THE CHRONICLE-1864. OCT. 1st. Peterborough Bridge Fair was proclaimed by the usual functionaries. There were shown 5,000 beasts, 180 sheep, besides which there were 375 rams, which in many instances only realized mutton prices. There were 700 horses and ponies. The show of wood was larger than usual, and good prices were made. Onions plentiful, but business slow. James Carrat, son of the highway-surveyor of Bicknor, was charged at the Sessions-house, Boston, with stealing halfa-dozen rabbit traps, the property of John Sharp, farmer, and was committed for trial at the next sessions. The Rev. H. L. Mansel, B.D., was installed an Honorary Canon of Peterborough Cathedral. The shock of the great explosion at Erith, which occurred this morning about 7 o'clock, was distinctly felt at many places in the Fens. It is fresh in the recollection of persons at Lincoln,that the great Hounslow explosion was heard on various elevated points in Lincolnshire, particularly at Burton, near Lincoln. At one farm in that parish, on the edge of the cliff, the report was so distinct that parties at work assumed it to be from blastings for the Greetwell railway cutting, then in progress. 3rd. A fire broke out at Earith near a wheelwright's shop. A fire engine was soon on the spot but was found to be in so neglected a state as to be perfectly useless. The damages were estimated at about 8001. The fire was caused by a boy 6 years old, son of Mr. Flavel, who had lighted a match, which on burning his fingers, he threw it away, hence the conflagration. William Guest was driving a waggon near Molesworth, when a herd boy, named Read, ran after the waggon and hung on behind. The boy's left foot became entangled in the spokes of the wheel, which twisted it completely off. The driver was made aware of the sad occurrence by the cries of the boy, and he stopped his horses immediately. The unfortunate lad's boot, with the foot in it, was picked up on the road. A large fire broke out on the farmstead of Lieut. Stephenson, of Warren House, Burnham, about 4 miles south of Barton. The produce of 250 acres was utterly destroyed, together with implements of husbandry and farm buildings, making a total loss of about 4000l. The reflection in the atmosphere was seen by many persons at Louth, a distance of about 30 miles. 4th. A gardener, named Thomas Woodcock, 68 years of age, was seen to walk into the river Nene at Woodstone, near Peterborough, while in a state of intoxication. He was dead when taken out of the water. 5th. Mr. Frank Wildbore formerly landlord of the Stamford Hotel, committed suicide by hanging, at Bury, Suffolk. Previously to removing to Stamford, deceased had been for several years head waiter at the Saracen's Head, Lincoln. He had likewise occupied the White Hart Hotel, Wisbech. A serious gunshot accident happened to Mr. E. Howard, steward to O. Hambrough, Esq., of Pipwell Hall, Kettering, whilst out shooting. The annual exhibition of the Peterbo rough Agricultural Society was held to-day. The show generally was a great improvement on former years. In Stock, Mr. J. Maxwell's fat ox, 4 years old, took the 1st prize. Mr. John Craig took the prize for the best fat cow; Mr. J. Whitwell carried off the prize for the best bull. The 1st prize for the best milch cow was awarded to Mr. S. Middleton. In Horses, Mr. S. Gale, exhibited the best 4-year old hunter. In the class for the best boar, of large breed, the prize was awarded to a fine sow belonging to Mr. R. Bird. The mistake. was afterwards rectified and Mr. Y. Holdich obtained the first prize. The show of implements was small. The poultry show was a new feature in connection with the Society and was a marked success. The Dinner took place at the Wentworth Hotel, and Mr. W Wells, of Holme, presided. An inquest was held at Islip, on the body of William Brown, of Thrapston, mason, who met with his death on the previous day. The unfortunate man's corpse was found in that part of the river Nene, known as Ewell Pit, where the depth of water ranges from 14 to 20 feet. The jury brought in a virdiet of "Found drowned." 6th. The dead body of a man was discovered in the Nene, between the Great Northern and Midland Bridges at Peterborough. His pockets were rifled and there were other circumstances which seemed to indicate foul play. An inquest was opened at the Crown Hotel, Fletton, before W. Lawrence, esq., the coroner for Norman Cross. The man's name was Henry Barratt; he was a woodman residing at Glapthorne, near Oundle. 7th. The cause of West v. Young was decided last week by Mr. Jones, of Ramsey, the arbitrator, by mutual consent. It will be remembered the action was brought by Stephen West, the out-going tenant of the Newton Hall estate, for growing seed, and tillege against Mr. Young. Mr. Young's valuation was 275l. 5s. 10d., which he paid into court, and Mr. West's 758l. 19s. 6d. The arbitrator ordered payment of 6831. 2s. 6d. to Mr. West. Printed at the Office of E. T. HAMBLIN, Machine Printer, Narrow Street, Peterborough. How little did we think, on the 2nd of January, 1864, that we should greet you thus on the 2nd of January, 1865! Such, however, is the case, and you have our best wishes for your health, happiness, and prosperity. In the spring of last year we conceived an idea-we hope time will prove that it was a bright idea-and we carried it out in the July following. Hitherto, this idea, which took the shape of a MONTHLY PERIODICAL, has received very flattering marks of favour; and, considering the beginning of a New Year as a special occasion, we make our politest bow, and return our grateful thanks. Having done so, we feel at liberty to "whip out our Leader " forthwith. We should think there are very few people, who do not indulge a hope that some event will take place "this year," which will either be conducive to their pleasure