RANDOM SHOTS.

IP.V 55AMIEL.1

Some, writo, a neighbour's name to Insli, Some wrilo—vain "Ihousrht—for needfn! cash, Soiuo writo to please tho country clasli. And raise a din.

For me an nim I never fash— I writo for iv.v

Accklabk, which :i few years ago enjoyed almost.", monopoly of criminal ''sensations,' ia in danger of being completely cut out by Canterbury. Of coarse, the Queen of tbo North can still boast of the Great Barrier tragody-an affair almost unique in the records of crime, oh account of its dolicato blending of love ( jealousy, murder, piracy nnd adventure; but. during tho last two years her Southern rival hws been running hor very close, and, if tho number of "eon. Rations " ia.taken into account, now holds the championship belt. The "severed hand " fraud had in it all thoso olementa of mystery and horror in which literary ghouls delight to revel ; and it had scarcely boen disposed of before the Timaru poiaoninp ca?e burst upon the colonial world and dazzled the weak-minded in the community by tho romance of crime. That case, was in point of sensationalism nearly equal to the champion Auckland tragedy, but it fell ehort ii that Hall was found to be a raoie coutemptiblo villain than Caffrey, and one ior whom there was Bcarcely a thrill of morbid sympathy awakened. Treading cm the heels of that melo-dramatic affair came what ia called " the Cain murder case," which is sti'l subjncUce, but in nhioh tho public manifest but a languid interest chitfiy because most minds are already made np with regard to it, and partly, also, because there U not an atom of romance to relieve tho unfeeling cruelty, devilish cun ning, and eordid love of gain which undurlio it. By the removal of tho latter case for trial at Duoodin, the people of Chrietchurch appear to hare been robbed of a legitimate treat; but na if to cimpensato thorn lor the io??, tho capital of Canterbury has supplied a now " horror " in tho shape of that revolting caso in which a doctor and pevcral females aremixtdupin mostdiscrcdii; abl3 fashion. Whenitcomoato suchcrimesas tliis, Auckland willingly retires from tho contest, and even windy and wicked Wel lington, who has all sorta of immorality laid to hor charge, hides her diminished head. Keading the details of the horrible practices laid to tho charge of Dr. Russell, overy humane person, and every lover of his species, must be shocked to think Bach things possible, oven in the corrupt modern Cityof tho l'lain. In particular, thomanner ia which tho eimplo servant girl Connolly was victimised nnd her life jeopardised, to eatiafy the brutal appetites of men and yet escape the censure of Mrs Grundy, must awaken in overy breast not only a foelingr of hearty execration, but a desire for honeat retaliation. For tho Bake of our common humanity we must hope that tho horrible etory disclosed in thedepo-itiona before the magistrate will be disproved by tho ac cuted at their trial.

I am glad (o soo that a humano medical man baa been writing to the papers draw ing atteution to tho system of logaliEed infanticido that ia finding its way into our midst, and which I learn iroin Austra lian papers has obtained a secure foot ing in Melbourne and Sydney, It ia monstrous that " baby-fjrming " ehouli ba absolutely without supervision, bo that numerous deaths of children take place from a criminal neglect which is woire than deliberate murder. The suggestion of "Medious" ia that foundling hospitals should ba instituted ; bat the evil will novor be remedied until the State fully re cognises ite duty to stand in loco parcntis to children from the moment of birth, instead of leaving thorn absolutely unprotected during the mo?t helpless period of their ex istence. It 13 not at all necessary or desir ab!o that the State Infant Homes should be charitabl9 inßtitut;ons ; they Bhould indeed be mado self-supporting by parents being compelled to keep up their payment?, and the profits dariveii from training schools for older childien should bo amply sufficient to pay for tho maintocanco of orphans and deEerted childron. The education and training given in these State institutions ought, of courso, to bo of the highest utility, fo as to produca worhy men and "women, and people ought to be intelligent onougb to ?rr> that such Stoto aid. which 13 really co operation, ia in no reuse pauperising or de grading Were stinu such system to be adopted, there would bo fo«er noglecteri ohildroa, "larrikini-m " wouKl spoodily disappear, nnd our gaols would by clegriee btcouie um:ecss«iry.

1 have before mo a copy of the Mel bourne "Age,*' and from it 1 can ccc that the obituary poet of that journal ctill pursues his cheerful calling. This rhyming undertaker keeps up bis old facility of blending pathos with bathos. Here for instance is What he makes a mother say of the deith if her 23-year-old daughter : — One sweot flower drnppad and faded Oui single voiao hus. fled. One >lear stave boro tso shadow. Onu deir scry ol rai-.te is devJ. Bat what wo tesl, or tl.oaght, orsatinoes, i For aht hw gnno to heaven btlo o us. To the sweef. and spirit land. From hor dear old mother. All which may be very comforting, but it is neither poetry nor commom sense. Again, I find the following linea attached to the obituary notice of a man who was lest in tho Keilawarra disaster :— How ni.tlewothongbtwT'.Bn he bade us good bye Toa. ha left us for ever, he latt ua to die; That, alas, inih!awoldhis;losswoshou!dmourn, For hiß poor lifeless t jrm never more will return. From which one would infer that hia rela tives wore anxious for occasional vieits from the "poor lifeless form," while in point of fact they would all go off in hysterics if tho paid 'form" were to appear some quiet evening in the family circle ' The " loving children " of another man commemorate his deceaEe and console hia vexed spirit with the following verse: Onr Saviour w'll guido and prot ct thee, A 8 far tfpm tho loved ones you roaaj. Ard whi<por wheteer thoua't aaaa-in a— '• \V6 mi''B thee, wo miss thee at homo. Aa if it would dispel anyone's sadness to be told that his dear ones were missing him and mourning for his loss ! There is a touch of human feeling in the following : — It a'lbi< notions he wa«ki;.d. But he's Uit his wife and child boMml, That is almost as jf the widow and orphan said to the soul of tho departed one —" We had no fault to fiod with the actions of your life, but it was too bad of ■you to go and leave us ! That last ' un kind cut' more than couuter-b?lancea all your good qualities !". That death U due to tho volition of tho pereon removed seems to be taken for granted in a number of these ellußions, aB is anain seen in a piece begin ning "DearestCarrio.how wemissthee,' and winding up with the. pious eentimont—"Thy will be dono !"

The binding of tha work of the obituary ariist with Scriptural quotations is almost as ttood in these effusions as in the follow ioK tombstone inscription, which ia euid to be found ia an English churchyard : ~"Sho lived a life ot virtue, and died of tho cholera morbus, caused by oating green fiuit, in the hope of a blessed immortality, at tho early B«e ot 21 years, 7 months and IS day?. Header !go thou and do likoniao !" Lots of coluuiul small boys uro at tho present moment eating green ruit, and tho doctors and grave difTj,'6rs have hopos of a "glorious m'.-rtßlitt"' resulting fiorofrom. But the climax of unconscious humour in the way of epitaphs i-s to be found in a oomo tery in India, where an inscription to the fallowing efttct teurhea tbo rustic moralist to din —or iathor to kill:—" Sicrtd to the memory of I'ol ■ , who was murdered by hie* fool man. - Well dono, good and faithful servant I" Tha le3«>n deduoiblo from hH these ftightful examples is that the average' obituary poet and tomb etono artist is not to be trusted to make Scriptural quotations, and his work ought to be supervised by a committee of parsons' before it ia allowed to bo eu balmed in enduring marble or the cheaper yet not lofs blessed immortality of a news papor obituary column. The time draw 3 near the birth of Burn* — next Tuesday is tho exact date—and Scots everywhere, and particularly Scotsabroad, are preparing to do hotnago at tha Shrine of nonius. That ."'wicked old fool ' who vat accused of neglecting Chriatmaa obser>. vance should-now point out to his friend, " j',ohn Bull, the true ioa»ou why, viz,, that he"Ciic£i'. yes instead tho birthday of another mightjPfeKvercr—one who eavod his coun try from the sin of'servility by his stirring strain of "A ilan'B a Mau for a' That."

With the approach of tho 25th of January tho stony hearts of the song of Caledonia be como as wax before the fire ; and thero is therefore a good deal of the wisdom of the serpent in that application for subscriptions from Auak)and Scots to help to pay for the

Burns statue at Duncdin, The appeal la backed by the following poetic effusion, which ought to touch tho heart and purse .gtringa of every enthusiastic Scot: — "Putaatanaonthocairn of tho plooman cbiel Whi gave voico to oaoh thrill that the heart can ft el. \nfl scattered his fangs, wi' a mighty hand. In theheartso£ thepeople in evory land. Proe. as the r.ir or the sunlijht o1 hoaven Thesoprioelo-SEangJlo us weroßtvon . Tae Bootho and Uo chosr wi' taoir mystical chimo Tho hearts on mon till tho end o' tima! Th.-ra pile up tho c lirn : sot the statue on high. Till ihe head of the Bard sweeps tho eouthern And the tribes will soe who aro far away Ho™ wo honour tho author of "Scols wha Hao." All tho came, hard times, added to hard headedness, may render tho presont appel unavailing ; but probably, ft a subscription iiet wero produced on Tuesday evening next, and eerved up just after the " haggle," a generous response rr.ight be made.

