The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-08-02 00:00:00

Yours. Dear Sir,
Very faithfully,
EDWARD RUTLEDGE.

G. K. Stanton, E. 41,

Mr. BISHOP moved that the Streets' Committee be
instructed to repair the gutters in the Back Street this
year. Mr. Bishop urged the immediate necessity of the
work, as evil results might ensue from postponing the
matter till next amnion ; and suggested that E. 50 be
employed in the work. The ertimate for streets-work
was £4OO. A contract for repairing pavement had been
entered into for £4.lo—leaving £7O.
Mr. Curium said the gutters were of more moment
than repairing pavements, and might occasion the spread
of fever.

exxerr seconded the motion, asid it passed
nem. con.

_
The Board then resolved itself into *General Pur-
pose* Committee to consider applications received for
the tact of Surveyor.

"IL,

IroRCIIESTER AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

thisTbefiouriannzainlgeitagebioltaionme,fesiteek ionfferor
satectlunison
ywitinh
the Fair Field hear the Oreat Western Railway
Station. Thc meeting was the best Which the
Society has had, the competition being closer, and
the stock of all kinds better. We have not space
to detail the merits of the many animals exhibited
in the different classes. indeed the subjoined copious
list of prizes will afford, perhaps, the beat idea of
the show; but we may locution that thy line cat*
shown by Mr. E. Pope, of Toiler, were greatly
admired, and the sheep generally were highly com-
mendable, Mr. D. J. Wood's Sussex Downs attract-
ing much attention, although Mr. James Harding,
could well afford to be beaten, showing such rams
as the two exhibited by him. Mr. Smith, of Brad-
ford Peverell, maintained his reputation for pigs ; and
in the classes of horses were some very excellent 'Teel.
mens. The Dorchester Society have generously
resolved to hold no annual meeting next year, but to
oiler all their prizes to the Bath and West of Eng-
land Society, who are then to visit our town. The
Judges were Messrs. William Bridge, James Caines,
Daniel Symonds, 11. Seymour, Norris Roper, Henry
Fookm, John Ford, jun., and J. Roper. At three
o'clock the members of the society adjourned from
the show yard to the King's Arms Hotel, were, after
a brief business meeting had been held in private,
some 70 gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner
provided by Mr. Manley. The chair was filled by
the President, Charlie Hadelyffe, Esq., supported by
Henry Lock, Esq. Mayor of Dorchester, J. Floyer,
It. C. Faolubars;n, Kent, J. F. Hodges, J.
Ensor. and G. Biddlecombe R.N., Eels. The Hon.
See. O. J. Andrews, F.sq., Edward Pope and John
Oalpin, Earls., acted as Vice chairmen. The guests
included all the principal farmers and agriculturists
in the neighbourhood. On the removal of the cloth,
the labourers to whom premiums had been awarded
were introduced, and received their prizes, each man
being regaled with beer.

