The Sun.
London, England, 1853-06-30 00:00:00

A GALA DAY AT BUXTON.

(From the Derby Reporter.)
Thursday last was a day long to be remembered by
the inhabitants of Buxton and the surrounding neigh-
bourhood—the occasion being the annual custom of well-
dressing. The anniversary was celebrated with unusual
spirit, and the whole proceedings passed' off most satis-
factorily.
A visit to Buxton on this interesting occasion has
served to impress us most favourably with a foreshadow-
ing of its future—and when it shall possess the advantage
of easy access by railway, which tts improved position
will entitle it to demand, it is not difficult to foresee
what will be its progress. We entered it on a bright
sunny evening from the direction of Derby, through the
lovely valley of the Wye—and although not new to us,
we were struck with the extraordinary beauty of the
scenery. We found the inhabitants of Buxton busy
with the necessary preparations for the fete, and the
numerous visitors anticipating with feelings of delight
the treat in store for them. The unsettled state of the
weather for several days previous had caused some little
anxiety in the breasts of many; but the sun's setting on
Wednesday night gave
," The promise of a golden day to-Morrow."
Before we narrate the proceedings of yesterday, we
will indicate, as briefly. as possible, the in provornente
that are in course of development under the direction of
Sidney Smithers, Esq., agent to his grace the Duke of
Devonihire, who has won golden opinions from all classes.
The Crescent appears to have undergone very consi-
derable repair and embellishment, and the Terrace-walk
and extensive lawns in front are in high keeping.
The Hall Garden has been extended and greatly im-
proved. An ornamental piece of water has been formed,
with a fountain supplied from the new water main,
which plays to a height of about 50 feet. The adjoining
rich meadows and the distant hill of "Griner," pictur-
esquely studded with cottages, have been opened to the
view, adding great 'cheerfulness and beauty to this fa-
vourite place of promenade. Various specimens of wild
fowl contribute by their aquatic manoeuvres on the pond
to enliven the scene. The serpentine walks are yet in
an unfinished state. Rustic bridges, rock work and
water, are adding their effects to walks under foliage
gracefully disposed, and it is not difficult to foresee how
exceedingly attractive this part of the grounds will ulti-
mately become.
The Park, which contains upwards of 100 acres, has
been laid out after a design by Sir Joseph Paxton. It
is approached by a handsome wide entrance just above
the Church, and immediately opposite the Great Stables,
from which point a fine view of the Park and of the
surrounding hills is obtained. It was, until last year,
subdivided into fields, the fences of which have all been
cleared away—the land thoroughly drained to a depth
of four feet—roads and ornamental plantations formed
with a view to sites for villas, some of which are in
course of erection. A piece, containing 20 acres, has
been very recently fenced in near the entrance for the
purpose of out-door amusements, cricket, archery, &c.
In Corber Woods which clothe the hill-side above the
town on the road to Manchester, some beautifully ro-
mantic walks have been laid out. By the natural
formation of the ground, an opportunity was given to
produce a varied effect within a limited space, and by
the aid of skill and ingenuity the most has been
made of it. Here, rhododendrons, with flowers,
ferns, and foxgloves luxuriate in abundance. The
higher walks command extensive views, while in the fore-
ground are seen the little dells which form the pretty
feature of the Corber Walks. Land has been set out
for building sites, called "The Quadrant," in front of
the new hot baths, and three handsome shops and
houses have been already erected. Every facility and
encouragement, we are informed, is given by the duke's
agent to parties proposing to erect houses of a suitable
description • and when completed, "The Quadrant" will
form one of many great improvements now happily
in progress at Buxton.
But after all, for utility and comfort combined, the
new baths are the attractive a.ture.. In the Reporter,
a short time since, we gave a description of the baths at
the natural springs. They are now in full operation,
and finished and fitted up in a style of elegance that
must satisfy the most fastidious. The comfort of the
invalid and the fancy of the luxurious have been alike
consulted ; and in appearance, in cleanliness, and in
systematic arrangement,
,even to the minutest detail,
they are perfection. The wing containing the new hot
baths is not quite completed : it is very extensive, and
presents a magnificent front and side elevation. One por-
tion of it is, to be opened next week, before the whole of
the wing is finished, in order to meet the increasing call
for the baths—the old hot baths, which still remain,
having become totally inadequate to supply the demand.
Those who knew Buxton previous to the commence-
ment of the improvements, can little imagine the altered
appearance of the place. The baths, the accommo-
dations, and everything about the place were behind the
times, and it is remarkable that under such disadvan-
tages Buxton should have maintained its position. The