An alarming rumour reaches my earß, and I hasten to take tho readers of " Ran dom Shots " into my confidence th»t I may have ths benofit of their counsel. A steamer that recently arrived from Sydney brought two paFsengers, who were de scribed, per newspaper list, as "Messrs Smith (2)." There- is nothing particularly portentous about that item to tho casual observer, unless it is tho fact that two mem bers of the mighty clan Smith exist who ore bold enough to sign their names without a " y." But a friend of mine has pierced be neath the name, and has found that the two passengorn so described are a tall, thin, eldorly gentleman, who looks like a Scotch t£»n, and a etoutith man who stands to the otherintherelationsbipof nephew. And now comes the secret: The elderly gentleman has been ider.ti6od as a well known Sydney capi talist, and it has been ascertained that he brought with him £30,000 in cold to invest in >'oivZealand properties. By travelling «(co;7 ni'tn the man of monoy manages, or thinks he does, to conceal his design?, so that no one will tako advantage of his embarras dc riches. Jlis object in fotching "tho cool thirty thousand'Mn gold was to save the bank charge of one fourth par cent or 5s per £100 : and of course the drain which was thus made upon the resources of the Sydney banks accounts for the withdrawals of gold from London for Australia that wero lately cabled.

Now, my information is definite that the object of this gentleman and bis nephow is to buy up largo tracts of land in New Zealand, and if go, thoy have assuredly shown great tact in choosing tho time for invading Maoriland. At no period in the history of the colony during tho last thirty years could £30,000 buy moro land than it will at present, and I almost tremble as I think on th* possibility of these gentlemen acquiring the whole of the King Country aa it is pasfod through the Land Court, and par haps selling it for double the purchase price to the Mormons ! "My, ain't it terrible ! What shall we do?'' Aa though we had not laud-sharks of our own sufficiently numerous and voracious, wo must suffer an invasion of them from a sister colony ! My idea is that property-owners should bo ou their guard against old Craseus and his nephew, and see that tHey don't pick up valuable territory at half its value, hooaueo of tho pressing nocssaities of the moment. But I fear money is all-powerful, and I could scarcely trust myself to refuse, from a patriotic motive, any "reasonable offer " for the broad acres of the " Zamiel" family, over which my eye now glancaa in pride. And when such ia my feeling, 1 op: ce that there will ba not a few who, if they knew where the " Messrs Smith" could be feund, would not rest until thoy had effected a trade with them. What do you think, dear reader? Should we re ceire tho Messrs Smith with open arms as public benefactors, or repel them as eurmies to the State? Of course I know voiir answer— " Down with land-grabbers ! The land for the people !" And yet that £30,000 .

Some free born Briton has been exorcis ing his inalienable right to grumble, and h^s written to the Star that the City Froth Water Baths are in a thick and muddy condition. There has been the usual violent contradiction on tho subject, but I would submit that tho matter admits of r.o question. Tho following advertise ment lately appeared : — WANTED-Everj-one to know that tho office of tho Refuse and Night Soil Coutractor is removed to the Citr Fresh VVntor Baths Building. That accounts lor thn milk iv the cocoanut! "Rofusoand nightsoil . . removed to the City Fresh Water Baths ;" not a word moro is neceessry; nnd tho sooner Inspector Goldio nose tho true state of affair* the better for the public health. Tho above little advertisement may possibly holp to explain also how it happens that the prcsont nightsoil contractor is able to do the work for about onohalf the amount charged by his pre decessors ! Oh ! The Freah Water Baths are a great institution intoirely !

Tauranga has a reverend Mayor at proesnt—the R^v. Charles J I 'an ; —but scmebow bia reverence docs not blend very well into Hia Worship. In trying to dis charge hia dual duties, this p«m>/iification of a model Mayor finds that something must suffer, and he apparently prefers the secular to tho spiritual side. In his clerical capacity be la fely announcod hia intention of resuming a Wednesday evening Bible Class. In doing so he repu diated a rumour that be was unwilling to do hia duty, but, on,the contrary, was will ing and, able to impart instruction, for which, however the people must come to him, it not being his duty to run over the parish after them. Ho finhhod his address by saying very emphatically, "I am not your public servant." Thereupon " A Churchman" writes to'the local tbunderer and take 9 the reverend gentleman to task, reminding him of his duty to go to the high ways and byways to seek and save that which is lost, and pointing out the incon gruity of the clerical and Mayoral functions. Here "is a nice question for tho Bishop to eottle, if & parson may not practice as a lawyor, as one reverend body declared, how stand the Church canons with regard to the secular office of Mayor ?

The Duration of Life.

How long may a human being live in per fect possession of his faculties and powers for good or evil? The question is impor tant to all. Conceivo a statesman with a despotic power of influencing men's wills who should last as Ion;; as old Parr ! Think of a beauty who might eclipse the maidens of each frefh season, and whofe hesternce rocsa should outgrow their froth loveliness, as long as Ninon do l'Enclos was a toast, or Marion Dolorme, to whom Balzac ansigas 130 yoais! History, social or political, would be altered; the whole progress of humanity might be advanced tor renos, or retarded for one man, who varied from the kindly race of men and lived twice as long as his oldest neighbour. |If we may believe a curious old French i boob, "History of Persons Who Have laved for Many Ages and Have Grown Young Again " (Paris', 1716), this fancy is not wholly absurd or impossible. All Europe expects great changes from the death of Prince- Bismarck, of Yon Moltke, of the Emperor. How would all Europe look if they retained their vigour, till, say, 1900 ? Bsforo the deluge 6uch lives would have seemed prematurely cut short at 150 veare. And since the doluge? Here on our French author enlightens us wifch learning from PlinVi Oornaro and Phlegan of Trails Tims [Enlil, tho founder of lbs Chincpc Empiro, roignocl 115 yeir?, and so did Apopbus of Tliebf.% Egyptian, but be surely was the eon of Zeus! f utiochns Epiphnncs died at 140 yours. A I itiirof the Otuuianians lived to 115 years, bu' 'bat was in Arabia FoHx. Tacitus gives 17.5 years to Tuistso, a German princa. Da<l.lon, an lllyrian noble, lived for 500 years, according to Alexandra Cornelius. Anacr< on gives Cinyrua of Cyprus 100 yearp, and Argan thoniup, a Spaniard, 150 summers. Accord- Ing to Bonfinius, Attilla was ]24 years, when he died of the consequsnees of a revel on the night of his marriage—his second marriage. How long had he lamented his first consort 1 Epimenides was 157 years (others say 299 years) at his regretted decease. At lOOyeaisEuphraner gave up taking private pupila. Sophochles perished by accident at 130 years. Th"c Apooryphy mentions the circumstance that Mattathias died by misadventure at 146 years. Tbf> Countesa of Arundel (temp. Charles I) employed a Mrs Gamp of 123 years. Thus,-even in its na'ural way, we need never despair of any man attaining, say, 130 yoars, a pleasant thought in the case of really great men, whose lives are useful to their country. Why, we might hare Cromwell with us yet!' ■

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. January 23-Tokapuna J. C. Sumnnr. March 8 and 0 - Wanganui Jockf y Club 3 Autumn Moeiioff* March 3 and 10—Nnpler Park KacirK Club's Autumn Mo-tirg. March 15, 10. 17—H».wke's Biy Jockey CluU'a Autumn Meeiini?. March 31 >i".d April 1 -Taranafcl Jock'-y Clubs Annivc.-S'jry MeotinK. ~ Apiil H »mi 12 —C.ntorbucj Jockey Olaba Autnmn Meeting. April 11 and 1! — Auckland Ra:ing Club s Autumn Mealing.

To Correspondents.

G H. <N;:wmsrket).—Omata flntflicd before Fdl cog In tho Summer Steeplechase.

TURF GOSSIP.

[By HirroxA.]

Tiik first acceptance for tho Duncdin Gup, which fell due on Wednesday last, hag eecn a great weeding out of the rough division, and out of the 49 whose weights were apportioned by Mr Dowso, only 29 now re main in. The only absenteo that will really caueo surprise is Artillery, and it can oe takon lor granted that tho colt is seriously auiies, or else Mr Butlor would have made the first payment. When the weights made their appearance, I selected Nelson, Rubinu, Spade Guinea, and j Malignor to furniah tho winner, but tho last-named has dropped out, leaving mo with three, which I am willing to stsnd agninst tho field. The following aro tho names of tho hor*e« that havo paid up : — st lb Btlb Nelson .. .. 10 1 Folr Nell .. .. 6 !) Rublna .. ..8 2 Qulbblo .. .. 0 » Spade Guillen .. 712 Patrician.. .. fi 7 Loohiel .. .. 711 'WflrwMitir .. l> 8 Disowned.. .. 710 Pui-k .. ..05 Hormitauo .. 7 4 Apropos .. .. |> 2 Tit-bit .. ..7 0 Wild Orako .. l> 2 Leon .. .. G 13 St. Itepo .. .. fl 2 Itopo .. .. 012 Laroso .. ..BO I'orr?nt .. .. 010 Borcsford .. ..GO

Mr W. W. Kobin.'on issuod tho weights for the prineipil ovonts of the Tnkapuna Jockey Club Sutnmor Meeting this wook, and on the whole they appear to be protty equitably compiled. It will bo time enough on tho day previous to the gathering for me to givo my ideas regarding the pro bable winners. Despite tho many counter attractions next Saturday, the Club are quite certain to have a largo attendance, and tho meeting should rank among the many ruc cosaoa gained by tho popular little racing institution. Mr Wynyard, tho secretary, tolls mo that a totalisator will bo worked in the paddock, and thia will be found a groat I convenience to the habitues.

