The Sun.
London, England, 1865-09-28 00:00:00

Naval and Military Intelligence.

The Favourite, 10, iron-cased screw corvette, Capt.
Francis H. Shortt, having made a most satisfactory
preliminary run on Monday last, was on Tuesday
taken to the measured mile off .Maplin Sands for
the trial of her engines, previous to their being
passed over to the Admiralty by the contractors.
The vessel was in charge of Captain George G.
Randolph, of the Sheerness Steam Reserve, the other
officials on board being Mr. George Tucker, inspec-
tor of machinery afloat, Mr. George Blaxland, chief
engineer, Sheerness dockyard, Mr. F. Martin, acting
master shipwright, and other officials belonging to
the shipwright department of the dockyard. The
designer of the vessel, Mr. E. J. Reed, Chief Con-
structor of the Navy, was also on board. The Fa-
vourite is fitted with a pair of horizontal direct-acting
engines, 64in. cylinder, 32in. stroke, of the usual
kind supplied by the firm of Messrs. Humphreys and
Tennant to the Admiralty. Mr. Humphreys repre-
sented the firm. Previous to starting for the trial,
experiments were made with Messrs. Bro?wn and
Ilarfield's patent wrought-iron capstans for working
the cable. After arranging the moveable stops in
the cable, the chain was taken to the capstan and
hove in, in accordance with instructions previously
given by the Admiralty. The whole operation of
getting in the anchors was performed in a very short
time, to the entire satisfaction of the officials, under
the superintendence of Mr. S. Baxter, wbo repre-
sented the patentees. The following were the re-
sults :—First run, 4min, 23sec., speed 13.688 knots,
pressure of steam 201 b., vacuum 251, revolutions 67;
second run; smin. 43sec., speed 10.345 knots, pres-
sure 191 b., vacuum 254, revolutions 67 ; third run,
4min. 48sec., speed 13.432 knots, pressure of steam
191 b., vacuum 264, revolutions 651 ; fourth run,
smin. 48sec., speed 10.345 knots, pressure of steam
201 b., vacuum 26i, revolution 651 ; fifth run, 4min.
37sec., speed 12.996 knots, pressure of steam 191 b.,
vacuum 26, revolutions 661 ; sixth run, 6min. 6sec.,
speed 9.836 knots, pressure of steam 191 b., vacuum
261, revolutions 63. The average speed was thus
11.82 knots per hour. The circle was turned at
full speed with helm to port in smin. lOsec., the
diameter of the circle being 253 yards, and with
helm to starboard in smin. 16sec., the diameter of
the circle being also 253 yards, with four men at
the wheel. Two runs were also made with half
boiler power, giving an average speed of 8.906
knots per hour. At the close of the runs the engines
were stopped when working at full speed in 7sec. ;
they were started from " stop" to "full speed
ahead" in 2sec. ; and to " full speed astern" in 4sec.
The sea was smooth during the trial, and there was
a force of wind of from 3to 4. The dimensions
and stowage of the Favourite are as follows : length
between the perpendiculars, 225 ft. ; extreme breadth,
46ft. 9in. ; tonnage, 2,091 tons; .displacement in
tons, 3,092 ; height of midship port, 9ft. ; horse
power of engines, 400. The Favourite was origin-
ally designed as a wooden corvette, and was intended
to carry a number of light guns on an open upper
deck. When Mr. Reed's system was adopted by
the Admiralty, however, she was selected as one of
the smaller class of ships to be completed after his
plans. The conversion was a work of no ordinary
difficulty, owing to the lightness of scantling with
which the ship had originally been framed, and
which was peculiarly unsuited to support the weight
and strain of armour plating and heavy guns. Mr.
Reed, however, by taking down part of the frame
timbers, flattening the floor, improving the bow,
and strengthening the hull generally, prepared the
vessel for receiving no less than 600 tons of iron
armour, including the iron deck plating over the
battery. The armament was altered to 10 guns, of
which eight, in the central battery, were to have
been 110 pounders. The central armament has,
however, since been increased to eight 64. ton guns,
firing 100 pounder round shot, with 251 b. charges. It
was to be expected such a ship would fall short in
speed, compared with others of her class which are
not plated. In this respect, however, the Favourite
has given remarkable results. Her displacement on
the trial yesterday, with a draught of water 17ft.
sin, forward and 19ft. 9in. aft, was 2,622 tons, and
her midship section 685 square feet, and she was
found to steam nearly 12 knots per hour. In fact,
the mean of the first two runs exceeded 12 knots;
but, owing to the foulness of water drawn from the
basin at Sheerness, the boilers primed in the latter
runs, and the speed was considerably reduced. The
true mean speed of the whole of the runs, however,
exceeded considerably the speed attained with even
a less displacement and section by the unplated
wooden ships of her class. This result is partly due
to the excellence of the engines with which she has
been furnished, and partly to the highly satisfactory
action of the Mangin screw propeller, which is fitted
experimentally to the vessel, and in which Mr. Reed
has been more fortunate than in the four-bladed
screw with which the Bellerophon was tried last
week. No doubt much of the success is also due to
the form of the Favourite below water since her
alteration on Mr. Wood's plan, which form has been
greatly admired by those who have seen the ship in
dock. At the close of the trial the Favourite re-
turned to her moorings in Sheerness harbour.
The War Department transport Petrel left Chat-
ham yesterday for the purpose of shipping the pow-
der, filled shells, and other ammunition on board
the Basilisk, 6, 1,031 tons, 400-horse power, pad-
dle-wheel steamer, Capt. W. N. W. Hewett, V.C.
The Basilisk has been docked for the customary
overhaul of her valves and bottom before proceed-
ing to sea, and, according to an announcement at
Chatham yesterday, will leave the Nore on Monday
next, her destinktion being the East India and China
station.

