The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-12-06 00:00:00

Vantpstpre.

THE DEFV.NCE or TIIK Sar.r.sr.—We are enabled
to lay before the public a short description of the
entirely new lino .1 defence in Stokes niy, which
will connect the firta at the east and west ends of
the shore by means of a conti 111 l oua rampart to be
constructed of earth and extending from the inunda-
tion at Fort Monekton to Fort tfoiner. The works
have been already animeneed, and are to be carried
out with the utmost despach. In front of the ram-
part for musketry fire there will he a In-Pad and wet
ditch formed, what at the rear of the line four or
five strong batteries, mounting C3lll ttttt of the heavied
calibre, will be erected. These, assisted by the fort
to the left of Gilkieker and the benefit% at Brown.
down, will form an efectual protection of by far the
greater portion of the Solent, and particularly 80 as
it is understood that ifonier (and we have little doubt
the fort at the othcr extreme of tho line) is to be
among the first that will be armed with the celebrated
Armstrong gun. Thew of our readers who are ac-
quainted with the loadity will at once recognize in
these works a system of defence which, from the dis-
position of the flanking forts and those at the rear of
the new works, will form a most powerful concen•
nation. By this plan, too, one of the most open
parts of our coast (the utter defencelessness of which
has of late been so much animadverted upon) will be
rendered secure against the probability of invasion.
It is also said,—but we give the report publicity
with due reservation—that it has been determined
that a number of small emetuated earth batteries
shall be built, extending from Blockhouse Fort to
the rampart at the easternmost extreme of Fort
Nlonek tAm. _ _

YouTaxotrrn. Volu rare r Rifle Corps. The
number of effective's in this corps will allow of the
formation of two companies. The uniform will
consist of a forage cap with French peak, a dark
green tunic, very similar to that worn by officers of
tl'e I title I lrigaAle, to be lirauled upon the collar, sleeves,
and skirt, and trousers of the same colour. The
pouch and belt are to be of black patent leather,
with silver-plated onnamenta.
WlNi'llle:TEß. —l'o4 ()fire Uniform.—The post-
men attached to the Winchester office now appear
in scarlet coats and hats with cockades similar to
their brethern of St. Martin's Le I:ntnil.
TIM WINTER .k!ISIZES. —The commiasion for this
county was opened ou Saturday, before Mr.
Justice Channel), who takes the circuit. The number
of prisoners at present in custody for trial at this
assize is 3ii, six of whom are femiliw.

VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS. —The company now
musters SO men and during the past week several
additions have been made. A specimen of the pro.
posed grey uniform has been ordered to be made up
for the Lord Lieutenant's approval.
Roms Ev. The Agrieuuural Society. This
society announces its Christmas show of fat and lean
stock and the ordinary annual dinner for Thursday
the sth inst.
THE READING Sociirrv.—The Hon. and Rev. C.
A. Harris delivered an interesting and instructive
lecture on " Graviation" to the members of this
society on Tuesday.
THE LATE MUNICIPAL ELECTION.—This election
caused by the resignation of Mr. Charles Summers,
but who subsequentlly offered himself ass candidate,
and was opposed by Mr. Edward Allen, has resulted
in the return of the former gentleman, the Mayor
giving the casting vote.
ANDOVER. —Proposed Volunteer Ili* Chrps.—A
requisition is in course of signature, calling upon the
Mayor to convene a public meeting to consider the
propriety of following the example of neighbouring
towns, and embodying a Volunteer Rifle Cogs.
PROPAGATION OY THE GOSPEL IN FOREIGN
PARTS. —A numerously atttnded public meeting was
held at the Townhall, on Wednesday evening in aid
of this society, the Rev. E. Frowde in the chair.
The collection at the doors amounted to £l2 ha.

Acciuksv.—On Tuesday as Mr. If. Rockingham,
horse dealer, of New•street, was driving up High.
street, the wheel of his trap, which had lost the cap,
came off, and deposited the occupant in the road,
fortunately without doing him any injury,