RANDOM SHOTS.

[By Zamikl.]

#.iini- write a neighbour's namo to lash, i no wiitc-viUnthouKhtl-fornoodfulcash, Some wriiu to plea3e the country clash. And raiße a din. For mo, an aim I never fash— I write for fun.

The political campaign is proceeding mer rily, and tho light promises to bo both keen and enjoyable. There is to be a contest in all the city and suburban constituencies, with the oxception of City East. By gene ral consent it is understood that Sir George Groy's valuable services should bo retained to tho country so long as ho is wil ling to give them ; his political oppo nents have been the most willing to concedo that much ; and there was true chivalric instinct in tho manner in which the Knight of the Kowau declined to encourage opposition to Major Atkinson for the Egmont seat. Withal, however, it is becoming evident that Sir George will mt on this occasion go down as the leader of a powerful party; but no one doubts that he will still be a central figure in the politics of the country, and a great factor for good in the legislation of tho future, as hs has been in the past. Despite his almost comical appeal to the electors not to send him to Wellington " with hia tail between his legs," I don't think he has any cause to fear being ever placed in such a humiliating position, for reasons set forth in tho an-

nexed verses on

POLITICAL EVOLUTION.

Timo was. says Science, when primeval man, Rudo and unclothed, in savage woodlandß ran Or In the "upper branches" gaily swung. Or by prehensile tail, head-downward hung.

TMs lattor prank h j thought ho didn't orter funtuo, so stopped it. and his tail grow shorter; Then he took to sitting; on a stump or roll, Till by dogroes ho rubbed away hia tail.

How swift thoprogress v.-hen one downhill goes! Our primal man next took to wearing clothes— By shaving, smoking, drinking, Bwearing, preaching, Hia now degraded, lost condition reaching!

Even so of olden time our " grand old man " With frowsy " tail" to tho wooden building ran; In happy pride his "tail" ho freely swung; It was so weak, by it he never hung.

The " tall" rescntod the neglect thus shown it. And then the old man took to " sitting on it;" Shorter it grow—a " tag-rag bobtail," say— Till by degrees it was quite rubbed away.

Although thotail is gone, for good or ill. Our " U rand Old Man" is powerful with us still To Parliament we'll send him without fail— A t ull-dovcloped man, without the " tail."

ÜBt to his accents, as he meekly begs— "iton't Bend mo with my tail between my logs! Art-end, electors, to his piteous call, Aid send him down, but with no " tail at all!

Ob. ye " whipped Bounds!" 'tis meet that you should whine With tails between your legs, as I opine; liut your great leaders should be men. I say. Whose caudal parts have been quite rubbod away!

Tho political meetings have given us lots o' fun during the past week, but Sir George Grey's meeting in the Theatre Royal carries o.T the stakes. From my point of observa tion in the gallery, I noticed Mr Dargaviila's beaming countenance immediately behind t le grand old man, and hear! his unmistak able voice echoing through the building in laud " hear, hears." But there was a sud den cessation in these marks of approbation; the g.o.m. had failed to charm; the only visible partofthememberfor Auckland West was the bright and shiny top of his bowed head. Wherefore this collapse ? Was it sud den illness, or the g.o.m.'s denunciations of illegal gum leases and the woes of diggers c-jmjjeheJ to buystore3atextravagant prices. How wonderfully liberal nnd enthusiastic we all aro ; how we do like to drive the prod into other people's ribg; and how we squirm, and wriggle, and protest when it comes unywherc near our own.

It id things like these that make the pathway of the reformer a hard one to tiavel. Imagine a man who, after sincere and prayerful reflection, had come to the conviction that corns were an evidence of great youthful depravity, and that it was hia duty, as a deterrent against the im morality of tight boots, to tread upon every well-developed corn he might come across in his rambles. No doubt it would be lively for the possessors of these relics ot early vanity, but I guess the apostle of the new dispensation would have his troubles too. Depend upon it every man has bis favourite corn. I remember oao very ardont admirer of theg.o.m., who was lost to the good cause solely because of an attack upon his own little vineyard. He was a partisan of the "neck or nothing" sort; no ring fences round any man's lands —no privileged classes—a clear pathway for the triumphant march of the people ! But b ;hold a roice went forth, " What have we "■ ore? are not the lawyers fenced in with pivilegc? Have they not hedged them selves round with State protection? And have they not used their posi tion to lay upon the people burdens grievous to be borne ?" Now, that young man wna a lawyer, and he waxed wroth. He bogan to perceive that these levelling tendonoies were very dangerous toawell ordored society. AH other special privileges were desperately wicked, but this one had so much in its favour; it was not a protec tion to the trade by which they were enabled to pocket large fees, but a needed act of paternal care for the poor people who employed lawyers. He promoted petitions against so dangerous an innovation, but tho fiat had gone forth, and tho wall which had been set up was broken down. And yet the world moved on. Now, I have no doubt this young man was thoroughly sincere in Ms belief that to break into the little garden where he grew his own favourite cabbages was very wrong. Wnall do think so when our premises are invaded.

Take that unearned increment for ex ample, en which we have all set our hearts. What a wicked thing it is for John Smith who has bought a piece of land for £1 a foot and sold it for £5, to pocket £4 without working for it. It is just as clear as AB C that the increased price of land is because more people want it; because the growth of population has given it value, and John Smith is a very wicked monopolist trading upon the necessities of the community. But supposing instead of John Smith, •'Zamiel" bos made a lucky little spec, and finds people thrusting £5 upon him for what cost him only £1. And " Zamiel "says: "My dear people, I don't want your £5 ; I bought that piece of land to build my homely cot upon, and rear np one useful and industrious family." But the tax-gatherer comes along with a piece of paper in his hand, and says : " Wretched man have not you been offered ±'5 a foot'for that land ?" "I have." "And gayest thou not only £1 a foot for ft?"' "Trrie thou art." "Then be good enough to hand me over the £4 of ' un earned increment' of which you have wrong fully despoiled the community." Theu would " Zaniiel" call down maledictions on •'• the lie>tdr< of the rulers," and declaie that the " unearned increment" was an un mitigated fraud; that whereas he had bought anothor pieco of land for £5 a foot, and couldn't got £3 for it, and no one would reimburso'Shim for the uncollectable loss ; and " Zamiol" would cross over from the band of patriots and club the first man who broached the topio of land reform.

X X * : A correspondent sends me the fallowing "Dear 'Zamiel,'—Those who habitually look at the Star would perhaps like to have its powerful rays concentrated through your influence on to a small spot for a moment. The spot in question is that of women occupying the chair at public meetings. I don't mean that you should "show up" anyone in particular, because that might hurt tbe feelings of someone. Suppoee, that you were to walk down Queen-street attired in a paper collar and a pair of spars, with Mrs Z on your arm attired in a parasol and a pair of gloves, the proceed in" would suggest other thoughts than simply that the pair of you had dressed yourselves" airily ; and when a woman places herself in unusual and unnecessary positions, it produces other thoughts in the .minds of most people than the mere question whether the thing is good or wicked. Do you think, dear 'Zamiel,' that there are people in this world who aro quite without the sense of discerning what is appropriate and ■win' ia inappropriate? And on the other hand do you not think that in this respect some people are perfectly senseless, no matter how rational they may be in other respects ? •Lord Lytton Bulwer, in toe of his novels, refers to the sense of discerning between what is appropriate and what is inappro priate, and he.illustrates what he means by supposing that a beautiful statue of a man baa been executed in marble, and in place ■pi carving the hair out of the marble in the ordinary way, a wig of human hair was sub- St"utedi and Lord Lytton submits—and

probably with justice—thatthero aro pooplo in the world so utterly void of a capacity to discern between what is appropriate and what is not that they would regard thi3 wig arrangement as an improvement, and if they had the power, would dosocrate all the beautiful sculptures in tho world with wigs."

My correspondent seems to bo one of thoso good old-fashioned folk who beliovo that woman has a higlior mission than the regeneration of the world by stump oratory. I agree with him ; and if some of thoso old women of the male sex who mako themselves ridiculous under the delusion that they havo a mission to fulfil would only stay at home and mind the baby, how very much more pleasant a world this would bo to hvo in ! 1 disapprovo in tolo, however, of my correspondent's illustrations. Picture "Zamiel" walking down Queen-strcot dressed in a paper collar and pair of spurs with Mrs Zatniol But this is really too shocking ; I fear my correspondent is a dreadfully naughty man.

Why cannot pooplo who advertise in the papers be plain and spocific in their state ments ! Some of course are, like the mer chant who announced in the evening paper the short and touching appeal, " Wanted, a boy," and who, on opening his'door next morning, found his straightforward an nouncement answered by the spectacle of a tine healthy baby boy in a basket, with a label attached bearing the legend, '' Hero he is !" But everybody is not so prcciso, and sorious misunderstanding is often the con sequence. Thus everyone knows how Hannaford wa3 besieged for gold watches lately by Auckland " slaveys," all through a loosely - worded advertisement which he inserted in tho Stak, and how ho narrowly escaped prosecution at tho hands of an irato gentleman who championod tho cause of his servant girl. A more amusing instance of the effects of careless adver tising was afforded tho other day in Mel bourne. A photographer of that city, in an nouncing tho various merits of his establish ment, included thisstron^rocommendation— "Xo extra charge for children." Those ac quainted with the ways of photographers might understand from this that children's portraits would be takon at the samo rate as thoeo of adults, but could tho general public bo blamed for concluding that this particular artist meant to "take" tho juvenile population gratis? Among the customers attracted by this advertisement was a lady from tho country accom panied by six "olive-branches." After the lady had been photographed, tho artist smilingly asked—" Want tho dear little ones taken ?" and on the lady assent ing, he suggested, with a view to a big order, that they do each taken separately. Things went on swimmingly ; tho delighted artist took two "instantaneous" negatives of each child, and the mother thought with fond anticipation of the wonderful bargain she was getting. When it came to paying the deposit, however, and the aitist disclosed that ho expected Ss (id. per dozen to be deposited for each child as well as the lady herself, tho rage of the customor knew no bounds. She gave the photographer a sound rating for his "swindling" tricks, vowediieshould not have H penny of hers, and departed. As for the disappointed artist, he wishes, as he looks sadly at thoso useless ''plates," that he had spent another sixpenco in making his ad vertisement more plain and specilic.

Ardent Liberals regard with apprehen sive dread the near approach of that timo when, in the ordinary course of nature, the sceptre of leadership shall drop from the nerveless hands of Sir George .Grey, and his eloquent tongue become mute for ever. Hitherto they have looked -in vain for a worthy and probable successor. There are plenty of aspirants to the position, but either thty come badly accredited r,v else huve impressed their unfitness upon tho public mind by reason of their action? in tho past. Richard Feltus has withdrawn from "tho madding crowd's ignoble strife" to sylvan retreats, abandoning altogether the politics which never buttered his bread. W. G. — I beg pardon—Mr William George Garrard, like the immortal Barkis, "is willin'" enough, but the un grateful generation whom ho serves seek to consign him to that "boundless con tiguity of shade", from which through life he has over been trying to escape. Pntrick tho Silent might coyly accept, but is never likely to be offered the chance. Owen Curran McGee can bo depended on for an avalanche of words whenever needed, but he has too long hidden his light under a bushel. John Abbott, while nominally in toxicated with the exuberance of his own verbosity, has now surrendered his colossal intellect to the overwhelming tide of anguish resulting from the death ot his beloved Cardinal.

Let me not, however, pursue the weari some enumeration further, for thero is joy ful news behind. When the critical moment comes the fitting man will be there too. He has already appeared, announced himself, and now peacefully awaits tho popular summons to his brilliant mission. In fine, Mr Frederick Le Jeune, whilom leader of the Temperance Drum and Fife Band, and present proprietor of the Excelsior Hall in upper Pitt-street, is tho coming man. At Mr Peacock's election meeting on Monday night he made his dibiit, and caused a profound sensation by the disclosure of his high and authoritative credentials. With leonine vigour he bounded lightly upon the platform, fixed the audience with hi 3 "glittering eye," and then, amid a hushed awe, inquired in thundering tones if anyone knew why he was there. Even the ever-ready hoodlums did not know, and therefore Mr Le Jeune proceeded to answer the conundrum him self. He said that he stood there in obedience to the parting wish of two great and representative Liberals whom all revered, viz., the late Mr W. C. Wilson and the late Mr Archibald Campbell. They had .said to him, "Jeune, fight for the down-trodden people," and he was resolved to do so. With that lack of verbal precision which is so characteristic of genius, Mr Le Jeune did not explain whether or not this was a recent communication from the spirit world, or merely a testamentary injunction which he had hitherto left in abeyance. At any rate, the high warranty of his r6le cannot be dis puted, and the world of Liberalism is at his feot. The New Zealand Mahdi has dropped upon the scene, and is buckling on his armour for the political fray. Let the people prepare with welcome acclamations to receive him. He comes in lowly guise, 'tis true, but his credentials are irrefragable. The loworing clouds of misfortune break, and through the rift the dazzling sunshine shines out once more. Hoop la !

A dapper little curly-headed hawker of jewellery has frequently been seen in the streets of the suburbs of this city during the past month. This active-footed Ipedlar with a sharp nose, twinkling black eyes, and unmistakable cast of countenance, was well-known at Greymouth, where ho left his wife and Moses, his idolised son, said to be the image of his dad. But Louis and the wife of his bosom did not agree, and as He becca kept the home together by her own exertions.and Louis ate the broad of idleness, she appealed to the law and obtained a protection order, and, with this precious document, eolo charge of weo Moses. To the credit of this itinerant wanderer on the world's wide waste, the truth must be told, he was passionately fond of darling Moses, and equally dtvoted to tho ] efc shrimp was Rebecca. Tho lady went out one evening to visit a friend at Greymouth, leaving little Moses to tho care of a neighbour". Louis passed by in the interim, and observed sportive Moses playing in front of the cottage. _ He rushed forward, caught the boy in his arms, embracing it in tenderest parental fashion, while Moses cri'd out rejoicingly, "My dada." The pedlar took hia passage by steamer to Auckland, and on arriving in this favoured city, purchased a handsome suit for Moses, and placed him undor tho care of a respectable person at Ponsonby, agreeing at the same time to pay forfood, lodging, and whatever else he'might require. The mother of the child, as may be imagined, was highly inconsed at the conduct of her husband, and as soon as possible she followed in quest of her lost child. After hunting about the city for a fortnight, the nearly distracted mother, by the aid of the detectives, discovered her child at his temporary home not far from the Oddfellows' Hall. Little Moses imme diately recognised one of his fond parents, clapped his tiny hand?, anil scouted, "My mamma." She squared pecu niary differences, and as there was no doubt ing the evidence of Moses, the child wus re stored to its mother, who exclaimed, "I don't care for Lou'. I have the trump card." The pedlar has pasaed to the Bay of Islands to pursue his adopted avocation, while Moses and his mamma are on their way to Greymouth. Louis is expected back by the next steamer from the Bay to meet disappointment and little Moses.

The following communication, which I received during the week, explains itself :— To 'Zamiel,'of the Evening Star. In last Saturday's issue of the Evknihg Stab I observed amongst your " Random Shots ' a paragraph relating to a singular case of baffled medical skill, which had been cured by the use of herbal remedies, and which, as

you may be assured, has been commented upon in many circles. On Monday last I had occasion to mako some purchases at Messrs Neil and Clifford's, and in conversa tion with Mr Clifford he told me that it was ho who had administered the herbal remedy in the case to which you alluded, telling me at tho samo time the name of his patient, and also what ho had administered. I had no reason to doubt tho accuracy of his statement, and in all probability would have forgotten all about it had it not hap pened that on Tuesday (tho following day) a hawker of medicines callod upon a friend of mine for tho purpose of soiling his drugs i.e., "herbal remedies." He spoke of the wonderful euro.to which you alluded, and stated that tho cure was accomplished by Professor Ellis, of Upper Queen-streot, whose concoctions he was vending, and further to promote tho sale of a certain ointment he was then offering, he said that that was somo of tho very ointment with which the Professor had cured tho lady's faco. His story was listened to, and I have no doubt believed, and I have no doubt but what it aided the sale of his herbal remedies. And if his statemont bo true, it is quite right and proper, but if he is a fraud, and claims another man's skill as that of the Professor's, it is quite timo that ho was shown up; and on tho contrary then the other claimant of honours should he exposed. Nothing can bo meaner than to take upon onc'3 self tho credit duo to another. Such persons are frauds in tho strongest souse of tho word, and have no right by illicit means to secure the confidence of the public.—Chas. K. Jkffs, Onehunga, July 2nd, ISS-i." Mr Clifford also writes claiming the credit of tho euro, and as impostors appear to bo in tho field making capital out of my pre vious " shot," I very willingly admit that Neil and Clifford are the successful herbalists to whom reference was made by mo. The husband of the lady whose case was men tioned ascribed tlio cute to them.

Ominous whispers have reached my ears of curtain queer carryings-on, which uru calculated, if true, to rollcct discredit u|kiii our volunteor force. It is asserted that the officers and men of one company are accustomed, after the arduous weekly drill exercise to retiro to a sideroom, where they aic supposed to sit gambling until the small hours of the morning. I would not have referred to this scandal wore it not foi tho additional chargo that unsophisticated youths are allowed into this WoHealey-street Monaco, and led to risk money which they never possessed, their ruin beini; ultimately involved. Perhaps the charges arc not justified by facts, but if they arc.it is surely the duty of tho authorities, in whoso (-are t'.ie drill - shed is vested, to put a stop to tho scindal. Tho case of ono young man, whoso widowed mother is in Moro distress at tho manner in which her son is being led astray, i-> specially referred to in the accusations.

"CONCERNING PEACOCKS' FEATHERS."

An Amusing Case of Assault,

(FIIOM OCR LOSTDON CORRESPONDENT.)

