The following excellent description of the Biege of Ladysmith is from the pen of the special correspondent of the London Times: — From November 12 it may bo said the rigors of the siege closed more severely upon the town. The first week haa been art anxious time. The sensation of being under shell fire was new and distressing. This was especially so vi'en the second large calibre gup had come into position on M'Bulwana in our direct rear. The defences also were a cause of trouble. Thoy were incomplete, and it was felt that the enemy, if determined, could make an impression upon every section. Probably the civilian population had not realised this, but it was obvious to those concerned in their construction, and if it had not been for the moral effect of the naval guns it is doubtful if the defences would have been finished in time to meet the assault when it was made. The devotion with which the sailors drew and returned the fire while all other troops were engaged in building breastworks stands unprece dented. The first three days their guns had little or no parapet 3, and the men had to stand to in the open. The luck of the British service was with them, for, though the ground round the guns was furroughed and ploughed in every direction no appreciable damage was done to any group. With the naval gunners drawing the fire, it was possible for the men to work at day at Bomo of the posts. But on others nothing could be done except at night, and the men as soon as they were relieved from holding the crest lines, were forced to exchange rifle for pick and shovel, and to spend the nights entrench ing. But each 24 hours that the Boers delayed the assault saw the safety of Ladysmith increase, until by Novemder 7 those responsible for the line of defences were confident that we could hold our own. THE EFFECT OF THE BOER SHELL FIRE. But after the experience of November 9, the Boers have made no further attempt to reduce Ladysmith by storm. They have made the investment closer, and seem to rely upon their shell fire to reduce the place. There is not a point of vantage' within range of the works upon which they | have not mounted Eome kind of gun. 