erbe Oltenia Wit to &annuli.
SINCE the Queen settled down at Ardverikie Lodge, the course of events has, with the exception of the anniversary of Prince Albert's birthday, been of the ordinary domestic character, and the reporters have had little to record. In the mornings, Prince Albert goes out either to the moors or to the forest to shoot grouse or deer, and returns home to luncheon; then he accompanies the Queen in a drive attended by the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal. Occasionally the young Prince and Princess ride on their ponies over the hills. On Friday a thick Secitch mist enveloped them in their drive, and compelled them to return. On the "limning of that day the Queen accompanied the children in a pony ride to Loch Arb, two miles from the Lodge. The Court Circular and the reporters are at vari- ance as to the Queen's movements on Sunday: the former authority avers that her Majesty attended Ardverikie Church; but the latter state that the Court did not attend worship iu the parish-church, to the disappoint- ment of' the expecting congregation.
The right of shooting over the moors of Abvardor has been placed at the disposal of Prince Albert by Cluny Macpherson. Cluny, to insure the Prince Consort the sport which the property afforded, is said to have de- clined a considerable sum for it. '1 his gentleman has, indeed, spared neither cost nor pains to do honour to her Majesty's visit. Mr. Davidson of Tulloch has contributed to the convenience of the Queen a carriage, peculiarly adapted to the narrow and heavy roads in the neighbourhood of Ardverikie.
The Royal amusements were varied on Monday by an aquatic ex- curs on on Loch Laggan, in which the Queen was accompanied by the ii,ce of Wales. Prince Albert preferred deer-stalking in the forest, and returned with a fine stag.
The Earl of Aberdeen arrived on Friday, and staid till Monday. The festivities in honour of Prince Albert's birthday consisted of High- land games, in the presence of a grand assembling of the Macpherson,. Macdonalds, and other clans, beaded by their chiefs dressed in rich High- land costumes, and a large concourse of people from the surrounding country.
The morning was ushered in with a serenade under the Prince's window soon after six o'clock, by twenty sailors of the Royal yacht; the Queen having arranged this little surprise for her husband. The glee " Hail! smiling morn !" mingled with the strains of the violin, rebounded over the loch and was echoed back by the hills.
At twelve o'clock the Highlanders began to assemble at the floating bridge. Cluny Macpherson again carried the famous Culloden shield. Farmers, tourists, and others, gradually arrived in cars and gigs. About half-past one the Mac- *rams, arrayed in the tartan of their clan, marched down with bagpipes and standard.
As the procession entered the lawn, her Majesty and Prince Albert, leading the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, and followed by Earl Grey, the Dritchess of Bedford, and a train of courtiers, were seen approaching from the Lodge. The Highlanders were immediately drawn up in line before the Royal party, and the people took their places in the rear. A number of agile Highlandmen were then called out to engage in the games; and the afternoon was spent in putting the stone, throwing the hammer, tossing the bar, jumping, running, and dancing. Prizes of from five to ten guineas were awarded to the successful competitors; and one of the tents, containing a plentiful supply of refreshments, was open to the people during the day. At the close of the amusements loud cheers were given by the people; which her Majesty and Prince Albert acknowledged. Bonfires illumined the hills at night. In the course of the day, Cluny Macpherson, Mrs. Macpherson, Davidson of Tulloch and his lady, and others, had the honour of taking luncheon at the Lodge with the Royal party.
The Queen was on the ground during the whole time of the games, accom- panied by the Viscountess Jocelyn, the Duke of Norfolk, and the other members of the suite. "Her Majesty walked about, evidently much interested in the wild sports. The Royal children were also on the ground; and they found a playmate in one of the boys of Cluny Macpherson, who walked hand-in-hand with the Prince of Wales (arrayed in full Highland costume) and the little lively Princess BoyaL"
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