It is reported at Plymouth that the screw steam
frigates Liverpool, Octavia, and Arethusa are wait-
ing the arrival of the steam frigate Constance, when
they will proceed in company to Madeira for an ex-
perimental cruise. They will afterwards be sent to
their several stations—viz., the Arethusa, to the
Meditel-ranean ; the Octavia, to the East Indies ;
the Constance, to the West Indies ; and the Liver-
pool, to join the Channel sivadron.
A naval court-martial assembled yesterday morn-
ing on board her Majesty's ship Victory, at Ports-
mouth, composed of Capt. J. Seccombe, her
Majesty's ship Duke of "Wellington, president;
Capt. Hugh Burgoyne, V.C., her Majesty's ship
Wivern ; Commanders Shears (her Majesty's ship
Victory), Greville (her Majesty's ship St. Vincent),
and Brett (her Majesty's ship Asia), for the trial of
Mr. W. M'Dermott, assist.-surgeon of the Royal
Naval Hospital,Haslar, on a charge of being intoxi-
cated at Haslar on the 19th inst. The Court sen-
tenced Mr. M'Dermott to be placed at the bottom
of the list of assist.-surgeons and to be severely
reprimanded.
Two officers, two sergeants, and 77 men of the
4th Depot Battalion, and 27 men of the 4th and Bth
Depot Battalions have been withdrawn from Land-
guard Fort Harwich ; and a detachment of casuals,
consisting of 4 officers, 1 sergeant, and 45 privates,
has proceeded there to undergo a course of musketry
instruction. Capt. Southey, R.E., now doing duty
at Pembroke Dock, is ordered to proceed to Col-
chester to relieve Capt. Grain, R.E., who is to pro-
ceed to Chatham for duty. Capt. Swinford, of the
981 h, is held in readiness to proceed from the depot
at Colchester to join the service companies in India.
The half-yearly inspection of the .ompanies of
Royal Engineers has taken place at head-quarters,
Chatham. It was made by Lieutenant-Colonel T.
T. Collinson, who has the command of the Royal
Engineers during the temporary absence on leav€
of Colonel J. L. A. Simmons, C. 8., the newly-
appointed director. The inspection yesterday vial
confined to that of the depot companies now at
headquarters.

TIIE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER AND
DUNOON PIER DUES.—On Monday afternoon Mr.
Gladstone and party arrived at DUIIOOII pier, por steamei
Undine, on their way to Inverary, to pay a visit to tht
Duke of Argyll, when two carriages were in waiting to
carry them thither. On Mr. Gladstone's luggage being
conveyed to the carriages ho asked what was to pay, when
the porter answered ls. 6d.-61 for dues and ls. for per_
terage. Mr. Gladstone thought the charge exorbitant, and
requested to see the bill of charges. When this document
had been searched through, it was found that an overcharge
had been made. Mr. Gladstone remarked that it was not
for the sake of the money, but a love of fairness and justico(
and The moved°han-
which had caused him to act as he
ihinvaadassdit.ooirrnnheis.th,
wilt at the
caewl laoyr, thenv
npga
ewipb what
ohoon tohffio uegi
ahl
st
conduct of one who keeps the nation's
so careful of his own.—Glasgew Ewing purse and was yet
Citizen.

,• 0..1

,
trathr

HER MAJESTY.

