delight the carts of the spiritualists of the present day : "On Monday last a most surprising affair happened at the house of Mrs. Golding, of Stockwell; all the china, glasses, etc., began to fall down from their places, and break to pieces. This continued slowly for some time, till the lady could no longer stay in her house, but went next door to Mr. Gresham, where she lost her senses. Her niece being sent for had her blooded, and as soon as the blood was cold in the bason, it flew out on the floor, and presently the bason broke to pieces. She was obliged to remove from Mr. Gresham, as the same damages began in his house; her maid was with her all the time. She went from house to house, till she had exhausted the list of her friends and relations, when she returned to her own house, still with the same result. At last "they sent the maid away on an errand to try what effect that would have, when everything immediately ceased; upon which when she returned, they discharged her, and all has continued quiet ever since. The old lady, it is thought, cannot recover. The above are absolute facts, though not the hundredth part of what happened, the whole of which is preparing to be laid before the candid and impartial public, properly attested and authenticated." As a specimen of the gossipping spirit of the times, it may be mentioned that scarcely any numbers appear in which there are not statements of the alleged infidelity of Lady - - (usually the initial and final letters of the name) being the common talk of polite society." This shows us how much occasion there was for Sheridan's 'School for Scandal,' and how little real exaggeration there is in that play. Duels are still very frequent. In February, 1774, we have a graphic account of a duel between Lord Townshend and Lord Bellamont, which proved fatal to the latter. This appears to have created some sensation, as we hear that "The King has been shut up for two hours with Lord North, considering of some method to stop the manual decisions of honour." It had been our intention to make more extracts on the state of political affairs at the time, but we must be drawing to a conclusion, and such extracts would of necessity have to be lengthy. We must therefore refer our readers to the Journal itself. We have already given sufficient extracts to show how full it is of information and entertainment, and what a good idea it gives of society in England 100 years ago. We are sure that no book placed in the Adderley of late years will be so eagerly read ast the Marlborough Journal. on The Journal was discontinued on July 2nd, 1774, which day the last number was published. The reason alleged is not surprising: the Publisher found the expense entailed by printing and circulating greater than the advantages received. Its circulation appears to have been very large indeed, nor can we wonder: we only wish newspapers were one half as interesting now-a-days. The Journal is especially interesting as showing the importance of Marlborough in the last century, during the coacbing days. It must be remembered that newspapers were very rare luxuries in those days. The Times was not started till 1785, the Morning Post not till 1772. The number of important contemporaries of the Marlborough Journal was very small indeed; and so the now small and unimportant town of Marlborough was able successfully to issue a weekly periodical, which probably had as large a circulation as any journal in the west of England. We must conclude by again, in the name of the College, expressing our gratitude to Mr. Neate for the very valuable book which he has presented to us. ПАӨНМАТА МАӨНМАТА. "When difficulties most arise, Then often unsuspected aid Comes to our help, and care is laid." Such moral thoughts rose in my mind, When I was in the sorest strait, Nowhere could I my Ovid find, And it was getting very late, And when at last I got a book, I dared not take it up unseen- An " "I know that Jones has lost his key, I will consult his library." No sooner thought than done. I go The wily Jones's desk I opeThe book, (that binding well I know,) Is there! exceeding every hope : So bore I off that book well known, All joy! my work is done, and I Much has been said and writ of late For never learned I aught by such Save that we have to work too much. Surely we then are justified, In using "cribs" tho' much decried, So priceless praises be to thee, Οίμοι όλωλα άτοτοι, O woe that cannot be expressed! For I have just escaped from form, "O yes! this bit is very hard," But he could not make out one bit I answered well quite brilliantly, I blushed, I stammered, and at last I did confess that not alone' I made it out. "Then go, fly fast," I fled, but ere I reached the door, I ne'er had heard such words before. He seized a knife, with open blade Low, mean, dishonourable cad, I did not stop to hear the rest, For only idlers such things