The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-09-17 00:00:00

HALE FLORAL HORTICULTURAL AND

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of this society for the exhibition of
fruits, flowers, vegetables, farm produce, &c., was held
on Thursday last, in a marquee erected in an open piece
of ground in the middle of the village, and of no less than
180 feet in length by 36 in width. This immense apart-
ment was decorated with numerous flags, devices of
flowers, plants, and festoons of evergreens. At the front
of the ground an arch was erected, and there were two
*venues thence to the tent, one for entrance and the other
for exit. In the centre of the tent outside, which was also
festooned, was a handsome flag, painted for the occasion
by our townsman, Mr. G. H. Corless, representing the
combination of agriculture and horticulture—the plough
in the field, and the rose, &c., in the cottage garden, being
prominent objects, and emblematicallyconveying the senti-
ment that the industrious husbandman might after the field
labour of the day employ his evenings in training the
flow s ers and plants that ornament his neat and comfortable
dwelling. Here, too, was a flag emblazoned with the
royal arms, supported by Neptune and a Triton, and a
ship in full sail—in compliment, we presume, to the town
and trade of Liverpool. In the interior were numerous
elegant flags, and devices tastefully wrought out in flowers
of brilliant shades. The show was considered the best
andthat had yet taken place, and the articles were of a size
quality highly creditable to the producers, whether
as regards the wealthy proprietors who contributed them
or the humble cottagers. The day was delightfully clear
and fine, and from an early hour hundreds of the gay and
fashionable from the neighbourhood, and many from
Liverpool and even more distant towns, crowded into the
village, which, with its neat white-washed cottages, each
With its well-cultivated garden, fully maintained the high
character for rural beauty which it has for years pro-
verbially borne. By two o'clock—the time appointed for
the opening of the show—it became literally thronged in
every thoroughfare ; and every available space in the
lanes, yards, and even fields in the immediate locality,
was crowded with private and other carriages of every de-
scription. Many also came on horseback, including num-
bers of ladies of fashion. The tent was soon filled to
excess, notwithstanding its huge dimensions. At one
time there were under its lofty roof not fewer than 1700
gaily-attired individuals; and we believe we do not over-
rate the attendance in all, when we note it at double that
number during the day. In the centre of the marquee
was stationed, within an open circular alcove or temple,
" The Forresters' Band" of Warrington, in military
uniform with Grecian helmets, and, under their able
leader, Mr. Robert Thornelly, played a variety of pleasing
airs throughout the day. John Ireland Blackburne, Esq.,
M.P., of Hale Hall, the patron of the society, and who
takes a truly parental interest in its prosperity, was, with
the ladies of his family, surrounded by vast numbers of
fashionable friends, and all were gratified to reflect that
from a small beginning a few years ago (when the school-
room was thought adequate for the meeting) the results
of his exertions and those who acted with him had been
so pleasingly manifested in the annually augmented at-
tendance, and the honourable competition, not only
amongst the neighbouring farmers, but amongst the
cottagers, for whose benefit, in the cleanliness and com-
fort of their homes, and the good cultivation of their gar-
dens, the society was mainly originated. The increase in
the funds this year alone is about 30 per cent., and as
there remains in the hands of the treasurer a considerable
balance, it is in contemplation to extend the sphere of
operations to a wider circuit, the cottage and farmers'
prizes (exclusive of those to subscribers) being now
limited to a distance of three miles from the village. The
solicitations for subscriptions were at first limited to the
more wealthy few, but others having expressed to Mr.
be Hickson, the chief originator, their desire to contribute,
resolved to visit all, and, to his infinite satisfaction,
u'di not meet with a single denial.
We have been favoured with a list of many of the dis-
!'guished persons present, but as a considerable number
must have escaped the notice even of several visitors,
amongst so large an assemblage, we refrain from publish-
g them lest we should be deemed to make a partial se-
le than which nothing is further from our wishes.
observed a fine specimen of the Peresteria Elata, or Dove
°weF ; also the Eskianthus-grand (a parasite) sent
Oy Richard. Alison, Esq. From Ha e Hall Mr. Black-
0u rne sent some splendid plants including a rich specimen
of the Garland flower, the Oncideurn Lanceanum, and
several fine Orchidceas. Messrs. Davis, of Wavertree,
aatuonrantributed some beautiful plants. The fruits were
peaches,nt and excellent, especially the apples, pears, plums,
Many of them were from the cottage gar-
dens, ar &dloco'ked most tempting. Thelgardenestuffs were
eperior, and there were a number of giant cucumbers,
,Iv • cabbages, potatoes, &c. Some of the cucumbers
were 19 inches long. The mangel worzel, and turnips
were
exceeding large and fine, showing that in the late
redeeming weather they had entirely recovered from the
effects of the previous dryness of the season. The dahlias
were very beautiful, as were many of the cottage and
Other flowers. There was some excellent wheat, oats,
barley, and beans.
