The Sun.
London, England, 1846-05-22 00:00:00

CLOSING
PRICES.

COURT CIRCULAR,

The Queen and Prince Albert, accompanied by the
Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, took an airing
yesterday in an open carriage and four. The Equerries
in Waiting, Colonel Buckley and the Hon. Captain Gor-
don, were in attendance on horseback.
Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Kent and
the Duchess of Gloucester visited her Majesty yester-
day at Buckingham Palace.

His Royal Highness Prince Albert, rode out on
horseback yesterday, attended by the Hon. Captain
Gordon.

Their Royal Highnesses the Prince Alfred and the
Princess Alice took their usual walks and rides yester-
day in tb• garden of the Palace.

The Royal dinner party yesterday at Buckingham
Palace included her Royal Highness the Duchess of
Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Buceleuch. Lady Au-
gusta Bruce, Baroness de Speth, the Earl of Aberdeen,
and Viscountess Villiers.
The band of the Coldstream Guards was in attendance
during dinner at the Palace, and performed the following
pieces :
Introduction and Fantasia—" Malek adel"—Costa.

5674
24%
24%

221,4
2
6%
234
p

12 P
114
75

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Quartett—" Da,s Unterbroken Opferfest"—Winter.
Valse—" The Bird of Paradise"—Koenig.
Tt rzAto—Balfe.

Original Napolitaine—Jullien.
Her Majesty the Queen Dowager and their Royal
Highnesses the Duchess of Kent and the Duke of Cam-
bridge, attended Divine service yesterday (Ascension
day) in the Chapel Royal, St. James's. The Prayers
were read by the Rev. 0. Repton, the Lessons by the
Rev. T. Helmore, and the Communion Service by the
Bishop of London and the Rev. Dr. Sleath. The Ser-
mon was preached by the Bishop of London, who took
his text from Romans. chap. 8, verse 34. The Anthem
was " 0 clap your hands together" (Greene). Mr. Turle
presided at the organ.
The Queen Dowager was attended by the Earl and
Countess Howe ; the Duchess of Kent was attended by
her Lady in Waiting. Among the nobility present were,
the Duchess of Beaufort, and the Ladies Somerset, the
Marchioness of Lore, the Countesses Wilton and
Brownlow, the Marquis of Cholmondeley, Earls Talbot
and Wilton.

Her Majesty the Queen Dowager, attended by the
Hon. Charlotte Hudsdn, and the Hon. Mary Seymour,
took a carriage drive yesterday. Their Royal High-
ne;ses the Duchess of Kent and the Duchess of Glou-
cester visited her Majesty yesterday at Marlborough
House.

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of
Cambridge, attended by Baron Ahlefeldt and Baron
Knesebeek, honoured Count Kielmannsegge, the Hano-
verian Minister, with their company at dinner yester-
day evening, at his residence in Grosvenor-place.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge, ac-
companied by the Princess Mary, honoured the esta-
blishment of Messrs. Hunt and Roskell with a visit

yesterday, to inspect the magnificent plate just corn.
oleted for the Emperor of Russia and the King o
Hanover.

A. deputation, consisting of the Earl of Zetland. Mr.
Frederick Dundas, M.P., Mr. Loch, M.P., Mr. Traill,
M.P., Mr. G. W. Traill, Mr. Orde, M.P., and Mr.
Arthur Anderson had an interview with the Chancellor

ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITU

TION.

TO MARINERS.

CAUSE OF WRECKS AT ST. SHOTTS, NEW-

FOUNDLAND.

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• the Exchequer yesterday, at his official residence in
Downing•street.
The Commissioners of the Metropolitan Improve-
ments had a meeting yesterday, at the office in White-
hall-place. There were present Viscount Canning, Sir
Robert Harry Inglis, Mr. Alderman Humphery, Mr. H.
T. Hope, Hon. C. Gore, and Mr. Milne. •
Mr. Calcraft had an interview with the Earl of Dal-
housie yesterday, at the office of the Board of Trade.
Mr. C. K. Murray bad an interview with the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer yesterday.
Mr. Rutherford, M.P., and Mrs. Rutberford left Far-
rance's Hotel yesterday, for Edinburgh.

