at birth-as, for instance, the formation of the nails. Though Dr. Farre, I believe, was at first under the impression that the Princess' confinement was premature, Mr. Brown, the wellknown surgeon, of Windsor-whose distinction it has been to physic the rising generation of the aristocracy in their stage of Eton schoolboyhood, but who may now add that of having ushered into the world the eldest-born of the heir presumptive all along maintained the maturity of the baby; and I am assured that all the Princess' medical attendants are now satisfied on the point. There never was such an illustration of the way in which foresight may be baffled and the most careful precautions rendered useless. That the first-born of the son of England -for whose safe arrival the most experienced accoucheur had for months been engaged, whose layette was no doubt the subject of the most anxious planning, all whose cradle appliances were meant to be as perfect as love and care and cost together could ensure-should have been ushered into the world by a surgeon apothe cary, and have found not one article of even the most needful apparel ready to receive him-so that had it not been for the experience of the Countess of Macclesfield, a mother of many children, the poor little Prince would have found himself in as ill-provided a case as the child of the poorest Berkshire day labourer-was indeed a combination of circumstances defying the poss bility of anticipation. It was by the merest accident, too, that, any Cabinet Minister was present. Lord Granville who had been on a visit at Osborne a few days before, where the sport was very bad, had accepted the invitation of the Prince to make up for it among the preserves at Windsor, and was therefore luckily in attendance. Telegrams were sent off a little before eight to Sir George Grey and Dr. Farre; but, owing to the state of the weather and some hitches about the points at the Great Western station, there was a delay of some forty minutes before the special train could be set in motion, and it was nearly ten o'clock before the Home Secretary and the Doctor reached Frogmore. The event had come off before nine. But for the accident of Lord Granville's presence, who can say what new "warming-pan scandal might hereafter have been rendered possible? Cheering and comforting as are the purely domestic environments of the royal babe, one cannot but be moved by compassion for that fair young mother when one thinks of her father, on the very verge of war with Germany, and her second brother on the tottering throne of Greece. It is also impossible not to feel a kindly interest in the young father, coming back, after his day of hard and manly exercise on the ice, hungry, weary, and happy, to the event that greeted his return. All the ways of the Prince, his love of sport and athletic exercises, his cheery and kindly ways with those about him, his hearti ness and simplicity, are calculated to make him a favourite with Englishmen, even more than the more refined and thoughtful tastes and pursuits of his father. It is well known that he has no relish for books, and perhaps for princes they are not the most indispensable reading, if only the living books of nature, men, and manners are brought within reach. To these the Prince of Wales has had such facilities of access thanks to his father's comprehensive wisdom -as were never before given to any son of England." SECOND EDITION. DREADFUL CATASTROPHE. A dreadful accident occurred in Santiago, South America, on the 8th of December last, which has plunged the whole city into mourning. Two thousand human beings, principally women, perished by fire, and were consumed in the short space of a quarter of an hour. During the previous month the Church (de la Compania ) had been celebrating the devotional practices as is usual on the Feast of the Conception of the Virgin. On the evening of the 8th of Dec. the church was to be illuminated and adorned with flowers and garlands with more profusion than on former evenings. Many who had visitad this church on former occasions had complained of the suffocation produced by the great agglomeration of people, and especially of the danger likely to be incurred by the great number of lights on the principal altar, and, indeed, all round the church, but it seems no measures were taken to prevent a serious accident. The principal image of the Virgin, in the centre of the altar, was supported by a fine half-moon of brilliant lamps. On lighting these an accident took place, The fire communicated to the other surrounding lamps, to the artificial flowers and A great flame came garlands, candles, &c across the church, which soon became a furnace, in which 2000 persons were burnt to death. GARDENING OPERATIONS. Prepare all ground destined for early crops, and hot-beds for cucumbers and early melons; sow celery, curled parsley, horn carrots, lettuces, leeks, parsnips, on a moderate hotbed. Transplant cabbages, chivies, garlic, shalots, underect all