- -
The CHAIRMAN proposed the health of Her Most
Gracious Majesty the Queen. (The health was loyally
responded to, with three times three, the labourers pre-
sent lustily adding their meed of acclamation.)
The CHAIRMAN then said that his next duty was,
perhaps, the most pleasing which fell to the position he
occupied; it was to congratulate the successful labourers
upon the awards they had gained, and to address a few
words to the men on their success. (Applause.)
There were three chows to be dealt with—the skilful
labourer, the labourer who received a premium for long
servitude, and those who bad brought up independently
large families without parochial relief. To the skilled
labourers it moat be • great gratification to receive, as
it was to the society to have it in their power to offer
rewards—rewards which served as examples to those at
the recipient's home, showing that should they choose
to study one thing, shearing, thatching, or whatever it
might be, their knowledge would qualify them competi-
tors for the premiums this society offered. Then there
were labourers who had brought up the largest number
of children with the least amount of parish help. One
man had brought up the large number of 12 children,
thus proving what it was possible for a frugal, well-
conducted labourer to do. (Cheers.) There was nobody,
in whatsoever sphere he lived, but knew there was a
great difficulty attaching to a poor man bringing up a
large family, particularly without the assistance of the
parish; and there was nothing which reflected so great
credit as to struggle throngh that difficulty and bring up
a family with credit and success. It was • work which
entitled the individual to the greatest respect. (Ap-
plause.) Then came those who had won premiums for
length of service on large farms where they had worked
under different or the mune masters. This again was a
great credit to the men. It was not for all to be skilled.
In every rank there was skill, or greater talent, in one
than in another, and it was not a discredit to the man
who was not skilful; but to earn a good character as a
worthy man, living for • long time under the same
master, that was meritorious. (Cheers.) The Dor-
chester Society were glad to see the number of persons
contendirg for the prizes. As to the amount of the
premiums received, every one who, like the Chairman,
hail a large family, knew that there was always • shoe-
maker's bill or other bill ready to swallow up funds ;
hut there were a great many young men among the
labourers present, young men who though perhaps they
hail sweethearts had not large fainilies calling upon
them. To these youths the Chairman would give a
little advice. They must see the credit in which those
who had families stood, and if they would put away
the money received to-day as • reward for skill or ser-
vice into • savings bank and add thereto, say a shilling a
week, they would be very thankful for in doing at some
future time. Instead of this the young man might
say, "I've got 446. to-day, I'll wet that job." They
must remember that after having "wet that job" they
would be deuced dry next morning. (Laughter,) If
they did not put on the wet too stiff they would not be
so dry next morning. Let them also think for themselves.
A good deal in this world must be done by thinking.
Let not the young man say, "I'm going on like John
Small, over the way. He has escaped hanging, and so
may I." But put the money away, add to it, and when
the young fellow got that good-looking young woman
with the sparkling eyes, he would be able to go into the
savings bank and have a five pound note lie never would
have had except by putting away the shillings received
to-day and increasing their number. (Cheers.) If the
men took a little care of themselves they would be more
respected and more regarded by the world at large.
The Chairman was proud to address, and the society
was glad to see, so respectable a body of men. The
society was willing to do all it could for the labourers,
and wished every prosperity to follow their under-
takings. (The health of the labourers was then drunk.)
The CHAIRMAN next proposed " the Bishop and
Clergy," which having been honoured, Ire gave "the
Army and Navy." (Cheers,) Gentlemen had heard a
great deal lately about the army and navy, and he
believed that whenever those services were called upon
they would do. NI ever, their duty to their country.
(Cheers.) He was not one of those who went to bed in
fear and mortal dread, much less when a good wide
Herring Pond separated from an adversary, but every
oue had a right to an opinion upon the matter. He was
sorry to sec the had taste of the press in always bringing
before the public the state of the defences of the
country. England, as a nation, was wideliwai.e to her
duty on looking round and seeing other nations greatly
increasing their military and naval powers; but it was
very bad policy.except we were afraid, for Lord Lynd-
hurst and members of the press, as aorm as the subject
was mooted, to attribute to any body near us particular
conduct. (Cheers.) Those persons were afraid of
something elae, and declared it was the French coining
to annoy us. The Chairman did not say they were not
coming. We were a very rich nation and could afford
AX well as any other nation to be independent and free
of the world. How was this to be dun.? He did not
hesitate to say that if the Government of this country,
whether Whig or Tory, treated the country properly and
put into the people's bands the means of defence, there
was no human being or nation under the sun that could
even annoy us. (Cheers.) It was, he repeated, bad
taste to wake a neighbour, who, the Chairman sincerely
believed, meant to be our ally, the bugbear of our fears.
(Cheers.) Whatever came, our army and navy would be
found second to none in the world. (The toast was then
duly honoured, the Chairman coupling with it the name
of Mr. Biddlecombe, master attendant in the squadron
under Sir C. Napier.)

Mr. G. BIDDLE:O,HBR, R.N., said, if he were gifted
with the President's eloquence he might suitably address
them, but sailors were seldom able to make lonF
speeches. He fully concurred with the Chairman a
remarks. For eight and thirty years he had been in the
navy and felt satisfied that at this moment the navy of
England was quite equal to what it had been for many
years. It was not quite in the position it occupied in
1i413, but whenever the navy was called upon officers
and men would be ready to come forward as in former
days and do their work just as well. It was only
necessary to persist in the plan adopted by the late
administration and the able hoard of which t!'ir J. Pak-
ington WM head, the Board of Admiralty. If the
present Ministry continued in that course we should
have a navy efficient for any emergency. (Applause.)
He was not disposed to think we need fear the French
or any other nation. He had seen their fleet at Cher-
bourg and also the Russian fleet; and he did not gay
those forces were unprepared for any service, but the
English navy was prepared as well, and if the system of
the last twelvemonth was continued our navy would be
able to defend the shores of Great Britain from any
assailant. (Loud cheers.)
The Cu Miu.tx proposed the health of "the Lord
Lieutenant of the county, the Earl of Shafteabiuy ;" and
the health was drunk enthusiastically.
The Vics-Citai BM AN then read the list of prizes, and
they were distributed to the successful candidates. He
explained that if any gentleman desired to exchange the
piece of plate awarded to him the silversmiths of the
town, of whom the plate had been purchased, liberally
offered to permit any exchange for plate of the same
value within a week.
LIST OF PRIZES.

