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Northern Star (1837-1852), 8th November 1845, Edition 2 of 4, Page 6, THE POTATOE FAMINE.

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      The Potatoe Famine.

      THE POTATOE FAMINE .

      THE NORTHERN STAR . November s , 184 s ^ k ¦ ^^ M ^ Mi ^—^—*^? g ^^^^ ' ^^^ ' ' '

      t- IW iJ ^^ L ; IH «* J * l 3 VIftP 001 ? XrrBBXHT ^ = ^^ o ^ lT ? o ^ r , OcroBKa 20 rH . Br & 0 M ^ 5 S ^ ndaIannInE failure of the potatoe - = ^?*^? fi ^^ S rIes of Europe and ^ - ^^^ nfthP lldbourin'r classes , and it is also so re-, ^^^ tl amsure tkt itwm be tiought well - & £ Sof thewnsideration of themembers of tins - ^ tV loth « n account of its connection with the ' Sal history of cultivated plants , and . on account ' 2 riS inflnence on agricultural wealth , and on the ^ o ^ Sof ^ Jabonrinjj classes . Now that the rUtatoehas becomeaprincipalportionof the food of

      Che people in all the . moist and temperate countries of Europe and . America , and nothing less than the staff of life to the greater part of the population of Ireland , it J « a . matter of national and vital imnoTtance to ascertain the causes of every disease ^ chmterferes-. with its productiveness , and to suggest every possible means both of checking the pre' lent evil and of preventing its recurrence in future = se £ » 2 ss . Havins always been strongly attached to agricultural pursuits , and having Mowed them on a large scale for many years , on a farm on which every land of crop is grown , and , amongst others , from twenty to thirty acres of potatoes yearly , the observations which I am about to lay before the society onay ? "he regarded as the result of several years * ex "«

      penenee in the growing of this valuable root . During that time we have been singularly fortunate , on the . properdin wMchlam . interested , in escaping those -diseases by which the potatoe has more or less been affected for some years , and never more successful than this year , when disease has been so prevalent both at home and . abroad . It is in the hope of tendering the cultivation of the root more generally successful , and , at the same time , of averting and mitigating some of the worst evils of the present fmerai failure of the crop , that I take the liberty of yingthe following observations before the members ofthe society . The present disease of the potatoe first made its appearance in Belgium . It showed itself there in the beginning of August , and was , at first , supposed to

      • be a merely local malady . Its early appearance in that country probably arose from the richness of Flemish cultivation . Owing to that cause the green -crops of Belgium are generally more advanced than . -those of Normandy and the northern departments of France , and still more so than those of Great Britain or Ireland . In the spring of last year I saw the rape plant from two to three feet high between Brussels -and Antwerp , in Easter week , having just before seen the same crop scarcely afoot high in French Flanders and Normandy . The rich manuring of the Flemish fanners is the cause of this rapid growth , and from that cause the potatoe crop reached the critical point at which the disease shows itself earlier in Belgium than anywhere else . In that country it is

      stated , in a return just published , that not less than two-thirds of tho crops of the early kinds of potatoes , and not less than five-sixths of late , have been destroyed , so that the crop of the present year in Belgium instead of yielding 1 , 700 , 000 tons , as it did last year , will not yield more than 310 , 000 tons : the destruction of this kind of food , in Belgium alone , has been estimated at not less than 1 , 360 , 000 tons . After Belgium , the disease next began to show itself in Holland , with scarcely less violence , and there the destruction was estimated , about a month since , at about one-half the crop of upwards of

      thirteen millions of razieres . The disease also appeared about the same time in the north of France , and it has since spread through the Grand Duchy of the Rhine , as far into Germany as Brunswick , in one direction , and to Switzerland in another . The first appearance of the disease in England seems to have been in the county of Cornwall , whence it spread along the whole southern coast , as far as Kent , before it made any progress north wards . As the potatoe crops approached maturity it has continued to advance through the midland to the northern counties , until it has reached the banks of the Clyde .

      Sanguine hopes were long entertained that Ireland would have escaped the ravages of a diseases © dreadfully dangerous to a potatoe-fed population , but unhappily they have not been realised . As the potatoe crops began fo ripen in that country the disease showed itself , and every post now brings us intelligence of its having spread itself in some new district which was before considered quite free from it . "What is very remarkable is that a disease of an equally fatal character has prevailed this season on the other side ofthe Atlantic , and has destroyed the potatoe crops in Canada , New Brunswick , and Nova Scotia , to such a degree that the colonists are now looking to this country for a supply of seed for next year . I have not yet seen any account ofthe

      presentycar ' s disease in America , which is sufficiently clear to enable me to judge whether it is the same as that which has done so much injury in Europe . The season there has been unusually dry and hot ; in those respects a complete contrast to ours ; and I have been informed by a very intelligent farmer who resided and cultivated land near the city of New York , for some years , that hot seasons are generally fatal to the potatoe crops in that part of America . In the excessively hot summer of 1819 my informant lost several acres of potatoes near New York , part of them from the heat and dryness of the spring and summer , and part of them from a deluge of rain , which fell when the season was far advanced , and totted in the ground all that the heat had net withered .

      The first and most urgent question arising out of the alarming failure is , how the present crop , including that part of it which is injured as well as that which is sound , can be turned to the greatest advantage . On this part of the subject , which involves the whole question of how the peasantry of Ireland are to be saved from starvation and disease , as well as that of how healthy seed is to be procured for next year , I beg to make the following suggestions . The first step to be taken , wherever the disease has shown itself , is to separate the sound from the unsound potatoes , and to store the sound ones with more than usual care . The three great points to be looked to in storing them are these ;—First , to keep

      them dry ; second , to keep them cool ; and , third , to keep them well covered from frost . All of these objects may be gained by the following method : — In the first place , the holes in which they are placed should be extremely shallow , if any holes are dug ; but it is still better to store them on the surface of the ground . The bottoms of the heaps should not be more than three feet or three feet and a half wide . On these the potatoes should be placed in such quantities that there will not be more than from eight hundred weight to half a ton in a running yard . To keep the potatoes dry , a small drain should be formed all round the heaps , and the potatoes should be well covered with sods or earth . To furnish them with a sufficient supply of fresh air , which is the oxxt wat

      to FHEVExr their HEATixo , a row of tiles should be placed under the potatoes , running from one end of the heap to the other , and open to the air at both ends ; and , to render the ventilation still more complete , tiles should also be placed at right angles to this main ventilator , at the distance of from one and 3 . half to two yards from each other , and chimnies of tiles , rising from the bottom of the heaps , should be formed at moderate distances , say every two yards . As the season advances the fermentation in the potatoe heaps will cease , and then they may be more closely covered up to guard themfrom the frost . For some time , however , they cannot be kept too cool in the day , though care should be taken to stop the openings with straw whenever the nights are clear ,

