The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1858-08-10 00:00:00

0 orsetibtre.

ME.. JA MU HARDHUPS. SHEEP SALE AND

LZTTING,
AT 1110111111 WATIIIBOIf.

On Thursday IVILS held the seventh annual male
and lotting of sheep at Mr. Jamul Hardings farm,
at Higher Watereon. This yearly transaction has,
through the acknowledged ability and experience of
Mr. Harding as a breeder and the thorough good.
nem of his South-down stook, become widely famed,
and each season large and increasing numbers of
agriculturalists' from this neighbourhood and from
far distant place. assemble at the hospitable spot.
Waterline is not a great way from Dorchester, but
is essay of aeons and only sonic four mall from the
railway stations at the latter-mentioned place. On
Thursday there wise a very numerous attendance of
gentlemen, the loveliness of the weather adding
considerably to the enjoyment of the eocasion,
whilst probably the absence of some might be
accounted for by their visiting the attractions of
Cherbourg. or by harvesting operations at home.
The stock on show was declared to be the best ever
witnessed at Waterson, special praise being bestowed
upon the two-tooth sheep, which were looked upon OA
thorough models of symusetry—though it was easily
seen they had not been "shorn to shape—and of rare
quality. The rams were placed under a soot awning
prior to the sale.

Between 1 and 2 o'clock, after gentlemen had in-
sported the letting portion of the stock and the rams
especially, and jotted down hints in their catalogues,
a bell wu sounded at the bottom of the slope from
Mr. Harding's hones, and a general adjournment
took plum to a spacious saloon which had bees oon•
structed in front of and adjoining the divellbig-house.
The interior of this saloon was adorned in a beautiful
and graceful manner with Hap, festoons of flowire
sad everoeuvr. Facing the entrant* eras the agreeable
word "Verloome," backed by "Good save the Queen,"
and "Speed the Plough ; " while another banner
bo 4% the words, "Prosperity to agriculture, trade, and
01103211111Ve." Most of the ornaments were suspended
from the canvass roof. From end to end of the tern.
-popery apartment, which extended along the whole
-front of Mr. Harding's residence, ran three table' •
and the " refreshments" consisted of as elegant and
suseptaous cold collation, with choice wines, /ex, and
famished in the most bountiful style, thoroughly sus-
taining the widely known hospitality of Mr. and
Mrs. Harding, and doing credit to the clever cater.
ing of Mr. Yeareley, of the Antelope Hotel, who, Sr
heretofore, had the management of these matters.
About 350 puts sat down to partake of the generous
repast, under the presidency of John Floyer, Esq.
The Chairman was supported on his right by J. C.
Radolyffe, Esq., Vaieiry, Esq., and J. Wood,
Req.; and on the left by the Rev. John Will,,
George Churchill, Esq., W. L Henning, Ni
Andres's, Fen., of Southampton, Tudter,
of Southampton. Mr. Henry Pukes occupied the
vice chair, supported by Mr. John Homer, and Mr.
John 'rett. Among the company present were the
Rev. Buil J. WooM, Maus. J. F. Hodges, M.
Devenish, G. J. Andrewl, G. Turner, -Thomas
Thornhill, James Harding. of Speckington, R.
Atkinson (Fryer Mayne), W. Manley, Lieutenant
Hawkins, 15th Foot, J. Thrasher, L. Groves
(Enip;rttria), L. Groves, (Melcombel, W. Groves, .1.
Ker,t, C. Rent, T. A. Homer, S. Harding, W.
Hmeliag (Piddletrenthide), J. Watts Scull, James
/.tadrews, Robert Hill, William James (Mappow.
der), William Dunning (Friar Waddon), George
Mayo, gen., George Tett, George Mayo jun., S.
Harding, jun., John Strange, Samuel Strange, J.
Paaton, J. DoWdswell, T. H. Saunders. C. Raw-
lins, James Caine', John Strange, Fowler,
(jams, and J. Fookes.