London, May 23. An amusing case of assault, which resulted in the famous baritono singer, Signor Foli, recovering i'3ol) damages and costs from a young banister named Bradshawe, warf tried before Lord Coleridge and a special jury, in the Queen's Bench Division, on Tuesday. Tho plaintiff, Mr Foley, or Signor Foli a* he prefers to be called, is not only one of our greatest operatic baritones, but a warm-blooded Irishman, n regular " Paddy '" in fact. Last spring he and bid wife were at .Monte Carlo. They stayed at one of the hotels, and lit the table d'h6te, they met an English lady of position named Bmdehawe. A discussion appears to have ai'L-.on one day between tlie ladies touching peacocks and Iheir feathers', and there was a difference of opinion between the plaintiff1* wife and the defendant's mother. Signor Fuli intervened in the discussion to resont whit he thought to be an offensive impeach ment of the veracity of his wifo. "Can heavenly minds such high resentment show, and exorcise thoir spite in human woo J" Unfortunately, the frame of mind in which the disputants treated the peacock contro versy was not of a very heavenly order. There was not precisely "a(ito,"iisArtemus Ward would say ; but there was an' abund ance of hard words all round. Mrs Brad shawo declared that subsequently, when she was peacefully consuming hor soup in tho hotel restaurant, Signor Foli shook his. fist in her face and above her head. She even asserted at the trial that the Signor had on one occasion seized liur by tho shoulders with the view of accelerating her progress down a (light of steps. Tho parties came to England, and Mrs Brndshawo im-

parted her woes, or what slic thought to bo her woes, to her son, Mr George Paris Brad shawo, a barrister. The chivalrous appren tice of the lr»w was moved to dire wrath by the maternal recital. " C'est ma mere ; jo la defend !" ho cried with the poet in " Mourir pour la Patrie." Ho challenged Signor Foli to fight a duel, but the Signor did not see his way towards settling the affciir by the arbitrament of sword or pistol. Mrs Bradsbawe'a son applied in vain at more than one polico court for a summons against Signor Foli for assaulting his mother at Monte Carlo; and finally the.high teinpercd young gentleman, who is a son of a general officer deceased, went down, ac companied by a friend to sco fair, one even ing last May, to St. James's Hall, just as a concert was about to commenco, and seeking ontSiguorFoli,"whacked''him,toueevulgar . parlance, with a stick. Thero was only one blow, but it was on the face, and severe. The jury on Tuesday, without leaving the box, found a verdict for the plaintiff, with three hundred and fifty pounds damages. Mr George Augustus Sala, chatting pleas antly about the caso in the "Telegraph," says :—" At the table tPhfite wrangle, it was incidentally mentioned, it eeem.«, by Madame Foli that "people who ktpC peacocks' feathers never had any luck as lone as they lived." Thou something wus «iui about peacocks not being eaten, to which Signor Foli rejoined in an under-tone, " They are eaten." Now if some guest of a mollifying and peacemaking disposition had only sug gested that reference should at once bo made to "Notes and Queries" lor an ex planation of the old and silly superstition that it is unlucky to keep peacocks' feathers, not only need there have been no feud be tween the houses of Capulet and Montague —we mean of Foli and Bradshawe—but the correspondents of our "learned, chatty, and useful" contemporary would have revelled for awhile in peacock lore. It might have been pointed out that if the keeping of peacocks' feathers be indeed unlucky, there has been a notable exception to the rule in the case of the famous and amiable blue- Btocking and entertainer of young chimney sweeps, Mrs Montagu, who had good luck all her life long, for she married a gentle man of immento wealth, and did not die until sho was eighty six years old, and con cerning the mural decoration of whoso drawing-ro.im Cowpor wrote, "Tho birds put off their every hue To drew a room for Montnsn ; Tho pencsck sends his heavenly dyes, Hln rainbows nnd his starry eyes," As respect") the eating of peacocks, about which Signni- Foli got inlo>o much trouble, it mi;;lil huvn been pointed out that Argus wan a favourito di-h with our ancestor*. Tho skin of tho bird with the feathers ad hering was tkatoarefullf stripped off. Then Argus was roasted, and when partially cooked was sewn up again in his plnmca ; his beak was gilt, and lie was sent to table. Sometimes the " food for lovers and meat for lords" was stuffed with spices nnd sweet herbs, basfctl with yolk of egg, and served up with plenty of gravy. The noble creature was not. served by common hands. It was brought into hall by the lady guest most distinguished for birth and beauty, music preceding, and other ladies following, the grand roast. At tournament banquots Pavo waa served as a pie, his plumed crost protruding from one extremity of the crust, audhis -'train," in all its glory, from the other. There wero Vows of the Peacock, as thero wero Vows of the Heron. The last English Prince of the Blood Royal who dined publicly on peacock was William IV., when Prince William Henry, but the ban quet took place at Grenada, in the West Indie?. The fact is that the peacock moat is, save during two months of the year too tousli for modern digestion. The bird's are hatched about the beginning of November ami from January to the end of March, when the corn is standing, the flesh is re markably juicy und tender. When, how ever, the dry season comes the birds feed upon insects and the seeds of weeds. Young peacocks still make an occasional appearance at country gentlemen's tables. All of which information, with much more besides, might have been published for the edification of the good people of Monte Carlo, if they had only referred to " Notes and Queries."

THE GARDEN.

. ( : .:) Calendar qf Operations, July 12'

[By Hortub]

(llobtus is willing to answer any queries. Cor respondents must give their full names and addroflsoß, though not for publication.]

TO CORRKSI'ONDKNTS.

Apple Hi.iuht (Itibstone, North Shore].—The receipt wusprinted in the Melbourne " Leader by Mr W. A. Williamson. In a late issue he stiU further explains: Caustic pnlnsh is the articlo that I reeomniond, and is the prino'pal constituent in my blight speciile. The caustic potash is not injurious lo vegetation. To animal matter it, ia as lire itself. Insect life, is at once destroyed by a more touch. It is therefore necessary to be careful in not allow ing it to touch the Mesh. My mode ot use was as follows : Say ■llba of sulphur in an iron pot, mixed with sutllcient water to conveniently stir while boiling fur twenty minutes, 'lhen add lib of caustic potash (dissolved in water. whilo hot. and as much colza or other vege table oil as will make it into a thick paint. Then, when warm, with a largo paint brush daub it for about tho space of a foot around tne butt ot the stem of the tree. The rains will wash it into tho roots, and the oil will tend to preserve its strength for years. If you try tho above, obliae by making tho result known thiough those columns.

Lecturk on Skkiclu.tuhe (H.G.. Parnoll).— Your question was asked Mr Mos3 In the Parnell Hall hist week, lie could not answer it. I have no knowledge on the subject. Perhaps if you applied to the Audit Otlieo. in Wellington, they could supply the informa tion.

Orchard (J.J., Auckland).—l would ad visa you to purchase some good work on tho or chard. It would bo imposbiblo for me, in the space allowed for correspondence, toifo atony lotiKtli into tlio matter. Uesidcs, I lutvo al ready deal! with all tho points raised In for mer Issues of the pawr. If you put a few pointed yueslions I will bo happy to Biiswcr J'OU. UtiAUt'uro the Gakdun* (Tiles. Aueklapd).— Find tho lowest point of your ground. Sec that it is tit h sutlleleiitiy low level to clear tho drains, llicn ascertain what fall it has, and in whut rihvetion. or divc'iimu tlmt fall is. The Inr.wst mm drain tlio always ought to ho put in tho drain with thu lowest level, and the, auxiliary may start either at right angles or diagonall} up tho face of Iho undulation or declivity. 1 prefer diagonally, as you are more certain of cutting all the bands of cluy which underlie (he sur face Your place is lurgo, and the quantity of water from the house at times will be large. Nino inch tiles tor mums will be required: three inch tiles will do for the auxiliary drains. 'I he depth of the main 4 foot: auxiliary, :f feet. You sny the under stratum is stitt'eluy. To bo ihoraughly cll'ee tive, your drains will need to lie IS feet apart. Your drainage would Imve been better done in <!ry weather. As you are not gmng 10 do anything with the garden this season, leave the drainage "11 late in the spring. Mosh on Fruit Tubes ll'arasito. Newtown).— Your query in one of the most important cuii neeted with the culture of fruit trees. 1 give you, therefore, n lung article on the subject in the body of this column. It will he of use to a large number of fruit growers as well.

Parasite Growth on Fruit Trees.

