Leighton Buzzard Observer & Linslade Gazette
Tuesday, 7th January 1868

Brief background

Article published in the local newspaper during the exhibition. The article covers the opening ceremony and gives details of the exhibitors and exhibits. Note: any text enclosed in square bracket are comments by the transcriber relating to possible typos or errors in the original article.

The Article

LEIGHTON BUZZARD.

WORKING MEN'S INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION

INAUGURATION BY LORD CHAS. J. F. RUSSELL.

THE industrial exhibition, in connection with the Leighton Buzzard Working Men's Mutual Improvement Society, was opened on Wednesday last by Lord Charles James Fox Russell, and it still remains open to the public. The rapid progress this society has made since its establishment a little more than twelve months since, is remarkable, and the success which has attended the getting up of the present exhibition, the idea of which was only a short time ago conceived, is most astonishing - the expectations of the committee have been greatly exceeded. In September, 1866, the society was originated in "Parson's Close" by six working men, shortly afterwards, through the assistance of several gentlemen, and the great interest taken in the movement by working men, it found itself established in the Hockliffe Road Rooms, with sixty members, a library of one hundred books, and evening classes for reading, writing, arithmetic, and discussion. Since then the failure of the Literary and Scientific Institute enabled the Working Men's Mutual Improvement Society to obtain the library of the former institution, numbering some 1,100 volumnes ["volumes"] at an outlay of £23. To pay off this sum the holding of an industrial exhibition was thought a good plan, not only as a means of raising money, but as a movement likely to excite a healthy competition between working men in the manufacture of works of art in their leisure hours. The town was canvassed, and the result is to be seen in the magnificent exhibition, now open at the Assembly Room of the Corn Exchange, where nearly two hundred exhibitors show some three thousand productions of working men and illustrations of various trades and manufactures, works of science and art, and articles of interest and curiosity.

Shortly before eleven o'clock, on Wednesday morning last, a procession of working men, headed by the exhibition committee, and the Woburn drum and fife band, marched from the society's rooms, in the Hockliffe Road, to the Corn Exchange, where they were joined by the president of the society, Theodore Harris, Esq, and Lord Charles Russell, the latter of whom, on the party arriving at the Assembly Room, desired the honorary secretary, Mr. E. W. Lewis, to read a preliminary statement concerning the origin, progress, and present position of the Working Men's Mutual Improvement Society.

Mr. Lewis, ascending the platform, read the following statement:- "One evening - on the 6th of September, 1866, six working men met together in the field known to this town as Parson's Close. The object of the meeting was to take into consideration a pressing want. That want was the great need which it was known was experienced by the working men of Leighton for some organization whereby they might be enabled to pursue a course of mutual improvement, and create a brotherly union amongst themselves. These six working men there and then decided that such a thing was most desirable, and resolved that it should be agitated forthwith. The next step was a larger meeting of about twenty or thirty, not in the close, but through the kindness of T. Harris, Esq, our president, in his rooms in the Hockliffe Road. Similar sentiments were uttered by the twenty or thirty as by the six. A committee was chosen - secretary (a working man), president (Mr. T. Harris), and two vice-presidents were chosen, and the society was started. The society named itself "The Leighton Buzzard Working Men's Mutual Improvement Society." It is sometimes asked what is in a name? Well, in our's ["ours"], we pride ourselves that there is a good deal; not only in quantity, but in meaning also. In the first place, one great characteristic was that it must be pre-eminently a working men's institute - one which would appeal to their sympathies and supply their peculiar wants. Secondly, it was to be an improvement society. It was strongly felt that any organisation which might be attempted must constantly keep the moral and intellectual improvement of the working man as the chief end to be gained. And lastly, it was to be mutual. As far as possible all help was to come from within the society itself. By this means the expenses would be so reduced that the benefits to be derived might come within the means of every labouring man, while it would also tend to the creation of a friendly feeling and intercourse. The principles thus set forth in the name and title of the society have been constantly maintained as may be gathered perhaps from the following facts. During the first year there were sixty working men members, and twelve honorary members - (chiefly not working men). This year there are 102 working men members, and thirty honorary members. The subscription for working men is 2s. per annum, and for honorary members 4s. This is effected by relying upon the mutual principle just referred to, whereby eight interesting and instructive lectures were obtained at the small cost of about £2. There were public readings started by the members, and also public readings amongst themselves only, for mutual improvement. Classes for reading, writing, and arithmetic were also established, from which it is believed that great advantage has been derived by many who have attended them. Discussions on various interesting topics were held, which are likewise productive of much good. A library was next started, and by kind assistance of J. D. Bassett, Esq., and our worthy president, and other gentlemen of the town, a library of upwards of 100 volumes was soon formed. This, however, was soon greatly augmented by the purchase of the library of the late institute, amounting to nearly 1100 books, at a cost of £23. This now brings me to my last point. How was this £23 to be raised? The answer is contained in the third minute of a general meeting of members held on the 27th of September last, which reads -

'Resolved - that a working men's industrial exhibition be held in the course of the ensuing session, in order to raise funds for the purchase of the library.'

An exhibition committee was formed, who issued a circular, stating their object, and immediately canvassed the town. I hardly think any one of that committee anticipated at first that the undertaking would reach the point at which you now see it. It has grown under their hands; and at such a rate that considering the time they had, and the space they could command, was almost unmanageable. There are upwards of 200 exhibitors who have kindly come to their aid, exhibiting, at a rough calculation, more than 3,000 separate articles. In conclusion, I may say that though we are a weak folk compared with what we hope to be, yet we are a little proud at having grown in sixteen months, through the kind help of many friends, from a meeting of six in Parson's Close, to a society of 132; with classes, lectures, and library of 1,100 volumes at the Hockliffe Road Rooms, and this industrial exhibition here.