We are exceedingly sorry to inform our readers and
the public, that Dr. Ryan has been prevented from
lecturing at the above establishment, in consequence of
severe indisposition, but has found a Most able substitute
in Dr. Bachhoffner, who has been giving a series of
lectures on chemistry in the theatre of this institution.
lie has chosen for his subject that portion of the science
which relates to combustion. Light, says the Learned
Doctor, is produced without combustion, a fact unknown
among the ancient chemists, who asserted the exist-
ence of an ingredient termed phlogiston. This, in latter
years was objected t 9, and Dr. Priestly entirely over-
threw the theory when he made the important discovery
of oxygen gas ; nevertheless, this Professor remained
wedded to the old principle of phlogiston, and, although
he had satisfactorily proved its falsity, still advocated it.
These remarks were illustrated with several interesting
experiments. The Doctor next alluded to the imperfect
ventilation of dwelling- houses in the metropolis, in which,
he said, if you only sat by the fireside, that fire-side so
famed in poetry as the Englishman's, you were nearly
" roasted on one side, while you were almost frozen on
the other," and when entering a friend's house, you were
invariably asked to sit on a particular side, as the other
was subjected to draughts. This, he said, arose from
imperfect ventilation, greatly prekulicial to health, pro-
ducing in many cases colds and rheumatism, and iu the
I young and delicate, consumption. The Doctor con-
cluded by experimentally showing that combustion was
alone caused by intense chemical action.

LLOYD'S SHIPPING.
LONDON, MAY 21.—WInd S.E., light breeze and fine.
OFF MARGATE, MAY 20.—Thomas Lowry, Graham, Sydney, New
South Wales.

WHITSTABLE, MAT 20. The Alfred, Wilson, Swansea to London
got on the middle sand this morning, during a thick squall of rain
she was assisted off without injury, and proceeded.
PLYMOUTH, MAY 20.—1 t has blown a gale from S.W. since 6 P M.
yesterday, and continues._

YARMOUTH, MAY 20.—The Hawk, Burnett, of and from Montrose,
for London, has come in here to-day leaky, having been on the Scroby
Sand, 'and assisted off, and is discharging her cargo.
HARWICH, MAY 20.—The Alert, Eskdalc, of Whitby, from Oporto
to London, struck on the Longsandhead last night and capsized; eight
passengers and one of the crew drowned ; master and remainder of
the crew saved.

WIVENHOE, 31. av 20.—A sloop (supposed Danish) laden with oats,
was discovered on her broadside in the Swin, 18th inst., and was
taken in tow by some smacks, but in endeavouring to get over the
Gundeet Sand she struck, and shortly went to pieces.
DEAL, MAT 20.—Wind S.S.W. to 5.W., strong and squally ;
S.W. moderate.—Arrd. Rob Roy, Buenos Ayres ; Camilla, Canney,
Jamaica ; Beaufort, .Bartlett, Cuba ; Eliza, Gallon, St. Vincent's ;
Occana, Jordan, New Orleans. Arrd. from the River, Urgent, Tuck,
Sydney; Young England, Adams, Demerara. Arrd. from the River
and sailed, Berdianski steamer, Black Sea.

HULL, MAY 20.—Wind Rimswell, Brown, St.
John's, Now Brunswick.
ABERYSTWYTH, MAY 20.—1 t has blown a gale since yesterday, from
the south-west. - .

