The Sun.
London, England, 1850-07-02 00:00:00

THE SCOTTISII FETE.

This exhibition may now be fairly regarded as an es-
tablished annual spectacle. It will be recollected that it
took place for the first time list year in Holland-park;
that it received at once, not only the favour of the public,
but the patronage of Royalty; and that taken as a whole
it was eminently successful. Tho fete for the season
commenced yesterday, and will be brought to a close to-
day. The chiefs, and others of the various clans,
seemed indeed to have been inspired by the advice con-
tained in Sir Walter Scott's words—

" Hark to the summons,
Come in your war array, gentles and commons."
The scene of the exhibition is the same, and the gene-
ral character of the programme has not been materially
changed. The manly outdoor sports peculiar to Scot-
land still form a conspicuous feature in the proceedings,
and those, combined with the showy effect of the
Celtic garb, gave to the whole spectacle a pecu-
liar claim to the nationality of title which it
assumes. There is, however, no exclusive spirit evinced
in the management of the fete. Archery prizes to a
large amount are thrown open to competitors from all
parts of the United Kingdom, and the gallantry of the
committee of management has provided gold braeelets
and brooches to be shot for by ladies. The display in
fencing, also, though principally devoted to illustrate the
value of that trusty Scottish weapon the bro id-sword,
is open to general competition, and an interesting addi-
tion has been made to the programme of last season in
the shape of wrestling. All the prizes in the other
spores exhibited are contended for in the Highland dress
by men who have carried off the honours at the local
meetings and gatherings held during autumn in the
North. These sports ani pastimes include tossing the
caber, putting the stone, throwing the hammer, bagpipe
music, fiddling, running, and strathspey and reel danc-
ing. In the exhibition the most striking change in the
arrangements of last year is with reference to the
archery. We fear that the bow has fallen into sad die-
, repute in these modern days, and that the weapon with
which Apollo shot pestilence into the camp of the Greeks
and with which Cupid destroyed the peace of the Cartha-
ginian Queen, can never more be restored to its an-
cient place in the estimation of mankind. Last year the
archery part of the exhibition was an acknowledged
failure. The twanging of bow strings and the dull
thump of the arrows as they plunged into the targets
amused only for a short time. Even the movements of
the archers, as they crossed and recrossed the field in
bloodless strife, at last grew monotonous, and some way
or other, people seemed to have an uneasy feeling that
by possibility a mistake might be made. Missiles of all
kinds are apt to deviate from their intended route, and
the arrow has a peculiar facility for going astray. The
quivers sported at Holland-park, it is true, are not far-
nished so formidably as those which figured at Cressy or
Agincourt; but, nevertheless, a light summer paletot or
a silk dress, are things easily penetrated, and there are
few people who like to be treated as a " butt." Such being
the experience of last year's fte in archery, the com-
mittee of management have this season prudently cur-
tailed that part of the exhibition, or more accu-
rately speaking, they have so arranged that
it shall be all over before the other games
commence. When we entered the grounds of Holland-
pask yesterday, shortly before one o'clock, the com-
petition
in archery was still going on. A large number
of gentlemen who, had they lived at the time, would no
doubt have drawn "a good bow at Hastings," were
busily engaged in the contest. Three ladies also con-
tended stoutly for the gold bracelets already alluded to.
One of them especially shot very well, and it was re-
gretted by many that the fair sex had not supplied a
greater number of candidates for an amusement in
which, if there is any faith to be placed in classic lore,
they ought to excel. Most of the archers wore Lincoln
green, and their costume agreeably diversified the effect
of the blue bonnets and waving tartans.
To the archery succeeded the sword dance, performed
with great spirit and grace. Then commenced that
characteristic game called "throwing the hammer." In
the Highlands the hammer is used, as the name implie;;
but of late years, instead of that implement, a ball of iron
with a long wooden shaft attached to it, has been intro-
duced at the principal competitions. Such was the case
yesterday, though there may be some doubt as to the
propriety of the change. Nine Highlanders entered
their names as candidates for the prize in throwing the
light hammer, the weight of which is 141 b. Their style
of play possessed great variety. Some stood still,
and with one or two swings of the hammer hurled it
forward through the air. Others, whirling round with
it in their extended hands, let it shoot suddenly off when
they had reached the prescribed point for doing so. One
enormous man, whose rugged features and shaggy red
hair recalled the picture of Rob Roy, used one hand only
in the process, yet nevertheless the hammer flew from
his grasp with perfect precision to a great distance.
The following are the three successful competitors and
the distances of their throws:—

ft. in.
92 2
Thomas Menzies

Samuel Kennedy 83 9
D. Fraser
Then followed dancing of reels and a strathspey; next a
foot race for about 1,400 yards, which was run in 2 min.
2 secs. Ttien can a Highland fling, which was ad-
mirably danced, and of the agile creature who danced it
it might wish truth be said—
" He shook his doublets in the wind;
his feet like hammer strati the grund;
The vrrymoadiewarts were stunn'd,

