the startled occupants of the dre3s circle look round, there is my oily friend clap ping his hands, while beads of greasy perspiration course down his face. Per haps tho employers of this individual will give him a little quiet advice as to his con duct.

" Fresh fields and pastures now " appear just now to havo a wonderful attraction for our fast young men, and the announco mont that three more gay young sparks have levanted will probably cause no great sensation, unless peradventuro it may touch a core spot In the hearts of some of their unfortunate creditors. It may, how ever, be of greater interest to my readers to learn that various other interesting in dividuals are reported to bo contemplating a flight over the waters to some far-away apot where there is a romote possibility of opening new-accounts with the tailor, the publican, and tho money-lender. But to return, for my story concerns the departed. They are throe young follows—Ponsonby boys, 1 believe—who have been " going (lie pace" for some considerable time past" and their ultimate resource to miscellaneous money borrowing placed thorn in such dilli culties that a "run" possessed for them an attractive appearance, llenco they deter mined to leave tho beautiful city of Auck land because of its peculiar warmth for unfortunate debtors, and, with a far-away hope of casting their lot in with tho amiable "Japs," llioy shipped on board of an out ward bound sailing vessel.

They aro now on the way to Newcastle, working their passage as ordinary seamen at a shilling a month, and "tucker" thrown in. If thoy are not too sick before they get amongst tho "black diamonds," it is ex pected they will again venture on the deep blue sea, and in due course turn up in Japan. They have left in Auckland many to lament their hasty exit, a well-known baker having been "hit" for upwards of £30, all because of his kindness in backing a bill; while a popular land agent was simrlarly unfortunate, and numerous "bosom friends" of the departed aro trying to con vince themselves that their runaway friends will at some future time do the honourable at lea3t to their chums, and return a series of money loans which, put together, make a tolerably large sum.

The" well-worn thoroughfare known as Kj&er Pass is unenviabJy notorious for ac(Sdents, cruelty to animals, and sprawl ing drunkards, especially towards the close of the week. The mishaps and squabbles which occur within ono month in thin outlet; to tho country, wore thoy faithfully chronicled, would, at the close of tho year, form a, fairly sized volume and a copious index. The lato Dr. Goldsbro1 encountered many rubs from drunken carters in thi3 thoroughfare during the latter years of his busy life; and he onco told me that on entering at the Newmarket end of tho road he always folk a kind of pre sentiment that beforo ho reached the eleven o'clock hotel, he would be insulted by some illiterate. rase;il on the wrong Ada of the way, and rarely was-, the doctor's presenti ment unfulfilled. Cases of cruelty to ani

malsare frequent at Kyber Pass.but possibly the punishment inflicted upon a handy-whip a fe v days since at the Police- Court may teach others to bo moro merciful towards dumb animals entrusted to their earo. Had this poor horse been aetubborn donkey, it would certainly havo roared out Halt, Bray, Tho drunkards on Saturday nights on the side paths of this not uninteresting thoroughfare, present a sorry spectaclo when the moon appears in a sorcne cloudless sky. Of all the passes from the city to tho suburbs, Kybor Pass is unquestionably tho most noticeablo for drunkenness, which literally abounds. Tho constablo is single handed, and there is no lock-up in tho locality. On Saturday night last his hands were so full that he wan compelled to t;et a conveyance to carry five items of un conscious humanity to the Auckland Police Station.

A young person was going home on tho evening in question, and stumbled over n bag of potatoes as slio thought, but ivhich proved to bo Marj' Williams, nn overcome woman in a state of helpless intoxication. A fow paciea from the spot were two beings stretching across tho path resembling raon, and which were discovered by tho relloctive light of Constable Dews'* lantern to be a couplo of neighbouring carters, who wero so drunk that fljeir legs failed to support their outraged bodies. Tho three were placed in a cart and trotted to the colls. On tho return of tho constable, three othcia were found and taken care of in like manner. I bcliovo that no other outlot in Auckland presents to the sun and atars such scones of demoralisation an Kybor Pass, Tho reckless driving in this thorough faro is another local peculiarity, and mothers feel the necessity of koeping their children out of harm's way, conscious that danger is ever near, especially on tlio cvo of market day. Many of tho Kyber Pass accidents escape notico by tho press. Yet it, may bo observed that Kyber Pass in its material aspects has redeeming features beside its willow-shaded brewery, castlo-like malthoiise, and memorial of Cap tain Cook, viz., its pretty roadside villas, lawn-like meadows, churches, and Jchri Chinaman's pioturosqno garden. However, it is believed on all sides thnt the dismal adjunct of a look-up is, nndor existing cir cumstances, an absolutely necessary addi tion to tho attractions of Kybor Pass.

LUCKY NUMBERS IN LOT TERIES.

In the reign of Georgo I. tho footman of a lady of quality dreamed that two particular numbers would turn up prizes ; ho bought thorn two tickets on the following day, but they both turned up blanks, and hu put an end to his existence. In his trunk was found n memorandum to tho effect that, when his riches oamc to him, ho would marry Grace Farmer, that he would mako her wait upon him, and that ho would eat and drink all day long. Towards the end nt the same reign a mathematician, famili'.ir with tho theory of probabilities, demon strated that, in a particular year, the chances were 34,990 to 1 against a particular number winning the £10,000 prize ; 11,660 to 1 against n £0,000 prize : and 6 to 1 ngninst obtaining any prize at all. But all such warnings were of no uso. A banker's clurk wns one day found raving mad in the street ; he had bought a ticket l>oaring a favourite number, mid was robbed of it; on the (lay of tho drawing of the lottery that number enme np a £30,000 prize, and grief and rage were too much for him.

The days of George 111. were full of odd incident.-! about lucky numbers in the lof toiy. On« Mr Barnes, a grocer, bought (our consoeiirivo numbers ; fearing that this would bo unlucky, ho exchanged one of them ; but by nn annoying freak of fortuno the rejected nirmber turned up a £20,000 prize, which fell to the lot of one Captain Voting. About a fortnight before the drawing of one of the lotteries three friends determined to buy a ticket among them ; but not being able to agree upon the number to bo selected, they requested a little fjiil to decide for them. She fixed uikui No. 10,000. They did not like it, thinking the number too obvious, not sufficiently mys toiious. She refused to amend her choice, declaring her conviction that the number would prove it lucky one. Whereupon, setting her down as a silly goose, they bought another ticket ; but No. 10,000, as it happened, did turn up a prizo of £20,000.

An odd incident was connected with a lattery ticket early in the present century. Baron D'Aguilnr was requested by a friend to purchiiso for him No. 14,065, which lie folt certain would prove a lucky one. The baron could not fulfil tho commisuon, for he found that this particnlnr number was silready eofd. The number came up n prize ol £20,000. Ho fur there was vexation fin- Baron D'Aguilav's friend. On the other Hand tho lucky winner (a draper in Cornhill) remained a long lime without hi.s money, owing to iv blunder of his own ; lie had bought ti'ii tiektts, and had entered their numbers in a notebook as a memorandum ; but he wrote 14,663 instead of 14,0(53, and remained long ignorant of the fnct that that ticket had proved a lucky one. Tho owner of White Conduit House, some sixty or seventy years ago, lost his all by lotteries, mid became impoverished. Meeting a friend one day, lie said ho had a presenti ment that a particular number would bo a groat prize ; money was lent to him to buy ; it came up a prize ; he squandered the treasure and died a beggar. A man, and his cousin, a married woman, clubbed their small means to buy tho sixteenth of n lot tery ticket; she went to the office to buy it, taking with her a little girl ; the girl, being asked to select tho number, fixed upon 23,524. She could give no particular rea son, but adhered to her choice—declaring that the number would bo a lucky ono. It came up a prize of £10,000. The man went and received the duo aliquot part, £625. Having some peculiar notions about the property or non-property of married women, he pocketed all the money ; but the law afterwards compelled him to share it with her. Charles Lamb tells a story of a gentle man who had purchased No. 1,069. Passing n lottery oifico, hesawn placard announcing that that number had come up a £20,000 prize. He walked round St. Paul's to cool his agitation before entering the office. On going back again, he found that ho had mistaken 10,069 for 1,069.

