The Sun.
London, England, 1849-06-21 00:00:00

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.

The second general flower show took place yesterday,
in the inner circle of the Regent's Park, the Queen and
Prince honouring the gardens with their presence, ac
companied by the Princess Royal and the Princess Alice,
and their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and
Duchess of Mecklenburg Strelitz. Among the visitors
present were the Duchesses of Norfolk, Beaufort, and
Somerset; the Duchess of St. Albans, the Marquises of
Ailesbury, Ely, and Lisboa; the Marchioness of Ailes-
bury, the Bishops of Durham and Winchester, the
Earls of Beauchamp, Egmont, and Wilton; Lords Tem-
pletown and Courtney, Ladies Pellew, Fellows, Evans,
microbus, Hume Campbell, Mulyneaux, Goldsmid, Isa-
bdia Baring, Trollops, Bolt, Rolls, Buxton, Carroll,
and Lygon ; Sirs E. Johnson, J. Milbanks, R. Joddrell,
M. W. Ridley, F. Booth, W. J. Newton ; F. L. Lush-
ington, J. Cockburn; Baron Goldsmid, Count Kielman-
segge, M. Van de Weyer, Mr. H. T. Hope, M.P., Dr.
Beekland, Colonels Hamner, Smith, E. Wilmot, Dixon,
Fitzgibbon, Buckley, Newberry, Dixon, &c.
The following were the first prizes for the chief col-
lections :—For 30 stove and greenhouse plants, to Mr.
May, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence; 20 ditto, Mr. Green,
gardener to Sir E. Antrubus; 10 ditto, Mr. Williams,
gardener to Miss Trail; specimen plant, Mr. T. Wil-
liams and Mr. Cole, gardener to H. Cullyer, Esq.; 6 tall
cacti, Mr. Green; rare orchids, Mr. May, gardener to S.
Rice Kee, Esq.; rare plants, in bloom, Messrs. Veitch,
Exeter; plants of economical interest, Messrs. Veitch;
12 Alpine plants, Mr. Smith, gardener to J. Anderson,
Esq.; Cape pelargoniums, Mr. Parker; 15 heaths, Mr.
Mylam; 12 ditto, Mr. Epps, Maidstone; 6 ditto, Mr.
I'. Withams; 4 azaleas, Mr. Green; 25 orchids, Mr.
Mylam; 15 ditto, Mr. Plant, gardener to J. H. Sched•
der, Esq.; 6 ditto, Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck;
exotic ferns and 30 British ferns, Mr. Williams, gar-
dener to C. P. Warner, Esq.; 12 pelargoniums, in 8 in.
pots, Mr. Cock, Chiswick; 12 ditto ditto, Mr. Dobson; 6
ditto, in 12 in. pots, Mr. Parker; 6 fancy ditto, R. Mos-
ley, E,q., Pine-apple place; 6 ditto, Mr. Ambrose, Bat
tersea; for seedling ditto, Mr. Holder, 12 pinks, Mr.
Turner, Slough; 24 pansies, Mr. Turner, Slough; 6 cal-
ceolarias, Mr. Henderson, Pineapple-place; 6 fuschias,
Mr. Robinson, gardener to J. Simpson, Esq.; 12 roses,
iu pots, Messrs. Lane and Son; 8 ditto ditto, Mr. Terry,
gardener to Lady Pullen; 6 yellow roses, in pots, Messrs.
Lane and Son; 100 roses, Messrs. Paul and Sons; 50
ditto, A. Rowland, El., Lewisham, and Mr. Terry; 12
new roses, Messrs. Lane and Sons.

LAUNCH OF THE BRITANNIA.

B'H L) G L.

MENAI STRAITS, WEDNESDAY.—The greatest doubt
ar.d anxiety now hangs over the accomplishment of this
great operation. The excitement here, and, indeed,
throughout the county, is greater than ever, owing to
the unavoidable procrastination that has taken place.
