Hertfordshire Mercury from Hertford, Hertfordshire, England • 6

on with the running, was never after approached, and won in a canter by two lengths. The Rogue, who ran unkindly in the early part of the race, passed Little Tom half-way up the distance, and finished second, a length in advance of Little Tom; Amazon a good fourth. The others beaten off. The Scurry Stakes, of 5 sov9. each, for all horses carrying list.

71b. each. Seventeen 8 started. Halfmile. Mr.

Hobson's Pharos, by (Owner) 1 Mr. Henderson's Phaedra, 4 yeais (Capt. Richardson) 2 Mr. Irwin's Merry Monk, 5 years (Owner) 3 Mr. Formby's The Rogue, 5 years (Capt.

E. R. King) 0 Mr.Little's Firebrand. 5 years (Trafford) 0 Mr. Wilshere's Young Hack, aged (Lord Cardross) 0 Mr.

Hayne's Bono Johnny, 6 years (Owner) 0 Mr. Messer's Warbler, 6 years (Mr. Batson) 0 After two failures, a very indifferent start was effected. The favourite started with a commanding lead, was never caught, and won in a canter by two lengths, a length separating the second and third, The Young Hack a good fourth the others close up. The winner was bought in for 47 guineas.

Stakes for Beaten Horses In the Farmers' Plate. 5 soys. and 2 soys. for second horse. Mr.

Archer's Rebel 1 Mr. Jervis's Chevy Down Won (easily. WELWYN. PETTY SESSIONS, Tuesday, April 1. Present: W.

J. Blake, in the chair; R. Dering, and W. Wilshere, and the Rev. E.

Prodgers. Jamet Pollard, brewer, of Ware, was charged with being the father of tho illegitimate child of Mary Phipps, of to pay Gd. per week, and costs. Wm. Carter, of Stevenage, was charged with assaulting Robert Wm.

Fulford, game-keeper, of Codicote. The assault arose out of a poaching case sometime Fined If. and costs. Wm. Carter was also charged with assaulting Walter Cane, groom to W.

Reid, of li and who did not appear, was sentenced to a mouth's imprisonment in each case. Wilful Damage and Eleanor Nash, mother aud daughter, of Burnham-green, was charged by Policeconstable Lawford, with wilfully damaging a hedge, the property of Mr. W. H. Dorrington, farmer, of Ligswell 7s 3d.

each, and costs. Stealing Wm. Kirby, beer-shop keeper, of Welwyn, was brought up in custody of Police-constable Lawford, charged with stealing a bushel and'a-half of Swede turnips, the property of W.J. Blake. his employer.

Blake withdrew from the Bench during the hearing of this to Hertford gaol for one month. prisoner took the turnips home when he left work at uight. ST. ALBAN'S. LIBERTY PETTY SESSIONS, Saturdat March 29.

Present: Dr. Nicholson, Chairman Dr. Bowen, and T. Kinder, Esq. J.

Lowe was charged by police constable Coulter with stealing turnip tops of the value of the property of Mr. Willmott. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and as it appeared this was his first offence, the magistrates only imposed a slight Gd. the value of the turnip tops, aud 10s. Gd.

costs. Fourte mi days allowed for payment. F. Trowbing was charged by Mr. Bachelor, of Wheathamstead, with stealing a h.af, his to six weeks' imprisonment with hard labour.

Appointment of following overseers were appointed parish, John Lines aud W. Ward Redbourn, J. Stehben and Samuel Drewry: Bramlield Joseph Bettison and F. Manning; Codicote, Barnard Acres and W. H.

Buckle Shephall, James Gapes and Edward Alton; St. Michael's, J. T. Howard and W. R.

Sanders; St. Stephen's, H. Edwards, T. Kinder and T. Hart St.

Peter's, A. F. Gowin and Edward Oasley. Sandridge, Josh. Lattimore aud Geo.

Dickinson. BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS, Friday, March 28. Present: T. Richardson, Mayor; J. P.

Lipscomb aud E. Langridge, Esqrs. Martha Woodwards, of St. Peter's parish, was charged nnder the bye-laws with using abusive language to Jane days allowed for payment. COUNTY COURT, Wednesday, March 26.

