The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-07-30 00:00:00

DORSET COUNTY EXPRESS

DORCHESTER, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 1861.

DORCHESTER AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

„
The annual general meeting trt the Dorchester
Agricultural z&ciety was held on Saturday last.
The exhibition of cattle and stock was larger than on
. .

preceding years, and the show, on the ;hole, was
exceedingly good. The cattle was very superior,
and in some classes the contest was great. The
sheep anti pigs were likewise good, but the cam.
petition was not so great as might have been ex-
pected. The show of horses was, perhaps, equal to
former years, which is not saying • great deal, and
we entirely concur in the remarks made by one of
tho judges, that it would be well worthy the serious
consideration of the society to offer a prise for the
best entire cart horse, and thus improve the breed in
this part of the country. The arrangements of the
committee were good, and looking upon the exhibi-
tion as a whole, we may congratulate the society
upon having an exhibition this year such as need
not be ashamed of.

The dinner took place at the King's Arms Hotel,
under the presidency of J. H. Colman, Esq., G. J.
Andrews, FAN., acting as vice-chairman. The tables
were turned out with a profusion of the choicest
edibles of the season, the wines were of recherche
_ . _ .

description, and the whole of the affair was got up
in Mr. Alanley's well-known style of excellence.
rho company was larger than we have witnessed on
former years, among whom we noticed J. Floyer,
Esq., the Mayor of Dorchester, Captain Hall, and
Messrs. E. Pope, Thomas Chick, J. Galpin, J. Ensor,
Duke, Thomas Saunders, Whittle, Cooper, Crane,
J. G. Wood, James Harding John Winner, John
Saunders, Dunman, H. FOOkes, W. Dunning,
James Davis, Levi Groves, Smith, W. Dunning,
jun., Robert Fookea,R. Caine., T. &Doom, William
Major, Watts, Symonda, John Pilfield, Robert
Damon. Paull, R. Damon, It. PAW"
(hlonckton) Randall, Dowding, itc., fix.
On the removal of the cloth, the agricultural
labourers and farm servants, who had been treated
to an excellent dinner, were called into the room,
to drink, with the company, the health of the Queen,
and to receive the prizes that had been awarded to
them. About forty prizes were given in all, and
about thirty-five of the recipients of those prizes
were present.
The CHAIRMAN then said that the toast he was
about to propose, was the first that was al ways drunk
by assemblies like the present, and their friends, who
had just entered the room, had been called in to
assist them in doing honour to it. The toast was the
health of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.

lie might say that every year that pissed over our
heads ought to fill our hearts with increased thank-
fullness at having a constitutional Queen to rule over
us; because, living under a constitutional Queen
and constitutional Government, we in this country
enjoyed more liberty,
_combined with order, than '
any other country bad yet enjoyed. (Applause.)
Her Majesty deserved every mark of respect, love,
and loyalty they could offer in every relation of life.
Whatever they regarded her, as the Queen of these
isles, as a mother, or, as they had lately seen, an
affectionate daughter, she was deserving of our
highest respects and regard. In conclusion, the
chairman proposed the toast with three times three.
. . .

(Great cheeri4.)
The Secretary, Mr. G. J. Andrews, then handed
Lb. men the mayoral prizes awarded them, as
follows :

LABOURERS. —To the labourer in husbandry, servant
of a n etnber or his widow, who shall have brought up
end maintained the greatest number of legitimate
children with the least proportion of parochial relief—
G. Parke, 9 children. No relief-22.
To the ditto, who shall have worked the greatest
number of years in succession upon the same farm
from the age of 16—John Maine, 47 years and 6 months

