February 4 .] 
THE FIELD. 
113 
ance with divers branches of natural philosophy. And 
whilst on this topic, we may perhaps suggest to the mem- 
bers of the P.VV.Y. Club, that wo see no impropriety in oc- 
casionally introducing for discussion or lecture, subjects of a 
scientific nature, not purely nautical ; if it is the intention 
to continue, at the conversazione meetings of the club, the 
discussions so creditably begun and ably conducted. We 
fear that there is a probable limit to a subject which is purely 
nautical in itself, and that at all events a little variety would 
neither be displeasing nor out of place. A knowledge of 
natural philosophy, in all its various branches, is essential 
to the correct and complete understanding of even subjects 
purely nautical,— as, for instunce, the laws of gravity, densi- 
ties of fluids, causes of winds and tides, the planetary system, 
as well us all the various phenomena attached to tho four 
elements. Many lay members of tho club, not conversant 
with practical yachting, might thou vary the instruction 
offered once a month, with considerable advantage to the 
club. The subject chosen by the present lecturer, at Batter- 
sea was “Light." After discussing the various theories 
ascribed to it, and giving examples of its attributes, as 
velocity, reflection and refraction, polarisation, fee., Mr. 
Chubb addressed the members on the subject of these insti- 
tutions generally, and their influence on the social system. 
Ho wished to see their principles extended to a class below 
them, to whom the payment of an annual subscription 
operated as a bar, and suggested that their attention should 
be directed towards giving a higher moral tone to the work- 
ing classes generally, whom he described as addicted to low 
and debasing pursuits, instead of innocent recreation and 
instructive amusements. He described the position of 
thousands of the working classes to be most degraded, who 
dally died as they lived— unthinking and unthought for; 
whose intellects were a blank, and education inappreciable. 
Ho pointed to education and sanatory reform as the only 
weapons with which to meet the giant evils of ignorance 
and crime, and called on the literary institutions to aid in 
the great work, by offering tho advantages they possessed 
to the class below them, by imparting instruction in a 
manner within tho means of tho poorest of their neigh- 
bours. Tho lecturer was greeted at the conclusion with 
marks of applause. 
Royal Hospitals op Bridewell and Bethlehem. 
A special general Court of Governors was hold on Monday 
for the purpose of electing a receiver of the hospital rents, in 
the room of Mr. Edward Richard Adams, resigned. Si r 
Peter Laurie, the president, was in tho chair, and a very 
great number of tho governors attended. The candidates 
wore ; — Captain Adams, the present governor of Bridewell 
Gaol, and Mr. Alfred Jeffreson. After n poll, which lasted 
an hour and a half, tho numbers announced were Jeffre- 
8o n, 91; Adams, 89; whereupon Mr. Jeffreson was called 
in and congratulated upon his election. 
Booksellers’ Registration Society. — A corres- 
pondent says : — “ A society bearing tho above name has just 
boen formed at Mr. Orr’s, Paternostor-row. It is intended 
by this society to establish a correct register of all booksellers, 
printors, news agents, &c., throughout the country (upon 
certain conditions), so as to facilitate communications and 
promote In every way tho interest of the trade and the con- 
venience of the public.” 
Northumberland and Durham Zoological Gar- 
dens. — A company has been formed in Newcastle for the 
purpose of opening a place of recreation under tho above 
title. Benton Park Estate, tho late residence of Captain 
Potts, is the spot fixed upon, and a more suitable placo 
could not have been chosen, the scenery in that locality 
being most magnificent. The amusements are to consist of 
botanical and horticultural fiites, galas, balloon ascents, 
balls, concerts, dancing nl fresco , See. The company are 
desirous, if possible, to open tho groundsduring tho ensuing 
spring. 
Cardiganshire— Morgan Jones, of Penlan, Esq. 
Denbighshire — Richard Jones, of Bellan-place, Ituobon, Esq. 
Flintshire — Henry Raikes, of Llowynegrin, Esq. 
gdlamorganshiro — William Llewellyn, of Councilman, Esq. 
Montgomeryshire — John Michael Soverne, of Wallop, Esq. 
Merionethshire — George Augustus lluddart, of Plasynponrhyn, 
Esq. 