use, Well, now my motto's "Honesty THE YEAR 1877 FROM A DIFFERENT STAND-POINT. THE year 1877 is past and gone, nor has it departed without leaving behind varied memories, since the year began. The last new building which bas to be mentioned is a Cabmen's Shelter, of, I sincerely trust, a temporary character. It has been erected just opposite to my "diggings," and is, I believe, of the least possible value to the beer and baccy-loving Cabbies. Our Penny-Reading season was a wonderful success. Two, if not more, songs were actually encored, and high jinks were carried on at the back of the room with a relish and vigour above that of any previous year. In accordance with a suggestion made to my landlady, a bath has been provided for the use of the "slavey," but it does not appear to have become very popular. Our family hop on Christmas Eve was perhaps hardly so successful as usual, but great allowance must be made for the unsettled state of the musicians at the time, as they shewed evident signs of premature inebriation. The same reason accounts for the unsatisfactory conclusion of "Sir Roger," and the awful row heard in the back premises afterwards. By the most natural transition, I now arrive at our rustic Cricket Matches; and here again was cause for congratulation. True, we were beaten in every match, but while every catch was dropped in 1876, one was triumphantly held last season by the village pedagogue with the aid of his hat, (a trivial irregularity good-naturedly overlooked). No one will deny that our all-round play was uniform in its execrableness throughout, and our tail much longer than last year. Our captain generally made a small score, but there were always ten more men prepared to make a smaller. Screw-day deserves special mention, because my boot maker was then presented with a trifle, as a token of esteem from one whom he had confidently shod for several years. The residue of my allowance has been expended in the laudable endeavour to keep off the parish. The list of breakages, presented by my landlady after my birthday jollification, was well up to the average, and contained sundry chairs, gas lamps, and tumblers, besides other articles ruthlessly smashed by festive O.M's. Why dwell on the football season here? It would be needless and painful to do so. I was overjoyed to learn at the beginning of the winter that my landlady had determined to carpet the stairs, and board up the fireplace in my bedroom. to lessen the draught, and render it less difficult for me to keep my bed clothes on. These improvements have not yet begun, but would, without doubt, prove extremely popular. The appearance of the Court at the back has been improved by the crection of several fresh clotheslines, notably one under my bedroom window, now embellished with a goodly array of my landlady's linen. The interior of my rooms has been improved by the appearance of two more china ornaments of the usual lodging-house type. My landlady assures me she has more to come, but I politely but firmly decline the addition, as it would necessitate the removal of favourite pipes, &c. A new barrel organ has recently made its appearance in our neighbourhood. Its repertoire consists of "Nancy Lee," "Jeremiah, blow the fire," "Hold the fort," and the "War Song." Quite the usual "stops" are employed, chiefly under my windows. This organ weighs heavily on my mind, necessitating "props" in the shape of grog during the evening. Finally, I am learning a new comic song, and hope to startle my friends with it by Easter. The past year has accordingly been one of marked tightness in the money market, but it has left some pleasant memories behind. BAWCOCK. PUBLIC SCHOOL NOTES. The Carthusian begins with an article on some complaints which have recently been made against their curious custom of a "Lemon Peel Fight," held every Shrove Tuesday, at which it appears attendance is compulsory. These complaints seem not without foundation, and, as says the Carthusian, "when lemons are no longer lemons, but a sort of bombshell, loaded with whatever material ingenuity and spite can combine to suggest, then it is time to draw the line"; and this is no hyperbole, for a respondent writes to say that he has known ink, salt and mud to have been enclosed in the innocent garb cor of a lemon! The Editors complain of the absence of literary support from the School, there having been no contribution of this nature during the last quarter. At football, the School beat Brooke Hall by seven goals to nothing. In their match against Westminster after a very exciting game, they were victorious by one goal to nothing. Both string and wind bands are in a very flourishing condition and have given successful entertainments. The Eton College Chronicle contains a poem, after the fashion of Macaulay's Lays of Ancient Rome, on the subject of the competition for the College Mile Race which was run on