=-gg.
To the ditto, not exceeding 50 years of age, ditto
from the age of 16- John Saesom, 31 years and 3
montbs-k2.
To the ditto, not exceeding 35 years of age, ditto from
the age of 16-John Watts, 17 years and 4 months-
To the man-servant of • member or his widow who
bas lived the greatest number of years in succession, in
one service, with a good character-Henry Paine, 14
years-k 2.
To the woman-servant of • member or his widow,
who has lived the greatest number of years in sumo.-
I skin in one service, with • gool character-Sarah
Edney, 17 years-E2.
To the ditto, not exceeding 30 years of age-Ann
Smith, 5 years and 7 months-k 2.
To the woman (married or single), servant of a
member or his widow, who shall have worked the
greatest number of years in succession upon the same
farm, from the age of 16-Jauc Squibb, 41 years,
To the ditto, not exoecding 50 years of age-Sarah
Atwell, 28 years.--C2.
LAMB Reastso.-To the shepherd who shall rear the
greatest number of lambs in proportion to the number
of ewes put to the ram, out of an established Bock of 6-
teeth, 4-teeth, and 2-teeth, consisting of not les. than
GOO-John Childs, 750 lambs reared from 700 owes-E2.
To the shephenl who shall have reared the neat
greatest number-John Foyle, 802 lambs from 800
ewes-El.
To the shepherd who shall rear the greatest number
of lambs, in proportion to the number of ewes put to the
ram, out of an established flock of 300-Edward
Sams/ay'' 502 lambs from 460 ewes £2.
To the shepherd second best entitled-William Love-
lace, 477 lambs from 449 ewes-Cl.
THATCHING.-To the labourers not exercising the
trade of • thatcher, who shall have done the thatching
upon • farm for the longest period, in one person's
employ, or ou the SUSS farm-Sionuel Hopkins, 9
)ears-k2.
THE COUNTISS Or FALMOUTH'S PST.MIUMIL-To the
woman, not exceeding 25 years of age, domestic servant
of • member or his widow, who haa lived the greatest
of years in succession in one service with a -good
character, from the age of 16-Elisabeth Riggs, 3 years
and 7 months-E2.
To the wife or widow of • labourer in husbandry,
servant of • member or his widow, who shall have
placed out in domestic service, the greatest number of
legitimate daughters, such daughters having borne good
characters during such service-Mary Read, 4 children
To the woman servant, not exceeding 30 yea," of age,
who as served has a dairy maid the greatest number of
years in succession in one service with • good character
and who has during such service assisted in milking
cows and serving pigs -Sarah Vincent, 5 years and 6
months- E 2.
To the wife of • man totally disabled from work, who
shall in • service of • member or his widow, have brought
ap sad maintained the greatest number of legitimate
children with the least proportion of parochial relief.
and who has retained a good character-Edith Read, 5
children, Is. and a loaf a week-11.
To the carter who shall have served during the longest
period the same master or mistress, or on the seine farm,
without having returned home in • state of intoxica-
tion with his team, and never having been convicted
before a magistrate of any offence committed on the
road-Given by Charles Percher, Esq., a premium of
£2-Joeepb Cumberland, 43 years.
The CHAIRMAN mid it was his pleasing duty to
congratulate tb• labourers upon the receipts of those
prise@ which had just been awarded them; and he
did them with a hearty good,
will. "eleratuolalm; wished that it it to
the lot of the society to imams the

value of the prizes at their disposal; but such as
they were, they were Oven to them and they richly
deserved them. Having heard the reasons which
had just been given for what these prizes have been
awarded them, they might all justly feel proud—
proud in a right acceptation of the term. They
might consider that their employers considered
that they had done their duty to the utmost that
lay in there power—acourding to the greatest skill
and ability at their command. They must have
, exerted their ability to the utmost to obtain the
I prizes which had just 'seen awarded them. Let them
look at the case of a sbcperd, fir example, with-
say SOO ewes. He could not do justice to his
master without great labour, nor' in severe weather,
without often exposing himself to great hardship.
If he be • faithful servant, he would necessarily
under the circumstances have great anxiety of mind,
and would exert every power he might postiess,
both of the body and the head. Such men justly
deserved the rewards they received. But he had no
doubt that they, and every carter who returned home
with his team for years without being the W3IIIO for
liquor, as well as those who lived under the same
master for many years, possessed within them a
reward far greater than the prises they obtained.
Health and content were depicted in their counte-
nances, and their appearance that day contradicted
the assertions of those who had unjustly descried
the Doreetahire labourers. They were a robust.
healthy, goodlooking set of men. But as they had
all, as he trusted, had a good dinner, they were, no
doubt anxious to get home and not listen to very
many remarks from him. He would, however,
ju,t say that they could not do better under any
difficulties they might labour than go at once and
relate the eireurustances to their masters. Among
the gentlemen with whom he had the honour of being ,
acquainted, he knew of none who did not duly and
justly value a good labourer. They honoured them
to the utmost of their deserts. He did not say
there might not be found scene masters of a differeot
character; for most of us possessed some weakness or
other upon some point, but he believed he ought
say with propriety that the great majority of the
farmers in Dorsetabire would be found to do full
Justice to their labourers, where their labourers did
full justice to them. Therefore, he said, if there
wore any disagreements, any difficulties, let them gu
first of all and tell their masters what their grievances
were, and in 9 cases out of 10, if they were worth
keeping, full justice would be done to their case.
But if. on the other hand, they alighted his interests,
they could not expect that he would be very careful
whether they went or gaped—whether they suffered
or whether they did not. He exhorted them so be
faithful and punctual, acting up to that golden rule
of "doing to others as they would that others should
act towards them." He wished them joy of their
prizes, and was only sorry that they wore not very
much larger. In conclusion he proposed the health
of the labourers, which having been drunk, they
left the room.
The CHAIRMAN next proposed, with the usual
honours, "The health of Prince Albert and the rest
of the Royal Family," " The health of the I rince of
Wales," and "The Army and Navy, including the
Yeomanry Cavalry, and the Volunteer Artillery and
Rifles."
Mr. FLOYKR, in acknowledging the last toast, said
it was not till recently that volunteer corps were in-
eluded in the toast having relereuce to the two
regular services. We all felt and appreciated
the high qualities of our army and navy, and
be had no doubt that they would sustain their
present high position on any future occasion that
they might be called into active service. With re-
ard to the Yeomanry and the other volunteer
regiments, they were all pretty much on an equality,
and the greatest unanimity prevailed amongst them
on the occasion of their former assembling at
Dorchester. l'hey, who where the performers on
that occasion, were highly gratified to see so large a
number present to witness their humble endeavours,
and if they should be called out in the forthcoming
autumn by their excellent and nada Lord Lientenant.
he hoped to see as large an assemblage of spectators
as there were then. Their exeitiona were always
more readily given, suit, he fancied, with a great
deal more zcat and efficiency, when they met with
the attention and approbation of those among whom
they lived.•
The CHAIRMAN next proposed "the health of the
ezeellent patron of that society." They all knew
him, and heartily appreciated him for the very many
kind and excellent qualities which he possessed.
He was head and heart devoted to the agricultural
interests and lie trusted that another year his
avocations would permit of his being present. He
was at the head of a military army, whose health
they had first drunk ; he a nob:eman and a neigh•
bour, and demanded their respect, sincere regard,
and very best wishes. He begged to propose the
health of Lord Rivers, with three times three.
TheSiecliSTakY then read the list of prizes that had
been won that day in the show yard, including, in
addittion to the usual premiums given by the society,
17 pieces of plate which had been given by various
geutleuien of the neighbourhood, as follows:

