Preston Chronicle, Saturday, March 14, 1840

MORTEM AUT TRIUMPHUM.

MAJORITY OF

JOHN TALBOT CLIFTON, ESQ.

Our good friends the worthy inhabitants of the beautiful village of Lytham, and their neighbours for several miles round, have this week participated in a series of splendid rejoicings, which will, doubtless, be long remembered by them, as constituting one of the most delightful, cheering, and interesting epochs in their history. Nor were the delights of this gorgeous feast confined to the residents of Lytham and its immediate vicinity; invitations were distributed, with a liberal hand, among the gentry of the neighbourhood, and also to the Preston tradesmen who supply the Clifton family. As most of our readers are already aware, the gala we are about to describe was for the purpose of celebrating the coming of age of John Talbot Clifton, Esq., the heir to the estates and, as we believe, the inheritor of ell the characteristic virtues of the house of Clifton.

It is truly a pleasing duty to have to record the details of such a celebration, reflecting, as it does, equal honour on the gallant, generous and high minded object of the gratulation, and on those by whom it was offered. Tuesday last was the first day of the gala, and was of course, the occasion of the chief entertainments—which consisted principally of the great ploughing match, in the morning, and a grand banquet, in the afternoon. It would be vain on our part to attempt anything like an adequate and circumstantial portrayal of all the interesting circumstances, the gorgeous splendour, and the glowing enthusiasm, which characterized and embellished this magnificent feast—marked, as it was, by every element of gladness that imagination could conceive, that ingenuity could invent, that art could suggest, and that wealth could bestow. Nor were these offerings of ,hearty and, congratulation to Mr. Talbot Clifton an unappropriate or unmerited tribute to his high character as a gentleman and an officer — (Mr. Talbot Clifton is an officer in the Life Guards,)—and his amiable qualities in all the social relations of life. Better testimony, however, than ours of his high claims to universal respect and esteem will be found adduced in our report of the dinner proceedings.

It is not our intention to indulge in any fulsome pageantry of language in speaking of the universally beloved parents of Mr. Talbot Clifton. Within our own recollection we have recorded, with becoming and respectful praise, innumerable benefits which Thomas Clifton, Esq., and his amiable, and warm-hearted lady, have conferred upon the fortunate district, which is blessed by their many dispensations of kindness and liberality—whether by assisting public improvements in a variety of shapes, or in upholding, with a munificence worthy of exalted rank and corresponding wealth, the institutions peculiarly calculated to shed benefits on all around them.— Their charities are, and always have been, bestowed with an unsparing hand, and the warmth of true benevolence has shone forth, with an abiding nod steady lustre, in all their actions. The cherub of mercy has inscribed " the heart that can feel for another," on the emblems of Lytham Hall, and the tutelage that reigns there constantly and practically exemplifies the truth of the inscription. The excellent Mrs. Clifton, we need hardly say, has displayed in her character of a generous protector and bountiful benefactress to the poor, how fully she is convinced that-

“She does happiest feel, when most she swells

Another's cup of joy."

Were this conduct more generally imitated by the affluent and the exalted in rank, how many, who now pine in poverty, would be blessed with comparative comfort ; how many who are coldly and heedlessly neglected, would feel themselves once more befriended ; how often would despair give place to hope, hope to joy, and joy to grateful happiness ;—how often would the cheek, on which privation stamps a sullen chillness be clad in the gay and rosy bloom of health and contentment ; and the eye, which suffering and the world's indifference dims with a tear, be charmed by the Lethean influence of human sympathy, into a forgetfulness of weeping- What wonder then that on this auspicious occasion, the majority of Mr. Talbot Clifton, the bowers where the music of charity is heard, and the hall where the spirit of active philanthropy is wont to dwell, should be crowded not only by an affectionate and devoted tenantry, but by multitudes of ardent and well wishing friends, 'from all parts of the county.

It must have afforded to Mr. Clifton's family, and, indeed, to every visitor, sincere satisfaction and delight to witness he respectful and enthusiastic demonstrations by which the majority of Mr. Talbot Clifton was hailed by all classes.— Most unfeignedly do we hope that the promises which are now held on in the morning of his existence may realize a splendid noon, and pave the way to a serene and peaceful evening ; and that it may be our pleasing lot hereafter to record; in the independence and patriotism of his public career, the consistency of his sentiments, his undeviating adherence to every attribute of moral and social excellence, and his uniform advocacy of correct principles— hose evidences of an honourable and useful career, which will outlive a thousand elegies, and survive the empty and ephemeral trophies derivable from chivalrous renown. From a very early hour on Tuesday morning, Lytham and ho roads leading to it began to wear a very animated amid bustling appearance. Flags wore proudly waving from the Church, the Hall, and the principal hotels. As we entered the village, sounds of Music greeted our ear at almost every step, and as we passed on our way to the Hall, and thence to the ploughing match, the very birds seemed to have caught an impulse of uncommon harmony, for the chorus of music from the feathered songsters was most delightful, and, peculiarly acceptable to these who, accustomed to the smoke of towns, do seldom mix among the concerts of such sweet warblers.

ANNUAL PLOUGHING MATCH.

