Monmouthshire Merlin

Ctumnt Citerafure. The Art Journal. Arthur Hall, Virtue, and Co.— It is no small praise of this excellent work to say that the part for January, 1860, is worthy of its predecessors. The same tdstf- in selection and cleverness in execution which have trade it rank foremost among Art publica- tions, are still apparent. "Lady Constance," from a picture in tlc Royal Collection, is a gem; and "The Hudson, from the Wilderness to the Sea," has afforded the artist opportunity for some curious and pleasing touches of the pencil. 7Jr. and Mrs. S. C. Hall's Companion Guide (by Railway) in South Wales" gives the "Art Jervnal" a special claim to attention in this neighbourhood rníd in the part before us some pic- turesque spots in the neighbouring county of Gloucester are depicted with great freshness and beauty—being) rendered addIlionally interesting by well-written descrip- tive matter. From the close of an article entiled "Wilson in Tottenham Court-road," by G. W. Thorn- bury, we cs'rart the following sensible remarks upon a subject on \ihich it has been too customary to theorise with mawkish sentimentality:— "Wileonhadpecius, but he had no common sense and genius lelt him to starve, as she has left, and will leave, thousands of others. Wilson was proud, and fed his pride to the full by obstinately persisting in painting classic landscape that no one would buy. The selfish, wretched ago was not ripe for any Art—certainly not for landscape—assuredly not for classic landscape. The cocked- hat men would not even buy Gainsborough's Suffolk lanes and cottage doors, not even the pleasant nooks and witching woods of their own England how then could they appreciate Tivoli, and the Campagna? how, still more, Niobe, and Mercury, and Ceyx, and Alcyone, and all the gentler-en with fine Greek names? Picture-buyers then dared not try a new thing. Ituysdael was the mode, with his brown Norway," and Lis treacle posset water- falls: so buy him they did They had no power to dis- cover a new man, so they prudently kept to the old. Wilson, had lie had sense, and not been driven dogged and wild bv Fortune'e blows, should have taken manfully to portrait-painting, as be well could, and have fondlgd his pet taste at leisure moments, till he had trained his landscape. If genius will sell shoes when people want hats, genius must starve—and deserves to, for being a sheer fool. If genius will paint monster frescoes when people have no walla for them, and no money to pay for them, genius must, nathless, go wear pepper and salt at the Union. Between ourselves, this is all folly, this cant about suffering genius. It is pure vanity, and selfisb, contemptible conceit that drives second-rate genius to g'ory in neglect, and to disdain humble resources of laoney-getting. I despise genius sending begging-letterB from its garret." The Gornhill Magazine. Smith, Elder, and Co.-Did we design to convey but one idea respecting this periodi- cal, the firtt rxmber of which appeared at the beginning of the year, it n ight be enough to say that Mr. W. M. Thackeray is the editor. This statement would suffice to indicate that the work will be clever and amusing but, taking the number before us as a sample of what is to follow, we may add that it will also be instructive. We shall, however, let the editor describe, in his own racy fctyle, Hie kind of dish which he purposes to serve up, month by month, for his friends' entertainment:— 44 Fortunately for some folks," says he, "novels are as daily bread to others; and fiction of course must form a part, hut only a part, of our entertainment. We want, on the other La' d, as much reality as possible—discussion and r.arratii e of events interesting to the public, personal adventures and observation, familiar reports of scientific discovery, description of Social Institutions—quicquid agunt homilies-a Great Eastern, a battle in China, a Race-Course, a popular Preacher—there is hardly any subject we want to hear about, from lettered and instructed men who arc competent to speak on it."—In the current port, Our "Volunteers," an able article deserving attentive perusal, "The Search for Sir John Franklin," a very interesting narrative of Captain McClintock's expedition, Framley ParEonage," "Lovel the Widower," and "The Chinese and the 9 Outer Barbarians' are the noticeable features. The Welcome Guest. Houlston and Wright.—The part for Jsi uary is the third issued under the editorship of Mr. Robert B, Brough; and the editor certainly caters for the smu-.cnient of his readers with unusual diligence. The piquant contributions of Mr. George A. Sala are again prominent; and The Inconstant Reader" again cracks jokes for his friends' entertainment. We should, however, rrsiet to think it pecuniarily politic to devote all The Welcome Guest" to mere amusement. The National Magazine. Kent and Co.—The demand for literary amusement must be imperious, seeing how many of our periodicals are devoted chiefly to affording it. The Xational Magazine" belongs to this class- but is not wholly given up to flinisiness and novel. writing. We have in the part before- us a few pages in which ins! i uc iion and entertainment are blended: but there is still much of mere chit-chat. Chambers'' Eneyclcpmdia. W. and R. Chambers.— Of this valuable acquisition to English literature we have alrer.dy expressed our opinion it has now reached the tenth part, and is still judiciously and carefully edited. The Runl Almanac and Sportsman's Illustrated Calendar for I860, published at "The Field" office, is profusely illustrated, and contains a quantity of matter that cannot if.il to be interesting to the classes for whom It is in tended. The Fan,il>/ Economist (Houlston and Wright) deserves its name, an ) is, moreover, a pleasantly-written serial. Cassett's Illustrated History of England from the reign oj George the Third, will, of course, ho entertainingly written, being in the hands of William Howitt. The illustrations are suited to the price of the work, which is low. Cassell's Illustrated Family Paptr.- This entertaining periodical fully maintains its character. In addition to tales, which constitute a large portion of this and other of our lighter monthlies, there is much that is "useful and calculated to form a taste for reading. CasselV'$Iopular Natural History deserves encourage- ment as a cheap repertory of information upon a very interesting subject. Cassell's Illustrated Family Bible, is a cheap edition of the Scriptures, printed in a large type, accompanied by "brief expository notes. We are not surprised to find that it is largely patronised among classes to whom no books are acceptable without pictorial illustrations. The conductors of the Weekly Dispatch are still ful- filling their contract with the public by issuing maps with their paper. Those we have examined are clearly and carefully executed; and some of the-large Divisional intended to form a complete Atlas upon a large scale, have been completed. In the coun'y maps every object of interest 1. 1-id down and the entire series has been, we understand, conected from the most authentic sources. RECEIVFD.—A little book :for child-REN, called the Great Eastern A. B. C., by Darton and Co., whicU will be sure to take" among the little ones also a pam- phlet upon The Pulping System," which might as appropriately have been titled The Puffing System," by E. H. Bcntall. Does the author wish us to advertise his agricultural implements gratuitously ?