(-tarns—To the owner of the best bull, of any brand
or age, under 2 yearn --Mr Francis Por.o--.F2.
'fo the owner of the best dairy cow, of any breed or
age—Mr J. A. Sinith—£2.
To the owner of the best pair of heifers, two years old,
of any breed—Mr Ployer—El.
To the owner of the best pair of heifers, one year old,
of any breed—Mr Levi Groves, Bingham's Melconabe,
£l.
SHEFP—To the owner of the best South Down ram,—
Mr. James Harding--L'2; the shepherd, ss.
To the owner of the beat two year old South down
ram—Mr Henry Fookes, £2.
To the owner of the best one-year-old Dorset ram—
Mr. Thomas Chiek—V2 ; the shepherd, fe.
To the owner of the best one-year-old South Down
rain —Mews. P. and N. Kidilel—E2 ; the shepherd, ss.
To the owner of the best pair of Dorset ram !emba—
ttle Josiah Hill—El ; the ahephenl, ss.
To the owner of the best pen of twelve South Down
ewes—Mr. J. A. Smith—El ; the shepherd, Ss.
Pinta.—Tit the owner of the best boar—Mr. J. A.
Smith —EI.
A piece if plate, value £5, offered by the High
Sheriff of Der,et, It. 11. Swafileld, Esq., to the owner
(being the breeder) of the three best heifers, 2 years
oil, of any pure breed—Mr J. A. Saab.
A piece f plate, value 105, offered by the Mayor of
Dorchester, J. F. Hodges, Eau., to the owner of the
best cart mare with her foal by her side—Mr. John
Chick.
A piece of plate, value £5, offered by Lord Poltimore
to the owner of the three best pure bred Devon heifer*,
one year old—Mr William Paul.
A piece of plate, vales ES, offered by the Earl of
Ilehester, to the owner (being the breeder) of the best
three South Down Rams, under two years old—Mr
James Harding.
A piece of plate, offered by Lord Digby, to the owner
of the best throe brawling sow*, of any breed, everyone
of which must have a litter—Mr J. A. Smith.
A piece of plate, value ES, offered by John Janice
Farquharson, Esq., to the owner of the best three dairy
cows, under seven years of age, all of the same breed,
and taken from the mime dairy—Mr J. A. Smith.
A piece of plate, value kb, offered by Henry Ker
Kamer, Esq., M.P., to the owner (being the blender)
of the best 20 South down ewes, under two years old—
John James Parqutarson, Earl.
A piece of plate, value ES, offered by Wingfield
Eaq., to the owner (being the brooder) of the
bast 20 South down fuldinouthed ewes—Mr Josiah Hill'
A piece of plate, value ES, offered by Hastings
N. Middleton, Esq., to the owner (being the breeder)
of the best 20 Hampshire down ewes, under two years
old—Mr Thomas Homer Saunders.
A piece of plate, value £5, offered by Herbert
Williams, Es-1., to the owner of the beat hackney colt
Sly, under 4 years old, for riding and driving purposes
—Hastings N. Middleton, Esq.
A piece of plate, value £5, offered by William
Eliot, Esq., to the owner of the best cart colt or filly
under three years--Mr William Mayo.
A piece of plate, value £5, offered by Mr James
Harding, to the owner (being the breeder) of the
best 21) three-year-old South down ewes, bred from
any rain or ranw hired or bought at his annual sale
and letting—Mr William Groves.
A piece of plate, value ES, offered by Mr Saunders,
to the °weer of the best 20 chilver lambs, whose sire
was hired or purchased of r. George Galvin.
A piece of plate, value Lk offered by Mr John
Pitfield, to the owner of the hest 20 chilver born lambs
that have been shorn —Mr, Jane Pitfielt
TURNIP HOKINO. To the labourer, being a constant
servant of • member or his widow, who shall boo, in
the hest manner, not more than a quarter of an acre of
turnips in a given tiuie.—Williain loke—E2.
To the seeurkbeattlitto—Jautea Trevitt—ri.
To the third beat ditto—William Willis—lit.
PLOVGHING.—To the person who shall plough half an
acre of land ithin a given time, in the best manner,
(two horses without a driver) —William Cake—V2.
To the second beat entitled—John Parker— El.
Ti, the third hest entitled—Edward Mendell --10 s
To the lad, under 17 Years of age, who shall Plough
half am acre of land within • given tinie, in the best
manner (two horses without • driver)—George Phillips
--El Out.
To the second best entitled —Jcweph 1). Wentfori-
El.