      -and threaten to be frosty . By adopting these precautions , we have succeeded in saving our potatoes from rotting ever since wa adopted them , and also in checking the disposition to vegetate too soon , which I suspect to have been one of the chief causes of the diseases which have shown themselves , among potatoes for several years . Where tiles cannot be obtained , a very small drain in the earth , or a row of bushwood under the potatoes , or , in fact , any other ¦ contrivance by which such a supply of air can be furnished as will prevent the heating of the mass , will . answer . ' In a season like this , when the potatoe is full of moisture , and when the crop has ripened pre maturely from the frost , I feel confident that nothing but the utmost care in supplying the ' potatoe heaps

      with abundance of fresh air , either by this or some other method , will preserve the potatoes long enough either to serve as wholesome food through the winter months , or as healthy seed in the spring of next year . We see that hay , if put together before it is perfectly -dry , heats , and even bursts into flames ; and potatoes , which are-stored with ten times as much moisture in them , must heat and rot from the same cause , especially in seasons when they are so full of sap as they are this , if they are closed up from the air . _ Hie potatoes thus stored should be opened from tame to time in order that they may be examined . If they remain sound , they may of course be used inthe usual manner , but ' wherever they are unfortunately found to be deceased , not a day ' should be lost in turning them into floirr or starch , which is very -wholesome , andmay easily be made a nalatable artiele

      of food , or in preparing them for food in some Other way . The method of converting potatoes into flour or starch , on a large scale , is well known , as the art is . practised in many parts of the country , but it is not fenerally known how easily and cheaply it may be one by any cottager . The two samples of potatoe ¦ flour which I now produce were both manufactured by our farm bailiff , at Barton Grange , from diseased Sotatoes . This clean bright sample was made from waved potatoes , the decayed part having been first cut off , and the darker sample was made from pota-»» whiohhad been thrown away as too bad even for ^ Pigs . I'l joped to have produced a sample of potawl & i £ A £ £ J " 2 ° . f » m potatoes 4 ofcLiS : ah © been thrown away as too bad it b « wi : ' b ^ w aoimal ; but , vmrfortanately , ^ *** l ost within , the lart two monthV

      The Potatoe Famine.

      The briehter of the two samples which 1 now prodaw anTwhich is eqwl iu colour to good wheaten flour ' wK three quirtersof a pound . It wasmade f » m wtatok of the kmd . caUed . Gor _ k , Reo > ^ The ^^ o ^^ = which " it was made weighed four poundsand a half before they were'washed , with the decayed parts upon them , and about a pound less when they had been cleaned . The darker sample was made from potatoes which nothing would have eaten , and though'I do not positively assert that it is good food , yet I believe it to be such , and it would certainly make excellent starch . As such it might be sold , and thus the means of buying food be extracted froni potatoes , which , in their present ^ tate , could neither be eaten b y man or beast , nor sold at any price . The only implements used in

      making these two samples of potatoe flour , were , a rough , iron grater , to rasp the potatoes , a coarse towel , to strain the liquid and pulp , and a common tub to receive the liquid . After all the pulp had been well washed and removed , the flour sank at the bottom ofthe tub , as a milky deposit . It was allowed to settle for half an hour ; the water was then poured off gently , and the flour r emained at the bottom in the form of a paste . The above is the-only method which I am acquainted with , by which the decayed part of potatoes can be made of any value ; but potatoe starch made even from the sound parts of partially decayed potatoes ( such as the first sample which I now produce ) may be used in making other potatoes into biscuits , accordinertothe following method , described bvthe

      French physician Parmentier : — " " Mix a little yeast or leven , diluted with hot water , with one pound of the pulp of boiled potatoes , and as much ofthe starch op potatoes . Ofthe whole form a dough , and knead it a long time ; after which , divide it into pieces , and flatten them and form them into the shape and size of common seabiscuits . The dough should be set upon plates , and should remain about an hour before it is put into the oven , firstpricking it with an iron skewer ( the regular biscuit-bakers have an iron instrument furnished with teeth for this purpese ) in order to prevent it from swelling . As this dough contains but little water , it is more difficult to be baked ; hence it must be left in the oven longer than the bread , two hours longer at least . "When the biscuit is taken out of the ' oven , it should be set in a warm place , that it

      may cool gradually , and be deprived of its moisture ; and it should be kept in as dry a place as possible . This potatoe-biscuit , when well prepared , has all the qualities of common biscuit . " There is a third method of preparing potatoes which is generally adopted in South America and Mexico , and which is recommended for adoption in Europe , by Baron Humboldt , in his Essay on New Spain . - He says : —" The Mexicans , like the Peruvians , can preserve potatoes for whole years by exposing them to the frost and drying them in the sun . The root , when hardened and deprived of its water , is called chiaio , from a word of the . Quichua language . It would be undoubtedly very useful to imitate this preparation in Europe , where a commencement of germination frequently destroys the winter ' s provisions . "

      This method is more clearly described in the following passage , which I translate from a communication recently addressed to the Brussels paper L'Independence , by Don Vicentd Pazzos , formerly Consul-General of Bolivia , in Belgium : — " The potatoes of Peru , which form the ordinary food of the people , are of many kinds , and differ from each other in colour , form , and taste . All are capable of being prepared and preserved . The prepared potatoe takes ia Peru the name of chuno . The

      method of preparing this chuno , which is unknown in Europe is very easy . Large p its ( or holes ) are dug and filled with water , in which the potatoes arc placed until they have lost the coarser part of their fibre . In this state they begin to swell . They arc then taken out of the pits , and exposed to tho " open air . This operation is performed in the winter months . The action ofthe air and the light purify the potatoe , which becomes a white substance , almost puraly feciilar , very nourishing , and of a most agreeable taste . "

      The above would probably be an effectual method of preserving the sound part of the injured potatoes , as well as perfectly sound ones . As the experiment is easy , and the result may be very important , I shall try It immediately , and shall state the result at the next meeting of the society . It would be well if others would do so likewise , taking care not to try it on too large a scale . ( To be concluded nsxt week . )

      Disease Caused By The Consumption Of Cor...