When grace had been said and the repast was
over,

The CHAIRMAN rose and proposed the health of
"The Queen." (Applause.) He might be pardoned
for especially culling her Majesty to the recollection
of those present when at this moment she was under
the guns of the most formidable port in France, and
viewing the armaments of that great and powerful
country, The best thing to say was to wish her
a plar.sent trip and a happy, speedy, safe voyage
horde again. (The health was duly honoured, as was
Cash of "The Prince Consort, Prince of Wales, and
tke rest of the Royal Family," also proposed by the
Chairman.)

The eII&IRMAN next gave "The Army and
Navy." Englishmen had always been proud of these
two professions, and perhaps never was there a time
when we should be proud of them like the present.
Whether against the highly disciplined forces of
Russia, or the overwhelming odds of the Indian
native armies, the soldiers and sailors of Old England
bad shown that high oourage, indomitable pluck,
aid that steady and perfect perseverance and disci-
pline which had carried them conquerors over all
the difficulties, dangers, and numer us hosts con-
tending against them. (Load applause.) In the
-cold and icy climate of the Crimea, or under the
burning suns of India our men maintained the old
'character of English soldiers and sailors—and that
character was no alight one. (Applause.) He had
the honour and happiness of knowing that Dorset-
shire hat been distinguished, as he trusted it ever
would be, in the late engagements. (Cheers.) They
knew that a Salkeld had bled and fought for his
country, and that many others who, if they could
not equal his feats of danger, had proved themselves
worthy sons of their country. (Loud cheers.) With
the treat the Chairman coupled the names of the sons
of his friend Quarter-Master Hawkins, one of whom
represented the army aid the other the navy. (The
Least was enthusialdreally drunk.)
_ . _

- - .
Lieut. HAWKINS, 15th Foot, in responding said
they were extremely obliged to all for drinking the
health of the army and navy. His only morrow was
that his name should have been coupled with the
toad when he saw a senior officer present —a major
in the militia (Major Henning). (A laugh.) The
Chairman had said the army and navy had Always
done their duty, he (the gallant Lieutenant) hoped
they always would. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN gave next "The Bishop And
'Clergy of this Diocese." The clergy ministered in
our homes, amongst our families And neighbours,
and their servioes were always welcome and appro.
dated, yet at no time were they so gladly seen as on
occasions of this sort, when their presence Added to
the pleasure of the scene around,. Gentlemen pre-
sent were glad to see an old friend who used to -live
among them, and who, like so many others, had
bees brought hither by the hospitable invitation of
the worthy host to join them on this festive was,
don; and the Chairman would oouple with the toast
the name of their good friend and former neighbour
the Rev. Mr. Wills. (Loud cheers.)

The Rev. J. YALTA, for the very handeome way
in which the oompany had been pleased to drink the
Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese, begged as a very
inefficient member of that body to return his most
sincere thanks. It wee. great source of delight to
hitu, although he could not boast of great experi•
once as a farmer—and he thought he could do no
lees Asher receiving in invitation than—to coma to the
present gathering. He warn sincerely happy to find
so Tod a woven', and he hoped dlr. Harding
wou d have a good sale, which, judging from what
he (the rev, gentleman) had mien, he had no doubt of.
(Applause.)