Lseocuuno.—To the labourer In husbandry, servant of a
member or his sr MOW who shall have brought up the gresteit
number of legitimate children with the lout proportion of
parochial relief —Thomas Critchell, 10 children, ell living,
£6 Lis. relief—£2.
. . . . . . . _

To the ditto, who shall have worked the greatest number of
years upon the now farni, from the age of 16—William Watt.,
47 rears and 3 nionths—g!.
to the ditto, not exceeding 50 years of ege, ditto from the
age of 16—Thoine. tmenhury, 26 years end lil neniths—g2.
To the ditto, not exceeding 35 years of age, ditto from the
age of 16—Itichard Aplin, 16 yeam—g2.
To the man-servant of a member or his widow, who has
lived the cruelest nuinber of years in ruceesidon in one eenitu
with good eharacter—George Beat., 25 years and 4 the
To the womaneervant of a member or hi. widow, who has
lisni the irrcate4 number of veers in suommion In one tiers ice,
with. good character—Mary "Sandford, 17 yearn-2.
Ti the ditto, not exceeding 30 year. of age—Jane Angel, 6
years and Mt 11 eek.---C2.
To the woman (married or single), who shall have worked
the greatest number of years lit succemion 01001 the tame
farm, from the age of 16--Elizabeth Wills, 41 years and 4
months, 8 children living-12.
To the ditto, not exceeding 50 year% of age—Martha Bird, 30
years—e 2.
Lees Ilesaixo.—To the shepherd who shall rear the greatest
number of lemho ill promirtion to the number of ewe, put to
the ram out of an established flock of 600—John Pomeroy, 000
lambs, 692
. . . . . . .

--
To the rhepherd rho shell here reared the next greatest
number—John Yoyle, 650 lambs. 427 eree—Li.
To the airpherd who Mall rear the greatest number of lambi,
in proiartion to the number of error put to the rem out of in
established flock of 300 —Edward Earuanys, 454 lambs, 430
ewar—g2.

tiTe;hepherd best enlitled—Williara Collins, 230
lambs, 302 essos—Cl.

THATCHING.—To the labourer, not exercising the trade of •
thatcher. who shall hare done the thatching upon a frtn foe
the longest period. in one peaon's employ, or on the ram
erm—Eli Green. thatcher for Mr. ',fluids Pope, 12 yesn.-12.
To the carter who shall have served during the longest
period the Jame master or mistral., or on the same farm, with-
out having returned home In a state of intoxication with his
team. and never having been convicted before a magbstrate of
any offence committal on the road—Given by Charles Percher,
Eaq., a premium of £2—William Roper. 48 years.
CATTLIL—To the owner of the best dairy now, of any breed
or age7Mr..l. A. Stnith-82. .

To the owner of the heat pair of hailers, one year old, of any
breed—Mr. G. A. Floaer—CA.

Snaer.—To the owner of the best Dorset ram—Mr. J. Chick
—t2.

Bed Snuth-down r*m—Mr. O. J. Wood—tt
Best Van-year-old Dorset ram—Mr. E. Pope—n.
Best two-year-old South-down ram—Mr. 0. J. Mood—C2.
Best ono-year-old South-down ram—Mr. 0. J. Wood-4S.