_
:1.
Toth° third best entitletl—J times Legg- 10s.
To the person who shad plouali half an acre of land
aithin a given time, in the best manner, (two oxen
without a driver)—Atubrose Hall, 12.
To the wound hest entitled—Charlea Baker, £l.
To the person who +hall plough half an acre of land
within a given time, in the best manner, (three or four
oxen with a driver)---George Davis,
To the eatcond beat entitled—James PhiUipu. tl
Slew SHICAIIING-- To the labourer who shall sheer
three sheep within a given time -Charles Croft, El.
To the second beat—Robert Loth, El.
To the third beat—Samuel Wall, 10s.
MOWING—To the labourer who shall mow in the best
manner not le•s than • wiener an acre of grass iii a
given time - Jo n Puckett £2.
To the 1.4.0111.1 best entitled- Janie, Wheeler, V.
To the third best entitled—Abraham Gilds/110,1:10s.

Mr. Pore here wished to meta some few remarks
respecting the prize offered by Lonl Poltintore. lit
protesting a,„..a nut the prize being awarded as it
had been that day, he begged to say that he did not
dispute the decision of the
_magi*, but the right, the
power, and the authority of the committee to break
thr...4.1i the rules of the society. It appeared to
him that the , committee hid not the power or
authority vested in them to alter or infringe the
rules which had been passed by the Society after
considerable labour and trouble. If they had that
power he lila ti. 4 know it, and lie thought thu
matter bLoula I e t.tttlecl at I,IICV, I/0 that they
night understand how they were going on. The
rub.* of the soeiety were that all animals should have
been in the possession of the exhibitor at least twelve-
months before the day of ezhibilion, and that sheep

should be bred by the exhibitor, and in the event of
a special prize being given without any specilie con-
ditions as to the possession by the exhibitor, he cos.
sidcred the rules of the society must be adhered to.
Now Lord Poltimore, as he understood, said that
he should be happy to give a prise of fA, and if he
were permitted to name the class, it would be for
Devon cattle. Here the matter ended, and as such
the stock exhibited for this prize, according to the
rules of the society, should have been in the exhibi-
tor's possession twelvemonths. Instead of this the
committee stated in their conditions of award, that
the stock most have been in the possessi.e of the
exhibitor since the Ist April last. He had no merce-
nary feeling in the matter, for had be received the
prize he should have made this protest. Indeed,
he did protest against the conditions of the comm Atee
before he knew to whom the prize would be
awarded.