THE IHoN TRADE.—According to the annual circular of Mr. S Griffiths, of Wolverhampton, there are now in the Wolverhampton and Bilaton iron district 91 furnaces in blast, and 38 out in the Dudley district, 44 in and 16 out; in Shropshire, 25 in and 8 out; in the Forest of Dean, 5 in and 2 out; total, 165 in blast, and 65 out of blast. Charles Jenner, an insolvent, who had been a mine and quarry owner, appeared for judgment, in London, on Monday. The case had been before the Court on several occasions, when a complaint was made by the opposing creditors, Messrs. Bevan and Girling, solicitors, of Bristol, that they had been induced to make large advances to the insolvent upon the promise of securities, which were never given to them. The learned Commissioner on Monday morning expressed his opinion that a portion of Messrs. Bevan and Girling's debt had been improperly contracted, and that the insolvent had wilfully withheld an account-book relating to his estate. For those offences the discharge would be delayed until the expira- tion of sixteen calendar months from the date of the Testing order. The insolvent complained of the judg- ment, and deolared that he was unjustly treated. -lïlii

Castles of @Imnornmt. (Continued from the Merlin, of jm. 7.) LLANBLETHAN CASTLE. This Castle was built by Sir Robert Quintin it was twice destroyed by the Welsh. Sir Robert was no favourite with tle Welsh-le" so than all the other Norman Lords, for it is recorded that he gave them no lands in frank-pledge, as the ethers did. It is situated on the river Shaw. At Llandoven, a mile further, there is a castellated mansion. EAST AND WEST ORCHARD CASTLES. These Castles were built by the Berkerolles family, to defend two celebrated orchards. One of them was de- stroyed by Ivor Bach. Henry I. paid a visit to these orchards. The East Orchard Castle came to the posses- sion of the Stradlings, one of them having married Gwen- llian, the sister and heiress of Sir Lawrence Berkerolles, 1411. It was into this castle that Owen Glendower came disguised as a harper, anxious to ascertain the feelings of the country. Sir Lawrence spoke violently of Owen, and wished only to have him in his clutches. On the departure of the harper next morning, he pro- duced his seal, which so frightened Sir Lawrence, that he lost the power of his speech for the remainder of his life. ———— SULLY CASTLE. This Castle was founded by Sir Reginald de Sully. His daughter married Sir Thomas de Avan, grandson ot lestyn ap Gwrgan. It descended into the Clares family. This castle was destroyed by Owen Glendower. SWANSEA CASTLE. This Castle was built by Henry de Beaumont, Earl of Warwick, one of the Norman Knights, A.D. 1113. The castle and the seigniortv of Gower were conveyed to the Crown in the reijn of Henry II. King John made a grant of them to Wm. de Breos, in whose family it remained until the reign of Edward II., when they fell by marriage into the possession of the Mowbray family. It had been previously burnt by Llewelyn ab Gruffyd, the last Prince of Wales. In the year 1471 William Herbert was Lord of Gower, and his only daughter mariied Sir Charles Somerset, ancestor of the present Duke of L'eau- fort, who now possesses the castle and lordship. Swansea Castle was often taken and retaken during the civil war of Cromwell. In 1616 it was ordered that Swanzey Castle be d'sgarrisoned. General Lang- harne strengthened this castle in 1648, and after his de- feat at the disastrous battle of St. Pagan, Cromwell marched from that field towards this castle, and remained here for some time and there is a story that he used to pray often with a singular old woman who lived opposite the castle. ———— NEATH CASTLE. This Castle was built on a Welsh fortress of lestyn ab Gwrgan, by Richard de Granville. This Knight possessed a conscience which at times disturbed him, and it is said that when on his pilgrimage into the Iloly Land an old man appeared to him, very probably the ghost of an old Welshman whose lands he and his fellow burglars did plunder, and told him that his pil- grimage would not appease Heaven unless he would re- store his lands to the Welsh, upon which he swore upon the Holy Tomb that if he lived to return he would do right to all. He accordingly, on his return, gave of his lands to all who could prove a rightful claim, and other of the land unclaimed he gave to God and his saints for ever," i.e., to the Abbey of Neath, which he built. This castle was burnt in 1231, by Llewelyn ab Iorwerth, but subsequently rebuilt, for at the time of Owen Glendower's insurrection, that is, in 1402 or 1403, it was a royal garrison of thirty lances and a hundred archers, commanded by John St. John. KENVIG CASTLE. Kenvig was a town of considerable importance in for- mer times, and is a corporated one from an early date: the date of its first charter is lost, but the first confir- mation of its charter was made by Thomas Le Despencer, May 14, 1360. In the middle of the sixteenth century there had been a great overwhelming inundation, which covered these coasts with banks of sand and a large portion of the town, including the old castle and the old church, were destroyed, and are still buried under the sand. The remains of the castle appear about fifteen feet above the top of the sand, with the vestiges of a moat about one hundred yards beyond it. A little fur- ther stood the old church and burying place, and a great quantity of human bones are often discernable by the drifting of the sands. There was a fortress here before the Norman invasion, which lestyn ab Gwrgan held for some time. Fitzhamon took possession of it, and from him it descended to his daughter Mabel. This Mabel married the Earl of Gloucester, and gave large endowments to the Margani Abbey. The turnpike road from Swansea to Cardiff went formerly through Kenvig, but was diverted owing to the encroachments of the sea, and the town, in consequence, has fallen in importance. Kenvig lake is about two miles in circumference, and abounds in pikes of large size. There is a legend con- nected with the origin of the lake, which we shall give in our chapter of Glamorgan Legends. Kenvig comes from Cefn-a rising ground, and ffib-en-a boy. DUXRAYEX CASTLE. A castle of great antiquity—probably one of the oldest in Wales—formerly stood here. Caradawc ap Bran, according to tradition, resided here. Fitzhamon appor- tioned this place to William de Londres. It descended to the Butlers, one of whose female descendants married one of the Vaughans, and it went from them to the Wyndams. The Normans built no less than eighteen castles in Glamorgan, but even the vestiges of some of them have disappeared.

THE LEGEND OF CYXFIG. This is the legend of Cynfig. A peasant's son loved the daughter of the Lord of Clare, and she would not have him because he was not rich and he went to the high road, and watched for the steward of the lord of the district returning towards the castle from collecting his Lord's money, and he killed him, and took his money and showed her the coin, and the lady married him. lie then made a maginficent feast, and invited the chief men of the country to it, and they made themselves merry to the utmost. The second night the marriage took place, and when they were merriest a voice was heard, and they listened attentively, and heard,—"Dial ddaw, Dial ddaw—Vengeance will come! vengeance will come And they ask when ? At the end of the ninth genera tion" said the voice. There is no occasion for us to fear, said they, all of us will be under the earth long before that. Nevertheless, they lived till a descendant was born of the ninth generation and another, a de- scendant of the man that was killed, seeing the arrival of that period, visited Cyifig-a young man, a discreet and comely young man- and, looking at the town and its wealth, saw no one posse-sing a thorrough or corner excepting the descendants of the murderer, and he him- self still living and his wife. At the crowing of the cock they heard a voice, Vengeance is come! Vengeance is come Vengeance is come!" "On whom is it con.e ?" said they. On him who slew my ancestor of the ninth generation." They rose in terror and went towards the town, and there was nothing to be seen but a large lake, and in it, above tha surface of the water, three chimney tops smoking, and a smoke of an offensive smell. Upon the surface of the water the gloves of the man who had been killed floating towards the feet of the young man, he took them up and saw the names and arms of tne murdered man, and with the dawn there were countless voices praising God with heavenly songs. And thus it ends.