Lord C. J. Russell then rose to address the meeting. He said he thought he need not assure those present that he considered it a great honour to be called upon to preside on this occasion; whether it was equally an enviable distinction was another question. He looked upon the movement as one fraught with very great importance to the best interests of the working classes of Leighton. He supposed, after hearing the report read by the secretary, he might fitly term this an industrial exhibition, originated by the working classes, and adopted by their neighbours in the county and in the town. He had been called upon to open it, and he might say in reference to its character, that the lock was the genuine product of working mechanics, and though the key might be of amateur workmanship, yet the fit and make were complete, and he paused for a moment before turning the bolt, it was from no fault in the construction or mechanism, but in the hand to which the key had been intrusted. He thought, on looking at the exhibition, that he might class it into three distinct characters. First, by the staple manufacture of the neighbourhood; secondly, the free-will offerings of the town and neighbourhood; and lastly, though certainly not leastly, the free-will labour of the working men of Leighton. With regard to the staple manufacture of the town, they had a beautiful array of the fabrics of straw and lace, which from their beauty could never be out of place, and could not be shown in a more fitting place. They had been exhibited in national exhibitions, and it was a pride to show them. But he looked upon this exhibition not so much as the result of skilled labour as the productions of leisure hours: that was the best idea. The manufacture of straw conveyed thoughts suited to the national understanding and he could not pass such beautiful objects without some expression of admiration. What adornment so characteristic of our countrywomen as our straw? - its colour, so quiet and yet so cheering - its fabric, so modest and so winning, so unobtrusive, yet so triumphant. He wished his old friend, Col. Gilpin - who had lately proclaimed his love for Luton - were present at his side this morning, as he would descant eloquently upon the theme; his friend had made him his confidante upon this matter, and he had often heard him say that an English face never looked so charming as when under a straw bonnet (cheers). With regard to straw bonnets, his lordship would remark that they had become "small by degrees," and he wished he could add, "beautifully less" (laughter). But whatever their proportions, he liked to see straw bonnets; they were to his mind so much connected with all that was English, as that peculiarly national ballad, "Home, Sweet Home." He never saw a straw bonnet, whether in Paris or London, but he thought of "Home, Sweet Home," and sighed, not perhaps for his "lowly thatched cottage," but for his "lovely thatched women" once again (laughter). With regard to that other adornment for which the county was celebrated, the manufacture of lace, he wished he could see more of their lady friends present that he might remind them of the good old custom of furnishing their houses with specimens of the staple manufacture of the neighbourhood, and make it known to them that they need not take the trouble of going to Regent-street, or Brussels, or Mechlin, when they could purchase exactly the same article in their own neighbourhood. (Cheers.) He now came, he said, to the free-will offerings of the town and neighbourhood, and perhaps in these it would be unfair to make any distinction, but there was one offering of a peculiar character, to which he would just allude - he meant that combination of works of art exhibited by the Baron of the Vale, the Lord of Mentmore. Like many of those present, he was a working man. He had for his correspondents emperors, and for his tools his treasuries. Notwithstanding his accurate habits of business, and the great powers of calculation which were necessary to carry on his gigantic commercial pursuits; he (the noble lord) would defy him to form any accurate notion of the cost of production - the cost of each cup which he had sent to the exhibition. He (the speaker) thought their thanks were due to the Baron who had endeavoured, by the incomparable integrity with which he pursued a great national sport, to save it from that ruin to which it was rapidly approaching through the malpractices of some of its followers. (Hear.) He next touched upon what he deemed the staple interest of the exhibition, and which he had previously termed the offerings of the free will labour of working men of Leighton. They would do well in looking at the exhibition to bear in mind this destinction ["distinction"] - there was nothing about it of a competitive character: it was different entirely from national exhibitions, which were of more value to the manufacturer and to the merchant than to the working man. This was not an exhibition so much of skilled labour as of the productions of the working man's leisure hours, and in this there was involved a degree of moral worth demanding imitation. Such labour was labour tempered with mercy, and was indeed a labour of love. Did they produce works of great artistic skill? Perhaps not. Was there a man in this country who could approach the old Greek models of art? How inferior was their sculpture to the Grecian! But, if they dared to take away the veil from the inner life of those sculptors, Christianity would revolt at the spectacle. The working men present exhibited examples of labour at their homes of happiness and purity. He knew some people put forth an objection to these exhibitions, as was the case at the time of the South London exhibition a few years ago when one leading journals wrote sarcastically of the simple productions of working men, who exercised their ingenuity in making articles foreign to their own trades. There was an old proverb that "the cobbler should stick to his last," and no doubt the writer of the satire would like him to stick to it night and day, and would rather see him in his working clothes on the Sunday than attending the House of God (hear). But, to make satire of any effect, surely the writer must have solved the problem of perpetual motion in the working man, who could work day and night without ceasing (applause and laughter). But Nature came to our help in this matter, and said man must have rest and leisure; it was necessary as the air he breathed. He had only one other remark to make on this part of his address. While they knew that bread was the staff of life, they must remember that corn was not the only part of the plant, and if it could be proved that by weaving the straw into ornamental fabrics, they deducted anything from the worth and strength and value of the commodity, there would be something in the sarcasm he alluded to. But the truth was the reverse. They did not deduct from the value of the flower, but added to the value of the plant. So, exactly, did cultivated leisure not deduct from the value of the labour, but added to the value of the man. But there was one other product of labour to which he must allude, namely, glass. There was an article made at a distance, some of the elements of which came from the neighbourhood of Leighton; it was made at Birmingham. There was something to be proud of in that fact. There was nothing in manufacture more valuable than glass; and what a beautiful fabric it was! By it they could have shelter without being deprived of the light. Without glass they would not have had the great Exhibition of 1851, and it must be remembered that that great triumph in building belonged to a man who went from this neighbourhood; he solved the difficult problem, and founded that great exhibition, which would never be forgotten (cheers). That man was found in the neighbourhood of Leighton; and he (the noble lord) looked round and asked whether there was not some monument to his memory. He was sure that an exhibition for the advancement of the working classes was the true monument to Sir Joseph Paxton in the neighbourhood in which he was born. He knew Sir Joseph well, and was intimate with the family that knew him best, and he could safely say that while it was impossible to conceive anything that could exceed the enthusiastic gratitude, affection, and respect with which he regarded the noble patron of his fortunes, yet there was one feeling in him paramount to all, and that was loyalty to the class from which he sprang, embodied by a deep desire to afford them the advantages of a cultured education (cheers). He (the noble lord) did not make these observations for the mere purpose of pleasing his audience, but he believed that if it were possible to ask Sir Joseph Paxton what he would desire to perpetuate his name, he would say establish an exhibition like the one at which they were then present. If the inhabitants of Leighton thought they could found a museum, that would be the best monument they could raise to his memory. Out of this educational movement, there should spring a Paxton monument, in honour of the man and for the advantage of the working classes of the town. Now, would they have it? He would ask them, aye or no! (cries of "Yes, yes.") Well then, he could see the museum established in his mind's eye - a fitting memorial to Sir Joseph Paxton (applause), - for he could not for a moment think that anyone could demur to the appropriateness of the monument, nor that it would be left to this neighbourhood to carry it out. There was a noble family whose fortunes had long been linked with that from which he (the speaker) sprung, - both interested in the memory of the man, - the one from his birth and very earliest antecedents, the other from his life and fame. Did they suppose that the multitudes who knew his name so well would not help them in it? It could not be; they would have the museum. He had alluded to what had gone by, but he must just take a glance at the future. They had enjoyed education in that town, and let them see that they improved in it. As he thought of the education and prosperity of the town, he must couple with them the Society of Friends who had spread such beneficial influence for good, and must remember the honoured name of John Grant - associating with that name another John - John, the late Duke of Bedford - with these two Johns, there must be added the late Joseph Lancaster. Where would have been the educational advantages of the town if it had not been for these men? If the working men present valued those things, let them show themselves worthy of it, not only by this exhibition, but by treading in the steps of those men - doing for themselves what their predecessors had done for them. Let them set their shoulder to the wheel, for education would ere long take a prominent position in this country. Have education, he said, for their right. It was for them to demand as a right - he said it was a right - that the child of every working man should depend on the State, and on the State only, for primary education - a sound education, on a Scriptural basis. He was told that they would be met by the religious difficulty, but he was slow to believe or allow the epithet religious to apply to any impediment to the promotion of education in this Christian land. What he said was that, if these difficulties existed, there was one way in which they could be solved. Be they determined to get for their children primary education, and leave those who started the religious difficulties to settle for themselves. And if the working men had not the education they desired, though he really thought they would, the difficulty would lie at the doors of those who opposed, as he thought, unnecessary obstruction - (cheers) - and he would call on those who thus objected to exercise the great principle of Christianity, and not to judge that their children, deriving secular advantages from the school, were deficient in religious instruction, though it might not come from those who would monopolise it, and so defeat their own end. He thought it his duty to treat this as an industrial exhibition, and as a means of education, and he hoped he interested them. It was a challenge on the part of the exhibitors to their neighbours to go in and look at the interior of their dwellings, and judge of the influence therein: they had thrown open the portals of their doors and windows, and invited them to go in and commune with them. They asked for the sympathy of those who moved in a higher sphere, who sometimes showed a spirit of presumptuousness or a contemptible feeling of condecension ["condescension"]. The exhibition was calculated to scatter such feelings, and if there were any who still entertained such feelings at its close, then it would be because they had not crossed the threshold of that room (applause). He trusted that the exhibition would result in an increased love of education and general knowledge of the workmen of the town and a beneficial sympathy between all classes of exhibitors and visitors, and then, though humble in itself, it would have done a great work, because it would have tended to the better education of the two classes that form the mass of that great community termed the English State (cheers). His lordship then called upon Mr. Herbert, a working man, and a member of the institution, to address the meeting.