Mr. Stephenson, who has not left the works since
Monday, holds hourly conferences with Captain Claxton,
Captain Moorsom, and his engineering staff. The great
experiment would, unquestionably, have been completed
last evening, had it not been for the untoward event of
the great capstan breaking. This, it is said, arose from
no insufficiency of strength in the capstan itself, but
from the fact of the shore lashings behind the tube not
having been cut away or detached from the tube, and, as
a natural consequence, while the capstan was employed
in drawing the tube out into the stream, the shore lash-
ings detained it, and the capstan, failing to overcome
the resistance, started, strained, and broke. On the an-
nouncement of this result, which was immediately com-
municated from point to point along the Straits, the vast
multitude dispersed in a state of great disappointment,
some of the more facetious amongst them denouncing
the whole affair as a " sell." It was announced, far and
wide, that the floating would take place at seven o'clock
this morning, and even at au earlier hour vast numbers
had assembled; but they were again doomed to disap-
pointment, the capstan, on the renewed attempt, again
failing, and Captain Claxton having received some fall
or injury. Renewed attempts are agai❑ fixed for eight
o'clock this evening, when the tide will be 18 feet 11
inches. Two boats employed in conveying the tackle
have been sunk to-day.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)
At half-past nine o'clock last night the final operations
for placing this magnificent work were completed, and
the tube fixed firmly upo❑ its bed, amidst the loudest
demonstrations of approbation from all the spectators
assembled upon the interesting occasion.

ST, JAMES'S THEATRE.
Yesterday was a proud day for Mr. Mitchell. In the
afternoon he had presented to him, by the patrons of the
,
James's Theatre, a magnificent candelabrum and a
"Verb silver salver, " as a testimony of the zeal, libe-
rality, and good faith which have characterised the ma-
THE UNITED LAW CLERKS' SOCIETY.— The
'igement of the French plays;" and in the evening the
seventeenth anniversary meeting of the friends of this
houseL was crowded to excess by those anxious to do
society was held on Tuesday evening at the Free-
him honour on the occasion of his benefit, while the per-,.''
Ormstnees were indeed par extraordinaire, seeing that mason s Tavern. The duties of the chair were most ably
discharged by the Right Hon. Sir Frederick Pollock,
I,afont had come expressly from Paris to take part in Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer. The
'n„em, and that Madame Ciuti Damoreau appeared once
Chairman, in deviating from the routine of toasts pro-
more
on the stage. The reason of all this is obvious, and posed by the committee, said that, at the risk of being
the moral plain; and it is to be wished that other ma- charged with heading an imeute—(Laughter)—he must
agers would study the reason and profit by the moral,
and follow the example of Mr. Mitchell, who, to use the take the liberty to propose the " Health of His Royal
tWords of the Duke of Beaufort, when presenting to him Highness Prince Albert" separately. The Prince was a
.he testimonial, "is as popular behind the curtain as he benches of Lincoln's Inn, and his acquirements entitled
13 before it, because in him the artistes have always found him in every respect to the highest esteem.—(Cheers.)
a benefactor and friend." This is high praise, but not In proposing the toast of the evening, "Prosperity to
higher than the deserts of Mr. Mitchell, who during the Law Clerk's Society," the chairman passed a high
the eight years of his managerial career at this theatre eulogium upon the profession of which he was an humble
has expended, among dramatic artists alone, upwards of member. He might fearlessly say that no profession
120,0001. But it is not alone the public in general, and was more distinguished for its support of freedom and
the principles of the constitution. Mr. Humfreys, Q.C.,
the artists who are under obligations to Mr. Mitchell;
proposed the health of the chairman, and referred to him
more indebted to him even than they are the unfortunate
as an illustration alike of how a sound lawyer, and an
mortgagees of the St. James's Theatre, whose property
English gentleman, could discharge the duties of a high
Was quite valueless until Mr. Mitchell stepped forward
and became the tenant of the theatre, and who, as a tes- situation. Mr. Bethel!, Q.C., proposed the next toast,
tiniony of the respect which they entertained for him, and congratulated the meeting upon having for a chair-
man a gentleman who was so highly distinguished and
Presented him yesterday, through the medium of Dr.
Daniel, with a costly cup and cover. We were not, esteemed in the discharge of every public duty. The
therefore, surprised to find, last evening, that the theatre chairman next proposed the health of' Mr. Charles
Wascrowded
1 ,ut Idhria.
nt Dg
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air
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id eei dvr e
his
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asi
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oan t
hae mr felicitousal ne ngesrl
to excess, and was honoured with the pre-
characters Dplecekeehn, s.
al l
senoe of Loyalty-. Never was manager more highly s
honoured than was Mr. Mitchell yesterday, and never
ewhichf
respondedthe weayse receivedhtoini
gn v
aari
mannerewui
various
h grwerefl, applause.c te
dI
proposed
ththe e course
highest
anand
otherweahti toastsch reflected
has manager more highly deserved such honours.
