ON OF THE THROUGH THE NORTH ISLAND.

, , v/aIK from Wellington to Notes of » auck iond.

"', '• (COKCUTDKD.) • mm With the sun, and after breakfast I the ceremony of christening the camp, IKTS--B* Vma," gave the J.March." Wo kept on all this day £__, the bush, passing a great number Trlibvay camps, as they are just making a L line here. We went merrily along, olleeting ferns «s «c went, the Sphinx whietliog choice operatic selections during the lulls in the conversation. At sunset ffe again camped. The night was bitterly o ]d and on coming from the tout in tho Iruiugoverythiag was coytreJ with frost, an J the creek frozen, tho Artist having to break the ice to got the water for breakfast. M, called the place "Frozen Camp," and the scribbler having sketched it, on we not, On cold nights we wero accustomed to pat on threo pairs of stockings, and then enclose our feot in an old sugar bag, Whicheffectually kopt them from being frost bitten. We passed several Maori settle ments, and at one of them saw a tangi, but could'only stop long enough to take a ketch, as the mourners were wailing dismallj. being assisted in this by over a adore of dogs. We crossed the Manawatu River by '~' j err y, and saw tho .splendid rail «v bridge in course of construe .{_] Alter this wo soon reached Woodville, a township which seems going .head at a great rato. Here we put up at the Temperance Botol. Making an early Art. we passed through Danevyrk and Lrsewood, seeing some curious old Maori __, on the way. We wished to reach -Macau that night, and after missing our w»v once in the dark, reached that placo i half-pist nine, after walking 43 miles. Next day we ogam mistook the track on tie plains, but after getting set right wo reached Waipawa safely, having had to ford seroral rivers on the way. Starting again early, we jogged along gamely through To Aite where is a largo Maori collego for boys' then through the largo native settle ment of Paki-Paki, and keeping on, reached Napier at 7 p.m., having accomplished our first stage of 240 miles in 7 days and a half, having rather forced tho pace, as wo wished to see some friends who were leaving Next day we spent in looking round Napier and replenishing our larder, and it was nearly sunset when we made a start, as we intended to go a few miles bofore camp-

fortunately, wernetagentleman who had a tent pitched near the beach, and as he was not using it, he kindly offered us the use of it. The Artist attributed our good luck to some horseshoes he had found, and forth with named the spot "Scrumptious Camp," We were told we should have to cross tho river Esk a great many times noxt day, and We were not disappointed, for during the day we crossed it 27 times. Luckily for us, the fine weather had made the water pretty low and it did not reach much above our knees, but it was very cold. If it had boen fret weather, it would have beon much more nnpleosant. The Artist, when crossing, once stooped to examine somo fossil in the river, when he tripped and went hoad-iirst in" the water. Luckily for him, ho had nearly reached the edge, and tho water was shallow, so that he was not verj wet, but hjßiisraally serene torn per was greatly ruilled by the occurrence, as it had put out his pi pa. ;We called the camp this night "Cosy Camp," because we were so comfortable. We resumed our journey noxt day, and soon crossed the creek 19 times more, mak ing a total of 46 crossings. Wo thon began to climb steep fern ranges. This was vory tedious, as a tremendous gale was blowing, which nearly carried us off our feet on the wmmilß. We mado an early halt, as we discovered an old saw pit, where we stopped, . d called it "Hurricane Camp," as wo wero jrotected from the gale. We were rather messy, however, as some old kahikatoas dose by seemed very shaky, and the Artist observed he did zot want to go to an early grave. This did not seem to prevent him Sleeping, though, as he snored blissfully. More ranges next day. However th Napier coach gots along at all is a wonder. We crossed the Moliaka River by a bridge. Thig river runs through a tremondous gully. Several very pretty waterfalls were seen, which, being caught by gusts of wind, wero tarried right across the valley in he sheet '"of Jprayi', These, touchod by the occasional rays of the suo, were transformed into count loss miniature rainbows. Soon after this it began to rain heavily, and drenched us, but on rtaoblng the top of a hill wo came across anoldstockadeknownas' The Old Soldier." Here we halted, lighted a huge fire, dried pu clothes, and had tea; afterwards turn ing in on a luxurious couch of dry fern. The Artist looked extremely comical as with one hand he held a pair of inexpres tiblea to dry, and with the other held a toast ing fork with a rasher of bacon on it, the Sphinx being similarly occupied. | The weather had again cleared in tho morning, and with light hearts we mado a pd'itart, and soon left Te Araita behind. After, orossing more ranges and several weeks we reached Tarawera, but did not m'ake'ri halt, About dusk we encountered aa old Maori chief who wa3 returning home «a hbrsebaek with his wife and child. Alter tie, ÜBnal salutations, we began to casts, tut'as' he could not speak English and onr Maori-speaking powers were very limited, we got on slowly. However, we unpaged to make out that he wished to invite ns to his pah, so of course wo ...accepted, ._ He .led us for some miles to a Pah on tie .Runanga ranges, took us inside, arid sot a tremendous supper of mfc* before us. After supper, conversa tion became general, the old chief, who, tytbs.TOy, was splendidly tatboed, draw- WjwP3 of the country with his finger lathe ashes. He brought U3 tobacco, m we all etookei the pipe of peace before timing in.. The old chief was highly 1 'delighted with an old briar pipe the Artist . gsve him, ,-At length we lay down on a , "fga mat we were provided with, having ' P-enty of rnga to cover us. We triad to «eep, hut • failed, the fleas effectually : toping us awake, the Artist remarking tw he would as soon sleep in a hive of 1 J*** There was a very severe frost, but I'"« swarms; of fleas kept us thoroughly Mtm. Another jorum of rewis for break ".andagauj „we. started for a terribly *eary tramp across dreadfully barren coun uy. Atlongtb weroached Opepe, and camped "WiitMW), We wero afterwards told that the hut we slept in was tho scene fMaaas .ore of 16 troopers by the treaeher *|sßau-Haus. PiT" , reached Taupo next morning, as lake was very rough, large breakors ™'!»g in to the beach in rapid succession. •■=*• M » grand sheet of water, truly. Mounts fjongariro and Ruapehu were in the back- M covered with snow, forming a grand [Ware. We halted at Taupo for a short «me, and then proceeded, reachingan oldGo- Ternmenthouseataboutg p.m. On our way ; wacame across a sign-post, which we could m wad in- tho dark. The Sphinx lighted ™"«Ms, bat without result. The Artist weoessayed to climb the post, being assisted 2u 6booW«r of the Sphinx, who also "™? » piking stick up with a ligh ton tho bmsffi? hen the Artist t" dcs" ; S"',"18 weight of his knapsack brought ™» Uown with a run, and a largo splinter r wo °d sticking in his hand, he landed on tee ground in i heap. When he again got I Mi ,** hurlod a torrent of invectives . ■«:ipe unfortuuato sign-post, but tho post .Zjp nc notice, he shook himself together •'Sm T 1 on- ThU ni Sbt was fearfully SStSP our bad of fern was rather scanty. ■-•J* ii.* 0 ke8 P turning round to warm *Mtar.. The Sphinx, awaking very S tai?edovcr, Baying "Nowthen,sleepy, ttm, your sbare • "'« your turn to feZl r(mncland warm my back. I've been 8JBOJ! yours warm for over two hours " .'V^Wy early on account of the cold, W» ttt, mid"dayreachedAteamari, Here __m. the Waikato River by a bridge, t»t v.r ruahin S through tho walls of m. hZ Wlth irresistible forco. We .■ : m ou till long after dark, and reached thn l„u d Bhanty about 9 o'clock, where "e.coid again seriously interfered with 2to P' t Abri'k «"lk of lo miles enabled «> reach Ohinernutu by dinner time. ' SJV B*SPPed..a day to inspect the SSSf* .Hot SpringH! We had in C tO. RO'on from hero to Rotomahana, W-WL \° Vlsit the Teiraces, but unfortu 'jS^6B""l was awaiting us, urgently lldte nßnortbward. We, however, .^ time to see aU over Ohinernutu, collect A*KSLTm*,< mA take a bath i(1 "'a Hot « .SW^ 8' whioh was thoroughly " *&?* both Art«t and Sphinx. It ■ OhmS y rnDß6t on Sunday when we left , :ymm* for a forced march of 57 mlleg