fact speaks volumes' for the efficacy of the waters, and
already has the better state of things attracted a vast
influx of visitors seeking relief from their healing Powers.
These improvements have been carried out upon a scale
and in a manner so characteristic of the owner, his
grace the Duke of Devonshire.
Early yesterday morning the sound of hammers gave
note of preparation ; and in various parts of the town
men ardent in the work were busily engaged erecting
triumphal arches, and decorating the wells. At the
junction of the Bakewell and Fairfield roads two
large triumphal arches, surmounted by coloured
streamers, were placed. Passing along in the direction of
the Crescent, flags and various floral devices attracted
the eye, and there was a particularly neat little structure
composed of evergreens and flowers at Winster Place.
Triumphal arches, with the duke's crest worked in
flowers, and surmounted by streamers, were erected at
both approaches to the Crescent ; and one also at the
corner leading to Upper Buxton. Gay flags and
streamers, and triumphal arches were, in fact, to be seen
in every direction ; and as the sun shone bright in the
heaven, the whole scene was one of busy delight.
The decorations at the two wells attracted many ob-
servers. The device at the well, situated in Higher
Buxton (near to the excellent large Hotel kept by Mr.
Wood), represented ancient ruins, the walls being formed
of a variety of wild flowers intermixed with moss ; the
pillars were done with different kinds of spar to repre-
sent granite, the caps, heads, and bases being worked in
flowers. Various animals 'were represente near the
ruins, which had a background of fir trees, and in front
a variety of jets played. The well in Spring Gardens
was decorated with a scroll pattern, done in wild
flowers ; both having been designed by Mr. Fanshaw,
inlayer of marble.
During the morning gaily-dressed people thronged to
Buxton by every inlet to the town, and at noon, when
the Buxton and several other bands from the neighbour-
hood commenced playing, some of the promenades and
streets were densely thronged. Shortly after twelve
his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, accompanied by Mr.
H. Cavendish, Mr. Cunningham, and Mr. Condell,
arrived, and was received by Mr. Smithers. His Grace
alighted from his carriage at the gate leading to the
Crescent, and immediately proceeded to Higher Buxton
to see the decorations at the well, which, together with
the one in Spring Gardens, he was instrumental in pro-
biding for the inhabitants. After viewing the floral de-
vices and mixing with the happy ,roultitude, the noble
Duke inspected the Baths and Grounds, and visited the
elegant show-room of Mr. Selim Bright. A troop of
boys and girls from an endowed school were then mar-
shalled in the Crescent and treated with buns, after
which their tiny voices rang out "three times three
cheers for the Duke of Devonshire."
Hark ! the Buxton band approaches the Crescent,
playing the Morris Dance. A moment or two, and then
are seen two boys carrying a banner on which is inscribed
"Long live the Duke ;" next comes the band with its
enlivening tones, and then follows a most pleasing sight.
A dozen little girls dressed in white, with blue sashes
and straw hats, their little feet dancing the merry dance
as they move along, and ever and anon waving gay gar-
lands over their heads. Onward they go towards a
gaily-decorated pole in the centre, gracefully keeping
time to the music, to the evident delight of several
thousand spectators. At this time the scene was of the
most animated and interesting kind. The windows of
the Crescent were occupied with ladies and gentlemen,
whilst immediately in front the slopes and terrace walks
were literally covered with people. In the centre were
the Morris Dancers, preparing to renew their gyrations,
and above all--Duke and peasant alike—

" The summer heaven's delicious blue."
From the summit of the poll were suspended, twelve
ribbons of various colours, each girl taking bold of one
with one hand, and with the other a small coloured ban-
ner. The band played, and then there was a series of
dances—the ribbons by the intricate movements being
woven, as it were, round the poll with the greatest
nicety, and presenting a diversity of most pleasing
colours. His Grace witnessed the evolutions of the
children with evident delight, and the dense body of
spectators repeatedly testified their approbation by clap-
ping of hands. The girls left the Crescent dancing,
preceded by the band, and then came the boys, who
were not so successful ; after which the several bands
were heard playing the Morris Dance in every di-
rection, and Buxton presented one general scene of
festivity. _
_

His Grace the Duke of Devonshire left Buxton for
Chatsworth between four and five o'clock, after express-
ing the pleasure he had derived from his visit.

At the time we were compelled to leave {about four
o'clock) preparations were being made for the festivities
of the evening, which would, no doubt, be as varied and
cheerful in turn as those of the day. It was delightful
to Fee how even decrepid invalids joined in the pleasures
as they passed, and forgot, for the time at least, their
pains ; and from what we saw indicated before we left