The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1874-08-18 00:00:00

NAIDEIN NEWTON.

Percsitc.—" By special desire" of gentlemen of the neigh•
bowled of Maiden Newton and Toiler, a great picnic warn
held oa Tuesday, on White Street Hill, a wild sheep run
between Maiden Newton and Toiler. The ascent to this
hill from Maiden Newton is steep and precipitous, but
when the summit is gained, the tired pedestrian is amply
repaid for his labour by the spktslid view thence. About
two miles behind him is visible the little town of Maiden
Newton, the tall chimney of the iron foundry being a
noticeable object ; at the foot of the hill to the left is the
hamlet of Little Toiler ; while far in the distanoe is visible
the town of Dorchester, which is marked by two or three
white buildings and towers rising out of • forest of trees.
Al far as the eye could reach, the fields—brown but not
yet bare—present the appearance of harvest, the wheat
being rapidly cut down. Indeed, such haste is made, that
farmers frequently have their wheat mown, as that is
the quickest way, although it is said, more wastefuL
White Sheet Hill, the scene of the pic•nic, was covered
with a most luxuriant crop of thistles, and if all that is
add about donkeys be true, it must verily have proved •
Paradise to two or three poor jaded beasts that were on
the scene—driven from a distance with some cakestalla,
etc. A large tent had been erected, and a broad reed
mown, the thistles being laid by the side, showing that the
promoters of the picnic were anxious for the comfort of
visitors Inside the tent an excellent tea was served by
Mr. Galpin, of the King's Arnie, Maiden Newton, who
provided all refreshments. When all were sitting down,
and everything was supposed to be ready, it was !suddenly
discovered there was no milk. Here wax a predicament.
Would the company mind waiting / Not at all ;so in a
little more than a quarter of an hour plenty of milk was
rme and "all went poetry as a marriage bell." We
elglnli
th propriety follow on that beautiful poem,. to
the next line—' /lark !a deep sound strikes like a nsing
knell," as the reports of cannon were distinctly heard
during the afternoon in the direction of Bridport,liiit this
was generally attributed to the Artillery practising, and
sot to any foreign invader fighting the "Battle of
Barking" at Bridport After tea, the company adiournen
outside the tent, to witness some athletic snort, -hurdle
raring, Sc. There were some very exciting hurdle races,
all (Searing the hurdles &bream, but in consequence of a
rather steep ascent in the course there were no hurdles in
the last Imutdred yards, consequently it was almost flat
racing. Nest of the lnres were, however, carried Of by
local competiton. Hiorse racing was announced, Lut no
hones coming Is the poet it was found imposeible to hare
• race —unless, as some one observed, they let the donkeys
rim Dancing appeared to be the chief object of interest,
dance being well patronised. An enclosed space was
so that there was not much crowding. When
Mailt for out.f-door amusements, dancing was carried
ea inside the tent until ten o'clock. when the band
God Save the Queen," and the company did
must not forget to mention • little extempore satertaln-
ment carried on by George, TOM. and Dick, who had Leen
out harvesting all day, and, for the benefit of those in the
ce:=Y who had been danciiuj showed them how it was
out years ago. They danced some jigs, in which
legs, arms, beads, and everything else, seemed called into
reqnlition. This borne in mind, and that the performers
mere dressed in smerkfrocks, some idea of the result may
be farmed. When tired of capering about they indulged
in a little concert, the less said about which t better.
The Maiden Newton brass band under the leaderdnp of
dhindtundter Yeates performed a clotos selection of music.

Tin third exhibition- Oithe fu-ddiei.O.rn Cottage Garden
and Herneultural Society Wad held in the schoolroom on
the 4th teat. All the vegetsbles were good, and wine
onions wart shown 17 inches in cirmunference and weigh.
tog lilb in soiclition to the cottagers' exhibits there was
Di dientay of flowers and fruit from Mr. Brinier...
'..khe prises were dianibuted by the 1t.,. K F. From
as follow :-Bnd hant cottage garden-Fink Ns. T.
suarron ; second, K Lee ; third, 21., W.
Mechanics minims-First,
__loa, C. Hand, second,
LU, S., IP Bishop; third. 3s. W. Hardy, jun. Disabled
üboa;enr mrden-5a T. Toms. Disabled labourms' allot.
.nent-EO,-T. Burden. Labourers' allotawnts-First 11*
14. furvey ; second 3s. ad., J. Webb.,; third, 2s,
Lee. Home-made bread- Firit, fit, H. 'mu
Maria Sherren. Broad beans-First 2s. 6a-, sherren ;
IL 6d.. w. Rio& Kidney beans-First, 3s. al.,
Matey ; wood Is. Pd., T. TOMB taint la., F. Csundle ;
extra, ls. LAM Cabbage-31*i 'lisp. Carrots-
tint. 6. J. Legg second la an., T. Sberren. Onions
Vog=d)o2.s. Sherrei.i.inkist
w. cumin. nuawipi-ht.utid- w. Riggc2nd,6.a•