of all earnest men. If, on the contrary, it means not to play, but to fight, and to fight with the increased exhilaration derived from ample funds and a wider experience, where can be the harm of saying so, and of sounding the call to its supporters far and near? Does any one out of Bedlam think that less than the utmost vehemence and concentration of effort will crown the agitation for a Permissive Bill with success? Admit, then, that the effort should be made, and the wisdom of making it, with all the heart and vigour that can be commanded, is necessarily conceded.

Others there are we know who are unfriendly to the Alliance on different grounds. They do not deny the justice of prohibition, but they impugn the methods proposed by the Alliance for attaining it. They point to the "barrenness" of ten years of agitation, to the few members of Parliament who sympathise with its demands for a Permissive Law, and to the increased activity of the publicans in organising for their own protection. These friends, who are jealous of their temperance reputation, are, therefore, disposed to take anything but a favourable view of the prospects of the Alliance; they even sometimes contrast what it has not done with the good achieved by ordinary temperance associations. We need hardly say that such a contrast betrays an ignorance of which a temperance tyro should be ashamed, of the intrinsic difference between merely social and political movements. The one realize their benefits at every stage of their progress; the other, being dependent for their chief benefit upon an altered state of legislation, can only produce that benefit by securing the legislation sought. The voluntary labours of the husbandman long ago provided the people with bread from year to year, but the blessing of untaxed bread could only be gained by the repeal of the Corn Laws; but where would have been the expedi ence of objecting to the agitation for that repeal that it was not, during the continuance of the agitation, conferring upon the nation either the same kind of good as the husbandman's labour, or as the actual repeal of the Corn Laws would produce? The only sensible and pertinent question in that case was-If the agitation succeeds, will it be worth its cost? So is it with the Alliance. It was not instituted to do the work of temperance societies-promote habits of voluntary abstinence (though incidentally it has greatly aided in this work)—but to suppress by law a traffic which is the principal external cause of our national intemperance. Of course it cannot do this till the law is got. It is absurd to ask-What has it done?—that is, how many drinking-shops has it suppressed?-till the law is gained. It is engaged in getting the law; and, if the law is worth getting, all who think so should be employed, not in carping at the Alliance, but in co-operating with it to augment its influence and abridge its toils. If the objection is directed against the means adopted-direct agitation for a Permissive Law, instead of agitation for gradual changes in the present law, increasing restrictions, &c.-and if it is maintained that prohibition, either local or national, would sooner be reached in this way than by the other-the objector has a perfect right to his opinion; but he is also under obligation to give reasons for his belief; and we must say that, while we have often seen the opinion roundly asserted, we have never seen the least vestige of sound reason, either à priori or à posteriori, advanced in its support. What is not a little curious, too, is the undeniable fact, that those who affirm that the best or only highroad to prohibition lies through successive legislative restrictions, never appear to evince much heartiness or energy in the effort to obtain the simplest of these restrictions. We do not discourage agitations for any species of restriction; but to look to prohibition

as the result of successive restriction would be, in our estimation, to postpone prohibition sine die; and there are some folks so wicked-the reader must not think us of the number-who broadly hint that nothing would better please the successive restrictionists than that very postponement. The cloud which is supposed to hang over the future of the Alliance, from the activity and organisation of the publicans, does in reality and as much darken the prospects of every movement at all aiming to lessen the profits and power of the mischevious craft. If it be a direful and disastrous thing to rouse their anger and drive them to combine, then the evil is done, and supineness on the part of temperance reformers will but encourage them to employ their strength with greater arrogance, and without control. Oppose them, and they will be content to stand on the defen. sive; leave them in possession of the field, and who can place limits to the dictation they will attempt? But, in our humble judgment, the Alliance does well not to be disturbed by the rage and drilling of the liquor-dealers. Their influence is mostly of the kind that needs but to be confronted and it dissolves. Their real motives are too transparent to be concealed, and too selfish to be respected. Mr. Gladstone did not hesitate, in 1860, to compare the whole trade to Vice which, in the fable, dogged the steps of Hercules. Their organisations are not to be despised; but they can be nullified by organisations more compact and extensive. The opponents of the Alliance in the public press rarely dwell on the interests of the publicans; they are clients of whom every respectable organ of public opinion is ashamed. The greatest difficulties of the Alliance consist in the ignorance, prejudice, apathy, and tastes of the public at large, and of their representatives in Parliament and the press. But who shall say that these difficulties are insurmountable? Persistently attacked, they, too, will subside, and the mountain will sink into a plain. The prospects of the Alliance cannot dispirit any except those who are too ready to be dispirited. Great reforms are not carried by a coup de main, nor by idle hands, nor without the clash of contending parties. In the natural world the storms of Winter precede and prepare for the beauty of Spring, the splendour of Summer, and the harvests of Autumn. Grant that the Alliance is now in its wintery season; the heart of faith and eye of hope enjoy a prophetic prescience of summer times and garnered fruits. ! When the cause is of God nothing is impossible to the believer and the worker.