At the hour appointed, we proceeded to the ploughing-field, where the matches as may bo well imagined, excited great interest among the tenantry of Mr. Clifton, for to their competition the prizes were exclusively open,) and early in the morning, the lanes and bye-ways were thronged by the whistling ploughmen and sprightly teams wending their way to the scene of action, which was an eligible and extensive field of about seventeen acres, in the occupation of Messrs. Cookson, of Layton Hawes about five miles from Lytham, and two from Blackpool. Ten o’clock was the time fixed to be en the field, and soon after that hour crowds of visitors arrived from Lytham, amongst whom were a party of gentlemen from Lytham Hall, in an open carriage, (drawn by four splendid horses,) containing the friends of Mr. Talbot Clifton. The day was remarkably fine, and the ground was crowded with spectators. In fact, for the season, the weather could not have been more delightful, which, of course, afforded additional pleasure to the gala, and increased buoyancy to the spirits. There were upwards of ninety ploughs at work, and in the short space of three hours nearly the whole field was ploughed; and ready for the grain to be thrown with liberal hand

'Into the faithful bosom of the ground:

The harrow follows harsh, and shuts the scene.

Be gracious heaven! for now laborious man

Has done his part. Ye festering breezes, blow; Ye softening dews, ye tender showers, descend

And temper all, thou world reviving sun,

Into the perfect year I Nor ye who five

In luxury and ease, in pomp and pride,

Think these lost themes unworthy of your ear: Such themes as these the rural Maro sung

To wide-imperial Rome, in the full height Of elegance and taste, by Greece refin'd.

In ancient times the sacred plough employ'd The kings, and awful fathers of mankind :

And some, with whom compar'd you: insect-tribes Are but the beings of a summer;s day, -

Have held the scale of empire, rul'd the storm

Of mighty war ; then, with unwearied hand

Disdaining little delicacies, seiz’d

The plough and greatly independent liv'd. Ye generous Britons, venerate the plough !

And o'er your hills, and long-withdrawing vales,

Let autumn spread his treasures to the sun,

Luxuriant and unbounded.'

The ploughing was considered on the whole well executed, and many portions were highly creditable to the ploughmen. Some of the teams were find bred cattle, that to all appearance were calculated to join successfully in the chase, or to whirl along the stately carriage, at rapid speed, and they seemed to add no little to the rustic pride and self-importance of the strong and healthy wights under whose care their high condition was maintained.

From the ploughing field home again to Lytham was almost one continuous cavalcade, besides an immense throng of pedestrians. Before two o'clock, nearly all the knights of the plough had returned to Lytham, and between that hour and dinner time, the village presented an extremely bustling aspect. The dinner was served up in a magnificent pavilion, built for that purpose, which it may be interesting to our readers briefly to describe

THE PAVILION.

This elegant and commodious structure was erected on the spacious lawn, at the Lytham or southern front of the hall, and almost immediately adjoining it. It was built mainly of wood, and was about 100 feet long, by 42 wide. There could be, of course, nothing very attractive in the external appearance of the erection; but inside, it presented a really gorgeous coup d'œil, being fitted up and decorated with a degree of taste, that gave the idea rather of some fabled fairy temple, than of a real and tangible bulling, in which the solid substantials of an old baronial repast, were to be placed before eight hundred Lancashire "beef-eaters." We must not forget to mention, that the plan of the Pavilion was two wings, representing the base and perpendicular of a right angled triangle,—the base being the large apartment we have mentioned; which was the dining-room for the principal guests, to the number of about four hundred,—and the wing extending from it at right angles was appropriated for the dining-room of the cottagers; it was, ns nearly as we could judge, of equal length, .hut narrower than the other room, and was most comfortably fitted up ; being capable, we believe, of accommodating four hundred persons to dinner, which was the estimated number present, making together a total party of nearly eight hundred. The chief embellishments were, of course, confined to the great room, which we have described as being the base of the triangle. Every thing that art or nature could supply was brought into requisition, which could tend to promote the comfort of the guests, and the magnificent appearance of the Pavilion. Evergreens, flowers, ribands, drapery, sheaves of corn, and numberless other adornments, were profusely interspersed throughout the place, and produced a most captivating effect. On a kind of canopy, over the chairman's seat, was inscribed in large and beautifully wrought letters the appropriate and cheering motto, “WELCOME." At the west end of the Pavilion, and so elevated as to produce an agreeable effect, was situated a spacious and elegantly garnished gallery for the ladies; in which Mrs, Clifton, and between thirty and forty other ladies, all, so fur as we could judge from the distance at which we set, attired in the first style of fashion, took their seats soon after the repast commenced, In the course of the evening, tea and coffee were served to the ladies in the gallery. At the eastern extremity of the apartment, was a cross table, at which the chairman and the elite of the guests sat. From this, four long tables extended the whole length of the apartment, each of which accommodated very conveniently about eighty persons. The whole of the arrangements were so admirably effected, that during the whole of the banquet, not the least confusion was discernible. The attendance of' waiters was perfectly adequate to the exigencies of the party, and they all managed their parts with surpassing ability. To Mr. Glade, the worthy butler of Mr. Clifton, too much praise cannot he given, for his able superintendence of the waiters, and his general management of the repast throughout. The lighting of the Pavilion, when night approached, had a brilliant effect, and was effected with great skill. On the lawn, fronting the Pavilion, a band of music was stationed, which at intervals enlivened the scene by playing appropriate airs. Towards evening, the band occupied a gallery, expressly set apart for that purpose, at the angle connecting the two apartments. The dinner in the cottager’s room took place about an hour after that in the other room, at which latter we found ourselves comfortably seated, a few minutes before four o'clock,

THE DINNER.