to Cambridge. It was dark when we entered tho bush, and wo soon found we had a most unpleasant tusk bofore us, tho road being two feetdeop in mud and frozen into a crust on the top. Through this crust wo plunged at every stop in tho half-frozen clay. We both pitched headlong several times, the Artist on ono occasion losing a boot. This, however, ho managed to find again. We stopped and had some tea with some Maori roadmon, and again jogged on, At lasft, towards midnight, tho roads were so bad we had „to call a halt in an old roofless whare. Plenty of firewood being about, we made a tremendous fire, and lay down in front of it The Artist once woke suddenly, and cried out that the heat had scorched a great hole in his nether garments and burnt his legs, remarking that tho fire was large enough to roast an ox, wherupon the Sphinx dryly answered that it appeared to have roasted two calves already. When moining camo wo kept on steadily till we reached Oxford at sunset, and after a short halt, determined to proceed about 10 miles further to an old hut before camp ing. In the dark, however, wo missed it, and after stumbling on for some hours in tho mud, at last had to simply roll ourselves in our blankets and lie down in tho ti-tree

till daylight. The sun was just breaking through the mist as wo crossed tho Waikato, and entered Cambridge, having had a very rough night of it. Wo camped for break fast, and then proceeded on to Hamilton, where wo found wo could havo a clay's leisure, which we thoroughly enjoyed, as wo wore most hospitably entertained by Mrs Gwynne. Next day wo loft Hamilton in tho afternoon, and after travelling 18 miles, we reached Taupiri. Horo we had ar ranged to stay a couple of days with an old friend. The Artist amused himself touch ing up his sketches, whilo the Sphinx took things very easy, nover being parted from his trusty pipe. After our rest wo started quito fresh, passed through Ifuntly and Rangiriri in a heavy rain, and by terrible roads, which sorely tried the patienco of both. We did not leach Mercer till late, when we found a good bed most acceptable. In the morning another terrible ordeal of getting into wot clothes. Sharp walking, however, soon dried us. Wo passod Quoon's Redoubt, Maketu, and Drury, and thon camped in the bush. This was to bo our last camp, so wo made everything vory com fortable and had an extra allowanco of tea. After supper wo fell to yarning over the incidents of tho trip, and then retired. Next day, the last of our trip, we passed Papakura, Otahuhu, and arrived in Auck land about 5 p.m. to find friends waiting to wolcome us back to the city. Wo had boen 25 dujs on the way, out of which we had had 5 days' rest. The distance covered was 500 miles, so that we had an average of 2S miles, which we considered pretty good, considering the short days and our heavy knapsacks. We had to con gratulate ourselves on the weather, as wo had only threo regularly wet days, which was remarkable for the timo of year. The frosts at night had sometimes been very severe, but of course in a walking tour orto can't havo everything nice. In camp at nights we were generally very jolly, spinning yarns by turns, or else playing a quiet gamo of cards. The cheery laugh oi the Artist ; often resounded through tho silent bush, while tho quaint, dry chuckle of tho Sphinx sounded as an echo. Altogether, we had a very happy time, and ended our trip with regret. Anyone who is fond of pedes trianism would do well to make this trip, but anyone intending to do so should choose summer for it, and allow themselves time to visit Rotomahana and tho Terracos, and wo hope they would have as good a time and bo as satisfied nt the end of thoir journey as wero the Artist and the Sphinx.

Frank J. Greenwood. William Hookkb Pulford.

"NO. 10" DOWNING STREET.

A Glimpse at a Room in which Much of tho World's History has been Mado.

■^No. 10," Downing-street, is externally rather P. mean and shabby-looking two-story house, with nothing whatever about it to indicate the official dignity of its occupant. In stepping inside, however, tho stranger's

ideas of its extent at least begin to expand. The street door opens into a hall, largo, square, and decidedly dark, with a good firo burning in an open grate, an old-fashioned clock hoarsely ticking on one sido of it, an old-fashioned lamp swinging from tho ceil ing, a side-table, a chair or two, an um brella-stand, and a fen' mats on its stono

floor. From this hall ono sees down a long red-carpoted passage straight in front, and there is another loading away at right angles with it to tho left. The vistas pre sented by these two passages afford an idea of extent somewhat worthier of tho import-

ance of tho place than that likely to bo re ceived from tho outride, and when tho visi tor begins to esplore tho premises ho soon finds them very extensive and rather be wildering. From what has been said of the history of tho place, it will be readily sup posed that these amalgamated houses have some of the merits and some of tho faults of old fashioned domiciles. Onegotsagenoral sense of depressing gloom, of old fashionod respectability, rather than of any thing very pompousorimpo-ing,and, though the place generally is characterised by some inconvenient features, it is pervaded by a certain quiet and comfort able dignity of ap pearance. Proceeding down the passage facing tho hall door, tho visitor may be ushered into tho dining-room, a rather sombro apartment, furnished in a stylo in no degree nbovo what may bo found in most houses of the uppor cla?s. Near this room on tho ground-Hoor is an equally sombre room, fitted up and furnished as a library, and a double-door opening from the same passage admits the curious explorer to that rathor awful chamber in which so much of the world's history has been made for gen erations past—tho Council-room. It is here that the momentous Cabinet meetings of Downing street aro held. Beyond two pairs of the fluted columns—just enough to givo a littlo architectural dignity to the chamber—thero is nothing but the associ ations of the room to attract any attontion. There is a long table and rows of mahogany leather-covered chairs down each side, and very little el-o. This famous Council cham ber overlooks tho parade-ground at tho back of the Horso Guards, and its appear ance, both outsido aud in, is vastly le3S im posing than many a bank-house room in the city or couucil chambor in a country town-

hall. _. , . Upstairs it is very much as down below. Tho place is everywhere very unimposing and unpretending, comfortable, but, for tho most part, rather gloomy, and nowhero grand. Mr Gladstone has a pleasant, cozy study overlooking St James's Park and the parade ground. It is, of course, replete with books and piotuies, but it is nothing more than a comfortablo study. Thero are two drawing-rooms, separated with double foldin"-doors, which may bo thrown open on speciafocea-ions, making a tolerably large and effective saloon. The drawing-reom or dinarily used by tho Promior and family is a light and pleasant apartment overlooking the park, and comfortably furnished with justabouttheordinarystyleof furniture and knick-knacks to bo found in most upper class houses. Mr Gladstone's working room is a large and rather sparsely furnished apartment, which, strictly speakmg,be longs to the Chancellor of the Exchequer s part of the premises. It is bete that the Premier transacts business with his Secre taries or others who may have to do with him. In addition to the rooms that have been mentioned, there are others devoted to tho use of tho Liberal whip and his Secre taries, and there are, of course the rooms occupied by the Prime Minister's Secre taries The whole place, it may be added, Erectly connected with, the Treasury in Whitehall by a narrow staircase at tne back , this official residence is quite a bewifderin. agglomeration of business and domestic apartments, but apart from the associations of the house there is really nothing in it very striking or noteworthy. If it were proposed to-morrow to sot up an official residence for the Prime Minister ofthe British Empire no one wouldl for a moment dream' of such a place as this lor "o purpose. So very plain and unpreton tinis a dwelling as this would be felt to be auite out of keeping with tho dignity of the ffi ruler of PE,fgland, but: whether or not Mr Gladstono is diseatished with his accommodation we are not informed The susoestlon that Dover House should be we understand, altogether unsettled, and by thoso who are best "'formed it is con sidered to bo very doubtful.- London ! News." -

«Eudi^irl^^-;-J^ko, * co„ A8«a». A"* 11"1

TALES OF PAST DAYS.

How Eidrcd Pottingor Saved Herat.

Tho Knviouij Persian.

In the summer of 1837, when Shah Korman and tho Heratee troop 3 wero on a campaign in Seistan, the bazaars of Horat wore astir with rumours of tho approach of a Persian army of 14,000 mon. Herat, with its fair expanse of surrounding country, where alternating corn-fields, vineyards, and gar dens varied the richness of the scene, had for years been marked for conquest by the lorsian monarch. Four years bofore the time of which we write, he had marched against the city, but before a blow was struok his father's death recalled him to Meshed, and the expedition had to be abandoned in accordance with the wishes of his grandfather, tho Shah. This dis appointment rankled in his broast, and when, twolvo months later, tho death of hia grandfather at Ispahan placed him on tho throne, he swore an oath that ho would retrace his steps to the eastward, and wipo out tlio disgrace of his recall in Afghan blood. TheHerutees knew of his designs, but thoy woro a pooplo accustomed to raids and bloodshed, and they went about their daily tasks in a common way, working in tlio Holds and fruit gardens outside tho city walls. The people did well to bo undis turbed, for the threatened attack was long delayed, but at last, in 1537, Russian in fluence became all powerful in tho Persian capital, and Mahomed Shah folt that the time had come.