Best pair of Dorset ram lambs—Mr. J. Bratikusl--4
Best peke of South-down ram Josiah HBl.
To the .11141, of the isms pen of twelve South-down
Mr. I. I. Hill-42.
To the shepherd et limey nixes:dui candidate—La.
r.es.—to the owner of the tist boar—Mr. J. A. Smith— el.
liest beesdhlg now that has predrkel one or more litt.32-
Mr. J. A. Smitts—.4l.
A piece of plate, team 41. offered by the ?maiden of the
society, Cherie. Radclyffe, Keg., bathe owner of Ilse best bull,
cow, and offsprin- .4 any breed, the offspring helve ender
tRI4VII months old—Mr. E. Pupa. Mr. J. A. Senith com-
mended
A piece of plate. value £5, offered by the lnigh-Sberiff of
Dorset, James Fellsaes, Esq., to the owner of she beet 20
Southalown deliver lanfbe—Mr. 0.3. Wood.
A piece of piste, value £O, offered by the Mayor of Dorches-
ter, /leery Lock, Esq.. to tbs owner of the beet utrt mare, with
her foal by her aide—Mr. Edward Whittle.
A piece of plate, relsse 45, offered by the Earl of Ilehester,
to the owner and brookr of the best 3 Soutli-dom rams, under
'2 years old—Mr. G. J. Wood.
A piece of plate, value £5, offered by Lord Ingby. to the
owner of the 3 best breeding sows. of any breed, every one of
which matt have had • litter—Mr. Thomas Chick.
so!'. of
itteld'oss‘.'
piece
talueotisti,oettetd3bLJnohcon !mem,.
~.Larrhary
yearn
of age, all of the mine breed. and taken from the mute dairy—
Mr. Edward Pope Ste. J. A. Smith commended.
A piece of plate, , value £5, offered by H. K. Seymer, Esq.,
M.P., to the 01111er and breeder of the bast 20 Suuth-dowu
can, under two years old—Mr. G. J. Wood.
! A piece of plate, same 45, offered by Gerard Stint. Esq..
MX., to the owner anal breeder of the bad 20 Done full-
mouthed race—Mr. John Welton!.
A piece of plate, value 45, offered by the lion. W. H. B.
Portman, M.P., to the owner of the best bull, of any breed
or age—Mr. Levi Grove+. Mr. John Bradford commended.
! A piece of plate, mine 45, offered by Sir E. B. Esker, Bart..
to the I swore and breeder of the best 20 South-Joao full-
' mouthed ewes—Mr. G J. Wood.
A piece of plate, ait/O tn, offered by Wingfield Digby, Esq.,
to the owner and breedal .4 the 2D best Dorset ewes, under two
years old—Mr. Thomas Foote..
A piece of plate, value £5 offered Sy John Royer, Esq., to
the owner and breeder of the 3 beet Dorset rams, under two
years old—Mr. Join Kent.
A piece of plate, value £5, offered by Hating.. IS. Middle-
ton, Eq.. to the owner of the het pan of bond fide a erking
oxen, under We )cars old—Mr. T. A. Houser.
A piece of plate, value £5, offered by Ilerbert
Esq., to the owner of the beet hackney colt or Oily under four
years old, for riding and driving pu Mr. W. Groves.
A piece of plate, value k.. 5, offered y William Eliot, Esq., to
the owner of the bat cart colt or Oily under three years old—
Mr. Thomas Chick.
A piece of plate, value £5. offered by Robert C. Farquhar-
son, &cis, to the owner of the beet colt or filly got by Inter-
man—Mr. .1. C. Memel.
A plea of plate, value £5, offered by Mr. James Harding, to
the owner and breeder of the best 10 three-year-old South-
down ewe, bred from any rani or ranmo hired or bought at hil
annual ale and letting—Mr. Richard Gatge.
A piece of plate. value £5, offered by Mr. John Pitfleld, to
the .owner of the best be horned Wier lambs, shorn—Mr. J.
A. Smith.
A piece of piste, value £5. offered by Mr. T. H. !Saunders, to
We °eller of the beet 20 doily, lambs whose ,•ire was hired or
purchascal of him—Mr. 3.0. Homer.

Mr. FIATES, at the coneluaion of the distribution said,
he thought the present a favourable opportunity to pro-
pose the health of a gentleman well known to all
present. Wnether under the bright suns of summer or
the cloudier skies of the fall of the year the gentleman
alluded to was ever ready to meet them, promote their
amusements, or assist them in their struggles after
success. The adniirablo manner in which that gentle-
man had filled the chair to-day (cheers), his excellent
address to the labourers, must have met with the appro-
bation of every one. (Applause.) Mr. Floyer then
proposed the health of the Chairman, wishing him suc-
cess whether in the path of agriculture or Engaged in
those pursuits to which with so much bUOCCI4II be had
applied himself during the last year or two, and which
had afforded to the greater part of the gentlemen
present so much sport. (The health of the Chairman
was then drunk in the most vociferous manner.)
. .

