Alftistellantous.

The week opened with dull weather: the barometer has been fickle, and the rain copious. Nevertheless, the harvest has for the most part been secured, especially towards the South; where the rain appears to have been the heaviest. With respect to the probable yield, we cannot do better than quote the remarks in the last number of the Mark; Lane Express ; with a scrap or two of other gossip derived elsewhere- " On the whole, our prospects as to the future have undergone an immense im- provement since the 20th August; but to suppose that the evil effects of a de- cidedly wet summer have been entirely remedied, would be altogether unreason- able. That a great proportion of the wheat of this year's growth will be of inferior quality and light weight, is unquestionable; nor is it possible that the de- ficiency from the defective set of the ear, so generally complained of, can have been made good: we must therefore adhere to the opinion already expressed on former occasions, viz. that besides the falling-off in meal in consequence of the want of weight and otherwise inferior mealing properties of the berry, the acre- able produce will be found short of an average. It is yet too early to form any- thing like an accurate estimate as to the extent of the deficiency. Many parties rate it much above what we are inclined to do, and others deny that the crop will fall at all below an average: in this state of uncertainty, we feel inclined to re- serve our opinion until something more definite shall have been ascertained by the test of threshing than is at present known; but that there is a deficiency, to a greater or less extent, we feel perfectly convinced. Public opinion has lately been so much occupied in investigating the result of the wheat harvest, that com- paratively little is said of spring corn or pulse: but in the absence of complaints, it is fair to infer that there is not much amiss either as regards quality or quantity. " Injudging of the probable value of wheat during the ensuing winter, the in- jury which potatoes have suffered in many of those districts where this article is most extensively grown must not be overlooked. * * * Considering how large a portion of the food of all classes consists of potatoes, so extensive a failure must be regarded as a great calamity. Already prices have risen considerably; and it is certain that if the mischief should prove anything like so extensive as it is represented to be, the consumption of bread-stuffs must be increased enor- mousl." They accounts both from the United States and Canada, brought by the Hibernia steamer, notice the fact of a good deal of speculation having been going on in flour, owing to the expected deficiency of the crops in England. Prices had advanced to some extent, and freights were also considerably higher. Whether, under all circumstances, these speculations will be profitable, remains to be seen; but it is probable, at any rate, that we shall have increased orders for manufactures sent over. The harvest both in the United States and the British Provinces was expected to be most abundant.—Globe, City Article.

The disease that has appeared in the potatoes exhibits itself in America as well as Europe: but, while every post seems to announce the failure of the crop in some fresh region, suggestions for remedying or palliating the evil are almost equally abundant.

Two communications from M. Payen and M. Philippon were made at the recent meeting of the Paris Academy of Sciences, on the disease which has attacked the toot in Holland, Belgium, some parts of Germany, and the Northern and Western departments of France. The information now given does not add much to that which we previously possessed. It seems to be admitted on all sides, that the disease is a parasitical vegetable; and that it exists only, although to a great ex- tent, in certain localities. Equally certain is it, that the disease is apparent where it does exist; and that no danger can possibly result from the eating of potatoes • .71 t which, being boiled, present no appearance of taint or dee& opinion, also, that where the tubercle is only partially diseased, may be separated for use, by the extraction of the diseased pagaitea;`,44 0/at,' where the potatoes are only slightly attacked, they may be given k&-ry as fuel to animals, if the water in which they are boiled be thrown away: a dangerous ex • periment to try on any extensive scale.

The Dusseldorf Gazette states, that a farmer living on one of the estates of the Dake d'Aremberg, near Dusseldorf, has discovered a mode of preventing the rotting of potatoes, and even of curing it when it has already commenced. The method is very simple: it consists in merely harrowing deeply the earth in which the tubercles are planted so as to produce an evaporation, which will di- minish the fermentation caused by humidity. This plan has proved completely successful.

The late-planted potatoes on Nateby Moss, near Garstang, suffered much on the morning of the 7th instant by a sharp frost, which destroyed the young leading shoots and the leaves, which will be a great injury to the crops.—Preston Chronicle.

The Sligo Journal declares that guano is not favourable to the growth of potatoes. "The potato-crop promises well in some districts; in others, particu-

larly in the county Leitrim and borders of it, great complaints are making as to the rot in the ground. Large quantities have been planted on guano in this county, and the yield is reported to be very unfavourable. We have seen potato stalks growing on guano and stable-manure in the same field, side by side: the former were withered and yellow, while the latter were fresh and green. The re- port is quite different as to turnips, which have been greatly benefited by the guano."

We understand that the Government have determined to materially increase the present military force in our North American Colonies.—Morning Chronicle.