...Amongst the devices was a very accurate and pretty
h"el. el of the Hale School House, with its green shrub-
•er'es, pond and all appurtenances, including even small
Oesh disporting in the water. This was made by Miss
Prookfield, assisted by her father, one of the constabu-
4arY force of the village, and was much admired. The
village,
an interesting building at the north end of the
and facing the main street, was built and endowed
in
—1',„39 by Mr. 'William Part. The late H. Leyland was
'tel'se'neltnaster for forty years ; and his son, his successor.
now held the situation for fifteen years. There
„s
daha beautiful device of " God save the Queen," in
JonlieassEv&C*, also some splendid crowns, &c. &c. Robert
round
th ; —sq•, sent a beautiful model of a Temple sur-
. d
with gilded columns, topped by a gilded cupola and
by motto below of " Esto sol testis." This which
ehasv fine landscape on one side, a coat of arms on the
erse, and Grecian figures on the two others, was also
'_.°e work of our talented townsman, Mr. Corless, orna-
mental painter, and excited much admiration. " The
Cock and Trumpet" the crest of the Blackburne family
Was also there, formed of heath and flowers. At the fur-
ther end was a fine fountain jetting water to the top of
the tent, and imparting amongst the warm crowd a de-
lightful sensation of coolness. This was brought by Mr.
Gregson, of Mill-street, in this town, who kindly gave
his services in effectively fixing and working it. A large
circular basin was formed below, enclosed within a rail-
ing studded with dahlias. Amongst other "shows" was
an apple tree bearing a ponderous variety of fruit, from
the largest size below to the smallest Syberians on the
.t,?? branches. The was also a similar device of pears.
re noticed some apples 8 inches in circumference.
Amongst other pleasing matters was a fleet of four cutters,
serobliag a weather vane, and so contrived as to con-
tinually sail round and round a steam vessel fixed in the
centre.
The whole show, and the size of the tent excited much
admiration. About four o'clock, Mr. Blackburne and
:me of his friends repaired to a stage in front, on which
a thef
trusic seat, and here, as chairman, after congratu-
4"og ast assemblage on the fineness of the show and
e
.Of prospects of the society, he deputed R. Neilson, Esq.,
c° Halewood, to announce the prizes to the successful
'-'nPetitors wl re uested to come forward, and
were each lo were q
also highly corn-
lirn end all warmly received. He .
ented Mr. Ni kson and also a lady (Miss Green)
° had first the latter the formation of the
society. rst suggested to
e.
sppeoe• ,eeresoN then said, I have been deputed to
.
the berlate the prizes to the successful competitors in
en, eautiful exhibition we have just witnessed, and
of ,e,,t.er inadequate I may be to express the full meed
Frail
soJustly due to them, I feel assured I
may
the on your concurrence, ladies and gentlemen,
have ,acknowledgement of the high gratification we
Cordial'l experienced, and in the offer of our most
is tethanks to those of whose exertions this exhibition
lux`,'.e result. The varied beauty of the flowers, the rich
ere'diance of the fruit, and solid size of the vegetables,
cla,„e:lnally entitled to the highest merit in their several
appli`eB' as well as affording a plain proof of the successful
eviae atlon of skill, care, and attention. Nor do they less
even'e the existence of qualities of a higher range and of
aret more importance in domestic life, namely, industry
ofeelleatness, for no weeds could be allowed to flourish
auetre these were produced ; of sobriety, for no one with
ape e. delightful occupation for his time could afford to
ledV it at the alehouse ; and let us also hope of religion,
bean); grateful hearts from the contemplation of nature's
Hi to nature's God.