The lav had frequently to decide cases about lucky numbers. A lady (just before the abolition of lotteries in 1826) wished to purchase the number of the year ia which she was born, 1792 ; finding this was sold, she bought one differing from it by 0 only, namely, 17,092. She was in the hall when, as she declared, No. 17,092 was audibly an nounced as a £30,000 prize, and she brought an action for the nionoy ; but it was proved that her ears or her imagination must have deceived her. In .another case ono Mr M'Kellar owed some kindness to his friend Mr Bellamy. He bought a quarter of a ticket, and said that Bellamy should havo half the proceeds if it turned -";> a Drizo. This was done twice over, but both tickets were blanks. Bellamy's daughter then dreamed that No. 5 would be a £20,000 prize. This number was not to be had ; but "something told Bellamy to multiply his daughter's number by itself, and add 2 to it." This made 27. No. 27 was bought, and it was drawn a £20,000 prize. M'Kellar declared that he had not repeated his pro miso after the second failure, and a lawsuit was maintained to decide this point. Bel lamy also claimed an additional percentage " for the ingenuity of his guess about No.

Affectionate Eels.

It is not generally known that tho eels in the Severn, near Shrewsbury, are greatly attached to human society. This inter esting fact came out'the other day during the prosecution of a man for "having used a device 10 catch eels during close time." Thero was no doubt about his having caught them, he being found with lllbs. weight in his possession. Nor could his counsel deny that the defendant had caught the wriggbra by means of night lines. The case, therefore, looked dark onough until the peculiar regard of Severn col* for man kind wag introduced. Tho night lines, it appears, were set for the purpose of catching quite other sorts of fish, and no doubt the sportsman took every care to bait them accordingly. But the eel in serpentine in cunning an well as in form, and when once its young affections aro ongaged, no obstacles will prevent it from seeking the object of love. Accordingly, no sooner were the six night lines set than there was a lively rush of excited eels to secure good placea, and in - a spirit of devotion which cannot bo too much admired they hooked themselves on without the slightest con sideration for closo time. As the defendant said, it was " purely an accident," and tho magistrates, giving him the benefit of the doubt, let him off with a fine of ss. Wo should not bo surprised. if a good many •core " accidents " of a similar nature were o occur at Shrewsbury.—" Globo."

Tho latest mathematical pimlo in England to said to bo this :—Two ladios met three laches, they all kissed ; how many kisses were exchanged ?

THE GARDEN.

Calendar of Operations, August 9

[By Hortds.]

{HonTUS is willing to answer any quorios. Cor respondents must give thoir full names and •iddrosaos, though not for publication.)

TO COIUUSBPONDKNTS. Sowing Flower Skepb ('Florist "1.-Don't sow many of your soeds till about, tho begin ning of. next month. Tho general rule for sowing llowcr seeds, ns well as any other seeds, is to sow them at the proper depth, and tho depth at which thoy are sown should in every instance be governed by the size of: tho seed itself. As tho sprouts wf sumll seeds are naturally small, if sown /is dcopas large seeds, they will be cither unusually long in starting, or moro liitcly perish in tho ground after sprouting. Very small eoodsshould merely be sprmklod on tlio ground after making quite smooth.

ASPARAGUS (A.C.W., Northcoto).—You can Uikn up and divide largo clumps of asparaguß roots, but I would not advlso this system of propa gation excopt when it is desirable to incrcaso Eonio very good variety. Seedlings arc pre fpraWe for ordinary plantations. Tho beat timo to divido the roots is early in spring, before growth commences. It imiot advisable to divido tho roots in tho winter, because those broken or cut oil" in digging up are moro likely to decay during the winter than they woifd he if left undisturbed. For the same reason it is bettor to sot out seedlings in spring tl.nn in the winter. Aiut.yini! BONKDUST (Cultivator).—(l) Bone dust will not loso iv strength if kept in a dry iiliico. (2) It will make no difference how the boncdust is nppliiMl, as long as it, is deposited in the Boil near the seed. Choose tho most convenient and expeditious method of apply ing, but liavo it covered with soil. Cl I <!" not, know of ilny hotter way to kill weeds of nil kinds than to boo up or dig np r.nd burn them ; in fact, keeping the hoo continually going over tho ground, keeping tho lcuvtn from growing, will, in tinio, cause tho roots to die out entirely. Lawn (K.G., .Auckland).—The best way to got Your lawn in good order again ia to lop drew it. It ia not yet too lute to do so. Uotsoino line soil, have it carefully spread and worked into the grasp, sow some fresh soul, iipply tiie ruko nnil roller, cut frequently during tho spring, keeping it well rolled. Don't use It till tlio grass lms got well established. Ol courso tho autumn, about May, is the best limo for renewing o!d lawns, us described above.

MAXVRitra Sandy Soils (Subscriber). — All sanely or porous ■soils wruit frequent uuinunng; in fact, noils <>( such description should ro oeive manure with every crop. Cow immure is tho best, imd in quantities. Clay mixed with those soils improves thum, mnkos them morn retentive of moißturodnringdry seasons. rotuinn aleo tlio substances of tho mmiuruei for a longer period. Done, guano, or other arlill cial manuroi. is not so good as litter, vnkss when used In n liquid form. While tho crops arc growing, frequent hoeing will erudieato tho weeds you montion.

Kitchen Gordon.

Whbx tho .soil is in a euitablo ntato a few more oarly potatoes should bo planted in a warm, dry situation. Mako a small sowing of carrots, turnips, and onions, for early use. Tho main crop of onions should not be sown till the end of thia month ; prepare ground for such. Prick out a few more lettuce for salnd. Commence making fortnightly nowings of peas, using the earlier and dwarf vnriotiea where stakes trr not easily procurable. Seakale be<U should now be forked ovor, using plenty of well rotted manure during; the operation. Cover up such plants as you wont for blanching with boxes with movable tops ; then cover tho boxes with lung straw or litter. The movable top will give easy access to the plants. Make miccossional sowings of spin ach, lettuce, &c. All coeds coming through tho foil will need attention by throwing hot lime over them at night, so as to kill tile slug pest. Keep all weeds under as much as possible. Flower Gordon. Still continue forking the (lower borders when favourable opportunities occur ; also the relaying of tho box edgings. All ever groe i shrubs which aro grown foi' their foliage should now bo prunod back. It i.« best to prune such just immediately before the buds begin to swell in tho spring. I( done now, they will come awny with great vigour and grow much bettor foliago than if pruned In the oarly winter. Continue pruning roses which are wanted for early blooming. Plant out a fow more early bulbs for dowering early. Continue sowing a few more hardy annuals. Transplant tho different bordor favourites such as daisies, violets, paneies, pink pcnstcnions, lobelias, &C. ; tho earlier these aro removed tho hotter they will grow throughout the season. The different grass edgings should row bo pared with the knife. Tho grass on the lawn will now be beginning to grow with vigour : constant attention must be given to hnowing and rolling 80 as to com press and get it level boforo tho warm, dry woather sots in. Keep walks clean and free of weeds. Greenhouse. The watering of all plants which nro coining into (lower should now receive caro ful attention. Cinerarias and calceolarias that have bpcomo established in thoir flowering pots should receive occasional waterings with liquid manure; ."till continuo potting into (lowering pot thoso that are ad vancing in growth, givo plenty of individual space for each plant so that thoy do not become drawn. Camellias dono flowering repot and place in their summer quarters. Azaldia coining into flower givo liquid manure. (live the house plenty of air on all favourable occasions. To KiU Posts. Scalo pests aro becoming very destructive to fruit trees, and are spreading rapidly over tho entiro country. Koroseno omul gion.s nro tho sovereign remedy againut this pest. In answer to euvoral inquiries' about tho modo of preparing omulsions, wo givo Professor Kilcy's instructions : "Emulsions with milk may bo made of varying strength, but ono of tho most satisfactory proportions is two parts of refined keroseno to ono part of sour milk This must bo thoroughly churned (not merely shaken) until a butter is formed which is thoroughly stable and will keep indefinitely in closed vessels, nnd may bo diluted ad libitum with water when needed for use. Tho time required to bring the butter varies with tho temperature, and both soap and milk emulsions aro facilitated by heating tho ingredients. Ordinary con densed milk may also be used by thoroughly stirring and beating it in an equal or vary ing quantity of kerosene. Tho diluted emulsion, whon prepared for use, should be finely sprayed upon the insects to be killed, its strength varying for different insects and plants, and its effect enhanced when brcught forcibly in contact with the in seots."

Growing AsrAßAfiu.s.—Asparagus suc ceeds best on deep, sandy loams. The young plants should be raised from seed sown thickly in rows the season before thoy aro planted out in their permanent beds. Sow the seed early in the spring in a woll manured piece of ground ; keep them freo of weeds. Tho following autumn, »ay in May, have the place for the permanent beds drained to a depth of three feet or throe feet six inches. Then trench the break to a depth of two foot six inches, putting in tho different layers of coil trenched plenty of wollrotted manure, or, if possible, seaweed. You can not, make the beds too rich. Tho better the beds are made the longer they will last, and the crops "ill be much better. The follow ing spring lift, the young seedlings, and plant in the prepared ground. Plant in rows, and cover the crowiis of the plants about four inches below the surfaco of tho ground. After tlie plants havo started to grow givo (.ho whole mirfaco of the ground a good dressing of salt. Nothing should bo cut from tho bods tho first season : -tlio crowns want to gain strength. When the haulm is ripened in tho autumn cut it off tho plants and cloar away to tho rubbish heap. Then spread plonty«of well-rotted manure ovor the beds and fork into the ground. The following spring re-fork and dress with salt. This season a good crop ought to bo obtained. An asparagus bed formed and dressed annually with a good dressing of well rotted ■ manuro overf autumn and satt in tho spring ought to last good for almost an indefinite number of years. There aro one or two facts con nected with the good cultivation of asparagus fl hich I will shcrtly mention here.

Saving Seed foji Sowing Early.— In spring go over the beds and mark a few of tho best and strongest sprouts. Let these -marked sprouts grow up, and run to seed, not allowing any of tho weaker shoots to flower at the same time. Tho marked shoots then grow up and blossom witboH dangor of mixing with tho pollon from in ferior stems, which arc kept cut till tho strong ones have llowored. The seed from the strong shoots will produce plants of a. superior quality to those raised indiscrimin ately from all the plants. lam aware that there area few differently-named varieties of asparagus to be had for sale, but I also believe they are till one, the diftbrenco in appearance simply being caused by the care or otherwise given to the cultivation of the plants. To obtain asparagus in first-class condition, it should be cut immediately be fore using, when for market, in the early morning and tied in bundles. In conclusion, I may add that asparagus is one of tho most wholesome and delicious of vegetables. It comes in so early in the spring that nothing competes with it. It is easily taken to market, and when planted and cultivated in the proper soil yields splendid :;rops. In the future of New Zealand it will be one of the most profitable crops to grotv for the market.

Stocks.

{Continuedfrom last tveek). Pears on Quince Stock.—Whevo dwarf pears aro wanted they aro bolter wrought on the I'ortugal quinco stock. This stock is hard to raise from cuttings ; it is there fore bos' raised from seed or from layers. Recollect where this stock is used that somo of tho varieties of tho pear do not mako a good union on this stock, therefore it is better to graft twice, that is, take a variety which is well-known to mako a good union on the quince, graft these two together, then rograft or bud on the pear. This will be sure to take, giving you thon double grafted trees, which aro acknowledged by experienced orchardist,to bo tho best fruit, bearing trees of all. No pears should bo grafted on any other quince than tho Portu gal, as the others only seem to have tho power to product] loaves and flowors, stop ing short at tho production of good crops of fruit. Recollect when using tho quinco as a stock for tho pear that it is better grafted than budded, as it makes a bettor union when grafted. Another matter con nooted with the raising of stock is never to use suckers for the purpose. Suckers used for stock ore sure to reproduce fluckor growth on your trees, and nearly every orohardiet knows what robbers they aro to fruit trees, also what a vexatious trouble they aro to oradicato or keep under,

GOSSIP FROM STAGE AND STUDIO.

—(:■:) ---[liV EtlTKKl'li.]

Mv Ak'NU'u IjMmant, (lie well-known bari tone, aiul Mr W. lliitoluinjon, tho accom plished piccolo playor imdlluutUt, who came to Auckland in I ho Doric on her last trip, have gone South with tho Dunning Opera LSoutlb Ti-cinpo.

Miss Jonny Watl-Tniiuer, according to an Adelaide p.'ipor, is Mrs Boresford after all.

Frank Uornld, otherwise Poarron, Is play ing in the Princess Theatre, Molbouruo.

A 'JOc. (lOd) oilition of M. Zola'a novols ia being put into circulation in Now York.

Bland Holt is on his way back to tho colonies, with, itlswiid, "ThoStrangloraof Paris," and other cheerful dramas.

Twelve thousand two hundred visitors paid for admission to Shakespeare's house last year. Uenhumo, the circus proprietor, lmsvisitcd tho InHolvont Court and left his Company lamenting. Augustus Harris and Henry Pcttitthavo gone to Monte Carlo to concoct a startling sensation for tlio autumn season,

Kate Vaughan is very ill, dying, somo say ; but sho fctill manages to play in " Lalla Rookh."

Tho Dilke of Marlborough has ollbred twelve of his pictures, including tho Raphael and Rubens " Family Pictures," to tho Uritish nation for £100,1)00.

Finhor's " Opera Boufje, Burlesque, nnd Pantomime Company" aro "doing" tlio country towns ol Canterbury with the ro ■loitbtabto Cruin as leading tenor. Tho ".lo " »eason lit the Sydney Opera House lias been woll patronised, mid Jennie Leo, as the HUlo crossing-sweeper, has again covered herself with rags nnd glory. Tlio Kennedy Family, of Scotch songs and rocitntion colubrity, loft curly in July for England by tlio I. and 0. gtoaruer .Usam, for London. Chiarini's Circus, with attenuated pro (njitiuiif, intravellingthrough tin; Victorian country districts; mid at latest was at Sandhurst playing to wretched business. Miss Mary Audui'i'im pursues her course triumphantly in tho provinces. At Man chester thu" weekly receipts exceeded a'.OOO. According to tlio Suvngo Club gosslpd, Mr Irring, after p-vyinifalloxpomios, rlonrod c 15,000 on tlio American tour, and Ellon Ferry i'B,ooo. Kmilie Molrilla is doinjr no woll at the Melbourne Bijou Theatre that her oporutic reason has boon extondud, and in conso qUCUCO tlio will not reach New Zealand until December. I'umoroy (Mr nnd Mrs) nro playing at Oregon, undur ihu management of Al, tiny man ! Tlio Sydney " Bulletin " nays : There is a trotuondotiri joko in thir>, but "as if you didn't know !" Tlio Now York "Minor" has an article on tlio drunkeime-.s of actrewses and actors, nnd states that in opera bonllo ospocially it is no uncommon thing for two-thirds of tho company to be ".stilt"' long before the performance is over, "Grand Mogul," a comic opera in three acU", music by Audrun (composer of " Mas cottc") and 'libretto by MM. Chivot and Duru, U auuouircccl for production at the C'inito, Paris. Mi 11. liodson, wliomay bu roineuiborod for hi:- John Wellington Wclla, whon the Hit Hi ing, Leaf, Kiectirdi Co. prod v cod "Thu Sorcerer" lierc ncveral years ago, is

about to many Miss Mary Livingstone (Miss Hiscocks). At tho Lyceum ono night dming Lawrence Barrett's eoaaon a party of live — not in evening: drcca—occupied tho Royal box. Two of the ladies Bucked oranges, and ono of the gentlemen from time to time amused himself by imbibing stont. Milmo. Patti, it is stated, whs almost overwhelmed with flora] offering!! during her American tour. At, San Francisco nhe had to engago tivo carriages to convey to the hotel the (lowers scattered at her feot during tho concert. • The colebriitod singer Mdmo. Carvalho ia about In take farewell of the stngo. She will bo remembered as having created the ralex of Marguerite and Juliette, nnd splendidly interpreted at various timos the works of Meyerbeer, Mozart, Gounod, Ambroise Thomas, and Victor Massif

