SCOTLAND.
The Burns Festival is past. It was, not perhaps all that everybody hoped, but still a striking and spirit-stirring event. The day, Tuesday last, opened brilliantly. The scene was a field near Ayr, on the banks of " bonnie Doon," and in the very midst of the place where Tam o' Shunter saw such sights. For the main body of diners, a pavilion calculated to accommodate two thousand persons was erected, and ornamented with flags ; booths supplied the poorer visiters with refreshments. Early in the day, people flocked from all parts, in steamers, sailing-vessels, steam-carriages—on horseback— afoot. At eleven o'clock, they formed in long procession, at the Low Green, by the sea-side, and, headed by bands playing the airs of Burns's songs, marched to the field; where, led by professional singers, the whole company sang "Ye banks and braes o' bonnie Doon," and "Auld langsyne." Bands and bagpipes were then dispersed over the field, and dances were formed ; while the pavilion-folks sat down to their banquet. The chief guests were Burns's relatives,—his sons, Robert, lately in the Stamp-office at Somerset House, Colonel Burns, and Major Barns; and his sister, Mrs. Begg, with her son and two daughters. Mrs. Thompson, the "Jessie Lewars " of his verse, was also there, with her husband. The Earl of Eglintonn presided; Professor Wilson was croupier : Mr. Sheriff Alison and some leading Scotchmen were among those who came to render homage due; but of the eminent literary men invited from a distance few attended. The toasts of "The memory of Burns," and "Welcome home to the sons of Burns," were acknowledged, in plain and brief speeches, by Mr. Robert Burns; who pleasantly contrasted the modest obscurity of the children with the lustre of the father's fame,—observing that genius, especially poetical genius, was not hereditary ; and that in this case the mantle of Elijah had not descended upon Elisha. Before the feasting was over, the day was overcast, and at five o'clock the rain fell heavily. The guests parted at six ; and each went his way, we doubt not, a wiser but not a sadder man.
The Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland has been holding its annual meeting, and shows of cattle and implements, at Glasgow, this week. The programme included a meeting, a dinner, an agricultural lecture, and a ball.
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