blossoms, Rid the apple tree of the white mealy ground onions, and horse radish. Prune fruit trees, probug; clean strawberry beds and dress them with fresh soil and dung: prune raspberries, and plant fresh ones if needed. Plant edgings of box, thrift, London Pride, &c. Plant ranunculus roots. Plant roses in rich soil, To the Editor of the Bromley Record. Sir, I was glad to see the other day, a letter in the "Times," giving a faint description of the inconveniences passengers to and from London Bridge are suffering, through the bad management arising from disagreement between the Mid Kent and the London, Chatham, and Dover Companies. It must be evident to everyone at all acquainted with the opposite interests in operation between the two companies, and we shall be obliged to submit to annoyance in perpetuity, unless we place ourselves entirely independent to the Chatham and Dover Company. This we can do by making the little branch as suggest od, from the Market Place into the South Eastern Sevenoaks line. To see a hundred or twe shivering mortals stand on that platform at Beckenham-about one of the coldest spots in Christendom for half an hour or more, after nightfall, in this bad weather, may be gratifying to gravediggers and those who thrive by the ills of others; nevertheless it is a state of things that ought not to be tolerated by the Legislature. The idea of engaging a troupe of Nigger Melodists to beguile the time, may be a very good one in the summer time, but it totally failed to produce any lively sensation on the night I witnessed their performance-notwithstanding all the extra antics and drollery they introduced-unless, by some extraordinary sketch of imagination, the fact of the audience involuntary accompanying "bones" with their teeth, can be construed into a sign of enjoy ment. Passengers hungry and cold, prefer the comfort of their own fireside to being detained in that comfortless place to listen to "nigger "" or any other melodies. Should the L. C. and D. company persist in witholding the facilities the Bromley passengers have a right to expect, an immediate emedy may be applied by getting up a Company, to run Omnibuses frequently to Catford Bridge. A comparatively small outlay would complete this arrangement, and there is no doubt about its paying the shareholders. The journey could be performed in less time than it often is now, and without any additional expense. By inserting these remarks in your interesting little journal, you will oblige many besides yours, A FELLOW SUFFERER. The subjoined came to hand late last month, but without the signature of the writer, therefore we should not be justified in printing the names. The caution intended, will not, we hope, be less effective by the omission of them. NARROW ESCAPE.-On 26th Dec., an accident occurred which fortunately ended without any very serious results. The particulars of which are as follow: Mr. P. of Hayes had stopped at the Red Cross, Keston, and during his absence from his horse, the animal started at a most fearful pace along the footpath of the road leading to Hayes Common; on arriving with mad career opposite the residence of Mr. M. J. P., it came in contact with the dog cart of Mr. A. S., locking the off wheel in the near wheel of Mr. S's. vehicle which was standing at Mr. M. J. P's gate, when both horses started off. A pony phaton, containing two ladies and a gentleman, going the same route, was speedily overtaken by the frightened animals, the two carts being locked together, the horses came one on each side of the phaton, Mr. P's horse getting its hind leg in the near hind wheel of the photon. Some visitors at Mr. M. J. P's, fortunately were on the spot, one of them immediately seized the horse of Mr. P. and one that of Mr. S., arresting their further dangerous progress, when the ladies were enabled, by the help of the gentlemen, to alight without any other inconvenience than the fright occasioned by the collision. The chaise being materially damaged, the hind wheel nearly torn off. The ladies we understand were from Backheath, for a drive. The brother of Mr. M. J. P. had a very narrow escape, for had not his gate been a ajar he must have inevitably been crushed, as it was, a large piece was broken out of the gate post. A boy in the employ of Mr. M. J. P., holding the horse of Mr. S. when the accident occurred, was knocked down, but we are happy to state, not seriously injured. Thus ended through providence an accident which might otherwise have occasioned fearful personal injury. COUNTY COURT. The monthly sitting of this court was held on the 15th ult.. before James 'Espinasse, Esq., Judge. The list of cases to be disposed of shewed 2 adjourned summonses, 38 original ditto, and 4 judgment ditto; very parties concerned. few of which presented any points of interest except to the RAILWAY SUBCONTRACTORS' DEBTS.