West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser - part one 17 September 1858  ARTICLED CLERK WANTED A SOLICITOR in considerable general practice in one of the principle towns in the west of England, and whose office affords more than ordinary facilities for acquiring a thorough knowledge of the profession, has a vacancy for an ARTICLED CLERK. . For further information, apply to MRS. HEARD and SONS, Truro. ......................... TO CHEMISTS A Young Man of good education, a Cornishman, but residing for some years in South Wales, wishes to APPRENTICE himself for three years to a CHEMIST and DRUGGIST in one of the principal towns in Cornwall. Address, stating terms as to premium &c., to J.Y., West Briton office. .......................... WANTED AT ST. MABYN, a SCHOOLMASTER and MISTRESS, Government certificate not necessary. Apply to the Rev. G. SOMERSET, St. Mabyn, Bodmin. ......................... SITUATION AS GOVERNESS WANTED A Young Lady, of good education, is desirous of engaging herself as GOVERNESS in a private family. She is thoroughly acquainted with music and the usual branches of an English education. . Address, stating name and terms, H., Post-office, Hayle ...................... APPRENTICE WANTED HEARD AND SONS, Booksellers, Printers, and Stationers, Boscawen-street, Truro, have a vacancy in their printing Office for a respectable YOUTH, as an APPRENTICE. ........................ APPRENTICES WANTED MISS DICKSON, Milliner and Dressmaker, High-Cross, Truro, has vacancies at the present time for one or more APPRENTICES. ........... TO DRAPERS’ ASSISTANTS WANTED,  a Female Assistant. Apply to S. THOMAS, Draper, Fowey. .............. TO BE LET WITH immediate possession, two newly-erected HOUSES with SHOPS, having PLATE GLASS FRONTS, situate in the best business part of the borough of St. Ives, and adjoining the Hotel, containing respectively Seven and Eight Rooms, with Water Closets and every other convenience. . For particulars and to treat for the same, apply to Mr. John TRESTRAIL, Green Lane, Redruth ................. LOCAL INTELLIGENCE . BRITISH AND FOREIGN SAILORS’ SOCIETY – The annual meeting of the Truro auxiliary to this society was held on Monday evening last, in the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Truro. The Rev. Thomas RIDER, minister of the chapel, took the chair, and made some introductory remarks, followed by Mr. COCK, the town missionary of Falmouth. Mr. BAILEY, the sailors’ missionary at Falmouth, then gave a most interesting account of his labours during the past year. He had visited (besides Falmouth) Hayle, Penzance, St. Ives, Penryn, and St. Mawes, and he had reason to hope that much good had been accomplished. The following was a summary of his labours during the year: Services conducted, principally preaching, 283; visits to vessels and boats’ crews, 2071; to the Sailors’ Home, 267; to the prison, 10; to families, 1,162; to sick persons, 191; English tracts distributed, 11,320; Foreign ditto, 5830; gospels and magazines, 340; copies of English scriptures sold (besides many given) 225; Foreign, ditto, 182. The Rev. T. FINCH, (the deputation from the parent society,) next addressed the meeting, and made an excellent speech, giving an account of the operations of the society in various parts during the past year, and of the establishment in London of a Sailors’ Institute. The proceeds of the Truro auxiliary in the past year amounted to nearly GBP 16; the income of the parent society was GBP 4,046. Two more English and one foreign missionary are required for the port of London; seven provincial ports are appealing for missionaries, and in six foreign ports there are spheres of usefulness opened. The meeting was well attended, and a collection was made in aid of the funds of the society.  . CHAPEL ANNIVERSARIES – The anniversary of the Primitive Methodist chapel, Mount-street, Penzance, was held on Sunday last, when the Rev. S. T. ALLEN, Independent, preached in the morning, and the Rev. E. POWELL, in the afternoon and evening. On the following day a tea meeting was held, when a goodly number partook of the social cup. Subsequently a public meeting took place over which the Rev. E. POWELL presided. Pertinent addresses were delivered by the Revs. J.P. BARNETT, Baptist, S. WILSHAW, WORTH, and Messrs. KESSEL, WHITFORD, and PASCOE. The collections and proceeds of the tea meeting will be appropriated to the chapel fund. The anniversary of the Independent chapel, Tregony, for the liquidation of the chapel debt, took place on Sunday the 12th instant, when the Rev. Mr. BROOKS, from St. Austell, preached in the morning and evening. On the following day, the Rev. G. H. HOBBS, of Bodmin, preached at half-past two in the Wesleyan chapel, which was lent for the occasion. At five o’clock there was a public tea in the Independent