With regard to tho purchase of our crock two-year old colt Niagara by the Hon. W. Robinson, I have it on tho best authority that the colt was offered for 1,500 guineas after ho won the Midsummer Stakes on Boxing Day, but the Canterbury sportsman would not cloao at thoprice. After Niagara's ruuning on tho two concluding days of tho meoting.fresh overtures woro again opened up by Mr Robinson, but his owners added another 500 soys. to tho 6guro mentioned,bo that no deal waa effected. From what I hiar the owners of Niagara are notanxioua to part with the colt, and if all goes well, it is quite on the cards that ho will ondoavour to up hold the honour of Auckland in the next V.R C. Derby, along with Escutcheon, Tranter and Co.

The only local speculation of note in connection with the Dunodin Cup that has come undor my notice of lato ia tho accept ance of 250 to 35 about Neleon, whilo Spado Guinea has been backed at 100 to 11 For the Wellington Cup, 100 to 50 was during the week written against Pasha, nr.d for tho double of Wellington and JJunedki Cups, Paelia and Spade Guinoa, coupled with Nelson, have met with support at KiO's to 5, while 100's to i have been accepted about Spade Guinea and Derwonter.

Previous to the running of the Onohunga Cup on Saturdiy it was voted one of the most open races that have como up for do cisiou at a country meeting, and the owners of tho greater number who started were each confident of success. All of tho pre sumed "good things," however, were never in the hunt, and Mitrailleuse, whom her rider prsporly kept iv the rear, came through a quarter cif a mile from home, and completely smothered ths field. 'I ho race was run just to suit the non-stiy ing powora of the daughter of Musket, but her victory was greatly duo fo -Pearson, who rode a nino paHosit raco. Saturday's r t yo only makes the second occasion in which Mitrailleuse has won a mile-and-a half event during hor whole racing career, but this season clio is showing a bit more staying ability than wo ha*o previously Been from her.

Mr N. Goold left for Sydney ou Tuesday, taking with him the yearlings purchased by him for Australian buyers »t the rocont saloa. The Musket- Ro.=cUe colt and Musket—Pnlchia filly knocked down to Mr E. Mitchelson were also taken over, and will join the rest of that gontleman's string under the cars of Mr W..E. Dakin.

Up to the present it is not definitely decided whether Kiogfieh will be sent back to Sydney, or whether tho colt will remain here, for the A.R.C. Autumn Meeting to contest tho St. Legor. Should Kingfish remain hero it is more than probable that ho will be among the starters for tho Wan ganui Derby.

Pending further advice from Australia, the entries for the Great Northern Derby af 18S8 89 have not been made up. I undtr stund, however, that several prominent owners en the other Bide of tho water have sent in nominations.

It is certain that Dorringor will not race again this season ; in fact, it is more than likely that tho disappointing little son of Musket will never stand another prepara tion. The suspensory ligament of ooe of his forelegs is very badly strained, and it is intended to throw him out of training at once.

Now that the Auckland R-ieing Club Summer Meeting is numbered with the past, owners and trainers are commencing to inquire when the Club intend movins in the matter of the much talked-of tan gallop. After the geat number of local horses that have gone amies of late, which must in some measure bo laid down to this cause, it behoves the powers that bo to take some action in the matter at the earliest opportunity.

The finish in the Steeplechase at Ono hunga on Saturday last between George Hope and J. Rae was one of tho finest dis plavß of horsemanpbip I have wifcuepped for some time. Both jockeys gat down on their respective mounts, Quilp and Huntsman, after rounding the awkward turn tor homo, and driving them alone as straight a? an arrow, tho struggle became almost painful. The whole distance np the straight it may be paid the pair were locked together, and although opposite the stand it appeared as if Huntsman would prove triumphant, Hope at this juncture shook Quilp up for a final Rtrugele, and by sheer good riding just managed to forge slightly ahead in the last rouple of strides, and gain the judge's verdict by half-a-bead. Both horsemen rode a great race, but Hope clearly demon strated that as a finisher ho requires a deal of rubbing out. I learn from Christchurch this week of tho death of Winchester, who, until recently, wbb owned by the Hon. W. Robin son. Some short time ago, the eon of St. George and Miss Flatt was purcbaeod by Mr A. Boyle, a South Canterbury pporteman, for stud purposes; but his life wns a short one, for one day wbilo boinc exercised ho reared up, and falling, broke his noar hind Irpr below the stifle joint, Winchester will always be remembered by backers in this colony on account of his defeats in theCaul^ field end Australian Cups.

S'nco the Musket-StepßO colt was knocked down to Mr J. Dickey at tho Sylvia Park sale, there havo been one or two over ture? made for his purchase at a big advance, but his owner has declined all offers At the time of tho salo there was curpriso expressed at such a fine-looking and highly-bred youngster boing sold at 410 guinea?, but it waa one of those things that sometimes do happen. It is p'.easing, at any rate.to know that the colt has got into good hands.

I think it will be admitted that it is quite time the various Auckland racing cluba stepped in and pub a stop to the nomen clature nuisance, and which more particu larly ehowa itself in minor events at the country meeting*. At Onehunga on Satur day we saw two homes running with the very original (?) names of Orphan Mo. land Orphan No 2, and to hear people who did not know the run of things inquiring which was which was almost painful. In making the handicaps for the Takapuna Meeting, Mr W. W. Robinson even got confused in the similarity of the two name.', and fell into error and handicapped the wrong horse. In the majority of cases this duplicate nomenclature business is done with a purpose, and the matter deserves prompt action at the hands of the author ities. '

Tho two-year-old (illy Bauglo has not yot fully rocoverod from the effects of tho severe fall she received on New Year's Day. lam glad to Btato, however, thoro is nothing wrong with liar likely to bo of a permanent nature.

Sin?e Ray rolurnoJ to Christchurch from Auckland, ho has beon seriously ill with his o!d long complaint, ar.ci has had to seek medical advica. It is feared it will bo soma timo before ho can got about again,

'■SirLauncoloffanoißßNoiflon, Disowned or Apropos will wis. tho Uunodin Cup.

Thus a kto Sydney panor:— Tho V.lt.G. Champion Meeting !a alrandy drawing attention, and amongst tho horeoa tliat mo preparing to start for tlio so:it of war aro Trident, Volcano, Perfume, Abortlccn, and Aborcorn. Tho (iret-n:ime>l has hia mission in tho Champion Stake?, wiiere ho will lu.va to moasure strides with tho gveat New Zaalander, Trenton, who, with Blairgowrie, Cheßbtiin, Ooeana. and llunringtower will croas the Border in d. few dins. The rum ning at tho recent V.E.C. Spiinff Meeting pretty cleaily Indioftted the superiority of Trident, who, if ho paddles up in liia best form, should put tho rich pri/.u to tho credit of this colony. T. Paylen will havo charge ot tho horses in consequouoo of the I continued illness of Mr Funnelly.

Mitrailleuse bruised (ho frog of one nf her forefeet while running in tho Onchunga Cup on Saturday, and it noceesitated her being withdrawn from tho Flying Stikos. In tho So liner Kaco, Groen Mount also Btruck one of hia feot, and ho loft the courso very lamo.

Tho yearling cj!t by Loolinua-My Idoa (half brother to Kelson) purchased ot tho Sylvia Park enle liaa gono into Chiuifo's stable

\Vrito3 " Beacon " :—" I vi» assurod tho other day by a friend of Ted CuUa that tho latter say.' ho lost monoy over Nelson's vic tory in tho Auckland Cap, beoivnso, after having workeJ hi-n regularly with Waitiri, he camo to tho conclusion (hat (ho marc v:o.b tho bettor borac, and consequently put hia monoy on her. This atoms Co show that Ted must pofsc-s at least ono fault— ho must either, withal! hisyoar^' experience, be an exceedingly bail jiulgo uf lnree'a form aa fhew on tho training ground, or oUrii he mn;t not bo a \ory btrict ol)3ervor of the truth whon communicating with hia fri«nd-<." Referring to the phlo of tho How ZoUand Stud Cumpany yearlings, a wriCor id tl:o Christehurch •■Press " says : Though it may bo a soiirco of disappointment to so-no c>f an thaft such promising youngsters should not bo retained In New Zealand, yet it proves thnt thero if n market for our bos stock outside the oo'.ony it-elf, and the

Company aro doubtless to bo congratulated on being ab!o to attract! buyers from afar. Thay liavo succeedei in turning tho cjrncr ; and l:avo no doubt mado such a financial success of the sale this yeara* will oncourage thesharohoHlois to look forward to satisfac tory dividends boing forthcoming on tho capital which has boon sunk in an enterprise which ia always more or loss tfa spocu lativo nature That, in such a poriod of depression as tho cnlony is passing through, over £10,000 should bo roturnoii lie the ro suit of ft calo of a limited number tf thoroughbred yearling hordes in a wondor ful record, and that it may bo repeated is tho hopo of all int.Tcsted, whothor in tho New Zealand Stud Company or ollior similar public or private ventures. Much, of courso, will depend upon tho airo or sires which will bu choson to till tho place of tho departed hero, a3 it ia usolow to deny that Loolinuc has, up to this time, failed to make any distinctive mark as a progenitor of gallopers, while there does not upbear to bo r.:iy demand for Cap-n pia's stock. These of Ingomar have not vet been offered for Bale, and Nordeu foldt ia full young, too young in my opinion, at all ovsnts, to bo mated with many mares, and in addition to thi\ though a racohoreo of the most sterling worth and consistency, ho lacks, if anything, that brilliancy that is becoming ovory duy tnero indispensable in a racing fire.

