The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-08-09 00:00:00

Borottsbitt.

MR. HARDING'S RAM LETTING AND

SHEXP SALE.

On Wednesday the eighth annual sale of sheep
sad letting of rains from the flock of Mr. James
Harding, took place at Higher Waterson. The
celebrity of the Waterman South Downs is so wide
spread, and the hospitality of the fiockmaster so
generous and unrestrained, that the annual gathering
of dealers, agriculturists, and gentlemen from all
parts of the county, as well as from Somerset and
adjoining places is very large; and the genial
weather of Wednesday induced an average attend-
ance, although harvesting is so very general and
farmers consequently not desirous of leaving their
homesteads. The stock submitted for sale or hire
numbered 150 ewes and 71 rams, and, though not
got up in that high style which has heretofore been
complained of by some dealers, displayed all the
fine points of the pure Sussex sheep, and, as it was
remarked, had the same blood, constitution, and
useful properties pertaining to that clams of animals.
Shortly before two o'clock, the stock having been
carefully inspected, the company assembled beneath
an awning raised against the front of Mr. Harding's
residence, and sat down to • sumptuous and elegant
luncheon. The banquetting apartment bore every
festive appearance, being decorated gracefully and
plentifully with dowers, evergreens, flags, and mot.
tots. Facing the entrance was the word "Welcome"
on a Hag conspicuously placed. On another flag was
" God save the Queen, and speed the plough,"
while a third bore the words " rnwperity to
agriculture, trade, and vonuneree." Sir Edward B.
I;aker, bort., presided, supported on the rie;ht by
Charlcs Iladelyffe, and E. St. Lo, Emits., and 011 the
left by the Bev. 11. F. Yeatman, LLB., B. Little.
hales, Esq., Captain Littlehalcs, 0. J. Wood, E. L
kiiidersley, and It. C. Farquharson, Faris. The
Vico Chairmen were Edward Pope, 0. J. Andrews,
and H. Fookes, EN. At the close of the repeat,
grace having been said by the Rev. Mr. Yeatinan,

The CHAIRMAN proposed the health, of '' her most
gracious Majesty tho queen," " Tho Prince Consort,
f'rinot, of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family,"
and "The Army and Navy"--cach of which touts was
enthusiastically honoured.
. . .