sti4nlY creditable, however, as these appear, there is
Ic'ejetil°ther subject, for the encouragement of which this
readily was principally formed, and which cannot be so
are ..Y exhibited to your notice : I mean the prizes which
gard":„'en for neatness and cleanliness of the cottages and
the of this village. This may fairly he considered of
tiallyr„-atest importance to the class whom it most mate-
Teal „-°°eerns both as being productive in itself of much
tie, irifort and happiness, by making home more attrac-
Of a „an the alehouse, and also as laying the foundation
proejtreaetical system of education well calculated to itn-
bnern.'e morals and establish the character of the rising
tiful -‘°n• To those who are acquainted with the beau-
bled aPPearance of the village in which we are now assem-
to btthere
in needs no comment of mine to establish its claim
9ueeting Considered one of the neatest in England, and, I
Mhaeitan much, if another could easily be found whose
ttibiatedqta of the same class could have so materially con-
e to the support of such an exhibition as this. The
n'akladed,
anuleetition for the prizes to which I have just al.
4te the difficulty I understand the judges found in
tfhe ale.i,r award is a proof not only of the good moral
the sold i the cottagers, but also of their grateful sense of
e nterest taken in their welfare and happiness by
th'! of their worthy landlord, by whose personal
4The resoT;r emulation has been thus so pleasingly excited.
thus
idea Speaks for
Totiself. It is evidenced in what we
u 1 Wee "'due. the habits of neatness and industry
?wing th-tified with the progress of the infant mind is
ue e
en do more matured exertions by which that tent has
hopetiacefoll decorated and adorned • and we ma
rota such a commencement that the reflections !quail me will
ylook back upon a more extended career
ustieed. LlnY of the lessons thus early and practically
cl • so •
aMsseslen then proceeded to distribute the prizes in
Sad , 3,
`ncoursaying a few appropriate words of praise
evrart „ agement to each successful cultivator, and Mr.
ere aite„_'nnmerated the names of the winners of the re-
leithe"e prizes. Mr. Neilson then spoke as follows :
fare, ugh it is not the • ' this that
r should • intention of Society . the
eVards. Participate as largely as the gardens in its
;net bee'uteigieelien I observe over the entrance of the tent
'tett under flag where Horticulture and Agriculture are
4ablern
my
banner, I feel authorized in taking its
connected with
and saying a few words on one or
!I Your ected . the latter occupation, in urging
4,t edingCleanattention the importance of ploughing deep and
cavil ugainse There
. are two objections I have beard
bag I.Y refuted. the former, both of which, I think, may be
..en soil to the e first is the fear of bringing poor and
"gee too deep for surface, the second the burying of ma-
c the roots of the plants to reach it. A

winter fallow and a small quantity of manure, well mixed
with the soil, effectually cures the first, and I think it
stands to reason that a plant will thrive better and have a
better chance of withstanding a heavy gale of wind in a
foot depth of soil, with a small quantity of manure well
mixed with it, than in the same quantity of manure on that
soil. With regard to the second objection, depend upon
it, no ploughing ever yet attempted,—no burying, short of
the sexton's. will place manure (if not in water) too deep
for the roots of wheat. Wherever you place the manure
fermentation must ensue ; the gasses created by that fer-
mentation, will rise through the crevices of the soil towards
the surface ; they will there meet the roots of the plants,
which, finding in these gasses the food best adapted for
their nourishment, will force themselves down towards
the manure, to a depth equal to the length of their stem
above ground. The second point I wish to impress upon
your minds is the necessity of thoroughly eradicating the
weeds, the injury of whose presence to your crops (if I
may judge from appearances,) you do.not seem fully to
appreciate. On this head I will mention a simple fact .
