The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1867-12-24 00:00:00

THE SOTIZE.

The smirk which was held on Thursday we suotesein
, to an unprecedented degree—the assembly was large,
numbering upwards of three hundred; the entertain.
I meet provided was of • diversified and pleasing
character; and the whole of the proceedinp passed off
in the most agreeable manner. This happy result is
greatly to be ascribed to the activity and ability di.-
played in the arrangements by Mr. T. 8. Binge.
furthered by the on-operation of • few, von few, of the
1 committee. His Worship the Mayor (G. Canna, Em.)
, gracefully recognised the pert taken in the twitter by
Er. Biggs when opening the proesedings, and we, who bad
*pportunities of noting the progress of the undertaking.
I cordially testify to the teal displayed by tha t gentle.
1 mac. The preparations were commenced onWednes•
artming and were actively continued till the party
, o arrive on Thursday evening, for the orderliness
and attractive appearanes of the various objects dis-
played for the gratiecetion of the &satiably wits not
attained without much labour and thought. There was
no lack of willingness; on the part of ladies and gentle-
men in the town and neighbourhood, possessing such
things as might be expiated from there rarity and
beauty to afford pleasure, to lend them for the oaciasion,
while is • gratifying eirouiestanov, for it does one good
to see the exhibition of so much kindly feeling. To
give anything like as meanie description of the in-
teresting articles thus wanted is almost impossible,
but it may be interesting to indicate some of those
which came more immediately under our own observa-
tion, for the singing, the instrumental perforn.tanoes,
the magic, and the scientific experiments were so oon-
tinumely attracitive that we cannot but think matey
who were present had but want opporteutity of examining
the miniature.Sauseuen temporarily provided. Entering at
the Guildhali entrance, and paseng through the Corn
Exchange —which appeared more aloonty, and clerk, and
depressing than ever before—admittanos was gained to
the new room, and it was veritably " • hall of dazzling
light," while the gay assemblage, all busied and
interested in • hundred different ways, rendered the
scene brilliant and animated. Before noticing the
programme of the eviseing, we will take a glance around
the museum. This was arranged upon a number of
tables so diapered as to afford ample spasm for a broad
promenade down the middle of the room, with spaces
lesser in width on each side. Sideboards were also
arranged in some of the recesses on either side of the
reeve, and in the ethers seats were provided. At the
entrance was a large ease c salting • valtuels collection
,of old China and objects of art. To this Herbert
Williams Esq., was the principal contributor. He
sent a handsome Spanish silver gilt dish in reeesesi
work, and an elegant ewer, both of the 1714 century.
These were exquisite epesimens, and very valuable.
Two sets of Dresden China, one of which has • curious
hidory. II mil Mat to England ass present totes
Duchess of Brunswick, Qeese Caroline's mother, and is
mentioned in the life of Madame D'Artilay. A magni-
Acent pair of bronzes, representing a lion attacking •
man on horseback, and • rendre( of oar English story
of St. George and the Dragon, the pew end eireesioe
of the figures of which are eveediegly striking and life
like. There was a piece of Rafael* wars, on which was
depicted in bold relied "The rape of the Babinec*
Several interesting varieties of old China were also dig.
laved. A curiosity of another kind well an eggehaped
eryatallisation taken from a Assure in • rock of moun-
tain iimestose, Somerset. Mrs. Bingham, of Bradford,
exhibitod a kLB.B. of the 17th century containing
Teahouse of old Beglish writing; two Oriente' yams,
India, delicately-emeed picture frame, and other In.
Westing objects. E. Barnett, Esq.. contributed several
speshaans at Wise line art workmanship, in the shape
of bole*, reed baskets, he.. The opal fireplace left in
the new building was saitably hidden by • dm-series
Nut y Mn, Blaikaa), ocutpoood of a Foot Twisty of
engravings,Mealy coloured, and cleverly arranged. It.
B. Sheridan, Fag., IL?., of Frampton Court, was the
eontrtheersi of several foredo curiosities. The meet
singular of them was the headstone to a Turkish tomb,
inhivadod for • woman's grave, brought tram Oossimati•

no*. Tombstones in Turkish oseseteries maelet of
two vertiaal slabs* marble, fear feet bigh,ead are plaited
one at the foot and 'the other at the head—the latter
hears the epitaph and the termer Is generally oreassmated
with sculptured dowers. The tombs of the higher
clamor consist of sarcophagi, three or four feet above
the ground. An oval space is army, left open in the
11°62=1.1 slab, which fora, the top of the sarcophagus.
This aperient is generally filled with shrubs or fkwers,
sod is mod* in &Ureas to the pastime which forbids
Us. entim mewing of graves with solid substsnerea An
klea exists that this opening is left to facilitate the
=and agree§ of the two angels, !looker and Naker,
duty it is to examine and question the dead.
The Turkish epitaph engraved on the marble slab ex-
hibited, is thus translated :-
1 ins a young plant In a roes garden. My youthful days
were not cloyed with the world. The wind f the lust hour
caw, sod loft me naked. Let my friends lenient mid mourn
for me

(Name) A lIDILUP klAsoDai.
1282, Neuh•rem.

