The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1862-09-09 00:00:00

4onteirtptstitt

WELLS.—lllownt SHOW.—On Wednesday the third
exhibition of the Well! said Centind Somerset Floricul-
tural and Horticultural noelety was held in Monday's
Meadows, Wells. The day of the flower show is con-
sidered by the inhabitants to be one of the most impor-
tant in the calendar. and on the present occasion titers
ler leery progpeoto( a snosephil exhibition. The eon,.
W.
settee, Mr. FL BerM;rd,'Mr. V 7. C. Bearden, Yr. It
Ball, Mr. H:ffilcix. mew. Dore, Mr.
J. Gill, Mr. H. Hin.lesday, Mr.. H. W. Livett, Mr. C.
lnrminwriglig, Mr., W. J. Welsh, with their melons seers-
c*m.. .I.*Flwiy„ bad done all that & oomlainatign.
Of energetic spirits could do to Insure sweets to 'Mr
allow and promote an interest in horticulture, tut the
elements beyond their control frustrated, in tome
degree, their designs, and tended largely to diminish the
number of those who would have visited the abet
ground. Rain descended about noon and oontintred,,
almost without intermission, accompanied with strong
'gusts of wind, until the close of the exhibition. Albeit,
the attendance IMP gaite as large mi could be expected
'considering the unpropitious weatheg. To some of the
4,1=r4„ ever, the dower ehow la but en encillare
and, whikt it *as the imam of several
ieseursion trains running, the greater number of those
lwho were conveyed to the anotent town in them, bed
levelled themselves of the low fares, to vita the old
!cathedral and many of the other interesting relies of 'I,
by-gone age, for which Wells and its neighbourhood are
damour. Had the weather proved favourable the exhi-
bition would have been highly eneceseful in every point
of view. As it was the show of flowers, fruit, and
plants was worthy of admiration in every respect; but,
las we have said, many lovers of horticulture were pre-
lventvd from attending through the inclemency of the
weather. The field which is in close proximity of
'Chamberlahr-street, was in every war suitable for 4
ihorticultural exhibition, and its entrances had been
decorated with floral devices. But the interior of the
'field presented a cheerless aspect. There were several
large tents for the accommodation of officials, the re-
ception of plants and flowers, and the refection of
venom but they all seemed devoid of the usual bustle
sailactivity displayed at an exhibition of that damp
lion, and those who bad ' the (*Tirade to *sabot tild
pelting storm on the damp grass" strolled about leder
umbrellas in the hope that the nun would cease, and the
sun renew ita shining. But they were doomed 'Willem).
pointment. The eommittee had, however, provided two
, excellent bands of mode—the Scots ami, the
'Tenth Somerset Rifles—which played ajtersately daring
the afternoon, to the great delight ql fl who heard
them and this, together with the really fine and unpre-
itoi display of plants, flowers, and fruit compen-
. asteddiess who sustained inconvenient, from the rain.

KINGSTON SEYMOUR. Miran Howl.
Another of those most egrersable annual parochial re-
unions commenced three or four years since at Kingston '
Seymoer, near Clevedon, and which have taken place
on each =weeding year with increasing success and
additional pleasure to all frequenting them, took place
on Wednesday. In fact, the harvest home is now, and
not improperly so, looked upon as the great farad of
the year there, and is always looked forward to and
enjoyed accordingly. The weather was not so propitious
ris could have been .desired, but the pleasure of the
'party, albeit it was a little smaller than on some former
'occasions, was not a whit diminished. It was truly
pleasant to see the unanimity displayed by the
parishioners and the cordial co-operation rendered by
them to the respected rector, the Rev. J. 11.8. Pigott;
indeed, they rimy be said to have miler's" him of all
responsibility in this matter, making all the arrange-
ments themselves, and only asking him for his sugges-
tionsandapproval. The. principal portion of the work
fell upon a very energetic and painstakiag committee,
and right well did they discharge all the duties devolv-
ing upon them in the matter. Some attempt at decors-
, lion had hese made in different pelts of the village, and
every thing would have looked cheerful and pleasant
there bat for the impending clouds, and, notwith-
standing these, all indulged the hope that a fine day
would be vouchsafed, and were the more pleased
when a gleam of sunshine appeared ; however, the
weather was more or leas stormy throughout, and
'consequently less enjoyable than could be desired. In
passing we may remark that none of the farmers are at
all dissatisfied with the crops they have saved, the
principal of which are wheat, beans, and potatoes.
Of the wheat there are just a few regret that it did not
ripen so " suantly," or evenly, as might be wished, but
the beans are pronounced "first-rate," and the potatoes,
• good crop, free as yet from disease. The barley
is said to be very late in consequence of the wetness of
the spring. The programme provided for a thanks-
giving service at the church, a tea under a tent lent by
by Mr. Francis, of Bristol, and pitched in a field
adjoining the rectory, kindly lent for the occasion by
Mr. John Hemmed, the tenant, and rural sports and a
I dance there to finish the proceedings. Early in the
morning a "break" left Bristol with many citizens
interested in the event, and several members of the
choir and choristers at the Bedminster Old Church,
desirous of assisting at the service ; others went thither
by train, Clevedon and other places in the neighbour-
hood contributing each their quota, and the perish
Doming out well nigh to nun, woman, or child. Some-
time before the time fixed for service many wended
Ilbeir way to the church, which was prettily decorated
by Mrs. Pigott, assisted by other ladies of the parish,
' with sheaves of wheat, ho. Over the communion table
was a wall-made cross made of dahlias. Ultimately a
procession (beaded by singers, chanting, in Gregorian
strains, the 84th Psalm, followed by the committee and
seer parishioners, who were succeeded by the rector
sad several otter clergymen) proceeded from the rectory
to the church. The service then commenced. The
first lesson was read by the Rev. Talbot O'Donoghne,
vicar of Tickenhain, near Clevedon, the second by the
Rev. J. Akers, incumbent of Kenn. The first part of
I the prayers to the end of the Psalms was read by the
rector, the last part of the prayers by the Rev. George
Boss, of Ooombesbnry. There was full choral service,
Miss Isabella Griffin ably presiding at the harmonium.
The hymn before the sermon commenced, "Lord of
the harvest, once again." The sermon, which was very
appropriate to the occasion, was preached by the
I Rev. T. Bliss, late curate of Christ Church, Clevedon,
who took as his text part of the third verse of the ninth
chapter of Isaiah :—" They joy before Thee according
to the joy of harvest." He said that in alinoet every
nation, and from the earliest times, no season had been
attended with greater rejoicing than that in which the
fruits of the earth were gathered in, and safely stored
up, the-harvest-home having been almost universally
celebrated by some kind of festivity, and oft attended
withwitegsous observances. So general was the custom
that the-pbrase "the Soy of harvest" had pawed into a
proverb, week was often found in Scripture, and in
other wtlti. Among the Jews, who received their
instilleurectly from God himself, we find that
the beirsissb wes begun as well as ended with public eats
of devotion. And se in almost every other country,
the Mantel of-braved had called forth expressions of
enjoyment sad gratitude. Nor were our forefathers
sweetie* in seebeepreesiens, and he rejoiced to know
llbeegli el
that, ai,s fibs commenoement of the century
such • iihdipssea Were cold and seldom, yet now
a better, tVeireiled. He was delighted to
know that at this iamb elf the ye!.n, day after day, is
parish after parish, seams of praise and thanksgiving
were simmeht to Him from whom all goodness flowed,
aj4eckla FHB hand in harvest. God had given us
a WrestfriliM as a whole, though other years might
hirveboree beyond him abundances Vet many dream-
themes in this year loudly called upon us for gratitude.
Nor must they forget the time when public anxiety
was raised by the cold spring, and wet and backward
swimmer, and how dire forebodings were found in
the city articles in our leading journals; but how
graciously Gad had heard the prayers then offered,
and had awarded suitable weather for the ripening and
' isgathering of the fruits of the earth. An average
harvest wee • matter of great thanksgiving, and he
showed 'et length that all should be grateful to God
for the harvest He had vouchsafed to us. After the
sermon, mid during the collections of the alms for the
parochial wheels, the beautiful hymn "The strain up-
raise of joy and praise" was admirably rendered. After
the service the procession was re-formed to the rectory,
and in the evening the spacious tent was filled with
guests—several hnedreds—who partook of tea, which
had been provided under the direction of the meter.
familia of the Totality, who, by the way, had wisely
called in the aid of Mr. Hatton, the experienced caterer
of this city, Without the tent the school children and
aged folk in receipt of pauper relief were liberally pro.
sided with a tea. During the repast the Clevedon
Volunteer Artillery Band played lively airs. Daring
the day, at intervals, the chnreb bells ran* merry peals,
and all went on pleasantly. In the evening the tram-
pony was much ifteressed, and a number of interesting
sports, which we need net stop to particularise, were
alloyed upon the greensward, where dancing was also
spiritedly kept up; alliappeased to consider themselves
well entertained, and it is to be hoped that the corn-
*Wee will find the balance co the right aide; at all
events, if It is not, as we heard one of them remark,
"they will make it so,"
EAST BRENT.—Haevwer Festsyst.—The East
Brent harvest festival for 1862 came off on Thunday,
and, like its predecessors, was very largely *Wended,
was very well managed, and named over very satisfac-
torily. Several yeameines the Yen. Aralideaeorarenison,
the rector, who has been much favoured by the co-ope-
ration of his parishioners, inaugurated these festivals.
Thefrev. gentleman's position in the church mid in the
county attracted round him many clergymen and
country gentlemen, and the well-managed affairs induce
the attendance of great numbers, not only of parishioners
of all ranks, but also of their neighbours, and thus an
importance and magnitude are invariably given to the
annual gatherings. The village was decorated in
various parts, triumphal arches spanned the different
thoroughfares, and flags fluttered from the church
tower mid other conspicuous points. At the entrance to
the rectory ground 'Welcome air was written up. and
Mini all comers were bidden to the merrymaking.
Within all necessary provision had been Mide, There
was a large tent for the public dinner and tea, and
other tents in which refreshments might be procured
by strangers. The motor received a distinguished
party at his house. The preceedings were commenced
with a procession to the church, where service was
performed. The spacious sacred edifice was completely.
filled. The Litany was first read by the Rev. W. B.
Clarke of Taunton, after which at leathern was sung.
The sermon was preached by the Yen. Archdeacon
Denison, who took as bis text the 4th verse of the 2ed
chapter of Ruth—" And, behold, Boas cadre from
Bethlehem and said unto tbe reapers, the Lord be with
you. and they answered him, the Lord bless thee."
At the finish of the diameter an appropriate harvest
hymn was sung, ormniencing

"Come, ye thankful people, 001114,
liaise the song of halved home 1"

Shortly after the ceichusion of Ike servioe dinner was
partaken of in the large tent. It was well decorated
with evergreens and flowers, fruit branches richly laden,
and gay banners with suitable inscriptions, some ef
felig2ous character appropriate to the occasion; others
bore fitting allusions to the Queen, the Prince of Walea,
the Lords and Commons, the county members and
country gentlemen, to the bishop and clergy, to the
arohdeaeon and to the lord of the manor. (btr. G. Reed,
of Burnham:4, to the magistrates, the fanners of gamm-
a* to "High and low, rich and poor, one with
another," masters and men, the eherelswirdens of the
pariah, the elerk and aezton, the singers and ringers,
and others. The newest, and certainly not the least
interesting hiscriptien, was the following quint
rhyme :

_
"God speed Catherine Reed,
And her squire, Captain Fryer;" -
and it was stated that it bad reference to an interesting
hymenial event to take place shortly at East Brent
Church, the lady (the daughter and heiress of the lord
of the manor) and gentleman above-mentioned being
the contrasting parties. In passing we may remark
that a finer harvest wee never known in the
neighbourhood. The early wheat is said to be light,
the later geed, and the whole • full average.
The beans were pronounced a first-rate crop. There
were between 600 and 6QO guests. The Von. Archdeacon
Dennion occupied the chair, and Mr. G. Reed the
ice-chair. Among thorn peasant were Sir Stephen
Olynne„ Sir Arthur Mon, Sir Henry Hoare, Colonel
Puttrell, Mr. Gabriel Poole; the Rev. W. R. Clarke,
Taunton ; the Rev. Mr. Buller, Stowey ; the Rev. Mr.
Neville, Batley ; the Rev. Me. Hugo, London • the Rev.
Mr. Cross, Pattlett ; the Rev. IL S. Fagan, Rodney
Stoke; the Rev. Mr. Graeber, Axbridge ; the Rev. Mr.
Alkers, Kenn; Mr. H, G. likisey, near Taunton; Mr.
,Wright, Bristol; Mr. Jacques, Clevedon ; Mr. J. H.
haermLay, Rigidities. ;*Mr. A. Hayden& Dr. Millard,
Mr. J. A. Goldsworthy, Mr. Clothier and Mr. Hudson,
churchwardens • Mr. B. A. Kinglake, Weston-super-
hire ; Mr. Rdeard Miley, Mr. John Amy, hr.
Robert Cook,- Means. George and John Higgs, Mr.
Jrgar' Mr. Dibble, Mr. Richard Day, Mr. Barrow, Re.,
Re. Atter the cold collation an interesting ceremony
wax observed; several of the lady parishioners walked
into the tent, each bearing a plum pudding—s bend
of murder preceding the fair company, who were much
bpplauded. Subsequently • couple of monster cheeses,
lwhich had been supplied for the mansion, were cut in
due form. The one at the Chairman's table was sup-
'plied by Mr. Clothier; the one at. the Vice-Chairman's
*able was furnished by his tenant, Mr. nucleon. Each
'cheese weighed over • hundred-weight. A monster
loaf of bread, which had been Inked at Reek's Bridge,
was also out. After dinner the ladies were admitted to
Ithe tent, which became completely filled. The urinal
iloyal and numerous somplirnentiny tonda were drunk
In
the protwedings terminated ata reasonable hoer.
HAI4HAIL em —T Cannon D us AY Solloo. On
Friday evening the senior boys and girls who are pupils
in therChurok Day Rebook lif iliiinham, underwent In
examination by. the master (Mr,C. Bryant), the mitres
(Miss B. Name), and the teachers. Questions were
aloe put esearienally by the ineurnbest, the-Res. W-.
yry, who occupied the chair, and Mr. T. Wade. The •
!answers elicited by these examiners testify that the
!ehrldrea are exceedingly well up and thoroughly con-
versant with the subjects taught them. The children
i were in their places at half Teat sin, at which time the
'room was pretty well filled, many of those present
being the elite of the neighbourhood and the parents of
the children. After singing and prayer the Chairman
said that before the work commenced he should like
to assure them that the examination of that evening
I we. a' get up one." for they detested deception.

It would be • fair and candid test. They all knew
that schools, as well as everything else, fluctuated.
This was especially the its, with this school. Two
years ago the what was in a better state than it was
twelve months singe. Now, he was happy to say, it
was a long way in advance of what it was this time
last year, bah in discipline attainments, numbers, and
in moral tone. This difference was doubtless to he
asionnted for In a great measure by the change of
masters. After a few words from the maater the work
'of the evening began. The following are the subjecs,
hi which the shildren were tested: A rithmetite
reading, grammar (fled class boys). billion' (brat and
second class boys), geography, and Scripture. Daring
the examination specimens of writing and needlework
were distributed among the company for inspeetion.
The examples in arithmetic were given by the Chair-
man, and the result in the several classes were exceed-
ingly satisfactory. A sum in interest was given to
the first class boys, and all, without an exception,
worked it earectly and obtained the right answer.
" The Grove" was then very effectively sung by the
•children and teachers. Reading was the next subject,
and in all the classes (four of boys and two of
girls) it was quite evident that the teachers were
particularly careful that their pupils should not only
be stile to master the worth but understand the sense
of what they read. The fluency, case, and expression
with which they read were proofs of this statement.
"The Reaper's Song" was then given. The first clam
of boys next parsed a part of a sentence— selected by
the Chairman—syntactically, which did them great
credit. 'The two first dasserrof boys were then questioned
in English history by one of the teachers and the
incumbent, after which a lesson was given by the
master to the boys on "atmospheric pressure." The way
in which the subject was handled and the experiments
in proof performed were creditable to the teacher and
interesting and instructive V) the pupils and the com-
pany, and roused much laughter. The children then
sang " Come, seek the bower," with much spirit.
The torrent of names following one another with such
rapidity beautifully contrasted with the melody which
preceded and followed it. The boys and girls were
subsequently questioned in geography the girls
England, and the boys Europe particularly, and the
world generally. The pretty, unaffected song, "The
Labourer's: Return," was then sung, after which the
girls and boys sang separately, the former" I wish to
be an Angel," and the latter "Ply the oar, brothers."
The whole school was then examined in gcripture by
the master, mistress, the Chairman, and Mr. Wade.
The Chairman said he was quite satisfied with the
scholars as to their knowledge of Scripture, it being,
indeed, very far beyond his expectation. The grand
and soul-stirring " Morn amid the Mountains" was
than sung, after which the benediction was pronounced
by the incumbent, and the very interesting proceedings
terminated. At the close each child received a bun.
Since Christmas (when Mr. Bryant became master)
from 50 to 60 Denies have been added te the books,
and there is now an average of 30 more than there
was at that time.