the 3rd day from injuries received. For Gilmore's besides those mentioned, Hulbert, Dobbs, and White forward, and Lazenby and Forbes behind were most conspicuous, while Kekewich and Maurice in the squash and Griffith, Home and Casson behind did their utmost for Horner's. Annesley was noticeable for his dropping and collaring. HOUSE-GROUND (1st TIES) WAY'S V. GOULD'S This match proved a very one sided affair, Way's being superior both forward and behind. The game, which was played on the LXXX,only lasted about 25minutes altogether. There was a strong wind which caused change every quarter. Way's kicked off against the wind, and after some loose squashes chiefly in Gould's twenty five H. C. Bucknall, got the ball and ran in between the posts. The try was converted into a goal. After kick off Way's were driven back, chiefly owing to the good dribbling of Dundas and Brown, but H. C. Bucknall, again easily passed all Gould's behinds and got another try right behind. The place was successful. Soon afterwards P. E. Bucknall, got the ball and quickly obtained three tries, two of which were placed, and thus Way's were victorious by 4 goals and one try to nil. For the winners, besides the two Bucknalls who were far too much for Gould's behinds, A. W. Roberts, W. H. Robertson, and Trethewy played best. For Gould's, Dundas, Brown and Gabbett played up hard, and did their best to avert defeat. HOUSE MATCH, 2ND TIES. WAY'S V. HORNER'S. 1ST DAY.-This game was played on Thursday October 18th, and resulted in Way's getting 2 goals and 1 try to nothing. There being a strong wind it was decided to change every quarter; Way's won the toss and kicked off from the town end, the ball being well returned, the game settled down about the middle of the ground, but very soon Buchanan got the ball and by a really good rnn passed all Way's behinds and would have obtained a try had not the ball owing to its being slippery fallen from his grasp, and been immediately touched down by Way's. In the next quarter, Bucknall 2us by a fine run obtained a try for Way's right behind the posts, which his brother converted into a goal. During the remainde of this quarter and the next Horner's forwards stro hard to redeem the fortunes of the day and, led Dowding, their Captain, who played magnificent throughout the game, effectually prevented War from again getting in, until the last quarter, whe Firth, thanks to the good dribbling of one of Ways forwards, obtained a try rather high up, which neatly kicked by Bucknall. The game was confined to Horner's twenty-five, and after a series well contested squashes, Firth ran round and gets try almost at the top touch line; the place howeve failed. Although running was difficult owing to the slippery state of the ground and ball, yet among Horner's behinds Buchanan, Kaye, and Elles at most noticeable, while for the opposite side Fri and Freeland decidedly did most of the work. 2ND DAY.-The game was resumed on the follow Thursday, and resulted in Way's being left victorica by 3 goals and 1 try to nil. Horner's were deprive of the valuable services of Elles, and Way's, 25 the previous day, were without their ca DeChair. His substitute Hume, however, played a mirably and was very noticeable throughout. Wa kicked off against the wind, and directy penned the opponents, but by some good dribbling on the part Dowding and Maurice, the ball was driven back s Way's were compelled to touch down. Nothing of occurred during the first three quarters of the gar owing to a drizzly rain rendering the ball too gre for the behinds of either side to hold it, consequent the game was composed of long squashes in wh Way's, owing to their superiority in weight ga considerable ground. Just before no game' called Trethewy got a touch-down for Way's, down, which was much disputed, but f the umpires awarded it to Way's; the try thongt very hard one was splendidly kicked by Back who deserves all praise for his excellent plac throughout. Way's would have obtained another g by means of a neat drop by Bett, but the ball was fortunately intercepted by the head of one of the tall forwards; amongst whom Rotheram, Roberts and 2us, and Hume were by far the best, while Do. ing for Horner's, ably backed up by George Kekewich, was far the best forward on either Freeland and Firth for Way's, and Griffith Horner's showed best behind. HOUSE MATCH (2nd TIES). GILMORE'S V. SHARP'S. This was a most interesting and evenly-contested game. Though the ever doubtful fortune of war decided in favour of Gilmore's, it would, we