Pembrokeshire — Tho Hon. Robort Fulko Greville, of Castle 
Hall. 
Radnorshire— John Jones, of Cefnmaes, Esq. 
PROVINCIAL. 
SHERIFFS APPOINTED BY HER MAJESTY IN 
COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 1854. 
[From tho London Oazelle, of Tuesday.] 
Bedfordshire— Frederick Charles Polhill Tumor, of Howbury 
Hall, Esq. 
Borkshiro— James Joseph Wheble, of Bnlmershe Court, Esq. 
Buckinghamshire — Henry Haumer, of Stookgrovo, Esq. 
Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire — Georgo William Rowley, 
of tho Priory, St. Neots, Esq. 
Cumberland — Thomas Alison Hoskins, of Higham, Esq. 
Choshiro— Francis Duckinliold Palmer Astley, of Duckinfield, 
Esq. 
Derbyshire — William Drury Lowe, of Locko Park, Esq. 
Devonshire — Richard Sommers Gard, of llougomnnt, Esq. 
Dorsetshire — Sir Henry Oglander, of Paruham, Bnrt. 
Durham — Henry John Baker Baker, of Elemoro Hall, Esq. 
Essex — Thomas White, of Weathersfield, Esq. 
Gloucestershire— John Henry Elwes, of Colosborne House, noar 
Northloach, Esq. 
Herefordshire — Elios Chadwick, of Puddlestono Court, near 
Leominster, Esq. 
Hertfordshire— Robort Hnnbury, of Poles, in Thundridgo, Esq. 
Kent — Alexander Glendiniug, of Ashgrove, Sevonoaks, Esq. 
Leicestershire — Henry Cories Bingham, of Wartnaby, Esq. 
Lincolnshire — Anthony Wilson, of Rauceby Hall, Esq. 
Monmouthshire — Thomas Brown, of Ebbw Valo, Esq. 
Norfolk — Benjamin Bond Oabbell, of Cromor Hall, Esq. 
Northamptonshire — The Right Hon. Anthony Henley, Lord 
Henloy, of Watford. 
Northumborlund — Samuel Edward Widrington, of Newton, 
Esq. 
Nottinghamshire— Samuel Bagnall Wild, of Costook, Esq. 
Oxfordshire — John William Fane, of Wormsloy, Esq. 
Rutlandshire— Robert Leo Bradshaw, of Tiowell, Esq. 
L Shropshire — Robert Aglionby Slanoy, of Walford Manor, Esq. 
Somersetshire — Jumos Curtis Somerville, of Dindor, Esq. 
Staffordshire — John Davenport, of Westwood, Esq. 
County of Southampton — Joremiah Robort Ives, of Bentworth 
Hall, near Alton, Esq. 
Suffolk— Windsor Parker, of Clopton Hall, Raltlosdon, Esq. 
Surrey — Robort Gosling, of Botloy’s Park, Esq. 
Sussex— John Day, of Nowick, Esq. 
Warwickshire— William Charles Alston, of Elmdon, Esq. 
Westmoreland — John Wilson, of the llowo, Esq. 
Wiltshire— Edmund Lowis Cluttorhuok, of Havdonhuish Park, 
Esq. 
Worcestershire— Edward Boaroroft, of More Hall, Droms^rove, 
Esq. ’ 
Yorkshire— Henry Willoughby, of Birdaall, noar Malton, Esq. 
WALES. 
Anglesoy— Robert Brisoow Owen, of Haulfro, near Beaumaris, 
Esq. 
Breconshire— John Powell, of Walton Mount, Esq. 
Carnarvonshire — Thomas Love Dunoombo Jones Parry, of 
Madryn, Esq. 
Carmarthenshire— John Jones, of Blaenos, Esq. 