This superb entertainment was one of the most lavish and most magnificent displays of hospitality we have ever witnessed. To attempt a narration of all the substantials, all the dainties and all the delicacies which loaded the tables, would be to cull every choice denominations from the vocabulary of cooking. The ornamental part of the service, and thou decorated dishes, were of the most costly and curious kind, and fairly baffle all power of description. In soups, flesh, fish, and fowl, in vegetables, in confectionary, and of army other esculent which the season affords there was an ample supply, of the primest quality, and cooked in the very highest style of the “art of cookery." Among other items included in the bill of fare was a remarkably fine fat ox, which weighed, we are informed, twenty score a quarter, and all of which was disposed on the tables, in large joints. In addition to the eatables under which the tables groaned, were abundant supplies of choice wine, which every visitor took ad libitum. The wines comprised port, sherry, champaign, and we believe claret. We must, however, leave fancy to fill up the picture of the dinner and its appendages. We cannot do it anything like justice. It was the most gorgeous thing of the kind we have ever seen, and as we despair of giving it a correct description, we must leave it to be imagined.

THOMAS CLIFTON, Esq., presided. On the right of the chairman sat Brooke, Esq., son of Sir Richard Brooke, Mr, Talbot Clifton, the Rev. J. II. Short, Hugh Hornby, Esq., T. R. Wilson France, Esq., Major Hay, John Clifton, Esq., — Trelawney, Esq., George Jacson, Esq., Rev, T. Moore, John Worrell, Esq. On Mr. Clifton's left hand, we observed Sir John Hilton, T. B. Crosse, Esq., T. Henry Clifton, Esq., -- Farrer, Esq., Rev. R. B, Robinson, John Cunllffe, Esq,, Caledon Alexander, Esq., Rev, J. Pedder, W. Birley, Esq., Edward Pedder, Esq., Clifton Hall. In other parts of the room were seated, T. Langton, Birley, Esq.; the Rev. B. Lamb, the Rev. Joseph Walmsley, of Lytham, the Rev. J. Dixon, of Westby, Esq, Mr, E.W. Livesey and his sons, Mr. Ewer, Mr. Birdsworth, Mr. Hayes, &e., &a., of Lytham, Mr. Fair of Bold, Mr. Fair of Frenchield, Mr. Slatter, Mr. Mitten, Mr. Birley, &c:, Vice-Presidents four of the principal tenants of Mr, Clifton, viz., Mr. Crookall, of Saltcoats, Mr. Walker, of Layton Hall; Mr. T. Hall, of Ballam, and Mr. John Gillow, of Salwick Hall. The cloth having been drawn, grace was said by the Rev. R. B. Robinson, who also asked the blessing before dinner. After a short interval,

THE DESSERT

was brought in, and was certainly one of the most superb and luxuriant displays of epicurean dainties ever beheld. It consisted, among other articles of grapes, oranges, apples raisins and almonds, pines, a choice variety of confections besides a vast number of other elegant recherchè articles which we cannot enumerate, not knowing their names.

The bumpers being charged, the Chairman gave in succession the following toasts:—

" Her Majesty the Duchess of Lancaster.' — (Loud cheers.)

" His Royal Highness the Prince Albert, of Saxe Coburg, the Royal Consort."—(Applause.)

"Her Majesty the Queen Dowager, and the rest of the Royal Family."—(Loud and continued cheers.)

" The Army and Navy."--(Applause.)

Major Hay begged the company to accept his best thanks for the compliment which had been paid to the profession of which he was an humble member.—(Cheers.)—He felt confident that the gallant young officer, whose majority they had met to celebrate, would be an ornament to his profession.— (Rapturous applause.)

Sir John Hilton begged to return his best thanks for the honour which had been done to the service to which he had the honour to belong, and desired, in return to drink the healths of all present.—(Loud cheers.)

The Chairman rose, and said the next toast which he had to propose was one which related to the amusement with which they had commenced the morning, namely " speed the plough."--(Cheers.)—Among all the departments which had connection with the important interest of agriculture, ploughing undoubtedly was one of the foremost. He begged the company to annex to the toast he had given the names of the successful ploughmen.” The toast therefore was "speed the plough, and health to the successful ploughmen."—(Cheers.)

Mr. Fair being called upon by the Chairman, announced to the company that the principal premium, which was three guineas, had been awarded, by the judges to No. 98, Thos. Pearson, of Lytham ; the prize of two guineas to No. 56, Thomas Ball, of Lytham; and that of one guinea, to No. 68, Richard Cookson, of Lytham.--(Cheers.)—Mr. Fair went on to state that in addition to these prizes, the judges considered some of the other ploughing so good, that on their recommendation, the Society had determined to award 10s. each to several other competitors.