TRICKS OF TKADE.—To disparage a good article for the purpose of selling an inferior, or a bad one, is not an unusual practice with a cer;ain class of traders. This highly censurable course, according to the statements of medical men and their suffering patients, has been pur- sued—it is hoped with little advantage—by some appa- rently respectable, but not over-scrupulous, chemists and druggists towards that invaluable remedy, Dr. da Jongh's Light-Brown Cod Liver Oil, in lieu of which an inferior Pale, Yellow, or Coarse Brown, so-callrd Cod Liver Oil- either passively inert and useless, or positively and actively pernicious-is often secret] substituted or in- trustively recommended by these pa: ies. This excep- tionable conduct proceeds from too ubvious motives of cupidity to need explanation; but its exposure it re- quisite, as well to guard purchasers against deception, injury, or disappointment, as to maintain the reputation of a remedial and salutary agent of inestimable value. The rewards bestowed upon Dr. de Jongh by continental Governments and learned societies, the spontaneous en- comiums passed upon his reseajchea by the most illus- trious scientific men, the patronage which his celebrated Oil has received at the hands of the ilite of the Faculty at home and abroad, have obtained for his preparation too high a public appreciation to be easily affected by the mercenary machinations of some avaricious dealers, not satisfied with the legitimate profits of trade.

In calling the attention of our readers to the excellence of Dr. Scott's Bilious and Liver Pills, we cannnot forbear the plea- sure of stating that we fully agree with our contemporaries when they ask the cause of our public streets being so clear of penoils suffering from various diseases. We fully agree with them, it must be from the extraordinary virtues of Dr. Scott's Bilious and LWer Pills. Indeed, if you wish to recover orpreserve health of body, and an easy flow of cheerful spirits, evidencing a good digestion and quiet mind, you may accomplish that de. Isirable object by taking an occasional dose of that celebrated me- dicine; they possess such cleansing and renovating properties tkat the action of the liver is speedily corrected, the stomach strengthened, the spirits revived, and the patient restored to perfect health.—" Morning Chronicle." Sold by all druggists and booksellers In boxes 13id. and is. 9d. Be particular and ask for Dr. Scott's Bilious and Liver Pills. The genuine are in a square green package, with the name and address William Lambert, 2t, Jermya-Hreet, engraved on the government stamp. r

lottip mil Colonial %Xw$. m FRANCE AND ENGLAND. PARIS, MONDAY, JAN. 9. In the month of August last, when the Conference of Zurich threatened to be dissolved, the English Cabinet proposed to the French Government to come to a special agreement between France and England for the settlement of the affairs of Central Italy. Count Walewski, in order to prevent the proposal of Lord John Russell being accepted, tendered his resignation, which was, however, withdrawn on the publication of a note in the Moniteur of the 9th of September last in favour of the restoration of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, The object of Lord Cowley's journey to London 1 is to resume the negotiations which had been inter- rupted. The dismissal of Count Walewski was already decided upon when Lord Cowley left Paris after the reception on New Year's Day; but it is premature to assert that his Lordship has been the bearer of certain proposals as the basis of an agreement between France and England, either in the form of a protocol or of a treaty. There is for the present no other negotiation going on than to resolve upon a basis which might become the point of departure for negotiations with the other great Powers, England having always recognized the principle that the territorial arrangements of 1815 could onlv be modified with the consent of the other great Powers. FRANCE AND AUSTRIA. VIENNA, TUESDAY. The Austrian Government has ordered Prince Metternich to declare to the French Cabinet that it would decline to enter into negotiations on any other basis than the agreement of Villafranca or the treaty of Zurich. THE PAPAL STATES. The news of Count Walewski's resignation has pro- duced a very painful impression on n the Pope. His Holiness recently called together the principal mem- bers of the Sacred College, and declared to them that he would never fail in the mission which God had in- trusted to him, and that, like his predecessor, Pius VII., he would rather suffer exile, and even martyr- dom. SPAIN AND MOROCCO. MADRID, JAN, 3.—The Spaniards have advanced on the road to Tetuan without being attacked by the Moors. JAN. 4.—General Zabala has recovered from his ill- ness. The Spanish loss in the action at Castilleges was 73 killed and 431 wounded. JAN. 5.—The Spanish army continues its movement on Tetuan. Yesterday, the Spaniards were attacked in the Valley Negro hy 2,000 Moorish cavalry and 2,000 infantry. They were dispersed by the Spanish Artillery, who had five killed and 19 wounded. The health of the troops at the encampment of Serallo is improving. The English brig Eting has been wrecked near Cadiz. General Almonta has been appointed Ambassador of Mexico at Madrid. The following is the official despatch of the battle of Castillejos, sent by the Spanish Commander-in- Chief to the Spanish Government:- Camp of Los Castillejos, Jan. 1, 7 p m. "At 7 o'clock this morning I mounted on horse- back, and have not left the saddle till 7 this evening. The enemy obstinately opposed our movement, with- out, however, being able to prevent it. General Prim advanced beyond the limit I had traced for him, and he took positions where his Division encamped. In addition to his Division, eight battalions only of the 2nd Division took part in the combat. The Hussars gave brilliant proofs of courage one of their charges was heroic; they penetrated into the enemy's camp, carrying off a cavalry standard. I look upon this feat of arms as the most important which has as jet taken place, as the enemy showed obstinate resist- ance. We are eneamped on the positions we have taken. The troops fought bravely. Generals Zabala, Prim, and O'Donnell especially distinguished them- selves. I cannot give an exact return of our loss I estimate it at from ,1:00 to 600 men; that of the enemy at 1,500. Their loss was very considerable, owing to the determined attempts they made to re-take and maintain their positions. According to the state- ment of prisoners, the enemy's force under Muley Abbas is from 40,000 to 50,000 strong. I think this is exaggerated. JAN. 7.—The whole army encamped this morning to the north of the Negro Valley, after having defiled through the Passes without opposition. In the course of the day a council of Generals was to determine upon the plan of operations. It is stated that the army in Africa will be considerably increased. MADRID, J.A.X. 8.—The Spanish forces have moved forward, having provisions for five days. The stormy sea and the rain prevent communication with the squadron. JAX. 9.—The storm has ceased. The communica- tion by ship between Ceuta and Algesiras has been re-estf.blished. There is no longer any telegraphic communication with the army. AFRICA. CAPE COAST CASTLE, DEC. 14.