A City of Horrors.

Sir John Kayo gives a terrible account ol the internal condition of Herat at this time. Shah Korman, the ruler, was a dullard, but tho Wuzoor, Yar Mahomed, was accounted tho ablest and most cruel man in Central Asia. His avarice and ambition knew no bounds. Utterly without tenderness, ho had no compassion for the sufferings of others: ho trod down tho weak with an iron hool, and, a tyrant himself, oncouraged tho tyranny of his retainers. His son was governor of the city, and as tho salary was small ho enriched himself by plundering tho houses of tho inhabitants and soiling the people into slavery. In the streets men wore to bo seen flitting about in a hurried anxious manner, and looking with suspi cion in thoir neighbours' faces, It was not safe for a stranger to be abroad after sun sot, for if ho were not protected by an armed escort, ho would bo soized and sold into slavory. " During tho obsonco of tho King in 1837—such wasthe frightiul misrule, such tho roign of terror that had been established by the charactered violence of tho rulers of the city —that the shops wero closed before sunset, and all through tho night tho noise and uproar, the challengings and cries for help, were such as could scarcely havo been exceeded if the place had been actually besieged." Wanted At Home.

News of tho Persian King's advaneo reached Shah Korman as he was laying im potent siege to Jowayn, and with all speed ho hurried back with his crippled army to repel the attack of a more powerful foe. Thoy entered tho city on September the 17th. On Novombor the 15th, tho strong (rarrision of Ohorian surrendered to the Persian commander, and immediately tho gates oi Herat wero closed. Seven days later tho advance guard of the Persian army took up its position on tho plain to the northwest of tho city, and tho siego of Horat began in earnest.

Pottingor's Journey to Horat.

At that time a young European officer Eldred Pottinger by name, was residing in the city. He was a lieutenant in the Bom bay Artillery, and had been dispatched by his uncle, Col. Pottinger, the Kesidcnt in Sindh, to explore the countries of Afghan istan. Ho started in no recognised ollioial capacity, but travelled onward in a most unostentatious manner, assuming tlio dis guise of a Cutch horse-dealer, and attract ing little attontion on his route. Journey ing upwards by Shikarpoor and Dehra Ismael Khan to Peshawur, ho proceeded thence to Cabul, and then changing his disguise for that of an Indian Synd, ho made his adventurous way through tho rude country of the Imanks and Ilazarehs to Horat. Though at this period he was but slightly acquainted with tho Persian lan guage, and was ignorant of the -Mahomedan prayers, of thoir genuflexions, modos of worship, and religious observances, he passed on almost unquestioned by the credulous Afghans. In Herat itsolf, though he seems to have taken littlo pains to eon coal his real character, ho remained for somo time lodging in n caravanserai, and mixed freely with its inmates, but was seldom recognised as a European by thoso with whom ho associated.

An Impotent Invader.

The advantugo of having an English 'officer iv tho city was not lost upon the Shah Korman, but it was not until Decem ber that ho sent for Pottinger and consulted him as to the plan of defence. Up to this time tho Persians had wasted an immense amount of ammunition without producing any great effect beyond terrifying tho popu lace So soon as a breach was mado in the ramparts by shot or shell, tho soldiers wont silently but resolutely to tho work of re pair, meeting the mischief as it rose, and giving a now character of defence to tho battered fortifications. Tho firo from tho Persian batteries had been irregular and spasmodic. Tho round shot from the guns went over tho batteries, often clearing tlio entire city, but. tlio shells did moro execu tion, although Pottinger in his diary men tions that many of them wore carved out of slate rock, and contained little more than a bursting charge. The loss of lifo had not been groat in the city, although Pottinger mentions how, in tlio noxt houso to that in which he slopt, a shell descended closo to tho spot on which an infant was lying. Tho terrified mother rushed between tho deadly missile and the child, but ere sho could reach it tho shell burst, carrying off her hoid, while her corpse fell upon the babo and suffocated it. But now a new danger threatened the Heratees. Mysterioussotinds, as if of mining operations, woro heard from undor tho ramparts, and Eldrod Pottinger was sent for.

On the Ramparts.

From this time the young English officer was the movingspiritin the defence of Herat. Ho was always on tho ramparts, ready to assist the ruder science of tho responsible conductors, and to inspire with his presence new heart into the Afghan soldiery. Still he could not dissuade them from sinking shafts to discover tho mine, although he knew well there was no mine; but it was somo satisfaction to him to discover, when thoso extensive and laborious works were comploted, that tho mysterious sound that struck terror into the hearts of tho garrison had no othor origin than from tho hand-mill of a poor woman, who used it to grind her wheat. In the third week of the now year, tho Shah Kerman asked Pottinger to proceed as his envcy to the Persian camp, and dolivorn message a strange com bination of invective and intreaty—to the Persian monarch. His departure was de layed by somo brisk engagements, in which neither side displayed very fotmidablo fight ing qualities, but or. the B'h February ho left tho city, accompanied by a singlo at tendant. The negotiations that followed wero profitless, but Pottinger was ablo to visit Col. Stoddart, who was the bearer of letters from the Government of India, and who was profoundly astonishod to find an Englishman in Herat. After spending two days in tho Persian camp, he returned to the beleaguered city, and hostilities went on moro actively than before.

From Gunpowder to Diplomacy.

Pottingor's courage and endurance wero now put to serious trial. Somo unimpor tant outworks fell into tho hands of the enemy, an J from that day the Heratoes began to loso heart. Thoy oven began to think about flinging themselves into tho arms of Russia, and taking their charico through Russian intervention of a settle ment involving as littlo humiliation as possible. The suggestions of tho Indian Government thej openly Ecoffed at. Pot tinger alone was there to oppose Russian mediation, and as he had now been ap pointed British agent in the city, he could act. On May 29th, the situation was grave. Tho people wore boginning to feel the pinch of the siege, and the assembled chiefs abused Pottinger and tho British nation. Firm in tho midst of this storm of invective, tho young officer compelled the chiefs to listen to him, and by the boldness of his bearing he carried his point. Fighting had been suspended during these negotia tions, but now it broko out fiorcelv again An assault of v more formidable character than any hitherto attempted was arranged for the 24th of June. The Persians, acting under Russian direction, were in good heart, but Pottinger saw among the Afghans further signs of failing courage and impaired activity.

Korman the Coward.

The assault of the 24th of June was a memorable day in the annals of the siege. It opened with a heavy fire from the Persian batteries on all the four sides of the city. Then there waa a lull, and then, heralded by a well-sustained fire of ordnance from all

sidos, tho Persian forces moved to the attack

of five different points of the work. At four of thoso points thoy wero repulsed, but at tho fitth thoy drove the dofond3rs back.

Encouraged by this success, tho invading party rushed up the slope and carried tho

second position at the head of the breach. A desperate resistance met them. For an hour the fate of Herat was trembling in the balance, and it would have fallen but for Eldred Pottinger. Startled by the first noise of the assault, tho young officer rode down to tho works, feeling that there was desperate business in hand. As he noared thepointofattack, ridingwith YarMahomed he found the garrison retreating by twos and threes, some of them quitting the works on tho pretext of carrying off the wounded. These signs of waning courage actod differ ently on the Heratoo and tho Englishman, Yar Mahomed sat down on the ground. Ho hud lost heart. Pottinger called on him to rouse himself and to inspire the garri-ion by moving down to the beach, where encour aged by tho diminishing opposition, tho enemy were pushing on with ronowed vigour. He rose, advanced into tho works, and thon faintly suid ho would go back for aid. Again and again Pottinger roused tho trembling Wuzeer to somo appearance of manliness, and again anil again as ho did so tho Afghan soldiers took new heart. Ho threat, ned, he reviled, ho seizod him by tho arm and dragged him forward, and at last, when tho game was nearly up, Yar Mahomed seized a staff and drove forward tho retreating soldiery undor a shower of heavy blows. Cooped up in a narrow passago, anid sooing no other out lot of oscapo, many of them leaped wildly over the parapot and rushed down the exterit r slopo lull upon tho Porsianstormors. Tho oll'oct of this suddon movement was magical. The Persians, soized with a panic, abandoned thoir position and lied. The crisis was over. Eldred Pottingor had forced tho Wuzcor to appoar before his mon as ono not utterly prostrate and helpless, and thus ho had saved Horat. The Persian army remained before tho city for some weeks longer, but it soon became evident that thoy had given up hope of reducing it by siege. On tho 9th of Septembor, they commenced their retrograde march to Tehoran, a soured and disappointed rnbblo, and tho 50,000 families of the Heratoos who survived tho horrors of tho siego woro left to follow tho art 3of poacoonce moro.