The Rev. Mr. Short rose and said, he had the honour to propose a toast, which, he regretted, had not fallen into hands qualified to do full justice to it. Though they had often met on occasions of festivity and rejoicing, and though Mr. Clifton's tenantry and friends were not unaccustomed to meet each other, yet this was a day for which they had long felt impatient; and which, doubtless, would long be remembered by them all, as an auspicious and joyous event. His toast related to an individual, who, if not exactly of the first rank, was, on this occasion, the object of their first interest ; and who, therefore, he was emboldened to introduce to them at so early a period.—(Cheers.) This was all the explanation he felt it necessary to offer, why he claimed a temporary precedence for the object of his toast,—why he ventured to do honour to the heir of Lytham, before the actual possessor of it; for whatever difficulty there might be as to points of precedence in another place, he could not but feel assured, that every voice in the company would unite in one harmonious and unbroken acclamation, when he proposed to them to drink the health of Mr. Talbot Clifton.--(Enthusiastic applause, which continued for several minutes, and in which the ladies in the gallery heartily joined.) However unnecessary it might be for him, seeing how unanimous the company were in the reception of the toast, to say much in its advocacy, he might yet be permitted to add a few further observations. It had not been the good fortune of many present, to have an intimate personal acquaintance with Mr. Talbot Clifton, and he (Mr. S.) might therefore be excused, if he briefly referred to his character and qualities. He had enjoyed the privilege and the pleasure of his acquaintance for several years in privilege which he considered of no small value, and he could sincerely say, that his young and gallant friend, possessed, in a very high degree, these amiable and valuable qualities, which rendered him an object of attachment with his equals and gained him the esteem of his inferiors. In the domestic circle, he was exemplary in every relation that hound him there; be was an attached and an affectionate son, and was highly worthy of that affection and regard with which his parents delighted to regard him.--(Cheers.) To be best appreciated, Mr. Talbot Clifton must be intimately known; where he most shone was in the hall of his fathers, where he was a source of pleasure and comfort to all around him. When known in thou domestic circle, he was universally beloved. He was affable, kind, and generous without the intermixture of any opposing defect.—(Loud cheers.) From the promise which his disposition now gave, he was convinced that the natural goodness of his heart, would ever prompt him to consult the good and the welfare of all with whom he might be connected, or in whatever capacity. Indeed, it was necessary that he should be known to be beloved, and every year would only tend to ripen that disposition, and call into increased action those excellent qualities with which his life has been so happily begun.—(Great applause.) At present his friend was prevented from a very frequent association with the persons and the place where his affections entered. He was a man of arms,—(Cheers.) Much of his time was taken up in the discharge of his military duties, duties which in him would meet with a punctual and faithful discharge. With regard to the subject of agriculture, he could not be supposed and did not profess to know much at present, for whatever tastes her Majesty's Life Guards might possess, they certainly had little leisure for agricultural pursuits. But if at Lytham they were proficient in farming, his friend excelled in his peculiar profession. He excelled in the use of the broad sword, and if any one wished to test his skill and proficiency in that respect, there would not he much difficulty, he thought, in obtaining satisfaction on the point.—(Laughter and cheers.) Their excellent and highly esteemed Chairman began life as a man of arms but he was new engaged in the more delightful task of improving the moral and physical condition of the neighbourhood in which he dwelt.—(Cheers.) The uncle of Mr. Talbot Clifton also, Mr. Edward Clifton, had begun life as a soldier, and yet every one knew of what benefit ho had been to the agricultural advancement of his neighbourhood—(Loud cheers.) There was no doubt, therefore, that when his friend's sword was converted into a ploughshare, he also would give his attention to the genial pursuit, in which he was so deeply interested. In whatever light he was viewed, he could not but regard him as a worthy scion, of the long and ancient line of thou family of Clifton.—(Immense applause.) He was quite sure that he spoke the feeling of every one present, in hoping that the future career of Mr. Talbot Clifton, would be, as prosperous as happy and successful, as this, the celebration of his majority, was cheering and auspicious. He begged that the company would pledge the health lie proposed in bumpers of wine.—(Loud and continued applause.)

The toast was drunk with nine times nine and several cheers more, the ladies meantime waving their handkerchiefs and floral favours. After the applause had somewhat subsided, J. Talbot Clifton, Esq., rose to return thanks.—He was again greeted with deafening and protracted applause. When silence was obtained, he said, that however unequal to the task, however diffident as to his capability of making a suitable acknowledgment, he took confidence, in the duty he had to discharge, from the enthusiastic manner in which his health had been received.—(Tremendous cheering.)—Nothing else was wanting to make him remember this meeting to the latest period of his life.—(Immense applause.)—His friend had alluded to his being a soldier, and not an agriculturalist. This was true; it was not his own fault, but as years rolled on this might easily be remedied. — (Loud cheers.)--He might look forward to becoming, at some, he hoped, distant day, their landlord, and when that period are rived, it would be his ardent anxiety to follow the bright example of his own father.—(Immense cheering.)—It was not partiality—it was not the fondness of a son that made him speak in such terms of his father,—it was the truth.- (Loud cheers.)—And be would say furthermore that when his sword was turned into a ploughshare, it should be his delight to practice in his own person, the example which had been so wisely, so successfully, and so profitably offered for his imitation.---(Loud cheers,)—Before he sat down, he wished to give a toast, with the permission of the Chairman, which he was sure would be as dear to the agriculturalist as it could be to any one, which was " live and let live."—(Loud and protracted applause.)

