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

THE SCOTTISH FETE.

This exhibition may now be fairly regarded as an es-
tablished annuli spectacle. It will be recollected that it
took place for the first time last year is Holland-park;
that it received at once, not only the favour of the public,
but the patrona;e of Royalty; and that taken as a at hole
it was eminently successful. The fete fn. 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-
tainel in Sir Walter Scott's words—
" Hark to the summons,
Come in your war array, gentle: and commons."
The scene of the exhibition is the same, and the gme-
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 these, 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 bracelets
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 broad-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
sports exhibited are contended for in the Highland dress
by men who have carried off the honours at the local
meetings and gatherings held daring autumn in the
North. These sports send pastimes include tossing the
caber, putting the stoee, throwing the hemmer, bagpipe
music, fiddhnte, 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 hay fallen into sad dis-
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 nev-r more be restored to its an-
cient place in the estimation of menkiud. Lest 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 fa- going astray. The
quivers sported at Holland-park, it is true, are not tar-
nished so formidably as those which figured at Cressy or
Agincourt; but, nevertheless, a light stimmer 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 fete 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 how at Hastings," were
busily engaged in the c intest. Three ladies also con-
tended stoutly for the gold bracelets already alluded to.
One of them especially slant 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 b 3 placed in clailic 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 tartars.
To the archery succeeded the sword dance, performed
with great spirit and grace. Then commenced that
characeiristic game called "throwing the hammer." In
the Highlands the hammer is used, as the name implies;
but late years, instead of that implement, a hall 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
propriey of the change. Nine Hie,hlanders 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 sir. Others, whirling round with
it in their extended hands, let it shoot suddenly off when
they had reached the prescribed point far dint 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.
Thomas Menzies 92 2
Samuel Kennedy ... 88 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. Then came a Highland fling, which was ad-
mirably danced, and of the agile creature who danced it
it might with truth be said—
" He shook his doublets in the wind;
His feet like hammer strati the grund;
The very moadiewarts were stunn'd,
Nor keun'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 rather a
tree—perhaps 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 he raises it, and by an effort
almost superhuman is required t) toss it so high that,
being projected, it makes a gyration in the air.
Three cabers having been tossed, Samuel Kennedy was
pronounced to be the successful competitor. The third
caber baffled all the competitors, and a piece was cut otf.
Three competitors then stood forward, and again Ken-
nedy was successful.

It was now near four o'cicck, and the scene which the
park presented was exceedingly animated and pictu-
res Tie. Within the inclosed space where the sports
ware 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
lsPlienies were present—Sir James M‘Kenzte, of
Seatwell ; Sir Evan M'Kenzie, of Kilkoy ; Stewart
M'Keozie, of S2aforth ; and Mr. Charles M'Kenzie, of
Scotsburn. Conspicuous among the throng we noticed
Roualeyn 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 t ff-ct.
Within the inclosed space 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
btrathsp ey Occasionally, a military band, which was
in att-ndanoe, contributed its quota to the general
amusement. The capacious stands erected to the north
of the grounds ware thronged with ladies, and all
round the inclosed space where the games were cele-
brated was gathered an assemblage of curious aid in-
terested spectators. The whole scene presented was
particularly striking aid 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 übout 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 mate 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 Gleann"—
" The Glen is my 0wn.",0 The body guards saluted, and
the great mass of spectators, standing up. testified by
lout 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 perfirmers, and with equal success
in the interest it evidently excited among the royal
visitors. Then cams what must be regarded as the
most remarkable feature of the day's proceedings,
viz., a trial of skill between M. Leon Gillemand,
French fencing-master,
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and target, and Bombardier Kelly, armed with the
; bayonet. General Stewart, of Garth, in his well
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ought to have been allowed.
This was succeeded by some capital single-stick play
by Corporal Jackson and Bombardier Gear,
" Wha being stout gave many a clout."
And the same quotation would apply to similar displays
by Corporal Major Astlin and Corporal Reid. The reel
of Tulloch, which is of a peculiar character, was ad-
mirably danced, and reminded us of the funguses of the
late charming Scotch poet Skinner, when we beheld th e
enthusiastic gestures and animated countenances of those
who danced:

" May dool and sorrow be his chance,
And a' the ills that come frae France,
Whaa'r he 1)9 that winnf. dance
The reel of Tulloebgorum."
In another trial the tossing the caber was won by S.
Kennedy; and the patting the stone by Menzier, who
hurled it 40 feet 4 inches. *A foot race followed, Which

' was won by Donald M'Crae, William Connachio being
the second. Four competitors started, who certainly
wire not encumbered with too much clothing to impede
their speed. It b, ing n.ow half-past six o'clock, her
Majesty and the Royal party quitted the ground, the
same linarty loyal ft cling being evincod on her .Mojesty's
departure as on her arrival. Her Majesty signified her
intention to ba preterit this day, and to present several
priz,!s. The cvitribution of prizes awarded by the
societies will be made at the festival, to be held this day
at the Freemason's Tavern, us sowed in our advertiting,
columns. We cannot close this brief account of a very
interesting fete without acknowledging the great cour-
tesy which was paid to those genthtnen 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 [TOLLAND TO
THE INHABIT ANTS OF KENSINGTON.

Last evening Lord Holland invited a considerable
number of the inhabitants of Kensington and its eeigh-
boirhoed to a grand entertainment in the new and etc--
gent orangery which has lately been added to the an.
anent and classic mansion, Holland House. It will be
recollected that some time since a great outcry was
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 side 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 making these alterations,
his Lordship had to encounter a good deal of
opposition, conducted with all that warmth of zeal which
usually characterises local authorities when they find or
imagine that their vested interests are to be interfered
with; but it appears that these who originated the op-
position little consulted their own interests, for, in place
of the old pathway, a fine wide avenue hes twen laid out.
which is not only more agreeable for the purposes of
pleasure or exercise, but opens a more direct thorough-
fare from flammersmith•road to Nutting-hill. Ample
sat sfaction having thus been given to all parties who telt
themselves aggrieved, Lard Holland, with those amiable
f_elings of kindness and generosity which form so dis-
tinguished a mark of his character, determined on the
firs, couvenient occasion to invite them to an evening
entertainment in his grounds to witness the recent alter-
aiisone, 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 theta 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 is 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, from %hie), however, it is quite detached,
has been erected with exquisite taste, and will form
another great ornament to the already b.,autiful and ,
far-famed grounds. At the north end an elegant
apartment has been fitted up with mirrors, cauches, anti
candelabra, which in summer will no doubt be found a
most agreeable retreat. In this apartment, which was
brilliantly lighted, dancing was itept up with great
spirit until past le o'clock, the distinguished host and
hostess presiding and throwing a charm over the scene
by their affability and kindness. On the top of the
orangery there is an ex'ensive promenade reached by a
broad and handsome staircase, and from h,re en ex-
cellent view of the surrounding country cm 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
trues, 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 were these gardems—ree-
dered famous by their associstien with the great-
est wits, writers, and orators which tbis 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
mike the place a gem of a residence, has enabled Mr.
Scohy, 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 I
generous kitchen and cellars of Holland House could
produce.