Mr. AZEY said Lord Poltimore gave the prize
from a sincere and kind motive, and entirely for the
good of the society. Ills lordship was not acquainted
with their rules, and as the prize was given into
the hand' of the committee, but being independent
of the premiums offered by the Society, they had
fixed the date of possession from the lat. April.
The CHAIRM•N hardly knew what course the
meeting was to take with regard to Mr. Pope's
protest. He thought that the question he had
raised was • legitimate one for argument by the
Society, but the question was. whether this wan the
proper time to discuss it? Mr. Pope was quite
justified in raising the qnestion, but was that
proper time to calmly discuss it! His own sugges-
tion was that they should call a special general
meeting of the society to settle that question, and
another point that had been raised that morning.
(Hear, hear.)
Mr. Pore hoped he should not be misunderstood.
He was quite willing that the prize should this year
be given to Mr. Paull—he had no desire to rob that
gentleman of the honour he had obtained—what he
wanted was to settle the question with regard to the
future. (Ileac, hear.)
The CMAINNIEN was pleased that what had taken
place had not at all infringed upon the harmony of
the meeting, lie had now the pleasing duty to per.
form of proposing "The health of the successful
candidates." (Cheers.) He wished them joy of
their success. They had had to compete with
animals that were quite up to the mark of those
exhibited on previous occasions, and, he believed he
might say, rather surpassed them. The show, upon
the whole, was such as the Dorchester society need
not be ashamed. The animals there that day gave
the greatest credit to the owners. ( Applause.)
Mr. Hasinisia said he had had that day the honour
cf w inning the piece of plate that was More him. This
was theseventh time he had received the honour of
winning prizes in the same class—three one-year-old
rams. He certainly hoped his success that day
would do him no injury on the first of August next.
He trusted that all ptesent would visit him that
day, and that they would purchase largely from his
flock, for be held that the Sussex South Downs
ought to be largely encouraged in the county of
Dorset. (Loughters.)
Mr. SAUNDILIN also returned thanks. His friend
had spoken of the South Downs, but he found that
after his neighbours bad had South Downs for a
while they came to him and asked him if he had any
good rams as their lambs were so small, and they
wanted some of the good sort to make thew larger.
Ile predicted that the days of the South Downs
were numbered. He liked big sheep of good
quality better than the little Sussex, as they fetched
the most money in the market. (Laughter.)
Mr. H•Keisiu said if it were not for the little
SOME, Mr. iaunders's rams would be so ugly that
they would frighten the butchers out of the market.
(Laughter.)
Mr. FLOYER considered that the present meeting
had been a most successful one. They hail had a
very successful show, perhaps superior upon the
it hole than on any former occasion ; and they had
hail a very successful dinner. He did not know
that he had ever seen the room Do full as it was
that day. One of the charges brought against these
societies was, that they talked politics over their
dinner table and did not talk about agriculture, but
they had been talking about agriculture. On that
OLTASiOn one of the chief causes of their success
at the dinner table might be attributed, he thought,
to the successful manner in which their excellent
friend had filled the chair that day. (Cheers.)
Mr. Calcraft had often kindly given his presence at '
agricultural gatherings, especially in his own neigh•
bonrhood, and he had been kind enough this year to
come aiming them, to render his valuable assistaace,
and he was sure he spoke the sentiments of those
present in saying he trusted that they should often
have the pleasure of his company on future occasions.
He begged to Propose "The Health of their excel-
lent chairman, Mr. Calcraft." (Cheers.)
The Chairman, in acknowledging the compliment,
said it certainly was no small amount of gratification
to him that his health had been so kindly proposed
by Mr. Player, and cordially received by the
company on thit occasion. Ile had come some
little distance to attend that meeting, but distance
we. of little importance in them days of maimed
facilities. lie was amply compensated for the
journey he had taken by the gratification he had
experienced by his visit to the show. He had Fad
thin pleasure both of seeing old friends,and of forming
new acquaintances. He had also had the pleasure
of seeing NORIO good animals that day, and he
considered that their exhibition was a good prestige
of future success. He had no doubt these meet-
ings did a great deal of good. They gave a very
wholesome and proper stimulus to all classes con-
nected with them. Mr. Harding had no doubt
been gratified, and he had that day received a fresh
stimulus to increase his exertions in the breeding
of South-down sheep. Mr. Saunders too had been
stimulated. He preferred large to South-downsheep
and perhaps many others were of his opinion, but
for his own part, eating as he did many of his sheep,
he must say that he preferred the small to the large.
Them meetings were no doubt beneficial not only to
the breeders of stock but to all owners and occupiers
of land, and to the labourers also. No prejudiced
man could for a moment doubt that those labourers
who had been in that room and received their prizes
went home pleased and stimulated, having • stronger
determination, if possible, to do their duty than
they would if they had not been here. He did not
say these meetings would regenerate the farmer or
the labourer, but so far as they went, in encoura-
ging to future exertion and in promoting good
fellowship and kindly feeling among the classes,
they were deserving of support. In conclusion, the
chairman proposed the health of the judges.
Mr. SPOONER returned thanks. He assured the
meeting that their greatest efforts had been to
come to a correct decision. The position of judges
was different from that of • person who, having two
or throe good animals, showed them to his friends
from time to time, and who visited them so often
that lie began to be
"To their faults a little blind,
And to their virtues very kind."

These gentlemen looked at the good qualities of the
animals as through • microscope of great magni-
fying powers, whereas the judges had to look with
microscopic power at all their faults, and to
award the prizes to those that had the
least. With regard to the show that day
the cattle were super-excellent, and the
sheep and pigs good, but the exhibition was not so
large as one might have expected. He could not
flatter them respecting the horse class so much as he
could wish. In such a district as this they ought to
have better horses than they possessed, and he sin-
cerely recommended them to go to the fountain head
at once, and offer a prize for the best entire cart
horse, so that they might propagaim a superior breed
to that they nom posee•sed. It cost them just as
much to keep a bad animal as it did to keep a good
one, and it was a great national loss to haves number
of bad animals, when for the same expense they
might have much better. It was wrong to say that
good horses could not be bred where good stick
could be. He was reminded, however, that with
regard to horses, their occupation would soon be
gone. There was a horse coming into use in this
country, of greater weight., of greater size, of greater
power and ability than those they had hitherto used
—a horse wit., steel nerves and iron sinews, and
that in the course of a very few years the march of
this giant steam horse will have timid its way into
every part of England, and that the living horses
will have passed into the shade, and their price
; greatly depreciated. But it was not so. Horses
j were required for other purposes than to till
; the laud, and good horses would always be valuable
-• -it wts the bad horses only that would become
valueless.
The next toast proposed from the chair was the
county and borough members of Dorset, followed by
that of the health of Mr. Floyer."
Mr. Fzoyen acknowledged the compliment in a
speech of consi.terable length. Ile said it was
indeed gratifying to him to be spoken of in the
terms the Chairman had done, and to be
received in the enthusiastic manner they had
received his name by those among whom
he had lived the whole of his life. From
the time that Society had first started into
existence to the present time, he had taken a
warm interest in its prosperity, and it gave him
great pleasure that it had IJeen so successful and was
in so thriving a state at the present time. Ile had
now taken upon himself new duties in this county
I in accepting the office of vice chairman of their
Quarter Sessions. It was with considerable diffi-
dence he did so. For years past he had not taken
much interest in the law department, so as to
qualify himself for the important duty, but with the
kind assistance of his brother magistrates and an
earnest desire to do his duty to the best of his ability,
and to the satisfaction of the county, his services I
would be rea-lily given. the of his own family, not
far removed from him, had filled the highest legal ,
appointment in the county, and he trusted that he
should f dlow in the satisfactory and judicious foot-
steps of his own grandfather. Ile had already
expressed the satisfaction be had derived at their
show of stock that day. They had also had in that
room the pleasure of seeing the agricultural labourers
coniing foreard and Tel:Civi their prizes. It had
been discussed whether it was desirable to give the
prizes in the dining room, after they had had their
dinner, and for the president of the day to address a
few words to theakaad allow thew to go home at once.

