The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1864-09-06 00:00:00

LEIGH HORTICULTURAL SHOW AND FETE.

It is with much pleasure we notice the above
named exhibition, which to)k place on Wednesday,
31st August, at Totnell, in the parish of Leigh.
Although the first of its kind in thab village, it may
be justly termed • decided success, as far as the
objects for which it was established have been
realised, namely, the reward of the active and in-
dustrious labourer, and the ancuiuragernent of these
who have hitherto made little effort to compete more
active for the future with their fellow labourers;
the general improvement of the village, and last,
though not least, the drawing together in happy
social intercourse, the farmers and their families
and friends. The attending to and watching the
productions of nature, it is well-known, has a bene-
ficial and social effect on the mind. Those who love
to tend their gudea and their flowers, being led un-
consciously to reflect upon the greatness and the
gladness of God, who sends all things richly to be
enjoyed in their season. If man performs his part to
"plant and water," God will give the increase.
Both in quantity and quality the vegetables, fruits,
and flowers, were much better than could have been
expected.
The potatoes were, on the whole remarkably
fine; the onions not large, but sound and good ;
parsnips and carrots inferior; wild flowers abundant,
and prettily arranged; pot flowers vary creditable;
games • good collection. A few kind contributions
were also sent from subscribers and friends, amongst
which we noticed some beautiful apples, plums, and
flowers. The weather was all that could be desired,
and a goodly gathering took place. Totnell pre-
sented a wen* of unusual gaity and activity, a
variety of amusements having been provided.
, After the distribution of the prizes the merry
country dance succeeded for several hours, to the
enlivening strain of the well-known tiberborne drum
I and fife band. All were liberally supplied with tea
1, and plum cake, and those perferring it, with
something more substantial, in the Sherborne cricket
marquee, kindly lent for the occasion.
A number of pretty prism were distributed
amongst the most meritorious members of the village
school, and they, too, had their share of the good
things in the marquee.
When the shades of evening put an end to the
out-door amusements, a select party adjourned to
the marquee, which was illuminated, and claming
was kept up right merrily until ball-past ten
o'clock. . . . .

-•—•
The gardens were inspected three times during
the spring and summer, by Mr. bane, of Hermitage,
and Mr. Samuel Smith, of Leigh, to whom, as
well as Mr. Spong. of Longburton, (who very
kindly sainted )dr. Lane in awarding the prises,)
the thanks of all interested were heartily offered.
The following is a list of the prises awarded:-
Best cultivated garden.-First pram, is. &1., Charles
Pollard ; second, 54., Edmund Hardy; third, 2e. 6J.,
Silas Burt-Beet potatoes-First prise, 5.., Thomas
Gooney; second, 3e 6d., Charles Fords; third. Sc. 6d.,
Silas Burt; Is. each to Thomas Grapey, Edmund Hardy,
and Simon Hunt.-Best wrote -Irirst pries, 40.,
Edmund Hardy. -Onions.- First, !seise, Eia., David
King; second, Sm. 6d., Edmund Hardy; third, 2a. 6d.,
Charles Follard.-Brat cabbage-First prise, 45.,
Charles Peoria; second, 25., John Humber.-Best
parseipe.-First prise 45.. Andrew Middle-French
bsees&-uirat pries, Is., John Husker; second, 2..,
John Gooney ; third, 25., Sarah Jeans.- Best cucumber.
-Extra prise, is., Charles Pollard.-Best three pots of
gowere -First prise, 3a, Elias Gooney; second, 2a.,
Charles Pollard; third, Is. 6d., Silas Burt.-Beet
nosegay.-Fiist prise, la., Charles Pollard ; sewed, ls.,
Elisabeth Hunt.- Best apples,-First prise.2a.,Edniund
Hardy.-Wild flowers.-First prise for design, 25., Lacy
Burt; wend, Is. 6d., Men Burt; third, is., Jane
Polbud.-Bouquet of wild Bowers. -First prise, Sc,
Mary AO IN Halt; sewed, Is. 13d., Jacob It. Holt
third, la., Jane Donators.