Money Orders. — General Post Office, January, 
1854. — Major Money Order offices have or will be opoued 
at the undermentioned receiving offices on the respective 
dates named: England — Ashted and Deritend, Birmingham, 
Fob. 21 ; Edgbastou and Great Hampton, Birmingham, 
Feb. 22 ; Cathay and Stokescroft, Bristol, Feb. 1. Ireland 
— Lower Baggot Street, Queen street, and Rathmines, 
Dublin, Feb. 1. Scotland — Anderston and South Portland 
street, Glasgow, Feb. 1. Minor Money Order offices will 
be opened at the undermentioned places on tho respective 
dates named : England — Yutton, Somersetshire, served 
from Bristol, Feb. 3. Ireland — Tulla, county Clare, served 
from Limerick, Feb. 1. The Post-office at Fushie-bridgo, 
N.B. will be transferred to Gore-bridge on the Gth of 
February. Money ordors will therefore be issued and 
paid ut Gore-bridge, instead of Fushie-bridge, on and after 
that date. 
Northfleet (Kent.)— A Significant Hint. — For 
some time past tho Messrs. Pitcher have boon building in 
their yard at Northfleet, a 38-gnn screw frigato, built on 
tho diagonal principle. She was to have been launched at 
the last spring tidos, aud was intended for the Russian ser- 
vice ; the money to bo paid immediately she was launched. 
A few days previous to the day intended for the launch, and 
when the“ ways” had been actually removed for the purpose, 
a Government messenger arrived and put on the “ broad- 
arrow,” not allowing her to be launched till further orders. 
She has, consequently, been detained, and the Russian, who 
had hitherto boen in charge of her, immediately left, some 
say in rather a precipitous manner. What the result will 
bo, is, of course, only u matter of conjecture. 
Portsmouth. — Extraordinary Accident at 
Southsea. — An accident of a singular character happened 
on Wednesday night la9t, at a houso in tho Queen's-cres- 
cent. The house in question has a partly underground 
kitchen, with a skylight over it, and a bank of green sward 
runs sloping up on one side to a level with the skylight. 
An old horse having been turned out for the night on the 
common, being blind, by some means got into the garden, 
and so on upon the said slope — the tempting “ bite ’’ lured 
the unconscious grazer to his fate — for presently the un- 
fortunate animal fell right through the skylight, head 
foremost into the kitchen below, carrying the whole of tho 
skylight with him, upon tho table, crushing everything to 
atoms. The servants, who were ironing at the time, had 
a most narrow escape of their lives, as tho poor animal 
kicked out in all directions, briuging down plate-racks, 
dresser, crockery, dish-covers, See. The poor girls, almost 
frantic, burst out of the kitclion, and ran for their lives, 
fancying themselves in a place not fit to mention “ to ears 
polite,” but screaming “ Fire ! ” “ Murder ! ” “ Thieves 1" 
at the top of their lungs, whilst the rest of the inmates 
locked their doors, and screamed for the polico out of win- 
dow. Tho consternation was so great, and the crash aud 
din so fearful that no one could muster sufficient pluck 
to venture on the scone of action. At length a policeman 
appeared and led the way, his light being turned full on, 
anil so discovered tho wretched animal amongst the heap of 
“odd matters strewn all around, per force, his heels and 
body.” The horse had sustained great injury, and was in- 
stantly killed. — Wiltshire County Mirror. 
Windsor. — The Queen’s Piper. — Poor M‘Kay, her 
Majesty's piper, has gone out of his mind, and the symptoms 
are such as to leave little or no hope of his recovery. The 
lamentable fact first indicated itself yesterday week, when he 
wrote a rambling, incoherent letter to Colonel the Hon. C. 
B. Phipps (privy purse), in which he stated that he was in 
possession of important documents, which clearly proved 
him to be the right and lawful heir to tho throno ; but, as 
ho had no wish to dethrone Queen Victoria, he demanded 
an iutorview with the gallant colonel. This was judiciously 
granted, and, on the man’s making his appearance at the 
Castle at the time appointed, he was immediately put under 
restraint. Of course ho will bo sent away and provided for, 
but it is not yet known whether the Quoen will appoint his 
successor. M‘Kay was allowed to be tho first piper in Scot- 
land. His duty was to play bofore tho Queen and royul 
suite when at]dinner, and at the dancing of the Scotch reels. 