The CHAIRMAN returned thanks. He was not a
public man, and could say that whenever he had come
amongst them he had been received with the most
marked respect, and he felt deeply the compliment of
being invited to preside at this meeting. Some as old
as Linuelf must recollect the great progress agriculture
had made in late years; in the mechanical way almost
everything was brought to bear on the badness' of and be
available to the agriculturist, and this was chiefly
effected through societies like the Dorchester Agricul-
tural Society. Competition now-a-days was open to
all England, from the Prince Consort down to the smallest
fanner in Dorset, and it must he highly pleasing for
farmers to see that their skill had flogged Isis Royal
Highness, for the Prince had been beaten, and would
probably be beaten again. (Cheers.) Much good too,
must result to the labourers from their connection with
this association. Mr. Floyer had adverted to the sub-
ject of hunting, and he (the Chairman) would say a word
thereon. It was remarkable that Ise should be found
keeping hounds. He had always laid it down that •
pack ought to be kept by one person independently of
subscriptions. He formerly kept • pack for the use of
the boys in the holidays, but he never thought of keep-
ing a pack of fox bounds. But a great many gentle-
men held a different opinion, and when Mr. Farquhar-
son bad retired—a loss which never would be made up,
and which he (the Chairman) never should be able to
supply—they called upon him and urged him to have •
pack. He had done the best he possibly could with
the means at his disposal to provide sport (loud cheers.)
A large number of tenant farmers bad been kind enough
to put their hands into their pockets and relieve him
from the expense of the pack, and he took this oppor-
tunity of thanking them. (Cheers.) The next tout to
be proposed made him really have the vanity and
absurdity to propose his own health. However, he
bowed to the better judgnient of the Vice, and gave
" The Donors of prizes." (The toast was warmly
honoured.)
Mr. FLOIKM, at the lequest of the Chairman,
responded. It reflected great credit on the Hon. Sec.
that the lint of prizes offered was so extensive, and the
result of those offers was apparent in the show-field to-
day. Without fear of contradiction he (Mr. Floyer)
ernild say that the exhibition had been the best the
Dorchester Association ever had. (Hear, hear.) In
point of numbers of stock and excellence of animals
shown, it was an exhibition he thought no county
society could exceed. Of course the great object was
to have a successful exhibition, end thus must depend a
good deal on the time of year when the meeting was
held. The question of altering the show day bad been
discussed, and the claims of the class of sheep belong-
ing to this county ought properly with other branches
of agriculture to be carefully considered but whatever
change was made let it be made for the good of the
whole, and let all consider that they wsre niembers of
one good and great society, all being interested in its
prosperity, and willingly making sacrifices for general
success. In reading the list of irises one name had not
been mentioned, and the absence of which all regretted,
for it was the name of a good, kind, excellent, hospit-
able friend. They had heard the name read on so many
occasions his success bad been so universal, decided, and
undisputed that he would not regret the omission, but
be happy to see other men by the exercise of their talents
ability and skill, produce animals to successfully compete
was him on this occaeion, being the last man to repine at
the success of others, but knowing that that success did
not in any way lessen his own celebrity for the usauage-
ment and culture of sheep ; seeing also with pleasure
that the path he had chalked out in this county was
trodden by others so as to reflect honour on old Dorset.
(Cheers.) As one of the original members of this
society, he (Mr. Floyer) had great pleasure in seeing to
day that the old spirit of the founders still animated
members—the spirit to succeed ; (cheers), and in this
matter let them renieuiber what was said by the first
man—they were bound to say the first man in the
country, because he was the filet minister of the Crown—
upon an occasion when he addressed a large meeting,
assembled for educational purposes not long ago. The
noble Lord said it was not the talents of a man, and