-Mr. Jay, the contractor for the South Eastern Railway works, was summoned by John Green, for the sum of £15, and by James Alfrey, under the following circumstances. Mr. Jay had given a sub-contract to a Mr. Powell, who employed Green as a time keeeper, and Alfrey did work for Powell, who decamped after getting deeply in debt in the neighbourhood of Orpington. His Honour said that it was clearly a case for nonsuit, and the parties were employed by Mr. Powell, and had no connection whatever with Mr. Jay. Mr. C. J. Carttar, who represented Mr. Jay, said that they had the deed of agreement between Jay and Powell if it were necessary to produce it. In the case of Green the costs of attorney and witnesses were allowed, and Alfrey wisely withdrew his case, at the suggestion of the court, and so saved the costs. Several cases were adjourned for reference, and for the supply of full particulars. On the 4th ult., of Bronchial influenza, at Bromley, Kent, Henry Tudor, Esq. In perfect peace. Itae Mr. William Sharp, aged 73. On the 10th ult., at Bromley, Ellen, the wife of Mr. John Innous, aged 58. Joseph and Sarah Wells, aged 9 years. On Sunday the 17th ult., at Bromley Common, John Shernod, infant son of the Rev. Arthur Rawson. On the 27th ult., in the 44th year of his age, William Halse, Esq.. of Church House, Bromley, and of 11 and 12, Love Lane, Aldermanbury. WEST KENT QUARTER SESSIONS, James Bolton, aged 16, was charged with embezzling 98. 21d from Mr. Robert Ayling, his master in December last. Mr. Tyrell was for the prosecution. Prosecutor said the prisoner was in his service, and it was his duty to and Mrs. Conner, but had received no money on account carry out bread. He had supplied bread to Mrs. Tilbury of it. He had sent in the bills, but both customers said they had paid for the bread as it had been delivered by the prisoner. Mrs. Tilbury and Mrs. Conner were then called who proved paying the prisoner various sums of money. They owed nothing to the prosecutor for bread. Prosecutor on being questioned by the chairman, said he had taken the prisoner into his employ because he belonged to parents in humble circumstances, and he had been carrying on this practice of robbing him for some considerable time. Prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to Twelve months' hard labour. William Mullaine, Arthur Cradock, and John Milward, were charged with stealing 139 lbs. of lead, the property of Mr. Walter Farthing, their master, at Beckenham, on the 8th of November last. Mr. Biron was for the prosecution; Mr. E. T. Smith for the prisoners. It appears the prisoners were seen on the evening in question by a policeman, who had suspicion that all was not right. They were followed, and on the policeman returning to the place where the prisoners were first seen, a quantity of lead was found tied up in two handkerchiefs, which were afterwards owned by the prisoners. - Guilty: Milward, who had charge of the lead, Six months' hard labour; Mullaine and Cradock. Six weeks hard labour. Mary Hadlow and Ann Lambert were charged with stealing a shawl and other articles, value 31s., the property of Sarah Carlow, at Footscray. Twelve months' hard labour each. church street Half Moon, Gracechurch st. Phoeix, King William st., City George Inn, Borough Catherine Wheel, Borough George and Dragon, Limekilns, Greenwich. Orders received at Mr. Leach's, Grocer, Bromley; and Mr. J. Browning's, Grocer, Widmore. S EED POTATOES FOR SALE.-March Prolific, Dalmahoye, Bratney Kidney, Regent, and other choice sorts.-Apply to H. Vincent, Downe, Kent. To rooms and sitting room.-Address H. B,, Printing office, Bromley. O LET FURNISHED, one or two bed AROLL of MUSIC was left in a second class carriage in the four o'clock train from Bromley to Victoria, on Dec. 24th, 1863; the owner will gratefully thank whoever found it, if they will leave it at the Printing office, Bromley. THE BAROMETER & THE WEATHER. Messrs. Negretti and Zambra, the celebrated scientific instrument makers, have issued a few short rules" as a help to those who are not yet versed in the science of weather, and as guides, however imperfect, until they are more advanced in this interesting and useful study." A RISING BAROMETER. A "rapid" rise indicates unsettled weather. A "gradual" rise indicates settled weather. A "rise" with dry air and cold increasing in summer, indicates wind and rain from northward; and if rain has fallen, better weather is to be expected. Arise" with moist air and a low temperature, indicates wind and rain from northward. A "rise" with southerly wind, indicates fine weather. A STEADY BAROMETER. With dry air and a seasonable temperature indicates a continuance of very fine weather. A FALLING BAROMETER. A "rapid" fall indicates stormy weather. A "rapid" fall with westerly wind, indicates stormy weather from northward. A "fall" with a northerly wind, indicates storm with rain and hail in summer and snow in winter. A "fall" with increased moisture in the air and the heat increasing, indicates wind and rain from southward. A "fall" with dry air and cold increasing in winter, indicates snow. A "fall" after very calm and warm weather, indicates rain with squally weather. WANTED, a NURSE-one experienced in the management and care of young children. Also a good General SERVANT. Ages not under 20-good character indispensable. Address B.B., Printing office, Bromley. WASHING.