A large augmentation in the number of artisans and labourers in all our dock- yards will take place immediately. No less than 426 additional are ordered to be entered in this dockyard,—namely, 150 shipwrights, 36 joiners, 22 caulkers, 48 smiths, 100 labourers, 42 sawyers, and 38 ropemakcrs' labourers. The rope- makers are also to be augmented, and several stout boys are to be admitted to this department. With the increased force four large war-steamers are to be built upon the designs respectively of Mr. Fincham, the master-shipwright, and Mr White, of Cowes. These vessels, we are informed, will be got off the stocks with all possible despatch. The additional force is engaged for six months, at the same wages as the other artisans. A daily report is ordered to be made of the state of the advanced thirty sail-of-the-line; and all stores not perishable, and furniture not liable to deteriorate by being afloat, are to be put on board as con- venient. The steam guard-ships are to be brought forward immediately; in fact, some of them have already been taken in hand. Notice for tenders from engi- neers has been issued, and the tenders for screw-machinery for these steam guard- ships will be sent into the Admiralty from the various firms after the 1st of next month.—Hampshire Telegraph.

Fortifications for a more efficient protection of this harbour, and the approaches thereto, are about to be erected.—Idem.

We have learned that a number of vessels have proceeded to Mexico, to be employed as privateers. The Shamrock, which had been for some years a revenue- cruiser on the Irish station, and had been well known at Kingstown as one of the fastest boats in the squadron, was sold by Government some months back. She subsequently proceeded to Liverpool; whence, two or three weeks since, she sailed for Mexico; the owners intending to take out letters of marque for the privateer service.—Dublin Mercantile Advertiser.

The Earl of Eglintoun has purchased a steamer to ply regularly between the port of Derry and Androssan. Ile trade of Londonderry with Scotland has in- creased so much of late that it is said to be his Lordship's intention to run a second steamer in the course of a little time.

The Cork miller-merchants have begun to ship flour in barrels to the West Indies, to compete with the Americans, who have absorbed almost the whole of that trade.

The Marquis of Westminster is preparing to carry out the grand plans of the late Marquis for increasing the value of his estates in Chelsea and its vicinity. A new bridge will be erected over the Thames, in a line with Sloane Street: this will lead to Battersea Fields, which will be intersected with ranges of buildings of the class now considered so ornamental in Pimlico. The present Marquis, it is said, derives an income from the Public Funds sufficient to cover his annual expen- diture. His revenue derived from estates is to be applied solely to the works contemplated by the late Marquis.—Globe.

An immense stone has just been raised in the quarry belonging to Mr. Tolle- mache, at Peckforton, Cheshire. It is fifty-five feet long, eight feet nine inches wide, and six feet deep. This is the largest that has been raised at this or any other quarry in Peckforton.

We understand that the Marquis of Hertford is to have the vacant Garter.— Times.

We learn with grief that the health of Prince Louis Napoleon has undergone a visible change: severe rheumatic pains oblige him at times to keep his bed, and the want of exercise is undermining his constitution, which five years since was so strong.—Constitutkrand.

The paragraph representing Mr. Wakley as having sustained an alarming attack of illness while visiting the island of Skye is contradicted. Mr. Wakley has been actively engaged in field-sports; having purchased the right of shooting on the island.

The mother of M. Arago, the eminent natural philosopher, died at Estagel, in the Eastern Pyrenees, a few days ago, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.

The Reverend Charles Bridges, late of Oriel College, Oxford, lia.s been received into the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Roscombe Pole, Churchwarden of Bridge water, with his lady, three sisters, and the members of his establishment, has also seceded from the Established Church, and entered the Roman communion. One of the ladies is, we understand, Mrs. Anstice, widow of the late Professor Anstice, of King's College, London. Other secessions from the Establishment are expected to take place in a short time. Mr. Pole has announced the secession of himself and family to the Rev. Mr. Nihil, Vicar of Bridgewater.—Morning Chronicle.

The " Dublin Operative Protestant Association and Reformation Society" have presented an address to Mr. William George Ward, in which they express their deep sense of the abhorrence of Popish doctrine, and appeal to him against his decision of passing over to the Church of Rome. Mr. Ward replies thus, in a

letter dated from St. Mary's College, at Oscot, near Birmingham. " have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of an address to myself from the Dublin Protestant Association and Reformation Society; and most fully believe your as- surance, that nothing could be further from the wish of ever member of the Association than to inflict the least wound on my feelings.' 1 ou cannot indeed make use of stronger expressions with the view of conveying a deep sense of ab horrence to Popish doctrine than I have felt it my duty, in more than one publi- cation, to adopt with a view of expressing the abhorrence with which I regard the characteristic doctrines of Protestantism; and especially what is com- monly called Evangelicalism,'—by which I mean those doctrines on ' justification which were put forward by Luther and Calvin. Of course, I think that the per- nicious effect of that miserable heresy may be indefinitely modified in the case of individuals by their religious instinct; and I give you credit for acknowledging