      DISEASE CAUSED BY THE CONSUMPTION OF CORRUPTED POTATOES . In the above article Mr . Bakes recommends the turning of the diseased potatoes into starch , which , he asserts , may be used as a wholesome and palatable article of food . The question remains , however , if the deceased potatoe is injurious to health , will not the starch made from it be also injurious ? "We invite the attention of the reader to the following article on this subject , from the Medical Times of Saturday last : — That corrupted potatoes are capable of acting detrimentally as food , we have striking evidence in a case published by Mr . Peddie in the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal , vol . "xxxix ., p . 384 , et sea . The

      particulars are worthy of detau . Three children of the same family , Clappertonby name , were attacked , the first with gangrene of the cheek , and the two last with anasarca . Excision of the affected parts , and careful subsequent treatment , sufficed to cure the one affected with gangrene , but the other two , in spite of remedies , perished . Mr . Peddie , unable to account for the circumstance , especially in the last case , was inclined to think that imperfect or impure nutrition had some share in it ; yet , says he , " although I could perceive that the family were in a state of extreme destitution , that every member of it had a most unhealthy aspect , my inquiries as to bad food were always met by an assurance that they had been living on nothing but what was perfectly

      wholesome . A neighbour of the family , to whom I next applied for information , hinted the probability of bad potatoes being the cause ofthe evil , as she knew for certain that the Clappertons had lately been subsisting almost entirely on such . I now renewed my efforts to ascertain the truth , and having directly charged the parents of the family with the use of this unwholesome diet , I obtained the following confession , apparently at much expense of feeling : — That for some time past the father had been out of employment , in consequence of which his family were left perfectly destitute ; and having too much pride to beg , and seeing starvation before them , they went to the fields and gathered those potatoes which are exposed on the surface of the ground , arid which

      are uniformly rejected by the farmer as utterly unfit for human use . That the potatoes in question were frosted , * were watery in consistence , some of a green , and others of a deep purple colour , and all of them having an excessively bitter taste that in gathering these potatoes from the field , they often met with people similarly employed , but did not think that any of them did so for the purpose of human food , but were merely obtaining them for pigs ; indeed , they had never heard of anv one eating such potatoes ; that this had been their aliment for upwards of six weeks previous to the beginning of December , 1833 , and that they had perhaps only a single meal of another kind once in eight days ; that the potatoes had such a disagreeable taste as to be

      loathed , notwithstanding all the modes of preparation which their ingenuity could devise for rendering them more palatable ; that in a very few days after using them , the whole family were seized with severe griping pains in the bowels , followed by diarrhoea of a green watery kind ; that these bad effects continued with short intervals during the whole time that the potatoes were used , but tbat the children had not experienced them so severely or so constantly as the parents , which circumstances was accounted for by their occasionally getting a crust of bread from some of the neighbours . " Mr . Peddie goes on to say , " I may mention that the father had a most unhealthy , feeble appearance , and the mother looked even worse , had various ailments , and . among the rest , had an

      abortion . of a four months' pregnancy ; all of which were not improperlyattributable to her late unwholesome mode of living . " He further states , as the result of many inquiries amongst experienced farmers , that If cattle be fed with potatoes , frosted , or otherwise damaged , they become subject to severe colic , diarrhoea , and dropsy , and that these things are guarded against by allowing the animals a plentiful supply of fodder along with the potatoes ( loc . cat . p . 383 . ) We have quoted Mr . Peddie ' s observations at some length , both because they are the most ample and accurate , ofany extant upon this particular subject , and because of their singular applicability at the present time . The potatoes which this season' has aftorded , are not only in a great measure innutritive , but are also to some extent decidedly and directly

      injurious . The effects which the worst potatoes produce are closel y allied to those mentioned by Mr . Peddie as resulting from the use of frosted potatoes , and to those which we quoted last week as the consequence of eating unsound grain . We learn that in | everal parts of Worcestershire and Warwickshire , where pigs have been largely fed with these damaged potatoes , they have been seized with severe purging , have lost their flesh , in some instances their tailsnaire become gangrenous and dropped off , and not a few have died . Amongst such as have been killed after the accession ofthe poisonous symptoms , it has frequently been remarked that , in the process of salting , the flesh became extremely dark , sometimes indeed , completely black . Cowsthathave been similarly fed have drooped , and have either ceased to give milk or have furnished only an impure kind , and that

      * These Potatoes, It May Be Necessary To...

      * These potatoes , it may be necessary to explain , he on the surface of the ground , and are exposed to the influence ofthe sun during the day , and to frost during the night . Some conceive thatirost effects a chemical change in the constituents ofthe potatoe root , by converting its mucilage into sugar , from which acetic acid is speedily formed , and putrefaction induced . Others , again consider that the watery part of the potatoe is converted into lcej which , occupying a larger space , separates the solid parts farther from eoch other , and produces , in consequence , a partial mechanical disorganisation of structure .

      Sparingly. Upon The Human Subject, Also,...

      sparingly . Upon the human subject , also , the effects of these potatoes , taken as food , have been very mischievous . Within our-personal knowledge the'tpl ^ 10 WMg * case 9 : doave * occurred- during 'thei ' -last '' f ew weeks : —An artizan , his wife , and two eldest children , partook one evening of a supper-of potatoes . which were known not to be sound , but were made somewhat palatable by being mashed up with a little milk . During the night the children , were seized with violent pains in the stomach and bowels , and cramp in the legs , shortly followed by profuse vomiting and purging of frothy matter looking like barm . Before morning the father and mother were similarly affected , but with even greater severity , for on the arrival of the medical attendant they were nearly

      pulseless and speechless from the exhausting effects of pain and evacuation . They were relieved I by anodyne and antispasmodic treatment , together with warm diluents , and the application of neat-to the abdomen and calves of legs . Prior to this evening the family had been in excellent health ,. had no warnings of any such attack , nor had eaten anything , save the potatoes , which could in anywise account for it . A strong healthy man partook one day for dinner cold beef and potatoes . Ot the latter he . ate heartily , and though he observed them to be discoloured ^ he did not reject any portion . for he was very hungry , and their taste was not . unpleasant to him .. In about an hour after he had returned to his work , he felt a degree of heat and " effervescence , " as he called it ? in the sto *

      mach , shortly followed by pains and cramps in the legs , and afterwards by violent vomiting and purging . His dinner was ejected in an unchanged state , but accompanied with some frothy mucus and bile . The alvine evacuations were frothy and bilious . Theattacklasted some hours , with little decrease of severity , audit was not until a week had elapsed , that he was quite recovered from his disorder . Prior to the occurrence of it he was in his accustomed good health , had lived withperfectregularity , as was his habit , and on the occasion referred to had eaten nothing but beef , bread , and potatoes . The two former were good , and as the latter were not , there is every reason for supposing they were the souroe of the ailment . A woman , in somewhat indigent circumstances , supped

      one night upon roasted potatoes , ot which she ate three tolerably large ones . They were hollow in the middle , and discoloured , but she cut no portion away . Whilst preparing to go to bed , she was seized with ssmptoms precisely like those of the preceding cases ; they continued with little intermission for several hours , and rendered her , for days afterwards , extremely weak and emaciated . To these cases we could add m any others of less severity , which have occurred in our own practice , and in that of many of our professional acquaintance . In particular , we may mention that , whilst talking over the subject the other day with an experienced and erudite medical friend , we were informed by him , that the day previously he had suffered from extreme nervous