Fricdrich Smctana, the Hungarian com poser, died on May 13 at tho Praguo Lunatic Asylum. This talented musician, who was principally known by his opora Libitum, attained his nixtieth birthday on March 2, in honour of which ovent the National Theatre of Praguo devoted tho en tiro week to tho performance of his works. Messrs Foley and Berkeley aro travelling in tho South with an original entertainment entitled "Chic." Tho ontertainmont as a whole (says tho " Now Zoaland Times") was of a superior class. Mr Foloy and Mr Berkeley are each very clcvor and versatile comedians, and the lightning-like manner in which thoir changes aro effected is some thing to bo seen in order to bo realised. Mr David Christio Murray, author of "Joseph's Coat," has recently finished a novol entit'ed " Rainbow Gold," which will run through next year's "Cornhill," begin ning in January. Tho story for the "Graphic" Christmas number for the current year, "A Bit of Human Nature," from tho samo pen, is already in typo. Mr Murray is also commissioned to write tho " Graphic " sorial for ISBS. Mr Ocorgo Rignold, with tho object of lotting tho London public know how thoir comfort and convenience aro studied at the ilolborn Thcatro, and what kind of dramatic fare he intends to provido, offered free admission to pit, reserved pit, and pit stalls for a week to any persons caring to apply for the tamo at his box office, where the applicant was to sign his or her name. This may be regarded (is the newest feature in tho art of theatrical advertising.

F. C. Bimrtnd'rt sensation drama "Tho Turn of tho Tide," bus beon produced with groat, success in (ho Melbourne Theatre) Royal. Amongst the members of tho Com pany engaged in its performance aro Misa Docy Stewart, Miss Maggie Knight, Mrsßuonin Bryer, and Mr Frank Oatcs, the interesting young gontloman who did the ." slopo " from Auckland leav ing unpaid the printing and advertising work which sociu'od for him a bumper benefit.

Tho following letter appears in tho Now York " Mirror" : —Dear Sir,—Allow mo to correct a statement of your Chicago corres pondent in your last issue Ho says: "Mr Reynolds dramatists English nnd French novels, and then copyrights his version." I havo written thirtoon dramas, nino of which have beon successfully produced, and out of tho number ono only, viz., "Wanda," is a dramatisation. Tho re mainder—well —"Poor things, but mine own."- Wamjsii Reynolds.

Gado's "Psycho" will be shortly given by tho Auckland Choral Society. Tho solo pavts havo been allotted to Miss Bleazard (soprano), Mrs Alexander (mezzo-soprano), Miss Corbott (contralto), and Mr J. Hanna (tenor). Tho difficult and rather thankless baritone part had boon conferred upon Mr Garland, but as this gentleman rocontly took a very abrupt departure for fresh fields and pastures new, Ilerr Schmitt is in Hoinowhat of a quandary how to fill his place. It is a moot point whether or not the difficulty of the part hastened Garland's departure. Says tho " Bulletin " :—Ruth Wallace, one of tho Pollard kids, says slio was kid napped to India. When the juvoniles wore out at sea, they rebelled, and Tom Pollard stood an excellent chance of getting a "woolling1." Charles, howover, says Ruth, " told us that it would bo splendid, as we should have nothing to do but sit about all day, with black men to fan as, and that wo would get plenty of presonts and curios to bring' homo to our parents. Wo thought this would bo very nice, and we went willingly enough afterwards, but wo woro not well treated." Apropos of this, the P.'s have issued a writ for £5,000 against the •' Argig "fW libfli Mwg bosh f

SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

Now Zealand,

Oeraldlno tt.C. Spring September 2»,21i Hawko's Bay ,1.0. Spring October «, 7 Canterbury J.C, Metropolitan ho\. 11, l.i, 11

Australia,

Hawkesmiry K.C. Spring August 21 L.i A.J.C. Spring August 30; September 2, I. I; V.H.C. Spring November 1,1, 0, 8

To Correspondents.

No Name.—The totulisator dividend paid on Nelson in tho A.H.C. Autumn Handieup was «10 17s. G.J.—ln tho la. 1 Australian Cup I.c Grand car ried 7st 12 b, which is 211> less than ho would h .ye had to carry in March at, weight forage. L.N .—Anchorite Ja by St. Albans-Qucen Mary. Ho is engaged In both tho Mcibourno and Caulliold Cups.and in owned by Mr T. Hulboy, who llrsl introduced Malua and Ktockwcll lo tlio racecourse.

SUIIBCKITtKH (Newton).—We cannot say tho longest time; a mar" has boon known to carry hor fial. Tho shortest timo is 307 days, and the longest 3111, but wo have read of Mr A. Town, tho well-known breeder, stating ho knew a case In which a mare carried for thirteen months. Abi-hn.—Sardonyx started 'X times. Ho won six raci'S, ran Hi seconds, threo thirds, and was 11 times unplaced. Ifo l"iv three times second for tho Hawkosbiiry Grand, twieo second for the Summer Cup, twice second for Tatlersall's Cap, and three times second for the Anniver sary Handicap.

A DAY AT SYLVIA PARK.

[By Hiitona.]

llavim: boon invited to upend a day among tho oquino beauties of Sylvia I'a'k on Saturday lust, I avuilod myself of the op portunity, and olovon o'clock saw Mr Harry Whitakcr (Socrotnry of tho JSf.Z. Stud Company), Mr \V. Adams, and myself bowling ulung tho road with a good puir of trotters in front of us. Tlio morning was bountifully lino overhead, therefore it is noodloss to say thut tho drive out was a most onjoyablo one. On our arrival wo were mot by Major Walnmloy, and being nooorded ft hearty welcome, our inspection commenced without further ado. Tho lord of tho harem, Musket, was the first wo paid our rospocts to, and ho is looking as gay, frosh, and muscular as lio was (hiring his first season horo. Leo linus (who iH also looking very healthy) was next interviewed, and after a peep at An tor Of and Capa-pio,womado our way to the paddocks whorosomoof the yearlings were scampering about, and it may bo mentioned that altogether they number thirty. "Do you so ■ that white-faced ehostiiut ?" eaid I ho Major; "ho in n full brother to The loot," and, an wo got donor, it was not hard t.» rccogniuo him ; but ho will bo a fur bigger horso than Mr IJates's hard worked gelding. A youngHtcr that greatly took my fancy wan tho colt by Musket from Titimia (imp.). Ho i* not only well shaped, but has heaps of blood to recommend him. lliu dam, Titanm, was got by Orest from Queen Mab, by Lnmhton— Blancho, by Birdeatcher, nnd while running in England she won several rucoK. I thought a good dual of n big-boned colt by Antoros from Lady Mary, and a very shapely fellow is tho colt by Musket from i'ulohra (the dnin of tlio Hon. (j. McLean's hand some maro Lady Evelyn). A filly by Musket—Madcap is a good-looking one, md another lady that looks like a galloper ia the lilly by Mupkot— Moonlight. From appearances il will bo strange indeed if the Musket—Florenco McCarthy colt docs not turn out a gem, and 1 also liked a colt by Musket—Pearl A:<h (half brother to the speedy Pearl), who prominos lo develop into .1 line Htraiiping luii-kO. Tholilly by Muskot