BALMORAL, Sept. 26.

The Queen, accompanied by their Royal High-
nesses the Princess of Wales, Princess Louis of
Hesse, and Princess Louise, drove to the Lynn of
Quoich, and returned by Mar Lodge to the Castle.
Princess Helena went out driving with Princess
Hilda of Anhalt, Baroness de Schenck, and the
Hon. Mrs. William Grey.

--T
The Royal Family in the Highlands.

Her Majesty on Monday last drove from Bal-
moral Castle to her favourite resort, the Falls of
Quoich. Guides and ponies were in readiness, and
the royal cortege rode up the crest of the mountain
overlooking the winding and picturesque vale of the
Quoich. In view of the magnificent scenery on the
sunny slope of the mountain, the royal party held a
pic-nic among the heather. About 7 p.m. her
Majesty returned via Braemar to her Highland
residence, Balmoral. The weather was delightful.
The Princess Helena and Princess Beatrice, &c.,
drove, via Braemar, to Loch Callater on Monday
evening.

On Friday the Prince of Wales and Prince Louis
of Hesse, accompanied by Colonel Marshall, from
Invercauld, and Colonel Keppel, equerry in attend-
ance on his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,
went to the Gairnsheil Moors grouse shouting, and,
notwithstanding the wildness of the birds, bagged
20 brace grouse, 4i brace black game, and 5 hares.
On Saturday the Prince of Wales, accompanied by
Prince Louis, &c., went deer-stalking to the woods
of Knocks, but killed nothing.

Accouchement of Her Royal Highness the

Countess de Paris.

H.R.H. the Countess de Paris was safely delivered
of a princess at nine minutes past seven o'clock this
morning at York House, Twickenham. The event
took place in the presence of their Royal High-
nesses the Count de Paris, the Duke and Duchess
de Chartres, the Duke d'Alencon, the Prince and
Princess de Joinville, the Duke and Duchess
d'Aumale, the Prince de Conde, the Duke and
Duchess de Montpensier, and the ladies and gentle-
men in waiting on their Royal Highnesses. Dr.
Priestley, Dr. Gueneau de Mussy, and Dr. Serrano
(medical attendant on H.R.H. the Duke de Mont-

pensier), were the physicians in attendance. Her
Royal Highness and the infant princess are doing
well. The names selected for the royal infant, who,
we believe, will be christened to-day, are Marie
Amdia Louise Helene.

The Duke and Duchess of Wellington are staying
at Strathfieldsaye, Hampshire.
The Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch are enter-
taining a succession of visitors at Drumlanrig Castle,
Dumfriesshire.

The Marquis of Kildare arrived in town yesterday
from his seat in county Kildare, Ireland.

The Marquis of Hartington will leave Holkar
Hall in a day or two for Dunrobin Castle, on a visit to the
Duke and Duchess of Sutherland.

The Countess of Clonmell and the Ladies Scott
have left Farrance's Hotel for Packington Hall, near
Coventry.
Countess Poulett has arrived at her house in
Hanover-square, from visiting the Marquis and Marchioness
of Winchester at Amport House, near Andover.

The Dowager Countess of Jersey has left town
for St. Leonard's-on-Sea, whero her ladyship intends to
remain until the end of October.

The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., will
leave town on Saturday, in order to relieve the Right Hon.
Sir Chas. Wood in attendance on her Majesty at Balmoral.

Mr. Hastings Russell, M.P., and Lady Elizabeth
Russell will entertain a succession of guests at Woburn
Abbey for the next fortnight.

THE NETHERLANDS LEGATION.—His Excellency
Baron Bentinck, the Minister for the Netherlands, has re-
moved from Lowndes-square to 26, Eaton-square, which
for the future will be the seat of the Netherlands Legation
at the British Court.

VISIT OF EARL RUSSELL TO IRELAND.—It is ex-
pected that EarL Russell will visit the Dublin Exhibition
on Tuesday next, on the occasion of the announcement of
the awards of the several juries. His Excellency the Lord
Lieutenant has intimated his intention of being present,
and the Duke of Leinster will preside on the occasion.