or profit. He There are those who can name the event to which they are looking forward with intense satisfaction. Here is a young man who has been bound, for a number of years, in the parsimonious fetters of a crusty" guardian, and who will come of age, and be free from all further restraint and interference, upon a certain day, which is close at hand. He is trembling to have the reins in his own guidance, and to enter upon the world on his own account. longs to be able to direct his steps to places, whither his own inclination leads him; to go out when he likes, and to return home at what hour he thinks proper, and most convenient to himself. He chuckles over the time when he shall be able to replenish his purse when it is empty, without being compelled to sue, almost in formâ pauperis, this "stingy" guardian, who never advances him an amount of money, without trying to impress upon him a wellknown fact that "twelve pence make a shilling," and it the "pence be taken care of, the pounds will take care of themselves." All the hints to avoid certain company, and all the advice as it regards the future, proffered by the friend to whom a parent has, on his dying bed, committed the guardianship of his son's minority, have been treated by this young man as the babblings of an imbecile in his dotage, or as the senseless ravings of an "old fogey " who 66 never was young himself." Now, as it regards this young G man-and our remarks will apply to many-we cannot help wishing to see him otherwise affected, even towards the powers that be, before the day of his freedom comes. We see great fear, lest when this long-looked for twenty-first birthday shall have passed, he will imperil his future by acts of indiscretion, from which he was previously withheld by well-arranged circumstances, over which, it was lucky for him, that he had no control. What appears to a young man to be the most desirable is not always the most safe for him. Heathen Mythology affords us a happy illustration. Whatever a certain young man, who was naturally of a lively disposition," once required of his father, was to be granted him, in order to gratify pride, and to let the world see who and what this young man was, but no sooner was the request complied with than dreadful consequences ensued. We will give you the illustration entire, and, if it should cause any young man, who is now about to shuffle off the coil of his minority, to make a few reflections upon his position, our time will not have been mis-spent. Phaeton was generally acknowledged to be the son of Phoebus and Clymene, one of the Oceanides, although a different parentage is given to him by Hesiod and Apollodorus. He was considered to be a very handsome young man. Venus fell in love with him, and entrusted him with the superintendence of one of her temples. This especial mark of favour being conferred upon him by the renowned goddess, puffed him up with vanity and pride. He, however, was to have his pride checked by the ungentlemanly remarks of one Epaphus, the son of Jupiter, who questioned his origin. The indignant Phaeton immediately visited the palace of the Sun. He begged Phoebus to give him some incontestible proof that he really was his father, and to place him in a position to assert boldly his legitimacy. Phoebus swore by the river Styx, that whatever request he might make to him should be at once granted, and, no sooner had the oath been taken, than the sum total of Phaeton's desires manifested itself in this extraordinary demand, to drive his father's chariot for one day! Phœbus urged upon him that his request was highly improper, that it would be attended with the greatest risk, but, all in vain, and as the oath of Phœbus was inviolable, the only chance left to paternal tenderness, was to offer his son his best advice, as to how he was to proceed through the regions of the air. The explicit directions of Phoebus were, however, either forgotten or neglected; and no sooner did the young man get the reins into his own hands than he showed an utter incapacity to drive the chariot of the Sun. The flying steeds soon became sensible of the ignorance and inexperience of the charioteer, and immediately got out of the usual track. Phaeton repented too late of his rashness and self-confidence, and already both heaven and earth appeared destined to be destroyed by an universal conflagration. Jupiter, however, perceiving the disorder of the horses of the sun, struck the driver to the earth with one of his thunderbolts, and the catastrophe was averted. Rash, headstrong young men, beware of a fatal termination to your course, which this illustration warns you to avoid. Self-confidence, when founded upon a false estimate of your abilities, will not land you in a bed of roses; and the injury produced may not be entirely confined to your own personal discomfiture, it may affect others with whom you come in contact Even in Phaeton's case, to pursue the illustration still further, the Poets aver that a part of the world did not escape a severe scorching. They declare that the blood of the Ethiopians was dried up, through the unskilful driving of this self-confident young man, and their skin became black, a colour which is The still preserved amongst most of the inhabitants of the torrid zone. territories of Libya were also parched up; and ever since, Africa, unable to recover her original verdure and fruitfulness, has exhibited a sandy country and an uncultivated waste. Although this may be but a poetical fable, yet there is instruction to be drawn from it. How many young men have reason to regret one false step! Vice is horribly contagious; and, by deviating from the path of virtue, they have not only felt themselves to be the sufferers, but they have also had the mortification of finding themselves blamed for having corrupted others. We earnestly entreat all young men, who are this year, expecting to become their 66 own Masters -to pause ere they commit themselves to the pursuits, which perhaps for a long time, their imagination has pictured in such glowing colours. 