The CHAIRMAN said he had now the pleasure to
propose what he called the toast of the day—the
health of their well known and much valued friend
and host, Mr. James Harding. (" Bravo I" and
cheers.) It was needless to enlarge on the exoellenoe
of the different objects which -Mr. Harding had
prepared for the entertainment and advantage of
than present. They had had before them a splendid
repast, doing honour to the dui and county that
that gentleman belonged to, (cheers); and in the field
as they had seen, and would again see, were the
proofs of his long and anxious experienos, good taste
and judgment as • farmer, and of his skill and
ability us breeder of South.down sheep. (Loud
cheers). If a man wished to noel, if a county or
locality desired to distinguish itself, it wee always
wise to select that particular object for endeavour
and experiment which the person, the locality, or
the county did beet. Riding as so many had to.
day ridden, over the fine healthy down' of
Dorset, he thought most would agree with him
that if they could do anything well they ought to
breed sheep. He wan glad to see that their good
friend and neighbour had directed his attention and
ability to the perfecting of that fine class of animal
already mentioned—the South-down sheep. (Ap-
plause.) All wished him well in these undertakings.
The Chairman and many around him had known
Mr. Harding from early years, and wished him well
because Ilkley saw that in his success was largely in.
tended the credit of this neighbourhood and county
in the department of agriculture alluded to, and
bemuse that wooer depended in a great measure on
the nooses of those agriculturista enpged around
and near him in the same walk of life. In that
success, too, was seen the future, prosperity, and
nooses of Mr. Hanling's brotheragriculturins, which
was, the Chairman was glad to say, proved at the
lista exhibition at Dorchester. (Cheers.) There
were shown many pent of sheep raised from rains
brad and sold by their good friend, contributing
greatly to the nooses of the exhibition and testifying
that in this direction Doreetahire agriculturists were
making istiaysaory primate. (Continued cheering.)
Having thus shown to gentlemen present what they
all felt much more strongly than he could depict in
words, the good miens for taking is deep interest
in the welfare and noon, of Mr. suarnul,g, the
Chairman. gave Mr. Harding's health with the best
and bantlaest wishes for his nooses on this oocasion,
and In all future years as long as be follovied out so
Inghsspistted and noble an undortakin4i The
C 1551111051. in drinking the health, said Hard
-
p were not "shorn to shape. (Mr.
Jirai uiUags health WU tam dtaak In a very
anthasiejlio poottoat.)

Mr. huge NARDINO) its responding, mid he nes
etre the very dittoing end kind words the elmlt.
nun had teed le mentioning his (Mr, Harding',)
mune, almost deprived him or word. to reply to the
Uhairman'e great kindness, and to the company tor the menetli which the toast had been reoelved.
(Chews). It was a high soarm ot gratiileation to
Lim that after endeavouring as Its had
endeavoured, and eerried on the experiment foi
seven patriot have the honour and plemere of me.
Mg the Mghly Lreipestable compasy how around
him fepplaneeli and he heartily traded this
although arrived at the 7th year, should he go forward
to another lean of t MINN that at the end of that
time it would be RO &Hit of his if they did not, 1111 on
this day when the experiment come of, tensider his
stock worthy of notice. (Chem). No expense on
his part, and he molded he might add no lack of
Judgment had been alloived In making the dottilt
letter, so an to prodnes it to the oopipany is a
dessert after leaving that roost, (Loud cheer.
Mg), There was one observation he hoped he might
be permitted to make relative to his own stock. Its
was read,y to be sworn, if need were, that no sheep
of his whisk would be produced, but had been
honestly shorn, itud not made up
_for the eeeeeion•
(Laughter, and applause). They hid not been pre-
par for exhibition, or anything else. The merits
of his stook would be put before the company, and
he heartily trusted gentlemen would give him the
encouragement so long continued to him, and which
placed him in his present happy position. (Cheers).
He thanked every one for their attendance, and
really had not word, other Ulan to my he sincerely
thanked all.
The CHAIRMAN said he felt some regret at oocupy-
ing his present position, althongh requested to oc-
cupy it by the hononrslte host He had had the
happiness of dining *hen the poet was not filled by
so small an agriculturist as himself, bat by one of the
leading, if RCA the leading, agriculturists of Dorset.
He (the Chairmaii) knew that good gentleman's kind
hetet WY with the meeting and the generous host
although absent, for he took a deep interest in the
success of Mr. Harding, and be was sure that
interest and kindly fearing would have brought the
gentleman amongst the company to-day if his health
permitted his being present. He (the Chairman)
hoped on future ocessions to return to the post be I
had before tilled, viz.—sitting on the tight ..r left of
the president alluded to. In drinking their former
preadent'a good health, all, the Chiterm in knew, I
hoped he would another year attend in renewed
spirits, and be able himself to conduct the proceedings. '
The Chairman gave the health of Mr. Farquharson.
(Cheers.)
The Vice CHAIRMAN proposed a tout which he
proposed with the greatest p ensure he had ever ex-
perienced, but still with regret, and that wee—the
health of the Chairman. He hoped at Nis next
election Mr. Floyer woidd be as the head of the
poll. (Laughter and cheers.)