—Erycina will bo bigger than bur full sistoi Mitrailleuse, but in other respects they re sumble each other very much, while it colt by Muekut—Realisation (dam of Wapiti) would pass muster anywhere fur good looks, A. filly by Antoros—Tros Duuce (full sinter to Louie, tlio Auckland Autumn Han dicap winner of lHii'2) I was sorry to <<cc looking very low in condition owing to ."trang'cs, but a- colt by Antcros— Atalunta is rather a nice-looking gentle man, and promises to bo a !>ig one. Wo next mtidi! our way towards the new stables for the purpose of looking over tho remainder of tho yearlings, who had been taken up for tlio first time on .Sa turday morning. Tho colt by Musket —Onyx (full brother to Nonlonfeldt, purchased by the Hon. .1. White in January last for 1,200 guineas), wa.stho lirst we came to,and ihat a beauty ho is ! Examine the youngster whom you will, it is indeed hard lo find fault with him, and ho shows far note quality than his two-year-old brother. With health, 1 shall expect'l his cult, to mako ■> great name for himself on tho race course The colt by Musket out if tlio Lord I.yon marc Rosette (half sister (o Bend Or), is another gentle man in appearance, and one that should command a good [nice, while 1 greatly admired a colt by Cadogan — Luro, \\lio is particularly «ell-shaped. A colt by Cudo gan—Potrolouso shows plenty of length nnd |iiality, and tho Musket—Atalantis colt ilso promises to bo a good one. Quito n •mart-looking gentleman is tho colt by Apromont—Nelly Mooro, and ho has plenty )f length, with short back and good liocka. Anteros has cortainly loft liis murk upon tho colt out of Sylvia, but for most people's liking ho is a bit too leggy, duo to his growing so fast. This, however, docs not prevent thorn from galloping, nnd it may bo ho will turn out tho .best of tho collec tion. Tlio lilly by Cadogan—Crinoline is very taking to the eye, and will come very soon, but wo woro all unanimous that ono of tho best-looking of tho thirty yearlings was tho filly by Cadogan —Stoppo (half sister to Hormit). She has boautifully placcd shoulders an 1 raro gnskins, and whon blio goes up for sale in January next, 1 shall expect to sco hor fetch a long price, for if sho novor races a yard, her blood must prove invaluable for breeding purposes. Our inspection of tho year lings being concluded, wo wended our way to tho paddocks, where one by ono wo came norosß tho many aristocratic dames ; and it was not difficult to obsorvo that tho Company will have a groat numbor of early foals this yoar. Tho mares not in foal aro Florence McCarthy, Lady RavoiißWOrth, Clytomnostra, Leila, Nniad(fullsistorto Lnr lino), Crinoline, Sister Agnes, nnd tho fol lowing flvo visitors, viz., Maid of Athol (dam of Krupp), Rosalio (dam of Mr J. Marshall's two-year-old colt Derringer), Lady Elizabeth, Zcalandia, and Jenny Lind. An old friend of mine, in tho shape of Maid of Honour, I was glad to sco was heavily in foal to LoolimiH, and Luro (full sistor to Lurlino) and Nolly Mooro aro also both in foal to tho same siro. Sylvia (dam of Martini Homy), Onyx (dam of Sardonyx), Realisation (dam of Wapiti), Pearl Ash (dam of Pearl), Fancy (dam of Foul • Play), Locket (dam of .Necklace), Haupo (dam of Mara), and Erycina (dam of Mitraillousc), are all in foal to Musket, and My Idoa (dam of Nelson) to Antoros, ■ Tho Company gavo GOO guineas to Alt Redwood for Raupo three years ago, and so far have proved very unlucky with her, she having minted the tirsli year after they bought her, and slipped twins tho second. The Com pany have .also bad the greatest ill luck with Lady Uiivensworlh, thoy having none of her progeny. This is the moro to be re gretted when it is mentioned that sho ia a daughter of tho famous Volligcur, whoso blood is now so much nought after, and who won tho English Dorby and Logor of ISSO. After looking ovor tho mare?, wo di rected our stops towards a paddock which contained Woodnymph and her two - year ■ old sister, recently named Elphin. Tho former has only recovered from an attack of strangles, and tho Major informed us that sho is not to bo raced again, tho powors that bo having decided upon relegating both her and Elphin to stud duties. This' I think is a vory wiso proceeding, and especially in tho ca«o of Elphin, for sho having hurt her stifle sovcral months ago, it is doubtful whether sho would stand tho wear and tear of tho race course. Tho handsomo Stoppo, with her foal at hor side (whom it is proposed to namo "Too Soon"), we found housed in vory snug quarters, and wo could not help reiterating our expressions of regret that such a good-looking juvonilo should rank as a yearling. This concluding our inspection, wo adjourned to Major Walms loy's residence] and after partaking of his ( hospitality, tho team woro harnessed up, and we speedily returned to town, each agreeing that wo had spent a most pleasant day.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

Tiik. first forfeit for tho Melbourne Cup, which fell duo on Monday last, has not had the effect of diminishing the list to any great extent, for the large number of 101 still remain in. Of those withdrawn, tho most notable np.rao is First Demon, and he was so well dealt with that thoro are .few who thought ho would be found miss ing from tho list at this early stage of the proceedings, but it is more than likoly holms broken down. The Hon. J. .White still has seven representatives opposite his name, but it will be some relief to those who have backed Oudeis and Liverpool for New Zealand events to ceo the pea-run through their

name. And mention of the Grip Lodge team by-tho-bye reminds mo that AVolcomo Jack waa supported for the New Zealand Cup in -Dunedin several days back, and although tho amount taken was small, tho backers, I understand, wore those who ought to know something about the movements of the stable. Tho Hon. W. llobiuson returned from Sydney thw week, and a littlo bird whispers me that Liverpool will bo first favourite for the Christchurcli Derby when the flag falls, Beyond tho usual balance-sheet and elec tion of tho Committee,there was no business of interest transacted at tho Auckland Racing Club's annual meeting on Monday last. Itis pleasing, however,to knowthattho past season has been a .successful financial ono, for tho accounts showed a credit balance of .11,220 Ms -id, against £9-15 Hs Od during tlio season of ISB2-83. The Committee mot yesterday for the purposo of taking the programme for next Reason into consideration, but from what I can hear there is littlo likoli hood of tho added money being in creased to any oxtont. It is proposed to hold tho Spring and Summer Meetings on tho usual dates, and tho Autumn Meet ing will in all likelihood be changed to Easter Saturday and Monday. At Sylvia Park on Monday last, Lovebird produced n filly to Musket. It is to be hoped that tho Company will have luck with tho youngster, for on looking over Lovebird's pedigree, I find she it; a rare bred ono, being got "by Macaroni (who won tho Two Thousand ftuinonßUnd Derby) from Bottcr Half. Lovebird on the dam's sido goes back to the same blood as Kelpie, the niro of Maid of Honour, Secundus, The Clem, Jessie, and many others who have distin guished thonißolvos on tlio Australian turf. At a meeting held on Saturday last at Mr.l, Watlio's Hotel, it was decided to get up an afternoon's sport on Saturday, the .'iOlli of AugiM*. Tho gathering will be hold on the old Epsohl racecourse, and tho following programme of events was drawn up:—Distance Handicap Trolling Kaco of IfirfnVß., with silver cup of the same valuo added ; Handicap Schooling llunlle Race of lOsovs.; Maiden Trotting Race of lOsovh. j Novel Flat Haco of L'Ohovh.; Consolation Trot of lOsovs., and Hack Raco of 10-ovs.

