Manchester Weekly Times and Examiner from Manchester, Greater Manchester, England • 5

The Manchester Weekly Tftnes, Friday May aix rights reserved. lancashibIHtoketers. No. V. ME.

SYDNEY IIORLAND CRQSFIfiL. not s. OTTR SPECIAL OOMMISSlOSE'R. '-Vj 77, "'w "wi soina of -Mie sown SKETQEES OUR Off ARTIST. FMX' uan Having a strong mKjateroart'a profit.

He was servant to Canto. -p -Jr or whae an ostrioh oornoraik mipht utter, ground-oat Grooro-OfO olosa under and set all in a gaUo again. Groo-o-o-o, for there was no articulate annouaooaieni at all in it that I could gather. Groo-o-o-o, repeated again and again at various distancea, dying out ud then grow ing loud again for an hour or grow irapatiaat, boltedoutofbed.flnngiipthowindow. Groo-o-o-o.

There he was advancing, lantern in hand, a few yards off Can't you give up that noise 2' 1 hastily addressed him. You are keeping a person awake. What good is it to go howling and groaning all night and depriva people-of thair Bleep He ceased from that timor-aU least, hoard no mora of him. No watchman, I think, has been more astonished for some time back. At fiv inthe morning, all was a9 still as sleep and darkness' At holf-paat five all went off like an enormoirs mill race or ocean tide.

Boom-m-m, far and wide. It was the mills that were all starting then, and creieby (greasy) drudges by the million taking po'sb there. I have heard few sounds more impressive to me in tha mood I was in." Froude's Carlyle in London," vol, pp. 147-8. P.

h. Tavaes. Rusholme. REDDISH ItOOSR. (Query No.

811 A. and C. No. 94a) 963 Reddish House was the residence and property" of my grandfather, the latB Thomas Cartwright, who was more than once Mayor of Stockport. I havo no popnlar ofceer the regimen, who readily conned to hm plan to pvponre-a donkey wifcpaaniers or creels.

Havmg proceeded to -the turf fields' ontsidehe town and loaded with trifling: cost, he turned hwnewwd ia glee, but passing tltrough, a ibu-bar6d. wasde-manded by the man in charge, jtfy 11. Old Aldwley is familiar to nearly every inhabitant of Man-caster, and a'truth ihh no more charmingly picturesque spot within many miles of the Place. It looks like a lingering hc of a bygone age; calmt Peaceful, with an air hoar antiquity that belongs so entirely to the England of the past that it reamm. lif.n.

t-niniting tie-would gain -very little dvAntage. his trouble hut whilst. -ths-disDUte was wnreim, ho observed the crowdR rii Mi. Sydney Morland Crosfield was bom at children loaded with turf, on head and back in bags and baskets. This trava him tha how to get out of the' difRraiW TT fn.n,.

ot the imagination to fancy that with unloaded the and after carrying each Dltnnier through, m-enarnl wbHiy WUO lt)U Bttb the sense humour in Paddy had cram waicning tne strange wiih gaping mouth), was tickled to the core, and laughing heartily, bid my father proceed on his way. I need not-say that ua ronecl back, or that we have been spirited away from the busy, bustling world of the present. There is no village, so to apeakr-a grey old church half smothered in ivy; the rectory house close by with its trellised front, grown over With roses and halter round the neck was adopted. The-eresfc is commonly said to have hpr on helmets of the Grand Serjeant in tkfir perambulations of the forest, to the manifest terror of the numerous banditti who at that time infested this wild district. The tradition of Ha r58e forest seems somewhat fanciful, though not altogether improbable.

It should be said this version of the origin of the crest hasheen doubted by some authorities, and other, though certainly lessprobable, reasons are assigned we are inclined to think, however, that the first story of the-origin of this singular device is the-moat trustworthy, and the one most in accord with the -feudal spirit of the age in which it was adopted. When the old parish church, at Prestbury was restored a few years ago, a stone oofBn was discovered, which there is good reason to believe once contained the remains of Vivian Davenport it is now on. the outside against the tower, and within the entrance are affixed the remains of th0 carved coffin stono which had evidently belonged to it and on which is an elaborate foliated cross, sculptured in relief, with parts of an inscription Norman-French. The senior line of the family continued in male descent until the year 1706 when it became extinct through the death of John Davenport, the fifteenth in direct succession from Vivian, without surviving male issue, when the Davenport and Marton estates, with other properties, were divided between his-two-datighters the younger, Anne, married her kinsman, John Davenport, bub left no surviving issue. Even parlour front the kitchen offices in a farmhouse, and he adds that a farmer's daughter being sent on one occasion a letter to Mr.