The Chairman gave “the Lord Lieutenant of the County, and may he speedily recover from the severe indisposition under which he has so long laboured.—(Cheers.)

The Rev. R. B. Robinson rose and said, that if his friend Mr. Short, claimed au enthusiastic reception for his toast, if he had looked with the eye of promise to the son, he need only call upon the company to consider what the father had accomplished, to meet with a due and adequate response for the toast he had to propose.—(Loud cheers.)—Let them look at what Lytham was a few years ago, and compare that with its present situation. It was then a small obscure and comparatively unseemly fishing place; it was now a beautiful and flourishing watering place; a comfortable and excellent principality.—(Loud cheers.)—Nor were this inhabitants of Lytham surpassed in loyalty and affection to their landlord by any tenantry in England.—(Loud cheers.)—Indeed, if he had not been fully aware of the unusual esteem in which Mr. Clifton was held, he might have felt a difficulty in adequately introducing him to the company. In every relation of life, as a husband, a friend, a father, and a land- lord, he merited and obtained the esteem and affection of all who knew him.---(Loud cheers.)—H (Mr. R) hardly knew in what character to name him in which he did not pre-eminently shine.—(Cheers.)—As an agriculturalist, he had set an example which had been promptly followed, by several neighbouring gentlemen, to the great and extensive advantage of their respective localities. Looking at what had been effected under Mr Clifton, it would not be denied, that he had been a most important auxiliary to the cause of agricultural improvement.—(Loud cheers.)-The spectacle of to-day was truly a gratifying—a splendid sight. He might call the whole county of Lancaster in question, and also whether any other landlord in the county could produce a similar scene—a scene of equal gladness and enthusiasm. — To see their worthy chairman, seated at the head of nearly eight hundred of his tenantry, reminded one of the olden times, when the barons sat at the head of their tables, and at their convivial meetings mode the hall of hospitality the place for the interchange of kindly feeling between the lord and the dependent. It was not on many occasions that they could have such an opportunity as the present, of testifying to their worthy chairman, with a befitting warmth of feeling, that they admired his character, approved his plans mid loved his person—(cheers)—and that it was on these grounds they appeared before him, as an affectionate and a grateful tenantry.—(Immense cheering.)—Ho called upon them, if they never shouted again to shout now- _ (Tumultuous cheering.)—But besides Mr. Clifton's claims as a landlord, and as an agriculturalist, surely some tribute; was due to him for the splendid feast of which they had that day partaken— the most splendid that had ever been given in the Fylde.— (Continued applause.)-He begged to propose "Mr. Clifton's health, with three times three, and as many more cheers as they liked."

The toast was drunk with the moat vehement cheering, which continued for several moments and which literally shook the pavilion.

After an appropriate air from the band,

The Chairman rose and said, that of late ho had so frequently been called upon to address his friends, in acknowledging toasts like that with which they had just honoured him, that it was not necessary for him to occupy them long in renewing those expressions of gratification and gratitude, which the present, to him, most interesting meeting, and the company's reception of him and his son, irresistibly called forth from his heart.—(Unbounded applause.) ‘His reverend friend had, in his kindness, exaggerated the picture of his claim to their notice and respect; but he hoped he might say that he could not exaggerate the deep and pressing anxiety he felt to ameliorate the social, moral, and physical condition of his neighbours and these who were connected with him as tenants,—(Loud cheers.) With regard to agriculture, it gave him great pleasure to have the opportunity of, in any degree, promoting it. He was rejoiced that his feelings and his inclination, led him to feel an interest and to take an humble part in endeavouring to advance so amiable and so useful a pursuit-—(Cheers.) He had always felt grateful for the co-operation of his friends, and always experienced pleasure in meeting them; but much as he felt for their kindness, and which had always been shown towards him, the enthusiastic manner in which his son had been received among them, called forth in his mind emotions of no common order, and which he would not attempt to portray.—(Loud cheers.) On such an occasion, he could not but feel that he was not a very young man—(cheers and laughter)—at all events, he might be said to be in the meridian of life; but he looked forward to accomplish, in the course of years, by his own efforts and theirs and through the directing care of one whom he would not name, but who, by his talents, enterprize, and good feeling, had succeeded in gaining their confidence and his such further improvements in the neighbourhood, that in after years, he and they might enjoy the pleasing reflection, that they had not been altogether useless in their generation- ._(Immense applause.) . Allusion had been made to the period when his present position would be occupied by his son. He would only observe upon that subject, that when, in the order of providence, it should be his son's fate to have the pleasure of meeting them in the character of their landlord, he would make it the object of his strongest solicitude to obtain I and retain their esteem and affection,—(Loud cheers-) He repented, that it was to him a source of the highest satisfaction to meet the company on such an occasion, and having already he feared, spoken too much at length—(cries of " No, no,")—he would only at present drink to each one's good health, and thanks for the kindness which had been shown to him and his son that day.—(Enthusiastic applause.)