Hers is a rhythmical translation
&WOO bloomed In aped= where fresh roses grew,
E'er I Ne summer my bowiem had worn;
The cold blot of death, also! over me fiew,
Aid left my friends sod suit futon.
In addition to this very abides objeet, Mr. Sheridan
Nat • Turkish pen-holder and inkstand, which is
ferried in the sash or waistband ; and, from the seine
neighbourhood, • painted and lacquered gourd, with •
cow's born ingeniously attached to it—this is used as •
bottle by travellers on a journey, and is carried slung
over the shoulder. Also, a plain gourd, used in the
same way, in the island of Corsica. At this table there
Was SD elegant and valuable telleotion of gilt and
oxydiabl tankards, caskets, At., lent by Mr. Scott,
jeweller, of Conklin, Dorchester. These comprised a
joy vase or pedestal; • tankard, on which was tepee-
tented with great power a lion hunt ; a Eiseman
tankard , • cup. after the manner of Martin Luther's
tankard; • Cellini cup, • Sane Die enamelled bowl, •
Chinese bowl, • Mszimilian casket, an enamelled
taw, • casket by Morel, and a...eel bronzes. Coor•
mender J. F. Prowee, R.N., of Weymouth, exhibited
specimens of the Atlanta cable of 1863, the eraps-I
which recovered it after it had been submerged 2,000
fathoms down in the Atlantic ocean, the cable so
recovered, and the cable of 1866. Maio: Clanton
exhibited • pair a bear skins. Mr. A. J. Devenieb
sent several Australian suriosities, vie, a rug made of
Wallaby awl anther eowposed a skins of the
°prawn ; • kangaroo's tail, musk duck whiole woe even
yet (regent, • tomahawk stone head, spears and •
throwing stick; • stock whip with an soormous thong,
which, when desteroualy used, will literally cnt • piece
out of • &snooping bullock. Re also showed a
pair of Moorish guns, • Spanish gun —gash of
them curiously ornamented; a Spaniele Wein. lb.
The Van. Archdeacon Beebe, D.D., sent • singular
fishhook, used by the Routh Sea islanders, the
egg of an emu, and several other curiosities. Mr. J. V.
D. Lawrence exhibited • handsome case of Australian
birds. China was remarkably well represented. The
Per. H. Motile. Vicar of Fordington, contributed •
contrition of great interest, comprising 'psalm na ad the
liotratere of the Celestials, their various appliances foe ,
agricultural operations, the tools a nom engaged in
Industrial pursuite, their coins, chop sticks, incense,
fans, spectacles. risme for Inc., head, nose. and earsl
me chant'. 'ling desk, ha. The Rev. W. Barnes,
of Came, omit • Chinese charm, and several other novel-
ties. Mr. Councillor Vernon exhibited • curious
Chinese heckles-glass Mr. J. Anderson lent • Chinese
pillow made of paper, several elegant fans, maned boxes,
As. Mr. Vetcher showed paintings by Chinese on rice .
paper; he also sent • cam of fossils and curiosities, with
other objects of interest from loin, blending mats
made of peariock'a feathers; • walling-stick, carved at
Poonith, and exhibited at the native exhibition at I
Bombe'', where it was sold for El ; figure of an Indian I
fish-woman, engaged in cleaning fish ; vegetable, ivory, ,
Ac. The Rev. W. Barnes exhibited some cotta pods
and • woven specimen. Sergeant-Mejor Lydon, of
Dorchester, contributed • ease a American bird., and a
Week squirrel, with • collection of Indian curiosities,
front the Lipper Made. Miss Saunders, of
Wateroornbe, lent a model of an old stone pulpit
near Starewsbney, made by her, with great ingenuity,
aeons Lb* pith of the rush. Mr. Councillor 0. J. G.
Gregory was a oontribotor of two Maltese vases,
of elegant form and workmanship, end • ease of
Australian birds. Mrs. Stone, of Dorchester, lent
sever.' curios. old books, and • pair of excellent
bronzes. A handsome choirs, or Affghan cloak, was
sent by Major Bmant. From Mr. J. Spencer, Dor-
chester, there was fancy stand made of haielwood,
doretailed. A splendid coat of mail, with casque, in-
laid with brass, and steel head piece, and • sword-proof
tunic, were exhibited by H. Williams, Esq. These
were taken in the Burmese weir, by the present General
Tapp, eon of the late Mr. Tapp, of Dorchester. A
handsome cabinet of ivory and tortoiseshell was 'town
by Mr. J. Tudor. A large and valuable collection of