February 16th. The Beagles afford excellent sport, and some good runs are recorded, in one of which they came to an untimely end by being "sat on" by a gardener. The Debating Society have been compelled to adjourn for the second time their debate on the conduct of Government. We observe that Sir E.S. Creasy, author of "Fifteen decisive battles of the World," who died lately, was an Old Etonian. A correspondent writes to suggest that a portion of the Black Country,' should be formed into a district, and a priest be provided by Etonians: as Winchester have done in the east of London. The Felstedian congratulates the School on the recent change from 'half-years' to 'terms,' "which will be viewed with satisfaction by every one but the inevitable grumbler." The writer of an article on cheap postage considers that in the invention of post cards the Post Office authorities have introduced "at once the least expensive and most efficacious instrument of torture desired by modern ingenuity," and asks whether a higher postal rate would not save time and trouble. The Concert was a success, though not as good musically as that of the previous year. In the Debating Society the motion "that the present Government is unworthy of the support of the Nation" was lost by 4 to 8. A correspondent suggests that a column in the Felstedian should be reserved for reviews of the Poetry that appears, and for answers to such reviews; and that a prize be occasionally offered for the best poem on a set subject. Another correspondent indites a severe criticism of two poems which appeared in the Felstedian, quoting a portion of one, which indeed seems to require the "painful investigation" he bestowed on it; it is as follows: The Sydneian Editors think that with regard to their contributors there are encouraging signs; though perhaps a Marlborough or Clifton Editor would not take heart at the contents of the Editors' box.' The subject of their 5th account of English Public Schools' is Charterhouse. A column is reserved for Facetiae, subjoined is a specimen :Teacher asks boy what Samson slew the Philistines with, and as a hint, pointing to his own chin says, "what's this?" Boy answers promptly-"jaw bone of an ass, Sir !" The cricket season began on October 17th, and is now at its height, the match against Melbourne being fixed for the 21st and 22nd December. The Debating Society recently held a meeting at which songs, recitations, etc., were given. A correspondent blames Old Sydneians for not showing sufficient interest in their school, attributing the fact to their want of esprit-de-corps. The Malvernian begins with an article on Athletics, wherein the probable winners of the various events in the approaching sports are predicted, which also forms the subject of a poem. Their Concert was 'at least as great a success as usual,' and only just occupied the two hours assigned for it. The motion brought before the Debating Society that the vote of credit for £6,000,000 is for the benefit of the country and ought to be acceded to,' after many speeches on each side was adjourned. A correspondent writes to suggest the introduction of 'kicking the foot-ball,' among the other events in the forthcoming athletic sports. Occasional Notes. Old Fellows are reminded that their hockey match has been fixed for Saturday, April 6th. Those who wish to play are requested to communicate as soon as possible with C. E. Grainger, Esq., Trinity College, Cambridge. The following O.M.'s have distinguished themselves in the recent College Sports:-C. J. Johnstone won the Strangers' Race,mile handicap, at Downing College, Cambridge, with a start of 30 yds. E. C. Cumberbatch won the quarter mile at University College. C. R. Draper was first in the 100 yds. at Wadham College, and also won the Broad Jump, and mile handicap with a start of 40 yds., and was second in the mile. The work at the Bathing place is progressing favourably; the 'Duck-pond' has already been deepened about two feet, and a pumping machine has lately made its appearance. On Saturday evening last the Rev. S. Coode Hore gave an interesting account of his Missionary work in Demerara, and on Sunday preached a Sermon on the same subject in the College Chapel. On Saturday next Mr. Harding has kindly offered to deliver a Lecture on the Telephone, in the Bradleian; a large audience is expected. On Saturday, March 16th, the second Penny Reading of the Term will be held in the Bradleian. The following is the result of the drawing for the final tie of Scratch Fives. Napier and Hunt play Bowden-Smith and Charley. House Racquets have been finished, resulting in a victory for Preshute. On Monday last, 4th inst., Mr. Bambridge gave a most successful concert in the Town Hall, which was largly patronized by menbers of the School. The Editor of the Marlborough College Register would be glad to receive from Old Marlburians any information about