(Before J. H. Koe, Q.C., Judge.) Crawley v. Considerable interest was excited by this case last Court day. Defendant was sued by plaintiff for 50f.

for the clothing and maintenance of defendent's illegitimate child. From the evidence it appeared that various sums of money had been paid; and his Honour said he did not know from the evidence that those sums were not for defendant. Morton v. This was an action to recover the sum of lCf. 3s.

Ad. for hay for plaintiff, with immediate execution. Mayes v. This was an action to recover 91. 4s Id.

for work done. Defendant pleaded a set off of Bi. 10id- for Honour said he should make an order for plaintiff for allowing Haushaw 4Z. 2d. on account of bis bill.

In re Samuel John Blagg appeared for the insolvent, who received his final order. BARNET. London City tenth annual meeting of the Barnet Auxiliary to this society was held in the Christ Church School Rooms on the 31st R. C. L.

Bevan, presiding. The Rev. F. A. Baines having opened the meeting with prayer, Mr.

C. Allen, the secretary, read the report, which showed a decrease in the subscriptions when compared with last year's report. The present year's subscriptions amount to whilst at the last meeting they were announced as 901. 12s. Two missionaries are engaged in Barnet, one being supported by the munificence of a family residing in the neighbourhood the other depending upon the funds of the society.

The meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. C. Beadle, J. Robinson, J.

Parker, J.Cox, of Woolwich, Alford, and other gentlemen. There was a full attendance, and the collection amounted to The News of the evening of the lst of April, the band of the Royal Edmonton Rifles paraded the town, playing a selection of airs, marches, in celebration of the peace; the church bells rang a merry peal, and an occasional attempt at an illumination was made. The most conspicuous effort was that displayed by Mr. Leather, who exhibited fifteen gas jets, arranged over his door in the form of a half-circle. Barnet-common Chfbch.

Rev. Alford has been appointed incumbent of this church in the room of the Rev. Jones, who has left the neighbourhood. PETTY SESSIONS, Monday, March 31. Present: W.

Phillimore, J. Baxeudale, C. H. Cottrell, S. O.

Perceval, and N. B. Acworth, Esqrs. CHURCH J. A.

Ramsey, of Whetstone, was summoned for the non-payment of two churoh-rates for Hadley. one dated in May, 1855, the other dated in January last. The first was an ordinary church rate, the seoond was a rate made under the Church Building Acts, to defray the instalments aud interest due on a mortgage of the church rates of the parish. In January last the vestry refused this rate by sixteen votes to six, but the churchwardens made the rate. This the defendant was ordered to pay with 7s.

Gd. costs. Mr. Ramsey disputed the validity of the first rate, and thereby ousted the jurisdiction of the Bench. A discussion, however, ensued as to the recovery of the rate being barred by time, under tbe provisions of Jervis's Act, upwards of six months having elapsed between the first demand of the rate and the making of the complaint.

Upon this being stated, Mr. Cottrell said," Well, parish officers are great fools to allow persons so much time to pay their result being that they are unable to enforce payment of the rates. I shall be churchwarden of Hadley next year, and I certainly shall not to the ratepayers, and thus upset my own rate." Mr. Munro, the church warden, appeared to support both rates. Petty George Windsor, of Elstree, labourer, was charged witb the unlawful possession of two eggs and some wood.

Windsor worked for Mr. Scott, of Bays-hill ra, and when leaving work on the previous Friday evening, he was stopped by police-constable Hinks, the articles in question were found upon him. They without doubt belonged to Mr. and costs. COUNTY COURT.

Monday. March 31. (Before R. W. E.

Foster, Deputy Judge.) Hyam v. parties to this action resided in Barnet, tho defendant keeping the Railway Tavern." In August last, the defendant applied to the Bench of Magistrates for a victuallers licence to his house, and employed the plaintiff to obtain the signatures of the principal tradesmen in Barnet, to a certificate that it was desirable that the house should be licensed. The defendant denied that he employed Mr. Hyam, who proved two distinct promises on the part of the defendant to pay him for his trouble. The defendant obtained his licence- Ordered to pay 15s.

and costs in a fortnight. Hegan v. The plaintiff resides in London; the defendant is a dealer living at SouthMimms, and keeps the "Black Horse" public-house there. Mr. Codd, instructed by Mr.