antiques and curiosities was sent by Mr. George Potency,
of 3, Cornbill, Dorchester. These comprised a collection
of antique ripgs and brooches, old Wedgewood dessert
set, silver hair pins used in Queen Anne's reign,
antique necklaces, Apostle spoons, • handsome variesy
of antique enamels, • beautiful silver filagree font with
gold medallion, antique silwer boxes, ministers poi,
trait, in 'gory, antique gold seals, enamelled jewel
casket, silver gilt antique goblet, elegant rase of
Wedgewood ware (1749). Chinese card bog, antique
bronze of Seneca, • very handsome old oak cabinet ;
China Ileums, vases, bowls, fic.; majolica dish,
Indian battle axes. old English cross bow, Indian
and Persian Arrows, Roman relics. a cepitel col iestion ci
Roman and English coins, black letter Bible 11025) with
silver clasps, Ac., tt.c. The Rev. W. Barnes, and Mr.
J. V. D. Lawrence oleo contributed various Roman
remains, diseeivered in this neighbourhood. The Rev.
J. Foz exhibited a powerful microecope and several
working models. Mr. A. J. Frans, also lent • micro.
scope. Mr. T. S. Biggs exhibited a splendid collection
of illumineted stereoscopic views. Mr. Grainger, of
Wool, lent a larg. and powerful musical box, which
wee heard with mach advantage in the course of the
evening. The walls were hung with paintings lent by
Mrs. Hutehinga, of Salisbury-terrace, and Mr. Cos,
High East-street, Dorchester. Mr. Potency, photo.
grapher, displayed several large pictures produced
be his carbon printing process. A variety of ferns
and greenhouse plants, wi re lent by Mr. Bamonebs, and
afforded an agreeable relief to their eurroundings. A
platform was erected at the upper part of the room, for
the use of the performers during the • owning. As seven
o'clock approached the arrivals rapidly succeeded each
other, and the complete success of the gathering
became speedily apparent. Amount the assembly we
Potimi—His Worship the Mayor (George Curing,
E.q.), Kiss Cerme, Colonel and Mrs. Binghate, G.
Churchill, Esq., F.. Churchill, Req., H. Williams, Req.,
the Rev. R. W. Pears, Miss Pears, Miss Oldfield, the
R-v. J. Brown. and Miss Brown (Sydling), the Rev. W.
Barnes, and Miss Barnes, the Rev. J. M. Evans, the
key. B. G. Watson and party, the Rev. T. R. Meakew,
Mrs. Maakew, Miss Masker.. Rev. J. Fox and Mrs.
Fox, Mr. and Mrs. R. Genie, Mr. H. Donning, Mr. and
Mrs. H. Hawkins, Mrs. B. Hayne, Mrs. G. Andrews
and Miss E. Andrews, Mr. W. Andrews, Mr. Councillor
Vernon. the Misses Williams (Bradford Yemen), the
Misses Vaisey, Mr. end Mrs. Webster, Mr. Byrnes and
the Kisses Brines (Nether Genie). Alderman Coombs
and tiro Coombe, Mr. Alderman Galpin, Mrs. Galpin
end family, Dr. J. P. Aldridge, Mr. Councillor G. J. G. ,
Gregory mad Mrs. Gregory. Lieutenant J. F. Hodges,
Mr. F. Hodges, Mr. Councillor M. Devenish„ Mr. A. J.
Devenieb, Mrs. Devenish and family, Mr. G. Mayo,
Mr. T. S. Biggs, Mr. Councillor H. Look and family,
Mr. F. Aldridge, Mr. and Mrs. H. Darden, Mr.
Ling, the Moses Greening. Mr. and Mrs. A. F.
Atkins, Mr. E. Burnett, Mr. and Mrs. Cannington
and Miss Cunnington, Miss Damen, Mr. J.
Besant, Mr. Councillor T. Bennett and Mrs. Bennet%
Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Boyton
Smith, Mr. Henry Hill, Mr. A. Emma and the
Mimes &mot, Melees. Cowden. Mr. and Mrs. A. J.
Evan; Mr. and Mrs. J. Andrew, and family, he., Ac.
The Mayor opened the proceedings with a brief address.
He bade them heartily welcome to the new hall, and
said that although the building was ingandng principally
for the use of the agriculturists of the district, it
bed been made applicable for other uses, and he was
very happy to see it so well filled on that 000.40 D. He
hoped • plea ant evening would be spent by all and
that they might meet on many similar occasions—
(epplene.). His Worship also said that the whole
credit of the arrangeineots was due to Mr. T. 8. Beres,
who bad devoted himself with great energy to the
work—(applause). The programme was arranged so as
to afford as much diversity as possible, and the interest
of the assembly was well sustained. With Miss Hate
Roberts, of the London Academy of Music, as pianiete ;
Miss Mabell Brent, of London, vocalist; Mr. Ellis
Roberts. harpist; Mr. J. Matthews. of the Royal