I clip Iho following training notes nnent Mr Witchelson's team from the lutrst Mblbourno " SportPimn " to hand: - Mr W E. Dakin's Musk Koeo, with Mara for o companion, wa* treated to serviceable work. Tho formor moves nice and frooly, and h tlie makings of a good horse. Trent and Tr.intor cintered, .".ml Escutcheon per- Tho added monoy of tho Sydney Cup, to br> run at tho Auiurau Meeting of fc'io Aua halian Jockey Club on Ra»tor Monday, h'* batn increased from 500 to OOOaova., lha sweepstakes ft ill reiuuiiiinu 20 tova. each. Tho dk-taueo i.s two milff, n< hitherto. Nominations are duo on tho 1-Uh February.

From tho note of tho \\r.:>i<;»nui ssrire "ifUiifilf" I flip tho fo!b«ing :—Mr Thomas Uarlry, of Ncleon, who, it will ho remembered, was largely interested in Bluck Koso, tho V ■> C Derby winner, has bought tho dam of Ui.it; animal from Mr W. T, Owen, and wiih her tho fallowing of her progeny, \i/. : bay lilly, 2 year-old, by [fathom ; clitßtnuli colt, 1 year-old, by Nat itor ; and a bay colt foal at foat by Sc. Leger. Tho maro is also stinted to N'atotor. Tho prico I understand for Iho four was tho very modcrato sum of 300 guinea-i. Tho Fathom filly looks very handsomo and strong. Tho yearling colt by Natator is worth all the money, if eppoarances go for anything, as ho is every inch a gentleman. Tho St. Logor colt foal is a phapoly youngster of good proportions. The snno writer stateo that Natator is being nibb'cd after for an American buyer. 800 guineas ia tho prico asked for tho son of Traducor and AVater witch.

Backors of horses ('.vriteß " Augur") opened the year with flying ciburs at Flemington, for thoy smote tho bookmakers hip and thigh. Favonn'o aftor Fivourite triumphed, and tho motallicians' cup of bitterness fairly overflowed when Escut cheon loft the paddock at 2 to 1 on him and romped home the easiest ot winners, thus bringing to a close ono of tho mo^t dis astrous days the ringmeu have over ex perienced at head-quarters. The January edition of the Victorian Racing Calendar to hand shows that the jockeys licensed total 248, and as showing how liberaliy licensos havo been granted to bookmakers, KiO pro elisib'o to bs-.t in tho Flemington faddling paddock, and another 123 on the hill. These figures will give som9 iJea of the proportion wagering haa grown to in tho colonies. Since Commotion's accident in the Bngot Handicap at tho V.R.C Mooting on Now Year's Day, tho people's idol has boon gradually recovering. After Wood, his jockey, dismounted, it was discovored that, Commotion was so severely injured in the shouldor that it) wan not possible for (ho old fellow to walk back to tha saddling paddock, and ho lay down cloae by whore the accident happenod. Before the day closed, however, iho übiquitous Ranger, Jonathan, with a number of mon under him, improvised a stretcher, with which the wounded animal was convoyed into the saddling paddock, whore the old hor.-e was placed in slings erected in one oF tho loeso boxe3 utilised at meetings by thp Governor's carriago horses. After being in slings for a couple cf days tho ■ swelling on tho shoulder began to abate Fomewhat, and the son of Panic was released frim his irk some poEition for a few hours at » time, until now he ia only slung at night. During tho day ho hobbles about Barring the injury to tho shouldor, about which there is some doubt a? to the oxact nature of the ailment, the veteran is in rare heslth, and has never mis-od a rnoal during tho timo ho has been "strung up " At last advice? it was \'r Dakin's intention to remove Commofion from hi* lately-improvised stnhlo to hia own comfortablo qiinr'erij.

Mr Andrew Town, tho Now South Woks stndmasfer, has been oxtremoly unfortunate this yeai with his yearlings.. a'irf at his annual sale this wofek no 10-s than three of Mi best mares wero unrepresented Timl; wonderful oW mare. Tha F..wn, had no foal last season ; the descendant of Atholine (Blairgowrio's dam) is dand, and it is ex tromoiy doubtful whc-lhar tho full brother to To Grand will over recover sufficiently from a recent knocking about to be able to go into a sale ring. Tho Duko of Westminster hondd tho lift of winning owners in England for last season with tho handwrne total of £2t,430J mainl v gained hyhis celebrated colt Ormonde. The Duchess of Montrope (" Mr Manton ") ia a bad sewnd, with £14,174; aid Mr Abington third, with £11,444*. The only other owner whoso winnings run into fire hx'«re3 is Mr 11. T. Barclay. He won £10,625. but the Finn is almost entirely the result of mo race, tho ten-thonrand pounds Eclipse Stako3 at Sandown Park, which that good hor«?o Bendipo secured for him. The Duke of Beaufort is fifth, with a trifle under £10,000.

As in Australia, aorno of the stallions in America havo sired their best: horses at an advanced a 2« Virgil fired Hindoo nhon ha was 11, and Tremont when ho was 10. Lasington wa« 2.'! years ■old wiien he got

I'ulte of Mngonfor. Leamington got Harold, Bpirawav- Tror|uofa, ond Ocondnra after he was 21. Bonnie Scotland got Luko Blackburn when h6 was 2.'i, and Georgo Kinney when he was 26, find Diamond got Sir Arcby at 28.

Sydney paporsto hand this weokatnto that tho gallant littln Brown and Rose, as game a piece of horseflesh as over looked through a DrldSa, has retired from tho turf, and will bo treated to a wcll-desorvod holiduy at Gioyfitanos, tiio ro«idonco of Mr A. F. Smart, who intonda that eho shall visit ] Martini Henry next year. Tho following table shows tho principal English winning owners, during tho te/ieon now o.mchidul: - Duke of Weft:*,.ins or .. IS .. 21.430 3 Mr Abln,:lo:i .. .. f(i .. li.-11-l 1- Mr 11. T. li.•.relay .. .. 3 .. iO.U'II7 llukuif liuuiforl.. .. 18 .. H3(W ,3 Mr 1). "ainl .. .. 21 .. !U IS 11 i)ui;oof Ilßiniitnii .. 10 .. 9379 0 I4U-.lZuli.tMi .. .. 23 .. 893 J 5 Uenrral O Williaun .. SI .. 807117 Hirli (;: ctwy.ci .. .. ;u .. kui'.) 1!) frU.c u'-iykoir .. .. is .. 7.9; 10 ?([K Ja ill c .. .. 2t .. 77UH 7 Ciitec Mho ull .. .. 31 .. 71S0 I sir H. P.ok . .. '1Z .. 6915 8 l,urd Uniting .. .. 9 .. 35XT U MrT Jjni.lnir". j«». ■■ 12 •■ Sill '' Jimndollireoli .. .. 12 .. .'■«>« '{ l.ord O-iltlio-po .. .. "H .. l'Jtn 5 Mr W. Aiiso.t .. .. 10 .. 1-97 I' Mrl. ilj Hotli9i:hi!cl .. 2l .. 4"! l."i Hi Mrirmnniond .. .. 20 .. JW 3 MrO. Perkins .. .. U .. !««> 17 lllkio-Pi>rli,ill.l.. . Iti .. Jnii'J 1 Mr JloMßinuu .. .. 32 .. Jo'.lS W Mr-A. (}:lboit 13 .. J3Ol .1 MrHnnKcrfor.l .. .. 22 .. IUB 3 MrClilldwlolc .. .. li .. H93 I Ij-in1. llart'i-.K'on .. .. 11 .. :;9':> 13 MrH. C. Vjn-r .. .. II .. 5926 7 MrT.rnnnon .. .. 2> -. HB7< la LorrtWJloeni-iM .. .. » ■■ 3713 11 Lor'lAiuaton .. .. 5 .. 3580 19 hotd A.Il-sburj' .. .. !l .. 31.7; 10 Mr J.li Cookson .. .. r> .. 3113 17 Thoru was a jumping compeluion at Washington lately, and another record was mado, .is Ilia account will bliow. An American excliiiDgo says i—"Tho event of tho clay was a prize of 100 dollaru in tha plato otrarc-cl by Mr P. F. Collior for the best high jumper. Four horsos were ontered in tho clu-5* and all responded, they being Fiixhall, Kouno'sllompjtcttd, f. F. CollieWs Mnjistio, Ooorge Work's Tycoon, and F. Gobliard's I.tor. Tycoon and Tnter failed at sft. Sin., but Hemuatoad and Majestic both Eiie«!3fiil!y jumped 6ft Then the height was mado lift G.Jin. Tho world's record was Oft. Gin., mado by Mr Uebtmrd's Loo in ISSI, at tho Garden. llempstond succeodod, and tho Oardon was wild, Muj^aiic succeeded, and hundreds nctoii as it bosido themselves. The world's record boatcu by both competitors, ned not « fcumblo during tho trials. Onco moro tho mils «oio ruined, this tinio to (iff. 7'i'in. Hempstoud essayed tho tusk and failed. Mujustic tiiod and failed. lltmpstoad mado tiio second attooipt and succeeded. Then Mtijostio iricd again and cleared the obftaole. Majeatio'a owner propoaod to mi.ko it n draw, but Mr Kceno would not consent, and the height was raited to Oft. Sin. Hempstead waa first to make tho at tempt, iis l:o aroto to tho jump hundreds aioso from tlioir scuts. A moment of bus penso, and tho world's record was again beaten. Majostic tried and fai'ed. thon he rofused. and nt the third trial fuilcd aKain and ; liempptoad waa joelarod tho win ner."