It is a somewhat remarkable coincidence, that Smith, the 
policeman on duty at the northern entrance to the Custle, 
went stark mad on the same day, and he has since been 
constantly imitating the barking of a dog. Ilis death is 
hourly expected. 
one and all, directing thoir attention to the facts of the case, 
and asking themsolvos the question whether they had noticed 
with anybody in their respective neighbourhoods a strange 
lad, who after a few weeks had suddenly disappeared. If 
they did know of such an occurrence, the police ought to be 
made acquainted with it, and inquiries immediately set on 
foot in that particular locality. He hoped, in conclusion, 
that the polico would use their utmost ondeavours to discover 
the guilty parties ; for it was a fearful anil frightful thing 
for the public to feel that their children could not go abroad 
without being kidnapped, ami used for some abominable 
purposes. Sorgoant Earthy said the police were using their 
utmost endeavours to discovor the guilty persons, who, up 
to the present time, had evaded justice. The coroner 
remarked that he was sure the perpetrators of the diabolical 
deed could not long escape the punishment which their 
crime demanded. The jury then retired, und, after a brief 
consultation, returned a verdict of “ Wilful Murder 
AGAINST SOME PERSON OR PERSONS UNKNOWN." 
After the verdict had been recorded, Mr. Fairman, solicitor, 
of Bishop Stortford, presented himself on behalf of Mr. 
Wildbore, and said that his client was so borne dowu by 
the groundless charge preferred ugainst him, that he was 
confined to a bed of illness. The coroner said that not a 
tittle of evidence implicating Mr. Wildboro had beoa 
adduced boforo him. The jury fully acquiesced in the 
coroner’s observations ; after which tho witnesses were 
bound over in the usual recognizances to appear if required 
to prosecute in the matter, and the inquiry then terminated. 
HORTICULTURE. 
The Vine. — The sharp frost is said to have had a bene- 
ficial effect on the diseased vines in the department of the 
Rhone ; at any rate it lias improved their appearance. 
Flower-garden. — The rose trees not pruned in tho 
early part of winter may now be pruned, excepting, perhaps, 
the very delicate noisottes and China varieties, which may 
bo left till March. 
Greenhouse. — Continue to supply water with groat 
cautiou, especially while no fire heat is employed. Ventilate 
freely when the weather is mild, and attend to the frequent 
turning of all soft-wooded plants, at the same time picking 
off all decayed leaves. 
Kitchen Garden. — When the surface is sufficiently 
dry, use the hoe among the crops of brocoli, See., drawing 
up a little mould round each plant as the work proceeds. 
Vinery. — Let the temperature be kept steadily at about 
55 dog., and syringe the vines with tepid water two or throe 
times a day. 
The Fruit Trade of Hull. — A few years ago, the 
annual importations of oranges into Hull averaged only 
from 8 to 10 small cargoes, including about 4,500 boxes ; 
whilst in the last 12 days, 11 cargoes, consisting of 7,363 
boxes (about 800 tons weight), have been sold at satisfactory 
prices ; and already three more vessels have arrived, bring- 
ing a furthor quantity of 2,120 boxes, which uro now being 
lauded. It is expected that from 50 to 00 cargoes will 
bo imported during the present season. This trade has so 
much increased of late, that her Majesty’s Commissioners 
of Customs have granted aspeciul sufferance for an additional 
legal quay for the landing of oranges, and the dock com- 
pany has erected an extra shed, which is entirely occu- 
pied by this trade, which has also created a largo doinand 
upon the railway companies for luggage waggous , — Hull 
Pachet. 
MURDER AT ACTON.— VERDICT. 
On Tuesday, Mr. VValdey concluded, at the Goldsmiths’ 
Arms, East Acton, the adjourned inquiry touching tho 
death of Richard Medhurst, agod 14, who was found mur- 
dered in a ditch in Friar’s-lano. [See The Field, p. 41.] 
Ou the reassembling of the jury, the summoning officer 
having, in answer to the coroner, said there was no fresh 
evidence forthcoming, the coroner, after making some 
cursory remarks as to the extraordinary nature of tho case, 
proceeded to address the jury. He said lie felt that it would 
he useless to adjourn again, as, although lie considered the 
guilty parties would be eventually discovered, yet thut 
would not be in all probability for some time to come. 
Upon the evidonce adduced before them they would have to 
find their verdict. After lioaring the evidence of Messrs. 