On the other hand there was a pleasure in seeing them
in that rootn—siseing their good looks and having a
satisfactory proof of their well-being. There wee
something to be said on both sides ef the question,
and be thought the better way would be to constilt
the feelings of the labourers themselves on the
subject, and do that which would Is
most agreeable to themselves. It was often
said that the money prizes they gave were of no great
value, and those who spoke of them that way he
thought set little value on these prizes. rho sum
they received, many of them, was a considerable
addition to their wages, and assisted them to
purchase little articles of furniture or clothes, they
would not otherwise be able to obtain, lie there•
fore thought they must not look too lightly on the
money prizes the society gave. But after all, it was
the effect that these prizes had upon the men. They
were a proof of their confidence and esteem ; a pthof
of their desire for the welfare of their men, binding,
as it were the social links of confidence between the
master and the man. His good friend, Mr. Spooner,
had spoken of the progress being made in machinery,
and the anticipations that had been raised of the
alterations and results they were likely to bring
about in the cultivation of the soil ; but let them
remember that of all instruments there was none so
valuolde rie the labourer. and of's)! mechanism, there
war, 1, .1- e i:ke the .1, s in. a h, el. tie
might sac that they innet Ii ive the heart et the
labourer. Cute, he pee his heart to the utechanisin
of his master, deists his duty honestly and threfully
as the chief of instruments, science wield be of little
worth, and anything as &fie ding their eePare it
was most important fur their employers to watch.
One thing alluded to in a very valuable essay of Lord
Sydney Godolphin Osborne—the settlement question
—was a very important one. To his mind the pro-
posed alteration regard to that question was a
most wise and judicionsone. Flo thought that some•
times, perhaps, the faults of the old law had been
unduly exaggerated, for since the last ten years he
dill not think any very great impedim2nts had been
thrown in the way of the labourer in passing from one
place to another, and he thought it would be gene--
rally found that the labourer who went into distant
parishes to labour, and bed from eircumstandi to fall
back upon parochial relief, was as well provided for
as the man who had lived all his tifetime in that
place. The late alteration in the law in that respect
and he was happy to state that be was one of those
who gave his humble voice in its support, had done
a great deal of good. Still, with regard to the alter-
ation at present before Parliament, it was but com-
mon justice that the relief required for the support
of the poor should be levied upon the union, accord-
ing to the property in • parish,rather than according
to the amount of poverty a parish contained. The
alteration he considered was eminently just, and
proper, and reasonable, and be hoped that the Lords
would pass the measure so that it might become law.
Another question connected with agriculture be
would also juetallude to. The question VIM discussed
at the last quarter sessions. A written application
from the Secretary of State by the Chairmau of the
Quarter Sessions, requesting the court to give their
opinion of the feasibility, and whether it was desira-
ble or not that the police should carry round certain
papers upon which the occupiers of land might give
a return of the qsantity of acres of land on his farm
of any particular crop, and of the police collecting
those returns and sending them in afterwards. The
proposition gave rise to some title discussion at
the Quarter Sessions. Some looked upon the
scheme with a good deal amount of jealousy, and
were for at once rejecting the suggestion of the
Home Secretary. Before he gave his opinion he
had the advantage of hearing the opinion of their '
excellent chairman, who considered that before giv- '
ing their answer it would be desirable that th_e_y should
have se opportunity of considering it. He knew
that the occupiers of land and the tenantry of Dote
setshire were decidedly opposed to anything that ,
might savour of an inquisitorial character. Ha i
knew they were averse to go into any inquiry of I
assumed averages, or supply information upon which
no correct data could be bawl; but on the other
hand, if such returns is were proposed, were made,
namely, the quantity of land under cultivation of
any given crops, they would be giving information '
on which there could be no uncertainty—no unseal-
eulations. Be did not think they were desirous to
keep unknown information which was most valuable
in regard to the matter of agricultural statistics.
However, this WAS a question for their considera-
tion, and he thought that before the next Quarter '
Sessions to consider who her it would be in their I
power to render the Government any assistance in
elucidating the question, as the opinion they might
form on this question would have very great weight
with him when they came to give their decision
upon the Secretary of State's letter. The agricul-
turists in Dorietahire did not hold an inferior pi-
tion to those in other counties. When he read the
different paper, read before the farmers' clubs he
could not doubt for a moment that the agriculturists
of the county not only had • desire to acquire
knowledge for themselves but of imparting that
knowledge which they possessed to others. lie> one
could read their interesting papers and consider the
trouble they took to write those papers without