At the request of Mr. Wilson France, Mr. T. Clarke sung “The Old English Gentleman" with great effect, and which elicited great applause.

T. R. Wilson France, Esq., then rose, and begged leave to propose the health of the wife of the old English gentleman. (The moment Mr. France mentioned the toast; the company rose en masse, and gave several hearty rounds of cheering, which compliment was gracefully acknowledged by Mrs. Clifton from the gallery.) He had had the pleasure of enjoying Mrs. Clifton's uninterrupted friendship for twenty- three years, and he could, with truth and sincerity, say, that whether he looked upon her as a wife, a mother, or a neighbour, she was in every way worthy the highest admiration of the company.—(Great cheering.) ‘The benevolent character she had exhibited, not only in Lytham, but throughout the entire neighbourhood, rendered her eminently worthy the esteem, the affection, and the admiration of all classes of society. He was sorry that the proposing of this toast had not fallen into abler hands; but he trusted to the excellence of the toast itself to insure a due and enthusiastic response. — (Loud cheers.)

The toast having been drunk with rapturous applause,

The Chairman, in a most graceful and eloquent speech, returned thanks. He assured the Company that he did not regard the toast as an empty compliment to his wife, but as a tribute to the well-known and charitable character which, he hoped he might be permitted to say, she sustained.—(Tumultuous applause.) And although Mrs. Clifton was present, yet as she could not drink their healths in return, he would I do so in a bumper.—(Vehement cheering.)

John Cunliffe, Esq., rose, and in an able speech, introduced to the company as the next toast, the tenantry of Mr. Clifton,—(Cheers.) If, peradventure, the strangers who were present at the banquet, should return by daylight, he would have them to look round, and judge for themselves by the appearance of the neighbourhood, of the advancement which had been made by the tenantry in the science of agriculture.—(Cheers.) He would have them look round and inspect the great and practical improvements in the tillage of the land, in draining, in green crops, in obtaining superior cattle, and in other matters which had taken place, and for which, unquestionably, the tenantry in a great measure deserved the praise.—(Cheers.) The landlord had beyond all doubt done his part, and had done it most nobly, but at the same time the tenantry had ably and zealously co-operated with their worthy landlord, and their past efforts had produced the most beneficial results-—(Cheers.) He begged to drink, with three times three, “Success and prosperity to the tenantry of this great estate, and long might they have the happiness to be presided over by their present esteemed Chairman."—(Great cheering.)

Mr. John Gillow, being loudly called for, rose and said, that having been at the lower end of the table, he had not heard much that had been said. He could recollect, however, that when their worthy Chairman came of age, he said he wished all his tenantry to be respectable, prosperous and happy.—(Loud cheers.) Now, he would have the company to look round, and see if they were not both respectable and happy;—he thought they looked both very respectable and very happy; and as true happiness consisted in being comfortable, they wore rich too.—(Laughter and loud cheers.) It appeared to him, that hitherto all the family had been endowed with good feeling and good sense, and he trusted Mr. Talbot Clifton would inherit that which his forefathers possessed.—(Continued cheers.)

T. Bright Crosse, Esq., in a brief but elegant address proposed "The health of the ladies, and may all the bachelors present, shortly have double pillows."—(Loud cheering-)

The “Lancashire Witches" were then toasted with thunders of applause, after which they retired from the gallery, amid protracted and enthusiastic cheering, all of them condescendingly and gracefully courtesying their thanks.

George Jacson, Esq., rose to propose the health of Henry Clifton, the second son of Mr. Clifton.—(Cheers.) He had not the pleasure of a very intimate acquaintance with Mr. Henry Clifton, but a number of circumstances fully convinced his mind, that he was a young man of high promise, and was possessed of such qualities, that ho, as the father of a family, should be proud to call hint his second son.--(Cheers.) Mr. Jacson made several other observations but as from the noise which occurred, (we presume; on account of the influence which the wine began to exercise, especially in the cottager’s room,) we only heard his speech in detached parts, and were unable to report it. The worthy gentleman sat down by Proposing Mr. H. Clifton's health with three times three.— (Cheers.)

The toast being drunk with vehement applause,

Mr. H. Clifton, amidst continued cheering, briefly, but emphatically expressed his acknowledgments to the company.

The Chairman rose and said, that in the company of so many military men, he should feel himself guilty of being remiss, were he to fail in drinking the health of the greatest hero of the age, and he had the more pleasure in doing this, as there was an officer present belonging to the regiment which the Duke of Wellington especially commanded, the 1st regiment of Grenadier Guards.-,-(Loud cheers.) He did not propose the toast in a political, but simply in a military, point of view.—(Loud cheers.)

— Trelawny, Esq., of the Grenadier Guards briefly acknowledged the toast, and expressed the pleasure he felt at being present on so auspicious an occasion.

— Brooke, Esq., next rose and proposed the health of “Mr. Clifton's brother, John Clifton, Esq.," which was drunk with enthusiastic applause-

John Clifton, Esq., briefly returned thanks but we could not catch one entire sentence of his address, as he spoke in a very low tone of voice.

The Chairman having called upon Mr. E. Scarisbrick to sing, he gave, with excellent effect, " Shall I wasting in despair," which was loudly applauded.