ATHLETIC NOTES.

(By Ac!t.v.on.)

FIXTURES. SENIOR CUP. Jumarv S3 and February s—Auckland v. Uor «*n; Unlto.l v. Hollands. AQUATICS. Auckland Itoftalta Januniy 20. ISS7 ii. tor-colon hi! Yacht llac-n i\; .-.vdnoy llnrlmur Junuaiy 18,23, 21», ISS7

AQUATICS.

Tho Annum Regatta,

Tun lack of interest nimiifestod in aquatic

sport in Auckland has bocomc a matter for

serious cosittiiiorfltion, fur, to a ceituiu oxtcnt, this healthy form of amusement is i.jcnlical with tho progi-oes of tho port. Tho I'onsonby liogatto and (ho North Shore Regatta, which were hold Kgularly for many year", havo now been dropped out of all ("porting fixturos, and tho Auckland annual Uegultu, beld in celebra tion of the anniversary of tho colony, ap peara to b-j In a bail way indeed. Vo;ir at I or year diflorentcvoutohav..- been dropped, out of tho programme f r various reasons. Thus the once famous schooner ruca has oo e in« an cvnt oi tho past, the big cutter ntro has likowiso bt>on omitted, and tho scow race U only conspicuous by its absonco, Nti'h'H- c.f i.hci.- three ovonl", therefore, appears on th-j prngruramo lor 1887- Oi tho ovont, tiowniinppoarttrwU tho large yacht raco may fall through owintr to ownor* having n preforenuo for a week's crui-o about: tlio -llth Jauuuiy. It mu4 t>o admitted that a first prize in iho nhiipo of a cup valued at £15 is no Rrcal inducement for largo vessels to remain in port, m d to ofl'or it i* simply to court failure Tho lifhin^ boat races will mo bably bu woil contested, olthcugh lirst prizoa of HI and cup and £f> and cup for tho tvvoevouta uijdertbat hiading can haruly bo regarded as "sufficient iadueoment" by thuir bard woiking owners. Tho raco for yachts undor six tons was a waik-ovor for t'lo Jo*«io Logan last year, and a first prizo Cup, valued ar. JL'IU, cannot bo expected to • produce anything bottor this year. Tho probublo result ia that this event will bo allowod to drop out. Tho sailing raco for twenty-foot, open boats likewise promisor to prove a tiireobciat contest, and not much moro is held out for the 1(> toot open boats. The small cutters should make ono good raco for £20 and v cup ; tho fishing boat races may bo counted upnu us two moro pood contests, and tho othor events which are expected to prove of interest aro tho rowing races. Both \vh tlcboat roots will be well contested, although Auckland only Contributes two out of fivo or six crews in tendod for tho champion race, and lha Naval Brigade nnd mun-j'-wur cutter raco is euro to be good. A race for boys belong ing to tho Kohimarama Tialning School makes a total of twelve events, which are given to the public in the etcad of sixteen or eoventcon in provious years. Boat-owners, of course, lay tho whole blame on tho shoulders of the Regatta Committee, and probably thoy nro right to sumo oxtent. What tho grumblers aro required to realise, however, is that roKattas, like mo3t othor concern?, can easily be made successes if tho necessary funds are forthcoming. Now, tho members of the Regatta Committee individually cont'ibuto ono guinea per annum towards tho Club's fund*, and for tho most, part they aro gontltmen who consent to terve tho public at gro^t inconvenience to thomaolvos' Many of them, maybe, aro not deeply learned in aquatic phraseology and bo.ving matters, and. tho result is that thoy occa sionally make blunders. Then thoy are sat upon—by whom? By tho very men who should bo in their places, via , those who own beats and those who tike an in terest in llicir movements. The guinei subscription i.i tho first difficulty with them, and tho labour involved in working up tho Regatta ie thu second, a;u! they stand back whilst merchants or anybody oi.-e who ia goncrou-. enough ca-i bo induced to do tin r.ork. Hore ia tlio first cuuso of unsatisfac tory regattas; and fu ther that] that, tbe dulnoi?B <^f tho times will accLtint for every thing. Tho Kogatia Commiiti c have mado a seiiotia mistake in lowering fci.o prixeii for tl.e (-ailing race?, and they would do well to add a few pounds, to each of these events whilst tlioro ia yet time. " Nep tune" writi s to express iegret that "prac- Hca! men " nro not, at the tiller in the conduct uf the Auckland Regatta. "It in ijuilo tinn," ho l\\\&*, "that somebody made a utir and tried to reform things, for in about another two yoais tho Auckland Regatta «ill bo a thing of tho past." Ho thinks there m too much fora mado of ivhaloboat races, and thijt sailing boats shoi-ildtako precedence, anil attributes ho falling off in open boat ccntosta to tho s-mall pri/.ee offered ut tho annual regatta. In t.hirt respect "Nwplune" cays that our Riiriitla? do not coaip:iro favourably with thi).-"e held at Dumidin, Lyttolion, and Wol iington, m..d ho 'regrola tiiat tho ronucst made fur any ISft opan boat raoo on" tho annual regatta [rogrammo should simply have boon tat upon.

Tho now 13-ton yacht launched by Mr 11. L^gan this wuek ia called tho Matungi. Shu resembles the Muritai almost in every respect, except that tho has greutor beam, and thoroforo greater tonnage. George Pprkins and George Bubear have fjgned articles to row for £200 a side and tho "Sportsman" Championship of Eng land ChaUotigO Cup, over the Tyno L'ourco, 00 Feb 7, 18S7. Mr K. Reid, of I'ou&onby, who has done a big trade in light rowing boats this season, recently turned out a neat-looking 10 feet optin railing boat with centreboard. She balonga to the Popsonby fleet, and is owned by Mr H. Matthews und another.

Subscriptions for the annual regatta are moro difficult to obtain this year than over before.

Bubear etafe? ha will go to America next spring ; und hu will then visit Australia with the intention of rowing those Aus tralians whomay be willing to make matches with him.

THE GARDEN.

[By. Hobtus.]

Calendar for week ending January 22.

[ Hoktus is willing to anawor any qnerlen. Cor r epondents muat glvo their lull names and addresses, though not for publication.!

liaje Potatoes ('•Ainatonr.") (l) Youaroon'y i;it Inn Iho same txpo ienoa as a gcoi roanj ihiasousou. On Lcouuut o£ the dcy wtutner ihe topi ut aiiawa aro withering (or iho waot ol bulllaionc raoiaturo in tho Buii, cunsoquHouy •ho tub-irs arc not swelling. Th'; crop will bo v po t 000 in dry situnticno. unless they were planted v&rj early. Asuidll patoh planted by miaolf from wliohl oxptcted to Uko aboul trom 10 io lflcwt will ojly give nioatout 2cw;, und tho i.otatoes oro very small. (2| It is toj early to layer auy plants yet; wait 111 about mo end of Ma.eh or banning o£ A; l-U. (:i) You oan yet plant oat oaleus plant! iv tho of the suu U i ust; water und shade for a fow dais, and tho plan-a will make a good show of folm^ouptiilliti) ia tho nutumn. Watsr about ouco a week till heavy rains como. Kins Swkli.ikg (R M.A ).-(ll As arule.too many ligs ate allowed to develop on caon branch. Tn- b:s-. way to cause more of them to swell to v Iu!l si/.d is to i.inch back each shoot after it has loi mcd froai four to hix n,<s. This will ciuao tho oap tj 11 )W into iho few left ins.o->d of being wasted in f<.raiii.g more f uit than tho troo is c»uab;o of Uovelon.ig properly. If you would nivo thu trees a frequent watering wiili liquid manure it would al-.o help, uive plenty of water, as ie takua lurrfe quautltu.a K> thoroughly satu.a:o the ground..now it is so dry. (fl To got, rid of Scotch ihistleß. when they uro gi-owiiK t -cy shoull be cut with an a-M) well uudor ttio ground, so galt'ne under Iho cio>vn. lam airaid this aiviue is too la-o at ttua s.'iitou, a-3 they will h:ivo sned tluir sotd by this lime. One or two aro sufficient to suck a country if they onoo fttt leave to seed.

ShttiNO Hid ov Tube Stumps. Sco. (' Country .-ett;er").-I luvo novur hid any oxpcrloncu of iii m worK, and uauiiot glvo }ou tlio inotst improved nioLhoiß. You uad bott.r send in your ouory re btuiupd to tlio editor of too ■ Farmer U.M and f oUltry Journal," who will ba alJlo to give you all the infunuut ou ro iiuir.d. Living bo« the bush you ought to be üblo to obiaiu any quanfty lit 10.-d! mould. The rot en vog..t.iblo matter which is usually to b i o jtninua ut tie Imbo o£ nearly nil targe trees In vlrgiii fureata is just too very thing you want. Tho uioro llkosoilln 0 )npoßlu-jn, Clio bottor it is for jour purposes. U. ly vsa ouuihlrdcf this to two parts ut noil Mil om i>an bund in making up your mixture, Summisu Pturaratra ("Fruit Troo.")—Yes. I con liidur iho summer pruning oC fruit troea the ujsi or ull sysiema of pruning What is tlio USD of ir.ro tvingewry BUinraor n largo quantity o w.-ud, which has to bo cvi away too tollow inK wi-itjr 1 Is it not bettor to pinch uncle or cut o:t such wood durinir tho summer iind ihus OifOOtiag all tho sap of tho I we into such chMini-la as you uiuy wish it to (low, oauaiog it to develop wood v/ture wood i» wanted, and whore no wool is wanted oausiDg n aly ovory bud to ourst, and again making thus j buda lutosßUiS which will develop other buds which are likely 10 bocomo flowar buds 1 Bay lint you allow all wood to grow und Efvoroly prune in tho winter. Nexijear the tree will produce strong wood again, only ulvlDg more pruning tho following winter, whorcaa by tlie eunimor pruning nothing Is allowed to grow but what is absolutory nuoes cdxt Get Boino gnrdoDcr to give you a lew practical !cßßonn, and you will soon aoo good reason to adopt tho s; stem.