chapel, when about 200 took tea, after which addresses were given by the Revs. W. G. FIFIELD, of Grampound, J. GANT of St. Mawes, R. PANKS, of Truro, G. H. HOBBS, of Bodmin, and others. The proceeds of the tea and collection amounted to upwards of GBP 15. . FALMOUTH QUAY REGATTA – Although so many regattas have taken place lately, this sport attracted a very large concourse of people on Tuesday last. The sum of money at the disposal of the committee was more than they anticipated, and enabled them to give a large number of prizes. The weather was very fine, with a good breeze; and with the strains of music from the Falmouth Amateur brass band, and the firing of cannon, there was no want of excitement. All the matches were well contested, and subsequently there was an ordinary at Mr. PETERS’s Hotel. On Wednesday, the “Cygnet” and “Frolic” sailed for a prize of GBP 2, a private bet, when the prize was easily won by the “Frolic”. . FALMOUTH – On the 15th instant, Falmouth was visited by two frigates and a steam corvette of the Prussian navy. They each saluted, and the salute was returned by the “Russell” and the garrison. . PRESENTATION – A handsome gold watch has been presented to Mr. Henry TREGELLAS, engineer, of St. Agnes, by Stephenson, Langford, and Co., for the valuable services he rendered them in erecting for them a steam-engine at the Eureka, Australia. . TESTIMONIAL – We are happy to learn that the ladies constituting the committee of the Girl’s British School, have just presented a dozen silver tea-spoons and tongs to their respected teacher, Miss MARY LANE (late of Fowey), as a mark of respect for the efficient and diligent manner in which she has for many years conducted the school. (Middlesbro’ Gazette). . MILITIA APPOINTMENT – Mr. John BORLASE has been appointed Lieutenant in the Royal Cornwall and Devon Miners’ Regiment of Militia. . LARGE ONION – A large onion of the Tripoli sort was grown by Richard CRAPP, a cottager of St. Columb, and with others of the same sort, took the first prize at the St. Columb show. It weights 1 lb. 12 oz. and measures 18 ½ inches round. The others in the same bed measured from 14 inches to 18 inches. . ETHIOPIAN SERENADERS – On Monday last, the Ethiopian Serenaders gave an entertainment in the Town-hall, Redruth, to a large audience, and gave general satisfaction. . THE LATE ACCIDENT IN HELFORD RIVER – We understand that as a tribute of respect to the late Mr. LARK, who was lately drowned, with two of his daughters, the Division of Coast Guard at Falmouth have unanimously decided on contributing a day’s pay each, as a provision for the immediate necessities of the widow and her family. Any one who may sympathise with such deep afflictions, and be willing to afford assistance to the surviving family, may send contributions to Mr. E. B. TWEEDY, Cornish Bank, Falmouth; or Capt. SAULEZ, Coast Guard, Falmouth. . SMUGGLING – At Falmouth, before Mr. S. BLIGHT, magistrate, ALEXI DEMETRIUS, a Greek sailor, was charged by Mr. F. SWATMAN, Collector of H.M. Customs, with having concealed 25 lbs. of tobacco on board his vessel. He was fined GBP 100, and in default was committed to the borough gaol for six months.  . THE FISHERY – At Mullion, a fine lot of pilchards was secured on Saturday last, but a considerable quantity escaped. About 400 hogsheads have been secured. At Porthleven good quantities of fish have been taken by the boats, and during the week the bay has been full of fish, but too far out for the seines to shoot. At Port Loe, the drift boats have taken from 17,000 to 18,000 in the past week. At St. Ives, the drift boats are bringing in from 700 to 5,000 pilchards per boat, when the weather will allow them to put to sea. Several shoals have been seen from the hills since our last report, but none have been taken. At Port Isaac there was a pretty good catch of pilchards on Tuesday last. Several boats took from eight to twelve thousand. – There have been a quantity of red mullet, of small size, sold at Falmouth as low as two and four for a penny. During the week there have been but few catches of pilchards by the drift boats. . SHIP FOUNDERED – The brigantine “Envoy,” of Jersey, from Pernambuco and Plymouth, for Liverpool, with a cargo of sugar, struck on the Manacles Rocks on the night of the 15th instant, during a thick fog, and foundered.  . VESSEL ASHORE – The barque “John Bull,” JAMES, master, of and from London, for Montreal, ran on shore at 11 a.m. on Tuesday last in Gerrans Bay, during a thick fog, but was got off at 4 p.m. on the flood tide, with assistance from the shore, and proceeded on her voyage. . PORT OF FOWEY – QUICK DISPATCH – The “Countess of London,” J. RICHARDS, master, arrived at Fowey from Quebec on the 22nd August, commenced discharging the following day by the old Fowey (or Phillip’s) Lumpers, and sailed again for Quebec on the 1st September, after discharging nearly 1,100 loads of timber and stowage. The trade at this port has been very extensive this year, about 13,000 loads of timber having been already discharged for the Cornwall railway, and more daily expected; beside the usual supply to the regular merchants of the port. It has been a most fortunate event for the labouring classes, as in consequence of the absence of pilchards from the coast, it is feared great distress would otherwise have been felt. The captains and owners of vessels that have discharged, express themselves in the highest terms as to the dispatch and attention they have met with from the officials of the port, and the excellent accommodation of the harbour for discharging; also, the! lowness of the port and other charges; many of them expressing a hope that they may be chartered again to Fowey, and have a chance to lay up for the winter, for which there is excellent accommodation – laying afloat at all times of tide. The old Fowey Lumpers have maintained their high character for civility and dispatch. An owner from London sent down a party to discharge his ships, who on their arrival boasted very loudly that they would show Fowey men how to discharge a ship; but, instead of being teachers they were obliged to be taught. . REDRUTH POLICE – On Saturday last, Joseph MacDONALD was apprehended at Redruth, charged with breaking out of the Borough gaol at Penzance, where he was undergoing three months imprisonment for stealing a watch, this being the second time he had made his escape during his imprisonment. . BODMIN BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS – Before the mayor (Mr. W. PASCOE), Mr. EDYVEAN, and Mr. LIDDELL, on Friday last, Mary Ann GILL was fined 5s. with 18s. cost, for assaulting Mary Ann BAWDEN, a neighbour. Three persons were summoned for non-payment of poor rates.  . COMMITTAL OF A MARINE STORE DEALER – A man named Thos. BASKIVILLE, travelling about the country as a dealer in marine stores, was apprehended on the 8th inst., at St. Austell, by Superintendent BRAZIER, of the Bodmin district, who having been informed that this man had a quantity of brass in his possession, and fancying that he did not obtain it honestly, went in search of him, and discovered him at St. Austell, at Mrs. WARNE’s, a person who deals in this sort of store, to whom he had sold the plunder. The man was taken into custody and brought to Bodmin. The next day the Superintendent went to Capt. TREGAY, the agent of Mandlin Mine, Lanlivery, and found that some brass bearings corresponding with those sold by the prisoner, were missing from the mine. The prisoner has since been committed for trial at the ensuing Sessions. . ACCIDENTS – [one was partially missing, so omitted] On the following day a cart was driven through Chyandour by a man named WAY, when a woman with a basket of blackberries carelessly came in contact with the shafts of the cart and was knocked down, the wheel passing over her; fortunately the cart was empty, and she escaped with a few slight bruises, minus her blackberries. . At Falmouth on Thursday evening the 9th inst., as the carriage of Mr. E. B. TWEEDY was going through Market-street, on old woman who is very deaf, called PEARCE, was in the act of crossing the street, and was so close to the horses’ heads that the driver could not help her being knocked down and trampled on. Mr. TWEEDY had her taken to her home and medical and other attendance supplied. There were no broken bones, but she lies in a very weak state. . On Saturday last, as a young man called ODGER was engaged in burying a large stone in a field near St. Keverne, having excavated the ground under it by undermining, it unexpectedly fell towards him, and he was jammed against the side of the pit. He was in this distressing position for half-an-hour before he was discovered, and when released, one side of his body was so crushed that he died during the night. . MINE ACCIDENT – On Monday last, a melancholy accident occurred at Copper Hill mine, by which a young man named MICHAEL JOB lost his life. It appears that Job, in company with another man, descended in the skip, and Job seems to have got out at his usual place of landing, but unfortunately had no light with him, no doubt thinking that some one at work in the level would furnish him with one. After wandering about in the dark for some time, he fell down the whim shaft, a depth of about 30 fms, and was found a shapeless mass. . HAYLE – A MAN DROWNED – On Tuesday morning last, about eleven o’clock, a man was seen to be floating in the river. The tide being low, he was seen by a lad on horseback, who gave alarm, and the man was drawn out by a young lad called TREDINNICK. When brought on shore he was supposed to have been in the water all night, and was taken to Hooper’s Commercial Hotel. When examined he was found to be WILLIAM TRETHOWAN, of Truro, a plasterer; he has left a widow and four children to lament his loss. He had left home to work at Penzance, and is supposed to have been walking in the night, when unfortunately he must have walked over at the east end of the river, and drifted down by the stream of the grist mill belonging to Messrs. SANDYS, VIVIAN and Co. He was picked up just opposite Mr. W. HOSKEN’s, Guano Stores, Point, Hayle. The river ought to be more securely fenced and the locality lighted with gas. Verdict at the inquest, “accidentally drowned.”  . CORONER’S INQUEST – [Michell and Mitchell used interchangeably, and shown as printed] The following inquest has been held before Mr. HITCHENS, county coroner: On the 2nd instant, at Tuckingmill, in the parish of Camborne, (which was continued by adjournment in order that a post mortem examination of the body might be made in the meantime) on the body of EDWARD ALLEN JEFFERY, aged 13 years. . The circumstances connected with the death as detailed in evidence were these: Messrs. BICKFORD and SMITH, safety fuse manufacturers, through their foreman, Mr. THOMAS EUDY, caused the sweepings of their factory to be carted away therefrom on the 24th of August last, and to be thrown into an old stone quarry at a short distance from Tuckingmill, and in a few hours afterwards on the same day, the deceased and some other lads, all from ten to fourteen years of age, in returning from their work seeing these sweepings in the quarry, and supposing that they should find among them some trimmings of the safety fuse, commenced to search for them. Whilst doing so, another lad named MICHAEL PEARCE MICHELL, passing by the quay from another direction and seeing the boys there, went also into the quarry; when the deceased, knowing that Michell, who was his near relative, was in the habit of smoking, asked him if he had a match in his pocket, and being answered in the affirmative, request! ed him to take it out and light it; which he did by striking it against a stone, and at the deceased’s request he applied the fire to one end of one of the trimmings, and then threw the lighted match on the ground, and thus caused an immediate explosion, by which the deceased and Michael were both burnt, the former so severely that after lingering till the following Monday he died. . Eudy’s evidence went to show that their invariable practice after every making of the safety fuse is first to take up all the waste powder and carry it to the store house, and after having done so, to throw wet sawdust on the floor; they then trim the fuses by cutting off from the ends pieces in length from three to four inches. These trimmings are then swept up with sawdust and deposited in barrels till a convenient time presents for their removal.  . It appearing to the coroner from these facts as proved, that it was impossible so to connect the conduct either of Messrs. Bickford and Smith, or of their agent, Eudy, with that of the boy MITCHELL, as to attach any criminal misconduct to either of them, he directed the jury to confine their consideration of the case to the conduct of the boy only, and if from the boy’s age and capacity they were satisfied that he knew sufficiently the danger attending what he was then about to do in igniting the match, and afterwards throwing it out of his hand, and that he wilfully and maliciously acted in doing so, they would then return a verdict of manslaughter; but otherwise they would acquit him of any offence; and they, after a consideration of about twenty minutes, declared that the boy intended no evil, and gave a verdict of “Accidental death.”  , CORNWALL COUNTY COURT TRURO – At this court, held on Friday and Saturday last, there were one hundred new plaints entered, one adjourned plaint, and twenty-nine judgment summonses. The following was the only trial of any interest: . A WRESTLING CASE – WILLIAM TREGLOWN, of Sticker, v. J. H. GEACH, of Truro. This was a suit by William Treglown, the champion wrestler of Cornwall, to recover GBP 5, being the first prize at the wrestling match at Truro, in the month of July last. The defendant, who had collected the amount of the several prizes, declined to pay plaintiff, on the ground that the match had not been a fair one between him and a wrestler called BULLOCK, with whom Treglown was matched. Mr. HOCKIN appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. STOKES for defendant. . The plaintiff gave evidence that he entered the ring to wrestle with Bullock, that they wrestled together fairly, and the result was that in two or three minutes he threw Bullock, and consequently became entitled to the first prize. He was cross-examined at some length, and denied that there was a collusion between him and Bullock, or that he had promised to give Bullock