TllK different parasites which grow and llourish on fruit trees are not only detrimental to the health of tho trees, but are a great drawback towards obtaining good crops of fruit. Moss and lichen grow rery freely on a good number of trees. These stop up tho pore*, creating a great deal of miscliiof every season. They are very easily got rid of. On tho trunk and main stems tho readiest way of dealing with them is to scrape them off with a blunt inj strument, then dress it with n thick mixture of lime-wash. The remainder of tho small branches syringe with lime-water. This is tho most ullactual and cheapest means of getting rid of it. I hero give an extract from an Americ in paper, showing tho bono ti s to be ilt rived from the above treatment. I have often "Used tho same mixture with entire success, and can therefore recommend it with confidence : —

" More or loss discussion has occurred nt various timed upon the |>oint as to whether the whitewashing of fruit trees was beno ticial, harmful, or simply usele.--1. The matter sot-ms to be barely wortha di:mission, as the only p;issil>lo damage that COlll.l follow would l«' owing to 100 greatstrongth m- ca until.1 t-tl'cit through an excess of lime in tiio Mash and applying the same too goon after the whitewash is mixed. Very strong wash, is. not needed, nor is it de sirable. There is imp need for or advantage likely to ensue from making tlio whittiwtieli very strong, or whit is termed caiiHtic We have used a whitewash made from old lime, tho remainder of a barrel, where tlio con tents were nearly slacked by exposure to the nir. As to tho main question as to the value of whitewashing, wo have never had thesliglitestdoubt,and tho following reasons may bo given in support of tlio practice : — First: The bark is protected against the adhesion or growth of mosses upon its sur face :it is a preventive of moss. Second : As dark colours absorb beat and white reflects it, whitewashing is a protection against the tap .scalding or burning during spells of exceedingly hot weather, or in unusually hot ee.isons. Third: An ordinary coat of whitewash, though <juito thin, gives the surface of tlio bark a alight coating of grit unfavourable to the deposit of insect eggs, as it prevents tho insects from securing them as closely to the bark as instinct seems to requiro; and again - Fourth: As colour protection plays a con spicuous part in tho lives of these animals, they are likely to avoid such surfaces or places for the deposit of their eggs, as being a widely different colour from tho eggs they do not afford protection in thin way. The parent insects seem to prefer as a security for themselves, whilo at< rest, a surface which is of the same, or nearly the same,colour or tono as the general ground or colour of their bodies, and this is one reason why, to tho careless observer, tho various insect pests, cither in tho adult or egg state, generally escajio detection. Tho writer has also used air slacked limo profitably as a protection against the curcti lio in tho East, where this pest plays such serious havoc with the plums that often nine-tenths of v crop is destroyed by iU ravages The stalks or trunks of tho trees were whitewashed, and tho lino slack limo was dusted on the leaves above and below whilo damp with tho dew, the application being made in the morning. Dusting tho leaves of trees with air-slacked lime is also annoying to caterpillars, as these pests dis like gritty food, which is apparently repul sive to their Epicurean tastes, and while the greater part of tho caustic quality of limo thus slacked is gono through tho slacking, yet no doubt there ia enough left to make tho taste of it obnoxious. As some of tho readers of thia may not bo aware, the ex posure of quicklime or fresh caustic lime, as it comes from the lime-kiln, to tho at mosphere for a sufficient length of time will cause the lumps to disintegrate and become a tine powder. Care should bo exorcised in not using it before it is sufficiently slacked, especially where dusting the foliago is in intended ; and if the lime is only partly slacked, the hands or flesh will be burned by handling it."

Rose-Growing. Situation.—Where roses are to be grown to perfection it is better to pick out a place for themselves, apart from other flowers. If possible, the situation should be well sheltered from all Btrong winds, but open so that a free current of air will bo continu ally permeating the plants, as a close place is very apt to generate mildew. Whcro they cannot have a place to themselves any part of the borders best fulfilling those coii ; (litions will answer. Give them plenty of 1 rnnm to grow.

Sou,—Suitable soil is the moM; im putiint item in the successful cultivation of the ror:e. The soil in which they delight most in a rich, retentive, unctions loam, that feels greasy when pressed between the lingers. If the chosen .situation docs not possess tho soil best suited for thoir growth it should be improved, if too light, by tho ad dition of still1 loum, or oven clay well worked in will greatly assist in producing good bloom. Where the soil is too heavy it must be drained, and to make it free a portion of the clay should bo burned and spread over tho surface and incorporated with the body. The addition of ashes, wood, or coal will also greatly facilitate tho above purposes.

Dkaini.w and Trenching.—All soils should be thoroughly undcrdrained. Roses (as woll as most other border plants) will not do well if tho soil is not thoroughly well drained. All sour stagnant «°iter must be taken away from their roots. It would bo better to drain three feet deep. Tho soil should also bo thoroughly trenched two spits deep. This will allow of a good depth for the roots to penetrate. One of tho reasons that rose bushes throw up so many suckers here is that the ground has not been wrought to a pullicient depth. No heavy feeding plant can properly grow unless the soil is wrought to a contridoruble depth. The best timo to drain and trench the ground is in autumn, while the ground ia dry, thus getting it into a line tilth before the planting season comes on.

Planting.— The best time for planting out rosea is immediately after they have ripened off in the beginning of winter. When planting, open up a large hole, mix in the hole a good quantity of loam and well rotted manure, and plant the roots firmly in this. The distance at which they are required to be planted apart will vary ac cording to tho habit of the varieties used. After planting, stako them so that the wind will not work them backwards and forwards, thus creating a puddle at tlio roots, which is very injurious. Do not shorten 'back till the spring, which is the beat time for pruning the rose. (To be Continued.)

SPORTING.

To Correspondents.

P. Jf.-In the Melbourne Cup last, year Despot's wolpht was 7st. Cliptrup had 7st. 31b., and Boolka Set. lilb. A.F.W.—King'* Own wns got by Qolrtsbrough from Princess Alice, by Ace of Clubs from Victoria (imp.), by Acrobat. Wacikr.—The three plaocd horses in tho Piiku runga Hunt Club Steeplechnso, run in October, 1880, were Mr P. Morrin's Don Juan. Mr J. KlHs's Awahou, and Mr W. Pereivul's Butcher Boy.

M.J.—l. 1.0 Loup won the C.J.C. Handicap, Canterbury Cup, and Christchureh Plate in 1SS0: and Urlp achieved a similar performance ill ISSI. 2. Both Le Loup and Kskatos arc out of Mermaid.

NOTES BY HIPPONA

TIIK I'akuranga Hunt Club Htoeplechnse promise!" to produce a very largo field this year, for in addition to the old candidates, I understand that there are about twenty now ones qualifying. Another addition was mndo to tho ranks this week in the shape of the well-known Wanganui jumper Sunray, who has boon purchased by Mr 11. Hender son. During iiis career, Sunray has placed several races to his credit, and last year he won tho Rangitikoi Hunt Club Steeplcchaso, -1 miles, with 12st. 71b. up, his six other opponents carry ing lOst. 71b.

Our two-year-old races next season will certainly bo worth witnessing if tho numor ous youngsters now boing taught tho rudi ments of their education continue to go on nil right. J. Kno is now busy with Mr Lounard's lilly Capollu, by Cap-apio— Xantippe, and from all accounts sho promises to grow into a good-looking young lady.

Tlio Victoria Racing Club SlcoploehaM Mooting takes place on Saturday next. No boat having nrrivod from Sydney Ihi.-i week, tlic woiglite for tho principal cvciitn liavo not yet coma to hand.

Tho Canterbury Jockoy Club have li\o.l thoir Sfuin^r Mooting to take place on Ko vombor 11, 13, and 14. The Cup in to bo run on tho first day, tlio Doiby on tlio second, and tlio Canterbury Cup on (ho third.

1 am glad to hoar that the "N.Z. Referee," published in Christclmrcli, in proving such n success that the proprietors havo detor mined to enlarge the paper to twelve pages, anil reduce the price to threepence. It was to have appeared in its enlarged form yes terday. Mr N. (!. Lennox is agent for the sale of the "Koforco" here.

The Caullicld Cup weights which enmo to hand by cable this week, show a great similarity to those issued for tho Mclbourno Cup, so it may bo safely inferred that Mr Barnard's work in tho big Flemington event has been received with favour "over tin pond." 1 am glad to see that ho has attain acted with consideration towards tho New Zealand horses, and ho far as weight is concerned, there is littlo to interfere with tieir chances.

Tlio Wanganui steeplechaser Alaric, of whom there lias been so much talk in local sp<irting circles from time to lime, has at la»t been brought tip here, he having been Vurchasod by Air \V. K. Carter, of Cam bridge. Alurie was deliver-d to his now owner in tlio early part of the week by Koss lleaton, at whose hands 1 understand he will bo prepared for next season's cam paign."

The Hon. \V. Robinson has left Christ church for Melbourne via Sydney. Ho in | formed " Sir Lnuncolol," jtint prior to his 1 departure, Unit a portion of the time occu piod by his trip (from which ho expects to return in about a month) would bo devoted to finding stable accommodation for Welcome .lack, Oudeix, Liverpool ard Kskatos, should it bo decided to send them over, a contingency which—judging from the (■onvermiliidi I lmd with tho registered owner of'tho " white jw-kot nnd block and gold bolt"—scorns to bo far from remote Christchureli fwporx clironielti tlio fact .li.it Mr li. (i. Stead lias disposed of his breeding establishment known us •• Ku.-shv " to tlio Ljchl rtiudiou who races •mder the name ot1 Mr " Horsford." Mr Stead, however, still retain." the eight horses in training, tlio best known of which arc Sir BoiUvore, Ike, Carlton, and Marion, and they are to tenant .Mr llorsford's old quarters at Crisis. Lodge. Carlton, it may bo noted, ia a full brother to Noneoneo, and was greatly fancied for the Welcome Stakes at tlio last O.J.C. Spring Meeting, but ho failed to train ft situation. Ho cost Mr Stead (i 7."> guineas when a year lint;.