not his skill, and not his great abilities, but it was his
perseverance, his industry, and his determination when
be was beaten one year not to be beaten another
(cheers)—these were the great English qualities that
ensured the pre-eminence of Englishmen in any part of
the world, or in any path they might choose. (Ap-
plause.) And through the possession of these qualities
it was—whether we were engaged in the business of
life as agriculturists, in those other occupations to
which the Chairman had alluded—that he (Mr. Floyer)
was satisfied that England would always stand, as she
always had stood, at the head of the world. (Applause.)
A few days ago war was raging on the continent, and
no one knew how soon that war would extend to our
shores. The Latin proverb declared that amongst anus
laws were silent, and if laws, bow much more must the
industrial occupations of the agriculturist be silenced,
amid the strife and clash of arms? They knew not
whether the broad fields of England might not have
been laid waste under the conflict of contending
armies; but the tread of the husbendsua.n was followed
by widely different results from that of the armed heel
of the soldier, and for the present, thank God, all
apprehension had passed away. He did not speak from
fear, having confidence in the energy, power, and
talents of Englishmen, yet the fields ought not now
have been standing ripe with coni, and the farmers
would have felt the first brunt of the war. He was
happy, however, to think that our excellent neighbour
had reverted to his apopthegm about the Empire being
peace, and he (Mr. Myer) trusted that apopthegin
would be long the guiding star of the Emperor's govern-
ment. After a few other observations Me. Myer
returned thanks on behalf of the Donors, and said they
were amply rewarded by seeing the competition the
prizes had occasioned.
Mr. R.. C. FARQUHARSON also responded. He ex-
premed a wish to belong to the Society, and congratu-
lated Mr. Hansel on being the winner of the prize
offered by the speaker. He (Mr. Farquharson) added
that he should have great pleasure in offering for the
next year, when the Bath and West of England
Society were coaling to Dorchester, a for the best
colt and it for the best filly.
The CHAIRMAN proposed Mr. Farquharson as • mem-
ber of the Society. The Chairman then gave the '
health of the "Successful Candidates." The small prise
lie himself gave actually brought a blush upon his face,
be said, for he met the animals returning from the
show. (The health was heartily responded to.)
Mr. EDWARD POPE returned thanks on his own be-
half ; looking at the clever lOPII around, and the ins-
portaast classes of stock they represented, it would be
unbecoming in him to enter on the discussion of merits
those gentlemen might wish to speak to for themselves.
(Hear, hear.) On behalf of Devon cattle, then, he
must say that the more farmers knew of them the
more they would like them. If farmers would only
pot them in competition wills other descriptions of
animals and test them as to the quantity of food they
required, and their aptitude to fatten, he believed his
opinion would be acquiesced in. It was gratifying to
him to be the owner of the three best dairy cows for
which • prize had been awarded to Linn, because the
prise had been offered by a gentleman of this county
wham long experience and thorough knowledge of
agricultural pursuits made him competent to know what
constituted the origin of a good herd—the beginniug
with good cows. He (Mr. Pope) trusted that the off-
spring of those cows would at the next exhibition of
the Society take the high position now occupied by
the parents. That next meeting would be no ordinary
one. Depend upon it, this Society was looked upon
with suspicion and jealousy by the Bath and West of
England Society. They
were beginning to see that
Devons could be bred out of South Mutton, and that
there were people in the world who had seen shows and
knew somewhat of competition. The inqgiries wade at
Warwick lately were inure numerous than would be
supposed respecting this part of the country. Not only
Devons but sheep were looked upon with great 4"-
vicion. When, therefore, he vradi told that the county
of Dorset produced more stock and better stock than
that bred in any other county of England he trusted
that they would come forward as farmers, and with
the other friends in the county, show that it was not
a mistaken idea. (Cheers.) He (Mn. Pope) had like-

