owing, it is said, to an officer of the Excise having left a lighted candle burning in one of the rooms. The whole amount of produce destroyed is estimated at L.50,000. Planting of Timber.-The Duke of Atholl is now enjoying the benefit which provident ancestors sometimes confer upon their heirs. His Grace's estates have been hitherto considered as rather extensive than productive; but his forests have now attained to such a growth, that, we understand, he will be able to cut timber to a very large amount annually, we may say almost in perpetuity, as he has continued the excellent practice of his noble father, and planted millions of trees annually.

A Whale caught in the West of Scotland. On the evening of Sunday last, the 19th instant, off Cardill Point, about 14 miles from Campbeltown, a large whale was discovered about mid-channel. Mr Campbell of Cardill immediately got four boats manned and armed with every of fensive weapon they could muster, (himself accompanying the expedition.)-As they approached, the peaceful arctic wanderer lay slumbering on the ocean, and appeared to be in a weakened condition, which created a belief that it would prove an easy conquest; but on coming to close quarters, and probing it with their weapons, it evinced a powerful activity, instantly plunged, and made considerable play, placing the assailants in imminent danger. Notwithstanding the hazard, they continued the pursuit, and finally succeed. ed in towing it into Port Ree, at Cardill. It measured 94 feet in length, and 56 in circumference.

Ayrshire. Yesterday the foundation stone for the county of Ayr buildings was laid by Alexander Hamilton, Esq. of Grange, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the most Ancient Mother Lodge Kilwinning, and Provincial Grand Master of the county of Ayr. L.27,000 are already provided for the erection of those parts now commenced. Twenty-three mason lodges were present.

27.-Forgery of Bank Notes.-By the paper laid on the table of the House of Commons, it appears that, from 1783 to 1796, both inclusive, there were only three capital convictions, and but four prosecutions; while, in the years 1816, 1817, and up to the 25th of February 1818 only, there were fifty-six capital convictions, and two-hundred and eighty-eight prosecutions.

An account of the total number of sovereigns and half-sovereigns issued from the Bank of England :-The number of sovereigns, 2,275,708; the number of halfsovereigns, 1,185,247.

30.-Edinburgh Gas Light.—Last night the Gas Light Company commenced giving light to such shops as had taken branches from their pipes in the principal

streets. After the atmospheric air was thoroughly discharged from the pipes, the gas burnt with extraordinary brilliancy, and attracted great crowds of admiring spectators. We anticipate with much pleasure the prospect of our streets being lighted with gas, the effect of which can only be known by those who have seen it in

use.

MAY.

4.-Circuit Court, Perth.-Twenty-four persons were indicted for trial at the Perth circuit, which opened on the 16th, and ended on the 18th ult. One was transported for life, one for fourteen, and five for seven years. Two were sentenced to imprisonment for six months, two for twelve months, and one for eighteen months. Three were outlawed for not appearing; two accussed of housebreaking, and two of assault, were dismissed simpliciter from the bar; and against four the diet was deserted pro loco et tempore. The only case of novelty which occurred, was that of Allan Jamieson and J. Macdiarmid, the former accussed of an assault upon the person of Margaret Robertson, and the latter, of celebrating a clandestine marriage, under the assumed name of a clergyman. The particulars of this case were described at page 381, of our last number. The jury found Macdiarmid guilty of celebrating the clandestine marriage, but not under the assumed name of a clergyman; and found the libel not proven against Jamieson. Macdiarmid was accordingly sentenced to banishinent from Scotland for life, and Jamieson was dismissed from the bar.

Aberdeen.-The Circuit Court was opened here on the 21st ult., and occupied two days. There were sixteen indictments before the Court, which were disposed of as follows:-John Ritchie, for stealing sheep from the parks of Gordon Castle, was sen tenced to be hanged at Aberdeen, on the 5th June; but was recommended to mercy on account of his youth, being only seventeen years of age. One was sentenced to seven, and one to fourteen years transportation; two to one year's, and two to three months imprisonment; the diet against five was deserted pro loco et tempore; two were dismissed from the bar; and two were outlawed, having failed to appear.

