5 OCTOBER 1929, Page 14

A . Hundred Years Ago

THE SPECTATOR, OCTOBER 35D, 1829. . A Rom/IN-nu OLD MAN

An old man, residing in the -neighbourhood of Glasgow, lately found in a corner of his cottage a miniature of his wife, taken in her youthful days. Although of strictly sedate and religious habits, and although his wife had been many years dead, the effect which the miniature had onhim was singular and surprising. From the moment of its discovery, until his death, which took place some months afterwards, he neglected all_his ordinary duties and employments, and became in a manner imbecile, spending whole days without uttering a word, or betraying the slightest interest in passing occurrences. The' only one with whom he would at all hold communication was a little grandchild,- who bore a remarkable likeness to the portrait, and to whom he was perfectly docile. A day or two before his death, he-gave this grandchild

his purse, accompaniedwith strict instructions that she would

lay the picture in the coffin beside him.=Cilczegow Courier. '

NOVEL PUNISHMENT FOR DRIINEENNESS.

The Lord -Justice Clerk said; with great truth, in charging the jury on the last trial of our present Circuit, that everything in this part of the country (Glasgow) begins with drink and ends with drink. It was lately suggested by a contemporary, that drunkards should have their heads shaved in the Police-office, in order, if possible, to terrify them into some sort of decent sobriety ; and we understand that it was at once determined to try this new panacea. On Saturday night, therefore, an incorrigible toper, in a state of torpor, underwent the first trial under the new rigitne ; and nothing in this world could possibly exceed his astonishment and horror when he put his hand' on his head iii the Morning. If it be generally understood by these petits to society that when they began with drink, the police are to end with shaving, in the literal sense of the word, the practice will, to a certainty, prove as beneficial as was contemplated.

A PHOENIX WANTED.

" A Lad from the Country wanted : not highly educated, aged fifteen or sixteen. He must be active, short, and of light weight ; must understand the care of horse and chaise ; have a good twelvemonths' character from his last place useful in a garden and in' geneial service ' • must do as he is ; bear speaking to ; have no followers ; good temper; at' table ; and of respectable

parents.—Letters not attended to."