Kitchen Garden.

Tins lao prolonged dry weather will have nearly brought all growth to a standstill, unices whero water is ueed unsparingly. In Eoarjor.s liko this not a drop of waste water should bo allowed to flow down tho dr;.iim. It should bo all eavod for use in tho garden. Celory should be watered un fipuringly with it. If the lato crop of celery and looks ia not planted out already, have such dono at onca. The early-planted crop will want earthing up; carefully tie up tho folhige boforo earthing, leaving plenty of rnnra fur stalks to swell. klube succos-ioinl sowings of French and the running varioties ot boans. Earth up and slake tho running varieties; on tho oirly-aown crop?, pick off beans as sonn a3 they aro ready for use. Tho youngor thoy are picked tho better the crop will be. Sow a email pitch of cibbagos and cauliflowere. Either autumn giant or tho late Italian giant are the best. Keep tho soil moist till ready for tvansp'anting, earth up those that aro crowing, and clear away debris of old crops as they°are cut. Tomato s, tioup totiollis, pinch "back nnd i-o;;ulato growth, and give water frequently. Cucumborp, pumpkins, m-irroive, otc : Tlitn out superfluous ehoo'.e, pinoH back fruiting ones and Rive p'.onty of water, mixed with liquid manure. Melons treat as above, but water apiringly. Now U the eeaaon for dealing with vacant pieces of ground that hnvo be come ovor-rua with troubloeomo wooJb. Dig «uch pieces, and try and got tho roots of tho weeds exposed to tho eun and air, which will pooh kill them, and if in a fyw n-eeka' time thoy again mako thoir appear ance turn over tho ground again. Only keep the foliage from gruwintf, arid the weodi «ill Boon <Jio (Vntinuo collocting all debris of crop?, and pl'ice en rubbish heap, dusting with ealt and liioo. Flovror Gardon. Uontinuo tlio plnohinß and ceggiiiß down of all bedding plant*, givo plenty of water bu «-i to keep them in good growing order tili tlio usual autumn rains eot ill ; still mulch as materials cimo to hand. In tho mixed borders continuo staking and regu lating all tall growing plants oa may require it, thinning out all rank growing shoots, picking off all Mower spikes that aro past llowering, and not allowing tho plants to grow feede, unless a fow epikes of really ttood flowers which you may wish to cave. The whole strength of tho plant should bo spent in producing flowors only, and whore food U wanted only tho very best specimens should bo savod, as in f rior blooms will reproduce inferior Mowers. Thn whole surface of the borders should bo frequently stirred with the hoe, sn a? to keep it free and looeo ; alco killing all weorle in tho coedling stafo. I.awps -. Mow frequently, and give plenty of water in tho evenings to keop it. groen, if pos?ib'o. Where lawns ore on poor, stiff soils, and havo got badly cut up, provision ought now to bo mi:do for getting plonty of good soil fnr top dressing early this incoming winter. Good, rich block soil is tho best. I'ut up into a heap. A good deal of shell lime put up with it will help to sweeten it, and mako it in splendid condition for putting over tho lawn in the beginning of winter. Greenhouse Give plonty of air and water. Shade dining the day. Re pot such plants as may require moro pot room. Now is tho time for laying in a froeh stock of potting Eoil. Take fiom two to throe inches in depth of tho .lurfnco of any good grisa pad dock ; a fri.ible loam is tho best for goueral purposes. A cart-load will last in most places for some time, if well looked after. Stack in a heap in some convenient plaoe near tho hou?o. It should bo ready for use in about throe mouths' timo.but tho olderit id tho baiter.

The Notorious Captain Hayes

Tun following interesting account of how Captain Haye*, tho notorioue froo hooter, is said to havo contrived seme yeara a^o to land a number of Chinese in Melbourne without paying tho Poll-tax is related in Mrl.l. S. Cuopor's now work " Coral Linda :" Proceeding to Uongkong, Hayes, who was in chargo of a barquo which lie bad obtainod by fraud, succeeded in filling his vowel with Chinoeo coolies, and failed for Mel bourne After a fair voyngo he wds Hearing the Australian coa?t, when he spoke a Bhip nnd was infonnod that a tax had bean im posed upon all Chineso immigrant?, aut'. that ho would have to pay 50 dollars per hood on his pa^Fwigers before ho would bo permitted to land them. This was rather 11 serious outlook for the captain, but, a? usual, his inventive brain was equal to tho Occa-ton Ho s^ilo'l enlmly on, and Boon arrived oil his port of destination. Mo c roily tilled his chip half full of water, hoisted signals of di»tro<>? and lay to, wait ing the development of hia ruso. Ho had not long to wait; two tug-steamei-a were soon alongside proffering their services for tho porpona of towing him into part. Hayea doclarwd his vossol would sink beforo flio could be K,t into dock, as his putnpa wero chokod, and tho water rising at a liroat rate. Ho implored thorn to tnke off lues passenger.!, leaving hia crew and himself to escape by means of their boats, should tho barque not float till they returned. This the tug ownors agreed to do. The Chinamen were transhipped, and tbe Bteauiors bore oft', promieingto* re turn as speedily as possible to his assistance. They got their loid of Chinamen pafely landed, tbe owners piying the head tax, and steamed back to bring in the chip, but sho was nowhere to be aeon, having, as they supposed, gone down with "all hands. No such fate, however, had befallen tho gallant captain, No Booner wero tho tuga out of sight than he pumped his ship free of waiter, and lost no timo in putting a good few milce between himself and Molbourne, inwardly chuckling, no doubt, at the clever way ho'hp.il duped tho antip^deani and got hia Chinamen landed »t others' expense. Same timo after this 11-iyos speculated in anothoticargo of Chinamen, but this time ho landed them without trouble, and with out paying anything, having gone through the formality of getting them all made British subjects before he sailed.

TERRIBLE MURDER IN FRANCE.

A Koallstlo Witnoss.

A shocking case of murder has been tried before tho Assizes of tho. Loire et Cher. A widow named Lebon, seventy yeara olrl, who wa «livin«rwilham«rriod daughter, suddenly died, and her eons, in making tho legal de claration of death, averred that sue ha-J fallen into the fire, while alone in the house. Suspicion was, however, nrousod, as it was notorious that Madam Lobon had boon badly treated by her relative... She had a smal Bum in eavin K s, amounting to about U~, and her daughter and son in-law, as well as her two aone, did their beat to obtam po. Rp«ioti of the riionsv. Thoy nrsc °" Soured to got her into an uyh™ tor tho inaano: failing m th.s tfay tried to brinir about hor death by brutal treatment and finally burned her alive Her two sons confoessd tho deed to tho gendarmes after a child, who bod wlta»ed Lhad given his testimony. The child.to question, a boy of eight, son of one, of tho accused parsons, wm a mo* I. reolwtic account of the terriblo scono. While wo wore at dinner," ho said, "mamma cnod out all at once, ' Wo must get rid of the old hag.' Then my undo Alexandro went to grandmamma's bod and-seized her b> the head; my uncle Alexis took her hy ihe lees, and tho two carried her to the faro which had been kindled by papa and mamma My grandmamma cried a good deaTLtlir.t, nut by degrees hor voice grew weaker until I heard no more." Whan the pendarmoa arrived in tlio place they scorching Ihmol The unfortunato woman wnHloft burning for hours, her murderers looking on. Her EOn-in-law actually proved her down-amid the fi.mos by stamping on hor with his wooden shoes, and hia J»no Biinnlied him with straw from tho bed. which ho ignited, and fed tho hfOOtt therewith. Tho ohomieal oxpert who ex amined tho remain 3 stated that Bomo mineral had also been thrown on tho bouy to accelerate combustion.

(riKUTEK's TELEOKAM.)

Blow Tuesday.—The trial of the woman Thomae and her husband and two brothers Lebon for tho murder cf tha widow Lebon by pnttin" her on tho firo ended to-day. ThoCeurt of Assize sentenced tho woman and her hueband to death and the two brothers to ponal sorvitude.

The Cartridge Girls at Ayrshire Factory.