Literary Notice.

BIBLICAL NATURAL SCIENCE. Parts IX. & X. By the Rev. John Dunns, F.R.S.E. London & Glasgow: William Mackenzie. Belfast: William Rodman, 36, College Street.

IN our previous notices of this excellent and learned work, we have given repeated expression to our deep appreciation of the author's merits. It is only necessary now that we follow him through the intricate paths of his laborious journey. The parts before us are much occupied by a history of the domestic life of the patriarchs,-the events in their career, and many important points relating to the natural history of the regions inhabited by those grim fathers of our race. Many interesting questions, elucidative of habits and customs, are handled in such a manner as to throw a flood of light on the earliest and most authentic record of the world's history. The beauti

ful story of Jacob and his twelve sons, but especially of Joseph in his relation to old Egypt and her Pharoah, is here rendered with graphic power, assisted by the valuable geopraphical and historical information which the author has so abundantly furnished, and by the faithful representations of plants and animals which so vividly illustrate the glowing pages of this attractive book.

The Temperance Movement.

THE UNITED KINGDOM ALLIANCE.

THE tenth annual meeting of the General Council of the United Kingdom Alliance was held in the Assembly Room of the Free Trade Hall on Friday morning, Oct. 23, and was numerously attended. The chair was taken by Sir W. C. Trevelyan, Bart. Mr. S. Pope, the Secretary, read the annual report, which gave a favourable account of the operations and progress of the Alliance, and declared the finances to be in a satisfactory condition. The report was adopted, on the motion of Mr. W. Lawson, M.P., seconded by Dr. Carpenter. The Rev. Canon Jenkins moved the appointment of the honorary officers for the ensuing year. Mr. J. Guest seconded the resolution, which was adopted. Mr. Alderman Harvey moved a resolution pledging the Council to use every endeavour to raise their funds to an amount adequate to the contemplated efforts in Parliament. Mr. R. Whitworth seconded the resolution, and promised to raise £1,500 this year. (Hear, hear.) The resolution was adopted. Mr. J. Noble, jun., moved a resolution recognising the signs of progress evidenced by the increased attention of the press, the discussions in Parliament, and the numerous testimonials from public men. Mr. J. G. Thornton seconded the resolution, which was adopted. Professor Newman moved a resolution approving of Mr. Lawson's efforts, and pledging the Council to sustain him in his promised introduction of a Permissive Bill. The Rev. J. C. Street seconded the resolution, which was supported by Mr. J. Davie, Dunfermline, and adopted. Mr. S. Pope congratulated the Council on the largeness of the attendance. He moved the adoption of the draft of a Permissive Bill. He gave a summary of the provisions of the bill, which, he said, only applied to England, and separate acts would be necessary for Scotland and Ireland. Mr. J. Thorp seconded the resolution, which was supported by Dr. F. R. Lees. A number of suggestions were made for the modification of some of the clauses; and it was ultimately agreed that each member of the Council should be supplied by post with a copy of the draft, and that the Executive Committee should remodel the bill in accordance with the suggestions made. The resolution, as modified, was adopted. The annual public meeting was held at the Free Trade Hall in the evening-the Mayor of Manchester (Abel Heywood, Esq.) in the chair. The Chairman said he felt it to be a great honour to preside over such a meeting. Mr. J. H. Cotterell proposed a resolution to the effect that the meeting repudiated the policy of licensing the liquor traffic, deplored its disastrous results in the augmentation of pauperism, insanity, crime, and taxation, viewed it as a system opposed to the growing intelligence and religious aspirations of the community, and called upon statesmen and all good citizens to combine in removing so great and alarming a public nuisance and national evil. The Rev. Dr. Dill, Ballymena, seconded the resolution in an eloquent speech. He said he regretted that the Government derived a great portion of its revenue from sustaining and sanctioning the present system of licensing. Mr. W. Lawson, M.P. for Car

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lisle, supported the resolution, which, he said, condemned the liquor traffic as a public nuisance and national evil. Sir W. C. Trevelyan supported the resolution. Mr. S. Pope proposed a resolution, approv ing the efforts of the Alliance to bring the question bi the liquor traffic before the Legislature, and pledging the meeting to support the movement in every possible way. The Rev. Canon Jenkins seconded the motion. The Rev. H. Gale supported the motion, which was adopted. On the motion of Professor Newman, seconded by Mr. Lawson, M.P., a vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, and the proceedings terminated.