—This place was healthy, and trade tolerably brisk. There had been a serious riot on the 24th of November, originating in a dispute between the Jutins and the Rentils, who occupy different parts of the town, and have lon» been a source of trouhle to the authorities fromo their mutual hatred. On the 21th of November the Jus- tins challenged the Bentils to fight, and the two com- panies accordingly marched out to a plain about two miles from the town. The municipal authorities called upon the military to maintain order, and Lieutenant Williams immediately marched out to the scene at the head of a detachment, accompanied by the Chief Justice, who read the Riot. Act to the mob, but with- out producing any effect. The King of Anamaboe was also on the plain, vigorously endeavouring to make peace, but at the moaieiit the Chief Justice was holding a consultation with the Mayor some shots were fired, and one man was killed, and some wounded. were fired, and one man was killed, and some wounded. A battle then seemed imminent. There were at that time 700 of the Bentil party, and 1,600 of the Jutins in the plain and in the bush adjoining. In conse- quence, however, of the vigorous exertions of the Chief Justice, the Mayor, and councillors, and of the skilful arrangements of the military, the two parties were prevented from shedding each other's blood, though they remained on the ground, notwithstanding a drenching rain. Next morning it seemed that they would retire peaceably to their homes; but while the Mayor was passing along the Bentil lines three men stepped out from the Jutin lines and fired on the Bentil flag. The battle then commenced in good earnest. The Jutins, who had the advantage of num bers, made a rush at the Bentils, and met with a de- termined resistance, ihe former, having expended the ammunition, sent into the town for a fresh supply, which was intercepted by Lieutenant Mathew, who also captured one of the Jutin captains. Upon seeing the military approaching, the Bentils fell back, retired on the left flank of the troops, and fell into the rear. The troops advanced, firing Congreve rockets against the Jutins, and throwing out skirmishers, upon which the rioters retired from the field; a few more rockets then caused them to beat a hasty retreat. Afterwards they made their re-appearance in considerable num- bers, and attempted to take the troops in flank. The adjutant then fired at the leader, and rockets were fired into the main body of the Jutins, driving them into confusion. The skirmishers also opened a rapid discharge, and the Jutins were soon again in rapid retreat. The Bentil party, who had in the meantime been watched by the military, marched into the town quietly, and measures were taken to prevent any further outbreak. The troops suffered no casualties; the losses sustained by the natives could not be ascer- tained. AMERICA. THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. The Royal mail steamer America, bringing the President's Message, arrived at Queenstown on Mon- day. She left Boston the 28th and Halifax the 30th of December. The America brings 37 passengers, and 5,000 dollars for Havre. BOSTON, DEC. 27.-The President has delivered his Message to Congress, although no speaker has yet been elected in the House of Representatives. The following is a summary:— I finally believe that events at Harper's Ferry, by causing the people to pause and reflect, will be the means, under Divine Providence, of allaying tke exist- ing excitement, and preventing further outbreaks of a similar character. For the suppression of slavery, all lawful means at my command have been employed, and shall continue to be employed, to execute the laws against the Afriean slave trade. Those engaged in this unlawful enterprise have been rigorously prosecuted, but not with so mueh success as the crimes have deserved. A number of them are under prosecution. The wisdom of the course pursued by Government towards China has been verified by late events. Our treaty of peace and commerce with that Empire was continued at Tieu-tsin on the 18th June, 1858, and was ratified by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, on the 21st December follow- ing. The ratifications of the treaty were afterwards, on the 16th August, exchanged in proper form at Pietsang. As the exchange did not take place till the day prescribed by the treaty, it is deemed proper, before its publication, again to submit it to the Se- nate. "Our relations with the great Empires of France and Russia, as well as on the Continent of Europe, unless we may except that of Spain, happily continue to be of the most friendly character. In my last annual Message I presented a statement of the un satisfactory condition of our relations with Spain, and I regret they have not materially improved. Without special reference to others, claims, the payment of which has been ably urged by our Ministers, and in which more than 100 of our citizens arc directly in- terested, remain unsatisfied, notwithstanding their justice, and though their amount,$128,055, 54c,, has been admitted by the Spanish Government. I need not repeat the arguments which I ur?ed in my last Message in favour of the acquisition of Cuba by fair purchase. My opinion, on that measure is un- changed. I again invite your serious attention to this subject. Without a recognition of this policy on their part, it will be almost impossible to institute negotiations with any reasonable prospect ofsucccss. Until a recent period there was good reason to believe that I should he able to announce to you on the present occasion that our difficulties with Great Britain, arising out of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, had been fully adjusted, in a manner alike honourable and satisfactory to both parties. From causes, however, which the British Government had not anticipated, they have not completed treaty arrangements with the Republics of Honduras and Nicaragua in pursu- ance of the understanding between the two Govern- ments. It is, nevertheless, evidently expected that this good work will soon be accomplished; while indulging the hopes of that, no other subject remains which can disturb the good relations between the two countries. The question arising out of the adverse claims of the parties to the island of San Juan, under the Oregon Treaty of June 15th, 1S46, suddenly assumed a threatening prominence. In order to prevent unfor- tunate collisions on that remote frontier, the Govern- ment has instructed the officers of the territorv to abstain from all acts on the disputed ground which are calculated to provoke any conflicts, as far as it can be done without implying the concession to the authorities of Great Britain of an exclusive right. The title ought to be settled bofore either party should attempt to exclude the other by force, or exercise complete exclusive sovereign rights within the fairly disputed limits. Much excitement prevailed for some time throughout that region. Serious danger of a collision between the parties was apprehended. The British had a large naval force in the vicinity, and it is an act of simple justice to the admiral on that, station to state, that he wisely forbore to commit any hostile acts, but determined to defer the whole affair to his Government and await their instructions. This aspect of the matter, in my opinion, demanded atten- tion, to prevent any act of hostility from taking place. Lieut.-General Scott was despatched on the 17th of September last, to take command of the United States' forces, if necessary. Considering the distance from the scene of action, and in ignorance of what might have transpired on the spot before the General's arrival, it was necessary to leave much to his discre- tion and I am happy to state the event proved that this discretion could not have been intrusted to a more competent hand. General Scott has recently returned from his mission, having accomplished certain objects, and there is no longer good reason to fear a collision between the forces of the two countries during the existing negotiations. I regret to inform you that there has been no im. provement of the affairs of Mexico since my last Message, and 1 am again obliged to ask the earnest attention of Congress to the unhappy condition of that Republic. Outrages of the worst description are committed ou persons and property. T::ere is scarccly any form of injury which has not been suffered by our citizens in Mexico during the last few years. We have been nominally at peace with that Republic; but, so far as the interests of our commerce or of our citizens, who have visited the country as merchants, shipmasters, or in other capacities are concerned, we might as well have been at war. I recommend to Congress to pass a law authorising the President, under such restrictions as they may deem necessary, to employ military force against Mexico for the pur- pose of obtaining indemnity for the past and security for the future." NEW YORK, DEC. 29, A great fire had broken out in Beechman and Ful- ton streets, and destroyed property to the amount of nearly 1,000,000 dollars. The loss was covered by insurances. A negro insurrection has taken place at Bolivar, Missouri. The burning of the town was threatened. The insurrection has, however, been suppressed, and the excitement has abated.