George, of Barnet, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. T. Griffiths, instructed by Mr. Simpson, of St. Alban's conducted the defense.

In September last, the plaintiff agreed to purchase the defendant's public house, upon his representing that he drew two barrels per week, and un- I dertakingto obtain the landlord's acceptance of the plaintiff as tenant. The plaintiff paid 17f. deposit, which sum was sought to be recovered of the defendant, who failed in his undertaking, and whose representation turned out to be incorrect. After a protracted hearing his Honor found a verdict for the plaintiff. Owen and Knightley's the past month, notices have been affixed to the doors of Barnet church, that an application would be made at this Court by the Rector and Churchwardens of Chipping Barnet, under the Charitable Trusts Act," for an order to vest the land in Wood-street, Barnet, belonging to this Charity in the official Trustee of Charitable Estates, aud in the Rector and Churchwardens for the time being, and Mr.

James Hill, of Barnet, but the matter did not come before the Court. PETTY SESSION, Monday, March 31. Present: J. Baxendale and C. H.

Cottrell, Esqrs. Protection until transfer day was indorsed npon the licence of the White Lion public-house. New-road Barnet, assigned by Noah Rippengill to Jonathan Baker', late of South Mima, farmer. Mr. Rippengill was lately removed.to the Old Salisbury Arms Inn, Barnet, lately kept by his brother.John Rippetigill.

CHESHUNT. PETTY SESSIONS, Monday. March 31. Present: James Bentley, chairman; G. J.

Bosanquet, J. H. Sanders and J. Thompson, Esqrs. Robbery at a George Perry was brought up on remand charged with stealing on the 21st of March (Good Friday) a silver spoon, three metal spoons, and three beer glasses, the property of Ann Bell, beershop-keeper at Gnose-green, Hoddesdon.

It appeared that, between five and six o'clock of the evening in question, the prisoner was drinking with other men at the house of the prosecutrix. They had tlieir beer iv a can, and were serving it out in glasses. One of the glasses was missing, and the men were about collecting a halfpenny from each to pay for it, when i the missing glass was discovered in the prisoner's pocket, and was broken in the scuffle which ensued to regain it. The prisoner afterwards leit, and the prosecutrix subsequently found that spoons and other glasses were also missing. Two of the men, named Biggins and Reed, then went in pursuit of the prisoner.

On coming up with him, they accused him of the theft, and prisoner produced the spoons and glasses from bin pocket. Reed then took the articles to police-constable Hill, who a few days allerwardj apprehended the prisoner. After tho usual caution, prisoner said ho was quite "tipsy," and some of the jparty owing a spite, had put the spoons and glasses into his pocket, and that he was quite unconscious of having them iv his possession for trial. CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT AGAINST A RAILWAY CLERK. Thomas Henry Webb, a clerk at the Broxbouru station of tho Eastern Counties Railway, was brought up on a remand, charged with embezzling on the Bth of March last, the sum I of the property of the Eastern Counties Railway Company.

Mr. Bentley, who is a railway from the Bench during the examination. Mr. Hughes, from tho office of Messrs. Crowder aud Mayuard, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr.

Bowker, of Bishop Stortford, to watch the case on behalf of the prisoner. Mr. Hawkins Nicholls, examined I am a wine merchant in London, having a country 'house at Broxbourn. On the Bth of March last, 1 travelled from London to Broxbourti, in a first-class carriage, without a ticket. On arriving at the Broxbourn station, I went to the porter at the gate, and told him I was unprovided with a ticket, and he directed me to go to the office.

I then proceeded there aud saw Mr. Webb, who was acting as clerk; I gave him a sovereign, and told him to take my fare, and he toek giving me the difference. Cross-examined: I have frequently travelled without a ticket, and on those occasions have paid the porter or man at the gate; but in the present instance, that person referred me to the office. Alfred Hast, exa 1 am station master, at Broxbourn station, on the Eastern Counties Railway. The prisoner Thomas Henry Webb, is a booking clerk.

