The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1874-07-07 00:00:00

ANNUAL LETTING OF TIIE WATERCOMBE
- • -

RAM

Tlie jubilee of this far-famed flock is fast approaching ;
aud in two years bore, Providence permitting, Mr. nun.
man Saunders will he inviting his friends to celebrate
the kftniath abi.iv erearY a its cstablialrobl. It has
fallen to the ge‘A fortune ..1 a law only to have their lines
fall in pleasant places who have made attempts t. become
sucoeasful breeder, ; but to Mr. Saunders it ham been
reserved to succeed beyond all expectation ; and few of
those present on Thursday, with the faintest remembrance
of the early efforts of Mr. Saunders in breeding what has
become one of the most renowned ducks of our-day, could
foil to reciprocate the evident emotion of the "old man
eloquent" when descanting upon the relative inerite of the
last of the old stock passing from him. The trials and
difficulties of his early yeant, the first burst ..f appreciation
ultimate attainment of continued proeperity • the
the lorai.niug and tbe missing links in the chain
of • generatimisirtendship /01. i its N 04,4114114; rec.-Mac-
tion—were all too much to be thought °rand spoken about
In • few hUITICA words ; and hence, . no doubt, the few
sentences which Mr. Saunders epoke,tho h received with
unwonted geniality and humour, Ol U manY of the
. honest yeoman around the luncheon- le in the good old
iet
barn at Watemmube, whoa!, memo •nt could re-call none
of the merry slays of oil, when, ma-he, they "were boys
together." It will therefore be swab' mideretood that the
annual letting which took place on Thursday was, as
BRIJ, ..I,c et business in which a certain amount of
; i.silre wet. atillibieo-4.
r The day was, atunasphuliceilYr uneaeaktionniJe;t ond Mi.
1 Chapman Saunders was qut only favoured with . 14e.ftale
I weather," but receieed alio Royal Mantuage for his flock
—Mr. Slacphenon, Iter.Matesty's agent, being present to
' make selection, from the Watery...mite breed, which were
universally admitted to be in every respect equal, if not
superior, to those of prtvious years. Nor is this eur-
priung when it is remembered that the late owner has
been succeeded by a son whew tact energy, and untiring
egseevoere are devoted to continuing, if he cannot excel,
411 tli. Oils latiir Ilita utti !VI before him, It was
rawartea that r. Saunders' 'a steal to ti.utlt ty &tato
for. This swine be doubged ; oit lt maY with truth_ to
aided Wit Nature ..14 and .10. smile upon Mr. Sautident
in his effort. to onitseetand and help her in the many
mysterious developmonta of which *he 11, capable lq, WO
and attention and, so to speak, by usiduous nursing and
maturing. A greate- preof of what may le acoatuplished
in this direction could not be afforded than in the proe-
es ray which has attended Mr. Saunders during the many
yeas he Las de, °test himself to it; and the result is that
everywhere his son (11.11i011 the palm against all eompett.
tors, taking from time to time rises which "nothing
could tench ;" tin at length, during the pest season the
dock have hien exhibited at the various shows and found
so utterly matchless that no lies than I whom fret