think, be hard to say which had the better team. It would certainly be hard to say which side played up best, when every man was well on the spot, and scarcely a bad stroke was made. But it is only fair to add hat Sharp's had all the worst of the luck. On the first day three of their best men were unfortunately inable to play, and Bull, their captain, was in a crippled state. On the second, Winterbotham appeared, but with a leg and a half only, compenated perhaps by O'Neill's similarly maimed condition on the other side. Harvey lus and Preston us still had to remain spectators, though they found apital substitutes in Martineau and Tyssen. It is hus clear that results might easily have been ifferent, and the weather throughout handicapped he back play, to some extent concealing Gilmore's weaker powers of collaring and defence. It is to heir plucky and determined forward play, and to Padwick's running and admirable generalship that hey owe their well-deserved success. Almost 1ST DAY. A strong wind was blowing from Lyne's nd, against which Sharp's kicked off. nmediately after Tyssen by a capital piece of ribbling secured a try rather low down. The place as tried unsuccessfully by Bull. Gilmore's then ettled up, and Padwick getting the ball, cleverly uded Bull's tenacious grasp and ran right round ehind Sharp's line. Hill easily turned the try into goal. This advantage they never lost. Sides were anged every quarter of an hour, and perhaps the ost noticeable feature of the game was that each de played np best against the wind. Preston lus y some excellent dribbling nearly secured a try for harp's, and Gilmore's had more than once to touch e ball down in self-defence. It seems perhaps only ir that this should tell against a side. But the mpliment was not unreturned, Hill and Beynon eing especially prominent forward in threatening White was also eir opponents' opponents' quarters. biquitous at half back, and was admirably Padwick too was always dangerous, structive. such though passing back in a wind was rather risky, and bold attempts to do so seemed of doubtful advantage. For Sharp's, Willson was often conspicuous, but the ball during the last halfhour remained mostly on the lower touch line, where it was Gilmore's interest to keep it. Towards the end Martineau made a good run along the bottom, and Cooper was a useful substitute for Winterbotham, but Chaine and O'Neill were equal to every occasion, and no further score was made before time was called. SECOND DAY.-Eolus had spent his forces, but Jupiter Pluvius was a still more efficient enemy to all back-play. Rain fell steadily on the miry ground, and it was impossible to hold the greasy ball. The game lay with the forwards, who played stubbornly, Gilmore's if anything appearing to greater advantage than before. Padwick kicked off from the town end, and soon getting the ball, after a good run by Young, who was judiciously sent back to keep an eye on Bull, made a determined rush towards Sharp's goal, stopped just in time by Bull. The latter then repaid in kind, and was promptly stopped by Padwick in his turn, but being well supported, forced Gilmore's to touch the ball down behind. For a time Gilmore's were penned, thanks to Preston's dribbling, and Martyn at half back, who was in better form than on the first day. But after changing Gilmore's passed the ball slowly back, and Beynon obtained a try close to the lower line, the place failed, and matters for a time were partly even, Chaine running cleverly till he was tackled by Manton, and Padwick vigorously supplementing his efforts, only to be well held by Martineau. After changing a second time Sale returned the ball too slowly, and O'Neill and Padwick together brought the ball close to Sharp's goal. Preston and Stanton however working hard forced the ball back and a fine run of Bull's from top to bottom across the ground would have undoubtedly ended in a try, had he not tripped in eluding Manton and been overthrown just in time by Padwick. Tyssen here kicked too hard and Gilmore's saved matters easily by touching the ball down. Again the ball was carried into Sharp's quarters, but nothing was scored, and the last quarter of an hour was spent in heroic struggles in the mud, along the touchline half-way between goals. Silver, Willson, and Martyn did their utmost for Sharp's, and for Gilmore's, Hill also played excellently throughout, and Beynon, White, and Lazenby were often conspicuous. But when all played well it is invidious to make selections. Time was called by Keeling, whose