wise wee • prise for the best bell, sow, and offtpriag—
a prize offered by a gentlemen whore every ens re-
spected, loved, and esteemed, sad whom they bad the
I :les:re to see presiding. (Cheers.) He. (Mr. Pope)
that as long as Mr. Reddy,. felt disposed to
I offer inch a prize the competition would increase and
I extend for the benefit and information stall. If • bell,
cow, and offspring were shown, all of which had been
treated in the proper way, he held that that was the
best test to which a slam of stock could be pith He
valued the prizes also for the donors' sake, although
one gentleman was not now hunting their foxes, offer-
ing that sport he had hitherto offered, and for which all
were grakful—if not, their hearts were not worthy
of Englishmen. (Hear. bear.) When they looked bath
te • career of sport, offered not only to themselves, but
to their fathers and griindfatbeee, be thought he might
well take upon
..tlilsi.drtimoforechaappoginropgriAtitaie
Their worthy Squire, who bad hunted their fuss, had
really given them another run which would Geeney
Plate presented to hum ifforthane
in the donor (Attie prize. He would take carethissocotoundtyo..
them for a long time—to find his equal in
(Loud cheers.)
Mr. G. J. WOOD also responded. He said th progress
of the society, as evidenced by the show at stock, was
mote marked and satisfactory. Indeed he thought it a
very goad augury for the next year, when the ,ereat
competition Mr. Pope had referred to was to take plue.
He trorted that then it would be found that the county
of Dorset was not behind other counties in England io
enterprise, either in the breeding of stock OT ID the cal-
tivation of the land. Competition, generous and bene-
volent, promoted very considerably the great interests
of agriculture. Mr. Wood then referred to the tenure
of land in this esunty.—The cntry, the holding, and the
quitting of farms, were far beside what they oughtto be,
and without trenching upon the interests of landlord or
tenant, might he put upon • much better footing. (Ap-
plause). He was not prepared to say this a few months
ago, but having consulted a number of gentlemen on the
subject, their assistance had enabled him to arrive at
that opinion. Tbe tenure of land might be pat upon a
much more satisfactory and advantageous footing in
regard not only to landlords and tenants, but to the
general interests of agriculture throughout the kingdom.
(Cheers.) Respecting the difficulties which attend the
quitting and entry of farms, there was hardly a name
wherein ROWO yeestion did not arise, and thou questions
very often materially interfered wiagriculture. Agriculture ought to go on progressing
with the prosperity of
without let or impediment; but experience taught that
generally there was a falling down and tetrogreasion in
the cultivation of land, for a year or two prenons to
quitting, and effort was required for several years after
entering to bring the land up to what might be called
a profitable state of cultivation. Now he (Mr. Wood)
thought • plan might be devised by the general censer-
tones of landlords and tenants, to obviate any let, hind-
rance, or retrogression. The Milborne Farmers' Cluh
had the subject under consideration, and probably some-
thing would arise from discussion of the question; and
he (Mr. Wood) wee quite confident in saying it was a
matter worthy the consideration of agriculturists in.
general. (Applause.) With regard to theprises he had
received to-day, he could only say—while the honours
bloomed around him—that he was exceedingly well
pleased with the Judges (roars of laughter) who had
given the society the benefit of their services today, and
be trusted that next year there would be such an exhibi-
tion of stock on the part of the county of Dorset, that,
whatever judges there might be, they would be obliged
to award the prizes togenUemen of this comity. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN next proposed" the Unsuccessful Can-
didates." One gentleman had been alluded to as not
being congratulated on the present occasion, as a success-
ful candidate. Now, much as the Chairman
that individual, what right, it must be asked, hejslecettt
any sympathy from the Society in this instance!
(Laughter.) He had made a rod for himself; .he had
been foolish enough to distribute a superior class of ani-
mals salon his neighbours, and he cught not to be sym-
pathized with for producing an animal to take the gilt.
off his own gingerbread. (Laughter.) The Chairman
hoped the unsuccessful candidates would declare them-
selves as much satisfied as Mr. Wood was with the
Judges; and that the unsuccessful would live to con-
quer another day. (Cheers.)
Mr. JAMIDI H•RDING responded, remarking that ea
occasions like the present he certainly had stood in a,
different position to that in which he now found himself.
placed. But when they saw such men as Jonas Webb,.
who had been beating the country for years, overtaken
by the Duke of Richmond stepping into those honours,
he (Mr. Harding) should not blush on a little occasion
like this. (Loud Cheers.) In war, if not in agriculture
there were manoeuvres to be shown for victory ahead.
Gentlemen knew not what was coining on in 1560—and he
had not shown them the stock be had at home. (Great
cheering, and cries of hurrah.) He hoped every indi-
vidual would honour him with • visit on Wednesday, as
they had for the last seven years, and see what he had.
For years lie and Mr. Wood had been in friendly com-
petition, sometimes one winning sometimes the other;
but this little defeat would give him (Mr. Harding) such
nit that there should not be &stone unturned for success
in 18483. (Repeated cheers.) If his friend beat him then
be (Mr. Harding) would consider Mr. Wood victorious.
As far as the stock was concerned, he was perfectly 111161-
fied with the Judges, and if gentlemen looked threegis
the county, a more honourable set of men could not have
been fixed upon by the committee. For many years they
had given credit were credit was due, but the complaint
he had beard had been that lie had been always getting
his stock into too high a condition. Well, the rumour
ran that the French were coming, and who wee going
to fatten stock for them! (Laughter, and applause).
He would only add that for 1860 he would put on flesh
for breed and substance, which should meet their ap-
