ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

Dunstan Times, Volume 643, Issue 643, 14 August 1874, Page 3

ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

—o— A tax upon edible snails is one of the latest propositions of the impecunious Paris authorities. A similar duty on oysters is also contemplated A formidable rival to cremation has appeared in the form of a project for petrifaction, suggested by an eminent Italian medico. Three members of the Free Church in Inverness have raised the question whether a brewer is eligible foi the office of elder. Believing that the brewing business is detrimental to the heat interests of society and the advancement of religion, they declare that a brewer, however pure in character and sound in 'doctrine, is not fit to overlook the congregation. The Session, the Presbytery, ami the Synod have al pronounced against them, and they have now appealed to the Assembly, A curious breach of promise action was recently tried at Bristol, the fair plaintiff getting 1001. damages The courtship commenced with a chance meeting in a storm, when the defendant offered her his umbrella, and marriage at the same time. In his correspondence some singular abbreviations occurred, such asM.G.B.U. and K., meaning “ May God bless you and kisses," while M. D. and L P. signified “ my dear ” and “ little pet.” A lucrative bouquet was recently thrown to a popular artiste—the flowers were hold together by a twisted band of banknotes. Fifty thousand rabbits were purchased recently in Franco for importation into Denmark, Whore these little animals bid fair to become extinct.

A novel watch has been invented by a Swiss watchmaker. The motive power is compressed air. The correspondence hitherto written for the Times from Paris is now telegraphed, the office having secured the sole use of a wire between Paris and London for six hours daily. A novel marriage ceremony is reported from across the Atlantic—a wedding “over the wire ” —the bride and bridegroom bo : ng at one end of the telegraph, and the minister at the other. The service was short, and concluded with the following benediction from the minister :—“ Keokuk, lowa, April 16, 1874, John Sullivan and Frances Godwon, Bonaparte, lowa. By authority I pronounce you husband and wife, and may God bless yon.—W. C. Pratt.”

Memento and relic hunters across the Atlantic are as indefatigable as Old World tourists to Egypt or Romo. The visitors to Mr Sumner’s house have become so unsparing that it lias become necessary to close the house to save it from being carried off bodily. One day the person in charge of the house hail all the buttons cut from his dress coat by a party of ladies and gentlemen, who found the coat lying on a bed, and supposed it to have been Mr Sumner’s

The Alexandra Palace Company is likely to organise an autumn race meeting—a fact on which the Turf is hardly to bo congratulated ; hut the formation of a trotting ring on their grounds may prove the source of an exciting and legitimate pastime, if only the management of the matches is efficiently conducted. The directors, 6 it is said, have it in view to induce some American owners to send over specimens of their best trotters to test our English horses. Trotting was never a very favorite pastime among us, nor probably will it ever be j but this is no reason why it should not be introduced or, more strictly speaking, revived in this country. According to a Treasury felurn, thd prosecution of the convict Arthur Orton, cost the countt-y 55,3151. 17s Id. The amount which the family spent in defending the estates oa behalf of the infant about 92. OOOL

The last new thing in lincridrapors’ Shops in Paris is a billiard room for husbands and brothers to beguile the time while their fair companions arc making their purchases. A good lunch and glass of wine arc also provided