Nor Icenti'd what it could mean."
Next we were amused with "tossing the caber," which,
being "interpreted "' for the benefit of " Southrons,"
means a long and heavy piece of timber, or ra:her
tree—perheps of 18 feet or more in length, which the
party is required to raise and to grasp by the small end,
and on running to the bar ho raises it, and by an elfin
almost superhuman is required to toss it so high that,
being projected, it makes a gyration in the air.
Three cabers having bean tossed, Samuel Konnedy ass
pronounced to be the successful competitor. The third
caber baffled all the competitors, and a piece was cut off.
Lire() competitors then stood forward, and again Ken-
nedy was successful.
It was now near four o'clock, and the scene which the
park presented was exceedingly animated and pictu-
resque. Within the inclosed space where the sports
were going on had assembled a goodly muster of well-
dressed Highland gentlemen and chiefs—Cluny Mac-
pherson, head of the elan,Chattan, presided over the
proceedings. The leading representatives of the
M'Kenz'es were present—Sir James M'Kenzie, of
Seatwell ; Sir Evan M'Kenzie, of Kilkoy ; Stewart
M'Kenzie, of Seaforth ; and Mr. Charles M'Kenzie, of
Scotsburn. Conspicuous among the throng we noticed
Roualcyn Gordon Cumming, the daring traveller,
whose recent hunting exploits in Central Af-
rica have attracted so much attention. Most of
the Highlanders present wore targets, an addition to
the dress which of late years has been too much dis-
pensed with, and which adds greatly to its martial effect.
Within the inclosed apace on either side were arranged
the boys of the Caledonian Asylum and the Duke of
York's school. Pipers arrayed in all the splendour of
silver ornament struck up at intervals " the war notes"
of the clans, or some well known dance-inspiring
strathspey. Occasionally, a military band, which was
in attendance, contributed its quota to the general
amusement. The capacious stands erected to the north
of the grounds were thronged with ladies, and all
round the inclosed space where the games were cele-
brated was gathered an assemblage of curious and in-
terested spectators. The whole scene presented was
particularly striking and picturesque. It was just at
this time that the Marquis of Breadalbane arrived,
and shortly afterwards it became known that her
Majesty the Queen was about to honour Holland-park
with a visit. The Highlanders were at once formed
by Cluny into a body-guard, and every preparation
was made to give her Majesty a loyal reception. In
the meantime the games were suspended, and to
kill time two men of the Scotch Fusiliers (one named
Chalmers, and coming from the north side of the Tweed;
the other named Edgar, a native of Cumberland, exhi-
bited their skill in wrestling. The exhibition proved a
decided hit and pleased everybody. There was nothing
at all repulsive about it, the throws being given and
submitted to with perfect good humour, and great agility
being displayed by the other competitors. Edgar is a
more powerful man than the other, and that gave him the
advantage; but Chalmers did nut allow the victory to
pass out of his hands without some very clever and suc-
cessful play on his part. Just as this exhibition finished
the Royal cortege entered the grounds. The band
played " God save the Queen," and Angus Mackay, her
Majesty's piper, struck up " Fleum Fein an Gleans"—
" The Glen is my own." The body guards saluted, and
the great mass of spectators, standing up, testified by
loud cheers, and by the waving of hats, blue bonnets,
and handkerchiefs, their loyalty and respect for
their Sovereign. Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales,
and the Prince of Prussia, occupied the same carriage
as her Majesty. In another, which followed, were
Viscountess Jocelyn and Lady Canning. The horses
having been disengaged from the carriage, the games were
immediately resumed under the superintendence of the
Marquis of Breadalbane, who appeared to receive her
Majesty's commands as to what she wished to see per-
formed. The first thing exhibited was dancing, with
which the Royal party appeared greatly pleased. To
this succeeded throwing the hammer, which was won by
the victors in the early part of the day, Menzies' throw
being ninety-nine feet four inches and Kennedy's ninety-
one feet. The exhibition of wrestling was again re-
peated by the same performers, and with equal success
in the interest it evidently excited among the royal
visitors. Then came what must b 3 regarded as the
most remarkable feature of the day's proceedings,
viz., a trial of skill between M. Leon Gillemand,
French fencing-master, armed with the broadsword
and target, and Bombardier Kelly, armed with the
bayonet. General Stewart, of Garth, in his well
known " History of the Highland Regiments," de-
clares that the broadsword has always been found in
action a superior weapon to the bayonet. Whether this
be correct or not as a fact, the exhibition of yesterday
would seem to establish beyond all doubt that thehayonet
is no match for the broadsword and target. M. Gillo-
wand hit his adversary four times running, and there
can be no doubt that the one hit counted sgaiust him
ought to have been allowed. . .