The Chairman begged to propose, as the next toast, a sentiment which had reference to pursuits the interests of which he believed to be most intimately connected with each other, and the prosperity of which were each involved in mutual reciprocity. His toast was “Agriculture, Commerce, and Manufactures."— (Loud cheers.)—He was of opinion that the best interests of the empire would be consulted in giving due protection to each of these interests without allowing an undue preponderance to any, and his prayer was—may they never be disunited.—(Great applause-)

The toast being duly honoured,

The Chairman rose, and begged to propose the health of a nobleman, sunder whom, when he (the chairman) was a soldier, he had the honour to serve, he meant “General Lord Combermere."— (Cheers.)--And he desired to connect with the toast the regiment which the same gallant nobleman now commanded, namely “the 1st Regiment of Life Guards," of which regiment he was glad to state there was an officer in company.

— Brooke, Esq., of the Life Guards returned thanks. He could safely say that a more popular member had not joined the corps than the gallant young officer whose anniversary they had met to celebrate.—(Loud cheers.)—Seeing himself surrounded by so many Lancashire yeomanry, he might be permitted to say that some of the best men in the three regiments of household cavalry came from Lancashire, — (Hearty cheers.)

The Rev. R. Moore rose, and in very complimentary terms proposed the health of Mr. Fair, the respected agent of the worthy chairman.—(Loud cheers.) ,

Mr. Fair returned thanks. He had the greatest reason to feel gratified at the manner in which his health had been proposed by Mr. Moore, and received by the company, (Cheers.)--His rev. friend had, he feared, overrated him and had spoken too flatteringly of him; at the same time he could not but feel that if a parson was to be appreciated by the test of his adherence to that excellent sentiment, which was embodied in the golden rule—a rule Which he trusted he had ever observed, of doing unto every one as he wished to be done by, he might, without vanity, profess himself willing to abide by such a text.—(Enthusiastic cheering.)---He trusted to God the day was far distant when Mr. Talbot Clifton would be called upon to fill the place which his honoured father now occupied,—but when it did arrive, he had every confidence that the example which had been shown him would have its effect in rendering him a blessing to the neighbourhood.—(Loud cheers.)—From the manner in which Mr. Talbot Clifton had expressed himself, and from what he had seen of him, there was good ground for the hope that all which was estimable in the worthy father would characterize the career of the respected son.—(Loud cheers.) He begged to sit down by drinking the healths of all present.—(Loud applause.)

The Chairman then rose, and in complimentary terms proposed “the judges of the ploughing match,—Mr. Fisher, Mr. Winnery, and Mr. Robert Walker, and thanks to them for the services they had so ably rendered."— (Applause.) ‘Mr. H. Fisher returned thanks, but the noise in the room prevented us from hearing his remarks.

Mr. Wilson. France proposed “the health of Mr. Worral, and the Liverpool Agricultural Society," . .

Mr. Worral returned thanks, but we were not able to catch correctly one entire sentence of his address,

The Chairman having, in emphatic terms, urged the company to give a silent hearing to the speakers proposed “the health of Mr. Binns."

Mr. Fair begged to state that Mr. Binns had presented to the Lytham Agricultural Society, Sinclair's work on grasses, which he had accompanied by some important, valuable and excellent practical remarks. — (Cheers.) —Considering the great importance of grasses, and the great necessity for studying them, with regard to their growth, their varieties, their properties, and their productive capacity,—nothing, he conceived, could be of greater moment to the farmer than to obtain a familiar knowledge of them; Mr. Binns had materially facilitated this so far as the Lytham society was concerned, and he begged the toast might be drunk with three times three.

Mr. Binns in returning thanks spoke at some length on the subject of farming, but we caught his address very imperfectly. We understood him to recommend double ploughing in preference to any other mode. He said he had ploughed himself, and would have been ashamed to have had a driver, it being quite easy for the ploughman to guide the plough himself. After some further remarks, Mr. B. sat: down, amidst loud cheering.

J. Talbot Clifton Esq., rose and begged to propose "the health of the 6th Dragoon Guards and with the toast he begged to couple the name of the gallant Major who was an officer of that regiment,--Major Hay”--(Cheers.)

Major Hay, in returning thanks begged to assure that company that though he had attended many dinner parties, he never in his life was present on en occasion more gratifying than the present, and he was heartily glad that it was his good fortune to be a guest.

Mr. Fair begged to propose the health of a gentleman who, although he had spent the greatest part of his life in commerce, had come to Lytham, and had with great enterprise embarked capital in the promotion of agriculture. He begged to give the health of Mr. Livesey, a respected tenant of Mr. Clifton.—(Cheers.)

Mr. Livesey returned thanks in a brief, but suitable address.

The Chairman rose, and in a most feeling and highly complimentary address, proposed the health of Mr. Fair, senior, the respected father of his worthy agent. Mr. Fair, senior, was a gentleman whose life had been almost wholly occupied in the promotion of agriculture, and who had, highly to his credit, and in a manner fully testifying to his great abilities, most importantly promoted the interests of the estate of which he had the management. He had also brought up a family of sons; who, if he might judge from the specimen he had witnessed, would perpetuate the, advantages which their father had spent his life in endeavouring to extend. — (Cheers.) In proposing Mr. Fair's health, he could not but feel a great interest in him, as the father, who had given to him what he considered to he the best agent in England.—(Great applause.)