GBP 2 if he would give him his back. He also denied that he had conversation with a wrestler called EDWARD DELBRIDGE; but he admitted that he had offered not to wrestle if the sum of GBP 1 were paid to him. . The plaintiff described his success in various rings in the United States as well as in England, and said he now considered himself the champion of England. . Mr. Stokes, for the defendant, submitted that there had been what was called “faggotting” between Bullock and Treglown, and that it was so apparent that the sticklers decided that the fall was not a fair one. He should call witnesses who understood wrestling, and were themselves old wrestlers, who concurred in that opinion. He contended that Mr. Geach acted in good faith; that he had nothing to gain by withholding the prize from Treglown, for that in fact it had been awarded to another person and paid; and that the sticklers and spectators all concurring, it would have been unreasonable that Geach should have paid the money to Treglown, although Treglown in all probability was the best man in the ring.  . Mr. Stokes then called the defendant, J., H. Geach, who stated that he overheard a conversation between Treglown and Bullock, in which Treglown proposed to pay Bullock GBP 2 if Bullock would give him his back. He also called the three sticklers, CHARLES CURTIS, butcher, of Truro, THOMAS NINNIS, mine agent, and an old wrestler, living at Twelveheads in Kea, and THOMAS EASTLAKE, of Truro. These witnesses agreed in stating that they considered there was “faggotting” between Treglown and Bullock, that the fall was not a fair one, and that Treglown was not entitled to the prize. WILLIAM NINNIS, of St. Ives, who assisted in matching the men, corroborated these witnesses. Captain THOMAS JENNINGS, an old wrestler, said he considered there was faggotting between Treglown and Bullock; he had seen Treglown and Bullock wrestle on a subsequent occasion, when they played very differently. . A wrestler, called DELBRIDGE, stated that Treglown proposed to him at the wrestling that he (Delbridge) should give his back to Bullock, and said he wished Bullock to get the first prize, and that he (Treglown) would pay Delbridge if he gave his back to Bullock. These witnesses were cross-examined, but nothing material was elicited. . RICHARD SAMPSON, landlord of the Victoria inn, Truro, stated that on the evening of the dayof the wrestling, Treglown said if he were paid 10s. for his expenses and loss of time, he would say nothing more about the matter.  . In reply, Mr. HOCKEN contended that the sticklers did not accurately observe the wrestling, and that Treglown, being a very powerful man, and Bullock a man of less strength, though much taller, was evidently thrown by Treglown by some quick movement; that the probabilities of the case were in favour of this conclusion., because if the two men had been acting in collusion, their match would not have been over as it was, in two or three minutes, but that they would have made some appearance of play.  . The Judge took time to consider, and on Saturday morning gave his decision. He said he understood the practice of “faggotting” was carried to a great extent in wrestling, and that it ought to be put a stop to; and that defendant deserved credit for having resisted the demand of Treglown. He gave judgment in favor of the defendant. . COMMITTALS –  JOHN ROSS v. HENRY SOBEY; defendant was ordered to be committed for 20 days for non-payment of 15s.5d. JOHN ANDREW v. JOHN MANLEY; defendant was committed for 20 days for non-payment of GBP 2.4s.8d. JOHN ERSKINE v. MARY JANE HARVEY; defendant was committed for 20 days for non-payment of GBP 1.13s.8d. EDWARD BURTON v FRANCIS BASSET; defendant was committed for 30 days for non-payment of GBP 10.18s.4d. ALEXANDER STEPHENSON v. WILLIAM TUCKER; defendant was committed for 30 days for non-payment of 12s.10d. ALEXANDER STEPHENSON v. BENJAMIN PASCOE; defendant was committed for 20 days for non-payment of GBP 3.8s.3d. WILLIAM BOASE v. JAMES HARPER; defendant was committed for 20 days for non-payment of 3s.7d. WILLIAM BOASE v. FRANCIS DOWRICK; defendant was committed for 20 days for non-payment of 1s.10d. Same plaintiff, v. FERDINANDO PASCOE; defendant was committed for 20 days for non-payment of GBP 3.5s.6d. T. W. CALF v. JAMES BARTLE; defendant was committed for 14 days for non-payment of GBP 1.1s.8d.  