Tho (ivo-ycnrold jroldinir .Vsscjjni, who rail n (lend heat with Uoachcr for tho Maiden Steeplechase- at tlio rer-cut Hauko's Bay Meeting, has by no moans boon nnprotit iblo to his owner during tlio piist BCiwon. ?rom his performances which have been •upplicd nio by >i friend, I gather that since last, November ho has started ih fifteen raco.", winning ten out nf tin; number and -ccutiil in the other live, but it may be mentioned (hat tin)majority of his successes ivoro gained in hnclt races. Tlio amount of moncv won by Assegai la.-1 season tots up to £335.

Our old friend Dick Wheeler scorns to have established himself in Wanganui. One of tho local journals states that he has leased tho Delamoro training stables from Mr.l. W. .liickson, and his boxes are full. Under his cr.ro is Miss Puritan, by Antcros —Miss Puritan (who it will be remembered defeated Carbineer in tho Nursery Handicap on tho second day of tho Taranaki Autumn Meeting); a Wanganui Derby candidate called Titokowaru, by Dilkc—Flora McDon nell ; Maid of Eccloston, by Tho Painter— Policy, and thrco or four others of local fame

Writes "Maiceppa " :—" Verily Claronco is a wonder ! This season lio has won eight of tho littcen events which ho has contested. Taking his record for tho past fivo seasons, I find that dining; that poriod ho has started in S8 races, of which ho lias won no less than 39, his earnings in stakes amounting to over '"3.750." Tho same writer states that Taiaroa's " leg " is gotting all right again, and Captain Webster is in good health, and seems to be thickening out a bit.

forty-two sires are represented in tho next V.R.C. Derby, run on the Ist of Novombcr. Sylvia's son, Goldsborough, heads tho list, with 10 youngsters to his credit, Maribyrnong treading closoon<his heels with 9 ; Julian Avenol ranks noxt with 7 ; King of the King and Tubal Cain, 5 each; Argus "Scandal, Countryman, Gang Forward, and Robinson Crusoe, 4 cacht Tim Whitller (imp.), Kolpio, Napoleon, Comma di Vergy, Chandos, and Piscator, 3 each ; Kingsborough, Glorious, Tho Gondolier, Nowminster, King Tom, Malta, and Emulation, 2 each j Aldinga, Blair Athol, Don Giovanni, Englishman, First King, Grandmaster, Hawthornden, King Arthur, KingColo, Ladykirk, Marquis, Proto-Martyr, Quambono, Roprievo.Roodeo, Slanderer, Somnus, Tester, Wintorlakc, and Wollotnai, 1 each ; in all, 104 nomina tions. Musket's name docs not appear in tho list this year.

"Sonox," who is reviewing the two-year olds of tho past season, speaks in the fol lowing glowing terms of tho lord of tho harem at. Sylvia 1 ark :—Tho season of ISS3-84 will he remembered as "tho Musket year," this sire having established a name for liiniriolf throughout tho Australian colonies which will live for ever. When tho news came fioin England that I'ol-ronel had won tho Two Thousand Guineas, we knew that Auck land poi-'scspcd a sire who, if judiciously mated, could got it racehorso of tho highest class, but as ho had in England been visited by a very choice lot of maros, whose progeny, with this ono excoption, had loft no mark at all upon tho turf, it was inferred that Musket was not likely to provo an all-round success at tho stud, although some happy nick might at any time produce a clinker. Tho running of liia first lot of two-year-olds in tho North (javo colouring to tho idea, and when Martini-Henry's Derby and Cup peform mances were wired from Mclbourno, it was only looked upon us another instance of tho "happy nick," but since then the suc cesses of his two-year-olds of tho presont season, got as they are from sevoral differ ent strains of blood, has quite altered the complexion of affairs, and Musket, un doubtedly, now ranks as the most success ful all-round sire in Now Zealand. Trenton, Krupp, and JNlecklaco have all proved them selves very high-class horses, and some others, such as Carbineer, Revolver, and Fusilier, have shown good form.

It is most amusing to read how poor " Walton the plunger " has got into hot water because ho has managed to deceive the touts (writes the English correspondent of the " Australasian "). Richmond, a colt by Bold Dayrell out of Miss Harriott, is now the property of this highly speculative American, and is trained by Sherwood at Epsom. Well, it seems that Walton was not at all satisfied with the price the book makers offered him against his colt, so he got Sherwood to leave the horse in the stable two or three mornings, and give him his work in tho afternoon instead. Of course the sporting papers c.imc out next day with reports that the liorso was absent from exercise and hod " hit his log," Meantime the odds so extended against his chance that I did see as much as 33 to 1 laid. It is doubtless very riling for these scribes to find they have been hoodwinked, but it would be far better to lot the matter drop than to assume a lot of virtuous indignation

when they know perfoctly well that the same tactics would (if thought worth while) bo adopted by at least 90 per cent, of these immaculate English racehorse-owners. According to tho Now York "Clipper," an apparatus for registering the speed of horses has been invented by Thomas Ackloy, of Warren,O. It is called a speod indicator, and looks something like a watch, with a diameter of 3in. It can bo attached to a sulky shaft, and started or stopped by the driver's foot. Thoro are two hands on the dial. One registers 40 seconds in one revolution. The other, a curved hand, is worked with ingenious machinery by the right wheel of tho suiky, and makos one revolution when tho sulky goes ono mile. By a system of linos and figures on the dial, the exact rate of speed is shown.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Sunray and King have gone into Chaafo's stable.

Canard has beon blistered all round and turned out.

Foul Play, tho Auckland Cup winner of ISSO, has beon purchased by Messrs Stock and Conroy, of Napier.

" Warrior " is very sweet on Dirk Hattor aick, and says thoro is no horso in Australia ho has moro respoct for.

Georgo Williams, tho Australian light weight, rode Tho Ghost, winner of tho La-li Ob' Trophy at tho V.A.T.C. Meeting. Last your tho Hawko's Bay Jockey Club received £020 for gato money, which, at Is a head, represents the admittance of 12,400 persons.

Mr Horsford has decided not to raco Holona again, and sho visits Cadogan in the spring. Leopold has boon added to tho list.

Charley Rudings, who steered Welcomo Jack to victory in tho Groat Autumn Handi cap of J 883, has beon engaged to ride for Mr (}. (i. Stead during tho forthcoming season.

It id .staled that Lord Falmouth, so faros his racing gains are concerned, will not be to tho good moro than i'.'W.OOO at tho out side when his accounts with Taltorsall's and with Wethorby'H are finally closed. Splendor, who has boon carrying the eel on re of Air G. O. Stead in England for tho pant couple of seasons, has been pur chased by Mr F, Reynolds, of Tocal, Now South Wales, and is now on his way out. Should the forthcoming Arab race at Newmarket provo a success, tho project of Atab-breoding in England will receivo its tinal sanction from the Jockey Club by the raco boing increased in value, and made an annual ovont.

The stallion Crawford l'riory, by Gang Forward—l'eradvcnturo, purohased at Sir Thomas Kldor'n recent sale, was landed safely in Wellington last week, and taken to his destination in tho Wairarapa, where ho will bo at tho services of brocdors.

Tho following amounts woro paid over to tho various owners of winners at tho late llawko's Bay Steeplechase Meeting :-J. I'ilbrow, £332 10s ; 1). Scott, £221 ; F. Pea cock, £47 10s ; W. Douglas, £47 10s ; and W. Broughton, £28 10s. Lord Wilton, who is allotted (Ist. 121b. in tho Melbourne Cup, has changed hands, and w now tlio property of Mr C. Ellis (ono of tho Firet Water confederacy), uf Adelaide The prico given for tho chestnut non of Countryman and Instop was . r>oo guineas.

"Ma/oppa" says that Adamant has been put into work again. Jlis leg hccuis to have got all right again, being as cool and clean as over. If all goes well with the old horse, and tho weights suit, ho will probably have it cut in at the (leruldino handicaps. Says a Napior [Taper : —Lady Artist, who ran at tho late mooting in tlio nomination of Mrs Scott, is tho property of a Maori lady, who i.s, as she says herself, tho only woman racing on tho Now Zealand turf. Tho bracelet will mako a pleasing addition to the dusky arm.

"Haul up the Rug."

" 1 sick a sail !" cried tho carpenter to his companion, Kolley, who having given up all bopo of rescue, had coiled himself up for duiU.il in tho stern of the battered lifeboat; " 1 sco a sail ! Haul up tho rug !'' The ear of tho sailor caught tho sound; it wuh as tho cry of life to the dead.

Sure enough they sighted a ship in the wost-south-west, and there wnshopc. They rallied their poor strength, hauled tho rug, got it on a bottom board, hoisted it ton feet above- water, and tearing their clothes into lashings, made it good. By noon tho vessel was within four miles of them, taking in all sail.

"So tho Story goes," and in this case the story is a truo one, find to sail a talc it is that I must tell it to the readers of tho St.vi.