prizes have fallen to Mr. Saunders. Where Mr. Chapman
toteirie stopping we cannot say ; but if words have any
tuining, and be intends to "heat his father,- why than
the Yankee phrase will be tally understood -he will Ii
all creation.' We have spoken of the weather ; but
of course the attendance is the primary consideration
in sales of this character; suffice it to may. then, that
%Vetere-mire has seldom looked more animated, nor the
Home Plot more busy than on Tharsslay ; and though we
missed from the competitors some well-known names-
such as Rawlence, for instance -yet we saw them "in
the Mesh' X. interested as over in the bidding*, excepting
that they were not " booker' by Mr. Ewer. Before,
however, proceeding with the business in the l'lot, we
must first of all revert to the Barn, which, as usual. hail
been made In look gay with garlands of greenery, festoons
of flowers, dependant ferr.s. and • number of appropriate
mottoes and devices and hannerete which the work-peoele
had been busy in arranging. wad setting off to advantage.
Besides the decorations there were well-spread table-s,
containing all that was good and substantial, supplied by
Mr. Brown, of Moreton, while the presence of Sergeant
James Young, of Pudilletown, told us what there WM Ito
store " sparkling Moselle " well iced, and wines of
superb quality from the stores of Messrs. Hodges and
Mr. T. S. Biggs. of Dorchester. The catering was most
satisfactory Oiroughout„ and as everything betokened the
utmost liberality, the hospitality of Mr. Saunders wax
done ample justice to by his friende, who could scarcely
feel "more at home" than in the venerated barn, where
so many pleasant annual "VreleDelles“ have been enjoyed.
Prior to the dinner the earlier visitors spent their tune in
inspecting the splendid lute which in the afternoon were
to excite their competition ; but at a few minutes after
one o'clock the shout of "dinner, gentlemen.- drew to
the rustic shed a largo crowd, "eager for the fray- in the
brief knife and fork contest that quickly ensued. Among
those present we observed : -Mr. J. Homer (Msrtinstown),
chairman; Mr. R. Damen (Dorchester). and Mr. It. (lenge
(Waterson), viee-chairinen ; Mr. It. Fowler (Whitechurch),
Mr. T. Caines(ltenssombe), Mr. J. Udall, Mr. F. K Pope
(Great Teller), Mr. J. Roper (Clonstone, Wareham), Mr.
J. Scutt (Winfrith). Mr. J. Tory (Turnworth). Messrs.
Forrester (3), Mr. Isaac Heroes (Caine), Mr. Rawlence
(Bulbridge), Mr. Bennett (Wareham), Mr. Waters (Kings-
ton), Mr. J. Garland (Worgret), Mr. .1. Sly (Dorchester),
Mr. T. Fry Legg (Burton Bradatock), Mr. 11. Fooks
(Whitechurchl, v. .1. Bounton (Knighton), Mr. Galpin
(Dorchester), Mr. f :stein (Keyed., m), Mr..!. A. Meier' (Dor-
chester), Mr. J. F. Hodges, pin., Mr. I. Mayo (Broadway),
Mr. W. Chick (Dorchester), Mr. Joseph Homer, Mr. H.
Hawkins, Mr. W. Ruby (Goilmanstone), Mr. .1. Kent
(West Chidden), Mr. Best. Mr. T. 11. Saunders. Mr.
menders (Wigton), Mr. Bryant, Kr. Symes (Nether
(erne). Mr. S:utt, Mr. C. lksent (Bert), Mr. J. T. It.
Scutt (Bets) Mr. It. Mont (Dorchester), Mr. (. Symonds
(Menkten). Mesita. Hull Cl), Mr. T. S. Riggs (Dorchester).
