SCOTLAND.
Balmoral has not been without events rising above the ordinary routine of a court.
Last Friday, Queen. Victoria attended a torch-light ball, where all the Highlandmen of the Duff and Farquharson clans were present. This ball was given at Corriemulzie Cottage, the seat of Mr. Duff MX. At the principal entrance, a handsome triumphal arch was erected, composed of ferns, heather, and pine branches, and festooned with Clusters of the mountain-ash berries. Highlanders were stationed on either side with torches.
The Queen visited her "cotters" on Monday, and dispensed clothing for the winter season, which had already set in. The neighbouring hill-tops were snow-clad, and the "winds whistled cold." Nevertheless, undeterred by the weather, her Majesty, Prince Albert, and their suite, went up Lochnagar, on Tuesday, walking over the snow which crackled under their feet, and vastly enjoying the healthy: exercise.
The Queen has driven about a good deal, LII spite of the weather; visiting, besides the places above named, Abergeldie Castle, Ballo& Bhule, and Invercauld House. The children mostly share in these ex- cursions: and the Duchess of Kent frequently dines with her daughter.
Prince Albert's amusement and exercise consist in deer-stalking. On Monday he shot five stags.
As we anticipated last Saturday, Lord Derby succeeded Lord Malmes- bury on that day, as Minister in attendance on the Queen.
A new palace is to be built for the Queen at Balmoral. The site se- lected is between the river and the present castle, fronting South ; and the estimated cost is between 80,000/. and 100,0001. A new bridge is to be thrown over the Dee ; the old road through the forest of Balloch Bhule is to be shut up, and a new one made along the Southern bank of the river.
Speaking of Stirling, the Edinburgh Courant says—" The freedom of this ancient burgh is intended to be conferred on Lord John Russell, who is residing near Callender, on Monday next."
Letters are, we believe, in town, from Mr. Macaulay, mentioning his recovery from his recent attack of bronchitis, and speaking hopefully of being able to meet the electors at no distant day.—Seottielk Press.
A correspondent of the Inverness Courier, writing from Torridon, Loch- canon, on the 4th, says—" An unusual scene was presented today by the appearance of a Government steamer, appointed to convey Mr. John Wood, Chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue, on his official tour ; accompanied by Lords Ashburton and Broughton, Sir George Grey, and the 141st Honourable Edward Ellice M.P. The two noble Lords., with Mr. ce, landed here, in order to visit Mr. Matheson, of Ardross, M.P." In the Glasgow Small Debt Court, Sir George Boswell has recovered, dl. 14s. 8d. from the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway Company for their neglect of punctuality. Sir George went to Glasgow by a train which was advertised to arrive at ten o'clock; it did not arrive till half-past ten ; Sir George was too late for a train to Ardrossan, anct hired a special engine : this cost fie, and he claimed this sum less the price of a first-class ticket. The Company urged, that in their time-tables they stated they would not guarantee the punctual arrival of trains; Sir George replied, there was no notice of that kind on the placard at Edinburgh ; and besides, if the railway were not punctual, it did not carry out the objects recited in the preamble of the act of Parliament establishing it. Sheriff Skene, in condemning the Company to pay the claim and costs, stated that he founded his decision on the fact of there being no notice on the bill at Edinburgh ; but refrained from expressing an opinion whether such notice would have been binding on the public. It was notified that.the Company would appeal.
Jane Johnston, a married woman of Galashiels, has been tried at jedburgh Circuit Court of Justiciary-, for the murder of her infant. She cut its throat. in the presence of another child, and then gashed her own throat. There was no doubt that the poor creature was insane at the time, and a verdict was returned in accordance with that fact.
A woollen-mill at Weensland, near Hawiek, the property of Mr. George Wilson, has been completely destroyed by a fire which broke out early in the morning. It is surmised that some waste or wool had spontaneously taken fire. The building was full of valuable machinery, and the leas is es- timated at 20,0001.; not above a fifth of which was covered by insurance. Many workpeople will be thrown out of employment; but it is hoped only, temporarily, as trade is very brisk at Hawick.
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