Inverness. At the Circuit Court here, on the 27th ult., Duncan Cameron, and George Macintosh, ensigns on half-pay of the 42d regiment, were accused of the murder of Alexander Robertson, late ensign in the Middlesex militia. It appear ed, that on the 19th of October last, the parties had dined at the Boat-house of Rothiemurchus, where they drank freely. In the course of some after-play, a series of scuffles ensued, and Cameron gave the deceased a blow on the left temple, which made him reel, and blood proceeded from

the wound, although no one saw any instrument in the hand of Cameron. The deceased, after receiving the blow, walked the same night three or four miles, and a few miles the following day. The jury found Macintosh not guilty, and Cameron guilty of culpable homicide; he was accordingly sentenced to fourteen years transportation, and Macintosh was dismissed from the bar. Eight other cases of minor importance, came before the Court: Two were outlawed for not appearing; one was sentenced to three months, one to nine months, and two to twelve months imprisonment, and two were acquitted.

Stirling. Only two cases came before the Stirling circuit, on the 18th ult. Robert Galloway, a carter, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, for stealing oats from a field near Falkirk. The other case was a most distressing one, and was shortly noticed at page 378 of our last Number. It was that of Peter Robertson, portioner of Corntown in the parish of Logie, and county of Stirling, who was accused of the murder of Elizabeth his daughter. It appeared in evidence, that the pannel, having quarrelled with Margaret Malcolm, his servant, for having allowed one of his children to go to a dancing-school ball, against his express orders, he, in the heat of passion, threw a pair of tongs at Margaret Malcolm, and which, having missed her, struck Elizabeth, one of his children, whereby she was killed. Mr Maconochie, Advocate-depute, charged the Jury on the part of the Crown, and Mr Jeffrey on the part of the pannel, when Lord Pitmilly having summed up the evidence, the Jury found the pannel guilty of culpable homicide. Lord Pitmilly, after a suitable admonition, sentenced the pannel to six months imprisonment in the jail of Stirling.

Glasgow. The business before the Glasgow Circuit, occupied the Court from Tuesday the 28th April, to Saturday the 2d instant. Forty-one cases were brought be fore the Court, eleven of which were deserted pro loco et tempore. The number of indictments were sixty; of these two, William Baird, and Walter Blair, for six different acts of assault and robbery on the high-way, were sentenced to be executed on the 3d June. Four were sentenced to transportation for life; ten to transportation from seven to fourteen years, and nine to imprisonment; five were outlawed. The Advocate-depute sent some cases to the higher, and some to the lower courts. Blair who was sentenced to die, is a young man, and has received a liberal education. He was once before tried at the Glasgow circuit, and was dismissed upon a verdict of not proven.

Among the other cases at this Circuit, we deem the following deserving of record, as a lesson to the juvenile part of the com

munity:-Three boys, named Robertson, M'Dougall, and Wilson, charged with theft, and being habit and repute thieves, were found guilty, and sentenced to transportation for life. While Lord Pitmilly was addressing them, they shewed the utmost depravity, and frequently laughed.

Walter Turnbull, agen ten, and Hill Boyd Hay, aged nine, accused of breaking, on the 7th December 1817, into the house of John M'Intyre, Bridgetown, and of stealing therefrom 203. Gd. and a one pound note, were next put to the bar. Turnbull was very unwilling to plead guilty, but he did so at last; but Hay at once pleaded guilty.

These pannels, when placed at the bar, presented a most afflicting spectacle; for they were so small, that they were mounted on the dock seat, and were bathed in tears.

The Advocate-depute, observed, that some persons might consider apology from him necessary for bringing such infants to the bar of their country. He was well aware of the tender years of the prisoners at the time he raised the indictment against them. He deemed it proper to notice the very laudable conduct of the fathers of these boys. They discovered that their sons had gone home with property which they knew did not belong to them. In these circumstances, as they had no alternative, they gave them up to the proper authorities; and thus it was discovered who had committed the housebreaking libelled. The present case evinced the vigilance of the police, which could not be praised too much. It, as well as the former, demonstrated that there was among the lower orders a looseness of principle, and a tendency to connnit crime. He concluded by saying, God only knows what is the cause of this deterioration of character, and what can be its cure. The present conviction will teach young persons, if they know right from wrong, that if they commit a crime it matters nothing in the eyes of the law whether the prisoner is nine or sixty years of age.

Lord Pitmilly expressed a hope, that an institution for the instruction of juvenile delinquents would be established in Glasgow. Their Lordships would concur with the Magistrates in the formation of an establishment.

The prisoners were then sentenced to be confined in Bridewell for twelve months, the libel being restricted; and to be kept separate from the other prisoners.

Jedburgh.-There were six cases before the Court here, which opened on the 22d ult. Three were sentenced to transportation for seven and one for 14 years; one was banished Scotland for life; and the other case, that of Thomas Fleming, accused of sheep-stealing, in consequence

of an objection taken by the prisoner's counsel, was certified to the High Court of Justiciary.