The duty of tho prisoner on receiving the money for fares or excess would be to enter the sum into his book, called "the Excess Fare Book," which book I now produce, and in which no entry appears on the Bth of March, nor any entry whatever between the sth and the 13th of that month. It was also the prisoner's duty to send ticket notes of the value received to the Audit-office, at the Bishopsgate station, on each following morning. Cross-examined: The prisoner has been three years next May in the situation. There was not a balance in the prisoner's till of lOi. 7s.

10id. on the 24th of March last more than was due to the company. There was not a sufficient amount to pay the company. The prisoner has advanced money to men during the week, and has occasionally given credit to persons, but on his own responsibility. It is possible that an accidental omissiou or mistake might easily occur in the bustle and hurry of business.

Joseph Cremer, a clerk from the Audit-office, at the Bishopsgate station, was then called to prove that there was no entry of excess or unpaid fares on the ticket-notes, the prisoner had sent in for the Bth, 9th, aud 10th of March. i The prisoner, after the usual caution, said he had nothing to say. He was then committed for trial. Prisoner was subsequently admitted to bail iv two sureties of 40Z. each, Mr.

Sherrill and Mr. Armstrong, of Hoddesdon, were accepted as bail. BUNTINGFORD. PETTY SESSIONS, Friday, March 28. Present: The Rev.

W. Adams, in the chair; The Rev. AY. Harvey. John Lawrence, and John Lawrence, of the parish of Hormead, were charged by police constable Brooks, with stealing a quantity of turnip-tops, the property of Mr.

Wyman, of 7s. 4d. eaoh including costs. Allowed fourteen days to pay. William Cranvill, of Great Hormead, was charged by police-constable Brooks, with stealing two fagots of wood, and four pieces of wood, the property of Mr.

Clark for trial. HITCHIN. PETTY SESSIONS, Tuesday, April 1. Present: M. Pryor, in the chair; J.

Curling and R. Oakley, Esqrs. Richard Sheppard, of Pirton, was brought up on three separate charges of obtaining goods and money under false For having obtained 2s. and his dinner, of William Hill, of Westend, near Hatfield, shepherd to Lord Salisbury; 2. For obtaining Is.

of William Morgan, of Welwyn, miller; 3. For obtaining son meat, bread, and some beer of Thomas Titmuss, of Preston, foreman to Mr. Thomas Harwood prisoner is a ratine of Pirton, at which place William Hill's father and Morgan's wife's father live. The prisoner went to the houses of the above-named, and said that he was sent to let them know that Hill's father, and Crouch (Morgan's wife's father) were taken with the cramp in the stomach, and not likely to live, and that they wished to see them before they died. The prosecutors were to pay him for is jouruey.

The prisoner told a similar tale to Titmuss, whose wife's brother lives at to the Sessions. James Mills, who was remanded last Tuesday on the charge of stealing three ducks, the property of Mr. Christie, of Weston, was committed for trial. James Hailey and Chas. Wesley, of Hollow-lane, Hitchin, were convicted of killing a hare, at Offley, on land in the occupation of Mr.

Kidman, of Offley Grange, aud fined 50s. each, or two months' paid, and Hailey was sent to Gaol. ROYSTON. PETTY SESSIONS. Monday, March 31.

Present: J. G. Fordham, Esq. William Bring, a traveller, a native of Leeds, was charged by Inspector Capron, with being on the premises of the Rev. James Whiting, on Saturday night, and not giving a good a'-'count of himself.

A petition was found upon prisoner, which stated that he was deaf and dumb, and solicited employment as a witnesses were in attendance, who stated that they heard the prisoner make use of low expressions on Saturday afternoon, because he was refused to Hertford for two months hard labour. Wednesday, April 2. Present: J. G. Fordham and O.

Fordham, Esqrs. The only business before the Bench this day was tbe passing of the Surveyors accounts for the various parishes in the division, and appointing Surveyors, Overseers, and Constables for the year ensuing. LUTON. PETTY SESSIONS, Monday, March 31. Present: J.

S. Crawley, and the Rev. F. W. Adey.

Wm. Flitton, of Luton, was charged with stealing turnip tops, the property of John Bates, at Luton, on the 23rd of for one calendar month, with hard labour. A man of colour, who stated he did not know his name, and came from sea, pleaded guilty to a charge of begging at Barton, on tbe 29th March. The prisoner, who understood English very well, persisted in refusing to disclose his name, 4c, after repeated for 21 days. The following licenses were Masons' Arms, Luton, from Thos.

