The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1858-09-28 00:00:00

BLANDFORD.

LITERARY INSTITUTIL—The first lecture of this
season was delivered at the Townhall on Tuesday
last by Mr. Spinney, of Sturminster Newton,
assisted in the vocal and instrumental illustrations of
his subject by his musically accomplished daughter
and two amateur friends, the whole of whom had
evidently been carefully trained by the profi-
cient lecturer. The subject chosen was the I
"History of Music," and in this case, as inmost others
of a similar character, the vocal and instrumental per-
formances appeared most to gratify the audience.
It is but reasonable to suppose that such should be
the case, since the history of music is not only prin-
cipally made up of past improvements in the vocal
and instrumental departments of the profession, but,
especially as illustrations in these captivating depart-
manta of melody must appeal much more powerfully
to the sympathy of a general audience than a mere
technical, verbal description is likely to do, however
well arranged or pleasingly delivered. The speci-
mens of choir and congregational singing were
effectively given, and forcibly illustrated the greater
devotion and effect produced by the latter mode
over the former; and, in our opinion, no part of the
evening's entertainment so strikingly proved the
musical proficiency and correct taste of the lecturer
as did the harmonious voices and style of singing of
those whom he had chosen and tutored to waist in
executing the sacred illustrations of his subject.
"The Gambler's Wife" should never be attempted
by him; it is peculiarly descriptive in character, and
therefore loses its effect, either as an illustration or
vocal effort, when sung by a person deficient in
volume and flexibility of voice. Mr. Spinney makes
no claim to merit as a vocalist, therefore we feel
less hesitation in giving an unqualified opinion on
this subject. The humourous contrasts of slow and
feat time given by him on the pianoforte, the speak.
big and beautiful tones he drew from the harmonium,
and the correct judgment and matured taste he die.
played in getting up the entire evening's treat, prove
him to be no ordinary example of the musical pro-
fession. Miss Mattie Spinney has already earned
for herself metropolitan fame as a pianist, and when
her youth is considered, and the comparatively few
opportunies she has had of profiting from the instruc-
tion of those pre-eminent in the profession, her rapid
and correct execution of the most difficult pieces is
something astouiahing. The entertainment gave
great satisfaction to a crowded audience, and we
have thus lengthily notified it because it was wholly
made up of native talent, and yet was far superior to
those entertainments of a similar character ostenta-
tiously claiming public patronage on the ground of
acknowledged merit.

NEW CORN EXCHANGE. —We have just seen the
design decided on for the long-talked of Corn Ex-
change. As represented on paper it will be a noble
looking building, having a curved roof of an ellip-
tical form, the central portion of glass and the lower
covered with slate. The interior is rendered im-
posing by the introduction of bold, handsome prin-
cipals, with moulded spandrels arching the room
from side to side, and when the coves of the ceiling
and principals are warmly tinted as proposed, the
result will be pleasing and effective. The room in
which the principal business is intended to be trans-
acted will measure 75 feet long by 36 feet wide, and
from the floor to the glass roof 27 feet. The building
will be approached from the Market-place through
the court under the Townhall and immediately
entered through a short corridor 12 feet wide, thus
opening to view from the Market-place, through two
noble archways, nearly the whole of the front en-
trance to the Exchange. The building was designed
by Mr. James Green, of this place, who will super-
intend its erection. The builders resident in the
town are now preparing tenders, and when one is
accepted by the committee the work will be imme-
diately oommenced. It is contemplated to finish the
building in Deoember next, and open it in January,
1659.

LORD PORTMAN'S OR THE EAST DORSIT HOUNDS.
—All here who take an interest in hunting are on
the tip toe of expectation as to the first meet and
doings of these hounds on Monday (yesterday), the
27th inst. If their success in cub hunting may be
taken all an earnest of the sport they are likely to
afford in the future, little fear need be entertained
that hunting exploits in the oounty of Dorset will be
few or far between. Those who have seen the
hounds, and whose judgment can be depended on,
speak highly in their favour; and even to the eye of
the uninitiated the dogs, huntsman, and whip look
all over like laminas.

MANunits.—A pamphlet has Just appeared entitled
"A few Facts fur Farnuirs on Oomrneroial Super-
phosphate." The author designates himself on the
title•page "One of Themselves." From the refer-
ence made to the transactions of the Blendford
Fanner& Club. it is evident the writer lives in this
neighbourhood, and we think there would be no
great difficulty in pointing him out. This it woidd
be needless to do, sines the manner in which he has
freely discussed matters having »brim to the
published opinions of manufacturers of manures will
most probably bring his RAMO before the public.
The pamphlet deals practically with the mukluk and
deserve. i sinful perusal bum those to whom it is
add Noel
(111111 MR FAIL —The number of vellides pegging
through this place to the fair was not so great u on
loniser oossiong. The number of sheep penned was
moderate. Withers gold from 40e. to 465, each, and
in one oue realised 411 e, ewes, from 110 e. to 40s.
and Lambs from it..to 804. Prints CM bulkwks

ranged train las. to 12s. per score. Young cart
horsed wore plentiful and a shartelower in priuu than
they have latoly sold at. Nag hones were sauce,
and yielded high prices. The attendance was but
moderate, but the tone of the fair for all agricultural
Mock was oonaidered good.