Mr. Herbert said that on an occasion like the present he had thought it well to commit a few thoughts to paper, and he read the following:- Allow me, in the name of the Leighton Buzzard Working Men's Mutual Improvement Society, to testify our gratitude to your lordship for coming this day to open our exhibition. Ladies and gentlemen, be assured we gratefully appreciate your kindness in patronising us this day. Our gratitude springs not so much from the pecuniary benefit we derive from it - highly as we value that - as from the recognition on your part of the fact that God hath made of one blood all nations of the earth, and not only all nations, but all classes of which the nations are composed. We have been accustomed to look at the higher classes of society with the impression that they looked upon us simply as tools to be made to subserve their own purposes and promote their own comfort; and then, as much as possible, to be trodden under foot. As a matter of course, our aim was then to look too much upon them as tyrants, and, where higher and nobler principles are wanting, to turn round and with cringing servility, extort from you whatever we could, whether right or wrong. We ask your forgiveness wherein we have wronged you in our thoughts - for assuredly we were wrong so far as they applied to ladies and gentlemen who can support an institution like the present. Ladies and gentlemen, we hope, in proportion as this society prospers, to lend some humble aid to raise the character of the district in which we live. We remember that our county is the lowest of any in England in its statistics of education; we know our town is said to be the lowest of any in the county in proportion to its population, in immorality and crime I recollect, my lord, you told us so yourself some years since, on the platform of the Bible Society. We felt the reproach - felt it, because we knew it was too true. Ladies and gentlemen, if none of the members of this society ever get into the hands of the law, we would not boast. We have all of us hearts prone to do evil - but we have at least the conviction that the studies pursued by us, and the exercises in which we engage have a tendency to ennoble and elevate, so that we shall have no disposition for the debasing pursuits which so often end in dissipation. Above all we desire to remember the admonition contained in old proverb "get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding."

Mr. James Hack, another working man, was next called upon to address the meeting by the noble lord. He said that he could assure the meeting that he felt great pleasure in belonging to such an institution as the Working Men's Mutual Improvement Society. As a working man, and a school boy of Leighton Buzzard, he could briefly say that he had received more education during the last six months, by means of this society, than he had ever had in his life before. Ever since he was eight years old he had been "brushing about the world," sometimes wrong and sometimes right, but right or wrong he had always endeavoured to be right. He felt glad that the Institution had been established, and heartily wished that it had been commenced before. He had seen at the society's rooms an old man, nearly seventy years of age, learning to read and write, and he could not help feeling very grateful to the kind gentlemen who taught "us ignorant men." He thought there was nothing in the world that elevated a man more than education, and he was happy to find that it was now placed so easily within their reach.

Theodore Harris, Esq., said that he had very few words to say - he believed brevity on occasions like this was a signal of success. He would, however, just remark what had already been said by Mr. Lewis, that the Working Men's Institute had been produced, got up, created, or anything they liked in words that meant, "begun by working men." This Working Men's Mutual Improvement Society was he believed, true to its name. It was not got up by any patronage - he was not the means of getting it up - it was started by no one but the six working men who called some gentlemen in to their aid - and he thought they were very right in doing so. The Exhibition he considered a credit to Leighton Buzzard. It showed the genuineness that existed on the part of the working men in the movement, and he had been delighted - he had been charmed - by the liberality of all those who had contributed to the adornment of the Exhibition. He thought it showed on the part of those who could not be called working men a sympathy with the working people, and he believed there was a double sympathy arising out of the Exhibition which would do more than ever to cement all classes.

The choir consisting of the following persons - Misses E. Turney, and S. Nash (treble); Mrs. Marriott and Miss Hewett (contralto); Mr. W. Abraham and Mr. Jabez Croxford (tenor); Mr. John Croxford and Mr. E. Scott (bass) - then sang the following ode, the words and music being both the composition of Mr. J. Rose. Mr. C. D. Mortimer presided at the pianoforte, and the performance went off very satisfactorily:-

His Lordship now formally declared the Leighton Buzzard Working Men's Industrial Exhibition open.

Theodore Harris, Esq., read a letter of apology for non-attendance from Colonel Hanmer, who was indisposed, and he also proposed that the working men who were present should give three hearty cheers for Lord Charles Russell, and this having been done, he called for one cheer for Baron Rothschild, Colonel Hanmer, Captain Lovett, and the two hundred exhibitors.

The cheer having been given,

Captain Lovett responded, stating that he was sorry that Baron Rothschild or Colonel Hanmer was not present to return thanks. He, however, had great pleasure in doing so. He was delighted to see a Working Men's Industrial Exhibition in Leighton Buzzard, and he was proud to say that he had been a working man in his life time. Although he was born a gentleman he had to commence his life as hard as any working man in that room. He began his career as a boy on board a merchant ship, and he could tell that a sailor's life was not an easy one. The greater number of his years were spent at sea, but he had also done a little work along shore, and although he now owned the Liscombe estate, he had, until he was fortunate enough to possess it, been a working man all his life, and he felt pleasure in coming amongst them. He might be a little out of place in making this statement, but nevertheless, it was true and he should say it. He was not only an apprentice on board a ship for 21 years - a rather long apprenticeship - but he was nine years a naturalised American. He was not a Fenian - (laughter) - although he was an Irishman. If he were born in a manger it would not follow that he was a horse. (Renewed laughter.) He only wished he had the education due to his birth, for he felt the want of education. He was sent adrift at the age of 13 years, and until he came to Liscombe he never had a shilling to spend without he worked hard for it. There was an employment consisting of pushing huge bales of cotton on shipboard, for which the sum of 2 1/2d. each was paid, and this he had been obliged to do in America. He was very glad he had had to perform such work, because it had taught him how to value that which he now held. What he now possessed he knew how to take care of. He concluded by saying that if he could be a benefit in any way to the working men of Leighton, although he held no property in this town, he should be happy to give his mite - in making a contribution of books or anything of that sort. (Applause).