Tomlinson, jun. to Hezekiah Stone the Duke of York, from Daniel Dimmock to Thos. Parsons; the Old English Gentleman, from Thos. Humphrey to Jos. Watkins; the Yorkshire Grey, Dunstable, from Jos.

Davis to Thos. Randall. The overseers and constables of the several parishes in this division were appointed, excepting the overseers of Totternhoe, the whole of those nominated not being able to write their names. Accident on the Eastern Counties Railway. Wednesday sennight au accident occurred to the Parliamentary down train just after it left Chelmsford station, by which the lives of several passengers, were placed in imminent peril.

Owing to the relaying of the down line of rails the purpose of gaining an additional line for the accommodation of the Royal Agricultural Society's traffic is now conducted, under the superintendence of pilots, on the up line between Chelmsford station and Arbour-lane bridge; and when near the latter place, part of the engine and three already crossed from the up to the down line, three carriages in the centre of the first, second' and from some unexplained cause thrown off the metals, and dragged, much to the consternation of the passengers, several rods along the embankment, the earthwork of which was deeply ploughed up by the carriage wheels. The first-class carriage sustained little or no injury.but the second which were Mr. M. Lane, Springfield; Mr. Ling, corn-merchant, Chelmsford; Mr.

J. Mallett, one of the reporters on tbis paper, and two or three strangers, including a thrown completely on its side, in about the middle of the embankment. The head of the buffer was wrenched off, the draw-iron broken, couplingchain severed, and one or two front and side panels smashed in, while the third, bounding across the line to the side of the embankment, came to a stand, its front becoming buried in the earth. Prompt assistance was rendered to those in the second-class carriages who were pulled out through the doors, and it was soon discovered the occupants were more frightened than hurt; but Mr. L.

Eskell, surgeon dentist, in another carriage, received an injury to his hand, and was obliged to return to London. Both lines being now obstructed and the up express being nearly due, a signal was sent to stop it, and it brought up within 100 yards of the accident, where it had to wait nearly an hour until the lino was cleared; while the up-Parliamentary and down express were also detained. The carriages were at last placed on the metals, when the train backed Chelmsford, and carriages having been substituted for those damaged the train started on its way about half-past eleven. The cause of the accident is a mystery. The metals were gauged and found to be correct; and whether, having gained the down line himself, the engine-driver put the steam on before the entire train had cleared the points, and by the sudden jerk threw the carriages off, or whether the wheels of the second class were faulty or loose, is not known.

The train was travelling at a very steady rate, or the carriages would probably have been thrown over the side of the embankment, which is a considerable height, and the consequences been more Chelmsford Chronicle. The Convict Thobogood. Sunday, the governor of tbe County Gaol, Springfield, received an official intimation from the Home Offioe, that Her Majesty had been graciously pleased to "extend her nyal mercy" to James at our late assizes of being accessory to the murder of Hales, the gamekeeper, on condition that he be transported beyond the seas for the term of his natural life." Essex Herald. Macaulat's Desckiption of Kehby. The mountains, the glens, the capes stretching far into the Atlantic, the crags ou which the eagle's build, the rivulets brawling down rocky passes, the lakes overhung by groves in which the wild deer find covert, attract every summer crowds of wanderers sated with the business and the pleasures of great cities.

The beauties of that country are, indeed, too often bidden in the mist and rain which the west wind brings up from the boundless ocean. But, on the rare days when the sun shines out in all his glory, the landscape has a freshness and warmth of colouring seldom found in our latitude. The myrtle love 9 the soil. The arbustus thrives better than even on the sunny shores of Calabria. The turf is of a livelier hue than elsewhere, the hills glow with a rich purple, the varnish of the holly and ivy is more glossy, the berries of a brighter red peep through the foliage of a brighter green.