66 There are also numbers, we doubt not, of both sexes, who are hoping that "this year" will find them united in the bonds of matrimony to the object of their choice. Now we have a few words for some of these. The " res angusta domi," or narrow circumstances at home," is not a state of things to be desired by a newly married couple. We are nearly of the same opinion with that individual who boldly asserted, that "when poverty comes in at the door, love makes his escape out of the window," and we would, therefore, warn every single person, to whom such a warning may be at all applicable, to look seriously some little distance in advance, before he or she takes that leap which cannot be "done back again.” When we look around us, we cannot help thinking we see many improvident marriages, and we are led to wonder what particular inducement there could be to necessitate some of these illstarred, and unfortunate alliances. There is one thing we have an objection to in particular; and that is, to see young people get married before they get a residence of their own, furnished in some way or other, ready to receive them. To enter into lodgings immediately after entering into matrimony does not seem to be a wise proceeding on the part of a newly-wedded pair. It leads many a young woman, simply because she has nothing else to occupy her time or attention, to give herself up to novel-reading, or gossiping with her neighbours, or to sight-seeing, or to some diversion, which will vary the monotony of her life, and relieve the loneliness of her situation in the absence of her husband. Thus she will go on, until she actually forgets how to cook a dinner, and becomes utterly unprepared for the domestic duties which may soon devolve upon her as a wife. To be "in Lodgings" cannot be like being "at Home." There is something pretty and private, and "nestlike" about the very word Home; and, it should be the first thoughts of affianced ones, in the humbler walks of life to prepare a little home for themselves to "nestle" in, where they could be careful, as it were, unseen, and have their evenings téte-à-téte, unheard. Another thing worthy of consideration is, their little ones would be born at home, instead of finding themselves like young cuckoos, brought up in the nests of others. Let a young women impress upon her lover that he will be required, first and foremost, to provide a home for her reception, before she can consent to appear with him at the altar. Home is home, be it "ever so homely." A young woman's parents should also take part in arranging matters thus; and it should be done in a proper manner, and with the kindest exhortation to a young man, to strive for that which will be so mutually beneficial. It should not be blurted out abruptly to a young man of limited means, that if A he "cannot provide a home," he may go elsewhere" for a wife. A little affectionate persuasion would be more likely to succeed. Some of our young readers may have noticed what occurred at Leeds, a very short time ago. young woman would not consent to be married to the person who was paying his addresses to her, for a very proper reason, viz. that he had "no home to take her to," but, there seems to have been no kind persuasive words used to induce him to wait, and save his money, and provide what would enhance the happiness of both-no, only an abrupt dismissal, for the reason given. This harsh treatment was too much for her lover, he went away, and soon afterwards, she who had thus dismissed him, had a painful sight presented to her view. A dead mutilated body lay before her, with a letter in its pocket, accusing her, in a few hastily scribbled words, of being the cause of this sudden and melancholy change. Young women, act with kindness and persuasion, with consistency and caution; and sure we are, you will be able to have everything your own way, you will see your nice little cage got ready for you, and you will enter it with your mate prepared to sing December, 1864. "The silvery brook goes murmuring by, The wand'ring wind hath pleasant tone, All Nature music's power must own; The voice that bids us welcome home." LEO MYRON. (Continued from page 107.) Leo usually walked home twice or thrice during the week, after business was over, and, having supped with his father and sister, would return to Mr. Eastman's generally by 10 o'clock, p.m. He never failed on those occasions to acquaint them how much he was pleased with his situation, and spoke warmly of the agreeable manner and kind disposition of Mrs. Eastman. Thus Mr. and Mrs. Myron were highly satisfied with the position in which they had placed their son; considering that he lived with a most respectable family, and that everything betokened that he would continue to be comfortable. The time swiftly flew by, and the last week of the month had commenced for which Leo had come on trial. The very day, Friday, was now arrived, and about noon Mr. Myron entered the shop, in which were both Leo and Mr Eastman. The latter warmly shook hands with him, and after a few remarks on the state of the weather, Mr. Myron said, "It is to-day, I think, that Leo has been with you a month ?” "Indeed! really it scarcely seems a fortnight since he came. Let me see yes, when I come to recollect, it certainly is a month ago. Well, what do you say, Master Leo? You are the party principally concerned-you do not dislike the business?" Then turning to Mr. Myron, without allowing time for Leo to reply, he continued, "He takes to business very much better than I could have expected, and I have not the least doubt from what I have |