CIVILISATION IN AFRICA.

An Allegory '•> Ith a Moral Easily Comprehended.

A large, strong man, drcssod in a uniform and armed to tho teeth, knocks at the door of a hut on tho coast of Africa.

" Who are you, and what do you want ?" asks a voice from tho inside.

" In tho namo of civilisation open your door, or I'll break it down for you and fill you filll of load."

" But what do you want hero !" "My name is Christian Civilisatian. Don't talk liko a fool, you black biuto ; what do you suppose I want hero but to civilise you and make a reasonable human being out of you, if it is possiblo?" '' What aro you going to do ?" " In the first place you must dress your self liko a white man. It's n shame and r. disgrace tho way you go about. From now on you must wear underclothing, a pair of pants, vest, coat, plug hat, and a pair of yellow gloves. I will furnish thorn to you at reasonable rates." " What shall I do with them ? ' " Woar them, of course. You didn't ex pect to eat them, did you ? The first stop in civilisation is wearing propor clothes." " But it is too hot horo to woar such gar ments. I'm not used to them. I'll perish from the heat. Do you want to murder me ?" " Well, if you do dio, you will havo the satisfaction of being a martyr to civilisa tion." " You are very kind." " Don't mention it. What do you do for a living, anyhow ?"' " Wiion lam hungry I eat a banana. I oat, drink, or sleep, just rs I fool liko it." " What horrible barbarity ! You must settle down to some occupation, my friend. If you don't I'll havo to lock you up as a vagrant." " If I've got to follow some occupation, I think I'll start a coll'eoliouSe. l'vo got a good deal of coll'eo and sugar on hand." " Oh, you havo, have you ? Why, you are not such a hopoloss caso as I thought you wero. In the first place, you want to pay mo iSOO." "What for?" "As an occupation tax, you ignorant heathen. Do you expect to get all the blessings of civilisation for nothing?" " But I haven't got any money." " That makes no difference. I'll tako it out in coffeo and sugar If you don't pay up, I'll put you in gaol." " What is gaol ?" "Gaol is a progro3.?ivo word. You must bo prepared to mako some sacrifices for civilisation, you know." " What a great thing civilisation is !" "Youcannot possibly rciUso tho benefits, but you will beforo I get through with you." The unfortunate nativo took to tho woods, and has not been seen since.—Translated from tho German.

A TERRIBLE WATER-SPORT.

Elovcn Persons Drowned in a No broslta Canyon. LINCOLN (Neb.), May 23.— A special to the "State Journal from Indianapolis givestho following particulars of tlio bursting of tho water-spout: O.i Tuesday evening a party of seventeen Bohemians, on routo from Dundy Creek, camped in Uichman can yon, a half-mile from the Republican River and nine miles east of this place. At dark a heavy rainstorm set in, and about 10 o'clock tho water-spout burst a short dis tance abovo, flooding tho heretofore dry canyon to a dopth of fifteen feet. This came down tho canyon in waves, each rising a foot or two higher than its prede cessor. Tho party were asleep in their waggons; tho one nearoat the bed of tho stream was occupied by John Macck, wife and son, tho contro ono by John Osmer, wife, and four children, and two othor chil dren and tho third was occupied by Joseph Havelic, wife and three children. When the flood struck the waggons Havolic was the first to awako. He jumped up, grasped tho waggon tonguo, and attempted to pull the waggon out of the water, but fresh waves struck it, wresting tho tonguo from his grasp and carrying tho waggon out into the raging flood. Osmor had nlready jumped from his waggon and succeoded in getting four chil dren, to tho shoro, but beforo he could re turn to the waggon it waß carried down tho canyon. Tho first, Macek know of tho sit uation WO3 that he was- sailing down the stream. Seeing a tree just ahoad, he bade his wifo and son cling to him and ho would try to catch the tree. Ho succeeded, but tho sudden stop shook off his wifo and son, and they went down in tho flood. Macek climbed into the treo, from which ho was rescued in the morning.

Havolic and Osmor finally found tho resi dence of Simon Jennings, a half-mile off, and mado known what had happened. Word was sent to Indianola, and by noon 100 peoplo wore searching for the bodies. Up to to night but two of thoeloven bodies missing havo beon found.

THE SCULLING CHAMPION SHIP.

The sporting editor of " News of tho World" writes as follows undor date May 24 :— " Wallaco Ross is surprisod at not having received any reply to tho challenge he nsued in August last (which was published in Sydnoy), aud recently repeated. Ross will row Beach from Putney to Mortlako, within six months from this date, for tho championship of the world, and £200 or £500 a side. Having rend in tho ' News of the World' that somo English patrons of rowing offer £500 as added money to a sweepstakes of £200 each in an opon com petition for the championship of tho world (including Boach, Hntilan, and Teemer), Ross states that he will enter for this contest which should prove decisively whether Ned Hanlan has ' gono off,' oi that Beach is the wonder represented.

" David Godwin, writing from the Ger uiania Ruder Club, Uhlenhorst, states that ho has heard that Clifford is coming over from Australia, and Godwin hereby chal lenges him for a race on the Thames for £100 or £200 a-side.

" George Perkins, who will shortly start on a continental training engagement, has authorised mo to challengo Charley Mes senger (Beach's trainer on tho Farrauiatta). for a race for £200 a side, from tho Star and Garter, Putney, to the Ship at Mortlake, having heard that Messenger is coming oyer to England, even if Beach does not visit the old country. Perkins will row largan level, or givo any resident in Great Britain a start of two lengths, barring Largan and Godwin.

" Either of the above matches can be made by replying through these columns, the Australian, or the English sporting news papers."

HEROIC CONDUCT OF A SERVANT-GIRL.

Terrible Sceno at a Fire,

The " Times " says that tho story of the

fire in Union-street, London, and of the conduct of Alice Ayres, a servant ,in tho house, who saved the lives of three of the inmates at the sacrifice of her own life, will stir all hearts. ' The details are terrible, but the predominating feeling which thoy will leave behind must be one of admiration for the horoic girl, whoso first thought was for others and not for herself, and who might have mado her escape in safety if sho had chosen so to do, and to loavo her master's children to perish without help. Tho fire.it appears, broko out in the middle of Thurs day night week at tho house of Mr H. Chandler, an oil and colour man. Alice Ayres was the first to bo awoke by it, and sho rushed at onco to the window and screamed loudly for help. Tho people in the street below called to hor to jump and save herself, and thoy stretched out somo clothing which would havo served to break hor fall. The llames moanwhilo had got hold of the inflammable stock in the shop, and woro spreading with fearful rapidity. But,amid heat, and smoke.and with the pros pect before hor of death in its most awful shape, Alico Ayres was not to bo daunted from hor purpose. She had formod her plan and she was resolved to carry it through at all hazards, Sho first dragged a feather bod to tho window and throw it out. It was at once caught up by the poople in tho street and stretched out below the window. Very soon sho appeared at the window again with a littlo girl in her arms, and with all care throw her down on to tho bod. Sho was successful in thiswayinsavingthreechildren from tlio ilainos. She had nowdone all that it was possible for her to do, more than she coulddowitheareforherownsafoty. Tho fire had so gained upon her that sho must escape atonceif she was to escape at all. Shesprang accordingly from the window, but in her nervous and exhausted state she missed her mark, jumped short of the bod, and foil heavily on the pavomont. Sho was picked up and taken to Guy's Hospital, and there sho died. Such has beon hor choice, noble but fatal for herself. A tribute of honour is all that wo can now pay to a deod ol heroism nnd self-devotion which has at no timo been stirpassod. Death of tho Heroine.

Alice Ayres, whoso bravery in connection with tho fatal lire in tlio Borough was re corded on Saturday, diod on Sunday morn ing in the ward of Guy's Hospital to which she had boen removed. From tho first the shocking nature of her injuries precluded all hopo of hor recovery, and at half-past eight in tho morning sho expired. Captain Shaw, a few hours previously, had reported to him a furthor doath in connection with the lire, Elizaboth Chandler, threo years old, who had been thrown outof tho window, dying in St. Thomas's Hospital at an early hour on Saturday morning. Thoso deaths make tho list of fatalities amount to livo.

The Housing of the English Working Classes.