Bona Vista, Newfoundland, Feb. 28, 1846.
To George Richard Robinson, Esq., Chairman at Lloyd's.
Dear Sir,—The circumstance of the Hibernia steamer
having been brought up against Cape Race, on her home-
ward voyage in November last, induces me to offer a few
observations upon the operation of the current, on that part
of our coast, as it was evidently the cause of her being drawn
so far to the westward of her supposed situation, at the
time of her meeting with the land. In a former communica-
tion to your Committee upon the loss of the Harpooner
transport, Comus sloop of war, and her Majesty's brig Little
Drake, &c. &c., at St. Shotts and Cape Pine, I endeavoured
to throw some light upon 'the cause of theirs, as well as
many other shipwrecks, occurring in quick succession, about
that particular part of the coast; and I have since not been
a little gratified at perceiving that the hints there given were
deemed of sufficient importance to occupy a conspicuous
place in Nories' sailing directions, for that part of the coast
of Newfoundland, and that since their appearance the
shipwrecks have almost ceased, and if not altogether
ceased they have not been so frequent as they were before.
In that communication I informed your Committee, if I re-
collect right (for it is many years since), that the frequent
shipwrecks occurring at Saint Shotts were occasioned by a
strong current setting in to the westward, round Cape Race,
which was occasioned by the action thereon of E.N.E., east
and south-east winds, and that the strength of such action
could only be estimated by the knowledge of the length or
prevalence of such winds. Personal observations, added to
circumstances which have since come within my knowledge,
has served to confirm that opinion. To a few of those cir-
cumstances and observations it is my present wish particularly
to direct the attention of your Committee, and also that of
the navigators frequenting this coast, or occasionally skirting
it in their passage to and from the Gulf of Saint Laurence
and the neighbouring colonies.
First, as to the action of the Gulf-stream upon the current
setting along the east coast of this island.
It is pretty generally admitted by navigators that the
western edge of the Gulf-stream (of Mexico) approaches the
eastern edge of the Grand Bank of this island, and from the
circumstance (though a rare one) of the Nautilus being cast
on shore at Ferryland, and in that neighbourhood, after a
long continuance of east winds (and never else), I infer that
the Gulf-stream must have brought them to the coast, as
they are seldom met with westward of th• outer or eastern
extremity of the Grand Bank.
Presuming, from the foregoing circumstance, that the Gulf-
stream, by a long-continued action of winds from a particu-
lar quarter upon its surface, is sometimes propelled towards
that part of the coast lying between Cape. St. Francis and
Cape Race, it is only fair to infer that, if it does not reach
the coast, its pressure on such occasions upon the local
current passing along the coast to the south-west and west-
ward, must, by circumscribing the surface of that current,
add to its velocity, and that, consequently, after such long-
continued action, vessels approaching the coast from the
south and westward must encounter a greater resistance in
the force of the local current than if the winds had been
variable for the same space of time.

Secondly—Masters of fishing vessels frequenting the Great
Bank, state that the current on the bank sets all round the
compass within the space of twenty-four hours. That such
has been observed to have been the case in the neighbour-
hood of the Virgin Rocks, in the latitude of Cape Race, and
not more than sixty miles from it, as well as on other parts
of the bank. Hen& I infer that during that portion of the
twenty•four hours, when it makes to the westward, it must
as a matter of course tend to increase the velocity of the
current by setting with it to the westward.
Thirdly—lf any doubt were entertained, or any proof
were wanting as to the direction of the current, after its
passing Cape Race, the circumstance of the body of Captain
Baker, of her Majesty's brig Little Drake, having been dis-
covered east on shore near the Rams or Ranco Islands, on the
east side of Placentia Bay (and there interred), about one
hundred miles, or nearly so, from the scene of his unhappy
shipwreck, would, I presume, be sufficient to indicate its true
course, and to remove all doubt, if any existed, upon the
subject.
lourthly—That the current or eddy spoken of as existino•
on the Great Bank in front of this island must be occasioned
by the resistance which the stream from the Saint Laurence
meets with on runniog into the ocean from the Straits of
Bell Isle on the north, where it meets with, and is checked
southwards, by the current corning down fro m the N.E. along
the coast of La Bradon, and the like resistance of the ocean
waters to the stream setting out of the gulph to the south-
west of this island.
To acquire a perfect knowledge of this current, as well as
the current making along the coast, so as to be able at all
times to make due allowance for its strengh and tendency,
rust be the work of a skilful navigator, a title which la-
not, by any possibility lay claim to; nevertheless, the fore-
going hints may assist him in arriving at a right conclusion
upon the subject; and provided that it ultimately tends to
the preservation of life and property, I shall tee! more than
repaid.
Had the Hibernia been a vessel under canvas; instead of