      depression , faintness giddiness , and trembling , the consequence , ashe thought of having partaken rather largely of potatoes at dinner . The symptoms , he says , were precisely those under which he once laboured in consequence of having for some hours respired an atmosphere strongly impregnated with the effluvium of recent henbane . And he sagaciously observed , as his potatoes were not apparentl y rotten , could the stems have suffered deterioration and the tubers in consequence have imbibed any noxious material ? The idea is perfectly consistent with the notions of some judicious botanists , that decay has commenced in the stem , and afterwards been propagated to the root : and also with the known fact , that , there are

      certain portions of the potatoe plant which are capable of producing physiological effects anaolgous to those of the more poisonous solaneas . However this may be , certain we are of two things , viz ., that the potatoes of this season are most extensively damaged , and that all so conditioned arc unfit for food . Have we any remedy ? Mr . Herapath suggests that the injured tubes be carefully peeled , rasped , and elutriated , so as to obtain the starch in . a separate form , and ready for future use . We believe that it is the practice in some parts of Scotlandthus'to treat store potatoes that have been frosted ; and inthe Isle of Portland the people prepare , in the same way , a kind of arrow-root from the arum maculatum ; and experiment has proved that whilst " 121 bs .-of starch

      can be obtained from a bushel of soand potatoes , 81 bs . can be procured from such as are useless as , an article of food . " In so far the suggestion seems , as it really is , a very good one but its applicability is another thing . The care and trouble of the preparation will never be undertaken by private individuals , and especially the poor , for their own use ; nothing short of a company on a large scale can hope to carry out the plan . Such a company is not very likely to be formed , and even if it were formed , and in operation , the proof would yet be wanting that the starch of these said potatoes is itself free from injury . Meanwhile the potatoes are still going to decay , because rottenness propagates itself : and if they are now bad , what will they be before the winter is over , or before a Mure crop shall be ready \ And what

      consequences may we expect to follow their consumption ! Independently of the direct mischief which the worst of them will produce at once , We can assign no limits to the injury which will be done by the continued use of such as are less corrupt , but still unhealthy . Scrofula , with all its concomitants , and cachexies in their direst forms , will be among the common results , nor are we able to say that it is not likely famine or pestilence will prevail . We are not fond of anticipating evil , but we cannot blind ourselves to the fearful prospects which we apprehend to be before us , and especially before our pauper brethren , who have lost one of their chief sources of sustenance . Our duty , however , is done- ^ -we have stated facts as wc have found them—we have uttered the warning—the poor are in jeopardy—and with the higher powers rests their rescue .

      The Potatoe Crop In Prussia. "The Follow...

      THE POTATOE CROP IN PRUSSIA . "The following communication having been published by the Ministry of the Interior at Berlin , and being of a nature to meet , and in part to obviate , the awMsufferings to be anticipatedfromageneral failure of the potatoe crop , we give a translation , of the document , in the hope that it may alleviate in part the impending calamity . . ¦ ' " The potatoe being more or less diseased in many parts , it has been suggested to raise the plant from seed ( the potatoe berry ); but a period of some years

      being , as it was thought , requisite to produce fullgrown potatoes , and the success doubtful , this plan seemed little adapted for agricultural purposes . " But a fact has been established deserving the best consideration . Mr . Zander , gardener to Count D'Arnim , at Boitzenburgh , well known at the Berlin fruit and 'flower exhibition as a scientific horticulturist , has succeeded in raising from seed in one year roots yielding a crop equal to that obtained by planting the tubercle ; and the potatoes thus raised have remained this year perfectly sound in . tho midst of infected ones grown in tke usual way . ' . ' V * .. v- ' :-.

      "According to the communication of Mr . Zander , the proceeding is as follows : — " In the autumn the fruit , or potatoe-apples , are collected before the frost ( a slight frost is said not to injure the germ ) , and secured from frost in . a dry spot until the end of January . They are then crushed in the hand and thrown into a vessel , where they remain six or eight days to rot . The seed being ireed from the slimy particles , it is washed and dried like cucumber seed , and preserved from moisture . "About the end of March , or the beginning of April , this seed is sown in a hot-bed , and treated like early vegetables . In a warm protected situation no frame is necessary ; but the plant being very tender , it must be carefully covered at night .

      "In May the plants are removed to a light soil , and put at the distance usual in planting potatoes . On the 11 th of April last Mr . Zander sowed in a hotbed seed of early Saxon potatoes , treated as above ; and on the 26 th of May the plants were transplanted . It is necessary to observe that Boitzenbiirg is ' a fortnight behind Berlin in vegetation ( a . month behind Ireland . The plants yielded from one to one and a half metze ( the metzo is circa six . pounds ) a piece ; one the enormous number of 280 tubercles . "Among these there were , many small , but . r the produce of large ones was , oh . the whole , equal ^ to what is obtained from root seed . Mr . Zander having instituted these experiments for the last fiyo years , in

      the spring of this year he gave some of the seed to other members of Count D'Arnim ' s establishment , and to labourers . The potatoes grown from this seed have remained perfectly sound , though the infection has spread all round . This fact is the more significant from the labourers having set their plants in the same piece with tubercles ; and , whilst the crop ofthe fatter has been attacked by the disease , that obtained from seed has entirely escaped . " This result , therefore , deserves of a surety to be quickly and generally ; promulgated , in order that , wherever potatoe-berries are still untouched by frost , they maybe carefully collected for next year ' s seed . "A bed of about half a square rod yield plants for two-thirds of an acre . "

      The Potatoe Crop Insweeden. Stockholm**,...

      THE POTATOE CROP INSWEEDEN . Stockholm ** , Oct . 2 i . — Deplorable accounts of the results of the harvest are received here . The province of Upland , Westmanland , part of Sodermanland , East Gothland and Calmarsleen , all Gothland , and Ocland have suffered a total failure , aud these are the very provinces which used to export corn , l ) ut cannot now , not having sufficient for their own consumption . In consequence of this state of things , - the price of barley and potatoes has risen . It is * expected that the government will follow up the prohibition to export potatoes . Norway is indeed free from the potatoe disease , nevertheless potatoes are already scarce , because such great quantities have been purchased for foreign countries by speculators .

      Lord Hardwicke On The Potatoe Disease. [...

      LORD HARDWICKE ON THE POTATOE DISEASE . [ From the Cambridge Chrmielt , ] The Lord-Lientehant has thought it ids duty to issue an address to tho labourers of the county and isle upon the subject of the potatoe disease .

