FIELD OF THE CLOTH OF GOLD.--Henry VIII embarked at Windsor to meet Francis I of France, at Ardres, May 31st, 1520. So much magnificence was displayed on the occasion, that the field received that name, by which it is now always known in history. FIRE SHIPS.--Used first in the 16th century. The first use of them, in the English navy, was by Lord Effingham, in the engagement of the Armada, July, 1588. FLAG.--Acquired its present form in the 6th century, in Spain; introduced, it is said, by the Saracens. FLAT BUSH, BATTLE OF.--_Long Island, America._--Fought August 27th, 1776, between the British forces and American colonists, when the latter, after a desperate engagement, were compelled to retire, with the loss of 2000 men killed, and 1000 prisoners. FLEURIS, BATTLE OF.--Fought, June, 17th, 1794, between the Allies, under the Prince of Cobourg, and the French revolutionary army, commanded by Marshal Jourdan. The Allies had 100,000 men, and having met the enemy on the plains of Fleuris, were signally defeated. Between 8000 and 10,000 were killed, wounded and taken prisoners, and Jourdan was able to form a junction with the French armies of the Moselle--the Ardennes and the north. In this memorable battle, the French made use of a balloon to reconnoitre the enemy’s army--an experiment which it is said very materially tended to their gaining the victory. FLODDEN.--Fought on the 9th September, 1513, between the English and Scots. Underneath is a graphic account of the most disastrous battle that ever befell the Scottish arms. “On the 22nd of August, 1513, James IV of Scotland, at the head of a gallant army, crossed the Tweed, for the purpose of revenging some injuries which he conceived himself to have received at the hands of the King of England, who was then pursuing hostilities in France. Immediately on his crossing that river, he laid siege to the castles of Etel and Ford, and spent much precious time in endeavouring to reduce those fortresses.