being propelled rapidly through the water by steam, she
would have brought up at Saint Shotts, or about Cape Pine,
instead of reaching Cape Rac,,, ; in such a case I will not even
venture to glance at the fearful consequences to her crew and
passengers. The admirable presence of mind, cool, de-
terminate judgment displayed by her commander amongst
the rocks at Cape Race, would not, I fear, have been sufficient
to bring his vessel off fiom Saint Shotts. Until something
has been done to ascertain the true state of the current, upon
that part of the coast, I would impress upon all commanders
approaching Cape Race from the southward and westward,
the absolute necessity of making more frequent use
of the lead in foggy weather, and not to come within 300035
fathoms of water in passing or rounding Cape Race. A cast
or two of the lead about Cape St. Mary's, and one or two
between that and Cape Race, will enable the navigator to
conduct his ship, by observing the foregoing precautions,
clear of the dangers of that part of the coast, and coun-
teract the force of the current. With a hope that the fore-
going may ultimately lead to some result beneficial to my
fellow men,

I remain, dear Sir, very respectfully,
Your most obedient servant,
WILLIAM SWEETLAND.

Thermometer six below the cypher.
RELATING TO THE BRIG RUTH OF SCARBOROUGH.
Ti'e agent to Lloyd's at Gibraltar reports an attack hav-
ing been made upon the British brig Ruth of Scarborough,
Newham master, from Mersena to St. Petersburg, by three
or four armed piratical boats off the Riff, coast o Barbary,
{:n the 30th April last, and the consequent abandonment of
the vessel by the captain and crew in order to save their
lives, Cape Tres Torcas, bearing S.E. by E., distant about
five er six leagues. The vessel is supposed to have been
run on shore subsequently at that part of the coast. Lloyd's
agent had addressed the senior naval officers in the Bay,
and her Majesty's Consul at Tangier upon the subject, and
ber Majesty's brig Fantome had been ordered to proceed im -
mediately to the coast of Riff. Masters of vessels will,
under the circumstances, do well to be cautious on approach-
ing near that part of the African coast designated the Riff,
laying eastward of Tetuan, as far as the Spanish penal
settlements (on that coast) of the Penon de Gomero,
Albucemas, and of Melilla, the latter being in about 3 deg.
W., and near to the Algerene boundary.

DUTCH AND FLANDERS MAIL.
BRUSSELS, MAY 18.—At the opening of the Chamber of
Representatives to-day, M. de Thieux laid on the bureau a
report on the higher branches of education.
M. de Haerule called the attention of the Minister of Fo-
reign Affairs to a new difficulty raised by the French Cus-
tom-house officers, on the importation of unbleached linens.
The remainder of the sitting was devoted to the discussion of
the 12th chapter of the budget of the Department of the In-
terior, relative to agriculture.
The King set out this morning for his estate at Ardenne,
accompanied by Mr. Conway.
The law containing the budget of the department of pub-
lie works for 1846, dated the 17th of May, has just been
nublished. This budget amounts to the sum of 14,168,949
francs.

The police of our city arrested yesterday 100 beggars
and vagabonds, most of whom came from Flanders. We
observe that the Journal de Louvain mentions that an ex-
cessive number of beggars infest the streets of that city.
They are strangers to the town.
A considerable promotion has just been.. made in the
army.