The first report of tho Royal Commission on tlio Housing of tho Working Classes lias just boon published. Taking first the subject of overcrowding, tho Commission solcctod tho central area of tho metropolis, and havo established boyond quostion the general existence of tho single-room system for families. Lord Shaftesbury, who was the first witness examined, affirmed, as the result of an oxpoiienec of moro thun half a century, that, though certain necessary improvements had been effected, the over crowding had become more serious than over j while a clergyman acquainted with St. Panorns asserted that it had not increased, bocauso the district was so gorged with population that it could not get more crowded. When, however, thoy came to investigate the othor parts of London, it was but a repetition of the same story of entire families of oight or six mombors driven to live indiscriminately in ono room. The condition of the provincial towns was, how ever, found to vary considerably; but, on the wholo, was loss unfavourable than that of tho poorer districts of London. Under tho tenement system ovorerowding is greatly facilitated, ami as touomonts nn boyond tho scope of police intetl'oience.the practiro is often pressed to tho extreme of tension. In many eases thero are no sewer generations, and trades aro carried on,such us haddock curing, rag-picking, &c, which produces great stenches, and carry and propagate disease As a rulo, one-fifth of tho precarious earnings is absorbed in the provision of n single room, and as rents in the congested districts aro gradually rising, tho proportion cannot remain permanent. According to tho quotations given, from 4s to G's a week is tho usual rent demanded for a small-sized room ; and as tho bulk of the unskilled labour seldom earn moro than Ills, the character of tho dwellings thoy are con tent to accept can bo imagined. Tlio Com missioners consider it clearly established that tho pressure caused by immigration is small compared with that produced by demolition. When property is pulled down to'ell'oct improvements, tho peopto dislodged merely enh •uco tho crowding in tho adjacont buildings, and tho consideration of the subject of rehousing tho poor who havo been displaced by demolition raises the question of tho relations of tho railway companies to tho working classes. Tho Commissioners are sensibly averse to an incrofiso of legis lation, and would rather recommend the utilisation of existing powers, to bo sot in motion by competent and independent nu thority.than a multiplication of Acts of Par liament. A briefsupplemontnryreport, which receives tho signatures of about one-half of the commissioners, attributes many of the existing evils connected with over crowding, insanitary buildings, and ox ccssivo ronts to tho system of building on leasehold tenure To the suggestion con tamed in this roport Lord Salisbury in his "memorandum" takes exception. Ho says :—" I understand that it is proposed by a portion of the Commission to report in favour of a measure for enabling the holdor of a long loaso to forco tho freeholder to soil his freehold to him at an arbitration prioo. This measure, which is objoctionable and wholly novel iv principle appears to me to havo littlo to do with tlio housing of the poor. It has not beon shown in evidence that any considerable number of tho work ing classes, especially in overcrowded localities, hold their tenements on long leases. As far as this claps of house is con cerned, such a measuro would have no other effect than to put the house-farmer in the position now occupied by tho ground land lord. On tho othor hand, such a proposal would entirely arrest tho grant of building loasos, and tho supply of now houses for the working classes in suburban districts would bo very materially cheeked." It will thus be seen that tho recommenda tions of tho commissioners do not contain anything of tho kind known as "heroic." Increased facilities for loans to tho local authorities ; more care in the appointment of medical oflicors and inspectors; more public opinion brought to bear on corrupt vostrymon and negligent officials ; above all, the moro through enforcement of the various sanitary Acts which crowd the Statute Books —these aro the chief remedies they adviso.

Mutual Forbearance.

It is said that married people would be happier if homo trials woro nevor told to neighbours ; if they kissed and made up after overy quarrel; if household expenses wero proportioned to receipts ; if thoy tried to bo as agroeablo as in courtship days ; if each would try to be a support and comfort to the othor ; if each remembered the other was a human being, and not an angel; if women wero as kind to thoir husbands as they were to thoir lovers ; if fuel and pre visions were laid in during tho high tido of summer work ; if both parties remembered that thoy married for worso as well as for better ; if men -were as thoughtful for thoir wives as thoy were for their sweethearts; if thoro wero fewer silks and velvet street costumos, and more plain, tidy house dresses ; if there wero fewer "ploaso, dar lings" in public and moro common manners in nrivato; if wives and husbands would take some pleasure as they go along, and not degenerate into moro toiling machines. Recreation is necessary to keep the heart in its place, and to get along: without it is a big mistake. If men would remember that a woman cannot be always smiling who has to cook tho dinner, answer the door bell half a dozen times, nnd get rid of a neigh bour who has dropped in, tend to a sick baby, tie tip tho cut finger of the three-year old, gather up the playthings of a four-year old, tie up the feet of a six-year oldonskateo, and get an cight-ytar-old ready for school — to say nothieg of sweeping, cleaning, etc. A woman with all this to contend with may claim it as a privilege to look and feel a little tired sometimes, and a word of sym pathy would not bo too much to expect from the man .vho, during the honeymoon, would not let her carry as muoh as a sun- Bhide.—" . eligious Herald,"

LONG HOURS AND SHORT LIVES.

The Sarly Closing Movement,

Tub early closing agitatioa has again commenced in Melbourne, whero it appears to have "hung fire" in very much the same fashion as in Sydney. Recent Mel bourne papers contain reports of the public meeting held for the purpose of taking action to shorten the business hours of shop employees. The chairman (Mr J. Gordon) stated that efforts had been made in the metropolis for many years to obtain somo concessions for employees in shops. He was now convinced that, after all the moral suasion oxercised, the move ment had not advanced one step. The thing now to be done was to petition Parliament on the subject, and secure legis lative enactment. Mr Deakin intro duced a bill in tho last session of Parlia ment to curtail the hours of labour in Bhops. Unfortunately he did not succeed in carry ing it through. Tho Government had, however, promised to again take up tho matter this session. It was a mistaken notion that the assistants alone were in favour of shortening the hours of work. The shopkeepers themselves, with few ex ceptions, strongly supported tho move ment. (Applauso.) Thore wero three ways of dealing with the question — first, making 7 p.m. tho hour at which all shops must be closed ; second that it be made a punishable offence to keep any employeo on tho premises after seven o'clock ; and, third, that tho number of hours to^constitute a day'swork bo strictly limited to'eight. Mr H. Smith moved the following resolution :—"That this meeting respectfully suggests to the Ministry the advisability of fixing tho number of hours per diem an assistant shall bo required to work, in place of the seven o'clock com pulsory closing clause contained in the Factorios and Shop Bill introduced last session." He thought that shop employees could not go on strike because, unfortu nately, anyone could measure a yard of cloth or weigh a pound of sugar. (Voice: " What nonsense.") The agitation for shorter hours had beon carried on for some years, but without lasting results. A few shops had for a time shortened the hours, but soon fell back to thoir old ways. He thought that there was nothing loft but to ask for legislation, and if the health and well-beingof employees were worth consider ing, then something should bo done for them by Parliament. (Applause.) This resolu tion was carried, as also was the following : —"That the compulsory hours of closing be seven o'clock pm. on week days, and 10 . o'clock on Saturdays."

Impure Water, and the Spread of Hydatids.

Tue Melbourne Board of Health have issued the following circular : — The question of impure water supplies has beon latterly, on more than ono oc cr.s.on, carefully considered by this board, and it is behoved that a largo quantity of water in daily use is unfit fcr human con sumption unless precautions aro taken. It is known that hydatid diseaso is on the in crease in Victoria, and that many valuable lives are annually lost for want of a little knowledge and care. In Quain's " Diction ary of Medicine" it is stated that in Ice land, which is more infected with hydatid diseaso than any other country in the world, 2S per cent, of tho dogs are affected by it, and of tho human subjoct ono-sixth of tho annual deaths aro from hydatids, It is further stated that probably Victoria is already tho second most infected territory. Tho Contral Board desires to point out that in drinking open natural waters or eating vegetables to which dogs have access, all persons—but especially chil dren— run a great risk of incurring hydatid disoaso, with all it? consequent dangers, Tho board strongly rccommendsthatallsuch water be first thoroughly boiled; aud persons living in the country, or travellers, should avoid drinking from water holes or swampy viator of any kind without such precaution, and in all cases the water supply for domestic use should bo guarded against tho invasion of dogs. Dogs should not bo allowed to swim in reser voire, or, where possiblo to provont it, to drink from the same supply as man, sheep, cattle or pigs. It is highly important to romombor that tho purest-looking water may contain Humorous hydatid germs; hence tho importance of boiling tlio water whore thero is any risk. It is dosirablo to bury or throw boiling water over the oxposed ftecos of dogs, and chained dogs should havo their kennels, and the ground for somo distance round, purified frequently with boiling water. Dogs should r.over bo fed with, or allowed the opportunity of eating, the offal of slaughter-houses, nor should pigs bo kopt there. Tho laws against unregistered dogs should bo strictly enforced. It should bo known that hydatid diseaso can bo com municated to the human Btibjcct by impure salads or vegetables (uncooked), and euro should bo takon to wash and thoroughly eloaneo everything of the kind boforo it is eaten. Watercross from drains should novor be eaten. Fluko in shoop is anothor sourco of danger, and such mutton should bo carefully avoided. Furthor, it should bo known that there is risk of con tracting tho disoaso in allowing dogs to lick thohands orfaccsof children or adults, and in permitting thorn to lick plates and dishos. In nil this, as in manycthorc ses, "cleanli ness is one of tho most important preventives against infoction."