F. Bassett, Esq., proposed a vote of thanks to Lord Charles Russell, and the motion having been seconded by T. Harris, Esq.,

Lord Russell responded, and in doing so said that if the working men of Leighton had any wish to express their thanks to him, he asked them to do so by co-operating with him and establishing a museum in this town for the working classes, as a testimony to the worth of Sir Joseph Paxton, who was born in this neighbourhood. He should be happy to do anything to promote such a movement.

The proceedings attending the opening of the exhibition having been concluded, the members of the institute who formed the procession, retired, leaving the visitors, of whom there was not a large company to-day, to inspect the various works of art and other objects of interest.

The articles sent by the different exhibitors were illustrative of the skill and handicraft of working men and of the trade and produce of the town and neighbourhood, together with numerous objects of art - pictures, statuary, &c., and objects of local interest connected with the history or antiquities of the town. The articles sent for exhibition were not all contained in the Assembly Room. In the vestibule of the Corn Exchange, where the refreshment stalls of Mr. J. J. Wood were stationed, was placed a large patent kitchener, manufactured by the Leamington Range Company, and exhibited by Messrs. Cooper and Randall ironmongers, of Leighton. This useful article, which has all the latest improvements, gained the silver medal prize at Coventry. From the profusely evergreened balustrades of the staircase leading up to the exhibition, hung a contribution of Miss Atkins, of Toddington, consisting of a British ship-flag used in the Crimean War, and around the walls of the landing were placed numerous diagrams, executed by Mr E. W. Lewis, showing the vertical section of the human eye, the muscles covering the motions of that organ of vision and various other interesting drawings. Here also was a case of stuffed Australian hawks, exhibited by Mr. Morrice, of Heath, and a large model of Woburn old church, made by Miss Steff of that town, who took a prize for the work at the last Horticultural and Floral Show. On entering the ante-room adjoining that in which the exhibition was held, the visitor fell at once upon a scene of activity. Here was Mr. T. Bishop's high pressure model steam engine, made by himself, whistling and fuming away, and here too the art of printing was illustrated by employés ["employees"] sent with a press and cases by Mr. Herrington; a mechanical head sent by Mr. Farnham, dentist, contrasted by its movements the appearance of the human face with and without a full set of teeth, and specimens of workmanship hung around the walls by Mr. Deeley, Mr. Inns, and Messrs J. and R. Purser, testified to the perfection to which painting, graining, marbling and embossing could be brought. The engine of Mr. Bishop, fitted with boiler complete was working a centrifugal pump. Mr. H. Sharp exhibited here a model improved gas-heating stove, with hot water apparatus, the burner, being constructed on the principle of the Bunsen burner, giving out perfectly smokeless and intensely hot flames in which atmospheric air and gas were consumed. A very interesting object exhibited here was an experimental dry gas-meter, enclosed in a glass case, in full working order. It was shown by Messrs. J. and R. Purser, and attracted a good deal of attention, as did also a gas-heating stove, which also be used for cooking purposes, and an atmospheric gas-cooking stove, in which a saving of gas and freedom from smoke could be effected. These latter articles were also exhibited by Messrs. Purser. On entering the exhibition hall from this room, the view that presented itself was imposing. The walls were hung with valuable paintings, engravings, beautiful pictures in needlework, Oriental cloths, shawls and bed-coverings; skins of animals, a variety of curious horns of beasts, and everything calculated to enhance the appearance of the exhibition; while the tables were laden with cases of stuffed birds, remarkable antiquities, and objects illustrative of the silk hat manufacture, pen-making, the bonnet trade, and the manufacture of glass in all its branches. The first thing that presented itself to the eye on going into the exhibition was an excellent stand of saddles and harness exhibited by Mr. Thomas Bishop, of Lake Street. It consisted of a set of best fancy plated chariot harness, a worked Somerset saddle, hunting saddles, bridles and breast-plates, and two full-sized model horses' heads with collars and bridles upon them. Mr. Bishop also exhibited a musical box, a piece of needlework, and a Singer sewing machine. Mr. Porter, saddler, of High Street, who had stands near the door, vied with Mr. Bishop in the excellency of his goods, and he showed a full-sized model pony harnessed in the best of material and workmanship. The stands upon which the articles in the exhibition were placed were ranged along the walls and in the centre of the Assembly room in such a manner as to form a promenade round the hall between the latter and former. A magnificent collection of stuffed birds and animals, and cases of butterflies, exhibited by Messrs. Bassett, Ridgway, and Fortnum, of Leighton; Messrs. Hadley and Mead, of Linslade, and Rev. J. S. Neumann, of Hockliffe, were placed along the middle of the centre table, and on either side of them were displayed smaller objects of interest. The first thing to be met with on these stands, on leaving the goods belonging to Mr Bishop, which faced the entrance, were a number of ornamental ridge tiles, made by Mr. R. Harris, at Rushmere, and exhibited by Mr. Higgins; and next to these could be seen the whole process of the silk hat manufacture, consisting of six stages, exhibited by Mr. Lewis, of Frome, near Bristol. Then there were a number of excellently made model agricultural implements, on a scale of 3 in. to the foot, shown by Messrs. Howard, of Bedford, comprising the great champion plough, patent double furrow plough, and patent subsoil plough; a beautiful little model champion plough, under a glass shade, made on the scale of 1/2 in. to the foot, patent zigzag and flexible harrows and a new patent reaping machine, on a scale of an inch to the foot. A machine for crushing coke and other machines, made by Mr. Hancock, Wolverton, were exhibited here, and next to them a coil of steel shavings, a small churn for a dairy, and a case containing a variety of cooper's work, made by Mr. W. H. Samuel, of Hockliffe Street. Mr. Panting, of Leighton, showed some carpenters' hand-screws, Mr. Greening some engineering tools made by himself, and Mr. Morgan of North Street, some gutta-percha-soled boots and shoes. There was also a model crane, made by Mr. Hight, of Leighton; a tea-caddy made by Mr. Dawson, and a wool rug and some ornaments made in beads by Mrs. Dawson. Farther along there was a handsome case, containing some well-finished horse-shoes, two of them being fixed upon the polished hoofs of horses; and two pretty ornamental