Same plaintiff v. WILLIAM PETHERICK; defendant was committed for 20 days for non-payment of GBP 1.5s.8d. JOHN ROSS v. EDWARD JENNINGS; defendant was committed for 30 days for non-payment of GBP 7.7s.7d. COMMITTAL FOR MURDER AT LISKEARD The town of Liskeard has been in a state of excitement in consequence of the death of a man called DONNAWAY, from the effects of a wound inflicted in the abdomen, in a street fight on Saturday night, the 4th instant. The wound was inflicted by WILLIAM BALL, who was taken into custody at the Bell Inn Tap, on Sunday, and brought before Mr. S. BONE, Mayor, and Messrs. AUSTIS, P,. CLYMO, and W. F. PEARCE, magistrates. . The inquiry commenced ..... [missing a section of testimony; our transcription commences with Donnaway’s brother’s testimony] [We] came to the last public-house going out of town, (Phillips’s, Higher Lux-street); he sat down on the step of the door and remained there for some minutes, when the policeman came up and said, “what are you doing here; go along home.” He got between two young men again; they were supporting him, and he was groaning, and begged them to let him lie down or get a bed for him; they went on in that way until about half-way down Stoney-bridge hill; my brother there made a stop, and on unbuttoning his clothes found blood on his shirt; he then said, “what is this! Look here, look here, he has stabbed me, he said he would do it.” I looked and saw that he was stabbed in the bowels, and a piece of his inwards was hanging out about two or three inches. The wound was between the hip and the navel. We got him to Pengover Green, and put him into a house, and got a candle. I then came away for the doctor, Mr. PRIDEAUX, and on my return I found my brother at home in bed. I saw no knife i! n the fray, and we did not discover that my brother was stabbed until we reached Stoney-bridge hill. My brother died yesterday afternoon; I have seen the body since he died. Cross-examined: The wound looked about the width of the knife now produced. Dr DONNOVAN arrived in about five minutes after I got home. . Corroborative evidence was given by WM. ROSEMURGEY, HENRY WILLIAMS, and RICHARD GEORGE. . Mr. HUMPHREYS, police officer, gave evidence with reference to apprehending the prisoner, and produced his clothes, which were covered with blood, and cuts in them which corresponded with the knife. The prisoner was found on Sunday eating turnips with the same knife. Dr. Donnovan was called upon to attend the deceased, and after his death made a post mortem examination, assisted by Mr. A. HINGSTON, and Mr. F. NICHOLAS, surgeons, of Liskeard. Mr. Hingston said – I have no hesitation in saying that he died from the bleeding of the omentum caused by the wound. The wound is such a wound as the knife now produced would make. I have heard the course of treatment pursued by Dr. Donnovan in the case before death, and I consider it to have been most appropriate. . Immediately on the conclusion of the enquiry on Thursday, the prisoner was conveyed to Bodmin gaol, by P.C. HUMPHREYS. It is understood that two indictments will be drawn against him, one for wilful murder and the other for manslaughter. LETTER TO THE EDITOR CORNUBIANA KEA, FEOCK and ROSELAND To the Editor of the West Briton SIR, - Under the above subject, and the signature of “Tre,” a correspondent communicated some very timely and interesting remarks upon that part of the parish usually called “Old Kea,” in your impression of August 27th, with a view, apparently, of calling attention to certain architectural and other remains of antiquity in the same. . To one or two of his pleasant little sketches, I will ask permission to add a few lines. As to the probability of the pillar-shaped granite block, lately turned up from under the foundations of the old poor-house, in the churchyard, being a Druidical mooring-stone for intended victims – I do not quite like to admit this, but, from its general shape, incised circular rings at base, and faint traces of longitudinal inscription, and indented head, rather favour the idea of its being a mutilated cross of the fifth century, erected and used as a station for preaching by St. Kea or Caius, who “came round from Ireland,” as tradition says, “in a stone coffin,” i.e. he, like many other missionaries from that country at the same period, brought his sarcophagus with him to his adopted land, which coffin is still said to exist in the old church-yard. About this old god, anchor, cross, or whatever it be, a tradition and superstition has of late arisen, but, as it reflects upon the charac! ter of a defunct parishioner, perhaps it should not be permitted to gain head – but I may so far plead guilty of scandal as to repeat a portion of it which I heard in the course of a present living, and, I believe, distant connexion, moralizing over the rough old fragment, - “May be it is old ___ ___ turned into stone for having a greater liking for rum than fresh water when he was alive.” This is all I can gather about it as yet. . The Tol-maens – i.e., holed-stones, used by the Druids, as just mentioned, are commonly pear-shaped and slightly angular masses of granite weighing from about 5 cwt. and upwards, with the hole at the lesser end, through which the cord passed which bound the sacrifice, and of these some