Dumfries.-Five cases came before the Dumfries Circuit. John Lissens Blackwood, for robbing on the highway, was sentenced to be hanged on the 3d June next. One was transported for life, and two for seven years; and a boy of 14 years of age, for stealing in a shop, was ordered to confinement and hard labour for 10 months.

Improvements in Edinburgh.-On Wednesday last, a set of elegant plans for the improvement of the Cathedral Church of St Giles, in this city, were laid before the Magistrates and Council. They are drawn by Mr Archibald Elliot, architect. By one plan it is proposed to have only two churches, viz. the present High Church, and another similar, to the west of it, where the present New North Church stands, and, taking away that church, the Tolbooth Church, and part of the Old Church by another, to have three churches-the High Church, the Old Church, and a new erection in place of the New North and Tolbooth Churches, and also accommodation for the General Assembly, Presbytery, &c. The designs are much admired, and, when carried into execution, will be highly ornamental to the city.

Remarkable Approach of an Island of Ice to our Shores.-A letter from Thurso, dated 29th April, states, that an Iceberg, or island of ice, has actually been stranded upon the island of Fowla, the most western of the Shetland islands. This Iceberg is said to extend full six miles in length, and of course is an object of terror to the natives.-Fowla cr Fula, in lat. 60. 6. N. long. 2. 17. W. of Edinburgh, is sup

posed to be the Ultima Thule of the ancients. It is about three miles in length, and one and a half in breadth, situated nearly 20 miles distant from any land, to the westward of the clusters of Orkney and of Shetland, to which last it is politically annexed. It affords excellent and extensive pasturage for sheep, and is inhabited by 26 or 27 families.

Scottish Burgh Reform.-A bill is at present in Parliament, introduced by the Lord Advocate, for regulating the expenditure, &c. of the royal burghs of Scotland, by the provisions of which, a state of the receipts, disbursements, &c. of each burgh is to be annually made up, and lie with the town-clerks for a limited time for the inspection of the burgesses; any two or more of whom, upon discovering any misapplication of the burgh funds, may prosecute the Magistrates before the Barons of Exchequer, and, if their complaints shall prove well founded, the Magistrates are to be compelled to refund out of their own pockets, and also to pay the costs of suit; but if the complaint is not proved, the expences to fall on the complainers. This bill is not likely to satisfy the burgesses of Scotland, as it still continues the practice of self-election of magistrates,—the grand source of every abuse hitherto complained of. Accordingly, most of the public bodies of Edinburgh have already held meetings on the subject, and resolved to oppose the measure by every constitutional means in their power; and, from the provincial newspapers we learn, that the bill has been viewed in the same light in many of the other cities and burghs of Scotland, which have also resolved to use their utmost endeavours to prevent its passing into a law.

CAP. I. To repeal an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, intituled, "An Act to continue an Act to empower his Majesty to secure and detain such persons as his Majesty shall suspect are conspiring against his person and Government."Jan. 31. 1818.

CAP. II. To suspend until the end of the present Session of Parliament the operation of an Act made in the last Session of Parliament, to provide for the more deliberate investigation of presentments to be made by grand juries for roads and public works in Ireland, and for accounting for money raised by such presentments.-Feb.

18.

CAP. III. For continuing to his Majesty certain duties on malt, sugar, tobacco, and snuff in Great Britain; and on pensions, offices, and personal estates in England, for the service of the year 1818Feb. 23.

CAP. IV. For raising the sum of thirty millions by Exchequer bills for the service of the year 1818. Feb. 23.

The Bank of England may advance twenty millions on the credit of this act.

CAP. V. To indemnify such persons in the united kingdom as have omitted to qualify themselves for offices and employments, and for extending the time limited for those purposes respectively until the

25th of March 1819; and to permit such persons in Great Britain as have omitted to file affidavits of the execution of indentures of clerks to attornies and solicitors, to make and file the same on or before the first day of Hilary Term 1819, and to allow persons to make and file such affidavits, although the persons whom they served shall have neglected to take out their annual certificates.-March 17.

CAP. VI. For indemnifying persons who, since the 26th day of January 1817, have acted in apprehending, imprisoning, or detaining in custody, persons suspected of high treason or treasonable practices, and in the suppression of tumultuous and unlawful assemblies.-March 17.