Prince Bismarck on Sunday Observance.

PnisoE Bismarck recently took part in an interesting debate in the German Reichstag on Sunday observance, which was occa sioned by tho presentation of a bill by the Working Mon'e Protection Committeo having for its aim the forbidding of Sunday labour eawopt in cases of necossity, to be determined hy the governing authorities. On this proposal the Chancellor, after a long and sensible discussion of the whole quoition, defiued his attitude as follows: — " As soon as the gentlemen who brought for ward themeasurehaveconvinced themselves that labouring men really wish it, and would be grateful to mo for forbidding them, on pain of punishment, to work on Sunday, then I shall be glad to advocate their scheme in the Federal Council. But I must have this certainty first j and mean while, I do not believe either in its suit ability or feasabillty ; or that compulsion in tho matter of Sunday observance would be welcomod by thoso for whose alleged benefit it has primarily been proposed. . , I have boen reproached with not having yet caused an inquiry to be made into tho matter; but I" havo had enough to do. For a man who is old and ailing, as I am, I think I havo surely had enough to do, within tho last seven years — causing inquiries to be made into all tho questions in tho world. But as you bring forward the subject-though, as I think, too soon and immaturely—l am ready to take steps for liaving it seen into. Beforo, however, I am convinced that the working man would be benefited by com pulsory Sunday observanco, and that he wishes to see it enacted, I will not consent to advocate the question in the Federal Council." The Chancellor likewise ex pressed the epinion that the question of a normal working day was of much more i pressing and practical interest than that lof total abstention from labour on Sunday. Reference had been made to Suuday observance in England and America, and to tho consequent superiority of those countries to Germany from an indus trial point of view. Butthoprincocontonded that this alleged superiority was due to very different causes—in England more especially to tho fact of its possessing great contiguous stores of coal and iron, and to the further circumstance that it enjoyed a start of several centuries in the race of civilisation. It could be estimated, said the Chancellor, from many indications, that in the time of Shakspeare, or about three centuries ago, thore was in England a degree of material comfort, civilisation, and literary development which Germany was thon far from possessing. Germany had beon thrown back by the Thirty Years' War more than any other nation. .Nevertheless he could not admit that tho English, on the whole, were better Christians than his own countrymen, and as for Sunday obser vance, there was a great deal of mere habit in it:—"l must say that when I was in England I always had a painful and uncomfortable impression of the English Sunday, and I was always glad when it was over. I am sure, too, that many Englishmen had the same feeling about it, for the} sought to ascolerato the march of time (on that day), without witnosses, in a manner which I would rather not chiractcrise, and were overjoyed when Monday dawned. Whoever has lived in English society will understand what I mean. On tho other hand, if you go into the country around Berlin, if it does not exactly happen to be near a brewery, and look at the villages, you are pleased with the appearance of the people in their holiday garb, and thank God that we live not under the yoke of on Epglish Sunday.

BURTON AND CUNNINGHAM IN GAOL.

How tho Dynamiters Will hive for the

Remainder of Their lives.

Chatham Prison is composed of several wings, each much in the shape of the Tombs, Each wing is surrounded by its own walls. Burton was put in one wing, Cunningham in another. Doubtless they will never see each other again, as the officials are careful to separate " pals," while each wing has its own exercise ground. Ono thousand two hundred and odd convicts are their neigh bours at present. Each was assigned to a cell on the third tier. The second is do voted to probationary graduates after nine months' solitary service, and the ground tier to the coarser and more vicious kind of convicts.

Each tier of cells is about seven feet square and eight feet high, with clean, whitewashed walls and boarded floor. At tho end, undor a window through which a flood of light was streaming, was a bedstead of wooden plank, about eight inches from the floor; a pillow of the same material three inches highor. A rug covers the plank and plank pillow. Another rug is the top covering. The chair resembles a butchor's chopping-block, fastened by iron staples to the floor, to prevent the prisoners from knocking tho warders down with it. The table, a piece of wood projecting from the wall, about a foot and a half square, com pletes the furniture of the cell. Each cell has a small magnifying glass in the wall, covered outside with a clasp, for the use of tho sentinel or visiting warder. The diet is equal to that given to the steerage passengers on any of the trans-Atlantic steamers. Throe meals a day : for breakfast a basin of gruel and eight ounces of prison baked bread; for supper a basin of coeaa and eleven ounces of bread. The dinner is really a substantial meal, varied every day with stewed beef or mutton, suet pudding, potatoes and soup twice a week, and in addition five ounces of bread each day.

The rules of tho prison are terribly strict. The Deputy Governor said that he could not specifically say how the two dynamiters bore their first two days' confinement, but during tho next nine montke thoy will see no one but the warder, nor talk with any one except the doctor if ill, nor hear any voice except that of the chaplain or of Roy. W. Alton, the prison Catholic priest. During this time meals will be brought to them. They ha?e been set to pick oakum, and are allowed to receive no letters nor writing materials, newspapers or books, and until next March Burton and Cunningham will have no company but their own thoughts, regrets, and possible hopes. After this period they will be changed to a lower tier and smaller cells, because they will then be put to outer work, while their cells beceme their bedrooms, or doubtless, if refractory, they will be made navvies, digging and wheeling at the docks. When the probation is ended they can have after 5 in theevening to 8 o'clock booksof tho prison library, which are excellent. When the days are short a small gas jet is provided within the coll over a table. Your corres pondent loomed that although prisoners of the State, they would be treated precisely as short-term convicts guilty of the usual statutory offences. Burton and Cunningham will probably always remain in Chatham Prison.—London Corr. "New York Herald.'

An Extraordinary Story.

The following extraordinary story has gone tho round of the Sooteh papers during the last week :—A few days ago there died in Preston, at the ordinary cottage houso in a street on the nothern sido of tho town, a woman of Royal descent—a second cousin or Queen Victoria, it is distinctly asserted ; and, so far as the town is concerned, sho wont down to the grave, at the end of eighty five, '' unhonoured and unsung." The only mourner at the grave side wop her son, whoso life has been of a most chequered description. For particular reasons we purposely suppress names ; if reference wero plainly made, the living might be injured in material prospects. This person ago, true to tho vow she had made, gave no goneral cue to her character or lineage. So well was this vow kept that only a limited favoured number wore able to penetrate the eocret. Dcsoonded from a Royal stock of peculiarly historic renown, ttio woman refer red to passed her youthful days in the vicin ity of Balmoral Castle. AbrawScotchladdio, noil oducatod, but with no flno ancestry to boast of, wooed and won the maidon. Thoy wero married; but the marriage was not ap proved of in certain high quarters, and the wedded couplo afterwards took their depart ure and located themselves inaneighbouring Scottish town

Great secrecy was observed as to the family character and associations of the deceased ; and it was only threo days ago wo ascer tained, through quite a special channel, that she had lived and died at Preston. A short time before her death she, with her son, went specially to London and stayed there for a week, certain arrangements being made during their sojourn in the metropolis. In her last illness she called hor son to her bedside, gave him good counsel, and advised him to be content with his present station in life, as ony departure from it might bo attended with inconveni ence to his happiness. During her lifetime thero were from time to time communica tions passing between London and Scotland and tho deceased, which inclines us to think tho so-called error of hor marriage was viewed in a by no means very harsh light, and tho events which subsequently took place strongly confirm this view. The deceased was a ripe scholar, agood linguist, possessed a well-balanced mind, and left behind her many things bearing upon her Royal descent. These, we understand, are about to bo, if they have not already been, sent to a certain quarter. A voluminous correspondence has been committed to the flames by order of certain anthorities, and a diary kept by husband and wife has shared the same cruel fate._ Many of the books bore marginal notes in ink, and these, too, have been subjected to the same fiery ordeal. In accordance with instructions officially given, all manuscript and letters havo been destroyed, while all articles have been sent off to London and Scotland.

The Jews and the Revision of the Bible.