The New Zealand Cup acceptances show tho only malcontents of any note are Tai aroa, Mischief, and Nonsense. Taiaroa'a absence from tho list i.s hard to explain, for ho was leniently treated, and from all ac counts lie in in tho best of health. Tho race in yet three montliH off, and littlo light has been thrown on owners' intentions, but at tho present time I think tho winner will bo found among the following eight :—July, Salvage, Oudeis," Vanguard, Sir Bediverc, Fusilier, Turquoise, and Johnny Faulkner.

While at Sylvia Park on Saturday laat, Major Walmsley informed mo that tho directors of the Stud Company propose to hold their next yearling ealo hor6 in tho first week of January, and send a ship ment to Australia tho same time as last year. The youngsters will bo selected for each market, and it is needless to say that amongst thopo booked for Sydney aro tha colts out of Sylvia and Onyx, for it in pretty well certain there are no Xew Zea landers who care to go to threo figures for a yearling. If they po decire, however, a private salo can bo effected for either of tho pair, or in fact any of the youngsters tho Company havo for disposal. Tho following yearlings have been honoured with liamCH this week :— Grey coll by Mnskcl-Mttld ot Athol (full liruilicr In Krnpp) .. .. C^NXON Hrowu colt by jMuskiitr-I'unKawore woro (full bnit.licr to Ti-lfonl) Hiucadikh Brown colt by Musket-Oiii'la .. AVTILMCRY Fruni ('hriHtcliuvch papers I learn that a commission has been executed in favour of Tim Whiilli.T for tho Now Zealand Cup to the. extent of about £'2,000, it, being got on at 100'b ,to 0 mid 7. •Tobnny Faulknor has also been backed to win £1,000, and Sou' wester has supporters at 100's to 12. Trenton still keeps at the head of the Derby limitations, hi price being I to 1, while (i to 1 can be obtained about Krupp and Liverpool. A good deal af business has nlso beon transacted in local circles «inco tho Cup acceptances appeared, but the (inly line worthy of note is Krupp's owner taking 100 to 0 about him for tho big two mile race.

At the Palo of Tnsmanian thoroughbred stock in Dunodin the other week, the follow ing prices were realised :—

Hny yenrllntf colt, by Manuk-n-Tlio West. by goUiuiHtime .. ..Mr J. ilazlelt Oo Hay yonrlinK ™lt. by Manuka-Miss Jack son. by Urrvtu(imp.) ..MrßO'lirien 100 Drown yearling 'Illy Tasmania, by Manuka -'/. Uali (Tasnian'sdiun), by I'clur Wil kins .Vrl>. O'Brien 12;} UnyyeurliiiK filly,by Manuka-I'UHsyfCapt. Webster's dam), uy Cervus limp.) Mr.l. Hazlutt 00 Five ycnr-ild (feldintf fiatcrs, by St. Al!»ins, dam "oy l'etcr Wilklns ..MrU.O'lSrlcn 100 The Xew Zealand Stud Company intend lo place Antcros at the disposal of Waikato hrccckri) this season, and he is to stand at tho low ligurc of four and five guineas. Cap a-pie will travel in the various country districts about Auckland, and such a hand some and we!! brod ouo should not be ior gotten by those who havo suitable mares. "" Mr John Elliott, the well-known Waitura breeder, has purchased Prince George, by Musket —Georgia, for stud purposes. I unrler.-tand the price paid was £300.

Early Bird, the winner of the big event at tho recent Wellington Steeplechase Meet ing, has gone into E. Cutt's stable at I hristchurch. Ho was bred in 1572 by Major Morso, of Wnngnnui, nnd comes of a good stock, being by Day Dawn out of Chance, full sister to Rovoke, and dam of Dead Shot, siro of Mata. He never raced as a youngster, but from tho oarly ogo of two years was put to the stud, at which ho continued up to last season, when it was determined to sco what ho could do ovor sticks. Since then Early Bird has run seven times, winning threo ovonts, and running second in the other four. Tho following table (writes "Mazeppa ") may prove, interesting as showing how backers came out of their transactions on some of tho principal races during tho sea son just ended : —

Notk.—Whore two or more tota'isntors were working on one race the avemgc dividend is stated.

It will be noticed that of the twenty-two races mentioned in tho above table, no less than thirteen were won by the first fa vourites. Tho greatest surprise of tho .season, so far as tho big races were con cerned, was tho victory ot Tho Poet in tho Wellington Cup; and accordingly wo lind tho dividend on that event is the largest in tho list. From a calculation I find that if a man had taken tho bookmaker's odds at the post and put one .sovereign on the favourite for each of tho 22. events mentioned he would havo won exactly £20, tho result being that he would havo come out £11 to (■he good on the whole series of transactions. Taken all in all, I don't think the book makers had a particularly profitable) season. Aw to tho investors on the totuiisator, the yentiireof £1 on the favourite in the machine in all twenty two races would have turned in a gross profit of £1(5 9s.

Referring to tho English Derby, a London writer says :—" Mr Hammond, the ownor of St. Gation, began life an a Newmarket stable-boy. In process of time he became too heavy to ride, and ho then took to touting, and, a3 ho was blessed with keen eyes and sharp wits, ho quickly won a con fadorable snm of money, developed into a professional backer, and from that chrysalis i.tato ho blossomed forth as tho ownor of a stud of racehorses. Mr Hammond, during the last few years, has won upward of £80,000, He has been very tacky, and.

as a proof that be is favoured by for tuno I may mention that he netted a large sum over Dutch Oven's Leger. Mr Ham mond waa able to back hisliorso to win a heavy stake without mv h outlay, asi St. Gatien was at 33 to 1 after tho Two Thousand. I hear he wins £30,000 by St. Gatien, and in addition he had iSJO on Harvester. Sir John Willoughby has not cleared more than £3,000 on the week. He would have won a good stake by Queen Adelaide. Tho Danebury commission for Busybody was £2,500."

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Mr J. Pilbrow has old Mata in slow work.

At Napier, Percy Martin has a Musket— Aconito colt in work for tho forthcoming

Guineas,

Tho usual August race mseting of Sydney Tattersftll's Club takes place at Kandwick this afternoon.

Nominations for tijreo of the principal events of tho Hawko's Bay Spnng Meeting arc duo on Tuesday noxt.

A much-needed improvement iS being done at the BUerslio racecourse in theshdJ'O of a drain for carrying oft' tho surplus water.

Mr 11. Lunn has purchased a three-year old colt called Red Sea, by King of Clubs —Aglaia, and intonds training him for the jumping business.

According to a local paper, Coacher's fall in the Wellington Steeplechase (a mishap which dislocated tho animal's back) was at tributable (.o a great extent to bad shoeing. Mr I*. Butler has named his two-year-old colt by Cadogan—Watorwiteli (half-bister to Lurlinc), llanlau; and his colt of the h/uiiu ago, by St. George-lied Kose, The Sluih.

Nearly all of tho Australian cricketers were nt tho Epsom Derby. It is stated that. ftilmer backed St. Cation at a long price, drew him in one big sweep, and Harvester, hi.M co-dcad-hoater, in another.

A N.ipicr correspondent informs " Sir Launcelot" that Krupp has been backed for tiio Hawke's Bay Guineas which ho can not lose, it (it, and woll. Pearl he thinks ■*,il! he his most formidable opponent. Royetcrer, who won tho City and Suburban last year for Lord Koseberry, and was subsequently oxported to tho Cnne, tcored an easy win in the Fornwood Stakes at tho South African Jockey Club Meeting on 19th April. Mr J. Marshall's new stables will be com pleted in tho course of a couplo of weeks, when hia horses will be shifted there. Mr Chadwick has made arrangements to take possession of tho boxes where the team are at present located. Hippodamia was put under the hammer at Christchurch a few days ago, and with drawn, the beat bid being 110 guineas. A North laland sportsman, however, is stated to have purchased her afterwards, and she is now in Dick Maxon'a hands.