      Lord Hardwicke On The Potatoe Disease. [...

      TO THE LABOURERS OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND TUB ISLB '• : " r ' : OF ELY . 'Fello . w . Countrymen , wA sense of dutyinduces me to address you oh the subject of the potatoe ....... , It is' not necessary on this occasion' to ^ state the nature or cause of the decay of that most important article of food . I wish to induce you to' look forward to the consequence of neglecting the endeavour to stop the progress of the evil : It you do neglect to do so , all will be lost ! ¦ From all I can learn moisture is the food on which the decay increases , and dryness the medicine to be usedfor the cure . Therefore , do not pit the potatoes in the usual way ; but , after most carefully picking them , and separating the bad from the good , place the good under a roof ( if you have space ) , placed in layers , and not more than four potatoes deep , so that they may keep effectually dry . Where you have not house-room , expose them to the sun and air during dry weather on the surface of the ground , and then pile them in small conical heaps on the surface , thatching them over with straw , and cutting a deep trench round about them , with a good drain from the trench to carry off the water . . Pick the best potatoes for seed next year , and take them into the cottage , keeping them quite dry , and let no price induce you to part with them j for next year seed will not be procurable ! I also advise that at present you do not sell , for I feel sure that at no very distant period the price of the potatoe will be unprecedented . I further advise all who have pitted potatoes at once te open the pits , and pick the potatoes over again . I am , fellow-countrymen , Ever your faithful servant , Windsor Castle , Oct . 28 , 1845 . Hahdwicke .

      The Potatoe Failure In .The South Of Eng...

      THE POTATOE FAILURE IN . THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND . ^ From the Morning Chronicle . ] A statement which appeared last week in some London papers , I am told it was in the Mimring Chronicle , but I did net see it , and which is reprinted in the Salisbury Journal and other local papers of Saturday last , has caused much surprise in this paf t of Hampshire . The statement was to the effect that no potatoe disease prevails in the south of England , save in a very mild and limited form , in one or two localities , and not in Hampshire . Tho writer professes to take the country 30 miles round Andover , and quotes the moderate market prices of potatoes in Salisbury , Southampton , Romsey , Winchester ,

      Basingstoke , and other markets , as proofs that potatoes are neither diseased nor scarce , nor likely to be scarce . Now the low prices in these markets are attributable to the notorious fact , that the potatoes are diseased , and are every day getting worse . At this season of the year large quantities are always thrown upon the market by the cultivators of small holdings in the New Forest , and the country surrounding it . Also the holders of allotments and large cottage gardens send potatoes to market at this time , to raise a little monev to pay their yearly rent now due , which circumstance , together with the fact of speculators and regular buyers , knowing that the potatoes are diseased , and dangerous to put in store to be kept for

      any length of time , arc sufficient to account for prices remaining low , even in the face of scarcity . For instance , near Warminster , where large fieldsare planted with potatoes , and where it is a staple product , the failure has been so terrible that the plough in being used to open the drills before the work people who fork out and gather up the tubers , has this year opened out , instead ofthe tuberous treasure expected , lines of decomposing rottenness . A gentleman not given to exaggeration , and whose word is'not to be doubted for a moment , has assured me that on one hundred acres of his property planted with potatoes in the Warminster district , the sound , tubers are not more than one to each plant .

      The Potatoe Famine In Ireland. . Second ...

      THE POTATOE FAMINE IN IRELAND . . Second Report ofthe Government Commis-.

      signers . " To his Excellency Baron lleyleslury , Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland , & c , " Board-room , Royal Dublin Society , ' Oct . 20 . " My Lord , —Having submitted to your Excellency , in a former report , some preliminary instructions intended to prevent improper treatment of the potatoe crop still remaining unaffected , we now have the honour to lay before your Excellency our views regarding some processes of treatment for the potatoe which appear to us to be of practical value and importance . "We are deeply sensible of the incompleteness of form which this mode of presenting our results to your Excellency necessarily assumes ; but the exigencies of the case are such that we consider it our highest duty to bring at once under the notice of her Majesty ' s Government such principles or modes of practice as , upon due consideration , we feel authorized to recommend .

      "We have been engaged in the investigation of various plans for preserving diseased potatoes , as pro- posed by other persons , / or suggested by ourselves , j and we have been collecting precise information as ., te the experience of others in their endeavours to arrest the progress of the disease . From all re-j suits that we have obtained , we feel justified in { submitting to your . fclscellency , the following obscrva- ] tions . ' ; ¦ ' : " "Plans of treatment have been proposed by . persons possessing more or less of chymical knowledge , in which , by some , acids are to be employed ; in others , alkaline liquors ; and , 'in a third class , gases ¦ —such as chlorine . These processes we dismiss from further consideration , —as , even did they , in the laboratory ,, answer the intended purpose , they are totally inapplicable to the circumstances of the produce of an entire country , and to a population such as that for whose welfare your Excellency is so deeply

      anxious . Other methods , apparently more practical , consist in the treatment ofthe potatoes with chloride of lime ( bleaching powder ) and salt , either separate or in mixture . The result of our own experiments , and the evidence we have received concerning trials made by persons in whom we have full confidence , authonise us at once to recommend the rejection of these materials . We have found the decomposition of the potatoe to be decidedly accelerated by their application . With respect to lime , the results of our own experiments are not yet decisive ; nor is the experience ofofchers as yet satisfactory . We , therefore , reserve this point tor further consideration . '' Whilst the disease is not yet very far advanced in the potatoe , it is certain , that after being boiled or steamed , it may be employed as food for immediate use , both for man and other animals , without prejudice to health .

      " When the disease is more advanced , so as to have invaded a large part of the potatoe , and when thctubers have acquired a disagreeable smell , their influence on the system is more questionable . Wo have put in operation a series of experiments , in order to determine this point , and will , in due time , report the result to your Excellency . As , however , the potatoe , when once affected , quickly runs into total decomposition , if left to itself -it is evident that its consumption merely for the purpose of food cannot bo sufficiently rapid ; and it therefore becomes necessary to consider to what other uses it may be applied . : "The extraction of starch from potatoes ,. and its use as food , having strongly attracted public attention , and conflicting , and , in many cases , inaccurate

      opinions having been entertained on this subject , we consider it of paramount importance at once to direct your Excellency ' s attention to the actual state of knowledge regarding this material . It is recognised that the potatoe , in relation either to its weight or bulk , is one of the most inferior articles of food . In its ordinary state of sound constitution , every hundred pounds weight of potatoes contain , on an average , filb . of water ; of skin and fibrous matter , 81 b . ; and of starch , 161 b . ; whilst of gluten , the most nutritious of vegetable matter . * , and which predominates in corn , there is not more than 21 b . in the above quantity : It is quite certain- that starch , or materials corresponding to it , exist to a certain amount in every variety of useful food ; but it is eouallv