Davenport, who received hej ttja. library where he was at the time; while waiting for the reply the rustic maiden naturally taoi; of th room and its contents, and on her return, home told her relatives in amazement that the Davenports "kept -their kitchen mugs in the houseplace. Attached to the Hall is a pretty little theatre, in which amateur performances are frequently given, Mr. arid his sister, Miss Bromley-; possessing histrionic abilities of no mean order. There is not much of history connected with Some six centuries and a half ago it was owned by a family of the same name, who continued in possession, for many generations, and from whom it.

passed by marriage some time, about theyearl400to. John Jo Ward, with whose descend, ants it remained until 1748, when on the death of John Ward, the last direofmale representative of this family, it was, already stated, carried in. marriage by one of his coheiresses to Davies Davenport, of Woodford. The Davenports have a genealogical record that is rare even in Cheshire, which has been not inaptly described as "the seed-plot of nobility. They trace their descent back to the time of the Conquest, when a certain Orme had granted' to him the manor of Davenport, a little hamlet on the banks of the Dane, -about four or five miles north of Sandbach, and he, following the fashion of the age, assumed as his surname that of the nlace of his aboda the best of terms with the toHkeener A Soldier's Son-.

'T-was ever so the course of true love nqvsr did run smooth eventually the knight fell Bick; was nursed by the Lady Isabel with watchful care, when the old passion revived, and he, having repented of his rash vow, and rubbed out the fiery spot irom nis soul, a benevolent Providence came to his help, by sendins a storm im. rooted trees and' tore the island from its deep ANSWERS AND COMMENTS. POBEIGN. Ii4NG.UA0ES. (Query 817 A.

and. O. 952, 9503,951.) 956 The question which "Scholar" asks is, indead, a very difficult one to answer, as thereareat theipresentj time so many methods of acquiring languages. It all depends upon what he means. If he does not wish to learn how to speak languages, then it becomes a task in which, withjassiduity and peraeventnce.he snceeed.

But in any case he must convince himself at the outset that a language cannot be learnt in six months it will require years of hard work, My experience is almost the same as that of J. O. Asnworth's, nd having, like him, attended the evening classes at Owens College, I am bound to say that tha instruction there given is far superior to any given, elsewhere in Manchester. The best and only method I know of, however, for "Scholar" to follow, if ho does not desire to Bpeak the language, is to obtnin a gobd textbook and to Btudy each lesson carefully. On the other hand, if he wishes to become acquainted with the colloquial part, the only way, provided he is unable to visit the country where the language i spoken, is to get a teacher to instruot him, or toattendclftssest some of th? numerous institution? where linguistic instruction ia given, and to moorings at tne bottom of the mere, and floated it to the shore.

With lightning speed he conveyed the tidings to his mistress And there, although his tale of love Was a woridrouB tale to tell, Yet must the good $ir Reginald Have told it passing well jf or when 'twas o'er, the lover pressed tually the two moieties, with tho exception of tho hall and manor of Davenport, became re-united, and are now owned by William Bromley-Daven port, the genial Member for the Macclesfield Division of Cheshire. A little-beyond Capesthorne on the left, and within a styprt distance of ReedB Mere, is Mr. Worth's farm, of which our artist has given a sketch, where the cyclist or pedestrian who desires it can obtain an excellent this Orme de Davenport has sprung one of the most wide-branching families in the shire, the frequency of the: name in the county having given rise to the proverbial though not very elegant saying la Cheshire there are Leighs aa plenty as fleas, And as riBi? pavenpprts as dpg'a tails. The son of this Orme, Richard Davenport, married a daughter Jof the baronial house of Venables, and had with her as dower the Manpr of Marton, a place about three miles from Capesthorne, and Marton Hall thenceforward became the chief seat of the family. Sometime between the years llB2 arid 1160 this Richard was made Master Forester- of he Forests of Macclesfield and Leek, as were his son and grandson, Thomas and Richard, in succession.

Vivian Davenport, the great grandson of the first-named Richard, had conferred upon him by tho Earl of Chester, some inning uumuuii tu ma oreaau, And lo a fond kiss told the rest To his foad Isabel. We "will not vouch for the truth of the story, pretty though it may be, nor yet try to separate the prosaic facts from the mythical legends and. poetical fictions with which they are interwoven. The best view of the Hall is undoubtedly from the road near the main lodge. From this point a chain of pools, fed from the mere, and of considerable extent, stretch away towards the mansion which, with its projecting wings, its oriels, and its pinnacles and turrets of bright red briqk, stands out in bold relief against the background of wood.

The sward in front is of the richest verdure, and the hawthorns that spread about have put on their brightest garniture of green, and present a pleasant contrast to the sombre hue tea on very moderate terms. Half a -mile further on is the little hamlet of Siddington, where there is a curious old church that well deserves examination. Ibwasformerlyaehapel-of-easetoPrestbury, and dates from the fifteenth century or earlier. The nave has been rebuilt of brick, but the chancel is of the old half-timbered work in black and white so common to Cheshire, and at the western end of the nave is a bell-cot, also of magpie worir. The pulpit has upon it the initials and date E.