66 LIFE OF FATHER MATHEW."

The Reader gives a good notice of Mr. Maguire's Life of the great Temperance Reformer. The London correspondent of the Alliance News observes :"Mr. Maguire has evidently succeeded in representing the good Father Mathew under those generous, buoyant, and rosily-benevolent aspects of his character which he never failed to exhibit; and his biographer does not give colour to the supposition that the great work of 1838-45 has been swept out of being. At the same time, I fear that Mr. Maguire does not know of, or has not given currency to, Father Mathew's written avowal of the need of prohibition to crown and consolidate all temperance reform based on individual conviction. I hope that the cost (12s. 6d.), won't make the circulation of of the volume small, and so rob it of the influence such a biography should exert upon the mind, conscience, and heart of England." We are glad to know that the volume has proved a great success, nearly the whole of the first edition being exhausted.

"THE SECRET OF IRELAND'S POVERTY.”

The Drogheda Reporter, in an excellent article on Irish Poverty, remarks:-" Employment, good wages, and industry combined-' destitute, however, of habits of self-control, temperance, or thrift'-are next to useless, excellent as they are in themselves. It is not, after all, so much a question how much a man earns, as what does he do with his earnings, or what does his wife do with them? The Coombe and other districts in Dublin, and other cities and towns in Ireland, present the self-samne features to-day which they presented in 1756. There is no improvement, although they earn higher wages. It all goes on Saturday night' to the gin-palace and public-house. While other businesses in Dublin are failing, and the shops in which the trades are carried on are becoming shabby and dilapidated-looking, the whisky shops are on every hand becoming more brilliant and dazzling. While manufacturers are losing ground, destroyers of the produce of the earth are rising in wealth, and increasing in riches. The temptations to improvident habits stand as a snare before the artizan at every corner, and the result is, that ninety-nine out of each hundred of them squander their earnings, and ruin their health by their course of life."

ALCOHOL AS A MEDICINE.

Dr. Higginbottom, of Nottingham, has favoured us with a letter on the subject of the mischief done in the Temperance ranks by medical men so frequently prescribing alcoholic drinks. We give an extract from the communication of our worthy friend, who is a thorough-going Teetotaller and Prohibitionist:-Nothing would delight me more than to know what course to take with medical men on the subject of true temperance. Two days before I received your letter, a lady, apparently of consequence and influence in Edinburgh, requested me to send her my tract, "Non-Alcohol Treatment of Disease," and "Alcohol, Medical Men," &c. She complained very much of the havoc medical men were making among the Teetotallers. Hundreds-I may say thousands -of medical men know my opinions and practice of Teetotalism, but there is not an individual who dare attack me on the subject, for the very good reason, I have said nothing but facts. I have thrown down the gauntlet; not one medi

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cal man will take it up. Ministers of the gospel are very blameable; although drunkenness is the sin of our country, it is not attacked from the pulpit. I have known them avoid the subject altogether when there has been the best opportunity of introducing it, and have asked the reason, I was answered-" There was a wine and spirit merchant very near him." I have even heard a bishop, when repeating the verses from Gal. v. 22-23, leave "temperance" out. I fear most ministers are afraid of even the word. I do assure you, I have been led to think that there are very few, indeed, of real faithful Christian ministers; and I fear they shake the faith of many. The Alliance very rarely speaks of alcohol as a medicine. The all-absorbing thing is the Permissive Bill. If that should pass, a much more formidable battle must be fought with medical men against alcohol as a medicine. I wish you would devise a plan to prevent the wolves (medical men) from devouring the sheep (the Teetotallers). I would not for the world bear the responsibility of medical men in prescribing alcohol as a medicine.

POOR MR. BUXTON.

Mr. Barker has applied an extinguisher to Mr. Buxton. The extensive brewer, in an after-dinner speech, some time ago, took occasion to make some animadversions upon the Permissive Bill. The active and honored secretary of the Alliance, in a letter to the Manchester Times, fairly ducks the brewer in one of his own vats. Mr. Buxton is reminded that in an article in the North British Review for February, 1855, he wrote strongly in favour of a parochial Maine Law, and referred to the fact that in many districts such a reasonable measure was virtually enforced with the utmost benefit. "The only difference," Mr. Barker remarks, "between the suggested parochial Maine Law of Mr. Buxton and the suggested Permissive Law of the United Kingdom Alliance, is one of mere detail and mode of application. Mr. Buxton suggests that a 'five-sixth' majority of the rate-payers shall be potent to extinguish all places for the sale of fermented liquors.' The Alliance proposes that a two-thirds majority shall be sufficient to remove so great a nuisance. The principle is exactly the same. Now, as 'common sense is the first and best of qualities' with common brewers, as well as with more ordinary mortals, your readers will not fail to see that Mr. Buxton, when writing soberly as a philanthropist, views things in a much clearer light than when, as a brewer, he discourses on malt and hops and the Permissive Bill at an agricultural dinner. On both occasions, however, the same damnatory admission is made in regard to the results of the liquor-traffic. Surely common sense, as well as common justice, would prompt any true philanthropist and patriot to abandon a business that leads invariably and inevitably to such fearful results. At any rate, the people might be safely entrusted with the power to abolish so dire a calamity, when their sobriety and patriotism lead them to desire to be rid of the curse.'