-FAMILY LINEN, (large and small) washed, dried. and mangled, at Eightpence per dozen.- References if required. Mrs. Marchant, Park cottage, New Town, Bromley, Kent. Ale, 15 hands high, rising 3 years old, HANDSOME BLACK GELDING, For price £16.-Apply to John Hall, plumber, &c., High-street, Bromley, Kent. WANTED, an experienced General SER VANT, where there are only two in family -wages £12.-Apply Printing office, Bromley. THE LECTURE on "The RIVER NIGER" delivered for the benefit of the Literary Institute in 1862, by A, HAMILTON, Esq, may be had at the Printing office, Bromley, price 1s. WANTED, an industrious clean Girl, about 16 or 17, as Nursemaid.-Apply to E. Mundy, draper, Bromley. WANTED, a HOUSEMAID, and a General SERVANT, in a private family in Bromley. Apply to C. G., Printing office, Bromley. -- WANTED, a good Plain COOK, in a quiet family. Apply personally, Monday or Tuesday, to Mrs. Green, Ravensbourne park, Catford Bridge Station. To Correspondents. Our friends will oblige us by not sending matter for insertion, that has for its object, the annoyance of others. X. Y. Z. is thanked very much for the useful hints, which will be adopted as far as practicable, in future editions of the Directory. This acknowledgement would have appeared earlier, but the editor thought to thank his friend personally. He, however, finds he has more friends than he was aware of, and X. Y. Z. is one of them. Our space on the first page not being sufficient to give the Sunday Times at all the Stations, we have, in compliance with the wishes of many subscribers, printed some of them in the immediate neighbourhood, separately, and which will be found among the advertisements. MOON'S CHANGES-MARCH. 1st day, &t 1.11 after. The Bromley Record. TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1864. NOTES OF THE MONTH. OUR readers have heard with regret, that hostilities have commenced between the Danish and German troops. The first battle commenced on the morning of Tuesday the 2nd ult., when the Prussians attacked the Danish position, and were repulsed after a conflict of six hours. Several engagements have since taken place, with varied success on both sides. Up to the present time the war has been confined to the powers that commenced it, but he would be a right welcome Herald who could assure us that it will be finished by them. If we are obliged to fight, we like to have right on our side, but it is difficult to know who is right, or whether both are not in the wrong in the Schleswig Holstein business. VOL IV. American difficulties appear as far from being solved, as ever. Charlston still holds out, notwithstanding the Federal bombardment for months past. ders have heard more or less of the It is probable that most of our reaagonizing catastrophe that has occurred in Santiago, the chief town of the Republic of Chili-an extensive country in South America, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes-hitherto of little account in Europe, but to be known henceforth in every nation of the world as the scene of an appalling disaster. With that event it must be for ever connected, for Santiago has taken its place with Pompeii, and Herculaneum, and Lisbon, and the other famous scenes of historic agony and wholesale loss of life. The narratives contained in the local papers, and in letters sent to the London daily journals, are equally horrible and heartrending; and yet one feels, after reading them, that the most graphic description must fall infinitely short of conveying an adequate conception of the all but unparalled calamity. It may be well, for the better understanding of parts of the dreadful story, to lation of 200,000 people, and is the state that Santiago contains a populaare the enormons number or 5000 very stronghold of Popery. There ecclesiastics in the city-or one priest to every forty persons. The execution of five persons tomany years, been a thing unknown. gether at Newgate has, happily, for It is nearly thirty-five years since the crowds at the Old Bailey, was executed same number, as last Monday collected at once there, and nearly thirty years since more than one person was hanged there at one time. The crime for which these five pirates suffered the extreme penalty of the law, was most heinous murder on the high seas in a vessel named the Flowery Land, and no circumstances of deliberation and violence were wanting to darken it. D OUR FOOTPATHS. The all important subject, with the inhabitants of Bromley and Chislehurst during the early part of the past month, has been the proposal to stop the Footpath between Bickley Station and Chislehurst. It is much to be regretted, but it is nevertheless true as a rule, that gentlemen in making