Another law, dated the 15th of May, prolongs till the Ist
of March, 1847, the Ist article of the law of the 12th of April,
1835, concerning the tolls on iron railways.
THE HAGUE, MAY 15.—The Stews Courrant of to-day,
republishes the account from St. Petersburg, dated May 5,
announcing that goods imported into Russia, in ships of the
Netherlands, shall be exempt till the 27th of July, this
year, from payment of the additional duty of 50 per cent.
imposed by the Ukase of the Ist of July, 1845. Her Royal
Highness the Princess of Orange, and her children and suite,
will set out on Monday morning for Rotterdam, thence by
steam -boat to Arnham, and then to Loo.
With respect to the visit of her Britannic Majesty to this
place, we are able to state that great hopes continue to be
entertained of this visit; that important repairs are making
in the palace of King William 1., and that the completion
of the palace of his Majesty is rapidly proceeding, and that
preparations are making to give a splendid reception to
Queen Victoria.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE
TATTER S A LL'S.—YISTERDAY.
There was again a good deal of business got through in
the way of comparing. Betting, however, was fiat, and be-
yond showing an improvement in Sir Tatton Sykes, the Peri
colt, and The Conjurer, and a decline in Humdrum, was of
little importance. We have agsin to return Sting a
"nominal" favourite; 40 to 1 was laid against him on Wed-
neQday night, and this afternoon, until nearly six o'clock, he
had not been mentioned at a price, 12 to 1 was then taken
to a small sum, afterwards 15 to 1, and lastly 20 to 1, and at
20 to 1 he was in reality as bad a favourite as if 40 to 1 had
been betted. It was stated that Lord E. Russell had been to
Mitchell-grove, attended by Mr. Field, the veterinary flu-
geon, and the condition of the horse, we presume, has been
certained, with what result has yet to come out; that he
will run for the Derby, although Mr. Forth, who was present
yesterday afternoon, appears to be unaware that anything
is the matter with him, is looked upon as very problematical.
The Oaks betting, as usual, was on a small scale.
DERBY.
4 to 1 agst Mr. W. Scott's Sir Tatton Sykes—taken
13 to 2 agst Lord Maidstone's Tom Tullock—t 7 to 1
10 to 1 agst Mr. Meiklam's Fancy Boy—t and aft. off.
13 to 1 agst Sir J. Hawley's Humdrum-4 and aft off
20 to 1 agst Lord E Russell's Sting—nominal
20 to 1 agst Mr. Merry's Peri colt—t and aft offered
20 to 1 agst Mr. Gully's Pyrrhus the First—t and aft of
22 to 1 agst Mr. E. R. Clark's The Conjuror—taken
26 to 1 twat Mr. Wall's Crown,Prince—t. and aft. off.
33 to 1 agst Mr. Mostyres The Premier—t and aft. off.
40 to 1 agst Mr. E. Peel's Twig—t and aft. off.
40 to 1 agst Lord Chesterfield's Ginger—taken
50 to 1 agst Mr. Drinkald's Widred—taken
50 to 1 agat Mr. Ramsay's Malcolm—t. and aft. offered.
OAKS.
6 to 1 agst Sir C. Monck's Vanish—taken
8 to 1 agst Mr. Gully's Mendicant—taken
10 to 1 agat Mr. Quin's Perdita filly—taken
14 to 1 agst Mr. Preston's Osprey—taken
25 to 1 agst Mr. Bowes's Ukraine—taken
30 to 1 agst Lard Albermarle's Nell Cook—taken.
INTELLIGENCE EXTRA.—NEWMARKET SECOND
OCTOBER MEETING, 1846.— THURSDAY.
Lord Maidstone's Tom Tullock against Sir .J. Hawley's
Humdrum, Bst 31b each, A. F. 1001., h ft, if either win the
Derby, to carry 71b extra.
HOUGHTON MEETING, 1846.—MoNDAy.
Duke of Bedford's Black Cat, Bst 81b, agst Mr. Merton's
Jumble, 7st 51b ; T. Y. C., 2001., h ft.
SATURDAY.
Duke of Bedford's Captain Phcebus, 4 yrs, Bst 91b, agst
Mr. Merton's Jumble, 2 yrs, sst 71b T.Y.C., 2001. h ft.