66 DEATH IN THE POT."

A Norwich correspondent of the Alliance News relates a few melancholy facts. He says:-"There is a brewery close to where I live that has lost several owners in a very short time. About a fortnight ago was interred the last proprietor, at the age of 43. He was quite bloated and sottish in appearance, and it is only about twelve months since he buried a younger brother, and all through drink. I can call to mind no less than 13 that have died in about twelve years, that have been connected with that brewery; and yet all these things are no warning."

THE MAINE LAW A REALITY.

A letter from North Vassalborough, in the State of Maine, published in the Alliance News, bears testimony to the fact that the Maine Law is anything but a dead letter, whatever may be pretended to the contrary by interested parties in this country.

CHEER, BOYS, CHEER."

At a recent soirée of the Abstainers' Union, Mr. Neil M'Neil alluded in favourable terms to the increase in the

Alliance subscriptions this year. We also observe that the President of the Scottish League has pointedly and publicly referred to the same gratifying subject. These are really pleasing signs of progress, and point hopefully to the "good time coming," when all Temperance Reformers shall be united as one man in demanding the total suppression of an ungodly traffic.

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

The London correspondent of the Alliance News says:-A London Catholic Teetotal Union has just been inaugurated by a crowded meeting, in the large hall of the Whittington Club. Mr. P. Corrigan and the other promoters of this association are friends and admirers of the Alliance. The present movement has begun auspiciously. We are glad to see that it is abreast of the times.

SAFETY OF TEMPERANCE.

It is stated in a foreign journal that, out of a caravan of eighty-two persons who crossed the Great Desert from Algeria to Timbuctoo, last summer, all but fifteen used wine and other spirituous liquors as a preventive against African

diseases. Soon after reaching Timbuctoo, all who used spirituous liquors died save one. Of the fifteen who abstained, all survived.

CEAD MILLE FAILTHA!

A new periodical, under the name of the British Workwoman, has appeared. The new monthly consists of eight pages. A picture in the first number represents a girl dissuading a man from entering a gin-shop, and is given to illustrate a story reprinted from "Friendly Hands and Kindly Words.” The workwomen of the United Kingdom have a right to their special organ, to which we wish a large circulation and abundant success!

THE GENUINE METAL.

The Methodist Recorder has an article anent the annual meeting of the United Kingdom Alliance. We heartily greet the Recorder as an advocate for the suppression of the liquor traffic by means of the Permissive Bill. After remarking that the subject is one of grave importance, and one that ought not to be summarily dismissed from consideration, the Recorder adds-"Whatever may be the ultimate fate of Mr. Lawson's bill, the proposal of it is in itself a feature of the times. We are all prepared to admit that drunkenness is the greatest of all obstacles to the physical, moral, and spiritual improvement of our country. Every worker for the elevation of the people will endorse the declaration of the learned Recorder of Birmingham, that, "In whatever direction we turn, the drink-demon starts up and blocks the way;" and, if the Alliance can effectually exorcise that demon, they will merit the gratitude of all coming generations."

HER MAJESTY AND THE USE OF THE WEED.

We have the authority of the Times for stating that the use use of tobacco for smoking purposes within the precincts of Windsor Castle has been prohibited by the express command of her Majesty the Queen. Cards, neatly framed and glazed, requesting that gentlemen will not smoke in the Castle, have been hung in the private rooms of the Lords in Waiting and Equerries of the Royal suite, and even in the rooms in the York Tower, which are being fitted up for his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The servants and workmen of the Castle are also prohibited from smoking within the Castle, by command of her Majesty.

MEETINGS IN IRELAND.

BELFAST.-Friday evening, 30th Oct., a meeting of the Belfast Temperance Societywas held in Pilot Street School-house. The meeting was convened under the auspices of the Belfast Ladies' Temperance Union. The Rev. H. H. Carson occu pied the chair, and an able and eloquent lecture was delivered by the Rev. James White.