arriving at the conclusion that they were
desirous of receiving and communicating such
information as was valuable for the profession.
And he did believe that a certain amount of statis-
tical informatiea, where they could arrive at it
with certainty and precision, would be most useful.
Take for instance a bad season. He was confident
the agriculturists did not want to drive up corn to
excessive or famine prices, and it would be necessary
to import grain from abroad. But how were they
so know how much would be required? One of the
foundations for such knowledge was the number of
acres under cultivation. If on the other band they
were to have a good season, what was to prevent
an excessive importation but for them to know that
there was &sufficient supply grown at home. That
was the way to prevent great fluctuations in priors,
and to obtain neither high or extremely low prices,
but steady prices. He threw out these hints in the
hope that they would be received in toe spirit he
had offered them. He wished to act as he had
acted through life, and with their co-operation and
assistance promote the interests of his friends and
neighbours to the best of his ability.
Mr. HANDING said if this inquisitorial question
were put to the vote amongst the tenantry and
occupiers of land, there would be fully two-thirds
against it. If they were to pay money to empioy
those blue coats to come and pry into their &theirs,
then he said the magistrates who had the
power in their hands would not do their duty if
ever the thing took place in England. Were they 1
the farmers who provided for the country, to tell
the country when it came and asked them how Daily
acres of wheat they hail, how many acres of oats,
and how many acres of any other produce? If the
counties of England polled on the subject there
would be two to one against it. It was one of the '
most inquisitorial propositions that ever emanated
from the Secretary of State, and was just like the
underhanded w y in which the present Government '
did everything. He would ask Mr. Williams if be
were there, how he would like these blue COMA to
go into his bank and toe how he stood with his five- ,
pound notes. How would Mr. Steele, who was
present, like them to go into his shop and take
stock. He would never submit to the blue coats
coming and taking stock of the produce of his farm.
They might send him their papers, and he should
kaow what use to make of them.
Mr. Varney thought Mr. Harding looked at the
subject in the wrong light. So far as be could see
there was nothing inquisitorial about it. Govern-
ment did not want to investigate the affairs of any
man- They simply asked the farmers to give the
information they could otherwise obtain from their
landlords—how many acres of each particular crop
they had under cultivation, without asking the
probable or average per acre.
Mr. DUNNING said when he saw the paper he was
exceedingly sorry the magistrates had not more
respect for the occupiers of land in Dorsetahire than
to allow the matter to stand over for consideration
whether or not they should send a police fellow to
find out what they bad on their farms. They were
to come to his house, and make enquiries what he
was growing! It was a disgrace to the magistrates
to make such an observation. So long as he lived he
would never make any return to the magistrates, or
their servants, unless he was obliged to do so by Act
of Parliament. He hoped it would not be long
before some of the principal ratepayers would have
a chance, by the establishment of county boards of
voting, on the distribution of the public money.
The CH•INMAN said he was entirely for free discus-
sion, and be thought that the Wilts Blown out by Mr.
Floyer would do no harm. Messrs. Harding and
Dunning had spoken of what they understood Mr.
Floyer to mean that they were to submit to what
was inquisitorial. Now, no human being had
breathed such a word or thought such a thing. The
only question was whether the acreage should be
given or not. Mr. Floyer had thrown out his balloon
to see which way it would fly; and it had blown back
to him again—at least, he supposed by a majority
there. He had himself no wish for the bluejackets
to pry iuto his affsii s, but this was intended. The
question was, should the police be permitted to leave
apaper at their doors to be tilled up by the occu-
piers :—Wheat, so many acres, barley en many, and
so on, to be called for and returned to the proper
authorities. There surely was nothing inquisitorial
about this. Mr. Harding said if they left a paper at
his house lie would throw it into the fire. If they
left one at his (the Chairman's) house, he would fill
it up and return it. So they perceived these
things were matters of taste. In Scotland the
whole of the occupiers did the verysame thing of their
own accord, and of their own free will, for their own
guidance and benefit. He asked that the question
should be well ventilated at their farmer's clubs,
and gain as much information on the subject as they
could from the source where the system was in
operation, and he thought they would find that after
all the question was not of an inquisitorial character,
and that the information asked for was desirable to
them as farmers. The next toast he had to propose
was "The health of the Mayor of Dorchester."
Mr. HOGGEN acknowledged the compliment.
The Cit Alllll A N in highly eulogistic terms air to the
debt of gratitude they were under to the Seetetary,
whose attemtlons to the interests of the Society was
one great cause why it was in so flourishing • con-
dition, proposed "the health of Mr. G. J. Andrews."
Mr. AnDelews acknowledged the compliment, and

