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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 73, 26 July 1873, Page 2

Quadrille Assembly.—The fifth of the series takes place on Tuesday evening next. Snow Fall.—On Monday last the weather, which sprang up rather suddenly from the southward, plunged us somewhat unceremoniously into the depth of winter. A heavy rain set in early in the morning, and continued with more or less force until the afternoon. About noon a very heavy fall of snow swept over the district, skirting the town of Gisborne. The “ oldest inhabitant ” says he has not seen so much snow fall on the low lands in the district for many years.

Gymnast and Nigger Troupe.—This really clever little troupe, or rather so many of its members, five we believe, who have paid us a visit, gave the first of their performances at the Music Hall on Wednesday evening last, to a full house. The trumpet of fame had heralded their approach to our small township, and we had heard of the favorable impression made by them in other parts of the Colony; expectation, therefore, ran high, and we were not disappointed. Of course, any criticism upon acrobatic performances must essentially have a general application, especially where individual prowess, or power, is not brought prominently forward. Viewing that of the opening night in this way, we feel that we should do an unintentijnal injustice if we did not include all within the scope of approbation; and we have no hesitation in saying that, as a matter of calisthenic science it would be a physical impossibility for the various evolutions witnessed on Wednesday ev, ning to be performed with greater precision, or with a better knowledge of the laws of gravitation. The great “ Leap for Life ” was the sensation of the evening; but the limited space, and want of height in the building, detracted very much from the amount of personal danger necessary to such exhibitions. The quartette performances of skill and endurance on the double trapeze by the Franconi Brothers were executed with a nicety of precision, and time-keeping, which brought down the thun lers of applause, to which they were justly entitled. The “ muscular ” part of the entertainment was varied by the w?ll-described nigger eccentricities of •' Salamander Sam ” and the “ Merry Moke.” The “ 4 o’Clock Train ” concluded a very pleasant evening’s entertainment, at an early hour. We wish Mr. Muir and his troupe every success; and regret that he did not see his way clear to bring the full strength of his Company with him. A change of programme is announced for this evening, and on Wednesday evening next, when we trust the public will give them the patronage they merit. The land fund of Canterbury, the Press states, “is at the rate of £400,000 per annum, and increasing every month.” The same journal adds that “ the sales for the last month have brought in upwards of £60,000, or at the rate of nearly £750,000 a year.” A Massachusetts cultivator says that he has noticed in his garden “ that that portion which is hoed or cultivated with the dew upon the ground produces better crops than that hoed in the heat of the day.” Water in which potatoes have been boiled is said to possess a poison fatal to lice on cattle. Wash freely with sponge or woollen cloth, choosing a sunny day or a warm stable for the operation, and as their hides dry rub down with a currycomb. Inexperienced persons when about to plant fruit trees in an orchard or garden, very often make the mistake of thinking it the best plan to purchase half-grown trees, instead of yearlings, or two-year trees, under the supposition that they will sooner have a supply of fruit. This is quite a mistaken notion, and for the following reasons:—l. Young trees cost lees throughout —at the nursery, in freight charges, also in handling and planting. 2. They are sure to grow, having in proportion to the size of tops, vastly more and better small, fine (fibrous) roots. Large trees in moving usually lose half or more of their most valuable roots. 3. Having less tops and almost perfect roots, the small trees become established, and grow off vigorously at once. The tops of large trees newly planted are often shaken and blown about .by the wind until they become leaning, and unhealthy, even if they survive. 4. Making most of their growth on the ground where they are to stand, the small trees soon become more stocky and sturdy every way perfectly adapted to the soil and locaton, as well as to the preference to their owner. Setting young trees the planter can fashion both bodies and tops to exactly suit his fancy.