THE ITALIAN DIFFICULTY. ALLEGED AGREEMENT BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE. The Times, speaking of the news received from Paris under date of Monday last, and which appears in our sixth page, says It appears, then, according to this statement, that so long ago as the month of August a proposition wa3 mide by the English to the French Government to come to a special agreement for the settlement of the affairs of Central Italy." It is afterwards explained that bv this phrase no more is meant than that the proposition of Lord John Russell was to settle the basis ot further negotiations as to Central Ilaly in conjunction with France alone, and that these two Powers, consentient in their councils upon this question, should th"n bring the weight of their united authority to bear in Congress. We are not asserting that Lord John's proposition was what is here stated, but this is the interpretation now put upon it in Paris. Upon the receipt of this proposition it is indicated that the French Emperor was anxious to close at once with the offer, throw himself into the arms of England, and commence the settlement of this tantalizing and perplexing difficulty. But there was Count Walew- ski, his domestic opposition, at his elbow. Count Walewski would not heir of it. To prevent the pro- posal of Lord John Russell being accepted, Count Walew- ski tendered his resignation." But for Count Walewski, this proposition—which we venture to say was never, in the sense in which this telegram puts it, made at all- would have been at once accepted. Count Walewski, however, not only succeeded in obtaining that the propo- sition of the British Cabinet should not be accepted, but was actually able to insert in the Monitcnr of the 9ih of September last a note in favour of the restoration of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Thus the autumn spent itself, while in France the good and evil spirits were fighting over the British alliance. The Emperor was all for English friendship and Italian liberty. C met Walew- ski was all for Austrian Grand Dukes and enmity to perfidious Albion. This, according to the veracious his- tory before us, is the trne reason of all that has of late been happening. This is the secret of the threats of invasion that have come upon us quick and strong from every organ of the French Press, and ot all thole tre- mendous preparations in every dockyard and every arsenal of France. It was that wicked Count Walewski did it all, and the Emperor saw it all sorrowfully. We must say that it was ungrateful of the Emperor. It shows a degree of weakness and of tenderness for other persons' opinions which we did not ascribe to him if, when he had such an excellent and acceptable proposition from Lord John Russell, be declined a policy so entirely after his own heart, and suffered his own friends to abuse the nation from which that most acceptable offer had come. But such, we are now for the first time informed, is the fact. All through September, and October, and November, and December, Napoleon III. went on doing all that he would wish not to do, and omitting to do ali that he most desired to do. But, at last, New Year's Day arrived. The Emperor seems to have acquired a habit of turning over a new leaf with each New Year's Day. On New Year's Day Napoleon III. resolved to dismiss his familiar demon, and to be his own master again. Soon after this, Lord Cowley brought the news of this determination to England, but," says the telegram, in its diplomatic jargon, it is premature to assert that his Lordship has been the bearer of certain proposals, as the basis of an agreement between France and England, either in the form of a Protocol or of a Treaty." Perhaps so. We are not aware that any one in this country has asserted the fact here denied, or given the least hint of a suggestion as to the "form" of the proposals brought by Lord Cowley, or even that any proposals were brought by him, although Lord Cowley, having somewhat recent experience in his memory, might reasonably desire very good authority for any commission he might undertake for the Emperor. But this negative is what the logicians call a negative pregnant. W bile it denies the form of Protocol or Treaty, it affirms the existence of negotiations of which the English public were either altogether ignorant, or at the best had acquired but a very v.i jue suspicion It informs U3 that a new phase of the Italian question' and of the English and French alliance has occurred since the commencement of this still infant year. affirms that England has proposed, and that Franco has now shown a disposition to accept, a unity of action upon this Italian question, and that the two Powers are upon the pressing instance of England, and in pursuance of an agreement sealed by the sacrifice of a favourite Minister, about to hold one language to the rest of Europe. We believe this is rather a fiction founded on fact than an account of those transactions which would be ac- cepted by botli pai ties to them, orwhich!w--)u!J be verified hy the documents, if produced—a.1', of course, after this levolation and with the near approach <>f the Session, they soon must be. 13 ,t, t iki it as appv.s^imating to the truth, and inspires us with much anxiety as to what the conditions of the offered compact may be. Of course, nothing could give us greater satisfaction than to find ourselves in entire accord with the Emperor of the French as to the policy he proposes to in the settlement of Centra1 Italy, the fate of which, for th" moment at least, lies in his decision. He knows what we wish, and, if he t; kes the fame viewofwhatis just to the people and consistent with the rights of humanity, he will have all our sympathies while he completes his work. But there is no Treaty necessary for this purpose, nor is there any ren on why official people in France should sostrenuously deny thatany condition that required a Treaty or Protoco: was ever a suoject of discussion. If France is earnest as she is p .werfu1 the thing is (lo:.e. She has a fine army still in Italy. Rus-ia is indifferent, or even favourable. blee(lirig at every fore and oannot rise to fi-ht. Prussia is not very Ultramontane. Spain is otherwise engaged. What is i* 7e arl) ranted to do but look on an 1 a!,p!iu!? The Eaneror c «r.not desire us to guaran'ee that France shall not bf invade or Romo taken out of the hands of General G;yen bv Dr. Cullen and his It ish Drigtda

farming and ^rlcaiw#. THE EFFECT OF MANURES 0;: TIIT; PitonucTioN OF PLANTS.—The <iews enunciate bv Mr. oil this head are particularly deserving the notice of that class of tillage farmers who cultivate hr-'e breadths of turnips to be eaten idF bv sluep. It possible, as we are told by the wri'tr cf this paper, that you may over- produce a plant, or stimulate one part of it to the dis- advantage of the other. The virtues and portable qualities which attach themselves to oar artificial manures pre by no means exempt from abuse. As regards the too free use of such manures, applied in such a state of solubility as to "over-produce" a, plant, we are at no loss ta discover that the farmer has already i eschewed the use, for the abuse, of one of our greatest, improvements it! agriculture. 