arrangements for improving their property, commence too often with an objection to that old footpath." That footpath which had been trodden. with fond delight, by the young, and, pleasure by all for ages past, is an eyesore to Mr. Newcome. Notwithstanding, perhaps, a stroll on that same footpath on some fine day previously, had so enamoured him with the locality, that footpath from the same point to the boundary of the Common on the other side of the mill. From these two points the distances of course vary according to the part of Chislehurst which it is desired to reach. The second proposal, made by Mr. Wythes, is to cnt off the sharp and dangerous curve in the road at the foot of the hill leading to Bromley, and without any expense to the Parishes, to substitute a new road in the direction of the footpath across the corner of Mr Strode's field shorter arch under the proposed railway emthirty feet wide, avoiding that curve, having a bankment, and saving a distance of about 76 yards. Mr. Wythes is willing to pay for the land required, to obtain the necessary Order of Justices, and use every effort to get the road so diverted, but it is unnecessary to add that he would not be disposed to effect the alteration if the parishioners should refuse their consent to the diversion of the other footpath. The advantages of the proposed alterations on the of the public, are briefly these : 1.-A much shorter road to some parts of Chislehurst for foot-passengers. he resolved to be the owner. How far this has been the case with the present proprietor of Bickley Park we will not pre-side tend to judge. But in order that our readers may judge for themselves as to the advantages offered in lieu of the footpath, we subjoin the proposals made. That it will cost the proprietor an immense sum of money there can be no doubt, nor can there be less doubt about the great improvement that will be effected at the foot of Chislehurst Hill. The circular issued on behalf of Mr. Wythes, states : - "The proposal divides itself into two parts, to each of which the consent of the inhabitants in Vestry, must be obtained before application can be made to the Magistrates for the Order necessary to give them legal effect. The first of these proposals is to stop up the present footpath from the end of the Blind Lane, near the Windmill, across the fields and by the side of the railway as far as the bridge over the railway, opposite Bickley new church, leaving the remainder of the path by the side of the railway from that point to the station open as it now is. And in lieu of that footpath, Mr. Wythes proposes to substitute and throw open to the public use, both for foot-passengers and carriages, the entire road through his park from the lodge near Bickley station, to the water tower at Chislehurst Common, side by side with the present path and not 200 yards from it, and also the cross road leading from the abovementioned railway bridge to the new church. By this route, foot-passengers from the station first by the side of the railway to the bridge, and thence along the new roads with foothpaths ten feet wide and well made, on each side of the road, to the termination of Mr. Wythes' property (near the water tower) would save a very ccnsider ble distance as compared with the old well as foot-passengers, the Bickley park roads 2. The perpetual right of using for carriages as thirty feet wide besides two footpaths each ten feet wide well made and dry. 3.-A very considerable shortening of the distance Hayes, and Bromley Common, as compared with for carriages to Bickley station, and also to Keston, the old Highway from Camden Place to the station, with a wider road of much less steep inclination. 4.-The possible improvement of the old road to Bromley to be effected without expense to the Parish. On the other hand it is stated that the public are giving up a beautiful, rural footpath. But is this so in reality? Almost the whole of the land through which it passes has been sold by Mr. Wythes to different gentlemen, whose gardens are cut in two by it, and who, if it be not diverted, will be compelled, however reluctantly, in self-defence, to fence it in on both sides for the protection of their property, and thus instead of a rural walk, there would be an alley nearly three-quarters of a mile long and three feet wide, from which no view of the country could be obtained, and which would be certainly inconvenient and probably wouli become unfit for many reasons. Again, the proposed Tunbridge railway will cross this path on an embankment upwards of twenty feet high, and it is highly improbable that an arch will be made under it, so that the public would have to climb the embankment and cross the rails on the level. Were it certain that the footpath would continue unenclosed for its whole course, the manner in which the public even now use the Bickley roads in preference to the footpath (which, during a considerable part of the year, is wet and dirty) shews that the exchange now |