Mr. Tucker (Oweriuoigne), Mr. C. Kent (Dewlish), Mr.
Thos. Patten (East Coker), Mr.ll. Mayo, Mr. J. Read
(Charminster), Mr. R. Aiuey (alandford), ale It. Rogers,
Mr. G. W. Homer, Mr. Porter (Cranhorne), Mr. 130 den
(Crichel), Mr. W. llesent (Roger • Hill), Mr. Lewis (near
Blandford), Mr. Rogers, jun., Mr. H. Duke (Woodafor4),
Mr. Duke. Jun., Mr. Parmiter (Kimineridge), Mr. J. Moore
(Littlecet), Mr. Warne (hfolywell), Mr. C. Pouncy (Winter-
borne), Mr. Hopkins (Galion), Mr. Randall (Wilifritb).
Mr. J. J. Bates (East ladworth), Mr. Lonionan (Belbuish),
Mr. Tuck (Dewlish). Mr. Porter (Crichel), Mr. J. Roper
(Piddlehinton), Mr. Swalield (Wareham), Mr Pope
(Chilfreme, Cattistock), Mr. Boon (Lyme), Mr. J. Roper
(Farnham). Mr. Spicer (linthington), Mr. Symes (Sher-
borne), Mr. Dowden (Roke), Mr. T. Dunninz (Sydling).
Mr. J. Tett, Mr. Cox Bartlett (Durwestord Mr. Hooper
(Holworth). Mr. W. Busant (Ifilborne), Mr. C Resent
(Shitterton), Mr. Bullen (Wayford). Mr. Best (WarmweU),
Profeaser Buckman (Bradford Abbas), Mr. Bugg (Stourton
Cannille), Mr. (Jackstraw, (Friar Mayne). Mr. W. H.
Dunning (Chartninster), Mr. Ellis (Burnside), Mr.
Fooka (Holtne). Mr. too. Macpherson (of Her Majesty's
Farms, Osborne), Mr. .1, G. Hopkins (Galton), Mr. Johnson
(Upton), Mr. Lewis (Illandfordit Mr. Mitchell (Wadilock).
Ur. J. Porter (Slunckton), Mr. H. Pope (Sutton), Mr.
Rogers (Chibloard), Mr. Scutt (Upton), Mr. Spicer (Tollidd
Royal). Mr. Burt(Burton), Mr. Borneo (Kincardineshire),
itc, The time for commencing the actual business of the
day drawing nigh,
The Cif 1111.11 AN proposed the usual loyal toasts, which
were drunk in the good old British yeoman style.
In ',reposing that of the Prince of Wales Mr. HOICK
nail he was glut to see llis !loyal Highness coming out
and winning prizes. He might therefore be considered
a friend of agriculture. At any rate he shil his best to
beat the fanners, and he (the speaker) hoped the farmer.
would slo their utmost to beat His Royal Highness -
(laughter and applause.)
In giving the toast of the day, Mr. !(omtit eomplimentel
Mr. Maim, em's upon having Smlarge and respectalde a com-
pany pres°nt. lie also congratulated him upon the large
timelier of good and useful animals he hail to offer them.
Finer he had never seen, and he was sure those meant
would agree with him -(hear, hear.) Never before hail
he wen such • lot of young animals put forth. It showed
the determination of Mr. Saunders, and the very great
effort he was making to increase the Watercombe flock,
which for size and quality was admittedly the best that
could he got-hear, hear.) Mr. Saunders had been all
over England, and so highly were his annuals appreciated
that he host won V prizes- 16 first and the rest second
thus it might fairly be said the Waterroinbe (leek had
borne the test of the whole country, CVIUI to the Queen,
in competition at the Royal and other Societies. Ile was
sure all who hail soeu those to Ire offered to-day would
agree iq saying that they deserved this success; and lie
Sawa'usinire'rs ti.hbe) rsiee.spoi*"Olahrie asocowinepallnaylese"ervedn, tlf Pan
aYskiterd.
them to drink Mr. Saunders' good health,which was 111.1111
vociferously received. _