probation. (hood cheers.)
The Cestriese, in eulogistic terms, proposed the
health of the Hon. Sec., Mr. Andrews. Gentlemen bad
said that there was not another society in the county
to equal this of Dorchester, and its success was attribut-
able to the zeal, energy, and ability of the Honorary
Secretary who conducted its affairs; and the Chairman
was sure that not only as a personal friend of many
present, but as a man filling public office, would the
health of Mr. Andrews be enthusiastically responded to
by all. (The health was drunk in the heartiest manlier).
The VICE CHAIRMAN returned thanks. When this
Society was inaugurated about the year 1840—nearly
years ago—he found the preruitiuma given to labourers
amounted to somewhere near EV, and that the pre-
iiiiUMS given for stock and corn, amounted to £5O or
EGO. (Hear, hear.) This, Mr. Andrews thought, was
a matter on which the association might very well con-
gratulate itself. Tenant farmers formed the great
supporting body of time society, fortunately aided by the
kind assistance of landlords, and gentlemen of the
county, and those tenant farmers bad given up more
than half the premiums appropriated for the benefit of
the labourers. (Loud cheers.) He, as Honorary
Secretary was like old Dan O'Connell, "a big
man, certainly, but his (Mr. Andrews') method of
application, was that of "merely bringing to the
recollection of country gentlemen that there was such a
society as the Dorchester Agricultural Society, and
looking at its position, be was quite sure they would
give their cups with the alacrity they always showed."
(Laughter.) A society must prosper which had for its
object the amelioration and elevation of the condition of
fellow men, and he believed this Society was doing all it
could for the improvement of the labourers. The prima
held out taught, that if the labourer fulfilled his duty,
whatever it was, he would receive the acknowledgement
lie waa so justly entitled to, and those rewards, prized
highly by the successful competitors, served as a stminius
to young men and women to follow in the like steps.
((heers.) The day of holding the annual show had
several times been altered, and it was desirable to
secure as large an attendance as possible, of gentry as d.
clergy. Letters had been received from Mr. Caleraft,.
Mr. Portman, M.P., and others, saying how glad they
should be to be able to attend the present meeting. Now
the 17th rule said, that in the event of any member
wishing to make any alteration in, or addition to the
rules or premiums, he shall give notice in writing of his
intention to the Secretary, on or before the 6th of
April; and upon such alteration or addition being duly
proposed, it shah be taken into consideration and
decided at the next general meeting. He (the
Honorary Secretary) mentioned this that gentlemen
might know how it was an alteration hail not been
determined on at this meeting —due notice had not been
given. (Hear. hear.) After %I years he began to feel
quite patriarchal, especially when he remembered that
he had sent out his children, it the term was allowed,
to the Royal Agricultural Society, and taken prizes
which were open to all England without any restriction.
The Dorchester Society might therefore take higher
ground, than that of simply teaching the Bath Led
West of England Society that Devon' could be bred out
of South Molton. He (Mr. Andrews) quite agreed with
Mr. Pope, in his estimate of the farmers of Dorset, but
it was not politic to hold a oompetitor cheaplany man
might have that in him for which another was uupre-
pared ; and he (the Honorary Secretary) trusted that
every member would strain every nerve, and look
about him in every possible way, in order to show the
Bath and West of England Society that Dorset contained
stock of every demicnption which would not allow the
visitors to go away and laugh thereat. Mr. Andrews
thanked time members for the unvarying; kindness shown
to him, and humourously described die annoyance' to
which he was subjected on exhibition days by carters
and others simultaneously pressing upon him the claims
of their masters' animals for instant accommodation.
and remarking that, if the wagoners observed proper
order animals would never be Injured. He concluded
by thanking the Committee for their kind co-operation.
(Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN proposed "the County Members" and
wished there were a fourth that Mr. Floyer might be
reinstated. (Cheers.)
Mr. Flores responded, and observed that all three
representatives had the guarantee of being from the
good old stock of Dorset families.
The CHAIRMAN then retired, and was sneceedsd by
the Presidant-eleet, Mr. Floyer, who proposed in lauda-
tory terms the health of "Mr. Lock, the Mayor, and
prosperity to the town of Dorchester." (Cheers.)
The MAYou, in responding, said the town desired to
promote in every respect the comfort, convenience, and
advancement of the agricultural interest. Showing how
this had been done, he promised in reply to complaints
he had heard that the Council would offer in due time •
better site for fairs and markets than that used at lore-
sent. (Applause.) The town was much indebted to
this Society for foregoing their numerous prizes, and
. offering them to the Bath and West of England meet-
ing next year; and he hoped the looked-for show at
, Dorchester would surpass the very excellent one held
. recently at Barnstaple. ((leers.)
, The CHAIRMAN next proposed the health of "The
, Patron of this society, Lord Rivers—the President-elect
of the Bath and West of England Society," which was
drunk with three times three. He then gave the health
of "the Squire," which was likewise warmly responded
father, returned thanks.—The CHAIRMAN
F. C. FARQUHASSON, on behalf of his ela-
pse " tte
Judges, and many thanks to them." (Cheers.)—Mr-
Course and Mr. DAMEN acknowledged the compliinent.
—The Cusinesx next proposed "The Coeimittee."
which was responded to by Mr. Warrrtz.—Sergeaut
CAINE'S proposed Mr. Floyer's health, and the CHAIR-
MAN, in responding, gave "Prosperity to the Agirl.
tared Society of Dorchester," after which Mr. ler
retired, and the remaining gentlemen passed • lgomant
evening under the presidency of Mr. F. C. Farquharson.

( Local New conliamed in the First Page)

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