the average weight of a full grown common sized dock,
ragwort, or thistle, is about Boz., equal to the weight of
about 60 stems of ripe wheat, and, consequently, appropri-
ating an equal quantity of nutriment. Now 1 find, on a
field of wheat, drilled at 8 inches, and well weeded, which
yielded 45 bushels to the statute acre, there were rather
less than 300 stems to the square yard, so that the presence
of only two full grown weeds, such as I have mentioned,
in each square yard, would have absorbed weight of nu-
triment equal to the supply of as many stems of wheat as
would yield upwards of 15 bushels, while the price of
about one bushel would have eradicated them. Besides
this, the weeds, by being allowed to seed, engender a fruit-
ful source of future trouble and expense. Look at the
splendid specimens of cultivation exhibited to day; do you
think they could have attained to such a pitch of perfec-
tion without good manuring, deep delving, and clean
weeding? But you may, perhaps, say that they are the
produce of a garden. Believe me, a farm ought only to
be a garden on a larger scale, and would be equally as
productive as a garden if equally well cultivated, for there is
no debtor so honest as the soil and none who pays abetter
interest for the outlay of industry and care. The great
practical error in farming appears to me to be having more
land than capital, an anxiety to possess a greater extent
than there are means of properly cultivating. You may
rest assured that a small farm highly cultivated, will yield
a far larger produce than double the quantity of land in
poor cultivation; and it is far cagier and cheaper to raise
good crops from land in good order than poor crops from
neglected land. I have now, ladies and gentlemen, to call
your attention, and request the expression of your thanks,
to one without whose kind patronage, and liberal assist-
ance, we should not have enjoyed the pleasure we have
experienced this day—the proprietor of the village where
this gay scene has been rendered gayer still by the approv-
ing assemblage I hale now the honour of addressing. It
is not to his well-known character as an English gentle-
man, a liberal landlord, or kind friend, that I now advert,
but as patron of a society which commenced its career
under his kind auspices, and brief as is the period since
that commencement, has not only been productive of much
existing good, but has also laid the foundation of a per-
manent increase of comfort and happiness to all over whom
its influence extends. In alluding more particularly to the
prizes for neatness and cleanliness of cottages, I find from
the inspector's report that the improvement has been
most marked and rapid, not only in the appearance of
the cottages and gardens, but also in the habits and morals
of the cottagers themselves. Whatever portion of this
improvement may be owing to the kind influence of the
patron, more, much more, is attributable to the personal
interest taken in its progress by the ladies of his family,
whose constant exercise of the offices of christian charity,
in administering consolation to the afflicted, comfort to
the sick, relief to the poor, and kindness to all within their
sphere of action, fully entitles their names to be mingled
in the cheer with which I trust you will receive that of
Mr. Ireland Blackburne, the Patron of the Society.
Mr. BLACKBURNE responded, amidst the loudest
expressions of applause, and proposed the name of the
President, who briefly returned thanks, stating that he
would draw their attention to a much worthier object,
and, in introducing the Incumbent of Hale, the Rev. Mr.
Stewart, spoke as follows :—" As a minister of the gospel
his benevolent heart, and amiable character, are too well-
known, and too truly appreciated, throughout the circle
over which his care presides, to use word or comment of
mine, but I cannot omit to state that I find the same un-
wearied zeal, the same constant care, which so eminently
distinguishes his clerical character, equally stimulating
him, as Vice-president of this Society, to promote its in-
terests, extend its influence, and increase its usefulness.
To this object he has devoted much time and anxiety, and
with what success you will yourselves be able to judge
when 1 tell you that, at its commencement, only four
years ago the issue of tickets was under 700, and that this
year they have increased to upwards of 3000. I feel as-
sured you will need no exhortations of mine to induce you
to offer your hearty congratulations to the worthy vice-
president on so auspicious a result to his exertions.
(Cheers.)
The Rev. Mr. STEWART then came forward and said
in effect—An ancient poet has observed that " he is not a
very unfortunate man who has been enabled to slip through
life without attracting notice;" and I can almost sub-
scribe to his opinion, for, from the quiet and retired life I
lead in this place, I feel a reluctance to be drawn out into
public. I cannot, however, but acknowledge with grati-
tude the flattering manner in which you have received the
announcement of my name. It has been my object dur-
ing my long residence in this place (now on the verge of
one-third of a century) to contribute all in ray power to
the comfort and happiness of those around me, not only
in my official capacity as clergyman, but as a neighbour
and friend, and this comfort and happiness is very much
promoted by a society like this. If there be one object
in nature more gratifying than another, it is the sight of a
neat country cottage, and a tasteful and well-cultivated
garden around it. It is the subject of the poet's song,
and it is equally the aim of that busied portion of man-
kind (the working classes) to attain, as the reward of their
toilsome labours, the summit of their earthly happiness.