The "Jewish World" says:—"As Jews and as Englishmen we are doubly concerned in the Revised Version of the Jewish Scrip tures ; and in common with every section of our fellow-countrymen,have been eagerly awaiting the long-promised volume embody ing the results of 15 years' labour bestowed upon the Old Testament text by .presumably, the ablest Hebraists living whose services the Church of England could command. It is true that, from a Jewish point ot view, there are no important issues depending upon tho more correct rendering of certain inaccurately translated passages of the Authorised Version of 1611. There are no burning questions agitating the Jewish community which a more accurate rendering of the Old Testament will settle. There are no doubts and difficulties, no matters of doctrine or dogma, which an emendation of tho Bible text is calculated to remove. But the fact that the Authorised English Version of the Old Testament is that which Jews, by reason of its accessi bility, are accustomed to read and study is, alone sufficent to invest tho volume with a surpassingUnterest in the eyes of all Jewish readers. The Jew, whom tho Bible has actually shaped and moulded into form, understands, as no others probably ever can or will, the reverence and affection with which. his Scriptures are regarded by a race so largoly influenced by its teachings as his Anglo-Saxon fellow-countrymen. It is but a truism to assert that Saxon civilisation is largely the outcone of Old Testament teach ings. For, without the Scriptures of the Hebrews, the western world would have lacked alike an incentive to all higher pro gress, and been deprived of a literature em bodying some of the noblest thoughts that have ever been vouchsafed to mankind, The practical Anglo-Saxon is a man much more after the fashion of the Old Testament than he would care to admit, and there can be no doubt that his peculiar characteristics are not a little duo to the fact that, for good or for ill, the Jewish scriptures are his favourite reading. No book, in the eyes of the Englishman, can compare with the Bible; and, though Christendom claims to be inspired by the teachings of the New Testament, yet no impartial critic of the times, who judges the Englishman by hia acts rather than by bis professions, will fail to see in him the stamp of the Old Testament, to trace in his character the impress of its teachings, and perceive in his morality the influence of its ethics. As Jews, we are glad to note all this and, as Jews, we can join with every section of our fellow-countrymen in giving cordial welcome to the Revised Version of a book which contains so much we all in common admire and revere."

A Chinese Hoy Servant.

Hiko comes from Southern China, and when the first snow of the season began ta fall early in December, he ran into the dini^ room in great excitement to ask, " What you call him ?" Ice, too, was a great wonder to him. The water had frozen in a washing tub, in which some clothes had been put to steep, and Hing attacked this ice with a knife as intrepidly as Don Quixote rode at the windmills. Afterwards he amused himself with making a set of crystal dishes by freezing water in plates and saucers, By this time he had made such rapid strides in knowledge that he placed the plates, &c, for one minute on the stove before turning out the ice moulds on to the table. Nothing in the house interested Hing so much as a little travelling clock that stood on our dining-room mantelpiece. Whenever he was in the room his eyes would wander from the work he was doing and fix themselves on the clock, and " What time?" wos his constant inquiry until he had learnt to answerthequestion for himself. One night we forgot to wind up this clock, and the next morning Hing came to us in great dismay to say that the clock did not "savvy talk." The Victoria ladies are in the habit of giving frequent lunch parties among themselves, but Hing oxpressed his unqualified disapproval, of such entertainments the first time I told him I had invited some ladies to " eat at my house," and his opinion has never altered. " Too much woman talk no good," is his verdict. On the othor hand he is de lighted if men come to dinner, and the younger, and taller, and smoother-faced they are, the_ greater is his admiration for them. But 3ince'' imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," he must also admire one or two of the girls who visit at our house. One day I went into the kitchen, and found him standing with his left hand placed flat on the table, while, with a brush in his right hand, he was scrubbing it with tremen dous energy. "I no savvy what for," he said, when I went in. "My hand clean. I rub and scrub ten minutes, and it no more white ; no more all the same Miss 's hand. Ino savvy what for." .... The irregular outgoings and incomings of my husband were for some time a great source of anxiety to Hing. He did not understand that money could be earned except by manual labour, nnd the hours my husband spent away from home did not at all correspond with workmen's hours, with which, of course, he was familiar. Hing could only arrive at the melancholy con clusion that he was an idler, or, as he himself would have expressed it, " too much lazy " and "no savvy nothin'." So some day Hing urged me to remonstrate with Mr , and to remind him that, though his way of life might be a pleasant one for the present, it would not answer in the long run. " All very good now," said Hing earnestly, " but perhaps ten years no more money. What lm do then ? Some time he sell you 1" No thing could, of course, exceed this climax. Hing'sattitude towardsus ißby nomeansthat of a servant. To a certain extent he recog nises me as his " boss," but otherwise our intercourse is like that of two independent powers. If he had a good balance at his banker's he could not be more confident with regard to his financial liabilities and his future power to meet them than he is with his seven dollars a month. He calmly speaks of the two or three hundred dollars he owes the " cousin " who brought him here, and this spring he sent off twenty dollars to his father in China, part of which sum he borrowed from a friend, because, as he explained to me, his father was "too poor,' and might be " no more " if he de layed help until he had saved that sum, Ote morning, as I was quietly sewing by the fire, the parlour door was flung open and Hing made his appoaranco with a glass in his hand, which he was drying. "Mow much money?" he asked, holding out the glass It was such a frequent question of his that I answered without surprise. My watch, my shoes, my dresses, and even my wedding ring had long before been priced from mere curiosity. This time, however, when I told him the glass cost two bits, he pulled a big silver dollar out of his trousers pocket and flung it at my feet. " All right; you go buy j one broko." Before I could say a word the door was shut and he had disap peared. Another day W., who was very fond of teasing him, offered him half a dollar and told him to "go buy pigtail for dog, and then he China dog." " Allright," said Hing, at once producing a similar coin and throwing it on the table before W., •• I give you half dollar, and you go buy beard for dog, and he all same as white man." He is never without a retort, and the ques tion, "You a good boy, Hing ?" is always met with "I sink so; you a good man?" , . . , Another difficulty had to be faced when we came to the sentence, " All you do and all you say, God can see and hear." My explanation of the word " God " resulted in Hing at once exclaiming " Oh, I savvy I Too much big boss up high ? Yes 1 I savvy. A too much good Chinaman !" This idea, though not exactly according with a white man's ideal, I was careful not to disturb. This spring he is so far ad vanced as to address the rain on washing days, in all seriousness, with the rhyme—

Wain, wain, go away, Come again some other day;

but his is a mind that searches into deep things, and a few minutes afterwards he turned to me to suggest that " perhaps to morrow some other lady's washday, and she no like wain ?" One result of learning Eng lish from a primer is that his language has taken its form from it, and he greets my appearance with "I see a lady: she has a good gown and a good shoe." These state ments are not always accurate in word, but the ironical tone sometimes used leaves no doubt in the hearer's mind as to the exact meaning intended.

Louis Pasteur's Life Work.

It would be difficult to conceive of any man not of the Latin race writing an ac count of the life of his father-in-law while that relative was still living, yet last year a book appeared in Paris, entitled " M. Pas teur, Histoire dun Savant par un Ignorant," which fulfilled these conditions. The au thor was Valery Radot, the son-in-law- of tho celebrated scientist. The book, how ever, was not so much a contribution to the world's knowledge of Pasteur the man, as of Pasteur the chemist and investigator. It was sent to Professor Tyndall, who in duced Lady Claud Hamilton to undertake an English translation of it. . In a long introduction Professor Tyndall gives his estimate of the work of the French scientist. He reviews at length the main achievements of Pasteur, and does this with judicial temper. He devotes considerable space to M. Pasteur's work in cheeking the ravages of the silkworm in France, which at one time threatened to ruin the business. Of the methods of the-French scientist he says: Previous investigation had got so far as to discover vibratory corpuscles in the blood of the diseased worms, and with such cor puscleß-Pasteurhad madehimsolf acquainted. He was therefore to some extent at home in this new investigation. Tho calamity was appalling, all the efforts to stay the plague liaving proved futile. In June, 1865, Pasteur betook himself to the scene of the epidemic, and at once commenced his observations. On the evening of his arrival he had already discovered the corpuscles and shown them to others. Acquainted as he was with the work •of living ferments, his mind was prepared to see in the corpuscles the cause of the epi demic. ■ He followed them through all the phases of the insect's life—through the eggs, through the worm, through the chrysallis, through tho moth. He proved that the germ of the malady might be present in the •eggs and escape detection. In the fvorm also it might elude microscopic examination. But in the moth it reached a development so distinct as to render its recognition immediate. From healthy moths healthy eggs were sure to spring; from healthy eggs, hoalthy worms; from healthy worms, fine cocoons ; so that the problem of the restora tion to France of its silk husbandry reduced itself to the separation of the healthy from the unhealthy moths, the rejection of the latter and tho exclusive employment of the eggs of the former. M. Radot describes how this was done on tho largest scale, with the most satisfactory results. But Pasteur's greatest claim to the grati tude of mankind is based on his researches in vaccination. He demonstrated so con clusively the value of vaccination that no one, after witnessing his experiments upon cattle and sheep, could douut the value of this check to a deadly disease. The estima tion in which his work is held in France is shown by the faot ihat while in 1881 only 34,000 animals were vaccinated, in 1883 the number had increased to half a million. M. Pasteur has lately acquired much noto riety by his experiments in hydrophobia, Tyndall says of the commission which was appointed at Pasteur's instance to investi gate the subject that the result of its labours " inspires the sure and certain hope that, as regards the attentuatlon of the rabio virus and the rendering of an animal by inocula tion proof against attack, the success of M. Pasteur is assured." Tho book is a very readable one.and gives an excellent idea of the advance which has been made in sci ence daring the last thirty years,

A Novel Method of Advertising.

