The hall for the Grey banquet, on Calton Hill, is
upwards of DM feet square, and will (line about 1700 persons ; bat after dinner, the passages for waiters being instantly converted into sitting-room, about 2000 itolividuals will find accommodation. The sides annul roof are sup- ported by rows of large wooden pillars. There will be a platform at each end of the centre row of tables, raised a little above the flooring ; where the chairman and croupier, with their supporters, will be played, so that they will be in full view of the whole company. A gallery for ladies is erected at the east end, and one on each side, upon the same level, for singers and instrumental musicians. The President's chair is to be placed at the west end. The great gas wheel of the Theatre Itoyal will be suspended from the middle of the roof, and supplled from the main pipe of the Royal Terrace. This, with other gas jets iaoling in proper positions, will make the festal ball as bright as day, and give a splendid effect to the whole scene. The walls and pillars being covered with cloth and decorated with various devices, the interior of tire pa- vilion will not only look as well, but be felt as comfortable as a palace. —Edinburgh Papers.
The first or introductory meeting of the British Association took place on Monday evening, in Edinburgh. Professor Sedgwick, last year's President, took the chair, and addressed the assemblage, Nvbielt was most numerous ; and, after dwelling briefly and eloquently on the great and important objects of the association, moved Sir Thomas Brim bane, this year's President, to the chair.
Besides the savans and strolling statesmen, a numerous gang of Lon- don thieves are at present in Edinburgh.
The Glasgow Herald says, " We understand that Mr. Douglas of Barluch will again take the field for the representation of Paisley, in the room of Sir Daniel Sandford." Of course that gentleman, and Mr.. Crawford, will, in all likelihood, once more contend for the favours of the most Reforming part of the constituency. Mr. Crawford, when here, declared his willingness again to stand, provided he was invited by a majority of the inhabitants ; and his friends are probably active enough to procure this demonstration in his favour. The election will not, in all probability, take place until February next year ; and the constituency, as formed at the last registration, will therefore have an intervening opportunity of trying their strength by the great touchstone, " Endow- relent or Voluntaryism," at the election of Councillors, in November next.
— Paisley Advertiser.
An East Indianian, of MO tons burden, called the Tamerlane, was launched last week at Ayr, the largest ever built there.
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