But during the greater part of the seventeenth century this paradise was as little known as Spitsbergen or Greenland. If ever it was mentioned, it was mentioned as a horrible desert, a chaos of bogs, thickets, and precipices, where the she wolf still littered, and where some half-naked savages who could not speak a word of English made themselves burrows in the mud and lived on roots and sour milk. A Beide of She was a tall graceful girl of about sixteen years of age, of a fair complexion, blackeyes and black hair; she wore a graceful gimbaz (gown), which fell lower than her feet to the clogs; her waist was encircled by a rich Cashmere shawl falling negligently and loosely, over which she wore a black jacket, richly embroidered with gold; whilst her black hair fell floating on her which were attached sundry pieces of gold, giving a peculiar tint to the lustre of her hair. The jacket was short, and came only as far as the waist, whilst at the arms it reached no farther than the elbow, so as to give room to the sleeves of tbe wide gimbaz to fall back and show an arm of peculiar fairness and beauty; on tho wrist was clasped a bracelet, which rather deducted from the beauty of that arm. Bound her neck she wore an akd, a sort of chain, which fell from her neck, and was concealed in her bosom by ample folds of muslin; her feet were encased in white stockings, over which she wore a yellow slipper, edged with tinsels of gold; this she slipped into the clol-h, which were about eight inches from the ground.

Her head was covered with a small turban, studded with gold and diamonds; immediately over the brow came tl saffeea, gold pieces generally of the value of twenty piastres, stuck near each other from one ear to the other, which mingle with the hair, and appear like a golden Syria and the Syrians. Foreign News. THE STATE OF SIEGE IN PARMA. A letter from Parma of the 22nd, in the Opinioneot Turin, tho re-establishment of the state of siege upwards of 400 persons have been arrested here. Among them are Alfred Malvoisi, tho son of an advocate; Dr Tebaldi, physician of the prisons; a brother and sister of the name of Olivieri, and two clerk 9 of the firm of Albertazzi and Co.

A search has been effected by the police at the Boyal printing-office. On the 19th twenty-six prisoners condemned in 185t; Tor political sent off to Mantua. Some of the inhabitants of Parma who had escaped to Placentia have been arrested there and brought back to Parma. Detachments of soldiers are patrolling the streets in every direction. It is said that Bordi is likely to recover.

The Duchess of Parma has granted a pension to the widow of Count Magawly, lately murdered." The director of the police at Parma has issued a notificacation to the effect that the state of siege has beeu reestablished. It further prescribes that no one is to stop, either by day or by night, at the corners of streets or lanes. After the first evening bell, all groups of more than four persons are to be dispersed. Workmen are not allowed to be out after nine p.m. without sufficient proof of absolute necessity.

Any persons found writing insulting expressions or threats against the government ou the wall are immediately to be arrested and given up to the military commandant. AMERICA. Liverpool, Friday. United States' mail steamship Baltic, Comstock Commander, arrived this morning, with advices from New York to the 15th inst. The Kansas Free State Legislature was organised Topeka on the 4th inst.

The Governor, in his mess- counselled entire obedience to tho Federal authority. Ie Legislature was subsequently removed to Lawrence. E- ything was quiet at the last accounts, but an outbreak was anticipated at any moment. Rifles and cannon, intended tor the Free State men, bad been captured at Lexington. Governor Shannon was on his way to Lawrence.

It was supposed that he would direct the Marshal to arrest tho members of the Legislature and State officers for treason. The defences of the San Francisco harbour were rapidly being completed, and additional works were about being commenced on Angel Island and Lime Point, opposite the fort now building. The points surveyed by the United engineors were the fort on Fort Point, to mount 154 guns; Lime Point, SO guns; Black Point, 30 guns; two batteries on Angel Island, 40 guns; Alcatraz Island, 50 guns, making in the aggregate 351 gnus, with a calibre ranging from 321b. to or columbiads, but very few under 641b. The following are the only additional particulars published in reference to the earthquake at the 11th of November, at 10 o'olock p.m., a violent earthquake occurred at Jeddo, which destroyed 100,000 dwellings, 54 temples, and 30,000 inhabitants.

Fire broke out at tho same time in 30 different parts of the city. The earth opened and closed over thousandsof buildings with their occupants. The shock was severe at Simoda. Although th edistanco from Jeddo to Simoda is but 60 miles, it appears that no official account of the earthquake had been received at the latter place at the time of the sailing of the schooner Page (December 10). The news was obtained through the Dutch interpreter.