JOHN FIEDEnic HERRING.—The death -of Mr.
John Frederic Herring, the well-known animal-
painter, has to be recorded. He was of Dutch extraction,
and entirely self-taught. At the age of 19 he visited the
St. Leger, and took the fancy to paint the scene. Hepainted
the winner at Doncaster for 33 years with marked success.
For four years ho was a coachman, and drove the " York
and London Highflyer," until Mr. Frank Hawksworth in-
vited him to leave the business, promising him a year's
employment as a painter of horses and hounds. Every one
knows Mr. Herring's subsequent success—his "Returning
from Epsom," his " Derby Day," his " Market Day," his
"Horse Fair," &c. He painted eight horses for the Queen,
and was a prominent member of the British Association.
Mr. Herring was 70 years old, and died at his seat, Meopham
Park, near Tonbridge.
CONSERVATIVE DEMONSTRATION AT CHELTEN-
IIAM.—A festivity of unusual character to the'town
of Cheltenham took place yesterday, when 1,200 Conser-
vatives dined together, to celebrate the return .of Mr.
Schreiber, M.P., to represent Cheltenham at the last gene-
ral election. Mr. Lingwood, lord of the manor of Chel-
tenham, took the chair ; and there were present, besides
Mr. Schreiber, M.P., Lady Schreiber, Sir Geo. Jenkinson,
Lady Jenkinson, Mr. Dowdeswell, M.P., &c. The dinner
took place in a great tent. After several usual toasts the
health of Mr. Schreiber, M.P., was proposed and drunk
with much cheering. Mr. Schreiber replied at great length,
reviewing the general election, and notably the polling at
Cheltenham. Mr. Dowdeswell responded to the toast of
the county and borough members. Mr. Schreiber subse-
quently proposed the 1,157 Conservative members of Chel-
tenham, and other toasts followed. The fete at night con-
sisted of dancing, music, and fireworks.
IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDE-PARK.—The Commis-
sioners of Woods and Forests are employing a very consi-
derable number of labourers in carrying out extensive im-
provements in Hyde-park, by filling up with earth all the
uneven parts, and sowing them with grass seed, for the
purpose of producing a level green sward. The footpath
extending from Hyde-park-corner to Cumberland-gate,
and others from the Albert and Victoria gates, are being
widened ; each gravel walk will be 24 feet wide.
GREAT DESTRUCTION OF FARMING PROPERTY.---
Early yesterday morning intelligence was forwarded
to Chatham of a destructive fire which had broken out in the
isle of Sheppey on Home Place Farm, in the occupation of
Mr. Vincent, and which resulted in the complete destruction
of a large amount of farming produce. Immediately on the
flames being perceived the engines from her Majesty's Dock-
yard, together with that from the garrison, manned by &body
of police and Royal Artillery, hastened to the spot to render
assistance, but owing to the limited supply of waterat hand
all attempts to check the progress of the fire were unsuc-
cessful, the flames consuming the whole of the farm build-
ings, including two granaries, out-buildings, stables, barns,
and farming implements, together with nearly 200 qrs. of
wheat stored in the granaries. The fire was caused by one
of the labourers returning home in a state of intoxication
barntio
hen
at an early hour in the morning and setting fire to
in which he slept, while at the same time narrowly
escaped with his life. The value of the property destroyed
• -
is estimated at between £2,000 and £3,000, but the loss isranee in the Norwich Union
covered by policies of insurance
Fire-office.
A LONDON SATURDAY NIGHT.—It was one of
those streets in which itinerant vendors of vegeta-
bles, fried fish, periwinkles, and other necessaries of the
,
poor man's
life, have constituted to themselvesthe right of
their stalls in a long line on the edge of the
th a distinct intention of of rivalling their com-
petitors rnin the shops, at whose very door they have planted
and underselling them as far as it is possible
establishingt:oietocttiitowr b
arrows,
iu
so cheap a neighbourhood. There seem to be, however,
customers enough for both. On a Saturday night the shops
on either side of the 'way, and the two lines of stalls facing
the shops, have both of them plenty of customers and
appear both to be doing a brisk business, if a cheap. per-
haps the stalls get, on the whole, the most custom. Their
owners make so much noise, are so confident in the goodness
of their own wares, are so importunate with the passers-VI
have such an insinuating way of thrusting a handful of
onions or a bunch of greens under the noses of hesitating
housewives, that it is almost impossible to resist thoir
without at least falling a victim to the extent of a fledwering
let-
tuces or a bundle of turnips. It is a curious,
with screens
scene, and the flare of the candles, screened withaPenwor,s
belong to the itinerants, and of the gas-jets
shops,
make the
at all, which blaze and roar in the open whisk
place quite as light as it is in the
the costermongere
to say a good deal lighter. Meantime,
herein front of their houses
roar to you as you pass,'the butc
emphatic terms, and the bal.'
(November) daylight, not
soticit your patronage in most euip
uproar•--
lad-singer, with the group
contributes his dismal notes to swell the general of children and the watchful (let
Dickens's All the Year Round."