The monthly musical meetings of the 14th Depôt Battalion Temperance Association, held on the 22nd October and the 19th November, were unusually well attended by both civilians and soldiers-in fact, the large Garrison School-room was crammed to the door. The vocalists, under Mr. Atwell, and the band, under Drum-Major Doughty, executed the several pieces of a varied and well-selected programme in a highly-satisfactory manner. Corporal Norris, 96th Depôt, delighted the audience by the able way in which he performed two solos on the cornet; and Private Turner equally pleased by his performance on the concertina. These meetings are very much relished by the soldiers. On the evening of the 12th November, Mr. M'Ewen gave a magic lantern treat to the children of the battalion, and, at its close, a number of them became members of a Band of Hope just established in connexion with the association.

Monday evening, November 2, Mr. Pyper lectured to the Berry Street Congregational Temperance Society, Belfast. The meeting was held in the Mechanics' Institute. The chair was occupied by Mr. D. Hollywood, Vice-President. Some new members were admitted at the close of the proceedings.

Tuesday evening, November 3, a meeting of the Belfast Total Abstinence Association was held in the Kent Street Temperance Hall. There was a large attendance. Mr. C. G. Stewart presided. Mr. John Reid, the indefatigable agent of the association, delivered an able lecture, in which he specially dwelt on the proposed gin-palace to which the magistrates lately refused a license. Nov. 10, Mr. William Church gave a lengthened account of his recent visit to Manchester, describing "the sights" of the great cotton capital. The cheering meetings in connexion with the anniversary of the United Kingdom Alliance, were specially referred to, and many evidences of "the good time coming," when the demoralising drink traffic shall be totally sup pressed, were touched upon by the speaker, and enthusias tically applauded by the meeting. The other speakers during the month were Messrs. Alex. Riddell, Wm. Agnew, G. Reilly (Fire Brigade), J. C. Davidson, and John M'Kenzie. Wednesday evening, November 4, the annual meeting of the Belfast Revival Temperance Association was held in the Mercantile Academy. Mr. John Pyper, Vice-President, occupied the chair, and gave a brief statement of what he had seen and heard at the annual meetings of the United King

dom Alliance, in Manchester. The annual report was then given by the Secretary, Mr. Hugh Pyper. Some routine business having been transacted, the office-bearers for the ensning year, consisting of a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and committee of ten members were elected. Monday evening, November 9, Mr. John Reid, the Agent of the Belfast Total Abstinence Society, delivered, by special request, a lecture in the Mechanics' Institute, Queen Streetsubject: "Mental Culture." There was a very numerous attendance. After a few introductory observations, showing the existence of mind independent of matter, Mr. Reid proceeded to point out the various modes by which the mind can be cultivated and improved. "How to Read" was dwelt upon with much force and originality, as was the kindred topic, Thinking." The lecturer then went on to show why we should cultivate our minds;" and many reasons were supplied in order to stimulate the audience to mental culture. In reply to the objection, how can you expect the working classes, with their incessant toil and protracted hours of labour, to spend their brief period of leisure in endeavouring to increase their store of knowledge, Mr. Reid instanced the cases of Kirk White, Ebenezer Elliot, John Kitto, John Brown, Hugh Miller, and George Stephenson, and showed how these men, in the midst of poverty, toil, and difficulty, urged their way along the pathway of knowledge, climbed the steeps of intellectual culture, and stood upon the highest peak of the hill of knowledge. The many interesting and touching incidents in the lives of these wonderful men were referred to with graphic power, and many of the happy "hits" of the lecturer were rewarded with hearty applause. Mr. Reid concluded an argumentative and powerful lecture by an eloquent appeal, in which he implored the audience to imitate the glorious examples of the heroes of self-culture, and thus be fitted for doing their duty to themselves, to their fellow-men, to their country, and to their God. (Applause.)

Tuesday evening, 10th Nov., a largely attended meeting of the Ulster Band of Hope was held in the Mechanics' Institute, Belfast. Mr. E. Magowan presided, and an eloquent address was delivered by Mr. Pyper. After the address, a number of temperance melodies were sung in good style.

"MAN AND HIS MASTERS."-Tuesday evening, Nov. 17, Mr. B. Benson, a gentleman of color, Agent of Dublin Total Abstinence Society, delivered a lecture in the new Schoolhouse, Welsh Street, on the above subject, under the auspices of the "Welsh Street Temperance Association and Band of Hope." The attendance of the working classes was very large. The chair was occupied by the President of the association, Thomas H. Browne, Esq., who, in a very appropriate speech, introduced the lecturer. At the close, 38 names were enrolled as total abstainers.

Thursday evening, Nov. 19, Mr. Church addressed a meeting in Academy Street Presbyterian Church. Mr. Alexander Riddell presided, delivering a hearty address in favor of total abstinence.