The CHAIRMAN retorned thanks. The Vioe-chair-
man for the very kind terms he had been pleased to
employ in proposing the health, and the large 00/11.
pany for the tbo flattering way in which they had
reoeived him, he sincerely thanked. (Applause and
" No, no.') After so great kindness it was hardly
grateful or ()courteous to find fault, yet he must doe).
Politics were quite out of the question ; and he only
said he very sincerely hoped they would be for a very
lonz time to come. (Hear.) lie was very well pleased
*she was, a plain country gentleman, and able to enjoy
such an occasion as that, and not having to perform
that onerous and, alarming duty although a
pleasant duty—of making parliamentary speeches.
Plain country gentlemen were not expected to
make speeches. He hoped the sale would be got
over during daylight, for last year there was a draw
made upon Mr. Harding for light, and it should not
be his (the Chairman's) fault if such stores should be
again in requisiti in. /laving referred to the stores
Mrs. Harding so kindly brought forward Mr the en-
tertainment of the guests, and looked upon that
very beautifully decorated room, having tasted and
done justice to the good things provided, he fancied
gentlemen would be very remiss if no gratitude
were shown. Though limited, gratitude was all
they could offer, and it consisted of their very best
thanks to Mee. Harding. (Applause). They would
drink her health, as forming the most important
part of their good host's happiness and prosperity;
long he live to enjoy that good and exoellent
partner
in life, and long might that partner live to
help and comfort that gentleman in whose happiness
all were so much interested (Cheers.)

-
Mr. HARDIN() responded. He oould assure
gentlemen that Mrs. Harding had the same desire as
himself, that all their friends should be well served,
and that everything should be to their gratification
and comfort. (Applause). Nothing would give
her as well as himself similar gratification but to see
every face present again next year. He sincerely
thanked the company for the compliment paid to
Mrs. Harding, and drank the healths of his guests.
(Cheers). To save time he would propose a toast.
A gentleman good and true had taken up their canoe,
and he (Mr. Harding) did not believe a better man
could come in the footsteps of an excellent predoces•
sir. And although without mentioning it he (Mr.
Harding) regretted what was past and gone, he
sincerely hoped no man would enter that room who
would not do for Mr. lisdcilylfe is he had done for
the worthy Squire. (Cheers). He was sure Mr.
ktadolyffe with the staff be had—the pick of the pick
of the pack—would keep the Yeomanry of Dorset in
spirits. Mr. Harding proposed "Mr. Radclyffe
and his fox hounds "with three times three.
(Load cheers.)
Mr. J. C. RADCLYTII said he certainly rose
under very great difficulty to return thanks on this
occasion. (Applause). Be was only extremely
sorry that it fell upon him to keep a pack of hounds
in the place of his worthy, esteemed, and excellent
friend Mr. Farquharson. (Applause). He (Mr.
Radclyffe) could assure the company that since he
had attempted to follow Mr. F uharson's steps in
the humble way he had attempted he had roomed
from the owners and occupiers of covers in Dorset
the greatest kindness, but he wail not such a donkey
as not to know that great part of that kindness
shown to him arose from the great friendship which
for many years had existed between Mr. Fuxin.
hereon and himself. He assured them he would do
as much as ever he could to afford sport. Of the hounds
he had purchased, Mr. Farquharson sal to him
prior to the sale " liadolyffe, if you mean to hunt
this country, have those dogs that I have marked;
Treadwell will also ten you' and don't you be
frightened out of them." And five minutes before he
left the Squire he (Mr. Wage) said to him i "It
you think so they shall not leave the county." And
now, if any one were to 40 over to his (Mr. Bad.
clyffe's) house and offer him £l,OOO he should not
have the hounds. Although he only kept a two•
day pack it would be satisfactory to all the white
collars to knew what he WM about to tell. He
wanted to know exactly what Mr. Farquharson
wished in one reopen* ; and he could assure gentle-
men that on every cooesion winos the Squire had
given up his hounds had he (Mr. Radolyffs) entirely
oonsulted Mr. Farquharson as to the ciounthy and
everything; indeed, if present Mr. Farqubareon
could tell the assembly that he fMr. Radolyffe) had
acted entirely on his advice. Well, the other day,
not knowing how the worthy Squire felt toward
the white collar, he consulted him. He (Mr. Had.
olyffe) had the first whits teller, and his brother
who was a clergyman would if he dared put on
one in a minute, (applause), while his (Mr. Had.
, olyffe's) son's was the leat which the Squire ever put
on. He (Mr. Radolyffe) asked Mr. Farquharson
, how he thought it would be to have such collars, and
the Squire wrote in reply. —My deer Radcliffe, my
has to me to tell me of
gy:cilnr tobeoort wntinuethe white caller. Bo far from
having any objection, I shall feel much *altered by
your deeming it worth your notice to con.
Mum' it ; and I only hops you may wear it all long as
I have done. Mr. ladolyffe concluded by assuring
that whether he met gentlemen at that hospitable
board, or at the side of Mr. Hard(ng's cover he could
only say he shonld be delighted, amid cheers)._
_ _ ' •" • • -