Between ten and eleven o'clock on the 13th of April there was an unusual excitement in the Colosseum, Glasgow. Some two months ago Mr Walter Wilson placed in ono of tho windows of his establishment a largo jar filled with peas, and at the same time inti mated that whoever would tell the correct number in the jar would receive a gift of 100 sovereigns. Every purchaser of five shillings' worth of goods had the privilogo of estimating, and over 30,000 tried their hands, the number in the jar beintr put down ut various figures ranging from 21 single peas to 17,000,000. Offers had come from every quarter of Scotland, and from nearly all classes of society. The methods of arriving at an estimate sent in wore, it is said, both numerous and curious. Soma dreamed of a figure ; ethers took heads or tails to go above 10,000 or 20,000; many made profound mathematical calculations ; careful housewives weighed their peas; and easy-going mortals " lippened to chance." Nobody knew how many peas werein the jar, for Mr Wilson,af ter filling it, burned the re mainder of what had been bought for the purpose, and the solution of tho problem was loft entirely to the guessing or calculat ing powers of thoso who wished to make the attempt. It had been announced that count ing would takeplaceatteno'clock,and at that hour there was, a crowd of boys, men and women surrounding the counter, where tho work was at once commenced by a staff of about a dozen men. Taking the peas from the large jar they couated them into hun dreds, placing each hundred in a tumbler. The process was simple and observed by all, and eager were the faces that watched it. When it was seen that tho nambor would not exceed 80U0, several of the guessers, who had fixed on double that figure pro bably, left the crowd ; others, in evident disappoiontment, knowing thoy also were unsuccessful, hung on to the bitter end. At last the counting was finished, and the figures checked, and Mr Wilson stated, amid breathless excitement, that tho number of peas in the jar was 7955, and the nearest estimate to it was 7953, given by a Mra Sommerville, 14, Cadogan streot, Glasgow. Next to that was a man named McAlpine, of Rothesay, whose estimate was 7951. The first would receive a gift of £50, the second of £20, and the remainder would be divided among other seven who had sent in the figures 7950 and 7960. Of course this was subject to revision. When the result was made known the crowd dispersed, some of them laughing over the matter, and some of them rather crestfallen. It, was noticeable in the estimate papers that a great number had fixed on the same figures —no fewer than 300 people, for instance, having chosen the number 7777.

What Language Would Man Naturally Speak?

A few years ago a society of eminent mon in Paris discussed the question, " What language would a child naturally speak if never taught?" The devout Catholics were of opinion that the Hebrew language would be spoken in these circumstances. One scientist was of opinion that some form of the Chinese language would be the natural tongue. Twenty different results were predicted. At last it was decided to test the matter, and a com mittee was appointed to carry out the experiment. Two infants were procured and put in the charge of a deaf and dumb woman whe lived in the Alps, and made a living by rearing chickens and tending sheep. The woman was given strict in junctions to allow no one to speak to these children, and as her cottage was some miles distant from any neighbour, the circum stances surrounding the exporiment were very favourable. Years rolled on.and many of the members of the society had lost sight of this interesting experiment. Some members of the committee died, and there was great danger of the results of this won derful test being lost to the world. Fortu nately, two of the members of the committee kept faithful watch on the case, and when the children were six years old brought them, with their nurse, into the meeting of the savants. Every member was on the tiptoe of expectation as to the result. Not one word could either of the children utter; their only form of language was a wonder fully good imitation of the crowing of a cock, or the cackling of a hen, or the bleat ing of a sheep. The predictions of seience wera totally upset by a practical experi ment.

For Ladies Only.

Thebe was a ball at the Pennsylvania Female College last week—a ball the like of which is not often seen. Within the chapel the floor was cleared and every bench pushed back, and oh the little stage at the east end an orchestra was seated. Under the many-lighted chandeliers a gay throng was moving, and as the music of a waltz sounded, Bwayed off in the one-two-three step of that favourite dance. The costumes were brilliant and the scene remarkable. At a first glance a spectator could not help noticing them. They did not seem to be quite the usual thing. Smooth-faced youths they were, all of themwith.bangs, and most of them blessed with more back hair than tho average young man can handle with any degree of grace. Their garb was not exactly the regulation. The black swallow tail coat, the standing collar, the exposure of snowy linen and the black waistcoat were according to standard. But the breeches wore something new. They are made of some sort of striped stuff and stopped at the knee. From there down to the patent leathers the limbs were incased in black silk stockings. The carriage of these gallants was strange, and on a second glance you saw they were girls. It was the annual ball of the college students, and one half of them were masquerading in male, attire. Not a real man was in sight—except the musicians, who don't ccunt—but there were plenty of imitations, and right honestly did they fill their parts. To be sure, some of them needed coaching in the matter of handling crushed hats and lolling in the doorways, but tho majority of them had seen enough of the Simon Pure to go through the motions without a singlo break. The ladies—that is, the ladies who were appear, ing in their own character—were dressed in the height of style. The assertion that women won't dress for women wouldn't have had half a chance at the college last week. Low neck and short sleeves were the rule, trains longer than their wearers wero common,and jewels flashed in powdered hair. It was full-dress for a certainty. The rules thatarein forcein ordinary socialassemblages of this kind were strictly observed, and there was a due solemnity about tbo whole affair. —New York " Star."

ORIGINAL POETRY

FREEDOM AND LIBERTY.

The spirit of Freedom was weeping sore— For heavy the bonds, aud tho crotu. she bore- But a gleam in her eye. tho' it told of pain ' Waß a signal—the Goddess should rise again.

The spirit of Hope waß her sister true, And close to her heart fair Freedom drew • She drank of the bliss thatoomcs from the skies. "That Freedom shall live-but the despot dies.

Tho tplrit of Faith came hovering near Tooomfort her heart, and her soul to ohesr She placed on hor brow fair rubies bright' And crowned her Queen in the cause of Right

Tho spirit of Poesy sat by her sido, And wooed hor with song a3 a fair young brido And the chords wore swopt so wild aud free Like battle notes, l inging of Liberty.

And Freedom struggled with gyves and chains— Ay. like a young giant in bloody pains— And she shook herself from the tyrant hands A monarch again in her smlliDg lands. '

The God of Liberty haßtod to greet His sister, who fought in the crowded street For the cause of right, and for freeman's laws- And tho tyrant dlos-'mid the world's applause

And beneath tho feet of fair Freedom lay The spear and lance of the bloody fray With the gyves and fetters that bound her long. Whilst her soul burst forth in praise and song

"O, sing, yo Patriota-for tho battle's dono. The death-strain s ended—tho victory's won " And the song went over the land and the sea, For fair Freedom was orown'd with Liberty

Otahuhu, July2oth. 188ft_ * ;:W,_R. Wilis.

A RAY OF LIGHT.

What is so dear to prisoner's sight Better than any golden prize. That gift of God so rich, so sweet- A little ray ot light.

And stretched upon tho weary bed With restless limbs and aching head How longingly we strain the Bight To catch that little ray of light.

The blind would give half of thoir lifo To have the blessing of the sight. To soe again the faoa so dear. Warmed with a ray of light.

And what are wo who, inly blind. Burdened by shallowness c£ mind Refuse iv Jesus Christ to find Our everlasting light.

When we pass through death's streams so cola. Who will our hand so gently hold, And take ub straight into his fold- Jesus our everlasting light.

Whata Whata, July oth 1885. ' ' )

lIDAY, JULY 25, 1885

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATU

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