      certain that in food starch is not the material which serves for the support of the animal frame ; and an animal fed merely on starch dies of starvation nearly , if not quite assoon , as if totally deprived of food . Hence , starch extracted from the potatoe cannot be viewed as a substitute for the potatoe itself ; and we consider it of great importance , that whilst the attention of the people is directed to the real value of starch , and the uses to which it may be advantageously applied , they should not be allowed to rest their hopes of nourishment during the succeeding season upon any store of it alone . " With this preliminary caution , we have to state to your Excellency , that probably the best use to which diseased potatoes may be applied is the

      extraction of starch . In a commercial point ef view , the starch represents a considerable proportion of the value of the potatoe , although it is not present in as large a quantity in the unsound tubers as in those which are free from disease . The extraction is simple , and consists in processes which we need not here describe , as they are given in the current publications ot the day , and indeed are alread y practised in most parts of the country . ¦ .. ; ..-" Your Excellency is aware that we are directing our attention to'thc manner in which starch can be advantageously employed . It can be worked off , an d with utility , as food , when mixed With proporbeanroeal

      tions of oatmeal , , or peasmeal , and such intermixture forms an excellent and economical article of food . It is also to be remarked , that the pulp remaining after the extraction of the starch from the diseased potatoes contains a considerable quantity of nutritive material ; and as the decomp osing substance is , to a very great extent / washed out durin-r the preparation , the pulp may , when dried , be applied with confidence to the nourishment of animato Further . if the dried stareh , . extrated ™ he potatoe be mixed up with the dry residual pulp , a material will be produced [ really renrpsontino . ?• , po ! atoe , equivalent to it « S , 2 J 38 S dry capable of being preserved fpr a coiisiderS O

      The Potatoe Famine In Ireland. . Second ...

      a . j * . . __ . of time : it , of course , must be prepared for use by cooking or baking in the ordinary way . - ' .-Themanufacture " of thopulpand' starch , oh-an extensive scale , in accordance with these suggestions , wo venture to " consider worthy of- your Excellency's attention . It is an operation not suited to the circumstances of isolated cotters ; ¦ and just now might not be a properobject for mere commercial speculation . _ But arrangements might possibly be made for carrying out this recommendation through the agency of the Poor Lawunions and other Governmdnt establishments , in which mechanical power and intelligent superintendence could be speedily and economically applied . We feel , however , that even these facilities for the conversion of the tubers may not be sufficient to keep pace with the progressive injury which , it is

      to be feared ;' tne potatoe- crop is sustaining . We , therefore , recommend a mode by which we believe the process of decomposition may be retarded . In our preliminary report we mentioned to your Excellency the important influence exercised upon the disease by moisture and dryness . Our subsequent investigations have confirmed this opinion , and we believe , where means exist for a more complete drying of the tubers , such a method will prove the most efheacious plan for preserving the potatoe from further decay . This more perfect drying cannot , however , be effected in this climate by mere exposure to air : it requires artificial heat , applied in some form of kiln ; and , without entering into-mechanical details , we may name some simple contrivances which seem well adapted to the purpose . "The corn kilns extensively distributed through the country may at once be applied to the drying of i the potatoes , which will , however , demand " a

      temperature rendered gradually higher than that required for corn . But , as in many cases those kilns are at present fully occupied , we would represent that every limekiln may be adapted to the purpose , without interfering with its ordinary operations , by erecting over it at a suitable hei g ht above its mouth a framework of hurdles upon which the potatoes may be spread in a thin layer , fresh potatoes being added as the others become dry and are removed . In localities where the previous means do not exist , or may not be on a sufficiently extensive scale , potatoes may be spread on a framework of hurdles supported on a few props of stone , two or three feet high ; . one or more turf fires burning slowly under the hurdles would effect the same object . There need be no fear of the potatoes becoming slightly brawned , as they are not injured thereby for future use ; and the turf smoke would act favourably on the potatoes rather than otherwise .

      " In all these modes of drying , the potatoes should be cut into two , or if very large into three pieces , so as to allow the water to escape . " Potatoes dried in any of the modes above described are certainly capable of being preserved when kept in a dry place , and stored , with the precautions described in our first report , until suitable opportunities arise for converting them into starch or meal , according to the degree in which they were affected by the disease . " It is gratifying to us to find that our own opinion as to the advantage of thoroughly drying the potatoe in the manner we have recommended , and by processes sucli as those above described , are confirmed by the experienced and highly intelligent persons who have simultaneously directed their attention to the subject . j

      " We shall not hesitate to bring under the notice of your Excellency our further conclusions , and wc have the honour to be , your Excellency ' s obedient and faithful servants , " Robert Kaxe , " JOHiY LlNBIEY . " Lyon Playfair . " Proceedings in Dubi . in . ~ -A public meeting of the citizens of Dublin was held on Friday , Oct . 31 st , at the Music-hall , in Abbey-street , the Lord Mayor presiding . The attendance was respectable and rather numerous . The Duke of Leinster , Lord Cloncurry , and Mr . O'Council were present . The meeting terminated in the appointing of a deputation to wait on the Lord Lieutenant as the bearers of resolutions calling on his Excellency : — " To open the ports for the importation of food . " To close the ports against the export of oats .

      " To establish public granaries , and provide employment for the people . " To raise a loan of £ 1 , 000 , 000 , to be secured on the revenue of the ^ Irish Woods and Forests Department , and to consider tho question of stopping distillation . " Dublin , Nov . 3 . —This afternoon at three o ' clock a mixed deputation from the corporation and . committee appointed at the public meeting held on Friday last waited upon the Lord-Lieutenant by appointment . The deputation consisted ofthe Lord Mayor , theDuke of Leinster , Lord Gloncurry , Mr . O'Connell , Mr . II . Grattan , and several others , and was , with somewhat of discourtesy on the part of Lord . Heytesbury , brought to tho viceregal lodge in the park , instead of being received at the Castle . The Lovd Mayor read a series of resolutions which had been previously submitted to the Lord-Lieutenant . His Excellency read his reply from a written paper , as follows : —