1633. At Morton, a mile beyond, me piace tor the last forty years, but have been told often that I was born there. Certain it is my earliest recollections are-of that place, where I passed a large portion of my childhood. I remember it welis, with itB fine garden, hothouses, vineries, pine pits, stables, coachhouse, and above all do I remembera tower, called the gardener's toolhouse, in the centre ot. toe garden, from whioh aplendid view oould be had of Beddish Vale, Old Harden Hall, and the river Tama.

loone-it is now little mora than a dream. but one tha will never be erased from my memory. I used to think the place a perfect paradise. My aunt, the lata Mrs. My.

Hilton, reehristened it Highfield tha old narae aIways 8tuck to When my Brandfathep died it was sold, and to me since that- time the world, has seemed to go round the reverse way. I could say a great deal more of beautiful Keddish of those days, bus it brings- up thoughts of a sad nature, and it were better let the old place die in peace. Mr. Harrison may be quite right when he tells us Mr. Walmsley was the lash occupant of Reddish House, but I believe after my ancestors a medical gentleman had it, but I forget the name Memorabilia.

EARLS 01' DKRBV. (Query No. 728; A. and 0, 9S4. 964 Thomas Stanley, firait Earl of Derby, who died in the year 1504, by his will dated July 28 of that year, "bequeathed his body to be buried in the midst of tha chapel, on the north side of the church at Burseough0 near Lathoin, in the county of Lancaster, of hia ancestor'sfoundation, where the bodies of his father and mother and other of his anoestors lay buried, having moulded a tomb to bo there placed, with the personages, of himself and both his wives." His grandson and successor, Thomas, second Earl of Derby, by his will, ordered that he should ba buried at Burscough if ha happened to die in Lancashire, and in the monastery of Sion, or in the college of Asherugg, county Bucks, a his executors should think best, if lie should die He died May 24, 1521, and was buried in tha Monastery of Sion, in Middlesex.

Burscough Priory is situated about two mile3 from Ormskirk; It was founded for Black Canons, by Robert, son of Henry Fitz-Seward, lord of Torboc, Lathoin, Burscough, and other manors. It was formerly the burial place of tha Earls of Derby, but at the Dissolution most of the bodies were removed to Ormskirk, which has ever since been-theburial placeof the Stanleys. E. Partington. Rusholme.

THE BLUE ALSATIAN MOUNTAINS. (Query No. 736, December 11.) 965 The range of mountains known as Tha Blua Alsatian aro tho Vosges mountains in Alsace, Germany. The reason thoy are called so is that a lovely transparent blue haze hangs over and envelopes them, in the early morning, and again enshrouds them when the shadows of oyauing are falling. Tho blue hazo forms a most picturesque mantle.

When the sun rises it makes tho Vosges mountains look almost like a fairy land of enchantment, and in the evening enshrouds them with mystery and gloom. J. A. K. QUERIES.

838 Thb Great Bear. In what direction will th-Great Bear stars be in September next? Jasiev' Gibiion. 839 Hartshhad Pike. Can any of your readers give a short history of Hnrtshead Pike, near Oldham Curious. 840 Wax Bracelets.

Can anyone inform me of the probablo date when wax bracelets were worn, as I have one about two inches deep and half an inch thick, and rather heavy? It has a picture of the Virgin and Child in the centre, is ornamented with blue painted flowers, and gilded beads formed of tho wax, Scodt. 841 Capesthorne. In your article on Capesthorne lost week it wos stated that at Oakley (Oak-leigh?) died Mr. Thomas Barnes, the benevolenb founder of the Barnes Home, Should it not hava been Mr. J.

R. Barnes? Mr. Thomas Barnes, if I remember rightly, having died some years previously, his residence at tho time of his decease being Clairville, Longsight. Matthew Bell. 842 Healthiness op Local Districts.

I have frequently heard that Bowdon and Sale districts are very enervating. Can any of your readers tell me if this is so, and why it is so I am also told that Peel Causeway, which is only a few minutes' walk from Bowdon, is bracing. I should bo very glad to. have tho opinion of some of your readers who can speak from experience as to which aro tho most bracing places within twelve miles of Manchester. Swallow.

843 Coins, Aro the following cofnB of any value or rarity: Half -farthing, dated 1843 Cronebono halfpenny, dated 1789 Bank token, Bank of Upper Canada," 1834 Bank token, "Bank of Montreal," 184. Bank token, "Province Du Bas, Canada," 18371 Also why are pennies coined in 1864 of more value than any other year's coins W. H. Arnold, Macolesfield, 844 The Nightingale. Will some one kindly inform me what aro the nearest places to Manchester where the nightingale has been heard J.