Tho Bayard, with twenty-two hands, was an iron screw bound from Now Orleans to Kouen, laden with wheat, and she. was making fair way on her homeward voyage. On tho lUth of last December she was over taken by a heavy (jale, which began to make havoc with tho doomed ship, and, her cargo having shifted, she bocamu a pray to the elements. First a heavy sea was shipped on the |>ort side, and thon another tremendous ono forward swept tho fore castle, and drovo tho crew to tho bridge. Thon came a third, which swept away tho port lifeboats. Tho captain stood among his crow as firm as a rock, ordered all steam on, and steered straight for tho coast of ISormuda. It was of no use. A billow smashed in the engine-room, and thi*. followed by othoif, extinguished tho tiros. Tho vessel was running with her lee rails under wator, and quickly began to sink. " Out with tho starboard boat!" roared the captain. Thia was a lifeboat, and, at tho risk of being swopt away, tho men descended to tho deck and stood by. " Out with the long boat •

The command was promptly oboyed, hut tho sea was master now. It boing irn possiblo to launch tho boats, the two crews took their seats in thorn, and waited in solemn silenco tho sinking of their ship, for then was their only chance. Thus in tho lifeboat waited for their fate fifteen men, in cluding tho captain, and the two poor fellows whoworo brought in safoty to South Shields. Eight others took their places in tho long boat, and, washed by innumerable scag, they waited for the end. Within tho hour tho Bayard burst hor main hatches and went down. Tho swire was tremendous, and tho two boats woro sucked under hor in tho rash. Tho longboat never roao to the surface, but two of hor crow came up and swam to tho lifeboat, which had rightod. They wero hailed and taken in. Fourothors woreonco descried at a distance on a raft, but they wore nover seen again. Tho capsizing of tho boat deprived the bravo men of all their little store of provisions, and darkness camodown upon them without food or clothing ; in fact, donudod of everything but their native courage. In the dead of night a heavy sea struck the boat, which again capsized. When she rightod, the captain, tho second mate, and several of the firemen had disappeared. From this moment pale death seemed to sit upon every faco, and ono by ono tho men fell away, no one know how or when, unable to battlo with tho elements and koop their seats. When morning broke, Kelley and Simmons found themselves alone ; the sea had gone down and was calm, but where was hope? Two weak, weary men, abandoned on tho wasto of waters, out of humanity'? reach, the occupants of a life boat—a lifeboat it was called, but a life boat without sail, oar, rudder, or provision. Thero was just the chance of being '' picked up," and they strained their eyes over tho groy horizon for a sail, but all in vain. Thoso companions in advoreity sat, and watched and slopt, and "took spells" at tho "look-out." Tho carpontor had a rug left by tho captain, and Kolley's sou' westor served to bale out the water, and be tween this occupation and keeping the boat's hoad to tho wind with a plank the weary hours passed on. How they worked and waited, and despaired and hoped, none can tell, but tho morning of the 17th arrived, and this struggle against naturo had been waged for six days. Thoy saw daybreak with a hopo almost dying out, quenching their thirst by rinsing their mouths with salt water, which they daro not drink, and lying on their backs with their mouths open to catch the falling dew. Once a shower fell, and Simmons caught about a quart of water—precious drops, which revived them for a timo. On tho last day of thoir sufferings, the two men wero so weak they they could not stir. Kolley, at least, could not, and poor Simmons undertook, so long as ho could, to keep tho long-continued "look-out." Faithful to tho last, his fidelity was re warded, and, when courage was nearly gone, the hoped-for sail was in view. Then the words came gratefully upon tho car of hia poor comrade, "Haul up the rug," and soon the Spanish brigantine Encarnacion, of Fernandina, bore down upon them. The biave Spaniards received them with rough but thorough hospitality, hauled up the shattered lifeboat on to their deck, and landed our two countrymen at Ferrol on the 6th of January, and thence they were for warded by the agent of tho excellent " Shipwrecked Manner's Society " to Ply mouth, and then to Shiolds.

"Allen & Hanburyb1 'Perfected' Cod Liver Oil is as nearly tasteless as Cod Lircr Oil can be."— Lancet. " No nauseous eruota lloiia follow after it is swallowed."— Medical l'r;ss. In bottles at 39 nnd ss. Trada mark, a l'lough. — Sold liy Aickin, Chemist, Queen- Btreet; and J, A. I'oxd, Uomco Chemist, Queen street,

SPORTS AND PASTIMES

[By our London Corrksi'O.nijent.]

Mr W. G. George, tho celebrated amateur runner, who defeated Myers, the American champion, in a series of contests last I autumn, is in splendid form just now, and has been adding to his laurels by some more rocord-broaking. Only a few weeks ago ho gave us a new amateur record for two miles, and on Saturday, the 17th May, he succeeded in running four miles in the magnificent timo of l'Jmins. 39 4-sths eeca. Tho previous amateur record for this dis tance, 19mins. 49 3-sths sees, was made by George on March 25th, ISS2. The present occasion was the Four Miles Opon Handicap of the London Athletic Club, in which a field of 25 started, with George aa scratch man. When three miles had been com pleted tho champion had passed all his men except Carter, of tho Mosely Harriers, who had specially ontored for tho race to make up.the pace for George. Although George spurted continuously all through tho last mile, Carter was too far ahead and the lat ter eventually won the race by soventy yards. Notwithstanding that George lost the raco, he achieved his _ great objoct, and succeeded in beating all amateur records from 2.J miles to 4. His timo for tho full distance, lOminß. 394-sths sees., is only .'i 1-Osecs behind tho best pro fessional record, lOinins. Msec*., made by Jack White, tho Gateshead Clipper, on May 11, 18(53. Thoro is no doubt that George is at his best now, and it is to bo hoped that ho will suc coed in boating many moro records while ho is in full possession of all his powers. At tlio same meeting of the London Athletic Club a splendid race for tho 100 yards Handicap ensued, tho final heat resulting in a dead heat between 11. Scale, 4yds. start, and F. B, Howard, s'yds. start. lii tho deciding heat Healo beat Howard by 2 feet in the fast time of lOsccs.

Tho billiard season—the longest Uriel busiest wo have had for soino time—is dying hard. What with tho numerous tournaments and entertainment matches that have been held at tho Westminster Aquarium and other places, it would not have been unreasonable to Kuppt.se that admirers of the game had bad enough and to spare of their favourite pastime. To judge, however, from the largo numbers of gf people who visited the Aquarium on the afternoons and evenings of May 12th, 13th, Hlh.when a match for a prize of £50, given by tho management, was played by Roberts and Poall, this is not exactly tho case. The contest was (5,(J00 up, spot-Htroke barred, I'eall receiving a start of 1,800 points. The game was divided.into six stages, one being played each afternoon and evening. I'eall played very pluekily after being caught, and finally won, after an exciting finish, by 41 points. Several good breaks were made by both players, the best being 204 by Roberta. A match has been arranged be tween tho snmo players for tho Derby week, when I'eull will receive 2,000 in a game of 10,<)00. This match, which is said to bo longer than any yet attempted, will extend over eovou days.and the spot-stroke will not be buried.

Two billiard'matfiies between I'eall and Mitchell, each ofl, 000 points up, with 100 conceded to i'oall, had a somewhat sensa tional termination, Mitchell being defeated both times by extraordinary odds. In tho first match L'eull scored, game, while Mitchell only made id. I'eall's three breaks were 23.'>, 289, and 274 unfinished. In the second match I'eall had a break of 421, and won by ''72.

At Brighton, a week or ro ago, Cook gave Bennett 100 out of 1,000 up, and succeeded in defeating him with great case by u'Jd. In a swimming race of a quarter of a mile, which took place latoly at Sheffield, between Jones ami Fi.'inoy, two professional swimmers, tho former won easily. A dose contest was anticipated, but Jones, who came- up first from the dive, immediately drew away and won with the greatest case in Gmins. Safleci".

The London cyclists intend to havo a great fete at Whitsuntide. They have mndo arrangements fora cyclists'camp to be held in the grounds of tho Alexandra t'ldaeo from May 30th to June ."ird. A large number of wheehr.cn will sleep under canvas every night, and in the daytimo there will bo bicycle and tricycle race", and lawn tennis tournaments. If the weather is fine the experiment is almost suro to turn out a success, and if it does so this, year, wo may look for an annual cyclista' camp every Whitsuntide

The six days go-as-yciu-please race which finished last week in New York seems to llttVO been a great success in its way. The winner, Fitzgerald, covered CIO miles in his time, and his performance is certainly a wonderful one. Powell, tho English champion, who gained the second place, fell sick on tlio fourth day, when ho was well ahead and going magnificently, and it is hinted that lie had been " got at " by somo body or other. Anyhow, ho pulled himself together again, and contrived to finish 602 miles. All the competitors in this contest seem to havo been half dead when they finished, and it is to bo hoped we have seen tho last of theso matches. Wo have to thank Weston for introducing them into England, and it is now somo time tinco we hivo had ono in the metropolis. The sight of somo dezen poor lame fellows limping round tho track disgusted evoryono, and we have no wish to sco such a sight again.

County Cricket Notes.

The presence of the renowned Australians in our midst has caused the interest taken in county cricket to abate somowhat ; but, nevertheless, several interesting matches h ivo been played. On the 9th and 10th of May, Yorkshire defeated Gloucestershire by 41 runs. Tho webtern county went in first, and snored 179 (Gilbert 40); the York sliiremen then scored 12S (Peel 31), and in their second innings made 135. This left Glo'stershire 85 to get to win,but they only just scraped together 43 runs.and so lost by 41.