The Japanese seemed to attach but little importance to the catastrophe. The inhabitants of the portion of the city destroyed were forewarned of the disaster and many of them escaped. The buildings of Jeddo are chiefly of one story, and constructed of very light material. The temples of worship, however, are lofty, and in some instances are constructed of heavy masonry." EARTHQUAKE AT CALIFORNIA. The San Francisco Herald gives the following account of the earthquake of the 15th February "The severest shock of earthquake ever experienced in this vicinity since the settlement of California by Americans, occurred ou Friday morning, at just 25 minutes past five o'clock.

In this city and vicinity every building shook to its foundation, and in some quarters tho houses were swayed and rolled as vessels in a heavy sea. The inmates of every dwelling were awakened, and some were even thrown from their beds, so violent was the shock. Many persons rushed into the streets, and, but that the circumstance of tlieir sudden appearance was of a character to produce sensations of terror rather than merriment, the scene would have been most ludicrous. "The large hotels were depopulated instanter, and in the general rush articles of furniture were thrown down, occasioning noises which added considerably to the clatter and confusion.caused by the earthquake. In the upper stories or the largo brick buildings the violent motion produced a general commotion among crockery ware.

Vessels containing liquids were turned over, either by the shock or in tho hurry of tho inmates to escape. Every disturbance was credited to the earthquake, however, aud it appeared to be an almost unanimous impression that San Francisco was about to share the fate of Jeddo. The howling of dogs, and learful bellowing of cattle in tho suburbs, produced a fitting accompaniment to the scene. Even the pigs broke from tbeir pens ran away grunting with fright. Tno horses tied in stalls fairly shrieked with terror, and tried to break tlieir halters.

Indeed every thing animate and inamimate was mor cor less affected by tho shock. We hear of somo very remarkable incidents of birds seeking refuge from the impending danger by flight through open windows. From night watchmen aud others whoso duties kept them from sleep, wo learn that there were several slight shocks previous to the heavy shock. The last shock was preceded by a sound as of a heavy gust of wind passing through the cordage of a vessel, and the motion was accompanied by a rumbling noiso like that which is produced by a heavily-freighted vehicle passing rapidly over a wooden bridge. The shock occurred at twenty-four minutes past live o'clock, apparently ranging from southwest to north-east, and lasted about fifteen seconds.

The motion was horizontal and undulating. Some persons describe the motion as of a whirling nature, but this could not have been the case without occasioning much greater damage to the masonry of the brick and stone buildings. It is evident that the violence of the shock was differently experienced in various parts of tho city. In some localities in the suburbs its degree of violence was much greater than in others. In several instances the vibrations were so great as to overturn heavy pieces of furniture.

Again, the motion is compared to that produced on shipboard when the side of the vessel is struck by a heavy sudden shock without vibration. Very few persons escaped being aroused by the shock, but some there are of whom it is said that they slept on undisturbed through the whole. Some estimate may be formed of the violence of the shock, when it is stated that a man sleeping on the third floor of the Custom House building, was thrown from his bod to the floor. The walls of this building are composed of masonry capable of resisting a broadside from a ship-ofthe-line. Notwithstanding its immense bulk and strength the building was tossed like a feather on the wave.

In the viciniiy of South Park the shock was particularly great. Many of the dwellings were severely shaken, and some of them partially stripped of the plastering of the ceilings. At the house of Capt. Ritchie a most affecting and beautiful incident occurred. It appears that the chambermaid in the employ of the family arose a few minutes previous to the shock and was engaged in dressing.

The window of her room was opan. Immediately after the vibration of the earth had ceased, she was startled by a rushing, fluttering noise in the room, and on looking round observed a pretty white tufted pigeon flying in the window and fall apparently lifeless on the floor. She approached it, picked it up, and discovered that life was not extinct iv tho frightened bird, by the violent palpitation of its heart. In a few moments it recovered and gave evident symptoms of relief. The bird was unquestionably frightened by the quaking of the earth, aad was perhaps lucky in falling into the hands of a kind family who will, or ought to.

it as a memento of the great shake of February, 1853." Printed and Published by tho Proprietor, STEPHEN AFSTIN of Fore in the Parish of All Saints, in the town of Hertford, at his Printing Office, situate iv Foro Btrcet aforesaid April 5,1856. SUPPLEMENT TO THE HERTFORD MERCURY..