A. Holland, Knutsford. EDITORIAL NOTICES. Kappa. "Bingen on the Rhine" appeared in these columns on November 20, 1891.

Owing to pressure on our space a number of interesting communications arn unavoidably holJ over till next week. Warrington on November 12th, 1861, and is by profcgaion a solicitor. He was educated at Wimbledon, and during his stay there his cricket proclivities gave evident promise of something above the average, and he was singu-larly successful, heading the batting tables one season. Leaving school he quickly turned his early training to good account, and his all-round abilities were speedily recognised by the County Committee, who invited him to represent his County v. Oxford University in June 1885, and he contributed two splendid innings' of 43 and 49.

His rnns on that occasion were obtained stylishly and with no small amount of confidence, and a great future was predicted for him. He subsequently made 32 in the return v. Oxford, 25 y. Derbyshire, and 19 v. Notts, and made altogether 176 runs in 10 innins, au average ot over 17 runs, which was most en- Mfns I 5' 8eason's Piayer.

The sumtrer of 1884 saw but yery little of him in the cricket field, ins time being altogether taken up in working toy an examination in connection with his protession In season 1885 he was persuaded to assist Cheshire under the residential qualification, and although his severance from first-class cricket was regrettable at a tinie when his form and experience would have benefited largely by his continuance, lie proved a valuable addition to the cheese county, and for four seasons, np to the end of 1888, he rendered excellent service, as besides his battinc his fielding was superb, and he bore the onerous duties of captaincy with considerable credit. His beat scores were 52. not out, v. Yorkshire (a meritorious display, as going in first he carried his bat right through the innings) and 52 v. Lancashire During his connection with Cheshire he became identified with the Cheshire Gentlemen, and scored hugely on many occasions.

He made 122 v. the Gentlemen of Notts. 91 and 55 v. Yorkshire Gents, and in 1887 he had a grand battino-average of over 60 for them. In 1888 he aain renewed his relations with Lancashire cricket, and appeared in May, v.

the Australians, but only managed to add 2 and 0 to the very brilliant victory Lancashire gained, although there will be some who will not forget the fine catch with which he dismissed Ferris and finished the game. Later on he gave a capital display agam3t Middhsex, scoring 67 and 23 without a fault, and followed this up with 44 and 28 v. Sussex, and a valuable 43 v. Surrey at the Oval. His aggregate for the season amounted to 397 runs against 33 innings, an average of over 12 runs, and although more had been expected of him his runs were often made whea.wanted, and for such a large number of innings he proved useful beyond a doubt.

The season of 1889 proved most disastrous, and never once did he display his true form. He com. menced with a run of ill-luck, that persistently dogged him, a score of 27 v. Oxford' being hi3 highest effort in 14 innings, and it was remarkable that a cricketer possessing such ability could not get into his swing. He only played y.

Kent and v. Notts in 1890, scoring 26 rnns in three innings. Last season, however, brought with it a larger share of honours than had yet fallen to his lot, and throughout the season he was conspicuously prominent, his cricket being; a long way in front of anything he had yet shown, while his competent judgment in piloting the eleven during Mr. Hornby's absence made him an invaluable member of the team. Against Yorkshire at Bradford he played a fine innings of 82, not out, but his best performance was hia display v.

Surrey at the Oval, where he made 57 on a wicket on which Lohmann and Sharpe were working wonders. For the Sixteen v. The Eleven he made 51 not out, a distinctly good innings against Mold, Watson, and Briggs, and obtained 44 v. Oxford, 30, not out, v. Somerset, and 27, not out, v.

Essex. In both first-class and all matches he was plaoed third intheLaneashireaverages, his figuresin first class matches being 28'7 for 12 innings, and in all matches 25-2 for 17 innings. He is a most enthusiastic and uncommonly keen club cricketer. He divides his time when free from county cricket with the Warrington. Sefton, and Manchester clubs.

He is captain of the former team, and has much to do with its successful position, scoring a lot of runs and being very popular. For Warrington v. Sefton he made 100 last season, while the Manchester and Seton clubs benefit largely by his services. Mr. Sydney Morland Crosfield has since his withdrawal from the Cheshire team given his services to Lancashire in the most ungrudging manner possible.

He has proved a singularly able lieutenant to the present great captain, and he possesses many of the traits of character which have so distinguished Mr. Hornby and made him famous as one of the greatest cricket leaders of the age. Mr. CrosHeld is a keen and determined player.and inthe field or at the wicket he works with an honesty of purpose that acts like a magnet to those who are at times under Lia command. During his temporary management of the team last year it was noticed how he grasped the varying fortunes of the game, and his judgment was never questioned.