Captain LeriLXHALIS responded onbehalf of the Army
and Navy, and in doing so said, it was sonic years since
that he retired from the service, but whilst in it he
always endeavoured to do his duty, and he hoped in
the situation he at present filled—what ought to be
called • contingent to the service—to be able to perform
hisdutyalso. Agriculture and the service, he could answer
for it, were most intimately connected, inasmuch as
soldiers could not do without food- and in critical times
like the present, no one knew what might be required
from the eountry in goners'. (Applause.)
The Cusiesisie pve the health of "The Lord-Lieu-
lemma of the county of Dorset and the Magistrates."
He proposed this toast with the greater urn
lilanalana he had, he conceived, *se of the beirineragis-
trate. in England sitting on his left. ((;heers.) It was
always • pleasure to meet his (the Chairman's) old
friend, Mr. Yeatruan, for there was no man who had the
Interest of the county MOM at heart, and no man
worked harder for the good of his *country than that
gentleman. (Cheers.) Whether at his hospitable board,
or wherever it might be, Mr. Yeatanan was anxious to
as meg of kiedness and generosity and to promote pro.
pee feeling among all classes. (The health was heartily
ãk another cheer being given for a " good sports-
nisa•M
The Rev. Mr. YRATMAN in acknowledging the toast,
said it had often fallen to his lot to be invited to respond
to the toast now proposed, and to be the humble repre-
sentative of the Lord-lieutenant and the magistracy of
this county; but he could unaffectedly declare that
there were peculiar circumstances connected with the
object of this meeting which rendered his present task
especially agreeable. Ile was quite aware that—time to
all being of the utmost importance—it would be unpar-
closable for him to dwell at length upon the nature of
the services which justices of this county, being • coin-
ponent part of the magistracy of England, were called
upon to render in virtue of their commission froin
Use Crown; but he asked permission to say that, con-
sidering the solemn responsibilities with which the Bench
felt themselves surrounded, and looking again at the
saes, of the difficulties they had to encounter, spring.
sag mainly from the intricacies and complications of the
law to be administered, looking, too, at the imperfec-
tious of the sources whence the evidence was derived
upon which Magistrates must found their judgment,
upon an occasion like this when the services of justice,
and the imperfections of them services were regarded on
the one band, on the other, the difficulties alluded to
would be allowed to counterbalance and an indulgent
consideration would be given. (Cheers.) Whatever
opinion might be arrived at at other times, if they
were unfortunate in not always meeting the views
entertained and oonsidered especially connected with the
aerviges the Bench rendered, at all event, those among
whom they lived and for whom they worked would per-
mit theinselves to conclude that the most earnest and
anxious desire of the magistracy was to endeavour to do
their duty. (Applause.) He begged leave to make a
hasty &Boehm to the great object ol this day's co um-
ration. (Hear, bear.) Peculiar circumstances there
were, as be had stated, which caused his appearance at
that board to be full of heartfelt pleaaure, bemuse* they
were doing homage to one whom be (Mr. Yeatman) had
known from his very boyhood, and to on. who stood
forward as the representative of one of the great prin-
Spies which the speaker believed to be emaciated with
the positive welfare of the great country in which we
-live. Taken as a whole, the agricultural interest was
one of gigantic importance; it was also divided into
several departments. His (11r. Yeatinan's) old and
mccedent friend, Mr. Harding, was connected with the
-carrying on to • great degree of perfection what was
ladled the great system of sheep breeding in the United
Eingdoni. (Cheers) Few persons, perhaps, were
aware that this was a circumstance which, looking at it
relatively and positively was of immense imiortance to
our country ; and he would state on the authority of
one of the ablest eviteis in the land, the celebrated
statistician, Mr. McQuin, that there were no lees than
4e,000,000 of sheep in the United Kingdom. Just
fancy the importance in a national point of view of
carrying forward to the highest perfection the race of
sheep. The number of sheep he bad mentioned yielded
annually :2413,700,000 lbs. of wool, and the capital in-
vested in that class of stock reached the almost incredi-
ble sum of i1ii3,573,311 sterling. Then the value of
w,sil grown in the country, leaving out fractious, Was
not less than 1:14,000,000 per annum, whilst the foreign
wool imported only amounted tor-1,000,000. The wool
trade of this country einployed 1,210,0e0 persons, thus
providing employment for labour, • profitable absorp-
tion of capital, and the increase of the commonwealth.
Henos, gentlemen should look with consideration to the