1 be c >n=e of failure amongst our root crop*, to a very great extent, may be traced to the cffect produced on ilp cellular tissuet of the plants by too free-a use of artificial manures. The dispatch attending the sowint; of a twenty or thirty acre field of turnips bv the drill, applying the ariificia! ] manure at the same time with the seed, compared with the process of carting foluyard manure or other com- posts, may, in not a few instances, be considered as a temptation to the farmer to go to an extreme in the application of those portable manures which as fertilisers act quicker than r-quired. Tne results of manuring land with composhious of a too stimulating nature may be clearly traced in wheat or barley, and in turnips or mangels. In the early sta^e of the plant's growth the virtues of the manure expend themselves lavishly, forcing them forward beyond their natu-al capabilities, and creating that plethoric «ta»e of the plant in which the sap is formed more rapidly than the conducting issue can convey it. We may illustrate the conae- quences of such management in bid corn and diseased turnips. There is no source to which we can so speciously trace that rapid decline which takes place in our turnip fields, at the time when we expect them to look ^reen and healthy, as to the excessive^ use of artificial manure in a high »tate of solubility. If we may de luc« instruc- tion of an advantageous kind from this fact, we need not adopt the opposite extreme, and discontinue our patronage and snrpo tofthe artificial manure maker, bu< rather alter the degree of solubility of that kind of I artificial manure we arc in the habit of using. The case as respects the p-o-hice of grass and hay is not affected in a similar manner, but, on the contrary, the more soluble and s'itmil ting the manuro is the better. On the tillage farms this circumstance should be partionlaily attended to, an,1 to proportionate accordingly the different kinds of manure to the different kinds of crop here does not, in oar experience, appear to be any manure so well adapted for root crops as that which is made in the fold-yard, applied with a moderate propor- tion of bones. Bet it will be here replied, perhaps, that there is not a suflicient aaiouutof toldyard manure made on any farm to dung the whole of the turnip laud. This is an objection which we do not admit. We take a t ilia g-c farm on the high lands of England on the four- course rotation we suppose its proportion of white and green crops to be about oqaal, and that there is a sufficient number of cattle aud yonng horses kept to convert the straw inlo manure. In order, therefore, that the root-crops may have the full benefit of the foldyard dung, let it be reserved entirely for that pur- pose, applying the artificial fertiiisarto the grass-seeds instead of the bulbous roots. The application of phos- phatic substances to the young wheat and spring corn will remunerate the farmer, while the produce of the fold-yard wilt be available for the turnip-crop. The suitableness of good rott.'n dung made by cattle, con- suming but a small quantity of cake with turnips has been, as yot, found to answer the best for turnips. Good crops have been rais d by farmyard dung by it- self, but with crushed bones in addition toe two *Uvo been employed with decided success for turnips.—Field. GBEEENHOUSE AND OONSSUYATOIIY.—A good deal of mild weather la'ely, with damp dark days, has been trying to this department, and rendered necessary great care as to ventilation and watering. At such times the plants should be shifted from place to place, and turned round, aud all decaying leaves and flovers carefully removed. It is a common prejudice that the house should not be o; ened in wet weather; but if Lhere is air stirring it shoeld be allowed to have free p!ay, for wet days are not al ways damp ones in places where the rain does not fad. Oi' all things a damp stagnaut at-I mospherc is to be dreaded wherever plants are housed. Probably green fly may make its appearance, and fre- quent fumigations should then be employed. \Ve hnve found that whore the master of the house is a smo'.er and is m the habi of bavins? uis cigar in the conserva- tory day after dav, ttrecn lly never comes: from which 0 a flood hint may be taken as to small but frequent fumigations. Keep advancing bulbs Denr the glass, and i introduce pots o violets, and other flowers coming into bloom,— lb-d. FLOWER GARDEN AND SHRUBBERIES. Where any of the beds or borders re mire a dressing of fresh soil this should be provided, in order to have it in readin-ss to wheel on when favourable weather for such work may occur. f-tvsh soil is in most eases prcferablo as a dressing for flower oeds to manure, which is apt to cause too luxuriant a growth for a first-rate display of i flowers. Ou soil-, that are na1 urnlly poor, however, and where neither fresh mould nor decayed leaves can be had, a moderate dressing of well. rotted farm-yard manure will be use.ul, but this should be well mixed with the mould the full depth of the bed and not care- les-dy turned in and left in lumps near the surface, for in this case a gross habit of gro wth would be promoted early in the season, and as the principal part of the roots would be near the surface in the manure, the plants would soon feel the effects of dry wettber whereas if the manure is well incorporated with the soil to the depth of about IC inches, no ordinary amount of dry weather will injure the plants after they once get fairly established. Shrubberies may be thinned where this invoices only the outtitig out of overgrown plants, or lopping deciduous trees or the hardier kinds of evergreens, but where evergreens generatly require pruning, the work had better be deferred until March, except in favourable localities, for although when the winter proves mild such work may be successfully per- formed at any time, it is never safe to depend upon this. Avoid treading upon or working the ground when it is iis a sodden state; and if the workmen cannot be pro- fitably employed out-doors, get a good stock of dahlia stakes, brooms, and things of that kind prepared for use when wanted. — Gardeners' Chron cle. HARDY FRUIT AND KITCHEN GARDEN. -If any transplanting of fruit trees has yet to be done this se,son, it should bo seen to while the weather is favour- able for suoli work also see to getting ground intended to be planted with young trees prepared, and spare no pains or expense to have this properly done. Make sure of thorough drainage, and where the suosoil is un.tind this should be removed, replacing it with some good fresh loam- When a large breadth has to be planted in one season this expensive kind of preparation cannot be always afforded, but it is better to do such work only in such quantities as will allow of every precaution being used with the view of securing success. Attend to keeping up a supply of rhubarb, seakale, and as- paragus by introducing quantities of the roots into heat at intervals of about a fortnight. Where there is room in the mushroom house the two former will be found to do exceedingly well there, and a supply will be obtained with lit' le trouble. For land that has long been cropped with vegetables a good dressing of fresh loam would in many cases be preferable to manure, and where this is wanted and can be obtained, it should be got to hand in order that advantage may be taken of frosty days for wheeling it upon the ground. Where fresh soil cannot be obtained, charred vegetable refuse such as prunings of shrubberies, edgings of walks and many things which turn up in course of the season, may be cheaply made to form an excellent substitute.-

HOLLOWAT'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.—Sore throat, quinsey, diptheria-Sore throat, with more or less hoarseness, has for twenty years been treated with the above remedies with a degree of success far surpassing that of any other mode of treatment. The cures have been so remarkable, speedy, and numerous, that it was predicted a new disease, diptherite, consisting of small ash-coloured ulcers in the interior of the throat, might be arrested by the same means, and such has been the case. This disease, in its first stage, seems even more amenable to Hollowaya Ointment and Pills than the simpler forma of inflammatory sore throat.

