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THE TRIAL OF THE BLACK PRLNCE.—The Black Prince, iron screw steam frigate, in charge of Commander R. Stokes, has made a trial of her speed at the measured mile, under the superintendence of Captain Broadhead, Mr. G. Murdoch, inspector of machinery of the steam reserve, and Mr. A. Murray, chief engineer, and other officials from the dockyard. It was considered a very satisfactory trial—her average speed being 14.54 knots, with partly Scotch and partly Welsh coal; whereas the Warrior was supplied with the best Welsh picked coal. Herpre- sent draught of water is 21 ft. 11 in. forward, and 24 ft 2 in. aft; and it is fully anticipated that when all to rights, and she leaves the harbour again, her speed will be greatly increased. HORSEFLESH BAN-gum—At Algiers, a few days back, a considerable number of high public functionaries, superior military officers, judges, and clergy partook, in the saloon of the theatre, of a grand banquet, the greater part of the dishes of which were composed of horse and ass flesh. The object in getting up the feast was to combat the popular prejudice against such food. The different dishes were dressed in the French style, and declared excellent. One of them consisted of a young ass roasted whole. After the dinner, suitable toasts and speeches were delivered. One of the latter was M. Decroix, veterinary surgeon of the 1st Mounted Chasseurs, who maintained that horseflesh is very nutritious and that the general adoption of it as an article of food would present many ad- vantages.—Galignani. Tots Scotsman reports what it describes as a "strange and yet true story." It is this—that a United States war-steamer ran into Southampton Water last week to refit, nominally, really, as it is averred, to seize the West Indian mail steamer then due, and supposed to have on board Mr. Slidell and Mr. Mason, who were " contraband of war." The snail steamer came in two days before she was due,.
and thus escaped the fate intended for her. Communications then took place between our Government and the American Minister, in which the latter dis- claimed any such intention as that imputed to the proceedings of the United States steamer—or rather, he disclaimed any knowledge of the matter. The United States steamer has now departed ; but it is supposed to be cruising off the Irish coast for purposes similar to those which brought her to Southampton."
THE Holman Titans.—The following description of the Turtle, with which Greytown Hollins attempted to destroy our fleet, has reached as by a cir- cuitous route from New Orleans. The Turtle is a vessel of great power of engine. She has a bow 9 feet long, of oak planks, secured all round by timbers 6 feet in thickness, also covered in the same manner, and made perfectly tight and solid, besides being shielded with iron plates 2 inches in thickness. The hull rises only 21 feet above the water level. She is destined to run into the Brook- lyn, which lies down on the Belize, and to sink her. She is provided with a steam borer or auger, about the size of a man's arm above the elbow, intended to make a hole in the vessel. Twenty-five hose are kept to throw boiling water over the Brooklyn to keep her hands from defending her. Already several trials have been made with her, which, the rebels say, have given complete satisfaction. Cannon balls have rebounded when fired upon her, producing no injurious effect, sod, in fact, it is very difficult to hit her, so small a portion of her being above water.—New yorkTribune.
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