the same in regard to the doctrines which you call ' Popish.' I will give your appeal, I assure you, every consideration: but as it contains no argument with which I was not already familiar in one shape or other, there is the less probabi- lity that it will have any power in affecting my convictions; indeed, I may say with the utmost confidence, that there is no moral possibility of its having any such effect." In the sequel of his letter, Mr. Ward represents that those who censure him are bound to read the whole of his book: he also refers them to divers works by Mr. Newman. Edward Riley, living with his family in Hadlow Street, Burton Crescent, having been proved next of ken to Major-General Riley, who recently died at Madras, leaving property to the amount of 50,0001., to the whole of which lie has become entitled, has within the last few days amused the neighbourhood by his conduct. From having been but a workman in the dust-yard in Maiden Lane, he has now become a man of independence. The other day, he called in his cab on a tailor in Seymour Street, and, taking him to the dust-yard, desired him to measure the whole of the men in the yard for a suit of clothes; which being accomplished, he ordered them to go to a bootmaker, where they were all served. On Sunday, he ordered a butcher to supply each of them with a joint of meat. Riley has taken a house in Argyle Square; and upon entering it he purposes giving a dinner to all the dustmen in London, and illuminating the front of his house.—Morning Advertiser.

There is in the Basque Provinces a little village called Mendaro, which is re- nowned for its biscuits, its sole source of wealth. When the Queen of Spain

passed though it, the Ayuntamiento would present her Majesty with a sample of its industry; and the Regidor of the place ()tiered her an enormous biscuit of the shape of a crown, which he accompanied with the following brief speech- " Tha biscuit has been made for thee at Mendaro: nothing but biscuit is made at Mendaro: divide this one with thy mother." The Queen was greatly amused with this oration; but her hilarity increased when, at the church, she found that the regidor, orator, and sacristan, were one and the same person.—Madrid Herald.

During the storm which passed over this neighbourhood on Sunday afternoon, a large quantity of snails fell on the grounds of Captain St. Clair, at Staverton.

The gallant Captain has kindly furnished us with a number of the insects, which may be seen at our office. He states that some of his grounds were literally covered with these curious visiters from the upper regions.—Cheltenham Examiner.

The rain which fell on the 13th instant loosened a mass of earth near Givors, and caused it to fall into one of the cuttings of the St. Etienne Railway. A third- class train came up soon after, and the locomotive was overturned. The three first carriages went off the rails, but without doing injury to any of the passengers. The stoker alone was slightly bruised. The passengers proceeded on foot to the next station, whence another train carried them on.

A man lately attempted to commit suicide on the Lyons Railway, by placing his head under the wheel of one of the carriages; but the wheel only knocked him off the line, and he was very slightly hurt.

An accident happened within the last fortnight on the railway from Beauvoire to Nismes. The first waggon took fire from some sparks of the engine, and four of the waggons were consumed.

A dreadful event occurred, two days ago, between Belluno and Feltre. Two hundred Italian soldiers were maneuvering tinder the command of an Austrian officer; who ordered them to cross a ruinous bridge the passage of which had been forbidden by the local authorities on account of the danger. The bridge gave way, with the two hundred men upon it; and they fell into the river and were drowned. The officer being in advance, had reached the other side before the bridge fell in.—Letter from Venice (September 4th) in the Nouvelliste of Marseilles.

The following horrible event occurred a day or two since. Two men who were at work in a field near Boulogne, in the environs of Paris, with a young girl, took i into their heads to amuse themselves by tickling her feet as she lay upon the grass. The girl laughed heartily for a time, but convulsive movements of the chest succeeded. She rose from the ground, but immediately fell again, and expired.—Galignanis Messenger, Sept. 15.

A French paper has this strange story of the American dwarf, Tom Thumb, " A great sensation has been created at Nantes by the sudden disappearance of General Tom Thumb. The pigmy General, wishing to attend the races at Quim- per, left Vannes with his suite at six o'clock, and was expected to have soon re- turned. Apartments had been previously engaged for him. His carriage broke down near Roasse, a village situated a short distance from Quimperli, inducing a very disagreeable delay. The postillion refused to wait the requisite time for the necessary repairs; observing that his orders were positive to return to Quimperle at a particular hour, and vain was all persuasion to change his resolution : but he assured them that he would inform his master, and that another conductor should be imme- diately sent with fresh horses to continue their route. After waiting a consider- -able time, the conductor and horses arrived, the repairs were completed, and Ge- neral Tom Thumb mounted the carriage. Scarcely had they driven a league When the horses stopped suddenly; the conductor descended, and perceived an immense heap of billets of wood; at the same instant four men, masked, seized and bound the driver, and threatened if he uttered a cry to shoot him. During this scene the General and his suite were locked in the arms of Morpheus. One of the four masks mounted the seat of the carriage, and drove rapidly to St. Thurien. It was only at this place that the General learned his misfortune. The carriage started from St. Thurien—whither, is still unknown. Among many it is con- jectured that he is concealed in some inviolable domicile. Others affirm that

y, from excess of fantasy, has eloped with him to the neighbourhood of Guilli- gomach. The most likely version is, that that the four men in masks belong to the band of Zino, called Compte d'Avenal, famed for its audacity and tementy. One fact is certain, that the General has not been seen or heard of since his departure."