in conclusion stated that the nucleus of a farmer's
club in Dorchester had been formed, and that be
would be most happy to receive the mamas of any
gentleman who would be willing to belong to it.
'The Committee of Management" wee next
given and acknowledged, and the Mariner of the
evening was brought to a close.

DORCHESTER PITCHRD CORN MARKET, ifday,
July 27.—Attendance large, and the general tone of
the trade unproved. The reports of the growing
crops were anything bat satiefactory. Complaints are
generalss to the colour and other damages mused by
the continued wet wether ; millers were consequently
more wishful to purchase, and better prices were
given. All spring ism in improved request.
16.1RDSRS. BAKER AND Essor.'s ItETOSITORY SALT,
July 27.—Tne number of stock on offer was as usual
large and of good quality. Buyers were numerous
and the competition irptrited. In the afternoon the
amount of businees was extensive, and a large
quantity of cider was disposed of.
EtEctno-Biotoc v. —Professor Collier las an-
nounced an entertainment at the Townhall, on
Thursday evening next. We witnessed that which
he gave at Weymouth a short time wince, and can
, pronounce him one of the most euecessful operators
in thisart we ever saw. From first to la 4 lie kept
his oarlieiwt in continuous roar .1
We can without Insitation promise sit who lett the
Finfeseor on Thursday evening, one .of the must
pleasant evenings they ever spent.
AccIDICIVT. —On Thiirwlay last an accident of a
I rather serious nature occurred in this town to a little
iboy, named Judd. It appears that he was riding a
, spirited horse belonging to Mr. Manley, of the
• Kings Arms, and as he was proceeding up For.
dington Hill the animal took fright, throwing its
rider to the ground. As he was falling, by some
I means or other his foot caught in the reins, and ho
ris dragged along the ground for some distance. On
the horse being stopped, it was found that though
. no bones were broken, the boy's face was out in a
shocking manner. With some assistance he was
able to proceed home, and we hear he is rapidly

recovering.
At the lownholl, on Monday, July 29, before the
Mayor, Harriett Cealcaugh, who said she came from
Lincoln, was brought up by P.C. Comma, charged
with being drunk and disorderly on Saturday night.
The constable stated that he found the prisoner out-
side a public house. She was kicking the door, and
after sometime commenced singini. He ordered her
off, but she said she wished to be locked up. A man,
who was a black, then called her by name, and they
went off together. Sometime after the officer was
standing in the North Square when the prisoner
passed by, and when opposite Mr. Jacob's
she commenced cursing and swearing. He then took
her into custody.—Sentenced to 14 days' hard

labour.
Si. Favzit's CIIHRCH.—A sermon was preached
at this church on Sunday last by the Rev. J. M.
Colson, in aid of the Dorset County Hospital. The
collection amounted to kb Is. Old.
HoLy TRINITY INTANT SCHOOLS.—The claim of
these schools were ably advocated at Trinity church
on Sunday last, when the usual collections
were made, which amounted to £25 10s. W. There
are at the present time no less than 23.5 names; on
the books, and the average attendance of scholars is
150. A debt of opwards of £2OO still remains on
the building, whir .1 is being paid off year by year.
It is impossible h. estimate the amount of good
which these school have effected during the ttml
years they have opened, and we feel that they
are worthy of th 44 support of all lovers of early
religious soil moral rraining.
LORP JOHN Rus. rt.c.—lt is stated that the titles
of Lord John Rue .01 will be Earl Russell, of King-
ston Russell, in the „ounty of Dorset, and Viscount
Amberley of Arnim: .y, in the county of Gloucester,
and of A rdsalla, iii lie county of Meath.
THE MAL-miss I CANADA.—The Hon. Maurice
B. Portman. son of I rd Portman, has been elected
'for the East Riditr.• of the county of Middlesex,
Canada West, rides! log the Anti-Britishcandidate
by • large majority.
MIDDLIL-CLASS 1 IYZESITY EXAMINATIONS.
The annual report u the delegacy to Convocation
has beta issued. AI . 'opt other matters connected
j with the middle.claw ..samination, it states that the
number of candidates i.xic.uined was 573 juniors and
i 291 seniors. Of their. candidates 134 juniors and
b 7 seniors attained I.onours ; 212 juniors and 65
!seniors passed without honours, and 227 juniors and
! 139 seniors failed to satisfy the examiners. The
! general character of the work done at this ex- .
ainination, as of that done last year, indicated a slow
! but still very perceptible and decided improvement. !
' In this opinion almost all the examiners agreed.
There is still some very bad work, though the
I amount that deserves that epithet yearly diminishes.
Moreover, the best work of this year is not better
than the best work of last. But the great mass
which lies between these extremes is decidedly
! better. The examiner in French says :—" L'exam.
inatent Francais se plait i constater cotta anode no.
amelioration sensible dans Is manage dont les
' juiror,' at lee • senior' candidate se soot aoquittes de
! leur examen." 'lwo candidates from Dorchester
I have lately passed at these ezaminations ; one was
second in nearly 800 the other was fifth in more
I than 1200, both pupil; of H. Gordon, 21 haviog
already passed under his tuition in French from
I Weymouth and Dorchester. Mr. Read's son, pupil
of Mr. Hann, was the last successful candidate for
Cambridge.