A trainer named George Wright has ar rived here from Christchurch, and he tells me that ho would like-to got chargo of a small team. Wright brings excellent crcdentiala with him, and for Rome years past has been in the employ of Bob Kay nnd Robinson and Lance.

Listen a Few Minutes.

Now, my son, throw awny that cigarette, and listen to me for a few minutes while I pom- some wisdom into your ear. I am going to give you some advice, my boy, and when it comes to unadulterated double cover, pistol-grip advice, I am right there, my son, and have boon all the tinm. lam going to talk to you about your mother, my boy, your mother, who is ns full of love for yon iis a politician is for votes on election day.

■She wan born some little time before you, my snn, some little time, and is therefore out it led to your respect. Shu aluo took a great interest in yon, my boy, when you were bald-headed as a poker chip and ugly enough to break a photographer's camera. Perhaps you remember some one's singing you to sleep, and nursing you through the measles and mumps, and carrying you around when you were big enough to know better than to permit it? That was your mother, my boy ; and when you played "hookey" with Tommy Fresh and went to the circus, it was your mother, my'son, that interceded for you with your father, and .-saved you a thrash ing. She hag been watching over and pro tecting you ever since your babyhood, my son, and now that you are on the verge of manhood, and can almost see the ends of your moustache when it is well waxed, put in your best licks and make some return for all this. •

Your mother is the best friend that you over had, my boy, tlio very best, and you arc- considerably in her debt. Suppose that you liegin 10-iuorrow, or to-day, for you can't begin too soon, and give her a kiss every morning before breakfast. Don't be ashamed to do it, my son. You owe her a few kisses, anyhow. She kissed you con siderably, when your face was as red as a lobster, and you were ugly enough to scare a weak-minded person into fits. And now, when Christmas comes, take a good share of your poeketmoney and buy her a nice present. Never mind if you don't get Cloriuda that £'o toilet set. Your mother had tho honour of your acquaintance some time before Clorinda, my boy, and Clorinda never sewed buttons on your shirts cither. Besides, she will appreciate your present more than Clorinda will, my son, a great deal more. As you grow older, my boy, you will see the force of what I havo been telling you, and by the time that you aro as old as your mother is now you may regret that you didn't do more for hor when you had the chance, but it will bo too late then, my boy, everlastingly too late.

Princess Alice's Memoirs.

Some of the lottere written by the Princess Alico to the Queen.will astonish those people who labour under the illusion that Royfcl personages are not troubled by the sordid cares of ordinary life. The Princess seems to have been in a painful state of pecuniary ombarrassment from the hour of her arrival at Darmstadt, and when one remembers that a dowry of 130,000 and an income of £6,000 a year were voted to H.R.H. on her marriago, tho revelations of tho correspon dence aro certainly astonishing. Tho Ger man Royalties do not maintain extravagant households, and the Prince and Princess ought to hare boen able to live in ease and comfort on such a sum, even supposing that tho bridegroom contributed nothing towards tho maintenance of .the establishment.

The Princess, on first arriving at Darm stadt, complains that her house would be thought small and mean even by plain, middle-class people, while the dining-room is so stuffy and uncomfortable that they aro uiiablo to invite people to dinner. A year later, when the Princess is confined, the Quean sonds money to pay the doctor, and provides the baby-linen and accompani ments. The Princess is invited to come to England on a visit, but replies that she cannot afford to do so. She cannot pay an adequate salary for a governess for her daughters, nor can she buy curtains for the drawing-room (which aro much wanted), unless tho Queen will pay for thorn. Tlio lato Emporor of Russia, passing through Darmstadt on his way from Ems, comes to luncheon, and the Princess (like the Primroso family) is besido herself with worries at the prospect of the expense of entertaining him. The Princess could not have suffered worse privation (for it was nothing less, considering the very different circurastancos of hor oarly life) if she had married a clerk with 1150 a year. Tho Queen spent £20,000 on building a suitable houso for tho Princess and her husband, for the residenco givon to them by the Grand Duke of Hesee at their marriage was de scribed at thotimeas a " dogholeof a place." These dismal revelations remind one of an incident which startled the company at a Royal marriage in this country some years ago, wherealso tho bridegroom was a German Prince. .Only members of the Royal Family were prosent at the ceremony, with a few of the chief oih'cora of. the household. AVhen the bridecroom camo to repeat the words, " with all my goods I thee endow," an indignant exclamation was heard from tho Royal circlo, "Good God! tho very shoos tho fellow wears are not paid for !" It was the old Duke of Cambridge who had blurted out this awkward truth in one of his fits of abstraction.—" Truth."

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACTION.)

FOOTBALL FIXTURES,

Auckland Rugby Union Programme,

August 9— Auckland v, Gordon, Ponscnby v. Grafton, North Shore v. Nowton.

August 10—Auckland v. Grafton, Ponsonby v Newtan, Gordon V. Albert.

Autrust 23—Grafton v, North Shore, Pongonby v. Albert, Gordon v. Albert, August HO— Sept. o—Club tics.

CRICKET FIXTURES. The Australian Eleven.

August Jl-Oval. Australians v. All England. August 18—Cheltenham, Australians v. Glou cestershire.

August 21—Nottingham, Australians v. Notts August 25—Brighton, Australians v. Pastund Present of Cambridge.

August 28—Gravesond, Australians v. South ol England. September 1 — Nottir.Kli.ini, Australians v N jrtli of England.

September J—Scarborough, Australians v. \ Zingari,

September 11—Oval, Australians v. All Eng land.

AQUATIC FIXTURES.

Augnt!-16—Haitian v. Beach, on thoParamntta Ufveiv

GiiKAt Interest Q feeing manifested in athletic circles as to the issues of tho return match between tho Grafton ai?d. Ponsonby Clubs. The latter won the first gd.'UG by four points after a hard struggle. SinoQ then, however, the Graffcon team hqsunder gono a considerable improvement, being greatly strengthened by J. Ryan and Leeky, with their intercolonial honours thick upon them, and by Cooper, a half-back with a first-class reputation from Wellington ; in.* deed, there are many who believe that tho niai ooiia will prove too many for theif striped opponent?, Although tho Ponsonby will miss Arneil and Turnbull, stili they have sterling men in Whitesidc, Davy, Maoky, Young, and Brnund, and I think with a fair share of luck and anything like a dry day, that they will jui-t manage to pull it oft1. This match will almost virtually decide tho question as to which is tho pre^ mier club for tho season. There is a coiu siderable amount of betting on the eveut, which is, if anything, in favour of Pon,i son by.

Tho other match in the Domain thia afternoon, namely, Gordon., v. Auckland, will alao be provocative of a hard struggle, as, although the former won easily lasts time, they have somewhat retrograded] during the return matches, while the, gonior club in materially atrengthened by some new blood, and also by the return of Carter and O'Connor frcm the New South Wales trip. ■ >

C. Bailey has completed a now cedar half deck boat about 24ft. long.

Jem Mace lias decided to postpone his visit to America until the latter part o| August.

A threo-ton yacht for Captain Sinclair has been turned out of Carr'sßhed, and m\\ be Rhipped for Melbourne on the 11th inafc.

The keel of a 2.3 ft. half-deck fishing boat Laa been laid down in Waymouth's ehed. She is open for sale.

Tho Ponsonby Rowing Club concert has boon fixed for' September 25th next, and will bo hold in the Ponsonby Hall.

Carter showed better form in the Pon sonby v. Auckland football match than he has yet done this season, and was a very useful man to his teu:n.

Corr's boat-building shed has been lengthened by an addition of 46ft. towards the main road, nnd timber is now cut on the premises by oil cular ond band saws.