umpiring throughout was admirable, leaving Gilmore's victorious by a goal and a try to a try. Natural History Society. ON Thursday, October 18th, a private meeting was held, at which 30 members were present. Amongst other donations a map of Wiltshire, published in 1610, and presented by the Rev. W. J. V. Baker, was exhibited, as also a large and varied collection of articles from South Africa, lent for the occasion by W. E. Mullins, Esq. In accordance with a suggestion made at the beginning of the term, book for the record of observations has been procured, and the observations of the last three weeks were read at the meeting and discussed. Extracts from a similar book, started by the Entomological section, were also read. a Art Society. On Thursday, Oct. 25th, the Society held its secon meeting this term. Mr. Lloyd lectured on the "History of Water Colour Painting." He passe rapidly over the earlier attempts of the Greeks a Chinese and other nations, about whose efforts littl is known, and showed how in England the art t its rise in miniature-painting, especially mentioning the court miniature-painters of Elizabeth and he successors, such as Hillyard, Isaac Oliver and others Subsequently stain-drawing and tempera-painting were cultivated, but the greatest innovators improvers in technique were Thomas Girtina Turner. From the foundation of the Society: Water Colours, who held their first exhibition 1805, the art has made astonishing progress. S of the different excellences of various modern int preters of the art were then briefly characterised. W should have been glad if the lecturer could have give the Society a little more practical illustration, as subject is difficult to follow without. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 8th. Several ladies and gentlemen of the town are been invited to a Conversazione to be held on that evening, to inspect pictures and sketches which have been lent us by various artists. Several pictor which T. Wigman, Esq., has been engaged up lately of Marlborough scenery, ought to prove once very interesting and instructive. The sa artist has kindly allowed the Society to exhibit pen and ink sketches which were done by way illustrations for the "Century" Magazine. Se sketches sent by an old member of the Society. T D'Urban, Esq., ought likewise to prove attract Visitors will also have the opportunity of inspect the new Museum. SOME MODERN SUPERSTITIONS. VE are often told that the age of belief in the iraculous is past, and that superstition is unworthy f the enlightenment of the century. We are inlined to disbelieve both statements; and to attempt to rove that not only does superstition play a proninent part in the present day, but also that it is Lot so barbarous as it is alleged to be. : We must start by being classical. Everybody knows the Roman word religio: a very slight acquaintance with the word, such as may be acquired. y consulting a Latin dictionary, will present is with a view of superstition as true to-day s it was then. We read in the inestimable tome hat religio means religious scruple and superstition. Now we say that the connection is obvious. The one phase of human thought is an outgrowth from the other. Religion is the pure form, but superstition has been so far useful that it made religion possible in ancient times, and in some cases even explained it. Of this view a confirmation will be obtained by consulting a few instances of popular superstition. It is a moral inculcated by Esop to reverence the ass: now the ass as we know him is not treated with PRICE 3d. great respect. But will it astonish our readers of the Marlburian to hear that when (or rather if) even they call their school fellows asses, they are paying them a great compliment. The proof of antiquity is convincing. Homer calls Telamonian Ajax an ass; does he mean to insult him ?