Glover and Francis, the medical witnesses, there could be 
little doubt ou their minds but that the unfortunate youth 
had fallen a victim to brutal ill-treutinent and violence, ut 
the hands of some person or persons to tho jury unknown. 
Ho (tho coronor) hud received various communications upon 
the subject, hut ho did not consider those communications 
ought at the present time to bo inado public, os it might 
interrupt tho ends of justice, and give the parties named, 
if they were guilty, an opportunity of escuping. Ho con- 
sidered too much stress hail been placed oil the fact of the 
man who took away tho deceased having a chaise cart of a 
particular construction. Now, ho was of opinion if a party 
was about to commit such an inhuman act as had been 
evidently perpetrated, he would borrow a cart, and not use 
his own. He much questioned whether the police would 
detecthho guilty party or parties by following up tho descrip- 
tion of the cart. The only way ho thought the perpetrators 
of the foul act might be brought to light was by the public, 
THE WEATHER AND THE FARM. 
The Weather at Inverness. — For nearly a fortnight 
this district lias been visited by very severe gales from the 
west, accompanied by ruin, sleet, and, on the hills, con- 
siderable quantities of snow. There has also beon a good 
deal of lightuing seen at night. To-duy wo have had a pretty 
heavy and general fall of snow, which, it is feared, will have 
the effect of delaying tho mails in all directions. Though 
we have not heard of any disasters on our coast, there cun 
be little doubt that in a few days accounts will be received 
here of loss and suffering at sea. The wind lias veerod several 
points towards the north since Tuesday evening, and to this 
circumstance we may attribute our escape from a heavy 
flood on the Ness ; for the molting of snow on tho hills of 
Stratherrick, Glenmorriston, and on the mountain ranges 
further west, had swollen the rivers flowing at their base, 
and raised the bed of Loch-Ness almost to flood height. A 
strong and long-continued west wind beating upon this vast 
body of water in such circumstances would inevitably havo 
floodod tho River Ness beyond its boundaries, aud probably 
havo given a fatal impulse to fever and diseuse in the lowor 
parts of the town* The great severity of the late frost has told 
fatally upon a largo portion of tho potatoes stored in this 
neighbourhood for winter use, and the farmers complain that 
their turnips have boen in many instances completely de- 
stroyed . — Inverness Courier. 
Cranbrook (Kent). — The state of the weather this 
week has been as unusuully mild for the season of the year 
as it had been for twoor three previous weeks unprecodentedly 
cold und severe. The snow has dissolved into its natural 
element, and tho ground is again clear for agrarian opera- 
tions, such as hop digging, trunking, &c., which havo pro- 
gressed favourably. Alreudy, In warm places, the bud Is 
expanding itself, while on protected banks the earlier sorts 
of flowers — tho glittering primrose, See . — have developed 
tlicmselvos into bloorn, thus prematurely indicating the re- 
turn of “ beautiful spring.’’ The song birds, too, have com- 
menced thoir enchanting melody, and our woods and vules 
havo early rung witli tho music of their warbling throats. 
Tho wheat plant is displaying its blade of green, and holding 
out a promise of a luxuriant crop of thut golden grain which 
maketli glad and strengthenetli the heart ot man, and all 
nature seems to have recoived a sudden impulse to waken 
into life. The husbandman has gone forth to his labour 
with a better heart und hope that the “ Greut giver of all 
good ” will bless the increuse so that ere long he may be en- 
abled to obtain a sufficiency of food by the “sweat of his 
brow a dosideratuin which at present prices is almost Im- 
possible. 
Early Lambing. — A ewe of the pure Leicester breed, 
belonging to Mr. John Chalmers, auctioneer, Spitalfield, 
dropped a fino strong lamb on the 6th ultimo, in a park ou 
the estate of Delvlne. The dam and her offspring are 
thriving remarkably well, notwithstanding the severity of 
the weather. Although some naturalists have described the 
sheep, in its servile state, as being the “ most stupid of all 
animals,” yet It is but doing justice to the sheep tribe to 
menliou that the ewe referred to above showed herself to be 
possessed of much cunning and art. Soon after the lamb 