In the following week Nottinghamshire easily defeated Sussex by an innings and 151 runs. Scoro .-—Notts, 271 (Barnos 9S, Selby 42, Shrewsbury 36); Sussex, 76 and 44. In tho Sussex 2nd innings Atewell had a magnificent analysis, taking S wickets for 22 runs in 36 overs, of which 23 were maidens.

On tho samo day tho Manchester Cricket Club and Ground defeated Yorkshire, by 8 wickets. Score :—Yorkshire 66 and 144 (Grimshaw3o); ManchestarCricketCluband Ground, 183 (Vernon 51, Walker 43), and 31 for two wickets.

On May 15, 16, and 17th Surrey mot Essex at Kennington Oval, and succeeded in boating them by 6 wickets. The scoring throughoutthomatch was very heavy.noless than 994 runs being registered. Scores :— Essex, 247 (Silcock 56, Pickott 39) and 249 (Owen 69 and Regan 40). Surrey, 39S (Abel 93, W. W. Read 91, and Jones 85) and 100 for 4 wickets (W. W, Read not out 57). While Surroy woro playing the Australians at tho Oval, Lancasniro was engaged with tho Manchester Cricket Club and Ground at Lords. Tho Club succeeded in beating tho County by an innings and four runs. The Manchester Cricket Club went first to (ho wickets, and scored 256, Barnes con tributing 60, Flowers 59, and Jones 4ti. When Yorkshire went in they raised the respectable total of IS7 (Briggs 74), but in their second attempt they could only manage to put together 05, and were ac cordingly defeated by an innings and 4 runs.

Recreations of Queensland statesmen.

It is said that one night, after a most festive dinner, a member of tho Cabinet, well known for his admirable stylo of dress a d a gentleman who, for the salto of tho story, we will call Mr Green, being in that sentimental state which a good dinner and a large quantity of champagne sometimes produce, deter mined on their way homo to pay a visit of rcspoct to tho grave of a mutual friend not long dead. They Rtoppcd tho cab outside the cemetery, and whilst groping about (for the night was darkand wet) a kangaroo rat jumped up. Away went all thoughts of tho dead friend, and helter-skelter after tho kangaroo rat rushed tho Cabinet Minister and our friend Mr Green. After, however, falling over graves and tombstones, tho chaso had to bo abandoned, and our friends stood wet and mud-bespattered among tho tombs. Mr Green was equal to the occa sion. " Let us frighton the cabman," sug gested he. No sooner suggested than done. So, pulling their coats and waistcoats off, this worthy couple arranged their shirts outside their nether gar ments, and covered their heads with pocket-handkerchiefs. In this guise they crawled through the wot grass, and, sud denly emerging into the road, raised an un earthly shout under the cabman's very noso; but, alas for tho sceno ! the latter was fast asleep, and nothing but a shaking would wake him! Imagine Mr Gladstono or Lord Derby being tho hero of such a story as this. We can hardly fancy even such smaller stars as Mr Mundella or Sir Henry James under tho circumstances ; and yet, in Queensland, Cabinet Ministers* are openly chaffed about such things in tho club.— " The Never Never Land," by A, W, Sterling.

GOSSIP FROM STAGE AND STUDIO.

-0-0 [BY EUTEKPE.j

Arthur LbsaNT has joined the ranks'of the Benedicts, but still retains his position in the Opera Troupe; R. W. Sceata is also a member of the chorus.

Mr J. McMahon, who left Sydney seven years ago to pilot Scott-Siddons around the world, has just returned to the colonies, and is now making arrangements for the _pro duction in Sydney of Mr Henry Irvmgs grand spectacle of " Romeo and Juliet, the scenery and effects of which are reputed to have cost £12,000. Miss Fanny Reid, an English actress, has been brought out to play tho rule of Juliet.

Sam (jenese is arranging a benefit at Sydney for Signor Ricardi, who has been ill for noarly six months. Williamson and Co. have donated tho use of the Theatre Royal.

Sheridan's "Widow O'Brien " is the most laughable absurdity that tiie "Sydney Bulletin " has seen put on the boards. Mrs O'Brien is an ignorant dame, who, through a couple of lucky matrimonial speculations, has become rich. She is a bit of a wit in her way, and so full of Irish ec centricities that a potato would leap out of the ground if it happened to cot an eyo on her.

Manager Abbey, of the Metropolitan Opera Jlouso, New York, took a "benelit " lately, and tho scats were sold by auction. Tho boxes wore sold first, Mr Theodore Moss,of Wallack'sTheatre,paying 2,100 dollars for first choice. Mr Moss tlmn gave tho box back, and it was sold again to the ai'tUta of tho Metropolitan Opera llou^e for 2,000 dollars. Madamo I'atti paid 1,000 dollars for the next box, and Col. Mapleuon, Abbey's rival, paid 250 dollars for another box. Altogether the seats and boxes brought 15,000 dollars, a great portion of it being paid in by Mr Abbey's rivals in business.

R. S Smytbo has resigned his position with Mi™ O. Ward, and is " running Alec.' Mayne, an elocutionist."

Signor Verdi's new opera is approaching completion. The composer, it seems, is un willing to call his opera " lago," as that personage is quite a subsidiary character. The work may not improbably be entitled "The Moor." Signor Boito, the librettist, lias dispensed with the business of tho first two acts ef Shakespeare's play, and, curiously enough, he has made Koderigo and Cassio comic characters, obtaining a good deal of fun out of the love business of Kodorigo. In tho catastrophe Pesdemona sings an " Aye Maria," and after a lengthy and dramatic duet with Othello, is duly smothered.

Messrs W, 11. Allen and Co. are about to publish, under the title of " The Victoria Era," a dictionary of all persons of note and eminence who are still living or have lived during the reign of Her Majesty. The work will be from the pen of Mr Edward Walford. It will occupy three, or perhaps four, large octavo volumes, and will be published in instalments. Let not all the New Zealand celebrities apply simultane ously for space.

Tho first exhibition of pictures ever held in Scotland on a Sunday wai given in the Corn Exchange, Gal ishiels, at the end of May. The collection belonged to a London art deMer. During the four hours the exhibition was open it was visited by upwards of 3,000 persons.

Mr C. W. Fredericks, ono of the. rising Engli-h tenor vocalists, has made a great success by his singing at the Trocadero Concerts in Paris. He was especially com plimented for his-efforts by M. Gounod.

Messrs McMillian aid Co. were to have published on June 1 the first volume of a new library edition sf the works of the Poet Laureate, to be completed in seven volumes, issued monthly, ut five shillings each. A limited edition on hand-mado paper U to be issued, in gets only, at the rate of half a guinea a volume.

Mr Swinburno, is likely before long to bring out a now volume of critical essays.

The M.S. of Professor F. W. Newman's book on the origin of Christianity has been sent to the printer.

A North Carolina Marriage

Soon after the close of the last war, Captain X wiis appointed a Justico of the Peace in a country place not far from Raleigh, North Carolina.

His father had been a planter in a rather small way, and his eon the captain had ac quired considerable experience in the busi ness of managing real estate, drawing up deeds, etc., during his father's lifetime, and then in settling the estate after hi? decease Further than this ho had no legal knowledge, and, indeed, his entire stock of "book-learning" was small and poorly selected, but any lack in general information was fully made up, for his uses, by self - assortion. Late one afternoon, as he was riding home from Ealeigh, he met a young woman and two men, who hailed him and inquired if he was Captain X. The young woman and one of the men wished to be married at once. The other had come as a witness. They had procured the necessary license, but an irate father was on their path. It was considered on all accounts safest to have the ceremony performed without delay, and try pacification afterward. Now, tho Captain had never witnessed a marriage, and naturally had no very clear idea of what was usual in such cases. He remembered having seen a book about the house years before, with a form for marriage in it, but what tho book was, and where it was, he could not remember. He asked the couple to come to his house, secretly hoping that he could find that book; but they declined, for the reason that the matter admitted of no delay. A loss assured man would have been sorely perplexed, but not he. He lost no time in removing his hat, and remarked, "Hats off in tho presence of the Court." All being uncovered, ho said, "I'll swear you in fust off. Hold up yer right hands." "Mo too ?" asked the friend of the groom. "Of course," said the Captain ; " all witnesses must be sworn. You and each of you solemnly swear that the evidence you shall give in this case shall bo th' ole truth, au1 nothin' but the truth. You, John Marvin, do solemnly swear that to the be&t of your knowledge an1 belief you take this yer woman ter have an' ter hold for yerself, yer hoirs, exekyters, administra tors, and assigns, for your an' their use an' behoof for ever ?"

" I do," answered the groom. " You, Alice Ewer, take this yer man for yer husband, ter have an' ter hold for ever; and you do further swoar that you are law fully seized in foe-simplo, are freo from all iticumbrance, and have good right to sell, bargain, and convoy to the said grantee ycreelf, yer heirs, administrators, and assigns ?"

" I do," said the bride, rather doubtfully. " Well, John," said the Captain," that'll be about a dollar n fifty cents."