Thk work of cartridgo making is dono in littlo wooden houeoa or huts which are now separated from ono another by hugo equaro mas-ivo ombankmonts sufficiently high and sufficiently thick to render il improbable that an explosion in ono of tho huts would affect tho huta nearest to it. Kach of thoso h-.ts, of which there are upwards of thirty, is tenanted by throe or four girte whoso businoso it io to mako the cartridges by pushing tho dynamite through copier tuboi-etoel and iron being here, us elhowhere, absolutely proscribed Out- Bide tho hut stand two man, called Bervice-watcbors, who take tho cartridges as tboy are made from the handa of the jjirls • and the whole of the working paity in superintended by an overlooker. Above tho door of oach hut are direction* as to tho maximun of dynamite to bo kept there, tho temporatr.ro to bo maintained, and tho number of girU, service-watchers, and overlooked to bo era ployed. Though employed in work which presents at least tho possibility of danger, and which would foam moro calculated to affect tho linjgin atiou and Inspire fear than many occupa tions in factorias which can bo i-hown by statistics to bo equally perilous, the girU of Ardecr accopt ordinary wages They scorn all in the enjoyment of excellent health, whilst Borne fuw might ulmcs', be said to po-fi9SB tno rare and divine gift of beauty. Judged by the gener.-.l opinion of thoir male as?ociate3, they are considered nf exceptional value as wives- and so o.igorly are they sought in marriage that the femalo establishment at At deer i*s constantly undergoing change-'. The habit of making up dynamite cart .ridges must havo a lino effect in developing such admirable domestic virtues aB careful ness ond precision. Ota little mistake, and the poor cartridge girl ia blown from tho wooden hut to tho fkioa.

Teetotal Societies: Death Rather than Drink.

An important question has just been brought before Mr Partridge, at Westmin etor I'olico Court, relating to tho rcspon6i bilities of teototal beneiit societies. A p~r*on namod John Gregory, of 9, Francis street, Chelsea, becamo a member of tho Sons of the Phomix Beno<H Society 19 years ago, and paid his contributions regu larly during all that period. Ono of the iu!es of that society ia to the effect that any member violating the pledge of the total abstinent from all intoxicating liquors sliall be oxcludod from its bone liia. In July last Gregory was seized with a Barkma illness, from which he ultimately died, but when ths funoral monoy-nniouiU inj; to tho puui of f S—was claimed by his father, payment was refused, on tbo ground that tho medical man in attendance upjn tho deceased had administered port wine to him during his illness Tho liquor was put into vl medicine bottle and labelled " Medicino," and Dr. Gaven cortiiied that it was nocessary for tho medical treat ment of tho pationt, to countoract the de pression and weakness brought on by his fatal malady. A summons was taken out in the county court, for tho recovery of the amount, but was withdrawn on a technical objection of thu Ho,:iofcy. Proceedings wero then taken bsforo Mr fartrideg, who ox pressed himself very strongly against tho rule which ho characterised as a -'monstrous proposition," if It were to be carried out at the risk of a miin'g life. Finally tho matter was referred once more to tho county court for a decision, and it now remains to be seen whether tho judge will adopt tho eamo sensible vievv as tho magistnto.

The Actress-Duchess of St. Albans.

MBsCoRNWKLLBAKRON-WlLSON'sbiography of Mi?B Mollon, afterwards Duchess of St. Albaita, line just beon ropublished in two handsome volumes, crnamentod with a duoal coronet, trad the eivnplo inscription "Hnrriet." Tho life of the poor girl, who (■prong from tho humblest ranks of tho

Irith peasantry, became a famous actress, and married first a millionaire and then a duko, cannot fail to have attractions for tho romantic reader. According to tho biographer, a groat deal of porsevering psv suasion was found needful to induco Miss Motion to marry Mr Coutts, tho million aiiv, who was then, wo beliovo, past eighty years of ago. Tho enam oured gentleman, such 13 tho tttlo, em ployod as his advocate Mr Raymond, tho an tor famous, Hko M r Mead, in thnFO lator days, for hia personation of tho Ghost in " Hamlet," and this gentleman, w,ho had received tho handsome emu of £1,000 for his trouble, finding that tho Hum only recont death of Mi' Coutts's <ir?t wife raised scruples in the lady's mind, urgod the ex ampio of Miss Farron, who had married tho Lord Derby in tho eovouth week of that nobleman's widowhood. Tho circum stances that Mr Coutts was thon pining away, not from lovo merely, but from othrr infirmities, and Rorely in no;d of nursing at tho hands of faithful friends, finally drew from tho caresses of a fWttorfid actress a conditional consent which had been 00 art fully framed that "at tho expira tion of a fortnight" tho diplomatic Raymont summoned Misa Mellon to fulfil her oromi«e. Thus id ■ wim that, * Harriet " beeamo in 1815 the life of her octogenarian worshipper, and the lawful mistress of Holly Lodge, Highgate, which the hospitality of the Baroness Burdett Oout.te, ha? in after years made famous. Mr Ciutrs we may add, lived noven years after this event, and his widow having mourned his lo°B for five years mairiod tho Duke. Tt, is interesting to note that Miss Mellon, having at forty yoars of age married a gentleman ut least twico as old ac herself, was just sixty two when she became Duchess of St. Albans, her second huebnnd being only twenty-six.

A Remarkable Case

The Napte correspondent ot tho "Daily News "give, some details of a remarkable case ao present occupying the attont.on of the authorities at Piacenza. In that city there lived the Marchioness Fanny Angms- B ola,tbehei«*aof two of the oUert noble families of North Italy, the Vtoeontb and the AngutaoUw, connected during four conturia, with the history of Italy. The mo rchione« po«(*ed a fortune of 10 or U lf§lfl •- £« rovonecd themselves, it in al- Zjhol ywr round to take her meals in li§iii had pal in mistake, was returned to her «ho refused to take it, eayipg that the had ~ ™«s.=al a nuts of that amount. fi heshe"nave "handfuls of bank notes." «he /«nt IUO.OOO franc* to the American Z* ZZcd her/eif to reli.ioua Bervicee, and mot with Boch fetor* far ,he gave "r^aro that the Palace AnguHßotawa. B o«rcied from CilUr to garret and i. bolisved that In tho coucae of yeare its mUtreaa was robbed of millions of franc?. During her lifetime tho police could not i uorfere for /-he would liaten|to no warning, and utterly refund to believe in tnc> porei fr P Bnw were found hidden in tba trattre«ses of tho beds, in the stuffing of the chair., m (hat eho bad boon poisoned, but a pjat mortem examination proved it to bo un founded But no-A-jußtico interfered, and evidence respecting the variou 9 robberies supposed to have beet. committed was c .Hooted. Many or the domestic servants of the house, together with their relatives and friends, had grown rich, and could not explain tho source of their wealth. They were alao fuund in po-o-sion of valuables belonging to their mistrew, which they Eaid had baen Kivec to tbom by hor. Many peffona in 1 acenza aro now either accused of theft or sum moned a* witnesses. The ease waa com menced tho other day, and excited groat imeroat. Tho accused, 11 in uumbor, were all dressed in mourning. They aro coacb men, doorkeeper?, house servants, &c. One c-aehman confef-sed to-having deposited at various times in various bubka auma to the amount of 60,000 francs, which ho said had been given to him in the course of years by his mistress out of gratituue because he had diivea away some thieves who bn-.ke into the palace, and for other services, or in order to induce him to stay alien ho threatened to leave. The door keeper, on boing interrogated concerning a cc' tain box containing immense sums, whicn had beon sent him from his house througj various hands, and of vhich at last all trace was 10-t, accused his brother of hiviog de manded a bribo from him of 50,000 francs, f.iiiinjj which, ho w uld be accused cf having M»o keyf. The examination of these two witnesses, tho latter of whom looks iiko aa olri >odior, gave ii^e to much laughter in court,

SKIN GRAFTING.

Curious Experiments by Paul Bert.

Iv frogs have any knowledge of other earthly tilings than the atato of the atmu sphtro, they must fao a good do.il disturbed by tliu now danger threatening their skins. M. Paul Bert (who^o melancholy end, duo to Iho Tonquineso climate, ia causing a general refusal to bo appointed to the poßi loft vacant by his decease) was a very boIJ aid diligent seeker in the peculiar depart raont of physiological inquiry which Trices such strong disapproval among those who oo jeet to the torturing of live animals as tlu field of physical, medical and surgical inquiry. The legiona of dope*, rabbit?,and tirod out horses cut up'^yhininsachsd a figure formidable eveu for tho returns of French vivivH._ctieisni, and tho special detail of his S'jcce:ses in this particular line was the grafting of portions of flesh, of organs, and of entire animals, upan other animals, in clutiinf; tha human subject. Odo of his pat-triumph?, shown off to members of tho Academy of Sciences, and o subject of ad miring wonderment in all Purie, was the grafting of a inousie on the back of a cat, an oßeration o-hich succeeded perfectly, tho mouse becoming apparently a part of the cit, drawing its sustenanco from the body of the latter, and seemingly charing the emotions, movements and perceptions of tbo foiine economy with which it was thug brought into such • Dtitnato relation Dr. Labordorio, one of M. Bert's moßt diligent and enthusiastic stuJonts and continuatora, h&s ju3t accom plished a very curious cure thac is creating a lively sensation among the medical faculty of thia metropolis. A short time ago a work man was brought to him to bo treated for a horrible burn on hia foo'-, caused by the im pact of iron in a stato of fusion. The skin of the foot was completely destroyed over a surface of 20 centimetre? in length by 10 in widh. The doctor cut out from the work man's haunches lour pieces of flesh, which ho uraf ted on the burn, covoriine the wound : and ho then covered the grafting with fjur pieces of tkin taken from a frog. After a few days of very minute and careful treat ment, tho man's foot was completely cured, and he returned to hia work without fooling the slightest pain or weakness in the foot co wonderfully treated. Dr. Liborderie states that the skin of the frog is altogether superior to that of a human subject in all ouch casus. It ia more flexible, elastic, and free from paio. Tho human skin is un favourable for grafting; it remains stiff, drawn, and is frequently painful, and, while it is necessarily difficult to obtain piecus of tho human skin for euoh applica tions! (tho human sujbjact objecting to the undergoing of an exceedingly painful opera tion], there are plonty of frogs easily obtiin ablo, ai:d unable to rofuso tho sorvico re quired of them in the taking otf of their ekin So the poor frogs are like to have in future a still hardor time of it than they have had in tho past

The New York Bribery Scandals.