Another thing, and one that is extremely creditable and essential to unauimity and success, is the kindly manner in which he keeps in tonch with the professionals. His excellent sportsmanlike and gentlemanly dealings command the respect of them all, and he neither lacks encouragement nor sympathy for those who are associated with him. Although finished powers of tact and judgment are praiseworthy, form is also another factor that has to be reckoned with. When he made his firat appearance nearly ten years ago his early- success left an impression that a batsman promise had been unearthed, and there was much to justify it, as he had in his favour youth, ability, and a more than average "debnt" in first class cricket. Then came his acceptaney of the Cheshire captaincy, and he loyally spent the best days of -his career in the furtherance of its interests, although' there are many who be- standing in the midst of old-faahioned garden in which the old mulberry trees still ripen and flourish; the quaint little schoolhouse, built more than two centuries ago, standing near the church gate beneath the overshadowing trees the old com mill, the quondam hostelry, and one or two cottages being all the buildings we can see.

A sombre-looking yew stands sentinel-like at the entrance of the quiet "God's Where the rude forefathers of the hamlet Bleep. The church, which shows the architecture of many periods, is admirably" kept and contain? many interesting monuments of the Stanleys of Alderley, and much heraldic blazonry. In the churchyard, under the shade of a yew tree, is a small white marble cross, with a tablet at its base bearing an inscription to the memory of the mother and sister of the lute Dean Stanley, the latter of whom will be gratefully remembered for her self-denying efforts to soothe the sufferings of our soldiers during the Crimean War. The rector's garden joins tip to the churchyard the rectory door stands invitingly open," and the rector offers a kindly welcome. No man is more popular among his people than Canon Bell in fact, he might have been made for the place, so completely does he seem to realise the ideal of what a "country parson" should be.

Our visit is a flying one, and any account of. Alderley and its surroundings must be reserved for a more convenient season; meantime, we must hasten on. On the left the road skirts Alderley Park, the "fair domain" of the Stanleys, with its noble beech woods and the umbraged heights that rise behind in the direc-tion of the Edge within the park is a large sheet of water, Radnor Mere, whieh spreads out like a mirror, reflecting the plumy woods and the varied natural beauty around. The Stanloys have been owners of Alderley for more than four hundred years, the first of the name settled here bei ng John Stanley, a younger brother of the first Earl of Derby, who married the heiress of the Weevers, and so acquired the broad lands of Over and Nether Alderley, as well as those of Weever. The family resided at the Old Hall, a moated mansion which stood near the churoh- and close by the mill, but which was unfortunately burned down in 1779.

Not a vestige now remains, if we except the two pillars let into the park wall, each of which has upon it the crest of the family the eagle and child, or the brid and babby," as the Lancashire people prefer to call it. The present mansion is a stone building standing someconsider-able distance from it, and having little in its external appearance that is worthy of note. The road that leads along the edge of the park is unsurpassed for rural beauty. It is well wooded, and the tall trees that border the way are in the flush of their summer beauty. Presently we come to Monksheath, where the Congleton road crosses that from Macclesfield to Ohelford and Knutsford.

Two or three rustic dwellings, with their patches of garden in front, stand at the corner of the road, and, across the way, on the right, is a mound or tumulus, apparently an ancient barrow or burial place, with a clump of fir trees upon the summit. From the top there is an extensive view of the hill country about Macclesfield, including the range of moorlands that separate Cheshire from the Peak country, with Kerridge, Teg's Nose, Shutling's Low, Cloud End, and Mow Cop. The place derives its name from the circumstance of its having been in the remote past the property of the monks of Dieulacress Abbey, near Leek. In 1539 that house was dissolved, when its possessions were forfeited to the Crown, and in 1644 Monksheath was sold to William Ward, of Capes-thorne, an ancestor through the female line of the present owner, Mr. Wm.Bromley-Davenport,M.P.

An old hall formerly stood near the cross roads that may have been a kind of grange for the former monastic owners, but it was taken down many years ago, and the present hall, now a farmhouse, erected in. its stead. Crossing the Macclesfield road and keeping straight ahead, we continue along a tree-shaded way to Bugbrook Bridget a little further on is Capesthorne Farm, and then we come to the entrance to the park, where a tower-like lodge of red brick, surmounted by a dome and vane, has been erected. Let us pause for a few moments to survey the scene of loveliness that spreads around. To the left is Reed's Mere, one of the long string sf natural lakes or meres for which Cheshire is noted, spreading out, calm and still, in glistening radiance under the summer sunshine, its mirrored surface reflecting the deep blue of heaven, and unruffled by a single ripple, save when now and then a startled water fowl darts out from the thick reeds and water plants that frinca ioupw the course of studv there adopted.

If -your correspondent would let me know which language fie intends studying, I might then give hinva more decisive Wn-naM Tai-lob. Manchester. 957 I have read with soma curiosity the advice given to "Scholar;" and now that the subject has been pretty well thrashed out, I venture to offer my suggestion. I think I may claim to know aomothing of the matter, as in addition to being a Btudenb I am also a teacher of languages. Let Scholar get Hossfeld's French, in parts, nt 2d.

each. Each part contains grammar exercises and stories with literal translations. I-el; him first go through the book, reading the grammar, translating the exeroisesFrench into English only and the stories. The second tune let him translate the English into French The whole of this should take him six months, but at the end of the first time of going through, he will be astonished at the amount of knowledge he has acquired. Carlisle.

