The Press.
London, England, 1855-01-06 00:00:00

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT.

- - - -
Tex first practical application of this mode of obtaining
artificial light was made on Thursday night, fur the pur-
pose of ascertaining whether by its weans work can be
carried ou under circumstances in which other artificial
light is not available. The sceno of appliestion was at the
Surrey side of Westminster-bridge The apparatus was
placed on the shore, at seventy or eighty feet distance, on
a stage on which were a number of workmen. The light
proceeds from an electric spark, which is continually
maintained. Behind the spark was a telleetor. A strong
light was shed upon the stage, and the workmen proceeded
with their labour apparently with as great tacility as if
they were working during sunshine. It was in character
somewhat resembling moonlight, but very much stronger.
It can be put out and re-illumined in a moment. The
quantity of light afforded, as ascertained by the photo-
meter, it was stated was equal to that of seventy-two ordi-
nary gas argand burners. This light has been tried many
times before and with success, but the grand obstacle to its
use has been the great cost of the material which formed
what may not inappropriately be termed the fuel required
to keep up the electricity. Tbis obstacle, however, has
been removed by the discovery that the material while
employed in producing the light can be converted into
pigments of so great a commercial value that the cost of
light is absolutely nothing.

TIM BOARD (/F ORDNANCE have under considera-
tion a contrivance, the invention of Loves and Ley,
of the Lowes Iron Works, tor the adaptation of the
Minis principle to balls for cannon, whether plain or
grooved. The chief meth of the invention is that it
entirely gets rid of the windage, and the full force of
the explosion is gained in the propulsion of the ball.
It is thus obtained :—The main body of the ball is
a hollow or solid cast-iron cylindrical cone; the se-
cond part. consists of a hollow cylinder, combined
with an inclined cone; these two parts fit into each
other, passing through the third part, which is a
double lead ring, fitting closely to both. When put
in the cannon the conical end points to the muzzle,
and the conical plug to the powilerrthe leaden ring
between the two. The explosion drives the plug into
the ring, the lead expands, and presses tightly against
the interior sides of the. cannon-bore, giving increased
range and precision of aim, equal to that of the
Annie rifle.

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last, being New Year's-day, the band
lorse Guards assembled on the East-
en o'clock in the morning, and played
favourite airs. Her Majesty's annual
• were afterwards distributed in the
the castle. The recipients con-
, 600 poor persons residing in Windsor
parishes. The Queen and Prince, ac-
v the royal children, witnessed the dis-
the gallery of the riding school.
and Prince Albert, accompanied by
Royal and the Prince of Wales, left
yesterday (Friday) morning, for the
Wight. It is understood that her Majesty
will return to Windsor on Monday.
There will be no theatrical performances or balls
at Windsor Castle this seism), the rooms usually
occupied for that• purpose havigg bean fitted up in
the most splendid manner for the reception of the
Emperor and Empress of the French, whose visit is
expected immediately after the war assumes a more
favourable aspect.
Letters on Saturday, brought by the Queen's
messengers was received from Constantinople, from
tale Dtgto of Cambridge, which give a favourable
account tifjbe health of his Royal Highness. The
Duke has been staying at Therapia, and his health
has gradually improved, mainly from retirement and
change of Atone. The Duke is most anxious to re-
join his diAsion, but his medical attendants insist
on his thorough restoration to health before he quits
for the Crimea. It was thought his Royal Highness
would leave towards the close of December.
The health of the Earl of Westmoreland, which
for some days had occasioned much anxiety, is
described by recent letters from Vienna as having
undergone a favourable change. The most lively
anxiety has been manifested among all classes
resident in the Austrian capital for the recovery of
his Excellency, whose honourable and amiable
character has won for him the universal respect and
esteem of the Viennese people.
His Excellency the Chevalier von Usedom, having
closed his diplomatic business, has left London on
his return to Berlin.
His Excellency Lord Cowley, our ambassador at
the French Court, returned to town on Wednesday,
from a visit to her Majesty at Windsor Castle.
Cabinet Councils were held at the Foreign-office
CM Saturday and Tuesday last.
Lord Charles Lennox Fitzroy is convalescent from
the wounds received at Balaklava, and is shortly
expected to be able to resume his duties as Equerry.
in-Waiting on the Queen.
Thel last accounts from Alexandria announce
but slight improvement in the health of Lord
Haddo, M.P. His lordship is not expected to return
to England before April.
We regret to announce the death of the Earl of
Leitrim, which occurred at Killadoon, in the county
Kildare, on Wednesday last.

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10
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tart ant
On Monday last, being Is
of the Royal Horse Guards
terrace, at seven o'clock in
a selection of favourite air
gifts to the poor were after
riding school of the castle
tiered of about 000 poor pe
and Clewer parishes. Tho
oompanied by the royal et
tribution from the gallery (
The Queen and Prince
the Princess Royal and tl
Windsor Castle yesterday
Isle of Wight. It Is uncl
.411 ratiarn tn Windsor nn