themselves or their contemporaries which might be serviceable for the forthcoming edition of the Register. Those who have left the School recently are invited to communicate with him no less than O.M.'s of an earlier date. The Editor hopes that the new edition may be in the printer's hands next year. The following is a specimen of the sort of information about O.M.'s which would be acceptable to the Editor. A.B. Ex. Coll. Oxford; Vicar of Holy Trinity, London. C.D. Late Capt. Bengal Artillery, killed at Delhi in 1857. E.F. Solicitor, London. G.H. Business in Liverpool. K.L. Trin. Coll. Cam., Died Feb. 5th, 1865. M.N. Capt. R.N., served in the Baltic during the Russian War. We extract from the Guardian the following testimony to the enterprise of an Old Marlburian :-" The celebrated burning mountain of New Zealand, Tangariro, has at last been explored by an Englishman, Mr. P. F. Connelly, a sculptor, having recently succeeded in ascending to the summit. The Volcano is regarded as tapu or sacred, by the Maoris, who have hitherto resisted all attempts to explore the mountain on the part of the colonists. Mr. Connelly found every obstacle placed in the way of his progress by certain of the natives, who took possession of his horses, guns, saddles, and nearly all his outfit, including his sketches. He however overcame all resistance, and by the help of some chiefs more friendly than the rest, succeeded in thoroughly exploring the crater, took a number of sketches and photographs of the locality, and determined the position of the most important peaks." NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY'S REPORT. THE present Report of the Natural History Society is, we think, fully up to the average in point of interest and value. We wish that as favourable a view could be taken of the present state of the Society itself, and that the voluminous pages of the Report really represented the interest taken in natural history by members of the school. If it were not for the papers read, which are all that could be desired, the record of work accomplished during last term would be scanty indeed. Of course there are not many opportunities for studying nature during the winter term; but still it is by no means creditable to the school that the only results achieved in botany and entomology should be due to the efforts of out-siders. Surely there are plenty of fellows with a turn for natural history who might benefit themselves and help a school institution by doing something in this line, especially during this term, when time is apt to hang heavy on their hands. We are sorry to see that the botanical garden has been given up, but if so little interest is shown in it, it is obviously not worth while that money should be spent to keep it up. The number of members is considered satisfactory. A large number of those who joined last term have resigned; but thirteen more have appeared to fill their places, and the Society at present numbers 41. The chief attraction in the present Report is of course Mr. Rodwell's lecture on Mount Etna. It is illustrated by a pretty photograph of a ruined Greek theatre, with a sunny stretch of sea coast beyond, and Etna in the back ground. The map that serves as a frontispiece is not so successfully or clearly reproduced. The itself is very paper exhaustive, containing an immense amount of information on the subject, put in a very interesting way; the parts that seem most valuable are the writer's personal experiences in ascending the mountain and the description he gives of it from his own observation. We cannot of course attempt to give here any extracts from this paper; our readers should study it for themselves; we can only indicate its scope by saying that it opens with quoting the passages in which Etna is mentioned by the classical writers, describes the radius of vision from the summit, which is said to embrace 160 miles, the botanical regions into which the surface is divided, the ascent of the mountain, and the nature of the famous crater. Last comes a list of all the eruptions that are known to have taken place; not more than fifteen were of extreme violence. Etna occupies 44 pages of the book; the only other paper is one by W. M. H. Milner, entitled "A Botanical Walk round Marlborough." He gives very useful directions when and where to look for the more interesting Marlborough plants; no beginner, who wished to study the Flora of the neighbourhood, could do better than follow the route here chalked out for him. A hope is very sensibly expressed, that others should follow with papers on the Ornithology, Entomology and Geology of the distrist, pointing out the habitats of remarkable species and the best seasons for working in the different branches. Mr. Bambridge's lecture on Harmony is, we fear, lost to posterity; we have been unable to discover the abstract of it mentioned in the preface. The |