table fountains (playing); the former made by Messrs. S. and H. Cooper, farriers, Leighton, and the latter by Mr. W. Andrew, of Linslade. Mr. Wood, exhibited some well-made articles of fancy confectionery, including a handsome wedding-cake; and next to these stood a model crane and drill, sent by Mr. Fardon, of Linslade; and an excellent fac-simile of a bowl of coins, exhibited by Mr. W. H. Samuel. At the corner of this row of articles stood a model of Upwell Church, together with a calotype of its east window, made by Mr. Webber, of Linslade. There was also a model ship, made by Mr. Horn, of Linslade, a globe of gold fishes shown by Mr. Mead, of the same place, and a model thatched cottage made by Mr. W. Abraham. Passing an hexagonal lectern, or singing stand, manufactured by Mr. Groom, of Leighton, upon which were placed some excellent photographic views by Mr. John Palmer, of Aspley, and going to the opposite side of the centre table, the visitor found, after glancing at a handsome fire screen and a pair of very curious carving knives and forks, exhibited by Mr. John Loke, a first rate show of masonry, exhibited by Mr. Greenway, of Linslade. There was a Gothic tombstone made by Mr. T. Greenway, and by Mr. J. Greenway, a model Latin cross in white statuary and Irish green marble, a tombstone in Caen stone and St. Ann's marble, a Latin Cross in Caen stone and Alabaster, a model of a monument in Caen stone, an obelisk and a model window in plaster of Paris, grained and gilded. Mr. T. Yerril, Linslade, showed an obelisk in Derbyshire alabaster; and Miss Sloan of the same place, three shades of flowers. Mrs. R. Purser exhibited some flowers made of wool, and Mr. J. Partridge a case of head dresses. A little farther along there was an object which attracted everybody's attention. It was a musical and mechanical clock, exhibited by Colonel Hanmer, the mechanical part being a blacksmith's shop, where sturdy smiths are shoeing horses and hammering hot iron, while a dog stands by continually wagging his tail. Passing a splendid case of humming-birds, exhibited by Mr. Hadley, of Linslade, a model garden made by Mr. P. Jaques, and a specimen of plasterer's work by Mr. Tutt, the visitor came upon a curiosity perhaps greater than Col. Hanmer's clock, namely, a suit of boy's clothes made in Town upwards of one hundred years ago. Next to this stood a very ancient cabinet and tea caddy exhibited by Miss Willis, and a large musical box shown by Mr. Brantom, which played during the time the exhibition was open. The remainder of this stand was filled up with an immense jug made for the exhibition of 1851, exhibited by Mr. J. Birdsey, of Leighton, and a number of very curious Chinese and Turkish slippers sent by P. C. Lovett, Esq. Before entering into the details of the other benches, we may perhaps take a glance at the principal objects that adorn the walls of the room. In addition to the contributions by the Science and Art Department, Kensington, which were well worth studying, there was an elegant cloth or shawl from Constantinople, having in the centre the monogram of the late Sultan, encircled with a verse from the Koran, exhibited by Captain Lovett, a painting - a copy of Vandyck's "Theodosius" - by Jane Robins, the subject being that where the Emperor Theodosius is refused admittance to the church by St. Ambrose, archbishop of Milan, in consequence of the massacre of 1,500 victims; an Indian feather tippet, exhibited by Mr. Doggett, consisting of some beautiful colours; horns of the koodoo, a species of antelope; buffalo horns, and horns of the bush-buck, shown by Mr. Barnard, of Slapton; numerous handsome paintings by Mr. F. Morgan, artist, of Leighton; Cruikshank's picture of "Drunkenness in all its Stages," exhibited by J. D. Bassett, Esq; Ancient and Modern Jerusalem, two fine pictures, sent by Mr. Cooper, of Linslade; knitted counterpane made by Miss Garner, Leighton; and a patchwork quilt made by Mrs. W. H. Samuels, of Leighton; handsome needlework picture, shown by Mrs. Claridge, of Eggington; the subject being taken from Sir Walter Scott's "Abbott" - Mary, Queen of Scots, weeping over the dying Douglas; needlework pictures shown by Mrs. Hadley of Linslade, Mrs. Channer, of Leighton, and others; portrait of John, the late Duke of Bedford, by Landseer; a picture - "Daniel in the lions' den" - made in marble-dust, exhibited by Mr. P. Procter; skins of animals, exhibited by Mr. R. Harris; a bed-quilt made in the Crimea by a brother of Mr. James Hack, of Heath; and numerous engravings, exhibited by Dr. Lawford and others, and a variety of Oriental cloths. Going back to the stalls, we find, commencing on the left hand side of the building looking from the entrance, first, a rook's nest and several pieces of petrified wood, shown by Mr. J. Pettit; a quantity of coral, &c., exhibited by Mr. Eames; and a case of fancy confectionery sent by Mr. Shepherd, North Street, Leighton. Next, is a stand of 38 bronzes and other articles exhibited by Mr. Frost, ironmonger, Leighton, then a microscope exhibited by Mr. Richmond, and following this a large case of steel pens, &c., in different stages of manufacture, together with pieces of sheet and scrap metal, showing the whole process of pen-making, exhibited by Messrs. Gillott, of Birmingham. Then there was some figure lamps, shown by Mr. Purser, and a model of the mail steamer "Solent," in a glass case, exhibited by Mr. Kingwell, of Leighton. Farther on there were a number of objects sent by Messrs. Chance Brothers, of Birmingham, showing the manufacture of glass of almost every description, and at the rear of this interesting collection of articles were some illuminations executed by Miss Fyffe and Mrs. Curwood. Passing by an ancient stirrup (exhibited by Captain Lovett) said to be worn by Sir Robert Lovett, who was created Master of the Wolf Hounds of England in 1066, by William the Conqueror, and an air pump, the visitor found an excellent collection of about 90 rare and valuable books sent by T. Harris, Esq., amongst which were six vols. of Robert's Views of the Holy Land; Johnson's Physical Atlas; Danté's Vision of Hell, illustrated by Gustave Dorê; a Roman Catholic prayer book; the Baskerville edition of the Book of Common Prayer: Erasmus' "Praise of Folly," 1735; Juan de Valdes' "110 considerations," Oxford, 1628; Juan de Valdes' "Alfabeto Cristiano," a new translation by B. B. Wiffin, large paper copy, of which only 20 were printed; the works of Jacob Behmen, the mystic; the Baskerville edition of "Barclay's Apology," Pickering's sumptuous edition of the Book of Common Prayer, and a valuable collection of tracts relating to the Society of Friends; a Translation of the Bible, by A. Purver, a Quaker; a copy of the Times, October 3, 1798, containing the first intelligence of the battle of the Nile. There was also upon this stand Leech's greatly enlarged "Sketches from Punch," belonging to W. J. Bodger, Esq. Adjoining this collection were some silken flowers, sent by Mr. F. Emery; a large piece of coral from the West Indies, exhibited by Mr. J. Worsley; a