The Sun. — 1844-10-02 (London, England)

HER MAJESTY AT BLAIR ATHOL. BLAIR ATHOL, SUNDAY.  The otter hunt yesterday was one of the most interesting and picturesque scenes ever witnessed in this part of the country. The sport was not of a first-rate order, as the otter which Lord John Scott had brought with him from Roxburghshire had been too long cabined in his wooden cage to enable him to receive with becoming respect the attention of eight couple of huge hungry hounds. Wh.n the poor amphibious little animal was turned out from his box he showed but little disposition to take the water, and, as he crept along the sedgy banks of the river, he knew of none of those " shady blest retreats" and rocky recesses which these animals select for their local habitation, the country was unknown to him, and as one of the keepers (who had not derived as much benefit at Major Dalgetty's for his education at the Marisehall College at Aberdeen), remarked, the river Garry was a terra incognita in which he knew not where to find shelter from the murderous fangs and jaws of his enemies. The deep baying of the beautiful hounds, whose symmetry of form was scarce concealed by their glossy shaggy coating, and the undaunted pluck which they evinced in coming to the charge after they had been severely bitten by their prey, and their pertinacity in following up the scent, excited the admiration of all who witnessed the scene.  The queen happily experienced no inconvenience from her exposure to the weather ; after the return of the royal party to the Castle, the rain ceased at intervals, and Prince Albert, accompanied by Lord Glenlyon, sallied forth to Ben Neri, when his Royal Highness succeeded in killing two fine roes. Her Majesty drove out in the afternoon, which, despite the murky indications of the morning, turned out to be extremely beautiful. The royal dinner party of last evening consisted of the usual members of the suite, with Lord and Lady Glenlyon, the Hon. Miss Murray, the Hon. Captain James Murray, Captain Drummond, of Megginch, and Mrs. Drummond. Lord John Scott had also the honour of receiving an invitation ; but as his Lordship had not the necessary attire, his Lordship dined in the messroom.  Since the arrival of her Majesty at Blair Athol, several persons have brought presents, consisting of various articles of Scottish manufacture, from places in the vicinity, for her Majesty or the Princess Royal. Plaid dresses and shawls, of every hue and clan, have poured in from all parts of the country, but they have all been declined. A woman, who brought a bonnet from Dun. dee for the Princess Royal, sent it to the Castle,, and when it was returned to her, as her Majesty had courteously intimated her intention of accepting no presents, the woman refused to take it, and accordingly a sum of money has been sent to her by order of her Majesty. Preparations on an extensive scale are making along the road throughout the whole line of country through which her Majesty will pass from Blair Athol to Dundee. On Tuesday morning, at nine o'clock, the royal party will take their departure, and will arrive at Dundee at three in the afternoon. The • 60th Regiment will form the gaard of honour at the embarkation of her Majesty, and detachments of the Scots Greys are now billeted at Blair Gowrie, Cupar Angus, .Moulinearn, Dunkeld, and other stations, to form the escort. _  The country people and the substantial burghers from the towns in the neighbourhood have been flocking into the quiet little village of Blair Athol, with bevies of flaunting damsels and kilted Highlanders, from all quarters. Carts and carriages have rattled in from all quarters; but their gaily-dressed occupants are doomed to be disappointed, as her Majesty will not go the kirk this morning. Divine service will be performed at the Castle this morning, as was stated in our paper of yesterday.—Post.