v- Outturn in ganw. RETURN OF ^OUT> CLYDE.—Some of our contempora- ries an if j'. nee that Lord Clyde maybe expected in England about the middle of this month. We are more inclined to think, how- ever, that toe gallant general will arrive about the end of Febru- ary, when, doubtless, the coumtry will give him such a reception as his great services deserve.—and Xavy Gazette. STATUE OF GENERAL NAPIER.-On Saturday afternoon the very fine marble statue of the late Sir Charles Napier which has been erected in a nicbe near the north entrance of St Paul's, was for the first time uncovered for the inspection of the public. Mr. Albert Smith has p»rfecMy recovered, and re- appeared on Tuesday evening at the Egyptian Hall. It is stated at Tenby that the Government have de- cided to erect batteries for the defence of the coast upon st. Catherine's, at Giltar, and upon C'aldy Island. The firs! number of the long-talked of Dial" news- paper appeared on Saturday last. It is to be issued one* a ireek for the present. The address in the first number savs—"T'lfl Editorial .faff is partly church, partly dissenting The Editot has been assure of independence by the Direcnrs and is on his honour before the country that he will be the servant or the tool of no party whatever." Marshal NIINl h n will, it is asserted, replace Marsbal Yailiant as Commander of the French army in Italy. It is -igain rumoured (hat Lord Stanley is shortly to be married to Lord John Russell's daughter. T: e Marquis 'If iiuntlv h is recently, at his own ex- murneaMMon Half'" f°"ntain by the side nf the turnpike1 rOl\tl, no: Orton Hall. l'ne Qm-cn has been pleased to appoint the Rev. Ed- n nf c-aTl ReTcklos. !>•!> to ''o ordained and consecratedv Bish'-p of oietja Leone, in the room of the Right Rev T0M Bowen, deceased. feUl iVCV- uli T: < United vice Gazette states that. with the viev of seeming the uniform and general efficiency of the volunteei corps, it is the intention of the^Government to appoint an InspeC- tor-ueneral of Volunteers who will be assisted bv six *ub- mspeetors of the rank of Brigade-Major. Each of the Sub- inspectors will be assigned a district for h:< particular super- vision, the Inspector General controlling the whole arrangement Seven richly-ornamented pieces of plate, of thessme^ design-the manufacture of Hunt and Rosk-dl-have just heeil presented to the seven gentlemen who presided over the various committees (,f the Manchester Exhibition of Art-Treasure: in 185') THE ROYAL XAVY FOR 1S(30—By the official Navu j List for the present month a;ul ^narrer we find that the Britis Navy consists of 518 vessels, including screw steamer, of everV I description, exclusive of which there are 153 <mnbnats V brigs; &0 employed in harbour service," and 47 coast fa guard tenders. Of the number of vessels composing therivi. theIeglobean314 al'e iU commis8i0U> antl doing duty iifeverv par Mr. G lizot proposes to take r) irt in 'he debate occa stoned by the question of the Pope's temporal power. The et Minister of iCiug Louis Philippe will soon publish an "answer t< the brochure Lo Pape et la Congres." He will a!so reply to tb letter of Monseigneur Dupanloup, and to the polemics" of tt" < t rench am, English journals in reference to the temporal powel It- ot Pius I\. 0 Tbe if'bo'isc in the Bois de Boulogne, which was fine 8 during the late frost, now contains 17,000 cubic metres of ice conveyed during a fortnight by 250 carts, and arran"p<l in tb«K same space ot time by^OO men. The above quantify, due ah Iowance being made for loss, will furnish 10,000 tons of ice folA the consumption of Paris. M It ougnt to be known, to Mr. Whit worth's credit, theI the French Government sought to obtain a patent of his rifle Sit but. that, though no legal objection existed, Mr. "NVhitworth de11 clined the offer from patriotic motives alone. The ba-risters of Paris have r. solved to decline plead for three months before the judge, M. Gillin de Botin wh( has made himself so notorious by his suspension of the'eel* brated advocate Lmile Ouvier. He is the presiding judge i< >x the trial of the Black Doctor. v A gen' r^l rffir;e for the censorship of books and nevvg papers has been established at St. Peter burg. The director ol w the office is Baron von Korff, who is said to be a liberal ro It. for a Rnssian." tic The London correspondent of the Manchester Guardityl says—" T may mention—what in Lord Macaulav's lifetime tSl public never learnt from him or by his wish—that Lord Macaul8^- was unwearied and most liberal in his charities to all' needj' lit rary brethren The amount distributed bv him in this would, r am satisfied,astonish th'j public; but it will never • known. The par iea in Lnndon ii, in the Feelong an Melbourne Railway complain that mail after mail arrives witC rri out b; lnging the long promised settlement of their claims the Victoi-it Railway Loan was introduced at the beginning last year the s,,ronge^t assurances were given that they would speedily and satisfactorily adjusted. £ ■ A telegram announces the completion of the 24th C I November, of the submarine cable laid by Messrs. Newal! Co., for the Dutch Government between Singapore and BataV>4 tl a distance of nearly GOO miles. Another was about to be laid t Balembang. r Rear-Admiral Fitzroy has ascer'ained that the 8tor4o]V which wiecked the Royal charter was a horizontal cveloI»T\ The area of its sweep wa3 scarcely 390 miles in diaYiPteffh While the central portion was advancing northward, at an av-efl age rate of twenty miles an hour, the actual velocity of the wi#H was from fifty to nearly one hundred miles an hour. At plaW*, westward of its centre the wind appeared to •• back" or retTO^ Seven t.housa d pounds have been subscribed for tM^ special evening services in St. Paul's, under the auspices of tlw Bisliop of London I It is stated that Colonel Berk -ley will retire from tb representation of Cheltenham at the next election. i+ h be3>> determined to bring the gallant (vdoivd forws.l Vjlrt for the representation of West Gli iic 's or wiieu' °ani nitf may occur. 01 lv Jl e,le ve2'an <>I>Portuo'« Mr. Atherton, the new Solicitor-General haq aWi been allotted by the Government the prepar.tton' of measu|> ef law reform of considerable importance, which it is intended I tc introduce next ses ion. 1 AN OVEU-Sruinous HEIDI-GROOM. -The great Germ*' critic, Eichhorn, is said to have studied eighteen out of twen1^ fon.