CAP. VII. To indemnify all persons who have been concerned in advising, issuing or carrying into execution any order or orders for permitting the importation and exportation of certain goods and commodities in foreign bottoms into and out of certain of his Majesty's West India islands. March 17.

CAP. VIII. To authorize the governors of the hospital of King Charles II. for ancient maimed officers and soldiers of the army of Ireland (usually called the Royal Hospital of Kilmainham) to suspend or take away the pensions of such pensioners of the said hospital as shall be guilty of any fraud in respect of prize money or pensions, or of any other gross misconduct.-March 17.

CAP. IX. To further continue until the 5th day of July 1818, two Acts of the 54th year of his present Majesty, for repealing the duties of customs on Madder imported into Great Britain, and for granting other duties in lieu thereof.-March 17.

CAP. X. To rectify a mistake in an Act passed in the 55th year of the reign of his present Majesty, for punishing mutiny and desertion, and to indemnify certain persons in relation thereto.-March 17.

In the recited Act March was inserted by mistake instead of November.

CAP. XI. For punishing mutiny and desertion, and for the better payment of the army and their quarters.-March 17.

ALEXANDER HALIBURTON, of Haigh Iron-works, near Wygan, Lancashire, Esq.; for certain improvements in steam-engines and boilFebruary 27, 1818.

ers.

JOSHUA ROUTLEDGE, of Bolton-le-Moor, Lancashire, Engineer; for an improvement or improvements upon the rotative steam-engine. February 27.

JOHN SUTHERLAND, of Liverpool, Lancashire, and also of No. 99, Houndsditch, London, Coppersmith; for various improvements in the construction of an apparatus for the purifying of liquids. March 7.

THOMAS HEPPENSTALL, of Doncaster, Yorkshire, Machine-maker; for an improvement upon the engine or machine for cutting or reducing into what is called chaff, different articles, as dry fodder for horses and cattle. March 7.

GEORGE WYKE, of Bath, Somersetshire, Esq. and WILLIAM SAMPSON, of Bristol, in the same county, Merchant; for improvements on pumps, which improvements are applicable to machinery of various descriptions. March 14.

JOHN READ, of Tipton, Staffordshire, Gentleman, and WILLIAM HOWELL, of Wednesbury, in the same county, Ground Bailiff; for a new system of working and getting the main or thick mine of coal. March 14.

RICHARD PENN, of Richmond Hill, Surrey; for a mode of manufacturing ornamental wooden furniture, by the application of machinery. March 14.

JOHN ASHTON, of Great Tower Street, London, Wine Merchant, and THOMAS Gill of Greek Street, Soho, Middlesex, Hydrometer-manufacturer; for certain improvements in or on instruments and apparatus for ascertaining the strength of spirituous liquors, and also the specific gravity of fluids and metals. March 14.

Sir THOMAS COCHRANE, Knight, commonly called Lord Cochrane; for the working or making of a manufacture, being lamps for streets, which effectuate and regulate the combustion of a certain purified essential oil or spirit obtained from different ligneous, carbonaceous, or bituminous substances, usually called spirit of tar or oil of tar, and also working or making a manufacture, being an arrangement or arrangements of parts of lamps, whereby all other lamps in which flame is inclosed, as in street lamps, within glass vessels or cases capable of transmitting light, and of protecting the flame from the wind and weather, are adapted to the production of a clear light, by the combustion or decomposition of the said purified oil or spirit therein, and the use of the said purified essential oil or spirit in such lamps. April 8.

JOHN JAMES ALEXANDER MCARTHY, of No. 4, Spring Gardens, Westminster, Middle sex, Gent.; for a method or methods of applying granite or other materials in the making, constructing, or forming pavements, pitching and covering for streets, roads, ways, and places. April 8.

I. CIVIL.

April 6.-General his Grace the Duke of Richmond, &c. K. G. to be Captain General and Governor-in-Chief of the provinces of Lower and Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the islands of Prince Edward and Cape Breton.

7.-His Royal Highness the Prince Regent has been pleased to declare and ordain, that FieldMarshal his Serene Highness Prince Leopold George-Frederick of Saxe Cobourg of Saalfield, late consort of her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte Augusta, deceased, shall henceforth,

upon all occasions whatsoever, be styled and cal. led his Royal Highness," before his name and such titles as now do, or hereafter may belong to

him.

16.-William Neill, Esq. to be a Deputy-Lieutenant of Ayrshire.

21.-Kirkman Finlay. Esq. M. P. elected Lord Provost of Glasgow, in consequence of the resignation, from indisposition, of James Black, Esq.

May 7.-The Honourable Archibald Douglas of Douglas, and Charles Chisholme of Chisholme, Esqs. to be Deputy-Lieutenants of the County of Roxburgh.

II. ECCLESIASTICAL.

April 10.-Rev. P. Kelland, to the Rectory of Lancross, Devon.

11.-The Rev. John Grierson, minister of Dunning, to the church and parish of Dunblane, vacant by the death of the Rev. Mr Stirling.

11.-The Rev. Mr Adam, of Baron Smith's Episcopal Chapel, Blackfriar's Wynd, Edinburgh, is appointed Rector of St John's, Christianstadt, and English Chaplain in the island of St. Croix.

16.-The Original Burgher Seceders of Falkirk have given an unanimous call to Mr John Russell, preacher, to be their pastor.

20.-The Magistrates and Council of Edinburgh, patrons of the parish of Wemyss, unanimously agreed to present the Reverend Mr John Maclauchlan, minister of Alva, to be minister of Wemyss, vacant by the death of the Reverend Mr George Gibb.

22.-Mr Andrew Ferrier, preacher of the gospel, was ordained minister in the Associate congregation, Newarthills.

28.-The Congregation of South Shields gave a call to Mr Andrew Stark, preacher of the gospel, to be their pastor, vice the Rev. William Bruce, resigned.

3

32 F.

36

53

56

60

62

63

74

Bt. Lt. Col. John Mansel to be Lt.-Col. 19th Feb. Lt. Gen. Sir J. Murray, Bt. fm. 5 W. L R. to be Colonel, vice Norton dead 31st Mar. Lieut. Wm. Proctor, fm. 21 Dr. to be Lieut. vice Fleeson, Cape Corps 20th do. Assist. Surg. E. Hollier, from 19 Dr. to be Assist. Surg. vice Home, ret. h. p. 53 F. 12th do. Lieut. C. Perceval antedated to the 15th Aug. 1815. E. C. Colls, antedated to the

Black, antedated to the

16th do.

4

Ensign T. Kerr to be Lieut. by purch. vice Williams do.

5W.I.R. M. Gen. Sir J. Kemp, G. C. B. fm. 60F. to be Col. vice Sir J. Murray, 56 F. 31 Mar. 1818. Ensign J. Curten, fm. late Meuron's Reg. to be Ensign, vice Watts 25th Feb. Cape Cs. Licut. J. Fleeson, fm. 60 F. to be Lieut vice Somerset, 21 Dr. 20th Mar.

Capt. Stepney, from 60 F. with Capt. Wood, 4 W. I. R.

Driberg, from 19 F. with Capt. M'Glashan, 1 Ceylon Regt.

Waldron, from 37 F. rec. diff. with Capt. Thomson, h. p. 9 F.

Lieut. Bradshaw, from 5 Dr. G. rec. diff. with Lieut. Sir H. J. Seton, h. p. 52 F.

Gowan, from 30 F. rec. diff. with Lieut.

Mac Dougall, h. p. 22 F.

Oldershaw, from 69 F. rec. diff. with Lieut. Dickson, h. p. 10 F.

23

Lieut. F. de Visme to be Capt. by p. vice Craufurd 19th do. Cornet G. F. Boulton to be Lieut. by pur. vice de Visme do. Lieut. C. H. Somerset, from Cape Corps, to be Lieut. by p. vice Proctor, 60 F. 20th do. Lieut. G. W. Prosser to be Capt. by pur. vice Cox, ret. 24th Jan. Cornet A. M. Bayard to be Lieut. by pur. vice Prosser

do.

Armstrong, from 70 F. rec. diff. with Lieut. Hunter, h. p.

Daniel, from 7 F. rec. diff. with Lieut. Gage, h. p.

Seaver, from 15 F. rec. diff. with Lieut. Sperling, h. p. 60 F.

Lee from Royal African Corps with Lieut. Armstrong, h. p. 21 F.

Comet Loft, from 15 Dr. rec. diff. with Cornet Elton, h. p.

Kenyon, from 2 Dr. with Cornet Trollope, 58. F.

Ensign Savage, from 1 F. with Ensign M'Gregor, h. p.

Surgeon Wynne, from R. Wagg. Train with Sur geon Thomas, h. p. 57. F.

B. Lord Hotham antedated do.

Assist. Surg. Wharrie, from 81 F. with Assist. Surg. Raleigh, h. p. 84 F.