The performances commenced with the quaint drol-
credit upon the society. Suffice it to say, that, in the
letles of 'retard, in La Vendetta, and then fol-
ansence of the requisite space for a proper and more de-
lowed Rossini's comic opera, Le Comte Ory,
_ tailed report, the whole proceedings were characterized
an Opera which, according to some dilettante, is almost
theby.. most enlightened and truly Christian and liberal
equal to the Barbiere. The opera, under the title of //
ee mg, and that the result of the festival was the hand-
Conte Ory, was produced some years ago at her Majesty's
Theatre, but haS not been performed of late years; why, i I
some sum of 4201.
h would be difficult to say, for the music is gay spark-
ling, thoroughly Rossini-ish, and, in a word, the opera
thefibner
swimming
piuSwiramlNG FETE.—This evening one of
come off under the direction of the
t t''mna.ilnl g fetes which has taken place for many
can be cast without difficulty. The plot lies in a nut
yearsbwimmpinasg,Clwut, at the National Baths, High Holborn.
shell; it consists of the attempts of Count Ory, a you[];
Scapegrace, and his companions, as graceless as himself,
There are three medals to be contested for; the first a
to intrude themselves into the chateau of the Countess
massive Leander gold medal, valued at eleven guineas,
of Formontiers during the absence of her husband at the
the gift of Harold Kenworthy, Esq.; the second a mas-
Crusades. The scapegraces are, of course, discovered,
sine silver medal; and the third a second-class Leander
and have to plead for mercy to the Countess not to de-
silver medal, both of which are given by Mr. Hedgeman,
liver them up to the vengeance of her husband, who has
the worthy proprietor of these popular baths. The sue-
unexpectedly returned. The character of Comte Ory
'was well sustained by M. Octave, and Mademoiselle cessful competitor for the first prize is to be looked upon
as the champion for 1g49, the match being open to all
Charton sung the lively sparkling music alloted
to the Countess with great brilliancy and effect. the world. The greatest excitement prevails in the
M. Zelger, as the tutor of the Count, always fuming swimming and bathing clubs as to the result, as there are
worried, and anxious, in consequence of the escapade; three men whose backers state there will not be half-a-
of his charge, was admirable; and Mademoiselle Gincha' '
d yard distance between them when they have reached the
as holier, the page, who turns the tables completely 'on goal.
the Count, was the very perfection of pert pa.ehood. PRINCE ALBERT'S VIEIT TO CIIATITAM.—The
H manner Elfin,er singing was admirable throughout, and her '
of giving the second soprano part in her trio with dispatch te,ider, is ordered from Portsmouth to
M. the Thames, under Commander Master Balleston, on
Octave and Mademoiselle Charton is deserving of cspe- i Saturday next, to attend en Prince Albert and convey
cial mention. Mademoiselle Charton was called him to Gravesend, to attend the grand field day that is
for at the conclusion of the opera. After the opera totukpaceshortly at Chatham. Captain Crispin will
Madame Ciuti Damoreau, whose name is fami- 'go to London to attend Prince Albert in the Elfin early
jar to every musical amateur as one of the next week.
most celebrated singers of the French school, sang THE HON. ARTILLERY COMPANY.—His Royal
several morceaux. As a graceful and finished executant Highness Prince Albert
of music of the florid style, Madame Ciuti Damoreau of the lion. Artillery Company, has signified his inten-
perhaps never had a superior, and of that re- tion to review the regiment on 111onday next, the 25th
markable facility of vocalization which gained her last., at ten o'clock.

SCOTTISH SOCIETY OF LONDON.