:LAMM HARDING proposed the health of Mr.
looks., the Vico-Ohairusan. Mr. Harding added—
one more toast, a bumper, and quick step to the
field of action. (Cheers.) Mang friends, though not
agriculturist., had owns as a compliment to himself ;
some had come all the way from Southampton, as
his friends Mr. Turku and Mr. Andrewk the Law
Mayor of Southampton and nil but M.P. for the
same place. (AppWum and Laughter.) Mr. Her.
ding proposed their health., to be drunk simulta.
neoualy. The toast we. drunk in a bumper.
The Vice CHAIRMAN in acknowledging the oom•
pliment hoped that Mr. Harding would have a good
sale and that he would live many years enJuying
soca health.
Mr. RICHARD ANDREWS. of Southampton, re.
turned thanks; and
Mr. Tumuli likewise acknowledged the coin.
pliment in a brief speech.

Three cheers were then given for the Earl of
llohester, Mr. Hardlng's landlord, and an adjourn.
ment to the sale ring took plan..

_
The place for holding the sale was situated at the
top of the slope on which stands Mr. Harding's
house, and to this ring a general movement wee
made. The arrangements of Messrs. Baker and
Bator, the well-known auctioneers, were admirable,
and the ruiners was carried on with the greatest
ere and regularity. The stock for disport we.
liner than ever before seen at Warren. There
were 112 lota, 22 of which were full-mouthed ewes,
comprising 180 animals, The rams numbered 90-
4801 which were to be let. After Mr. Err bad
elated the terms of the sale, the ewes were turned
Into the ring, and mazy of the lobe occasioned a good
deal of competition. The pairs ran from 40a On
73a. each. Neat °ems a number of one-yer•old
rams to be let, and hare • lively amount of bidding
every now said then ocenned. The highest prioe for
hiring was No. 17, whisk realized £35 lea The
rates varied oomi from /1110, £22,
£2O, £l9 10a., £l5, £l2 101116.,10wn to £4 10a.
Next a number of onieer-aid, feerlear-old, and
three-year-olds were offend, the prier running from
£l7 to £4 10a. A few two.year-olds were let, but
the prier made were not very high—about V.
Some two•year -olds that were sold made better prior.
The last he put up was "
flve-year-old rain. Mr. Har&pg said he worki not
pert with hull for las Uses 1,10,-miti Champion wont
for £l.O 100. Also cooativiot of * ago, jot

