THE PEACE SPECTACLE IN SCOTLAND.
OLIVES are to be grown in Edinburgh. We rejoice to hear the news. The Scotch have always been distinguished for meekness and (after breakfast) even mealy-mouthedness. They have, nevertheless, been shamefully libelled by history. The national spirit has been designated the perfervidum genium Scotorum! No such thing. Caledonia was ever mild as milk: in the time even of Agricola, it was well known that butter would not melt in her mouth. This meek, pacific quality of Scotland has been wickedly disguised and libelled, but Cobden and Bright have resolved to vindicate the truth. Eagles never did breed in Scotland—they were only doves, sucking-doves, of a larger size. And as for the thistle, with that hostile, spiteful, unbrotherly motto, Nemo me impune lacessit,—Scotland shall henceforth assume as her floral type the simple "gowan fine."
We are happy to learn that the peace festival will be celebrated with appropriate beauty of imagery and plenteousness of fare. We have gathered a few of the particulars; and although we do not vouch for the fullness of the description—for the time will yet admit of many improvements—nevertheless the subjoined will be found a very fair sketch of the approaching ceremony.
At day-break, Mons Meg will be fired; being loaded with a cotton-ball, brought from Manchester by one of her Members, John Bright. A procession—forming at Holyrood House—will proceed (weather permitting) to the summit of Arthur's Seat. We give a few of the more important characters in the pageant.
Mr. Cobden (crowned with corn) will lead a Bear in a string of daisies; the Bear "crumpled" a little about the ears, and muzzled with the finest bit of cotton twist.
Mr. Bright will lead a Turkey in chains of pork sausages!
A Banner (with a walnut-tree worked in worsted) borne by Mr. George Wilson; with the appropriate peaceful motto: