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

Dorosetsbtre.

ME. JAMES HARDING'S SHEEP SALE AND

LETTING,
42' HIGHER IVATERSON.

the Thursday was held the seventh annual tale
and letting of sheep at Mr. James Harding's farm,
at Higher Watereon. This yearly transaction has,
through the acknowledged ability and experienoe of
Mr. Harding as • breeder and the thorough good-
ness of his South-down stock, become widely famed,
and each season large and increasing numbers of
agriculturalists from this neighbourhood and from
far distant places assemble at the hospitable spot.
Waterson is not a great way from Dorchester, but
is easy of access and only some four miles from the
railway stations at the latter-mentioned place. On
Thursday there was a very numerous attendance of
gentlemen, the loveliness of the weather adding
considerably to the enjoyment of the occasion,
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 as
thorough models of symmetry—though it was easily
seen they bad not been "shorn to shape—and of rare
guilty. The rams were placed under a cool awning
prior to the sale.

Between 1 and 2 o'clock, after gentlemen had in-
spected the let4iug portion of the stock and the rams
especially, and jotted down hints in their catalogues,
a bell was sounded at the bottom of the slope from
Mr. Harding's house, and a general adjournment
took place to a spacious saloon which had been con.
atruoted in front of and adjoining the dweding-howie.
The interior of this saloon was adorned in a beautiful
and graceful manner with flags, festoons of flowcro
and evergreens. Facing the entrance was the agreeable
word "Welcome," backed by "God save the Queen,"
and "Speed the Plough ; " while another banner
bore the words, "Prosperity to agriculture, trade, and
commeroa." Mod of the ornaments were suspended
from the ourvaas roof. From end to end of the tern-
L7:l"apartment, which extended along the whole
f Mr. Harding's residence, ran three tables •
and the "refreshments" consisted of au elegant and
sumptuous cold collation, with choice wines, to., and
furnished in the most bountiful style, thoroughly sus-
taining the widely known hospitality of -Mr. and
Mrs. "lording, and doing credit to the clever cater-
ing of Mr. Yeandey, of the Antelope Hotel, who, ar
heretofore, had the management of these matters.
About.3so guests sat down to partake of the generous
repast, under the presidency of John Plover, Esq.
The Chairman was supported on his right by J. C.
Radolytre, Esq., Esq., and (1. J. Wood,
Esq. ; and on the left by the Rev. John Wills,
George Churchill, Esq., W. L. Henning, Esqiett.
Andrews, En., of Southampton,
of Southampton. Mr. Henry Fookes °crimpled e
vice chair, supported by Mr. John Homer, and Mr.
John Tett. Among the company present were the
Rev. Basil J. Woodd, Meuse. J. F. Hodges, M.
Deveniah, G. J. Andrews, Cl. Turner, -Thomas
Thornhill, James Harding. of Spookington, R.
Atkinson (Fryer Mayne), W. Manley, Lieutenant
Hawkins, liith Foot, J. Thrasher, L. Groves
(Knighton), L. Groves, (Holcombe), W. Groves, .1.
Kent, C. Kent, T. A. Homer, S. Harding, W.
Henning (Fiddletrenthide), J. Watta Scull, James
Andrews, Robert Hill, William James (Mappow.
der), William Dunning (Friar Waddon), George
Mayo, sen., George Tett, George Mayo, jun., S.
Harding, jun., John Strange, Samuel Strange, J.
Penton, J Dowdswoll, T. H. Saunders. C. Haw.
kins, James Caine., John Strange, Fowler,
Game, and J. Foam

When grace had been laid and the repeat was
over,

The OHAIRMAN rose and proposed the health of
"The Queen." (Applause.) He might be pardoned
for especially calling 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 beet thing to say was to wish her
a pleasant trip and a happy, ldy, safe voyage
home spin. (The health WAS duly honoured, as was
that of "The Prince Consort, Prince of Wales, and
the rest of the Royal Family," also proposed by the
Chairman.)

The CHAIRMAN next gave "The Army and
Navy." Englishmen had always been proud of thus
two professions, and perhips never was there a time
when we should be proud of them like the vaunt.
Whether against the highly disciplined forces of
Russia, or the overwhelming odds of the Indian
native armies, the soldiers and sailors of Old England
had shown that high courage, indomitehle pluck,
and that steady and parfait perseverance and disM•
plisse which had carried them conquerors over all
the didloultios, clangers, and numerous host' eon.
tending against them. (Loud epidemic) In the
'mid and Icy climate of the Crimea, or under the
burning suns of India our men maintained the old
character of English soldiers and aailoro—and that
clumoter was no slight one, (Applause.) He had
the honour and happinesa of 'snowing that Dorset.
shire hat been distinguished, as he trusted It over
would be in the late engagements, (Cheers.) They
knew Oil a Rebuild had bled and Moshe for his
country, and that many others who, if they could
sent squat his feats of danger, bad proved theinselyes
worthy sons of their country, (Loud °hurl.) With
the toast the Chairman coupled the neon of the sons
of his Mend Quarter Muter Hawkins, one of whom
represented the army anti the other the navy. (The
tout was entliusiastioally drunk.)
Lieu' HAWRINN, Illth Toot, in responding said
they were extremely obliged to all fur 'drinking the
health of Os army and army. His only
_sorrow was
111111 his RANH should have been coupled with the
toed when lie saw a senior omen present—s major
In the militia IMO Henning). (A laugh.) The
Chairman had said the army and navy had always
done their duly, he (the gallant Lieutenant) hoped
they always would, (Choirs.)
The thiatiniaw give nest "The Blehop and
Clergy of this Mouse," The clergy ministered in
our llama, amongst our families and neighbours,
and their sanitise were always welcome and appro.
elated, yet at no time wen they ai gladly seen at on
oecpe(oas of this sort, when their promise Wed to
the pleasure of the woe around, fientlemen pre.
real were glad to see an old friend who used to live
among them, and who, like so many others, had
been brought hither by the hospitable invitation of
the worthy host to Join them on this festive ma'
lion and the Chariton would couple with the toast
the name of their good friend and former neighbor
the Rev, Mr. Will,, (Loud cheer.,)
The Rev, J. WiLus, for the very handsome way
In which the company had been plumed to drink the
Bishop and Clergy of the Dimes, begged as a very
Inefficient member of that body to nitirn his most
Mauro thanks. It woos great some of delight to
him, although he Gould not boast of great Impel.
owe &la farmer—end he thought he could do no
leas after receiving an invitation-then—to come to the
present gathering. He was sincerely happy to find
so good a company, and he hoped Mr. Herding
wotild have a said male, which, Judging from what
he the rsv, gentleman) had seen, be no doubt of.
(A pplause. )
The CHAIRMAN said he had now the pleasure to
promo what he celled the toast of the day—the
health of their well known and much valued friend
and host, Mr. Jame. Harding. 1" Bravo I" and
cheers.) It was nudism to enlarge on the excellence
of the different objects which Mr. Harding had
prepared for the entertainment and advantage of
those present. They had had before them a splendid
repast, doing honour to the class and county that
that gentleman belonged to, (cheers); and in the Held
as they had seen, and would again see, were the
proofs of his long and anxious experience, good taste
and Judgment as a limner, and of his skill and
shinty as a breeder of doutli.down sheep. (Loud
cheers). If a man wished to excel, if a county or
locality desired to distinguish itself, it MIA always
wise to select that particular object for endeavour
and experiment which the person, the locality, or
II;. enmity did bah Riding as so many had to•
day ridden, over the healthy downs of
Dorset, he thought most would agree with bins
that if they could du anything well they ought Si'
breed sheep. He was glad to see that, their good
friend and neighbour hest dimmed his attention and
ability to the perfecting of that line clam of animal
already mentioned—the ilonth.down whoop, (Ail.
plasm..)
. All wished him well in these undertakings.
he airman and many around him had known
Mr. Raiding from early years, and whilied him well
because they sew that in WlOOO4ll was largely in.
Wrested the reedit of this neighbourhood and county
In the department of mrioulture alluded to, Ma
because that moues depended in a great measure on
the nooses of those agriculturials ensued around
and near him in the same walk oflife, In that
sumo too, was seen the future, prosperity, and
mow of Mr. Harding's brother agriculturists, which
was, the Chairmen was glad to say, proved at the
late exhibition at Dorohestsr, (Chore.) There
were 'hewn many pans of sheep Weed trim rams
bred and sold by their good Mend, contributing
matly to the locum of the exhibition and testifyins
that in this dimities Doreetaire agrionituriele were
making satisfactory (Continued cheering.)
Having thug shown Cgsern:emo primal what they
all tell much more strongly then he maid dote% in
words, the good reasons for taking a_deep interest
in the welters and moose of Mr. Harding, the
Chairmen gave Mr. Harding's health with the beet
and heartier' wishes tor his sumo oa this otosion,
avid in all future you' as leag as he followed oil:
hishoirited and noble an todertakias.
Cliairmiuh in drinking the health, said Mr. Hard.
tag's sheep were not "shorn to shape," (Mr,
ARM Hardbig's heel* was then drunk in a very
enthusiastic manner.)

M. num HARDING. IR reepOlialez said he %Ali
sure the very flattering and kind words the Chair.
man bad used in mentioning hie (Mr. Harding's)
name, almost deprived hint of words to reply to the
Chairman's great kindness, and to the company for
the manner in which the toast had beset %oaf ved.
(Cheers). It was a high souree of gritilkation to
him that after endeavothing as he had
endeavoured, and tarried on the experime4 foe
seven years, to have the honor and please% of see.
ing the highly respoetable company how around
him (Appian's); and he heartily trusted that
although arrived at the NI year, should he go fovrard
to another lease of 7 years, that at the end of that
time it would be no fault of his if they did hOt, as on
this day when the experiment Oants (AC conaider his
stock worthy of notioe. I(:beete). No expense on
his part, and he thisted he might add no lack of
judgment had been allowed in making the stook
better, so ea to produce it to the company as a
dessert after leaving that room. (Loud cheer.
ihg). There was one observation he hoped he might
be permitted to make relative to his owu stock. He
was ready to be sworn, if need were, that no sheep
of his which would be produoed, but had been
honestly shorn, and not made up for the occasion.
(Laughter, and applause). They had not been pro.
pared for exhibition, or anything else. The merits
of his stock 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 thimkod every one for their attendance, and
really had not words other than to say he sincerely
thanked all.

The CHAIRMAN laid he felt some regret at campy.
ing his present position, although requested to oc.
cupy it by the honourable host. He had had the
happiness of dining when the post was not filled by
so small an agriculturist as himself, but by one of the
leading, if not the leading, agriculturists of Dorset.
He (the Chairman) knew that good gentleman's kind
heart was with the meeting and the generous host
although absent, for he took a deep interest in the
success of Mr. Harding, and he was sure that
interest and kindly fearing would have brought the
gentleman amongst the company today if his health
permitted his being present He (the Chairman)
on future occasions Se return to the post he
hacr hoped
filled, viz. —sitting on the right or left of
the president alluded to. In drinking their former
president's good health, all, the Chairmin knew,
hoped he would another year attend in renewed
opirita, and be able himself to ',induct the proceedings.
The Chairman gave the health of Mr. Farquharson.
(Cheers.)
The Vic. CHAIRMAN prmed a toast which he
proposed with the greatest pleasure he had ever ex-
perienced, but still with regret, and that was—the
health of the Chairman. He hoped at the next
election Mr. Floyer would be at the head of the
poll. (Laughter and cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN returned thanks. The Vioe-chair-
man for the very kind terms he had been erens
esed to
employ in proposing the health, and the e co.
pant for the too flattering way in which they had
received him, he sincerely thanked. (Applause and
"No, no.") After so great kindness it was hardly
grateful or courteous to find fault, yet he must do so.
Politics were quite out of the question; and he only
said he very sincerely hoped they would be for a very
long time to come. (Hear.) He was very well pleased
Rohe was, • plain country gentieman, and able to enjoy
such an occasion as that, and not having to perform
that onerous and alarming duty although a
plesaant 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 tut 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 at. Having referred to the stores
Mrs. Harding so kindly brought forward tor the en.
tertainment of the guests, and looked upon that
very beautifully decorated room, having tasted and
done justice to the good thinp 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 Mrs. Harding. (Applause). They would
drink her health, as forming the moat important
part of their good host's happiness and prosperity;
long might he live to enjoy that good and excellent
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. HARDING responded. He Gould assure
gentlemen that Mre. 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 se well as himself similar gratification but to see
every face present again next year. He gnoerely
thanked the company for the compliment paid to
Hrs. Harding, and drank the hsalths of his gnats.
(Cheers). To save time he would propose a tout.
A gentleman_good and true had taken up their cause,
and he (Mr. Harding) did not believe a better man
could coins in the footsteps of an excellent predecies.
sir. And although without mentioning It he (Mr.
Harding) regretted what was 'peat and remotes
sincerely hoped no man would enter that room who
would not do for Mr. Rodolytie as he hat dons for
the worthy Squire. (Cheers), He well sure Mr.
Miley& with the steno had—the pick of the pick
of the peck—would keep the Yeomanry of Dorset in
epirite. Mr. Harding proposed "Mr. Wales
and hie fox hounds "with three times time,
(Loud share) . . .

Mr, J. O. RADOLVIIIII said he certainly rose
under vary greet diffioulty to return thanks on this
occasion, (Applause). He was only oatmeal,
sorry that it fell upon him to heep a pack of hound.
in the place of his worthy, esteemed, and excellent
friend Mr. Farquharson. (Applause). He (Mr.
Iladolyffe) could ensure the company that linos he
had attempted to follow Mr. Fuquherson's steps In
the humble why he had attempted he had reoelved
from the owners and (ampler. of Gavel" in Dorset
the greatest kindness, but he MU not such a donkey
as not to know that great part of that kiAtlnses
shown to him arose from the great friendship whisk
for many yule had existed between Mr, Tutu.
Mutton and himeelf. He assured them he would 4.
notohAll ever be could to afford sport. Of the hound.
he had purchased, Mr. Farquharton sail to him
prior to the sale " Rad**, if you mean to hunt
this country, have those doge that I have marked
Treadwell will also tell you j and don't you be
frightened out of them," And five minutes berme he
left the squire he (Mr. Itadolyffi) said to him i "If
you think so they shall not leave the county." And
now if any one Were to go over to hie (Mr. Had.
glee* house and Deer him ALSO° be should nut
have the hounds. Although he only bent a two.
day pools it would be satiefutory to all the 'Ws
collate to know what he woe Aleut to tell. He
wanted to know siaolly what Mr. Farquharson
wished in one reaped j and he could assure gentle.
men that on every omission since the Squirt had
given up his hounds had he (Mr. Hadolyffe) entirely
unstilted Mr. Yarquhareon as to the country end
everything indeed, if present Mr, Farquharson
'mild tell ihe assembly Hutt he (Mr. Itadalyffii) had
acted entirely on his Myles. Well, the other day,
not knowing how the worthy Squire felt toward
the white oollat, he consulted him, He (Mr. Had.
oleo) had the Mel white miller, and his brother
who was a clergyman would if 'he dared put on
one in a minute, (ape:nal, while his (Mr. Itsd.
olyffiesl son's was the t w 101 l the Squire ever put
on, He (Mr. Ilmtolyfth) asked Mr. Farquharson
how he thought it would be to have sub Dollars, and
the Squire wrote in reply, —My dear Radolyel, my
grandson Hobert has written to me to tell me of
your wish to continue the white oollar. So far from
having Any ohJeotion, I shall feel much Mattered by
your deeming It worth your notios to eon.
tines itj and [only hope you may wear it as long as
I have done. Mr. itadolyffe concluded by observing
that whether he met gentlemen at that hospitable
boar 1, or at the side of Mr. Harding's cover he could
only say he should be delighted. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. JAMI4I HARDING proposed the health of Mr.
rookie, the Vioe•Ohalrumn, Mr. Harding added—
one more west, a bumper, and quick stop to the
Sold of action. (Cheers.) Many friends, though not
agriculturists, had come as a compliment to himself ;
some had mine all the way from Southampton, as
his friends Mr. Tucker and Mr. Andrews, the late
Mayor of Southampton and all but U. P. for the
same play', (Applause and laughter.) Mr. Han.
ding proposed their healths, to be drunk emits,
neouslv. The toast was drunk iui bumper.

The V ton CHAIRMAN in acknowledging the nom.
pliment hoped that Mr. Harding would have a good
sale, and that he would live many yeare enjoying
good health.
Mr. RICHARD ACOMUWI, of douthanipton, re.
turned thanks i and
Mr. Turman likewise acknowledged the nom.
pliment in a brief speech.
Three ohs., wore then given for the Earl of
llohester, Mr. Harding's landlord, and an adjourn.
went to the sale ring took plus.
The plus for holding the sale was situated at the
lop of the slope on which elands Mr. Harding's
hones, and to ebb' ring a general movement WM
made, The arrangements of Mum. Baker and
&Nor, the well,known auctioneers, were admirable,
and the business was carried on with the greatest
eue and regularity. The stook for disposal WY
oner than ever before seen at Waterton. There
were 112 lots, 22 of whick were full,mouthed ewes,
comprising 100 animal, The rams numbered 20-
411 of whkh were to be let. After Mr. Einar had
elated the terms of the silk the ewe. were turned
Into the pipti, aid mutat the lots ocoaeloned a good
deal of competition. The mien ran from 40a, to
711 e. etch. Newt eine a number of ene,year,old
earns to be let, and here a lively_ainount of bidding
every now and then occurred. The highest price for
hirutg was No. 17, which realised £lB 10s. The
rates varied oonstderubly, running from 420_, £22,
£2O, AN 10s., £lO, 412 10a, down to £4 10e.
Nest a number of one•year•eld, hur•yearold, and
three.year.olda were ofhred, the prim running from
£l7 to .C 4 10e. A hw two•year.olde were lel, but
the prices aide were not very high—about £7.
Ices twelear.olds that were sea sae better prima
The lad 14 put up wait y Champion," a beautiful
limper-old Mr Mauling said 111 would not
part with him for leas than £lO, eadOhamplos west
for £lOlO.. At the cosnoleidoa of the sales Jost

abont dusts, those who remained partook of tee and
coffee in Ebb saloon, whioh err grfslefttY !MPG!'
tativnded by the young ladies bi Mr. arillng4
e are happy to say that no aocident or
mishap °correct throughout the day, which was
pared in very agreeable manner.

PinDLrrows.—A carter nanied, &Ain Bradley, in
the employ of Mr. Alger, Of 00dmaustone, farmer,
was returning front joiltney on Monday afternoon
W. riddilg on the shafts of a loaded wagon and
wlien near Waterson, in this pariah, he fell off, and
the wheels passing over his body death must have in-
stantaneously ensued.
BLANDFORD. —On Friday afternoon week the chil-
dren of the Blandford Union were treated to a tea,
given by Mrs. Frances Smith, Manor-house, St.
Mary's, Blandford.. The children, numbering 25 in
all, were conducted by the mistress to the pleasure
grounds, where, after rambling about some time,
they sat down to tea. The table was beautifully
laid out, and after partaking of the good things be-
fore them, they scampered of to the swings and vari-
ous other amusements that were prepared. The even.
log was enlivened at intervals by a variety of little
songs. Afterwards the children were presented with
books, needle cases, cards, and 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, such as balls,
books, rte., de. After rambling about some time
until they were quite fatigued, they sang the
national anthem and then left the field with many
cheers.

SklsirrEssußY. —Considerable excitement was pim
ducal in this town last week by a report that the
directors of the Salisbury and Yeovil railway had
altered the site of the intended station for She
bury, aud were going to place it at a much greater
distanos from the town; but we are glad to had
such is not the case, the site being fixed where it
was at tint designed.

CELEBRATION: Or THIL OPENING Or BRICRBORNI
CHURCH. —A special meeting of the subscribers WU
held at the Townhall on Monday, to reconsider the
mode of applying the fund raised for this object.
The collectors reported that they had raised a sum
approaching £5O, 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 debate, in which it was urged
that the commemoration should include all sects, it
was resolved, with one dissentient (to the words
"And Prayer Books"), "That the thanks of the
, meeting he presented to those gentlemen who kindly
undertook the office of collecting donations, and that
inasmuch as it appears from the report of the collec-
tors that the publie 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 26 and to invest
whatever amount is or may be collected in the
Savings Bank, and to employ the interest of it in an
annual distribution 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 muniticence in un-
dertaking and carrying to a suocessffil completion this
great work of church restoration. It was suggested
that • 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 OA 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 50 per cent, they have come back to 524
per cent., at which price the contract has, we hear,
been concluded. The other portion of the request
relative to the loan has also, it ii reported, been
agreed to.