"BIBLE TEACHINGS ON THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION."-A lecture on this subject was delivered on Friday evening, Nov. 20, in the Academy Street Presbyterian Church, by Mr. Jabez Inwards, of London. Mr. William M'Ewen presided. There was a pretty large audience. The lecture occupied about two hours in delivery. It was marked by carefulness of preparation, perspicuity of style, and a brilliant elocution. Its object was to show that the Bible speaks of two kinds of wine-intoxicating and non-intoxicating. The former was a curse, and its use was prohibited by the Bible; the latter-the pure wine from the grape-was the only sort whose use was allowed. In conclusion, he implored all who heard him to obey the dictates of the Bible, and abstain from every drop of the "mocker," wine, and then he wound up his able and impassioned address with an elaborate and spirit-stirring peroration. Mr. William Church moved a vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was passed by acclamation. A meeting continues to be held every month in the Lynas Lane National School-room. Dr. Aickin and other friends of the cause take an interest in the movement in this district. BALLYMENA.-Last week, the Rev. Dr. Dill delivered an able and eloquent lecture in the Town Hall, Ballymena, subject, "Legislative Prohibition of the Liquor Traffic." was a large attendance, and the arguments of the rev. lecturer were considered most conclusive.

There

BOARDMILLS AND ANNAHILT.-Mr. John Pyper lectured on Thursday evening, 12th Nov., at Boardmills, to a crowded meeting, in the school-room adjoining the First Meetinghouse. At Annahilt, on the following evening, a meeting was held in the large school-room. At the close, Rev. R. S. Erwine, Cargycreevy, moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Pyper, which was carried unanimously. Several additional subscribers for the League Journal were entered in both places. COMBER.-Monday, 16th November, Mr. Pyper delivered a Cogent address to the recently formed Total Abstinence Society in Comber, where the cause is already in a good position.

CLOGHERNEY.-Friday evening, 30th October, a meeting was held in the Clogherney Presbyterian Church, near Omagh. The Rev. Joseph M'Askie, pastor loci, presided, and a lucid lecture was delivered by Mr. Pyper. On the motion of Mr. James Robinson, seconded by Mr. Wm. Houston, the thanks of the meeting were given to the lecturer, and several

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pieces of sacred music having been sung in excellent style by the congregational choir, the proceedings terminated with the benediction.

CLONES.-Wednesday, November 4, the Total Abstinence Society held a soiree in the Market-house. The Rev. John Hazleton presided. After an excellent address by Mr. J. Clarke Adams, of Armagh, Mr. Church, the Secretary of the League, was called upon. He dwelt on several "aspects of the question," and in doing so, referred to a case which came before the Quarter Sessions in Belfast a few days ago. A publican had brought an action against a tippler for £3 9s. 7d. for "goods" sold and delivered. In cross-questioning the plaintiff, the solicitor for the defence extracted the confession that the only "goods" sold to the defendant was a quarter pound of cheese, the remainder of the account being made up by whisky, ale, porter, &c. This admission startled the barrister, who asked the value of the "goods," and being informed that it was about twopence, said to the plaintiff, "Oh yes, you may have a decree for twopence !" The solicitor for the plaintiff-"Oh, your worship, is the poor man (the publican) to get nothing for his drink ?" The barrister-Not a farthing. He had no right to come into court and recover an account incurred by a foolish man drinking whisky." This decision gave great satisfaction, and the relation of the circumstance by Mr. Church was received with hearty cheers. The next speaker was the Rev. Wesley Guard, who denounced the traffic, and argued that the people had a right to protection from the traffic, and that the passing of the Permissive Bill was only a question of time. (Loud cheers.) At the close of the meeting, several persons signed the pledge.

DUBLIN.-Tuesday evening, November 10, a public meeting in connexion with the United Kingdom Alliance for the Suppression of the Liquor Traffic, was held in the lecture hall of the Society of Friends' Institute, Molesworth Place, Dublin, when John Noble, jun., Esq., of the Middle Temple, London, delivered a lecture in advocacy of the Permissive Bill. That old and staunch friend of the cause, James Haughton, Esq., J.P., occupied the chair. Amongst those present were :The Lord Mayor elect, Peter Paul M'Swiney, Esq.; Dr. Ryan, Dr. P. J. Reid, Robert C. W. Hunt, H. Brown, H. Roupell, W. L. Erson, G. Sykes, C. Malone. R. D. Webb, W. Webb, J. Wigham, &c. Mr. Haughton, in an able speech, introduced Mr. Noble to the meeting. Mr. Noble proceeded to address the audience, taking as the ground-work of his remarks the speech of Mr. Buxton, the great brewer, who recently spoke in opposition to the Alliance, while he admitted that the liquor traffic was causing the crime, pauperism, and a hundred other evils of this country. Mr. Noble ably exposed the fallacies of Mr. Buxton uttered against what the Alliance proposed, and, in an admirable lecture, showed the right of the ratepayers to have some voice in prohibiting the sale of so ruinous an article as strong drink. On the motion of Mr. Hunt, seconded by Mr. Wigham, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Noble for his able and eloquent address. The thanks of the meeting having been given to Mr. Haughton, the meeting separated.The Marlborongh Street Hall has been recently well attended each Monday night. The cheap dining and coffee room in connexion with this hall is doing well; it is equal, for its size, to anything in Glasgow or other towns across the channel.

