me, and had played superlative
Cricket.
Forty-three to make, and forty-five minutes! But GRACE and GUNN
were equal to it;
And a win, with a quarter of an hour in hand, was the satisfactory
sequel to it.
The Australians played a manly game, without any dawdling or
shirking;
And if they didn't avoid defeat why it wasn't for want of hard
working.
But the stiff-legged "Doctor" who forced the game in the most
judgmatical fashion,
And forgot his leg and his "forty year" odd, full flushed with a
Cricketer's passion!
Why he's the chap who deserves a shout. Bravo, brave "W. G," Sir.
And when you next are on the job, may the "Duffer" be there to
see, Sir!

* * * * *

DEVELOPING HAWARDEN.

"The locality is extremely healthy, and Hawarden will probably
become a large residential place, and a centre of mining
industry."--_Mr. Gladstone's Evidence before the Commissioners
for Welsh Intermediate Education._

_Monday._--Wood-cutting. Inconvenient having so many villas built all
round park. Inhabitants inspect everything I do. Nasty little boys
(whom I can see over their garden wall) shout "Yah!" and wave large
primrose wreath. Irritating. Perhaps due to healthiness of air. Retire
to another part of the demesne. Heavens! what is that erection? Looks
like a Grand Stand, in a private garden, crowded with people. It
is! Invited (by owner of garden) specially to view me and (I hear
afterwards) my "celebrated wood-cutting performance," at a shilling
a-head. Disgusted. Go in.

_Tuesday._--Down local coal-mine. Interesting to have one at
Park-gates. Explain to colliers principle of the Davy lamp. Colliers
seem attentive, Ask me at the end for "a trifle to drink my health
with." Don't they know I am opposed to Endowment of Public-houses?
Yes, "but they aren't," they reply. Must invite WILFRID LAWSON to
Hawarden.

_Wednesday._--Curious underground rumblings. Wall of Castle develops
huge crack. _What_ is it? A dynamite plot? Can SALISBURY have
hired----? HERBERT comes in, and tells me the proprietor of Hawarden
Salt Mine has just sent his compliments; with a request that I would
"shore up" the Castle. Otherwise "he is afraid it may fall in on his
workmen." Impudence! Why can't they dig under Eaton Hall instead?

_Thursday._--WATKIN here. Offers to make a Tunnel under Castle, from
one mine to