This society, which is as yet in its eatliest infancy,
has begun by dui'tg great things. It has had the merit
f finding out and supplying a blank hitherto existing
in the amusements of London. Yesterday a grand fete
commenced under its auspices at Holland-park, Ken-
,ington, and is to be continued to-day, fur the purpose
if presenting to the English public a specimen of the
national pastimes of Scotland. The society has pro-
pitiated public opinion by establishing itself on a cha-
ritable basis, for its profits are to be distributed among
the benevolent institutions of the metropolis founded
for the relief of Scotehmen in distress. To some it
may appear a bold stroke that the inhabitants of the
korile should dare to bring their characteristic games
ted costumes south of the Tweed, and that the Act of
Union should be so far disregarded in England itself,
that a spirit of nationality should be successfully as-
serted so near London as Holland-park. But, fortu-
nately for all parties, the nationality of Scotland is not
political. It is founded on no existing grievances,
end is imbued with no unamiable or offensive senti•
tnents. The recollections of the past, whether his-
toric or traditionary, are all that it aspires to per
petuate, and in doing justice to the romantic charac-
teristics of times long gone by, it has not neglected to
conciliate the good opinion and support of all who value
kindred feelings end tastes in the great southern division
of this island. Thus the ancient practice of archery oc-
cupies a conspicuous place in the programme of the fete
which the society yesterday inaugurated, and Lincoln
green was among the least prominent of the costumes
exhibited on an occasion peculiarly dedicated to the ce-
lebration of Scottish games. England has had her long
bows and Strongbows, and as a nation she is more
deeply interested in the remembrance of that art
which won for her the great victories of Edward
the Third and Henry the Fifth. But the course
of events has here relegated archery to the fostering
care of local clubs;eind little is ever heard in these ci-
vilized days of that skill on which the fame of Robin
flood and his " merry, merry men " depend. "To
draw a long bow " now has a very different signification
from what it had in the times of Chevy Chase, and the
arrow of a clothyard long " is only remembered as a
quotation from one of our most ancient ballads. In
Scotland the practice of archery by private individuals
nas also been neglected; but there, at least, it still receives
a national recognition. The Queen's body guard in the
north are " the Scottish Archers," and though there
may be some ground for fearing that the Royal per-
son would not he very efficiently protected by the
most zealous services of that ancient and honourable
corps, still there is something in the existence of a body
which recognizes the use of that weapon fatal in English
history to no less than three of her monarchs—to Harold,
to William Rufus, and ,to Richard Cceur de Lion. If
there could remain any doubt as to the liberal and ex-
cellent spirit in which the Scottish Society of London
have commenced their proceedings, it would be com-
pletely removed by the aspect of the large and
distinguished assemblage which met yesterday to
do honour to the first day of the fete. There was
rather a thin muster of Scotch nobles and lairds, and
the gathering would probably have been a failure
had those of them who were present not been
assisted by the countenance and support of the English
aristocracy. The Right Hon. Fox Maule, the Chisholm,
and Cluny Macpherson took an active and important
part in the proceedings. The other gentlemen connected
with the society were most obliging, and conducted all
the arrangements in an admirable manner. The Mar-
quis of Breadalbane, as president, is entitled to a
targe share of the praise which the fete de-
serves; but the society is principally indebted to
those distinguished English visitors who in such large
numbers honoured the occasion with their presence.
Among the company were the Duchess of Montrose,
the Countess of Jersey, Lady Clementine Villiers,
Lady Dalmeny, Lady Agnes Buller, Lady Emily Foley,
Lady Anne M`Kenzie, the Marquis of Abercorn, the
Marquis of Huntly, Earl Verulam, Lord Exmouth,
Lord Castlereagh, Lord Chelsea, Sir James MeKenzie
Seatwell, Sir Evan M'Kenzie, Kilcoie, Macalister of
Macalister, Mr. Mackay of Arisaig, the Hon. F. Vil-
liers, and Sir Henry Meaux. Many of the noblemen
end gentlemen who in the autumn months go to the
Highlands for grouse shooting or deerstalking were
present. The most active members of the society
were dressed in the Celtic garb. The competitors
tor the strictly national games were also arrayed in
tartan. The archers wore a variety of costumes, in
which, however, the Lincoln green predominated.
The prices of admission secured a thoroughly well-
dressed assemblage of persons, and, altogether, it is
very rarely that a more agreeable spectacle is presented
than that of the five or six thousand persons who were
yesterday collected in the grounds of Holland -Park.
The elite of the company occupied the Grand Stand.
which could not have accommodated less than 1,200
ladies and gentlemen. It was situated at the lower end
of a gentle slope in Holland Park, possessing much na-
tural beauty, and rendered doubly striking on the occa-
sion by the presence of so large an assemblage, and by
the other arrangements connected with the fete. In
front of the Grand Stand a space of considerable ex-
tent has been partitioned off for the celebration of the
different games, and within it none but the competitors,
the judges, and the representatives of the press were al-
lowed to enter.
Beyond this enclosure the spectators were collected,
and it was not uninteresting to see the eagerness with
which they watched all that took place, and the loud
buz of approbation and excitement which rose Iron
them during the progress of each competition. Tte
grounds, besides the other facilities afforded, were
well supplied with places of refreshment, numerous
tents and pavilions having been erected for that
purpose. Altogether, the scene presented was quite
new in effect, end striking as well as novel. We
are so accustomed to uniformity of costume, that
anything which varies the monotony to which our
tailors and milliners have reduced us insensibt)
pleases, more particularly so in this vast city, where
so few opportunities arise for showing that the United
Kingdom is a collection of races differing in blood, in
manners, and in dress, and yet not differing to disagree,
but to bring to the support of their common country a
large variety of qualities upon which its permanence
and supremacy may be securely based.