DOAGH.-Wednesday, Nov. 18, Mr. Pyper lectured with his wonted ability, in the Wesleyan Chapel, Doagh. The good work is kept alive in the district mainly by the self-denying labors of a working man-Mr. Alexander Hutchinson. Long may he be spared!

DOUGLAS. Tuesday evening, 27th Oct., a meeting of the Douglas Temperance Society was held in the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Robert Etrican presided, and a most effective lecture was delivered by Mr. Pyper, at the close of which a resolution in favour of the Permissive Bill was unanimously adopted by the meeting.

LIGONEIL. The Rev. William Johnston, of Belfast, delivered an excellent address to the monthly meeting of the Ligoneil and Ballysillan Society.

MACROOM, COUNTY CORK.-The monthly meeting of the Macroom Branch of the Abstinence Society was held on Monday evening, the 2nd of November. The room was filled early, as it was expected that an account of the annual meeting of the United Kingdom Alliance would be among the subjects discussed.

MONAGHAN.-A public lecture was delivered on Tuesday evening, November 3, in the Presbyterian Meeting-house, Monaghan-the Rev. John Bleckley in the chair-by Mr. William Church, Belfast, on "The Importance of the Total Abstinence Movement.' The statements of the lecturer as to the desirability of the legal suppression of the traffic evidently gave much satisfaction to the audience. At the close of the lecture, Mr. Joseph Blackburne moved, seconded by Mr. James Hetherington, the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Church for his able and eloquent lecture. In conveying the vote, the chairman said he did so with great pleasure. He had anticipated a good lecture, and he was happy to say his highest anticipations were more than realised. He hoped they would soon again have the pleasure of listening to Mr. Church, in Monaghan. (Applause.) The Rev. Mr. Atcheson, Castlecaulfield, having made a few observations, the meeting was closed with devotional exercises.

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NEWTOWNARDS.--Tuesday evening, 17th November, a numerously attended meeting of the Newtownards Temperance Society was held in the Regent Street Wesleyan Chapel. The Rev. Henry Price presided on the occasion. Mr. Pyper delivered an able lecture, after which Mr. M. Harbison effectively moved a resolution approving of the principle of the Permissive Bill. Mr. P. Alexander having seconded the motion, it was put by the chairman in the usual form, and unanimously carried.

NEWTOWNBREDA.-Wednesday, Nov. 11, a lecture was delivered in Newtownbreda Presbyterian Church, by Mr. Pyper. Rev. R. Workman presided.

NEWTOWNSTEWART.--Wednesday evening, 28th October, the Newtownstewart Temperance Society met in the Wesleyan Chapel of that town. The Rev. Francis Little presided." A telling lecture was delivered by Mr. Pyper. A large number of new members were enrolled. Thursday, 29th October, Mr. Pyper delivered a very impressive address to the teachers and pupils of the Newtownstewart Model Schools, the Rev. F. Little in the chair.

SION MILLS.-Monday evening, 26th October, a large meeting was held in the School-house, Sion Mills. The Rev. W. A. Russell, of Strabane, occupied the chair. Mr. Pyper lectured with his usual ability. The audience listened with deep interest to the cheering evidence of the progress of Permissive Bill principles in England and elsewhere, as exhibited in many features of the late annual gatherings of the United Kingdom Alliance, held in Manchester. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the lecturer.

TANDRAGEE.-Friday evening, 20th Nov., Mr. Pyper delivered a persuasive lecture in the Assembly Room, Tandragee. There was a good attendance. T. H. White, Esq., the Treasurer, occupied the chair. A resolution in favour of the Permissive Bill was adopted.

TEMPERANCE puts wood on the fire, flour in the barrel, meal in the chest, money in the purse, credit in the country, contentment in the house, clothes on the children, vigour in the body, intelligence in the brain, and spirit in the constitution.-Benjamin Franklin.

Family Pastime.

ENIGMAS, CHARADES, REBUSES, &c.
60-Objects of pity truly are my first;

Joyful indeed to hear my next forth burst
On marriage day.