-hours, for twelve years. The day of his marriage he studi* v only twelve, and this loss he never forgave himself: The v.;)t of Miss S-trah Dis' .eli was sworn un&t Ui £ 4,000. She has bequeathed her funded property, monev 1\1J J iCr; JJVri'M0 companies equally amongst her -three brothe? and Mr 7™m ir: 'i'1 Disraeli, MP., Mr. Ralph D isra«> V> her brother'Ralph ^israelL rdS^tlue of her P^y she lea" The Marquis of Iir.-ad,,1b,ne has given a subscrinttf t( of £ 500 to'.van's the fund for equiPi„g the Breadalbane oJ^ teers &ve A leMcr from Copenhagen of r c. 26, says-" Tb1 diplomatic body yesterday had an audience of his Majesty ? condole with him on the at et disastrous tire at the Pa!a"ce 0 Frddericsburg. The King still bears the traces of the person" dangers which he incurred while directing the operations f( K burnt" building. Ilis lips and a part of his beard «e' j/' It is said that the third Chinese war will cost a number of millions, and indemnity for i<- r-„n 7,, J EI gins tells t-ul v, is utterly lion dess r ,J th^ L<2^ £ tin first war, but that war, the rebellion wuT^pra^f^ and the second war have so utterly eshaitfted "them tAS they have been compelled to allow even their great works of ir^U^ gation and navigation to ran to ruin. The, re election of the S dici'or Getieral Mr. Atherto4'U, gation and navigation to run to ruin. The, re election of the S dici'or Getieral Mr. Atherto4'U, took place at Durham on Monday last. j' -J. Sir Francis Goldsmi-l, a Je ,v, has been returned P Reading in place of Sir Henry Keating, raised to the jmIicJ E bench. k The Ilere'ordshiro Hunt Club Dinner is postponed ? the 27tli i:iat. THE SALMON FISHERY.—The fence months of tb river Severn termin ited oil Saturday last. J /;) The Hon. E l .vaal Eve ett, of Boston, is to contriblJ krj the biography of Washington to the new edition of the '• Eutf ile cloyredia Britannica," published by Messrs A. & C. Black. The Sydney mails bring an account of the' rescue 0 VtD two white' females from Fraz.-r Island, supposed to have thrown on it from a HTUCIC. 1 heir appearance was hea^tremtf1* b. and their ojdie, from long exposure had become coated "„)*" liair. I INCREASE OF POPULATION.—The estimated populati"! of E -gland and Wales last midsummer was 1(J.745,000. In 1^ J Q was 17.9S",000. It has increased, therefore, since the ceO'1! f was taken by 1,762,000. The same rate of increase is still goi™ ■. The o-.iS" in which G'etry was born at Liegu has presented by its owner, Madame DCibois Desoer, to the t"*] hr°t in perpetuo on the conditions that the tablet bearing his shall not be removed, an that any rent arising from the tenerfl'1)! after reparations needful to preserve it, shall be applied musical education by the College, j T> THE GREAT SHIP COMPANY,—-It is rumoured V the Observer) that at a board meeting on Friday, the direction6! Great Ship Company unanimously resolved to resign, that it was to be intimated to the meeting of shareho ders. cid1, V ] fo jWcdncsday, that they hold ofhee only until their succdS9'' f should be appointed i t A Rp.mf.DY for THE TOTATO DISEASE-A man OF1? Ca' name of Tovey. of the Graig, Swansea, has discovered a yie failing remedy for the patato disease. The preparation has K i sed in the gardens of Mr. II. II. Vivian, M.P., Mr. Moggri^C u n other gentlemen of the locality, and the result has been satisfactory. Those -objected to Tovey's treatment have T s Und and healthy, whilst others immediately adjoining no{ -> eated have been much diseased. 6' JjV It is expected that Iler .Majesty will arrive in town the 2J.-d insta-.t. Oj the -4th the Queen Bill open ilil ment. d j The steeple-chases of Slough are fixed for TueSfljT and Wednesday, thtf t7th ani lsth inst. The stewards are 'j Earl of Sertmi, Sir Lydston Newman, George Payne, Esq- j Captain Hunt. J Mr. Courlos Dickens, accompanied by Mr. Wil'l editor of All the Year Romd, arrived at Bangor on Th^J day evening, and left the following morning for Moelfra, lT scene of the late wreck of the Royal Cluirttr. J' On Thursday week, the Sheriff-Principal of Linarl shire, Sir Archibald Alison was on the occasion of the exp'f i of th-i twenty-ufth year of his legal connexion with Glas^K" presented by the Faculty of Procurators, with his bust inurble. J The mystery attached to the disappearance of >5 O'Grady. High-Sheriff elect of Castle Garde, near Pallas, cH» L: merit*, is still unsolved. His absence has extended 5 three weeks. The sale of the celebrated pamphlet, Lq Pape Congres," has exceeded 80.000 of which number, it i3 sdid, o' Vrti half has been sold oU- of France.. j A loan of ~i0,OOO, for six months, on Mortgage of "i );P' Great astern, has been taken by M'Kenzie, at 6A per cf '('/J"0, per annum. # i '"t Viscount Pulmerston give a grand full-5 1 Parliamentary bat.quet, °n Jwono.ay, the 23rd inst., to 5 Speaker an l a large party of the leading supporters of the >. vernment, in the House of Commons; Queen Louisa of Sweden, I.rincesa of Holland, niarricd the present King Prince Royal, in 1850, has YA lished, under t?f ianf Wincombe," a volfy V ill Swedish, translated from the Engl sh, entitled, "The bourers in the Lord » Vmey;mP Ihe book is sold for J benefit of an 'l0Sj)ltal founded by the Queen soon after k arrival at Stockholm. The Cabinet Council held at Lord Palmerston's «,"lo last Tuesday, was the first, for the last three or four raoi- u!" which all the Mims:ers were assembled. The Premier 1,. rVl left a brilliant party at Broadlands to be present; the Newcastle did likewise at Clumber; and Mr Milner also left a circle of friends at Thebertun House. A Government Inspector went to Norwich, a few J0 ago, to hold a school examination. He vat questionit*- i- [w pupils as to the most remarkable productions, Sc., of di;i' place*. At length he asked, What is Norwich famoul f Ebot One of the hoys instantly replied," For bribery and corruf^m/^ The Southampton Athenteum have announced their sov ee will take place on the I7th inst., and thatthe foil' distinguished persons have promised to attend, viz. Tfyi Pl Palmerston, Mr- Haliburton. the Hon. Ralph Dirtton, M." J. Jervoise, M P., Mr. W. D. Seymour, M?P., &c..J lif ot| Southampton Athen«um is a literary society of working THE FKENCK ARMY.—It ia stated in official qu*Vmfr. a that the budget of the Minister of War for 1860 will be pr«f r,, for a striotly peace establishment, the arm; being raduced IV. than 490,000 men. v « i