I hear that the North Shore Rowing Club are willing to play a football match againß* a combination team from tho other rowing clubs in Auckland.

Webster pliyed a fine gamo for North Shore against tho Albeit on Saturday-last, and made some fine runs, as also did Marshall.

Waymouth has the old twenty-feet sailing boat Hattie May in hand for a^general ove£ haul. She now belongs to F. Williams, and is going into the fish trade.

Clare is building a four-ton yacht to order of Mr Pelly, who intends to use her for tishing. The came builder has also under taken the construction of another four-ton yacht for Lomey, the fisherman.

The open boat usually known as the "little" Imp was ngain in bad luck last ■-■■■■ week. She capsked off the Watchman, and _^~! so far as I can learn has not yet been raised.

According to the Sydney "Bulletin,"the sending a team of Now Zealand footballers to England is talked of in Maoriland. Our contemporary cays "the epec. ought to pay."

William Edwards, of Australia, who re cently defeated Frank Hart in a six days' walking match at Denver, Col., was pre sented by Belmont and Hanson of that place with a costly gold and diamond medal. Alberts were overweighted in the foot ball match against North Shore on Satur day last, but played a very fast and plucky game. North Shore won by 10 points against nil.

Four football matches botween the Thames and To Aroha football clubs have been played this season. Three resulted in ties, and the last was won by Te Aroha by nine points to nil.

Braund did somo really good work in the football match between Ponsonby and Auck land. Hie running and collaring wag brilliant, and more than.onco he prevented the opposing team from scoring. Messenger, according to the Sydney " Bulletin," has received an order from the North Shore Rowing Club, Auckland, for a string-test gig. The Club has been keep ing quiet about this little bit of enter prise.

The new fishing boat built by J. Way mouth for 'W. Brawn has been out in the harbour during the past week, and has be haved in a satisfactory manner. She measures seven tons, and is called the "Bella Mary."

Sam Dove, who has been up North since April last, returned here last week. He won no less than five sailing races while away, and now intends to build a new eixteen-feet open boat for competition in Auckland r gattas. ,n

Holland's new yacht, which is being built at Bailey's shed, is a fine-looking vessel of about twelve tons measurement. She will have a great draught of water, and should sail well. The launch will take place about a fortnight hence.

~.,'^ )ui' B°y8" in Er.gland appear to be getting on no better with English umpires, despite the new rules, than did their pre decessors. Australian criekoterson English spil have always suffered from the one sidedness of English professional umpires. —"Bulletin."

Gordon was somewhat handicnppflj, in tho match against Grafton by the loss of Tawhai, who got a sevens blow in the face at an early stage and had to retire. The game resulted in favour of Grafton by four points against nil, tho tries having bew got by Hyan and Gardiner.

The football match played betwesu Al' e-t and North Shore Clubs on Saturday lattap pears to have been unsatisfactory in many re spects. Soveral doubtful tries were dis allowed to the North Shorites, and Alberts were frequently called back because of un fair play.

Henderson (captain), O'Connor, Caiter and Mogmie played well for Auckland against Ponsonby last Saturday, and their team would have been more successful ex pept for some unfortunate mistakes and bad taf-k. Their opponents, however, were vary determined, and well deserved the victory ultimately secured.

The absence of Arneil, owing to 'lines*, from the Ponsonby Football Team lait Saturday, greatly weakened that s'de. They played rather an uphill g?me with fourteen men, .and although they got the worst of tho first term, the rcsult-Pon aonby 6 -ints, against Auckland's 2 points —showe 'hat they playod brilliantly towards iho close.

Whiteside's place-kicking in tha Ponsonby-Auckland football match was not a success, and the absence of Arneil in this respect, was a loss to his club. Whiteside, however, played a fine game, and got over the line three times, making the total score of six points. Amongst the forwards Young and Macky (captain) did some gen uine hard work and materially assisted their side.

I hear on good authority that Ponsonby are about to lose tlio valuable services of Turnbull from their football team, as he is about to give up playing for good. It is a pity that he did not play oftener for his Club,ashispresenoeniateriallysti-engthened them in the forward division, as anyone could toll who saw his sterling hard work in;;- yamo against tlio Gordon. In the.: '■■ suriiiiinurrc ho has few, if any. superiors among our local player*, nnil'he will be .' uiiseed by Lib C'inb ia their watch witb ! Grafton.

ftHB AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, BAIOKDAV, AUGUST!) 1884,

4



Name of Race. Favourite. I

Geraldine Cup Tasman .. C.J.C. Welcome Stakes .. Livo:-;;.>o't New Zealand Cup .. .. XoiHi::.,-; C.J.C. Derby .. .. .. Ouil.-:i.-s Canterbury Cup .. .. . We'.-jomo Jack.. Auckland Spring Handicap .. JJuorilaiul Hutt Park .Sprint,- Handicap .. Miss J::un D. J.C. St Andrew's Handicap.. Lady Emma .. Auckland Cup Sa'vasro Auckland K.C. Handicap .. Tin. WhirHer .. C.J.C. Midsummer Handicap.. Cheviot .. Wellington Cup (Vaiiguard Dunedin Cup Sou'-v.-estcr D. J.C. Handicap |Soa-woster Wanganui Cup I The Poet.. Napier Handicap Sou'-wester Taranaki J.C. Handicap .. N'ormanby C.J.C.GreatAutumnHandicap Var.guard Auckland Easter Handicap .. Nolaon Ti^",rti Cup Tasman .. Gru. :' National The Agmit Hawke's Bay Steeplechase .. I C'lareiiey ..

Odds about Favourite. fi to 1 agst 2 to 1 agst 5 to 2 agst 2 to 1 on 5 to 2 on 5 to 2 agst 2 to 1 agbt 5 to 1 agst G to 4 ajjst 6 to 1 on . Evens 2 to 1 ag.st Evens 2 to 1 agst 0 to 4 agst 4 to 1 agst

Star- 9 3 9 8 6 1 6 11 G 10 6 11

Winner.

Liverpool Tasman .. Oudeis Welcome Jack.. Maori .. The Poet.: Taiuroa .. Salvage .. _ Libeller .. Cheviot .. .. The Poet.. Lady Emma .. Lady Emma The Poet.. Son'-wester Nbrmanby Vanguard / Administrator ( Kadamea Tasman .. The Agent Clarence

Odds about Winner. 6 to 4 agst 2 to 1 agst 4 to 1 ugst 2 to 1 on 5 to 2 on 3 to 1 agst 5 to 2 agat 7 to 2 agst 6 to 1 agst 2 to 1 agst Evens 10 to 1 agst G to 1 agst 3 to 1 agst 2 to 1 agst Evens 6 to 5 agst 4 to 1 ugst i to 1 agst 10 to 1 agst 3 to 2 ugst Evens G to i agst

Totalisator] Dividend.

£2 0 0 7 0 0 1 9 (i 19 0 1 3 IS 0 I 3 7 0 1 19 0 ! 2 10 0 4 0 0 2 6 0 14 10 0 G 11 0 5 5 G 3 fi G 3 15 6 2 15 0 2 17 0 8 U 0 2 16 0 2 7 6 2 10 0

7 to 4 agst 3 to 2 agst Evens G to I agst

9 4 8



Pnpi.io Discussions.— My clear convic turn it, that public; discussions on the evi denms of Christianity never do any good, but often do great harm. The sceptical champion, and his friends too, generally come' up to tho encounter to win, by fair means or foul. They are in too great a heat to hoar the truth ; it cannot get a fair entrance into their minds. On the other hand, young, fresh minds, unused, to these inquiries, are often caught by the now and startling words they hear, and become doubters; perhaps, eventually, confirmed unbeliovers.— Thomas Cooper. SKINNY MEN. -»wai*n«uu.Bci lW w' m! o ,«tal,h • Mia vigour, oiutj li.-H M*la. luivutimc, Ueliility. At Piuiirisu I