model of St. Alban's Abbey, made by Mr. Swain, of St. Alban's; a case containing a number of ancient articles of curiosity, exhibited by Mr. W. S. Page, and a fine display of ornamental clocks, contributed by Mr. J. Lamb, of Leighton, whose medal, given him at the Exhibition of 1851, was also exhibited. A pretty little piece of workmanship in bone also stood near this place. It consisted of a model of a French guillotine, made by French prisoners at Dartmoor, during the Peninsular War. This was exhibited by Mr. W. Doggett. Next were placed some curious Chinese Vases, exhibited by Mr. H. Pettit, was also exhibited in another part of the hall, a Chinese gong, and other interesting objects from China; and in close proximity were four magnificent pieces of plate, won by Baron Rothschild, and kindly lent by him for exhibition, viz., the Queen's Cup, at Ascot, 1852; the Ascot Cup, 1867, won by Jasper; the Doncaster Cup, 1853, won by Hungerford, and the Stockbridge Cup won by the King of Diamonds; a glass case stood beside these, containing a Peninsular medal and Hanoverian Order, the property of Colonel Hanmer; the sash worn by King Joseph Bonaparte, when commanding the French army in Spain, at the battle of Vittoria, June 21, 1813, taken from his carriage, from which he had just escaped, by Lieut. Hanmer, Royal Horse Guards, acting A.D.C. to the Household brigade of cavalry; an antique silver watch, presented by Charles I. to an ancestor of P. C. Lovett, Esq.; a Five Guinea piece of the reign of William III.; a Two Guinea of George II. and a Two Sovereign piece of George III., shown by T. Harris, Esq.; an Australian nugget value £15, picked up by Mr. Morrice, and exhibited by W. Morrice, Esq.; an antique seal found at Stockgrove, and a silver snuffbox, being one of those presented to the loyal and faithful adherents of King Charles I. after his execution, exhibited by Colonel Hanmer. This case of valuable objects attracted a good deal of attention. Mr. F. Howell, of Dunstable, exhibited some articles of Cingalese manufacture, and the remaining goods on this bench were those contributed by Mr. A. P. Muddiman, consisting of a Hindoo temple, splendidly carved in pith, from Tanjore, East Indies, under glass shade; two embroidered Tussore silk dresses and two embroidered white muslin from the presidency of Madras; a Chinese silk apron, embroidered, and handkerchief; porcupine quill desk, inlaid with ivory, and basket to match, made at Point de Galle; a carved ebony box, manufactured at the same place. In glass case, - a set of beautifully carved Chinese chessmen, dice box and drafts; bracelets made of white and dark tortoiseshell, set in gold, bracelet made from the hoof of the tortoise, with sleeve links to match, frosted silver bracelet and brooch, specimens of lace, all made in Ceylon, a Trichinopoly gold chain; two tortoiseshell brooches inlaid with gold and set with Ceylon pearls, manufactured at Jaffna; specimens of white sapphires, moon-stones and carbuncles in a polished and rough state; Chinese fan, beautifully painted by hand; shirt studs; and carved ivory; sandel wood ["sandalwood"], and filligree ["filigree"] silver card-cases, from China. The most prominent articles in the exhibition are the collections illustrating the manufacture of straw bonnets. These are placed on a platform at the top end of the hall, and consist of a case of bonnets showing various fashions from 200 years ago to the present time. The case, which is surmounted by three head-coverings of the old coal-skuttle fashion, one hundred years of age, is exhibited by Mr. C. Williamson, of High Street; books of straw plait are also exhibited by Messrs. Horn, of Dunstable, and one funny old bonnet, made in the year of 1632, is shown by Mr. S. Tavener, of Linslade. In the immediate neighbourhood of this collection were some Chinese curiosities, exhibited by Mr. H. Pettit; a cross-bow, as used in the reign of Edward the III, at the battle of Cressy, 1346, shown by Mr. W. Saberton; a fine toned harmonium, made on an improved principle, by Mr. David Cook, jun., of Leighton; a pair of oscillating engines, and other work of that description, exhibited by Mr. J. Gilbert, millwright; an ornamented watch-stand, carved by prisoners at the Millbank House of Detention, shown by Mr. J. R. Frost; a perfect skeleton of a cat, found a long time ago in the roof of old Leighton House, exhibited by Mr. G. Purser; a high pressure ten-groved, ["grooved"], straw mill, made by Mr. J. Marlton; an arm chair, used and once belonging to Capt. Sir John Franklin, shown by Mr. Green, of Toddington; a number of specimens of basket making, manufactured by Mr. T. Brown, Leighton; a model Chinese opium boat, exhibited by Dr. Lawford, and a number of handsome work-tables - one made by Mr. U. Edwards, of Eggington; two by Mr. Deeley, of Leighton; and one by Mr. J. Sloan, of Linslade. The first was an excellent piece of inlaid workmanship, the two next had tops in imitation of slabs of marble of different colours, and the last, that of Mr. J. Sloan, was table comprising five distinct trades besides that professed by the maker. It is dodecagan ["dodecagon"] in shape, and in the twelve sides are painted flowers in bloom for each month in the year, the centre being appropriated to the tenement of very beautiful butterflies. At the end of the row of stalls on the right hand side of the Assembly Room, looking from the entrance, are placed a large collection of Bibles, printed in many foreign languages - a contribution from the British and Foreign Bible Society. Next to these were some paintings by Mr. Morgan, of Leighton - "Going to the meet" being the subject of one which attracted some attention, owing to the persons represented in the picture being well-known inhabitants of Leighton. "Crossing the Ford" was another painting exhibited here by Mr. Morgan. Following these were some specimens of submarine telegraph cables, and a descriptive book containing plates on the subject, shown by Mr. C. Williamson; a tea-pot, brought from Sebastopol by an officer of the 28th regiment in 1856, and given to the lady of Colonel Gilpin, M.P.; a number of plaster casts, also exhibited by Colonel Gilpin; four cases of beautiful butterflies, shown by Mr. C. Ridgway; a painting of Claridge's farm, by Mr. F. Morgan; a case of local British butterflies shown by Mr. W. J. Adey; and an old manuscript letter of Oliver Cromwell's, also exhibited by Mr. Adey. The articles contributed to the exhibition by Mr. Street, of Linslade, were for the most part exhibited on this side of the hall, and were much admired. There were sword-fishes, saw-fishes, a model ship, called the "Royal Arch," made from a portion of the bowsprit of the ship "Peter Maxwell," the first vessel that ran the blockade at the commencement of the American war; an ostrich's egg, and other articles. A copy of the death-warrant of King Charles I. was shown by Miss Atkins, of Toddington, who had many things in the exhibition; and a facsimile of the warrant for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots was shown by