AvANT. 958 I read with pleasure in your lost issuo the answers to "Scholar's inquiry, Tho present system of teaching languages in our schools is generally irksome in the extreme. I have this last season attended a French evening class in Manchester, but never went to it with any pleasure. It seemed to me to be nothing leas than drudgery, and I would hail as a boon indeed any other system whereby the learning of any longuage can be made a pleasure. Perhaps your correspondent would be good enough to where (and at what price) Hamilton's series of literal translations are obtainable.

I am very anxious to master the French language, but do not feel inclined to join another class and experience the same drudgery again. Magnor. 959 I have read with satisfaction, and also I hopo with profit, the answers which your correspondents have so kindly and with such great disregard of trouble to themselves given to my question con'ceping tho learning of foreign languages. After ali'they have done for me, I think it but rieht I should be, permitted to tell them that I have for some time been struggling to acquire a knowledge of both Frdnoh and Gterman by the aid of Ollendorff, whose system was strongly recommended to me. After, grinding at him for some time I saw, with a feeling very like despair, that for me progress in either language was, by his aid, so slow that I concluded there must be some road to learoing at least a little more royal than his.

Hence my appeal to your valuable columns. The Hamilton system mentioned by Sigma will, I think, be most suitable for my case, and I shall certainly try it. And now, if it be not trespassing too far on everyone's patience, might I oak if there is not some method by which at least a reasonably correct idea of the pronunciation of French and German can be obtained by the self-educator? Scholar. EXTINCT ANIMALS' AND BIRDS. (Query No.

834.) 960 Lyall says we have satisfactory evidence that man was contemporary with the mammoth and many other extinct mammalia, and, of course, several species have become extinct as far as this country is concerned, e.g., the bear, the beaver, the reindeer, tha Wild boar, and the wolf. But there are also several sorts of animals and birds which have become utterly extinct, not only within tha historical even within the last few hundred years. To mention a few of these In 1742 Behring's Island was inhabited: by vast herds of sea cows or manatees, some of which attained tho enormous length of thirty feet. Thoy had no teeth, but instead were furnished with two masticating plates, one in the upper and one in the lower jaw. Within 27 years of their discovery hardly any remained undestroyed, and now not one is known to exist, in St.

Helena eight species of land snails, formerly very abundant, have quite disappeared, owing to the destruction the plants and trees on which they fod. They were peculiar to that island. The Irish elk, an enormous kind of stag, of which some skeletons are still also gone. kinds of birds have become extinct within the last 300 years. another timber church of considerable interest.

Some years ago the chancel was pulled down and rebuilt in brick; but in 1871 the new structure was removed and replaced with a chancel built in the half-timbered style, corresponding with other parts of the structure, under the direction of Mr. Butterfield. There are some fragments of old Btained glass in the windows, and near the entrance are the recumbent effigies of two knights in armour that were formerly in the churchyard they have been much injured by time and neglect, but it is evident they represent members of the Davenport family, for the pillow under their heads is adorned with the gruesome crest of the family already described. A little distance away, on the opposite side of the road, is Marton Hall, the former home of the Davenports, an old black and white, residence, now occupied as a farmhouse. It comprises a centre with two gabled projections, and has a good entrance hall and a wainscotted apartment, in which over the fireplace are the arms and crest of the Davenports, The Mere, which gave name to the place, 'Marton bemg a corruption of Mere-town, has disappeared, and the site is now under cultivation.

One of the attractions of Marton is the famous oak, said to be the largest in England the circumference time about the year 1220, the hereditary magisterial serjeanty of the Forest of Macclesfield, one of the most important offices it was in the power of the Earl to bestow, the holder being a person of rank and consequence, for the Earl, who exercised almost regal powers within the county, could alone sib in judgment on him, and he in turn sat in judgment on his subordinate officers, and had moreover within his jurisdiction the powers of life and death without delay and without appeal. The emoluments of the office would not in these1 days be considered extravagantly liberal, being 12. 6s. 8d. a year, with an allowance 24s.

a year to provide official mantles for the under Serjeants in addition, however, he was entitled to the sum of 2s. and a salmon for every master robber captured, and Is. for every common thief decapitated. The office and its duties presents a vivid picture to the mind's eye of the condition of society long centuries ago, when Macclesfield Forest, whioh embraced a yery large portion of East Cheshire, was thronged with deer and other. animals of the chase, and infested with predatory bands of outlaws and cut-purses, who made free the Earl's game and venison, and, defying the authority of their Norman oppressors, sought to evade pursuit by retreating into the remote fastnesses of the forest.