The cultivation of flowers also, as well as of useful vege-
tables, is an innocent and healthy recreation, especially
for those who are engaged in sedentary occupations ; and
besides being a source of profit, is also one of moral in-
struction. The mind is thereby led to reflect on the
organization and different properties of plants, their
various modes of nutriment and powers of reproduction,
and through these to admire the power and wisdom of
that beneficent Being who has garnished the earth with
such loveliness and beauty, and who, in the simple petals
of a diminutive flower, teaches us "To rise through nature
up to nature's God." Flowers are teachers of no mean
character; their silent yet impressive lessons; their "still
small voice," whisper to us much that regards the duties
and destinies of man. Their opening buds, their ex-
panded blossoms, and their fading leaves, remind us of
our beginning, continuance, and end. They are emblems
of the morning, noon, and evening of life; of our feeble
infancy, our vigorous manhood, and decrepit age. But
the moral good and domestic virtues these societies pro-
mote, are their chief recommendation. The labouring
man who delights in ornamenting his cottage and culti-
vating his garden, and the thrifty housewife who takes a
pleasure in keeping the inside neat and
clean, will find
substantial comfort and happiness within themselves in
their own " sweet home," and will not seek for delusive
pleasures abroad. Home will be rendered attractive, and
will not be abandoned for the alehouse, or scenes of
revelry and dissipation. The mind will become en-
amoured of domestic enjoyments, and find its solace
and delight in studying the works of the great Creator.
In many retired districts, by the aid of these societies,
these blessed effects have been attained. In our own vil-
lage and the country around, we cannot but remark the
great improvements that have taken place on these points
since the institution of this society, which is still in its
infancy, being now only in the fourth year of its age. In-
deed, this sequestered and rural village receives the com-
mendation of all strangers for its order and regularity, the
neatness of its cottages, and the comforts of their inmates.
(Cheers.) The rev. gentleman then recited some very
pretty and appropriate verses, composed by an inhabitant
of the place for the occasion, but we must defer their pub-
lication till a future day. He concluded by proposing a
name which he felt sure they would cheer with heart and
hand,—a promising scion of a worthy stock,—the heir of
Hale,—Captain Blackburne. (Loud cheers followed the
proposition.)
Mr. NEILSON again came forward and said :—Having
now, ladies and gentlemen, disposed of the honorary de-
partment of this society, permit me to introduce the orra-
mental, by drawing your attention to the flags by which
the tent has been decorated, more particularly the one
over the entrance to which I have already alluded, and for
the whole of which the society is indebted to the liberal
taste of Mr. Corless. To Mr. Gregson they are also in-
debted for the Fountain—and to Mr. Brookfield for the
Model of Hale School. These, and many other equally
liberal contributions from strangers to the district, evince
the increasing interest which this society is creating be-
yond its own immediate precincts.
There is still another and a most important department
of this society to which 1 have to allude, namely, the use-
ful one, and I will venture to solicit your warmest thanks ,
for the Committee, and their very able and efficient Secre-
tary, Mr. Nickscn, by whose exertions the component
parts
of this exhibition have been brought together, and
by whose taste and skill they have formed so beautiful a
whole. lam well aware that no encomium I can pay will
be half so gratifying to them as the conviction that their
exertions have tended, in the first place, to increase the
comfort and happiness of those around them, a result
which, I sincerely trust, may be rendered mere and more
apparent each succeeding year; and in the
.second
that you, ladies and gentlemen, do not consider your visit
here as time misspent, which will be best evinced by your
determining to repeat it on the next occasion, and on this
awarding your warmest thanks to the Committee and
their Secretary, for those exertions of which this exhibi-
tion has been so gratifying a result.
Mr. ROSE briefly and feelingly returned thanks, ascrib-
ing the chief merit of forming and advancing the Society
to Mr. Nickson,
Mr. NICKSON, being then called upon, said that if any
exertions of his had contributed to the success of the So-
ciety, he was amply repaid by the kind and flattering com-
pliment paid to him. As one of its originators, and feel-
ing a warm interest in its welfare, he felt exceedingly
proud to see at the exhibition this day such a host of
friends and supporters, and from the applause with which
lie had been received, he was led to hope not only that his
services had given satisfaction, but that all present were
inclined to continue the sups ort they had already so li-
berally given to these meetings. He was happy to say
that the Society was in a most flourishing condition, and
that, like the snow ball, each annual roll added to its ex-
tent and prosperity. He might appeal to all who had wit-
nessed the.exhibition, and compared it with those of former
years, that much had been added to its usefulness also.
He cougratulated the successful competitors, and said
that even should the Society cease to exist, the stimulus
which it had given to industry and skill would continue
so long as they had gardens to cultivate. It frequently,
or too often, occurred that meetings of that description