Mr. J. Young. Passing two fine German marble vases, exhibited by J. D. Bassett, Esq., there was to be seen a very interesting manuscript, sent for exhibition by Mr. H. Heard. It was of considerable antiquity being dated 1658, and existing during a portion of the eventful time of the Commonwealth that came under Richard Cromwell's protectorate. It also possessed some local interest from the fact that it related to the dealing with land at Stewkley, Bucks, and had attached to it many names, by way of signature, that might be recognised as being borne by our Stewkley neighbours at the present day. Amongst a collection of antiquities of Leighton and the neighbourhood, were some very curious Roman pottery, exhibited by Mr. Page - an ancient key and a door handle supposed to belong to a nunnery near Leighton, dug up on the land held by Mr. C. Page, a celt, or ancient cutting instrument, found embedded in solid gravel on land belonging to Mr. C. Page, and deer antlers and bones found in a well, also on Mr. Page's property. Dr. Lawford exhibited a cinerary urn, containing charred bones, which was found in Leighton, and Mr. H. Ridgway showed a Druidical incense vessel dug up at Heath-&-Reach. An immense door lock, dated 1611, [last 2 digits are partially printed so may be incorrect] which once belonged to Soulbury Church, and a very large key, were exhibited by Mr. George Garside, while Mr. Kipling showed a number of old deeds, bearing date 1416, 1421, and 1430, and Mr. Waters a very curious hierogliphic ["hieroglyphic"] relating to this town. In the vicinity of the Leighton Buzzard antiquities were a number of views representing the old Market house, the Cross, before restoration, and the old Black Lion; a model of the Unicorn Inn, a picture of Leighton House, &c., exhibited by Mr. P. Procter, Mr. Jeremy Clarke, Mrs. C. Pettit, and others. There were also models of Leighton Church and Cross by Mr. Wilding, in wood; Leighton Church in pasteboard, shown by Mr. Richmond, and the All Saint's Church made and exhibited by Mr. R. Walker, who also showed a portrait of the Hon. Charles Leigh, to whom Leighton is indebted for many of its charities. Mr. Joseph Hopkins exhibited the first nugget of gold raised in South Australia, dug up near the door of his house, and a quantity of surface gold; and Mr. Fyffe, of Linslade, showed a curious old cash box, made by one of the carpenters on board Captain Cook's vessel, supposed to be 170 years old. It is composed of Australian wood and contains six secret drawers. It was used, it is said, by the surgeon of Capt. Cook's ship when out on the voyage of discovery. Amongst the cabinets shown, of which there was a considerable number, was one exhibited by Mr. Rumball, which belonged to Commodore Anson. Towards the end of the stall on which these articles were placed, was a large assortment of Dutch and Oriental china, exhibited by Miss Atkins and Mr. Green, of Toddington, and Mr. W. Doggett, of Leighton; a Chinese umbrella from Pekin ["Peking"] was shown by Dr. Lawford, Indian shoes exhibited by Miss Atkins, and two Indian gods, four antique silver salts, ancient silver cream jug, two Roman coins, Leighton tradesmen's tokens, dated 1663 and 1784, an ancient silver seal and pocket tinder box and steel, used in times gone by, by smokers, were exhibited by Mr. Page, Leighton; and the Rev. C. S. Grubb showed a case containing snuff-spoons, snuffboxes, head and waistbands, made by Kaffirs, and brought from Natal. At the end of the table two pictures of the "Mirage" yacht, the property of Captain Lovett, represented in fair and foul weather, were placed over a large glass case, sent from the Wolverton Institute, and containing a full rigged frigate and a number of geological specimens. Amongst the other articles in the exhibition, not previously mentioned, were the following:- Mr. C. Tavener, Linslade, exhibited a number of paintings and engravings, an elephant's tooth, a curiosity from New Zealand; pincushion, &c., from Niagra ["Niagara"] Falls; a galvanic battery, a Kaffir club, a saw-fish, a dozen ancient knives and forks, a New Zealand club, and a crochet bed quilt; Mr. Ashwell showed a pictured of Billington Church; Mr. Maull, an illumination in frame; Mr. Green, a harp and fruit piece; Miss Atkins, two Indian screws, painting of Naples, Chinese painting on glass, mirror in leather frame, Chinese cup; and vase, tooth of a walrus, and a bamboo cup; Mr. Green, Toddington, seven pieces of Chinese porcelain, box of Chinese paints, paper weight, &c.; Mr. Price, two pictures; Mr. Whichello, pictures; Mr. Grace pictures of needlework; Mr. Curwood, water-colours and a fan; Mr. Bateman, twenty-five old coins, and an old watch and seals; Miss Lawford, pictures; Mr. Fyffe, water-colour; Mr. W. Adey, fossil tusk; Mr. J. Clarke, picture of Leighton Tree, and several other pictures, Mr. Bodger, paintings, &c.; Mr. Worsley, picture in silk, and drawings; Rev. W. D. Elliston, air pump, and "Light of the World; [missing " here] Wolverton Institute, cake-crusher, and two pictures in shells; Mr. Parsons, six old pictures; Mrs. Simmons, needlework pictures; Mr. G. Tutt, two illuminations, two pencil drawings, one crayon, and one map; Mr. Wm. Doggett, three oil-paintings, &c.; Mr. F. Harris, needlework picture, and one steel engraving; Mr. Sharman, portrait of Bunyan; Mr. Shemfield, oil-painting and an illumination; Mrs. Channer, four needlework pictures and one weather-house; Mr. Barnes, pictures; Mr. Sell, six photographs; Mr. Stephen, one illumination; Mr. Buckmaster, piece of silk needlework; Mr. G. Horn, pictures, cups and saucers, jug, and tea-caddy; Dr. Lawford, oil paintings, Russian musket, &c.; Mr. Claridge, pen and ink sketch, and model of "Unicorn"; Mr. Middleton, model of Linslade Old Church, made by himself; Miss Willis, old cabinet, two old boxes, inlaid box, straw box, two screens, and two brown teapots; Mr. Meager, horse's leg, sword, two plates, and a stuffed rabbit; Mr. J. Young, four prints of composers of music, picture of "Fireman's Dog," and portraits; Mr. Warwick, two ornamental pictures; Rev. E. Adey, portrait of C. J. Fox, case of butterflies, portrait of Cromwell, letter of ditto, box of coins, ear trumpet, bowl, &c.; Mr. Cope, pictures and old chair; Mr. C. Ridgway, three cases of butterflies; two cases of stuffed birds, and horse's hoofs; Mr. J. D. Bassett, piece of penmanship and "Worship of Bacchus"; Miss Terry, medallion, and bust in marble of "Eva," from Uncle Tom's Cabin, made by herself; Colonel Hanmer, a case of birds, and a diagram of engine; Mr. P. Proctor, pictures, China vases, statue of Cobden, Maltese vase, six old wines, kettle and stand, and cigar case; Mrs. Hadley, needlework picture; Mr. Aveline, a puzzle, article from the Crimea, Wedgewood tea-service, spectacle case, books and photographs; Mrs. C. Pettit, drawing of Leighton House, Chinese baskets, &c.; Mr. Lamb, oil painting; Mr. Scott, pair of slippers; Mr. H. Sell, pen and ink sketch; Mrs. J. Hopkins, picture of Old Black Lion; Mrs. Lindsay, needlework pictures and coloured engraving, Mr. Hadley, "Death of