Among of tho tall fir trees that here and there intermingle with them. Capesthorne is famed for its hawthorns tiie flowering this year is late, but in a week or two those same thorn bushes will present one mass of snow white blossoms, and the lanes hereabouts will be filled with jocund parties of all ages, laden with the spoils of the sweet-scented may, reminding us of the lines And on that mom, before the fresh May dew Had dried upon the sunniest spot of grass, From bush to bush did youths and maidens pass, In raiment meet for May apparelled, Gathering the milk-white blossoms and the red. The Hall itself is an imposing structure, and one of the largest mansions in the county. It is built of red brick, with stone dressings, and relieved of heaviness by turrets, towers, and projecting gables that break the outline but so far as its exterior is concerned of comparatively modern date, the style being partly Elizabethan and partly that of the age of Louis Quinze, the original building having been almost entirely remodelled by Blore in the earlier years of the present century. It was first ereoted in 1722 by John Ward, whose daughter and co-heiress carried the estate in marriage to Davies Davenport, of Woodford, from whom it has descended by succession to the present owner.

In September, 1861, a fire broke out in the central block that is still spoken of with awe by the Cheshire people, who tell some curious tales about its origin at one time the entire structure was threatened with destruction, but happily, owing to the direction of the wind, the two wings escaped, though the central portion was reduced to a heap of blackened ruins. This part was rebuilt under the direction of Salvin, the architect of Peckforton Castle, but for some reason or Contributors are requested to observe the rules of ordinary newspaper correspondence, to write plainly and on only one side of the paper, and to forward their communications as early in the-week as possible. They may please themselves whether they append their own names or assumed signatures to the notes, questions, answers, and comments intended for publication, but in every cose the name and address of tha writer must be supplied as a guaranteo of good faith. It is desired that contributions be addressed to Tha Editorof Nojes and Queries," Weekly Times" Office, Pall Mall, Manchester. HBigui.

vi. tiw ii viii me ground being 43ft neve tnac naa ne loiiowea up such a lavour Among these may be mentioned the great auk, extinct since 1844 the Labrador duck, which 50 years ago was very common the dodo, a well-known instance, extinct since the 17th century a yery boautiful crested starling, which existed 45 years ago in the island of Reunion, and the mo of New Zealand. Professor Owen has described six species of the moa, the largest being lift. 6in. in height.

Another huge bird, not long extinot, is the epyornis, of Madagascar, which was larger than any existing bird. Specimens of its eggs have been found which are the size of ten ostrich eggs. The apteryx, of New Zealand, and the emu, of Australia, large birdB of the are rapidly dying out, as are also the quagga, zebra, and the auroob. The lion, tiger, elephant, and buffalo show signs of becoming very scarce in many parts of the world which, up till the commencement of the present century, were their favourite haunts. TheJ able introduction to first-class comnanv the ex- A 75 the sides and skims across, leaving a line of liquid perience and confidence he would have gained h'crht behind.

LOCAL SOCIETIES. Manchester Geographical Society. A meeting of the-members of this society was held on Friday in the Memorial Hall, Albort-square, in this city, presided over by Mr. S. Steinthal, at which a lecture was given by Mr.

A. Heywood, on Western Norway." The-Iecturetwas iUnijtrated with views-of that country, and was additionally interesting from the fact that many of the members are taking a trip to the western part of Norway next month. At the close of his address a voto-of thanks was passed to Mr. Hoywood. Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society.

On Saturday about fifty members of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society paid a visit to for the puroose of insnectinc would nave rasnionea ana developed ms torm i-iii to such an extent that he would have climbed A blt of romance to tho mer9 for lt the ladder of fame more rapidly than he has Possesses a natural curiosity in the shape of a done. He has a very easy and attractive floating island, an acre or so in extent, in the style, and when he does get going he makes midst of the burnished waters. It is covered with tall trees and brushwood, and fragrant shrubs, buffalo, whioh until a few yeors ago swarmed in the; runs quickly. He is particularly powerful on the off side, and low driving and cutting are special features. He watches the ball very closely, and as a consequence his defence i3 at times difficult to get through.

In local cricket he is occasionally called upon to bowl, and does tone or two interesting snots in the neighbour- not by any mean3 do it badly, bowling right Imnl moHinm ttnn.p. and is verv smart in fielding other the upper part of the central facade was not renewed. In the centre of the main structure is a handsome piazza, approached by a flight of steps from the lawn, by which access is gained to the principal entertaining rooms. A notable feature of the building is the conservatory, designed by the late Sir Joseph Paxton it is 150ft. in length, with a width of 40ft.s and a height of 25ft.

in the central division it is light and airy in appearance, and filled with the choioest and most beautiful of nature's productions, growing as freely and as luxuriantly as in their own native climes. The chapel, Which is situated in one of the wings of the Hall, was built by John Ward, and consecrated September, 1722. The Hall, is not accessible to the general public, but it contains a fine collection of family and historical portraits and other works of painting and soulpture, and the library is remarkable for its treasures of foreign, and especially of Italian, literature, collected by Edward Davies Davenport, himself an author of some merit, who died in 1847. Concerning this part of the-mahsion a story was told by the late Colonel Egertoh IUgh that is worth- repeating. He says that house is a word commonly nse4 in Cheshire to distinguish the sitting room or his own bowling.