Mr. CHAPMAN SAUNDERS briefly replied, espresiing his
intention to continue as he had begun, and, he hoped his
friends would continue to give him encouragement
The Clialamim gave the health of "their old friend,
Mr. Saund,rs." It could not he said that Mr. l'hapman
Saunders had got all the laurels, because the original
tock WM from their old friend, who 40 years ago esta-
blish.' the Watarcombe flock—(haar.) The toast wee
drank with merited e.uthusiasin. and
. .

Mr. 841:SDI:RS feelingly replied. The stook there to-
day W.L.I tIIO lad, of his breed •, and next year no doubt
there would be something better. He had always bred
from thio laid he could command-so as to get the best
quality combined with the greatest site. Before sitting
down he would aok them to drink the health of Captain
Tooter -(applause.)
The " Chairinan'o health," and that of the Anctionoer
havinm been cordially received and acknowledged the
company left the Bun for the outdoor work at the Home
Plot, where as will be seen from the following li/411i:tilers,
a good business was transacted.
Se lot for the Seaton wail Net. 7.-
1. Mr. l'uckor, Owermaigne, 10 ars. : 2, Mr. Duke (forth.
Queen, Royal Farm, Osborne) 10 ye. ; 3, 7ga ; 4, Mr.
Tuck, Dewlish, 101 go. ; 5, Mr. Besen‘ Roger's Hill, 21
; 6. Mr. POpJ, rhilfmme, H ga ;7, Mr. J. Homer,
11 gr. ; 14, ii go. ; 9, Mr. Space Nether Cern..., It go. ; 10,
Mr. Turk, 10 ye. ; 11, Mr. C. Mayo, 11 go. • 12, Professor
Buckman, 10 V. •11 71 ; 11, Mr. Bisena Roger's
Hill, 12 go. Mr. Myrna., Sherborne, 13 go.
Mr. Recent, King.t.in, : 33, Mr. Moore, Littleent,
36, Mr. Duke ((or the Queen) 21 gs.: 17, M.
Mayo, Poxwell, 0 gm; 34, Mr. Symes, ram., 170.: Mt, Mr.
Main Pox well, ago : a Mr. Bates, for the Lidworth estate,
15 go.; 4.3, Mr, Popo, Chilfrolue, 12 go.; 44, Mr. Porter,
criehel, 45,11 r. Beoent, Roger's Hill, 14) gs.: 46,
Mr. Homer, Tolptidille, 30 gs.; Pi, Mr. J. Reed, ow.
minster, 110 go. ; .10, Mr. Galpin, Keynston, 12;..: 55, Mr.
Homer, Tolpurldle, it) go.; 611, Mr. Homer, Tolpudille,
TI go. ; 62, 11r. J. Mayo,Potwell, 21.. ; 61, Mr. fialpin,
2g..; 67, Mr. Resent, Kinmitoin, 12 guinea..
Poor.mork Ran... L-73, Mr. Spines, Sherborne, hlgm.: 74,
Mr. limner, Martinstown, let for aix week's, Riga; 71 Mr.
W. Bement, (Roger's Hill), leg.,; 71 ditto, 10gs. : /V, Mr.
Symes, &airborne, 29g0.; 141, Mr. R. (lenge, ego.; Mr.
Porter, 12go.:8rs, let from August 23, Mr.Dowdee, Roke, II
mi.:9o, Mr. Homer, Tolpudille, 41 Is.; R 3, Mr. J. Dunning,
)4Yolling. 71P. ; Sei, Mr. Porter, 31 gm.; 90, lot (rein August
2% Mr. 0. Symonds, Monkton, go.; 101, Mr. Saunders,
Minton, 7) gm.; 105. Mr. Synaee, gherborne, 21 go.; 109,
Mr. Saunders, Mnston, 71 gm; 110, 10 go.; 112 Mr. rot-
' Bartlett, 10 gs.; 115, 51r. H. Duke, 12gs.; 117. Mr. Symms,
Came, lOga.: 122, 51r. T. A.Horuer, 10 ga; 121, Mr. Porter,
Rgliill44; From these price. it will be seen that the top
I figures given were those by Mews. Porter, G. Symonds,
Symes and Decent, Mr. Porter being the largest bidder
for No. 93; being for an animal of admired symmetry,
good colour, large Rise., and quality, and one which gave
rise to a good deal of keen competition.
These two classes having been ilioposed of, the sale and
letting of a number mostly six-tootits ensued, the pyicee
ranging from 51 to 11 guineas.
The grand total of the letting 11114 ..%113 was 120.1
guineas.
The 4k): now twat) to wear a threatening appearance,
and repairing to the barn, the visitors were regaled with
tea and refreshments ad libituor. under the superin.
tendence of ladle, who discharged their duties in the
most winsome manner, and with such alacrity that nearly
all were able to make an early start before the 'dorm
fairly set in.

Mr. lisnian Saunders is now dependent upon him-
self for the future career of the Watercombe lock.and
there ran be little doubt that with Whet be haa Idarsied
from his father, arul gained by Pin own experience its
reputation will be thoroqhly maintained• while
judging from what he has already achieved during the
past year. it would seem that Mr. &stnders has only seen
the beginning of hie great guocesa—a success that is not
only creditable to himself, but confern honour upm the
county in which he lives, and throughout which he and
his predecessor are so universally respected.