Polytechnic Institution, as oonjorer • and Mr. T. E.
Hooker, electrician, combined to entertain the audience,
• gratifying amount of Income could scarcely fail to be
achieved. The singing of Miss Brent elicited much
approbation, and Miss Roberts's performances on the
pianoforte were exceedingly artistic and tasteful. The
skill displayed by the Prince of Wales's harper was
greatly appreciated. Mr. Matthews afforded a great
deal of amusement by his tricks of ledgerdennain,
which were executed with a quietude and neatness we
have seldom seem surpassed. Kr. Hooker's display was
of a seientifio character, but earentially practical
In its bearings. A portion of his illustrations
was given in the Guildhall, and the change afforded
an agreeable relief to the temperature of the new room.
He exhibited • system of electric bells and indicators, 1
which show by numbers the room where • bell is rung.
He bad applied this plan to an hotel at Scarborough,
where there are 350 balk which used to be a source of
annoyance from the difficulty the servants had in dis-
tinguishing the bell rung, and of expense from the
damage to the wires, but this electric system had been
In operation for • year with the most satisfactory
results. • fire detector was alms shorn which would
ring • bell on the temperature of a room rising above
• desired point. An ingenious device was explained for
detecting thieves. It could be applied to any door,
with saes, and when done it would cause • bell to ring
on any one opening it. The appliance could be turned
off in the daytime, sr when desired, by mesas of •
switch. Electric bells for the use of invalids were
shown, is which the bell would be agitated by
the slightest pressure on • little spring. An
electric clock was also exhibited. A variety of
expeeimenta were made with the induetion coil, showing
teeny new forms of Geisaler's vacuum tubes, amongst
which we may specially indicate the illumination of •
fish globe, which was exceedingly pretty. Another
pawing experiment wasthe placing a crown on • little
girl's head and illumiesteg it with different coloured
lights. Seven or eight different tubes were illuminated
at one time by the Induction coil. He explained •
method of improving gas, by passing it through • heavy
mineral oil called Lampe, the cost of which te saved by
the diminished consumption of gas, so the improved
light is puns gain. He showed Larkin's new magnesium
lamp, which will born with certainty four hour.
together. It is especially adapted for use in mines. He
also exhibited ffeeloinee's magnesium lamp. The
photogenic apparatus was explained, by which common
air may be horned instead of gas. The air in passing
throught the photogen takes up sufficient hydro-carbon
to become combustible sad luminous. It, however, cannot
be produced so cheaply as gas, but would be useful on
chips and in villages and homes where gas cannot
readily be obtained. By means of the ozy-hydrogen
light bis exhibited • variety of pictures of °Wale in the
Paris exhibition, views about Paris, statuary, humorous
view; kw _ Altogether his inpsrimenete gave great
, pleasure. Befrets were roweled by Mrs. Howe.
The minecany wee social, and the whale proceedings of
the mein paned of happily. About balf.pool dem

the National Anthem was Bung, the audience joining in
ehorns, and tin assembly dispersed. It is greatly to be
hoped that the wooer of this meeting will lead Ootbers
being held IA all events owe • year.

THE MIST MaMUT.
The Corn Exchange was opened for business on
Saturday last, when upwaade of a hundred annual and
7-year tickets wore issued, and other waiters paid the
fee for • single admittance. In all, the hand-
some sum of EV was realised, and • voluntary
subscription for • clock to be placed in the
Corn-Exchange reached it About • dozen extra Asada
are now placed in the new room, and thereto every
reason to be hopeful that the new building ant the now
arrangements will work well, and result in improving
the already capital corn market, so that it mite become
one of the best in thia part of the country. We trust
it may be so, and that in it. mamas the inhabitant& of
the county town may attain increased prosperity.