      "My Lord Mayor and Gentlemen , —It can scarcely be necessaay for me to assure you , that the state of the potatoe crop has for some time occupied , and still occupies , the most anxious attention of the Government . " Scientific men have been sent over from England to co-operate with those of this country in endeavouring to investigate the nature of the disease , and ,, if possible , to devise means to arrest its progress . They , nave not yet terminated their inquiries ; but two reports have already been received from them , which have been communicated to the public . " The Government is also furnished with constant reports from the stipendiary magistrates ,, and inspectors of constabulary , who are charged to watch the state of the potatoe disease , and the progress of ' the harvest . These vary from day to day , and are often contradictory . It will , therefore , be impossible

      to form an accurate opinion of the whole extent of the evil till the digging of the potatoes shall be further advanced . To decide , under such circumstances , upon the most proper measures to be adopted , would be premature , particularly as there is reason to hope that , though the evil exists to a very great extent in some localities , in others it has but partially manifested itself . " There is no immediate pressure on the market . I will , however , lose no time in submitting your suggestions to the consideration of the Cabinet , The greater part of them can ' only be enforced by legislative enactment , and all require to be maturely weighed before they can be adopted . It must be clear to you that in a , case of such , great national importance , no decision can be taken without a previous reference to the responsible advisers of the Crown . " When the deputation was about to withdraw ,

      Mr . O'Connell , addressing his Excellency , said that , with reference to one of the resolutions passed by the committee—that which referred to the stoppage of distillation—he was afraid that there was a serious difficulty to be got over before its adoption , namely , the injury it would be to tho trader who had advanced his capital in the purchase of corn , spirits , & c . Tlie ^ Lord-Lieutenant briefly replied that the observation of the gentleman who had spoken was one deserving of much consideration , and one which had not been overlooked bj [ the Government when they had the matter under discussion . The deputation then withdrew .

      Dreadful Shipwrecks.

      DREADFUL SHIPWRECKS .

      FuttiiiEB Particulars of the Wreck op the Hull and Hamburg Archimedean Steamer Margaret . —The subjoined particulars relating to the melancholy loss of the Hull and Hamburg propeller steam' ship , the Margaret , during the late hurricane off the Dutch coast , have been furnished by the owners of the ill fated ship . t The Margaret , we are given to understand , was a iron built vessel , 250 tons burthen , 120 feet in extreme length , 24 feet beam , and depth of hold 12 feet . She was fitted with two engines of 14 horse power each , and was propelled by am Archimedean screw . She had a very rakish appearance , and in

      torm ot buiidmg was something like a slaver , being rigged with three masts , and carrying , considering her size , a large proportion of canvas . On several occasions she made remarkably quick passages , even when the weather was so tempestuous as to preclude other vesselsi proceeding . During the time She was engaged trading between Hull and Hamburg , a period of about twelve months , her trips were exceedingly regular , and from her punctuality she was rather a favourite on the station . The loss ofthe ship is described by Captain Raw . lmson , the commander , and the survivors , to the owners ; Messrs . Price , at HuU , nearly in the followinterms

      g : — "We left Hamburg for Hull on the ICth ult ., with moderate weather , having on board 10 nas-SCHgers , chiefly Jews , and apparently in needy circumstances . We also had a heavy cargo , consistins pnmpaUy of wheat , oats , wool , and oErSSS disc . On arriving above Cuxhaven , one pilot , asusua , oSeotsroutel WVtf ' «^ e continued our com se out of the Elbe to the south end of Helfco . track for Hull y iz S > W ( and hoisted a tSS Before midnight however , the wind sprung Koni the westward , and eres many hours inoi-eased toagak Still we kept on , at the same time . kPnn £ aA ? 3

      „ immediate destruction iKffiSftWST fc-i . fMiJMffiWiKSS '

      Dreadful Shipwrecks.

      .. « a a . ^ 7 ^ to every souron board , in consequence of tha ^ shoals that abound at the entrance , as * n Hi" ^ where- the' Manchester Hull steaniVr and all t Ca 89 were lost about eighteen"months since . Even v ^ ever , if such a step should have been attcmDW *' would have been impracticable to have carried it' *• for we had been driven about to such an exte f f ' the gale , that we ' could scarcely take our positin * we were blown miles out ef the track . As even - ' advanced , the wind increased to a hurricane vomi 1 vessel worked well head to wind ; and conaido * the frightful pitching , it is somewhat surprising }] . ' ^ the engines and screw could have acted in the mtn « they did . The following day brought more tenS ? ous weather , the wind blowing still from the sam quarter . Captain Rawlinson had just taken so ^ id inga , when it was discovered that the steamer wasoft a place called Borkrum , eleven miles distant rmj aoouii ia tne southward

      sixty ot HeligoWJ Shortly afterwards a man who was stationed at the masthead gave the alarm of breakers ahead We instantly adopted the necessary precaution to keep clear of them when a tremendous sea struck the ship , and swept the decks fore and aft taking with it the boats , caboose , < tcv , as also Hie rally demolishing the wheel . The only chance left us was to try the anchors , and at nine o ' clock a . h they were let go . Every sea now swept ever u 3 ' ia ' fact she was perfectly immersed , and for shelter we all got into the cabin and , ; hours passing away we were in hopes she would outlive the . storm . Un . happily , however , at three-o ' clock in the afternoon , the cable of one of the anchors snanped asunder , and

      immediately afterwards the other one parted also . Inau instant the vessel was borne with great rapidity amongst tlm breakers , and was dashed on to tho Memmett with much- force .- We still remained in the cabin , being fearful te venture on deck incase of being swept off . There we remained until near nine o'clock at night , when . finding that the ship was settling on the sand , and began to fill with water , £ recommended taking tothc rigging as the only means of saving ourselves . The crew followed me ,, ami although 1 . bogged the passengers to adopt the sanio steps , they did not attempt it , probably not being so well able to go aloft as the seamen . Thej remained on deck , and I regret to state that during the night the entire sixteen perished ; some no doubt , bcfnfr carried away by the surf that swept the vessel , and others from sheer exhaustion falling overboard . \\ e

      lashed ourselves to the rigging ,-where we remained until nine o'clock the following morning , the 22 d having endured the most intense suffering from a se ' vere frost and the sea making , a breach over us . Fortunately the vessel was built of iron , for nothing else could have lasted out the night . The tide hav . ing receded , and the wind lessening in its fury , we got all the spars- we could muster , and by lashing them together , formed akindofraft , and there belli " no other possible means of escape for us , we ventured on it to gain the shore- Being clear of the wreck , wc secured ourselves by rope to the raft , every man being up to his middle in water . Thcstcward ,. howcvcr , whose name is Turpin , refused to go with us ; saying he though the could gain the shore by swimming , and