sheepleeeders of England, to whom was due the honour
of providing for that great portion of capital and of the
commonwealth of Um United Kingdoin(loud cheers); and
when in other pilsoes were heard the names of the Duke
of Richmond, Jonas Webb, Mr. Itigden, their excellent
(rimed, Mr. Harding, his honourable friend, Mr. Wood,
wham bemoan blushed upon him, and
to the Vice-Pram.
dent, who had not • shelf enough hold the cups
he had WOO, the speaker too permission lionestiy and
emiseientiosialy to sa that those men were not merely
entitled to the conexatalatioes of the moment,
net namely entitledTh7 loge honours which old Dorset
could afford, bat they ought to be considered as bene-
factors to their country. (Loud cheers.) Musing, as
the speaker said he often did sitting in what be might
*all an sheered position, individual' moping and me.
karkely by himself, he immediately discovered that
there was a singular felicity in his friend fixing upon the
third of August for his greet day of commemoration, for
he (Mr. Yeetnian) was forcibly reminded that on August
3 was comsunonated the incorporation of that vast coin.
pony, the Beak of England ; and he was perfectly con-
vinced that during the night watches, and for weeks
put, volumes of Bank of England notes had been flitting
before the eyes of Mr. Harding as Voices of the Night,
which he (Mr. YesAman) hoped woold ere the evening
closed be realised in consummate grandeur. (Loud
laughter and sheen.) He was perfectly convinced that
when the curfew tolled and the accountant of this great
sale came and unfolded those huge volumes of notes
On, weals" be safely stored in the fold of Waterson.
(amen.)
Mr. RADCLTIII proposed the health of Sir Edward
Baker, the Chairman. (Loud cheers.) There was no
man when his services were wanted, whether at the head
of his house—where he shined more brightly than any
man in England, looked at as • most dutiful and affec-
tionate son, as one of the worthiest brothers, beloved by
every one of his family to a totality—and he (Mr. Rail-
olVffe) would only be happy to congratulate Sir Edward
upon having a long lise of his own stock—there was no
man, viewed in whatever light, who was inert deservedly
loved and respected. (Cheers.) Mr. Reddy& was quite
sure the toast would reesive at the hands of gentlemen
present the enthusiastic acclamation it merited. (The
toast was drank in • very vociferous manner )
The Cif•taese said he returned • thousand thank,
for the kind way in which his health had been proposed
and drank. They had met for the Anew of bidding,
and be weldd begin by bidding £l,OOO for his old friend,
because he thought it was deserved. (Laughter.) Mr.
Maskdyffe had praised him well, and he (Sir Edward
Baker) should consider him • meet capital auctioneer.
(Lieghter.) The business must not be delayed, and he
would therefore propose a thud which he hoped often to
have the pleasure of proposing, and which would be
drunk by all in a bumper, and with feelings of the great-
est satisfaction. Their excellent friet.d Mr. Yeatman
had with his 'moil ability stated the public good their
friend Mr. Harding was doing in promoting the breed of
sheep. Sir F,d ward al nee rely agreed in those remarks; it was
a matter of the greatest importance to this country. Let I
them now drink Mr. Harding's health as one of the most
hospitable man in England. (Deafening plaudits.) The
great pleasure Mr. Hardingfelt in having so many guests
ter Edward well knew, but not being so good an ante
tionesr as the friend on the right, he wonld simply pro-
pose the health with nine times nine. (The health was I
honoured in the most hearty and euthusiastie
(11•111111 r.
Mr. Hmetorso, In acknowledging the compliment, said
It gave him extreme pleasure—this being the eighth !
anniversary of their pleasant ineetings—and he assured
them he felt mast grateful in again seeing his friends
Present. As Mr. Yeatruan had said, he (Mr. Herding)
did believe that if torn kept at its present price they
must look to mutton. (Laughter.) They newt also look
to wool. Many of the sheep that would be produced
before the company to-day, had catalogued 9 to 101 lbs.
of wool, and if this was sold at 19 pence a pound it might
bewail there was another lamb for the owner. He (Mr.
Hardie") amid sot recollect the weight of wool Mr.
Vesture had named, but if • couple or three pounds of
wool maid be pat upon sheep, farmers would he able to
make up a little fee the deficient price of the bushel of
wheat. The stook which would be admitted was not in
Use high condition he had been in the habit of putting
us his amp fen sorne years past, for his friends had told
hire that they would illie the stock bettor if not quite so
ugh. He lead not bed so high quite, this year, but
there wee the ewe bleed, weal, eseigelhatiga, and purity
ti„,A he begin with and white he trusted be should end
with. Agdougg es puetlisien supported hie he busied
Wheelie be eisirot the= IS Ittlt!_br pmdse sloe
be hoped would do °TM °°"otwt good who
Ida, an as this mission. TIM their presuess
„who'd by hoping to ess a put nor.