" Are wo married?" asked the other

" Npt yet," quoth the captain ; " but the fee, comes in here." After some fumbling it was produced and handed to the Court, who oxamined it to make sure it was all right, and then pocketed it, and continued, '■ Know all men by these presents, that I, Captain X., of .Raleigh, North Carolina, being >n good health and of sound and disposin' mind, in consideration of a dollar n fifty cents to me in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby knowledged, do and by these presents have declared you man and wifo during good behaviour, and until otherwise ordored by the Court."

The mon put on their hats again, the young couple, after shaking their benefac tor's hand, went on to meet their destiny and the irate father, while the Captain rode n ome richer in experience.

Remember This.

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

If yon are costive or dyspeptic, or are suffer. Ing from any other of the numerous diseases of tho stomach or bowels, it is your own fault it 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 tor a c\iro to Hop Bitters.

If you are Bick 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 feel miserable Kohcrally, Hop Bittera will give you fair skin, rich blood, and sweetest breath, health, and comfort.

In short, they euro all diseases of the Stomach, Rowels, Blood, Liver, Nerves. Kidneys, Wright's Disease. £500 will be paid for a case thuy will not euro or help. Druggists and Chemists keep.

That poor, bedridden, invalid wifo, sißtcr mother, or daughter, can he made the picture of health liya few bottles of Hop Bitters, costing butaU-ilie. Will youkllUwuguflw-j

Blowing up a Shark With Gun powder.

While the good ship Amphitrito waß creeping along, a man in the maintop, noticed an enormous shark gliding steadily in her wako. This may seem a small inci dent, yet it ran through the ship like wild fire, and caused more or less uneasiness in three hundred stout hearts: so near is every seaman to death, and co strong the per suasion in their superstitious mlnd^, that a sharis does not follow a ship pertinaciously without a prophetic instinct of calamity.

Unfortunately, the quartermaster con veyed this idea to Lord Tad castor, and confirmed it by numerous examples, to prove that thero was always death at hand when a shark followed tho ship.

Thereupon Tadcaster took into his head that he was under a relapse, and tho shark waa waiting for his dead body ; he got quite low-spirited. Dr, Staines told Lieutenant Titzroy, Fitzroy said, " Shark be blowed ! I'll have htm on deck in half-an hour."

He got leave from the captain ; a hook was baited with a large piece of pork, and towed astern by a stout line, experienced eld hands attending it by turns.

The shark came up leisurely, surveyed the bait, and, I apprehend, ascertained the position of the hook. At all events, ho turned quietly on his back, sucked the bait off, and retired to enjoy it. Every officer in the ship tried him in turn, but without success; for if they got ready for him, and the inemjent ho took the bait, jerked the rope hard, in that case he opened his enormous mouth so wide that the bait and hook came out clear. But, sooner or later, he always got the bait and left his captors the hook. This went on for days, and his huge dorsal fins always in the ship's wake. Then Tadcaster, who had watched the experi ments with hope, lost his Bpirifc and appe tite.

Staines reasoned with him, but in vain. Somebody was to die ; and although there were threo hundred and more in the ship, he must be the one. At last ho actually made his will, and throw himself into Staines's arms, and gave him messages to his mother and Lady Cicely ; and ended by frightening himself into a fit. This roused Staines's pity, and aleo put him on his mettle. What, science be beaten by a shark ! He pondered the matter with all his might; aud at lust an idea came to him.

He asked the captain's permission to try hia hand. This was accorded immediately, and the ship's store? placed at his disposal very politely, but with a sly, comical grin. Dr. Staines got from the carpenter Bomo sheets of zinc and spare copper, and some flannel; these be cut into three-inch squares, and soaked the- flannel in acidulated water. Ho then procured a quantity of bellwire; the greater part he insulated by wrapping it round with hot gutta-percha. So eager wa^he that he did not turn in all night. In the morning he prepared what he called an electric fuse. He filled a soda water bottle with gunpowder, attaching some cork to make it buoyant, put in the fuse and bung, made it watertight, con nected and insulated his main wires, enveloped the bottle in pork, tied a line to it, and let the bottle overborn d. The captain and officers shook their hoida mysteriously. The tars peeped and grinned from every rope to fee a doctor try to catch a shark with a soda water bottle ; but somehow the doctor seemed to know what he was about, as they hovered around, and awaited the result, mystified, but curious, and showing their teeth from ear to ear. "The only thing I fear," said Staines, "is that the moment he takes the bait he will cut the wire before I can complete the circuit, and tiro the fuse." Nevertheless, there was another objection to the success of the experiment. The shark had disappeared. "Well," said the captain, "at all events you have frightened him away." "No," said little Tadcaater, white as a ghost; "he is only underwater, I know; waiting—waiting." " There he is," cried one in the ratlines. Thero was a, rush to the taffrail—great excitement. " Keep clear of me," said Staines, quietly but firmly; "it can only bo done at the moment before ho cuts the wire." The old shark swam slowly round the bait. He saw it was something new. He swam round and round it. " He won't take it," said one. " He suspects something." " Oh yes, he will take the meat somehow, and leave the popper, sly old fox." " He has eaten many a poor Jack, that one." The shark turned slowly on his back, and, instead of grabbing at the bait, seemod to draw it by gentle suction into that capacious throat, ready to blow it out in a moment if it was not all right.

The moment the bait was drawn out of sight, Staines -completed the circuit; and the bottle exploded with a fury that sur prised him and everybody who saw it; a ton of water flew into the air, and came down in spray, and a gory carcase floated, visibly staining the blue water. There was a roar of amazement and applause. The carcase was towed alongside, at Tad caster's urgent request, and then the power of tho explosion was seen. Confined, first by the bottle, then by tho meat, then by the fish, and lastly by the water, it had ex ploded with tenfold power, had blown the brute's head into a million of atoms, and had even torn a great furrow in its carcase, exposing three feet of tho backbone

Taddy gloated on his enemy, and began to pick up again from that hour.

The Gifts of Different Nations.

One day the bon Dicic, as the French say, rose in a good humour as to creation in general, and especially so as to this earthly planet. So He called together the patron saint of each country, in order to confer some favour upon each.

First appeared St. George, glistening in silver armour, feathers, helmet, dragon, and lance complete, and stands before Him. "What do you desiro for your lands!" ask? h hon D>m, " Speak !it is possible I may grant it." " I want," replied St. George, reverently, uncovering and displaying a mane of golden hair, amazing to behold, " the finest navy in the world."

"Granted," says the hn Dieu; upon which St. George, replacing his helmet, collects his mise-en-scene and retires.

Next comes St Louis, eldest son of the Church, and of undoubted sanctity. " What do you ask for hi belle France?" is the question ; upon which St. Louis, kneoling—which fiery St. George forgot to do-answers: " The bravest army that ever marched to battle."

" Granted, ' is the roply ; upon which exit St. Louis, to make way for St. Joseph, patron of Italy, who, in reply to the same question, expresses—with the courtesy proper to his nation—his wish to possess tho "Empire of Art "

St. Andrew asks for Scotland corn, being a cold poor country ; St. Patrick for Ire land, that no poisonous serpent or reptile should over troublo tho soil.

"Granted, granted," cries the bon Dim, dismissing tho whole army of martyrs with a nod. But suddenly looking round and observing that one guardian saint is missing, " Where," he demands," is that lazy Spaniard, St. James ? What a fellow is that! always putting off everything to manana (to-morrow). Where is Santiago ?" Suddenly a great noise is heard of horses' hoofs clattering through the courts of heaven—for St. James, being always late, invariably travels on horseback—and the patron of Spain gallops in. " What does my good St. James want?" asks tho bon IJicit, smiling at the haste with which the saint precipitates himself from his saddle, and hastens toward tba throne.

"I desire," cries St. James, prostrating himself on tho clouds (for, of course, all this takis p!ace in heaven, aud St. James is the most devoted of all the patron saints which rule over Europe), " for my beloved Spain that »c should be the wittiest of nations."

" Granted."

" And," adds St. James, seeing that the bon Dimi is in the best of tempers, "that I our women should be the most beautiful." i

"Hum, hum! Too much for one nation} 9 nevertheless, for your sake, Santiago, who | are such a good and pious knight, I will say ' ■ granted for wit and beanty." Upon which .' St. Jamo?, rising, and making a series of .' the mostprofound obeisances, was just about .'| to depart, when he suddenly stopped and jijf turned round : "I forgot to say I also wanted to ask tor tho best Government."

" Now, this is too much !" exclaimed the bon D*ew,exasperated at his urgency. "To .-._ all tho other saints I have only granted one ~§;; wish ; you have already two. To punish _■:. you, I declare that Spain shall never have .■; any Government, at all."—"Wary of an Idle Woman in Spain," by Frances Elliot,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. SATURDAY, JULY 12; I*B4,

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The Tidy HousEwiFE.-The careful, tidy housewife, when giving her house its spring cleaning should bear in mind that the deai in mates ;ire more precl<ni3 than houses :thoir Bystouis need cleansing, by purifying the Mood, regulating the stomach and bowels, and she should Know that there is nothing that will do SSI'SMe*"S&. aw PUr9st •"* beat