      1 after we had left he jumped overboard , but failed in the attempt and was drowned , we being : too lar off to save him . We had been six hours on the raft , when Providence pleased to float us upon thcsand ,. opposite the island of ' Juist , on which wc landed . Two poor fellows died from the privation they had endured . Shortly after we had reached the sand , and ore much lime had elapsed , wc were observed by a Dutch vessel , which promptly bore down to our assistance . Wo were taken off by a boat , and being p laced on board the vessel , were landed at the town ofNordcn near the entrance of the river Emm . Our condition was most pitiable , but thanks to the English Consul , everything was done to soothe our sufferings . As regards the Margaret , lam afraid she is a total wreck . Nothing is to be seen of her but her masts . The consul has taken seeps to recover as much of the

      wreck and cargo as possible . 1 regret further to inform you that there are no fewer than twenty-six ships ashore between Borkrum and the Weisor . The nimes ofthe sixteen passengers who were lost loan , not furnish you , or even where they belong . Those saved , including myself , are M . Archibald , first mate : John Hurchnan , second mate ; William Maiden seaman ; G , Smith , seaman ; Robert Couch , seaman ; R . Briggs , engineer ; and W . Swift , second engineer . Those of the crew who perished were Nathan Turpin , steward ; James Leafc , seaman ; and Henry Heath , fireman .. The spot where the steamer struck , the Memniet , is a dangerous shoal of a somewhat similar character to the formidable Goodwin . It is off the coast of East Friesland , sixty miles from the entrance of the Elbe , and adjacent to the small island of Suist , at the mouth of the eastern entrance of tho river Emms .

      Among other fatal shipwrecks that occurred at the same period , on the Dutch coast , wore the fol . lowing : —An English brig was seen to founder with all on board off Spiekeroog . A vessel called the yameliens Yel , bound to Christiana , is also supposed to be lost near the same spot . On the shore near the Osso , a large vessel was on her beam-ends ; her name has not as-yet been forwarded . Near Borkrum . ' a brig , laden with railway iron , has been wrecked . At the mouth of the river Jahdc a large vessel ^ with white mast , was sunk in six fathoms and embedded in a red sand . A large ship with mizen-masts and yards painted white , is reported to have been lost off

      the Weiser . On the Norderdcich , the United Friends , Captain Hodey , from London , was totally lost . Near Spiekeroog , the . Hesperus , a Dutch vessel , was wrecked—crew saved .. The Portumen , from Stockholme , for Ostcnd , was lost during the storm , mate and a seaman drowned . The entire range of coast has been strewn with pieces of wreck , merchandise , & c , and some idea may be formed of the awful character of the storm , from the circumstance of several vessels being actually borne by the tremendous sea into corn fields , which were inundated some 300 or 400 yards from the beach , where they will have to be broken up , their removal being impossible . Several thousand head of cattle were drowned . The loss of the Margaret steamer is reported to b * considerable , but she is understood to be insured .

      Extraordinary. Swindling. —At The Centra...

      Extraordinary . Swindling . —At the Central Criminal Court on Saturday last , Arthur Bo-van Hamilton was placed at the bar on the charge of obtaining under false pretences , from Captain James Wood , a check of £ 300 . Mr . Giarkson and Mr . Bodkin appeared for the prosecution ; Ml' . Eallantine i ' or the prisoner , Mr . GlarkSOtt stated the case to the jury , and said the prisoner now standing before them was indicted for the offence com . monly called swindling :, having obtained of the prosecutor , Captain James Wood ,, ft large sum of mouey by false pretences . The defendant called himself Arthur Rowaa Hamilton . -The-prosecutor , Captain Wood , was a person of considerable property , who had retired on half-nay from the Hoyal Eegiment of Marines , and resided at

      Woolwich . He was owner of a farm of fifty acres near Reigate , and in March last , in consequence ofthe form being to let , the defendant was intoduced to him as being likely to he an eligible tenant , under the name of Captain Arthur Rowan Hamilton , of her Majesty's 5 th regiment of Dragoon Guards .- Captain Wood , suspecting nothing , received him very cordially , introduced him to his family , aud negotiations went on for the occupation of the farm , A treaty was entcredinto between him and Captain -Wood The defendant thought that tho farm contained a quantity of excellent brick-earth , and talked a great deal of what might be made by entering into an undertaking for that purpose ; but , in order to do SO , it was necessary that Captain Wood should advance a check for £ 500 .

      Captain wood made no objection ; hut , at the same time , in order to be certain of the identity of Captain Hamilton , he proceeded to the offices of Messrs . Cox and Greenwood , and , on making inquiries there , was told that that person was ofthe greatest respectability , and whose word might be entirely relied upon . In consequence ot this information he felt no reluctance to grant tho desire of the defendant , and the check for £ 500 was accordingly given , and an agreement for the lease of the farm drawn up . The defendant then became very intimate with the familj ' i stated that he had seen a great deal of service , and that he had been severely wounded at Cabul . Affairs were in this state when a lady , whom it was his ( Mr . Clarkson ' s ) painful duty to mention to . the jury , was introduced to the defendant at the house of Captain Wood . This lady

      the defendant followed to her father ' s residence in Scotland , where she had property to a considerable amount . He introduced himself there as Captain Arthur Rowan Hamilton , of the 5 th Dragoon Guards , dressed in the uniform , and , in fact , completely engaged the sympathy of the ladies , at least , in his favour . He stated that he had been , employed three times especially to quell the Welsh riots , That he had been under Lord Keane in India ; that he had received a severe wound at Cabul , and had lain in tho snow for three days by the side of his servants , who had met their death beside him . No suspicion was excited in the mind of any but theeannie Scotchman , the father of the . lady in question . It occurred to his mind that the Welsh riots and the disaster at Cabul had occurred at the same period . The defendant had also stated he was thirty years of age , andhadbeca

      present at the close of the battle of Waterloo . Thcso suspicions brought on inquiries , in the course of which it appeared that the defendant was in reality no captain at all . That he sometimes went by the name of Captain Hamilton , aud sometimes as Dr . Ayton , and lived at No . » , Duchess-street , Portland-place ; and , In fact , the hw highl y respectable persons near him , the real Cap tain Arthur Rowan Hamilton , of the 3 d Dragoon Guards , and Captain Archibald Hamilton , would prove that thoy derived very little satisfaction from the assumption of their name by the defendant . The witnesses called fully proved the truth of the charge , and the jury found a rer . diet of guilty . There was another indictment against the prisoner for a like offence , but it was not gone into . The learned Judge then sentenced the defendant tote transported for the term of seven years .

      Sentences .—The Same Day Bridget Smith, ...

      Sentences . —The same day Bridget Smith , who had previously been found guilty of attempting to aduiim " * poison ^ was sentenced to be imprisoned and kept to h » I'd lahour in the House of Correction for twelve cale ™ at months . William Aggers found guilty of assault" ^ Frederick John Stokes , with intent to murder hiroi was sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour in the House of Correction for fifteen calendar months . C ' lotte Mackie was sentenced to three months of the sama punishment for a common assault . "

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 8, 1845, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_08111845/page/6/