&bent dusk, thoes who remained partook of tea and
coffee in the ohm, *kWh waa gracefully super.
intended by the young ladles of Mt Harding',
tale?,
we are happy to my that no itooldent or
role* mmurred throughout the dayk whioh was
pikeito nvery arveable miutner

Frnrourrovrni—A MA* natned John Bradley, in
the employ of Mr. Alner, of (Indium/tons, fezinet
was retntning from a journey on Monday afternoon
Such, riding on the shafts of a loaded wagon and
when neat Waterton, in this wish, he fell off, and
the wheels passing over his body death must have hi,
stantaneous4 shined.
Bbambroan.—On Friday afternoon week the chi!.
dren of the Blandford Union were treated to a telly
given by Mrs. 11'111110M Smith, fielior.house, St.
Mary's, Blandford. The ehildreci, numbering 26 in
all, were conducted by the mistress to the pleasure
grounds, where, after rambling about some time,
they est down to tea. The table was beautifully
laid out, and after partaking of the good things be.
fore them, they scampered off to the and vari•
ous other amusements that were prepared. The even.
tog was enlivened at intervals by a variety of little
songs. Afterwards the children were presented with
books, needle oases, cards, end various other things
by the Misses Smith, who were very much pleased
with them. They were also presented with various
useful articles by the Rev. Mr. Stuart, auoh as balls,
books, &0., &o. After rambling about some time
until they were quite fatigued,
they sang the
national anthem and then left the field with many
churn

SII4IPTEABUILY. —Considerable excitement WM pro-
&load in this town last week by • report that the
directors of the Salisbury and Yeovil railway had
altered the site of the intended station for Shaftes-
bury, and were going to place it at a much greater
distance from the town; but we ate glad to find
such is not the case, the site being fixed where it
was at first designed.

CILIMATION- OP nos 01911411t0 07 BHiItDORNII
Cutracn--A special meeting of the subscribers was
held at the Townhall on Monday, to reconsider the
mode of applying the fund raised for this object
The collector' reported that they had reified a onin
approaching .e5O, but that many persons had objected
to the temporary nature of the proposed celebration
and were disposed to give more to a permanent ob-
ject; and after a long dotage, in which it was urged
that the oommemoration should include all seats, it
was resolved, with one dissentient (to the words
"And Prayer Itoks"), "That the thanks of the
meeting he presented to those gentlemen who kindly
undertook the office of collecting donations, and that
insomuch as it appears from the report of the collet-
tors that the public feeling is in favour of a perma-
nent commemoration of the re-opening of the church,
it becomes expedient, in the opinion of this meeting,
to cancel the 2nd resolution of July 213 and to invest
whatever r amount is or may be milleeted in the
Savings Bonk, and toenopintthe interest of it in an
annual clistriloution of Bibles and Prayer Books
within the parishes of Sherborne and Castleton, at
the discretion of the vicar and churchwardens of
Sherborne for the time being, and that the date of
the restoration of the church be printed on the
cover." It was determined to present an emblazoned
address on vellum to Mr. Digby, conveying to him
the thanks of the parish for his munificence in un-
dertaking and carrying to a suomesful completion this
great work of church restoration. It was suggested
that a penny subscription should be opened to afford
an opportunity to every adult in the parish to con-
tribute to this object. The suggestion was received
favourably, but it was left to the vicar and church-
wardens to carry into detail the wish of the
meeting.
BRIDPORT RAILWAY—It affords us pleasure to
notice that the Great Western Railway Company
have come to terms with the Bridport Company for
the working that line of railway, and although they
have not yielded to the wish of the shareholders to
work it at 60 per cent they have come back to 6211
per cent, at which price the contract has, we hear,
been concluded. The other portion of the request
relative to the loan ham also, it is reported, been
agreed to.