- This was succeeded by some capital single-stick play
by Corporal Jackson and Bombardier Gear,
Who baing stout gave many a clout."
And the sztne quotation would apply to similar displays
by Corporal Major Astlin and Corporal Reid. The reel
of Tllloch, which is of a peculiar character, was ad-
mirably danced, and reminded us of the Jangua,o of the
late charming Scotch poet Skinner, when we beheld the
enthusiastic gestures and animated counttnances of those
who danced: _

" May dool and sorrow be his chance,
And a' the ills that come frae France,
Whae'r he be that winna dance
The reel of Tullochgorum."
In another trial the tossing the caber was won by S.
Kennedy; and the putting the stone by Menzier, who
hurled it 40 feet 4 inches. A foot race followed, which

2, 1850.

was won by Donald M'Crae, William Connachie being
the second. Four competitors started, who certainly
were not encumbered with too much clothing to impede
their speed. It being now half-past six o'clock, her
Majesty and tiro Royal party quitted the ground, the
seine hearty loyal feeling being evinced on her Majesty's
departure as on her arrival. filer ►Majesty signified her
intention to be present this day, and to present several
prizes. The distribution of prizes awarded by the
societies will be made at the festival, to be held this day
at the Freemason's Tavern, as stated in our advertising
columns. We cannot close this brief account of a very
interesting fete without acknowledging the great cour-
tesy which was paid to those gentlemen who represented
the press, by the gentlemen who conducted the proceed-
ings. The sports will be continued and closed this day,
and the presence of her Majesty cannot fail to ensure a
vast attendance.

ENTERTAINMENT BY LORD HOLLAND TO
TUE INHABITANTS OF KENSINGTON.

Last evening Lard Holland invited a considerable
number of the inhabitants of Kensington and its neizli-
hoerhood to a grand entsrtairment in the new and ele-
gant orangery which has lately been added to the are.
cient and classic mansion, Holland House. It will be
recollected that some time since a great outcry eves
raised against his Lordship diverting a pathway, of which
the public had been allowed the use for many years, from
the front to the east aide of the house, to enable cer-
tain alterations to be carried out, amongst the most im-
portant of which was the erection of a terrace facing the
Hammersmith-road. In snaking these alterations,
his Lordship had to enceunter a good deal tat
opposition, conducted with all that warmth of zeal which
usually characterises local authorities when they find or
itnagine that their vested interests are to be interfered
with; but it appears that those who originated the op-
position little consulted their own interests, for, in place
of the old pathway, a fine wide avenue has been laid out,
which is not only more agreeable for the purposes of
pleasure or exercise, but opens a more direct thorough-
fare from Hammersmith-road to Notting-hill. Ample
satisfaction having thus been given to all parties who telt
themselves aggrieved, Lord Holland, with those amiable
feelings of kindness and generosity which form so dis-
tinguished a -mark of his character, determined on the
first convenient occasion to invite them to an evening
entertainment in his grounds to witness the recent alter-
ations, and last night was selected for the purpose. The
invitations were all accepted, and the number of guests
who attended showed, at least, that past animosities and
differences were all happily forgotten. Among all pre-
sent there was one general expression of esteem for his
Lordship, not merely for sending them invitations, but
because he, and his amiable partner, and his immediate
friends, including several of the aristocracy, mix =d freely
with the guests, and shared in no small degree in their
pleasures and amusements.
The orangery, which was designed by Mr. Brown,
his Lordship's architect, and corresponds in style with the
mansion, trom which, however, it is quite detached,
has been erected with exquisite taste, and will form
another great ornament to the already beautiful and
far-famed grounds. At the north end an elegant
apartment has been fitted up with mirrors, couches, and
candelabra, which in summer will no doubt be found a
most agreeable retreat. In this apartment, which was
brilliantly lighted, dancing was kept up with great
spirit until past 12 o'clock, the distinguished host and
hostess presiding and throwing a charm over the scene
by their affability and kindness. Oa the top of the
orangery there is an extensive promenade reached by a
broad and handsome staircase, and from here an ex-
cellent view of the surrounding country can be obtained.
When we say that the whole exterior and interior of
this building was illuminated with innumerable coloured
lamps, and that all the splendid collection of orange
trees, as well as the whole of the garden were sparkling
with similar coruscations of light, the beauty and fairy-
like nature of the scene may be easily conceived. Per-
haps on no former occasion wore these gardens—ren-
dered famous by their association with the great-
est wits, writers, and orators which this coun-
try has produced—seen to greater advantage than
they were last night. The removal of the old
stables, and the zeal of Lord Holland to
make the place a gem of a residence, has enabled Mr.
Scoby, the head gardener, to exercise his taste and skill
in improving the grounds, and this he has done in
a way which entitles him to the utmost credit.
The amusements: concluded by a brilliant display of
fireworks, and the company separated shortly after one
o'clock.

A cold collation was laid out down one side of the
orangery, and it consisted of every delicacy which the
generous kitchen and cellars of Holland House could
produce.