In Hit) triiil of ox-ildonnan M'Quade at New York, tho evidence given against him in cluded n confession of tlio whole of the Broadway Hallway bribory business mado by ox Alderman Fullgruff, and also a (Jainag 'ng statement by cx-AUleriuan Waiie. Mr Fullj;ralT,.ex-alderman, testified that tho volos of thirteen aWermon were necessary to p.is< tho bills through tho board ; that lhoy: hold frequent secret meetings, getting thirteen (o pledfc'fl thorn-elves, to vote together on tho board; that two others were mudo for tho Broadway fran chise, tho Broadway Cablo-road ofterjnfc 750,000d01, half in cash, half in bonds, and tho Broadway Surface-road 5Q0,000d0l in oafh : that after discussion it was decided to accept tho latter, aa the bast offer, and pome Iroublo »i? takon to find some ono who could be trusted to hold the bribe money ponding the passage of tho bills, Alderman Keenan boin^ finally eelectad. At firot a sum of 25,000d0l a pioce waß demandod, but t.ha amount of 22,000d0l was finallw decided upon. The fran chise was then passed, upon which the Mayor vetoed it. To pasa over the veto more voto3 wore nacesfary, These were obtnincd, whp.rnnp-n tho bribo wag paid down to 20.000101. a piece, Tbia was pair! subsequently. ThU tostimony canned groat oscitcment in curt. Mr Fulljjrsff toaiitied that Mr M'tjuada attended all the meetings, and that he waa paid a bribo. M'Quado was fontencod to flro yeare' itn prisonment, ' :

LADIES' GOSSIP.

IX TIIK STALLS. I watch her o!oar-out cameo face . ; v Against the crimson curtain's fold; The gaslißlit Glimmers on the gold Of tresses twined with classic grace. The season's beauty, do you say?— Indeed I nee she holds a court, Whosc'smlles and jests and quick retort Keep her from listening to the play. Why should she heed tho twice told tale. Of fa'thtui love upon the stage 1- Sho knows full well, In this our t^e, WeaUh and ambition turn the scale, I j_o, I loved her ouce,—long sfaco— •' Be^ore'lVent abroad you know ; But I was neither peer nor prince. And so we parted. Here to-night ii» chance I sco her, and again With throb and thrill of sudden pain I fool my heart stir at the sight. The drama ends. Ah ! fair coquette! Fo dec! in furs she quits her place ; ' If I should meet her, face to face, Will she remember or forget t Effectual destruction of woods—Marrying; owidnv Why areladios like bells ?—because you onn novor find oufcthoir metal until you have gi'von them a ring. An impatiwt youth at a wedding party thn orhor day, *$&* an awful Bllence- e"f donly oxclaimod, » Don't be so unspeakably happy." In a recent burst of confidence young: t> J\o\ said that there was one thing. Whi "ie that ho didn't like When prensed f« "n explanation ho replied that it was her jsother.

Lady Cm drapery establishment): ''I will j^aay i' f ■ - f o rtowola." Aeeißtanfc M«S?ttSStoSSJS» the dress goods Apartment,: « V« ; »*•» 5 -""thing;. that won'taliow dirt.

q^ P Hiino'y slid "Ahitio! W'by was I bom with lipa V

y,,ui»' Man : "I want toask you a ques ts You have beeu married three times x triTme which wife did jtotf love most?"' Widower : " Fou bite three sour apples ono. after another and then tell me which 19 the sweetest."

fctandhan^no brothorr "Thatis nuTte simple ; your brother is In lovo wrth, himself, and Julius with me."

"When I goes a-shoppmg,1 said an old lady " I allow nsks for what I wants, an* f they have it. and it'a cheap and its euit hl« ™d I feel inclined to take it, and it can't be get at any place for less I a'most all^s take it, without chaftenng all day, as moS?£eop!«do." A youth oama to tomi to ceo his intended wife, and for a Ion? t.m* could think of keep ono of them." Thero was a younK l-.ay in BflB«-UI, Who R-«id to her lover. " Alas, Will, You conn every mKnt, And yon tsik ouch a sight. That tho peoflo all call you my Gas BiU I" Mra Dusenborry (sobbing):-"Oh, it is droadful to bo disappointed in love ! Mr Dusenborry: "There's something a good deal wor.4 than that " " What, ,pray 2" " To ba disappointed in marriage.-

Mra Society: "Now. dearie, be a good little girl, and go to bed coon, and ma musb hurry off now."-Little Dot: " Where's oo coin,' mamma ?" - Mrs S.: "I'm going to a party, pat."—Little Dot (gazing at the decollete costume): "Is <]p Soia to dreßa ooeelf when oo gote thoro ?

A Frenchman who had incurred the anger of hi? wif<-, a terrible virago, sought) r Ma<rc under the bed. " Come out of JhaV vou"br;eand, you rascal, you assassin! i creamed M* gentle companion. "»o, madamo," he ropliod calmly, "I won t coma out I am going to show you that I shall do a? I ploaTio in my own house!" -^ f-~

HAPPY MOMENTS.

The 'O'O In her ch««Ufl is red tonight, eyes aro riU-ci wllh tender lnht. And h»r :-.»nr bri-:s owr with haprinea?. Vot■ h"r lovot-e proposed and eho'e B»idi"Yce^

\ Dakota young man and his wife are troubled over the legality of their recent ,_ marria"c. They live near tbo Manitoba .;, lino, and tlio parents of the girl having.for- : :-. >,; bade hor leaving town, »he stood on thfc1, ii Manitoba sido and ho iv the United States,-. and tha minister stood with ono foot in thevr ;j Queen's realm and the other in Uncle Bam s^vj and tho two were married. ..;-,£

Ono of those callous Parisian critics says of Bernbardt, as Ophelia: — " Madame Sarah did wrong to put* so much vermilhon on her face. In the drowning scenes he seemed quito to colonr the water. BeJ sides, no woman while wearing suchll a-■ beautiful flowing dress of India silk woud, under any circumstances, sane or insane, come 'vithin a quarter of a mile of a watery grave." There's not a place in earth or heaven, There's not a task to mankind given. There's not a blessing or a woe, There's not a whispered yes or no. There's not a life, death, or birth, That has a feather's weight of worth, Without a woman in it. " Won't you go up, dear, and get; my goats off the bureau?" '• Your goats?" queried Jones ; •' what new-fangled thing's that?" "I'll show you," remarked the, wife, and she sailed upstairs and down with, a pair of kida on her hands. " There they are," said she. " Why, I call those kids," paid the surprised husband. "Oh, you do," replied the wife. "So did I once, but they are so old now I'm ashamed to call them anything but goats." Jones took the

Women at Oxford University.

A most important step in the extension of. the advantages of university education has recently been made in the foundation of a new hall for tbe reception of women students who cannot afford the more expensive terms of the older institutions. At St. Hugh's, a3 the now hall is to be called, by way of association with the Bishopric of Lincoln; ladies who aro tnembors of the Church or England will be received under the same discipline and general arrangements as those which obtain at Lady Margaret Hall, the Principal of which will have the appoint of the lady who will bs the first authority in the now hall (St. Hugh's), but there will bo no further official communication between the two institution?.

Students at St. Hugh's will not be aC copied promificuou-ly. Good referenca as to conduct, etc., will bo expected. These must bo sent, in tho first instance, to Miss VVordsworlh of Lady Margaret Hall. Should the proposing "student not have passed tho Oxford first examination for womoD, eho will have to undergo the test of an ontranco examiafcj'on ; and, should. she be accepted, she wilinot be allowed^ to reside for lo»s than a year, nor to quit with out giving notko an entire term pre viously. • "" In place of tho rauro expensive arrange ments at the older halls for women, the Bum of £45 v. your will bo charged for residence nnd board, whilst the lecture and tutorial feos will-amount to £15 ill addition. These sums will be payable to the General Associa tion for the I'roinotion of Woman's Educa tion, who, wo may presume, will supply the dcQcionoy which muet inevitably occur. Tho marked" economy which will chafac toriao St. Hugh's will bo obtained by tha etudeuts livinc; more in common than is customary in the university halls, which will enable a much' simpler arrangement of rooms being c-ffoctod. For the present a emill house has been taken, but should the now hall provo a nueceea in the number of students it obtains it will- be simply the nucleus of a largo eetablUhmont. It is at present a disputed point among eorno writers whether or not advanced female oduca!ion is of advantage. Into this we do not de3ire to enter at the present time, but, assuming that it is for the benefit of women, it. cannot but be a matter of con gratulation that the benefits of a university education, which have hitherto been cori flned to thosn who havb tha command 01 m iisv, ebonl'l bo extended to students who can only afFud to pey a sum of £60 per annum, Tho new hall will place university education in the power of many humble, earnest students to whom it was previously practically inaccessible.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, Ufe7.

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