-Did he regard the ass as a type of stupidity? Not at all-Homer was awake as much as the imaginary school boy is. He meant to pay him the highest compliment for patience and long-suffering: Esop echoes this; and it has even been asserted that even the most cruel and foul-mouthed donkey-driver of the tribe feels a certain pang of remorse, a certain superstitious fear, when he finds the animal incapable and unwilling to make a rash and undecided move, and has to use violent persuasion to overrule its better judgment ! This is an instance of superstition. Providence has been supposed to distinguish the asinine tribe with qualities peculiarly divine and worthy of the utmost respect and veneration. Local superstitions of a similar character are common. Notably the legend of the Glastonbury Thorn. A very curious legend traced by some to the Welsh is that connected with the aspen tree. It is this. When the branches shiver (and all lovers of the country must have heard the doleful rustle) the sound produced, plaintive and heart-moving, is said to be the echo of the tree of Paradise, whence came the wood of the cross! Credat Judaeus. We pass on, and proceed to take a few instances of ancient and modern superstition connected with names. Apart from Christian names, which all have a definite meaning, and are the omen of the life of the bearer and wearer, there are several curious superstitions connected with names of towns. The first we might mention is that connected with a Samnite town, Beneventum. Would you believe that your barbarous old Samnite originally named it Maleventum. This offended the Roman mind, who altered the "illcome" of the town's name to "welcome." Again the Roman religious mind was dreadfully troubled about a certain name Epidamnum (the Grecian Calais). In common talk to say that you were on your journey to Epidamnum, was to say that you going to perdition. The same dread fear seized the austere mind as did in the case of Beneventum. One course and one course only remained, to alter the name, and present us with the somewhat meaningless Dyrrachium; a change that probably was thought as important to the welfare of the nation as the consultation of the Capitoline Geese. Another "ancient instance." The veracious Livy assures us with the greatest solemnity that a whole legion refused to serve because their general had the ill-omened name, Umbrius Ater. Whether the Roman senate changed his name into Lucifer Almus we are not told; for the poor man's sake we hope they did. Modern instances are also to hand. Slough has been changed in the last few years into Upton Royal. Why? because it was evidently an ill-omened name if pronounced as it should be. The change is very like that effected in the name Epidamnum. In a certain town a whole street was suddenly deserted because it was named Cromwell Street. No doubt the idea of living under the omen of such a rigid, austere, and (to believe some) cruel old Puritan was rather damping. What is in a name? A great deal indeed, for we may well imagine our whole army breaking into mutiny if we gave a few terrible names to our officers, such as Death, Grisly Terror, or Gloomy Darkness. But some one will remind us of a certain Admiral Coffin; it may well be, however, this gentleman was served by his subordinates, that the terror of his name might cause the foe to quail Later alterations have tried to soften down the name into Pine-Coffin. Again Coleridge with son wit called Mrs. Barbauld'the pleonasm of nakedness The joke was in our opinion rather mild. To pass to a different branch of superstitious belie the belief in omens. We shall not attempt to cre throw the Greek and Roman belief in them or eve illustrate it. The superstition remains to this d The traditional good luck in "picking up a pin," t equally bad luck in meeting on the stairs (évičn ovμßolaí-of the Greeks), or again the many storie connected with lightning and thunder, that it turn the milk so sour." But there is one speci kind of omen-taking which is historically interes ing, called Sortilegia, sortes. Every School-boy k that Charles 1st, visiting the Bodleian Libra consulted the Sortes Vergilianæ. There a superstition of those centuries, that the course d man's life and destiny could be ascertained opening a Vergil, and fixing on a line. Charles fr on some lines in the IVth Eneid, which have a this account become famous. So also Lord Falkh In both their cases the omen proved in some degr to be true. There were also the Sortes Biblicae, and any boy who has ever read 'goody' books will have noticed that naughty boys and girls or disconsols lovers always have managed to open their Bibles. the right place in their moments of penitences remorse. It is comparatively easy to do so with: Bible, but in a book so limited in ideas as the En the experiment will generally prove to be rathe failure. Those who are familiar with the 'Moonst remember a character in it, who believed in Scr Robinson-Crusonianae. How he managed to a the passages he chose no one ever knew and per himself as little as anyone. ΑΕΝΑΟΙ ΝΕΦΕΛΑΙ. ARISTOPHANES, NUB. 275-290 & 299–313. Rise, eternal clouds, appear Upward, upward, ever drifting Where the mountains are uplifting |