As a fielder there is no one in the team at Dresent his superior. He fields and its largest diameter 15ft, 6ip. It stands in the yard of a farmhouse, a short distance from the church. the muniments preserveu it Capesthorne at the present day is an Inquisition taken at Chester in 1352, to whioh is attached a curious parchment document the Robber Roll, as it is called- Western prairies of America, is now reduced to aTew hundreds. The walrus has Whin the last half century suffered so great a diminution of 'its numbers that its disappearance is only a question of years.

Stockport. Fb'edWilks. DRINKWATEE PARK. (Query No. 820 A.

and O. Nos. 943, 955.) 961 I remember Drinkwater Park-65 years ago. In 1827 1 received instructions in dancing from Monsieur Paris at thesame time the two Misses DrinkwateK', of Drinkwater Park, were pupils also. 116, Broughton Lane.

GATHEniNE Tavare, THOMAS OARLTM IN irANOHHSTER. (Query No. 835, May 13.) 962 Mr. Thomas' Carlyle spent a day or -two in cover point, ana is wonaernmy amai-o nuu.uiiv at both picking up and returning the ball, saving Tuna nff.n rprv nleverlv. while he very seldom and ordinarily remains near the centre, but on occasions it has, under the influence of strong currents of wind the trees serving as sails-moved to and fro and not only does it float, but we have it on good authority that it can dive also, forit is recorded that it has sometimes disappeared altogether for months at a time.

Tradition gathers round the island and associates it with the love affairs of a certain Isabel de Vere, who dwelt by the side of the lake, nd was wooed by a gallant knight, Sir Reginald Davenport, who had won his golden spurs on the blood-stained field of Agineourt, but who, not meeting with the response he hoped for, and jealous of the s.ailes bestowed on more favoured suitors, declared in the bitterness of his disappointment that- tfntil the island nlc-vod along The bosom of the mere He. would not look upon the face Of Isabel de Vers, nooa. air. vtauuiagron resiuent or tna Burnley Literary and Scientific Club) officiated aa couductor. After visiting Gawthorpe Hall, the residence of Sir Ughtred Kay-Shuttlewortb, M.P., tho party tproceeded to tho historic seat of tha Towneley family, Towneley Hall.

Amongst tha objects of interest shown them here was. a relic very rarely seen by visitors, In the privata oliapel at the hall there is proserved the skull of Francis Towneley, who, in company with a Captain Fletcher, was executed in 1746 for tho part bo-had taken in the Jacobite rebellion. The skull was perforated, showing that tho hoad had been thrust on a pike. Curiously enough, a descendant of Captain Fletcher happened to bo one of tho party, and ha. explained the whole of thoircamstanees.

The Parish Churoh and an old stona cross were inspected, and tha company subsequently assembled fox tea at tha Empeess Hotel. QuehneWine. Full-suetUeagtsajaaiteedfiettuLto. Is. 3d.

per Jsottte. BSftby, pharmac. about 3in. wide, and of considerable length, which gives the names of the several master robbers and their companions who were decapitated by Vivian Davenport and his successors, Roger and A HOLIDAY RESORT. The MANCHESTER WEEKLY TIMES of next week will contain a Special Article, on WHALEY BRIDGE AND TAXAL, BY OUR SPfXUAi CffiMMisSIOinSB, with ILLUSTRATIONS BY 017R OWN misses any sore or a caren.

Cow given up pigeon shooting, but he was a few years ago one of the best amateur pigeon shots of Great Britain, and is also a first-class game shot. Ruptobe Cored. J. Sherman, Hernia Specialist, Chancery Lane, London, sends his Book, post free, An. Hons, Sweet Homb.

The sw-oatest houses in this town are those where Hudson's Extract of Soap i i MRUIM1 Baily iwe. Ask jour Grocer for a Dozen. IAdvt. Thomas Davenport. It is generally believed that it was in allusion October, 1838, with a sister who bad married aJSIr.J Hannvogin Manchester.

The account -be drives of his night experiences is singular. tna just closing-my to their hereditary office, and the arbitrary ppwef they exercisedj' that the peculiar erest borne by th Davenports-a felon's head cut short with a senses in, sweet oblivion when the watchman, with a (Adyt.J groan of -the HighlandTOgpipei.