My whole are used to foster youthful strength,
By raising, stretching, holding at arm's length.
Guess me, I pray.-T. M. W.

61-I'm not in heaven, but earth me owns ;

I love not our queen's, yet am found in their thrones;
I thirst not for gold, yet the ruby shall shine
Resplendent for ever, with poor aid like mine;
Eternity through me no end shall behold,

But ages, though countless, remain as untold.

62-A gentleman wishes to inclose a circular playing-field of just one acre for his boys. What should be the length of the cord, one end of which is fixed, with which to describe the circle?

HOUSEWIFE'S CORNER.

FOOD IN SEASON.-Fish-Turbot, carp, cod, dory, haddocks, herrings, ling, lobsters, oysters, skate, tench. Meat --Beef, house-lamb, mutton, pork, veal, doe-venison. Poultry and Game-Chickens, ducks, fowls, geese, grouse, hares, moor-game, partridges, pheasants, pigeons, rabbits, turkey, wild-ducks, wood-cocks. Vegetables-Jerusalem artichokes, beets, borecole, white and purple brocoli, cabbages, cardoons, carrots, celery, endive, herbs of all sorts, leeks, lettuces, onions, parnips, potatoes, salad, savoys, scorzonera, skirrets, shalots, spinach, truffles, turnips, forced asparagus, Fruit-Almonds, apples, chesnuts, hazel-nuts, a few grapes, medlars, oranges, pears.

Broiling requires a brisk rapid heat, which, by producing a greater degree of change in the affinities of the raw meat than roasting, generates a higher flavour, so that broiled meat is more savoury than roast. The surface becoming charred, a dark-coloured crust is formed, which retards the evaporation of the juices; and, therefore, if properly done, broiled may be as tender and juicy as roasted meat.

Baking does not admit of the evaporation of the vapours so rapidly as by the process of broiling and roasting; the fat is also retained more, and becomes converted by the agency of the heat into an empyreumatic oil, so as to render the meat less fitted for delicate stomachs, and more difficult to digest. The meat is, in fact, partly boiled in its own confined water, and partly roasted by the dry hot air of the

oven.

Frying is of all methods the most objectionable, from the foods being less digestible when thus prepared, as the fat employed undergoes chemical changes. Meat, or indeed any article, should be frequently turned and agitated during frying, to promote the evaporation of the watery particles. To make fried things look well, they should be done over twice with egg and stale bread crumbs.

Mrs. Hamilton, in her "Cottagers of Glenburnie," gives three simple rules for the regulation of domestic affairs, which deserve to be remembered. and which would, if carried into practice, be the means of saving time, labour, and patience, and of making every house a "well-ordered" one. They are as follows:-1. Do everything in its proper time. 2. Keep everything to its proper use. 3. Put everything in its proper place.

GARDENING FOR DECEMBER.

Continue in open weather to prepare vacant ground for spring, and to protect plants from frost. Cover bulbous roots with matting. Dress flower borders. Prepare forcing ground for cucumbers, and force asparagus and secale. Plant gooseberry, currant, apple, and pear trees. Roll grass plats if the season be mild and not too wet. Prepare poles, stakes, pea-sticks, &c., for spring.

Our Correspondents.

MR. WRIGHT'S UNFERMENTED WINE.-Mr. S. B. Loudon, of Liverpool, wished the following observations to appear as a note to his article on "Drink" in our November number, but the Journal was printed before the receipt of his letter. We have now much pleasure in giving our esteemed contributor an opportunity of making his explanation-" My attention has been called to a circular issued by Mr. F. Wright, Kensington, London, relating to 'Unfermented Wine,' manufactured and sold by him. This wine is highly recommended by Dr. F. R. Lees, Dr. Kerr, Mr. Mudge, M.R.C.S., Rev. H. Gale, and others, and obtained' Honorable mention for good quality' at the International Exhibition, 1862. Few persons are really aware of the remarkable curative properties of the grape in pulmonary diseases, and cases of general prostration. Now, who will lend a hand to banish alcoholic wine both out of the sick-room and out of the sideboard, and substitute pure wine instead? Who ?"

Received-"The Advocacy of Temperance a Christian Duty," and "What brought the Rain."

"Repressive Legislation," and "Two ways of keeping a Holiday," in our next.

"I saw him."-Not up to the mark.

"Sunshine," Mr. Robert Gardner's paper, and other contributions, are held over.

TO OUR READERS.

OUR present number completes the volume of League Journal for 1863. Those who have paid 2s. for the present year will receive the twelve numbers next year for 1s. 10d. We rely upon the friends of the movement making a hearty effort to increase the circulation of the Journal. We ask the Abstainers of Ireland to make the circulation of our monthly magazine worthy of the great and beneficial movement, of which it is the only organ.