numerous party next year, and he drank the health of
guelits.._

Mr. R. C. FARQUHARSON proposed the health of a
wan who had conic forward within the last two years as
a waster of foxhounds, and who by his straightforward.
nem, kindness, and liberality had won general regard.
That gentlemen had conic to the present gathering in
order to show hia desire of wising with his friends in
every way possible ; and he had this year—for the
speaker had seen theiu—oue of the finest packs of
hounds that any one could possibly wish to see. If
there were weather to penult hunting, the gentleman
would spin carry away laurels as he already had carried
them away. .11r. Farquharson then propcsed the
health of Mr. Badedge—lung might he live to show
sport, and might he have that health every true man
from his heart wished him. (The health waa waiudy
honoured.)

Mr. MADCLTIIFI, in responding, said it afforded him
great satisfaction to have it in his power to return
thanks as a master of foxhounds. "When be came
amongst those he saw before him be received marks of
the greatest kindness and esteem. To hear his friend,
Mr. Farquharson, who came from • house where fox-
hunting was known and carried on successfully for so
many years, say that he (Mr. Itadclyffe) sueceeded in
Ids endeavours last year was a very considerable grati-
fication indeed, fur he held that one of the highest
delights was to distribute pleasure and good fellowship
among those who were kind enough to meet him in the
, hunting field. (Applause.) He believed he hail a
very good pack of hounds to bring forward next year,
as he did last, and as he would do to the end of the
chapter; and as long as he kept hounds he would du
, everything to bring the pack in the field in proper con-
dition and order to afford every sport possible (cheers.)
Nothing should deter him from making that field not
only • field of sport, but one of good feeling to every-
' one. It had been known—nut that the example was
, ever set in Ithis county either by his friend Mr. Veal-
man, or the Squire at Langton—that when people did
ii it succeed they loot their teuiperi. Thank tied! he
(sir. lladelyffe) lost his temper years ago, and he hoped
he should never find it again. (Langhter and cheers.)
: There were but two things wanting in the hunting
field—to amuse, and to give • good account of what
they went out for, a good fox and a good scent; and he
, thought he had as good • chance of furnishing these as
any one.
Mr. HARDING proposed the health of the three Vice"
Chairmen, coupliwg with it the name of Mr. Pope, one
of the stewards LI the lloyal Agricultural Society.
(Cheers).
31r. POPS returned thanks. lie took great interest
in the Royal Agricultural Society and desired to see it
fourish for many years, as he believed no institution or
society had done wore for the promotion and good of
agriculture than that association. It had not only ex-
tended its tuiefulnese to this county, but way looked
upon by the world at large as a school for agriculture,
infusing a good taste for stock and for skill in imple-
Mead. (Applause.) During the time be had filled
the office of Vice-Chairman at these festive gatherings,
he had never had the opportuuity to meet a man
more generally popular or beloved than Sir E. Raker
(cheers) ; and he (Mr. Pope) only hoped that gentlemen
would, on quitting this saloon, have the same good
opinion of the stock which they had of the Chairman,
and then Mr. Harding would never repent putting his
rams to auction. Mr. Harding had adhered in his stock
to parity of breed and quality; • great many men had
deviated from that course and were beginning to see that
they had turned the wrong corner, and were wanting to
retrace their steps; but the longer Mr. Harding stuck ,
to his text the longer he would be successful. Prizes
for cross-bred animals had been spoken of, but his (Mr.
Pope's) opinion was that no society was worth calling
one which would give prizes for aross-breeds. When
once that system was fallen into, folks would have to
complain of their pockets as well as their taste. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN proposed the health of Mrs. Harding
and the family, and the guests heartily responded to the
pro_position.
Mr. H•RDING returned thanks. He assured the
assembly that happy as he was to see all present, Mrs.
Harding had done her utmost, and was as anxious as
himself that everything should go on comfortably and
well. (Cheers.) He hoped to hear the same toast
proposed again another year. There was a toast which
Lad been responded to in that place so many times, it
was the health of a gentleman who was very desirous of
being present but peculiar business prevented him--
the worthy Squire. (Loud cheers). Although not
present they would not forget one from whom for many
years past they had received such great kindness, and
everything as sportsmen • and one of the same blood
was present as Mr. Farquharson's reihresentatives. (The
health was drunk with nine times nine). Mr. Harding
then said that he and his family had had the honour
to rent under one landlord for more than 150 years.
During that time the estate had been handed down, in
some instances like his own, from father to son. Ho
proposed the health of his landlord, the Earl of Ilchester.
(The health was drunk with three tames. three).
Mr. It. C. laniuharson returned thanks on behalf of
his grandfather, who was ouumelled by peculiar business
tube in London.
_

_
Mr. RADCLYFIE proposed the agriculturists of Dorset,
which having been honoured Will responded to by Mr.
11. FOOlll.ll, and the company adjourned to the sale
ground, which adjoined Mr. Harding's house.

Prior to the ram letting a hunter was submitted
for sale by Mr. William Harding, who ably officiated
as auctioneer, but the horse was bought in for £lOO.
The auctioneer then stated the conditions of the sale,
and the ewes were first brought into the ring. The
prices ranged from £1 15s. to 4:4 54. each ewe.
Full-mouthed rams sold at £4 4a. and .e 5 54. • and
sit-tooth rains from £7 17s 61 to 4.20. Occasion-
ally there was some lively bidding for the four-tooth
rams to be let, and two were hired at twenty
gurney a piece, the rates, however, varied considera-
bly. Some four-tooth rams sold at from £6 6s. to
£ll 11.. The two-tooth rams on hire fetched from
£5 54. to .C 25 44. The sale waa brought to a close
by the sale of seine two-tooth rams, the prices of
which ran from £5 ss. to .£l2 12i. The weather
throughout the day was very genial, the brightness
of the sun being toftened by the potence of clouds,
and a westerly breeze blowing • but just as the last
lot was being put up for sale drops of rain began to
fall, and a consequent nspid adjouniment, at the close
of the business, was made by those remaining to the
hospitable residence of Mr. Harding. Tea and
coffee were gracefully supplied by the ladies of the
family, and, as the rain detained a good many of
the visitors, Mr. Harding called for a sung, and a
very agreeable evening was spent.