Chatterton;" Mr. Hurnall, two prints, one bust, and one marble work; Mrs. Simmons, Hockliffe Road, one quilt; Mr. Walcot, steel engraving, Hindoo ["Hindu"] god, bamboo fan and piece of seaweed; Mr. Richmond, cribbage board, two glass sticks, &c.; Mr. Randall, papier-maché workbox, ink-stand, cigar case, tea urn, claret jug, epergne, vase, &c.; Mr. Purret, cooking machine; Colonel Hanmer, a bible, &c.; Mr. Frost, book stands, blotting case, hat stands, vases, &c.; Mr. Glaisyer, box of 80 Bibles; Capt. Lovett, two oil paintings, seven tapestry pictures, &c.; Mr. Green, Toddington, pictures, Spanish parasol and a minature; ["miniature"] Mr. Jas. Young, a fire engine; Mr. C. Jaques, a French puzzle-box, small hammer and model trap and bat, made by himself; Mr. R. J. Frost, book-jack; Mr. Eames copper ore; Mr. Holtom, Linslade, fox's head, rabbit, young fox, case of woodpeckers, slow-worm, small chair, and a case of moorhens; Mr. W. W. Webb, oil-painting; Mr. Chamberlain, two satin shoes; Messrs. Fyffe and Curwood, water colours; Mr. Hadley, oil-painting; Mr. Howell, oil-painting, Roxburgh Cross; Mr. J. Allen, case of shells; Mr. W. Abraham, models of Mr. J. D. Bassett's conservatory, Mill Road Chapel and a thatched cottage, made by himself, and a box of coins; Mr. Panting, strawmill; Mr. Franklin, a badger and a bird under shade; Mr. W. Adams, petrified wood and one box; Mr. C. Williamson, three pieces of needlework; Mr. R. Watts, glass case, long telescope, five other telescopes, one cabbage walking-stick, and a box of coins; Mr. Greening, tools, pieces of steel &c.; Mr. Fortnum two pictures, case of teals, case of owls, stuffed fox. &c.; Mr. W. Horn, model ship; Mr. Mead, oil-painting and needlework; Mr. J. Sharman, a cannon ball; Mr. H. Ridgway, bird in glass case, bronzed jug, two fans, two pieces of work in cases, tea-caddy, model of a Swiss cottage, bird of paradise, other birds, wood carvings &c.; Mr. H. Samuel, sen., silver cream jug, Bible, and two dishes; Mr. W. Horn, table and one picture; Mr. J. Clark, one ostrich egg and three pieces of china; Mr. Holtom, three baskets made from oak apples and a fox's head; Mr. G. Reeve, model chest of drawers, egg stand, tobacco box and jug; Mr. Abraham, Heath, one old bible; Mr. J. Pettit, two Chinese fans, ivory card case, two Chinese vases, porcelain image, porcelain vase, &c.; Mr. F. Bassett, kangaroo and oil paintings; Mr. H. Ridgway, one silvered globe and one steel engraving; Mr. Hitchins, silver prize cup, won at Woburn Rifle Competition; Mr. Brandom, musical box; Mr. Fountain, twelve pieces of china, five pieces of glass, and one shoe; Mr. Joseph Hopkins, nuggett, ["nugget"] two pieces of surface gold, two of silver ore, and three of copper ore; Mrs. Curwood, cushion; Mr. Hadley, large case of birds, two other cases of birds, shade of sand grouse, case of humming birds, cormorant, and two Chinese ducks; Mr. R. Walker, feather fan, old book, &c.; Mr. Ramball, picture and cabinet; Mr. Doggett, Indian feather tippit ["tippet"], coat and vest, breeches, embroidered vest, model gullotine, ["guillotine"] carved box, old cricket bat, china tureen, &c.; Mr. Tutt, pillar, centre flower, three brackets and watch stand; Rev. J. S. Neumann, Hockliffe, cases of birds; Mr. Clough, carved frigate; Mr. Purrett, pair of large horns; Miss Garner, counterpane and antimacassars; Mr. Gibbs, silk cushion; Mr. R. Harris, pair of heifer horns, fox, deer skins, piece of bridle leather, ridge tiles, &c.; Mr. Geeves, puzzle chair and puzzle watch stand; Mr. Tring, puzzle gridiron and puzzle weather cock; Mr. W. Russell, china bowl; Mr. Partridge, shade of hair, box of shells and bible; Mr. J. Birdsey, four vases, two plates, apple, ink stand, three watch stands, large jug, four china ornaments, tobacco jar, two Parian guilt vases, two smaller ditto, and glass stick; Mr. Lamb, two Parian statuettes; Mr. Gotto, petrifaction; Mr. W. H. Samuel, jun., harmonican, and pen-knife work; Mrs. Whitby, two cushions; Miss Robinson, ditto; Mr. H. Pettit, seven abbey pieces, an engraved miniature, and three China vases; Mr. Worsley, case of coral, four pieces of stone, three pieces of china, and one coin; Mr. Mead, three shades of birds, and bird-cage; Mr. Kipling, Dutch china bowl; Mr. Garner, model of a ship, and workbox; Mr. Deeley, piece of sea-weed, card of ditto, paper-weight, petrified oak, pieces of stone and coral; Miss Darley, two Indian baskets; Dr. Lawford, crayon portrait, and decoration worn by Napoleon's old Guard, in silver embroidery; Mr. Marriott, Japanese sawyer, case of shells, fox's head, petrified sponge, and model of St. Alban's Abbey; Rev. J. O. Stallard, box of coins and Bible; Mr. F. Harris, Chinese umbrella and case of shells; Mr. Parkinson, six scores of plait, and three bundles of white straw; Mr. Sharman, case of curiosities; Mr. Kipling, needlework casket and Bible; Mr. Marlton, cotton column; Mr. J. Sharp, old bonnet and pair of clogs; Miss Sanders, needlework picture; Mr. Harris, two statuettes and three vases; Mr. Holliday, one vest; Mr. Saberton, teapot, fan canoe, and ten odd articles; Mr. Kempster, box; Miss Odell, quilt; Miss Lane, one book; Miss Bowler, piece of plait; Mr. J. Purser, shade of flowers and pair of horns; Rev. W. D. Elliston, Greek slave, silver cup, horn stick, and air pump; Mr. Abraham, one sampler; Mr. Page, model cross and puzzle chair; Rev. E. Bradshaw, Bible and case of coins; T. Harris, Esq., case of photographs, model ship, clock, case of relics; Mr. Webster, pair of boots; F. Bassett, Esq., pair of greyhounds, and pair of slippers; Mr. Gilbert, force pump; Mr. J. Young, two Union Jacks; Mr. Agutter, box; Mr. Green, toucan, smaller birds, two fans, bodkin cases, and book, chair, cup, stand, &c.; Colonel Gilpin, stuffed birds.

The exhibition during last week was extensively patronised, and on Friday evening the room was so crowded that it was found necessary to turn away from 100 to 150 visitors. On this day alone, when the prices of admission were 6d. and 3d., £18 15s. 10d. were taken at the doors and, without counting the season ticket holders, it is calculated that about 1100 persons passed through the exhibition. On Friday afternoon the Baroness de Rothschild's school from Mentmore, numbering about sixty-five, came to the exhibition, and in the evening the Baron sent about fifty of his employés. ["employees"] Amongst the other visitors during the week were Lord Charles J. F. Russell, Colonel Gilpin M.P., Hastings Russell, Esq., M.P., and Lady Russell, Colonel Hanmer, K. H., Lady Philip Duncombe, &c. In glancing at the whole undertaking and remembering the labour that must have been expended in getting the exhibition up, we cannot but speak in the highest terms of praise of the working committee and especially of the president, Theodore Harris, Esq., and the secretary, Mr. E. W. Lewis. The latter gentleman, with whom, during the time the exhibition has been open, we have frequently had to come in contact we have to thank for his urbanity and kindness as displayed in the readiness with which he afforded us any information.