aims, in short, to redound to the public weal. Such being so, it is
rational to expect an expression of opinion thereupon. They are not,
universally, to be regarded as graven tablets, to be gazed at, nor to
be received as infallible oracles of law. They are--at the same time,
barometers, charts, and weather-glasses--chronicles towards the fine
ends of justice, peace and mercy.

Your correspondent has stated that my remarks are ambiguous. They may
have been technical and recondite, but, as such, are excusable, and,
in their sphere, just.

J. ATWOOD.SLATER.

4, Hill Side, Cotham Hill, Bristol.




_SOCIAL SCIENCE._

_From the_ WESTERN DAILY PRESS, _Aug. 1st_, 1901.

LOCOMOTIVE STEAM WHISTLES.

_To the Editor of the Western Daily Press_.


Sir,--It is essential, and, according to my instincts of decorum,
necessary, to call the attention of those charged with authority in
such matters, and the public generally, to the growing misuse, in the