Having gives these preliminary details, in order to
convey a just idea of the spirit and character of the
fete, it is now necessary to state what the operations
of yesterday principally were, and how they were
conducted. Of course the first day of an exhibition of
the kind is necessarily much occupied in winnowing
the carts from the chaff by competition, and in selecting
the best men to be pitted against each other on the suc-
ceeding day; before the prizes are awarded,&c. This was
the case to a great extent yesterday, and therefore to-
day will be in reality the principal day of the fete. The
proceedings commenced shortly after twelve o'clock with
archery at 100 yards distance, an immense number of
competitors entering the lists, and a great struggle being
evidently made for the 300 guineas' worth of plate to be
distributed to the most successful. The whole arrange-
ments connected with this department of the exhibition
were admirable, and the contest was carried on with
almost military precision. Upon the whole the practice
was very fair, no accidents from stray arrows having
been reported. The silence and force with which
these formidable weapons glance through the air
wake it absolutely necessary that great precautions
should be adopted; for the best archer may send
his shaft considerably astray occasionally, and it would
have been very awkward if any of the fair ladies pre-
sent had met with poor Blanch of Devon's late. While
this competition was proceeding it was found that the
twanging cf the bowstrings and the dull sound of each
target as it was struck did not suffice to keep up the at-
tention of the company, and the music of the bagpipes
was therefore called into aid. A band of twelve pipers
marched round the enclosed space, playing as they went,
and those who know the power of the instrument may
fancy the effect produced. The juvenile band of the
Caledonian Asylum also did good service here, perform-
ing in a very surprising manner some selections of music
suitable to the occasion.
After the first bout at archery had concluded, throw-
ing the hammer was introduced; and for this game
seven competitors appeared. These had all been winners
of prizes at the different local gatherings in the High-
lands, and were, therefore, to a certain extent, picked
men. They all wore the kilt, and their appearance as
they turned out into the centre of the enclosed space and
stripped for the trial excited a lively interest. They
were divided into two parties, the one consisting of four,
the other of three; and, from the result of the competi-
tion, four were chosen between whom the prizes to be
awarded to-day will be contended for. The men thus
selected, and the distance they threw the hammer, which
weighed 201 b., are as follows:

Ft. in.
Colin Macdonald Cranachan ... 86 1
Alexander M'Hardy 81 0
Archibald Macdonald Cranachan . . 80 9i
Thomas Menzies ... ... 79 5
Throwing the hammer is a beautiful game, requiring
that due combination of strength and expertness which
constitutes the perfection of a manly exercise. Swing-
ing round him the projectile, and taking himself one or
more whirls as he approaches the limits pre-
scribed to him, the player lets it suddenly fly
from his band, and it is hurled through the air to an
amazing distance. The throwing yesterday was very
clean and good, and excited general admiration. While
this part 05 the programme was going on, strathspeys,
reels, and the sword dance followed each other in rapid
succession close to the Grand Stand. The performers
acquitted themselves with great agility and spirit, and
bound, shuffled, shouted, and cracked their fingers, ac-
companied by the music of the bagpipes, to the great
delight of the onlookers. Of the dances of Scotland the
sword dance is the most peculiar and characteristic.
Two swords are placed across, and the performer
dances in every possible manner between the divisions
until he touches the blade of either weapon. It was
danced very gracefully by several of the competitors
yesterday.
The next point in the proceedings was a foot race of
1,600 yards, for which eight men started, the greater
number of them bareheaded and barefooted, and wear-
ing nothing but their shirts and kilts. The race-course
extended along the temporary enclosure twice round,
and was very well adapted to try the speed of those who
entered for the prizes; but a Highlander's power as a
runner derend much more upon his great wind and en-
durance, particularly in running up hill, than upon his
swiftness of foot. The grounds of Holland Park, how-
ever, afford no facilities for testing this sort
of excellence, and so the race may be said
to have differed very little except in the appearance
of those who tried it, from similar exhibitions in Eng-
land. There were during the day no less than three
heats, in the first two of which all the competitors
joined, and in the last the men who were first and second.
The prize eventually rested with Colin Macdonald
Cranachan, who won the second heat, and would have
won the first had his course at the critical moment when
he was reaching the goal not been accidentally impeded.
This young man ran beautifully, laying himself along