Mr. Fair, snr., returned thanks but we were unable, from the noise which prevailed, and the low tone of voice in which he spoke, to collect a report of what he said.

Mr. T. W. Clarke having sung the "Old British Oak," The Chairman rose, and after a few appropriate preliminary remarks strongly recommended to his tenantry, to encourage, under all practicable circumstances, and to promote, to the fullest extent of their power, the planting of timber,-- (Cheers )

Mr. Wilson France begged again to propose “the health of Mr. Talbot Clifton, as a most promising plant."-- (Laughter and cheers.)

Mr. Talbot Clifton returned his sincere thanks. The only similitude that he could see between himself and a plant was, that they were both shooters.—(Cheers and laughter,)

Mr. Jackson proposed, as the next toast, "The Press;" which was drunk with due honours, ;

' The worthy Chairman then rose, and after warmly reiterating his acknowledgments to the company, for their attendance at the celebration, drank each of their healths and wished them a good night. On retiring with his friends, Mr. Clifton was enthusiastically checred, the applause continuing for several minutes.

Mr. Talbot Clifton was then called to the chair, amid loud cheering. The choice spirits of the place now began to be very convivial. The sparkling glass flowed, freely; the song and joke, the catch and glee went gaily round. Speechifying was fairly at a discount; and under the able and inspiring presidency of the gallant young squire of Lytham, about two hours were spent of as high glee, and of as mirthful jollity, as we ever witnessed. The gnomon had more than once or twice paced past the witching hour, when we left the banquet hall, and as we slowly sauntered through the park home again, with the dusky greyness of approaching morn to assist our reflections, we took a short, but vivid retrospect, of one of the most gladsome days we ever experienced. - Long may the heir of Clifton he a blessing to his parents and long may his sire live to bless him.

THE BALL.

On Thursday evening, a ball took place in the spacious Pavilion we have above described. Invitations were issued to the sons and daughters of the tenants on Mr. Clifton's extensive estates; and, besides these, all the ladies and gentlemen of Lytham, and several from this town, were present. There were upwards of 600 persons assembled; amongst whom, were most of the gentlemen we have noticed as being present at the dinner. A little after seven o'clock, the larger room being crowded with such an assemblage of light hearts as have rarely been collected together, Mr. Talbot Clifton and his amiable mother opened the ball, by leading off a country dance, which was joined in by upwards of eighty couples. With one exception, country dances prevailed during the entire evening. The manner in which the merry festive throng joined in the popular and exhilirating amusement, must have been exceedingly gratifying to the feelings of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton, and to the worthy young gentleman, whose entrance into manhood the party wore met to celebrate. The affability and condescension of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton were the theme of general praise; and not less attentive to their guests were Mr. Talbot and Mr. Henry Clifton. Shortly after ten o'clock, the company entered the smaller compartment, that had been occupied on the Tuesday by the cottagers, and in which were now three tables placed longitudinally, where a most sumptuous cold collation was provided. Here, as at the dinner, every thing was prepared on a scale of surpassing profusion and liberality; and the wines, dessert, &c., like the other parts of the entertainment, received universal commendation.; After the company had partaken of the "good things" the Rev. R. B. Robinson proposed, with a brief but suitable preface, the health of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton, which proposition, we need scarcely observe, was received-with the most intense enthusiasm. Mr. C. in acknowledging the kindness of the company, observed, that he would not detain them with any lengthened observations as a ball-room, he conceived, was not the place where they would expect to hear speeches. Mr. Talbot Clifton’s health was then given, and also that of Mr. Henry Clifton and the younger brothers; to which short but suitable responses were made. After the repast, the company returned to the larger room, and the merry dance was spiritedly resumed. The supper-room was kept open the remainder of the evening, for these who wished to partake of the substantials; and negus, lemonade, tea, coffee, &c., were supplied with an unsparing hand from the tables in the large room, by waiters who seemed to vie with each other in their attention to the company. Dancing was kept up with the utmost hilarity end energy, and it was three o’clock before the company began to thin. At about four o’clock the numbers rapidly decreased. Mr. Clifton remained in the room till after that hour, and to the last exerted himself to promote the enjoyment of his numerous company. His two sons were among the last occupants of the room. The band, in concluding, struck up "God Save the Queen," and to close du party, three hearty cheers were given for the Cliftons. — Mr. Talbot Clifton and his brother officers left Lytham yesterday for London.

TREAT TO THE CHILDREN.

While the worthy squire has been sumptuously entertaining his tenants and his tradesmen on this auspicious occasion he has taken carc that the younger branches should not be forgotten. At the time we write, preparations are making for regaling the children of the occupants of Mr. Clifton’s property ; and this day the hearts of several hundreds (we have not heard the exact numbers expected, but there will probably be between 800 and 1,200,) will be gladdened by the treat they are to receive, The bounty will be distributed under the direction of Mrs. Clifton, the Rev. R. B. Robinson, M.A., incumbent of Lytham, and the Rev. J. Walmsley, the catholic priest.

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