good specimens may be seen near the “19 Maidens,” a druidical circle about one mile east of St. Burian’s church. I may also add that the plinth – or technically speaking – the Calvary – of the old church-yard-cross still lies near the hedge on the southern boundary, - and a similar one may be seen built up into a fence on the field side of the road leading down to the old tower, out of that which goes on to Tolvern passage, and at the left had side, I wish to find the heads of these interesting old relics of the past. . And, now, as your correspondent appears to relish traditions and superstitions – he shall have another connected with the four-holed head of this way-side cross. . About 80  years ago, Farmer ___ had amongst his labourers, one who dreamed three times that buried under a certain indicated spot in the aforesaid field, lay a crock of gold and silver coins – he made his dream known to his master, who agreed to meet him there at a stated hour that same night, and divide whatever treasure might be found, with him. The labouring man went with pick and shovel true to his time, and was certainly not kept waiting, for there was a deep pit newly dug at the dream-pointed spot – there was also an iron crock at the bottom, and the pot had four iron legs, and the legs stood in the four holes of a circular stone under it, but it was empty. . Presently up came farmer ___ hoping he was not too late – had not kept his man waiting long in the cold, &c., &c., &c. . Loud and long were their united lamentations, and the master was more noisy than the man, and of course more sincere. . However, farmer ______ suddenly grew rich; a distant relative had died in London, and left him money, (?) and he bought 100 sheep, and made his man their shepherd; but, by degrees the sheep sickened, became lean and died, - and their mangy skins were as worthless as their flesh; for they appeared to be marked all over with red hot coins of different reigns and dates, and they all perished miserably in the field of the crock of gold.  STATE OF LISKEARD To the EDITOR of the WEST BRITON SIR – I send you a copy of my letter to the TIMES, in answer to those of Mr. RENDLE on this subject, shewing by a plain statement of facts how much “this Cornish Town” has been maligned both by visitors and residents. I am, Sir, your obediently, WILLIAM B. SANDERS Wadham House, 8th September 1858 To the EDITOR of the TIMES Sir – My notice of Mr. Rendle’s first letter on the state of Liskeard was not intended to “stifle enquiry” but to prevent mis-apprehension. . I did not refer to the account given of the condition of the town, as I thought then, and still think, this should have been taken up by someone else; but as this has not been done, and my silence on the subject may be construed into an assent to the truthfulness of the picture drawn of it, I am compelled to trouble you again; the more especially as its dark shades are made still darker by the Pipewell correspondent, who speaks of a “cesspool at every house, and every pool a manufactory of fever.” . No stranger can have read the two letters on this subject without coming to the conclusion that the people of Liskeard are among the most negligent, obtuse, and unimprovable, and their town the most unsavoury in Her Majesty’s dominions. This I can most conscientiously deny. . Mr. Rendle’s visit to the courtlage at “Tanyard Hill” must have been at a very unfavourable time, and his correspondent describes a state of things which passed away years ago. In company with the Mayor of the town, I visited both these facilities on the appearance of your correspondent’s first letter. No “cesspool” or any thing of the kind could be found in either place, the drains were covered, the gutters clean, and through the sewer at Pipewell was flowing an unfailing stream of the purest water. The Mayor assured me that every cesspool known to exist within the precincts of the town had been filled in long before, and that the Vicar was then in correspondence with the owner of the only one near it, with a view to its removal. . Some years since the town was surveyed by an eminent civil engineer, and a system of sewerage laid down according to his plan, so that all the leading thoroughfares are well accommodated, and nearly the whole of the drains are “trapped” to prevent the escape of unpleasant effluvia. . My illustration of the sanitary condition of the borough was drawn from the improvement in the health of my boarders, and the transitory character of their sickness. Mr. Rendle appeals to the report from the sub-district to invalidate this. This sub-district includes the parishes of St. Clear, Menheniot, St. Keyne, St. Neot, St. Pinnock, and the parish of Liskeard, besides the borough. These parishes contain a large population, chiefly of miners and their families, who are engaged in an employment known to be both unhealthy and dangerous. . I admit that some of the courtlages and alleys are still crowded and untidy, but the recent epidemic, I am told, did not fall most heavily upon them. This is however a state of things fast passing away. New houses are springing up in all directions within the town, and whole rows of cottages on the outskirts. A village of 1,000 inhabitants has been recently created a few miles hence. . In conclusion I may remark that the town stands on an elevation varying from 200 feet to 400 feet above the level of the sea, is quite free from all noxious miasma, and is abundantly supplied with water unsurpassed for excellence by any in the kingdom.*It is of late greatly improved, and is still improving, and if Mr. Rendle’s letters should contribute in any way to accelerate its progress, I shall not so much regret their appearance, although I cannot but consider it rather severe on the inhabitants that an offensive and unfaithful picture of their condition should have been presented to the readers of the “leading journal of Europe,” and that it should have been thought needful to employ the mighty power of the “Leviathan of the press,” to awaken them to a sense of duty. . I am, Sir, yours respectfully, WILLIAM B. SANDERS Wadham House, Liskeard, 8th September, 1858 P.S. I am happy to add that the books of the Registrar for the month of August show a marked decrease in the number of deaths both in the sub-district of Liskeard, and the borough. *The tradition is that Liskeard owes its origin to the superior character of the water found here. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM For its purity and abundance; and, finally, that there is nothing to prevent the people getting the full benefit these advantages are calculated to confer. Many parties, after having read the correspondence, fear even to post through the place, and at great expense take a longer route around; and, besides, we, the Liskeard folk, naturally dislike when found at large to be regarded as if escaped patients from a “lazar-house” or infected mediums of diphtheria. . Mr. Rendle’s facts and quotations from the Registrar-General’s reports have already been proved inaccurate and to have no application at all to this town exclusively. As far as I can discover his other remarks apply to one particular spot, and much difficulty is there in identifying the picture he has given of it with the spot so painted.  . To bring down the Times against us to cleanse such an insignificant little drain is as absurd as if he had procured a large Cornish steam-engine for the same purpose. Dame Partington tried her hand at the Atlantic with a broom; Mr. Rendle goes to the other extreme by invoking the ‘Jupiter Tonans” to wipe out a puddle. Might I advise your correspondent to reserve his energies for his own immediate neighbourhood; let him pitch into the Thames bodily, if he likes – he would then improve his acquaintance with his subject, and have the honour of being a Curtius in the cause. . Your obedient servant, ALBERT C. L. GLUBB, Superintendent-Registrar of the Liskeard District Liskeard, September 7. 1858 . PRODUCTION OF EELS – A naturalist sends us the following: An unusual number of eels, of two varieties, the Sharp-nosed (Anguilla Acutirostris) and the Snig (A. Mediorostris) have been observed by the bargemen, this summer, ascending the estuaries above Looe. The circumstance having attracted the attention of some shrewd observers of nature in that neighbourhood, for the most part in humble life, animated discussions have taken place among them, in reference to the habits and history of these fish, and especially their mode of production; in which respect, say they, the eel differs from every other inhabitant of the sea that they are acquainted with, as they could never discover the process themselves, and have never heard it explained. Although Aristotle believed they sprung spontaneously from mud banks; Pliny, from fragments which were separated from their bodies by rubbing against the rocks, and Helmont, that they were produced from may-dew, they have been supported their speculative surmises on this subject, by one of our unsophisticated naturalist on the present occasion, who strongly asserts it to be his conviction that they are derived from the nits found on horses in the summer season, (the ova of the aestrus equi) having often seen these animals, during the heat of the day when tormented by the gad-fly, retreat to a shady brook, lick them off their bodies, and carefully deposit them in the stream, there to fulfil their destiny by becoming eels. Julia M.   West Briton Transcriptions, 1836-1856 at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wbritonad St. Austell Area History and Genealogy at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~staustell