PROGRESS OF THE Procession to The Arboretum

 When the Procession had perambulated the Market Place, it was headed by the Town Council and many other gentlemen, and in the same order proceeded along Corn Market, St. Peters Street, Osmaston Street, Grove Street, to the Arboretum.

Throughout the whole line of the Procession, the windows were filled with spectators, and the streets crowded with such multitudes as to defy computation. The head of the Procession was three quarters of an hour before it reached the Arboretum, and it was nearly three oclock before the last Society in the train was admitted into the gardens. The scene was extremely imposing. Splendid flags and banners gaily floated in the wind, over a train which must have extended upwards of a mile in length; the air resounded with the strains of enlivening music, issuing from the numerous bands in the Procession; and the artisans belonging to the several Societies exhibited an appearance which bespoke their self-respect, and their sense of the kind consideration for their welfare of the generous donor of the Arboretum.

THE PROCESSION IN THE ARBORETUM.

 As the Procession wound along the spacious walks of the Arboretum, the gaiety of the scene was heightened by the rural aspect of the place. The multitudes soon spread over the grounds, some thronging about the artisans who were preparing a Montgolfier balloon, others engaged in rural sports, and a large company joined in the pleasures of the dance, in a neighbouring field, to the dulcet strains of a well-appointed band. The day was again unfavourable for the balloon, which took fire soon after its ascent, owing to the wind being too high. Another attempt was made, which failed; the second balloon being blown into a tree, where it stuck fast. The most ample provision was made, of the best quality, for regaling upwards of 6000 persons ; but owing to the immense numbers in the gardens, it was found impossible to supply their wants fast enough. The spacious tent erected for the occasion accommodated 600 persons at a time. This, on the Wednesday, had been found sufficient for the convenience and enjoyment of the whole party. But on this day, when there were between five and six times as many persons to be entertained, it was impossible to attend to the wants of the multitudes as the Stewards wished and, in consequence, some disappointment ensued. It should not be forgotten, however, that this was the first time that it was ever attempted, in Derby, to entertain 6000 persons in one place; but it appears nearly 3000 persons more were present than were anticipated. On other Occasions the experience of this day will be a guide to the Committee, and enable them to avoid a deficiency which could not be foreseen, and which the Committee deplore. We have great pleasure in stating that, notwithstanding every part of the garden was visited by such immense numbers of persons, many of them young, full of animal spirits, and disposed to fun and frolic, not a single tree or shrub has been destroyed. When Mr. Loudon heard of this almost miraculous instance, he said that he had never had the pleasure of meeting such a community of people worthy of such a gift.  

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  Mr. Strutts address was also spontaneously got up by the Associated Body of Printers, displaying the utmost perfection of the art of printing indeed we never saw the beauty of the border surpassed. The speech was printed in gold, silver, and copper in the most perfect manner, and sold by the Printers Association in aid of the Arboretums funds.

 The following Address was also presented to Mr. Strutt, signed by 84 Members of the Loyal Prudence Lodge of Druids

 TO JOSEPH STRUTT, ESQ.

 Sir We, the undersigned, the Members of the Loyal Prudence Lodge of the United Ancient Order of Druids, held at the house of Mr. Thomas Gregory, the Acorn Inn, Queen Street, do beg respectfully to tender our most grateful and heartfelt thanks for that Princely Gift The Arboretum To the inhabitants of this Borough; and to assure you that we shall ever hold in lively remembrance the many acts of Public and Private Benevolence which you have constantly shown to the Working Classes. Wishing you Health and long Life, we subscribe ourselves your grateful and much obliged fellow-townsmen. [This Address was unexpectedly presented to Mr. Strutt, while he was sitting in one of Mr. Lambs beautiful pavilions and was very affecting to us, and all present, both in itself and in the manner in which it was received by Mr. Strutt.]

On Thursday evening, a Ball, which was attended by a highly respectable and numerous company, was held by the Members of the Mechanics Institution, in their splendid Lecture Hall, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. Dancing commenced about half-past 8 oclock, and was kept up with a degree of spirit rarely witnessed on any occasion, there being seldom less than 200 couples dancing at the same time. The refreshments, which were provided by Mr. E. Hollingshed, were plentiful and of the best description, and great merit is due to the stewards for their excellent arrangements; for although there were not less than 450 persons present, not the slightest confusion or disorder was experienced, and throughout the whole of the evening the greatest order and harmony prevailed. According to a standing rule of the Institution, the dancing ceased at one oclock, and, after singing

God save the Queen, the company, highly pleased with their evenings entertainment, retired to their respective homes.  

The Mechanics Hall

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 CHILDREN S CELEBRATION OF THE OPENING OF THE ARBORETUM.

 Saturday, Sept. 19.

This day, which was appointed for the Childrens Celebration of the Opening of the Arboretum, was the most favourable, with regard to weather, of the three, not a drop of rain having fallen from sunrise to sunset. A few minutes before two oclock Mr. Joddrells band entered the garden, playing God save the Queen; and soon afterwards the gates were thrown open for the public. It had been very generously agreed by the Committee that on this day all persons should have free admittance, a kindness the public were not slow to avail themselves of. From the time the gates were opened, and throughout the afternoon, numbers of persons of all classes continued to enter the gardens, some entering into the sports that had been commenced in the field adjoining; others promenading the walks of the Arboretum, and all enjoying themselves in some way or other. The children, of whom there were vast numbers, were not long in making themselves at home; after making their acquaintance with the Arboretum by scampering round the walks, they found their way to the field where the sports of the day were carried on, and leap-frog, thread-the-long-needle, drop-the-glove, and all the old-established and favourite games, were entered into with tile greatest possible zest and glee, ever and anon leaving their place in the rank, or in the ring, and repairing to Mr. Hunts confectionery stall. No one could have seen their joyous faces and buoyant spirits, and have heard their merry laughter without being gratified, at least no one with any kindly feeling in their bosoms. Dancing, too, was kept up with as much spirit as on either of the former days, to Mr. Govers band; at times as many as twelve sets were dancing together, including several quadrille parties. At one time there were from 2000 to 3000 engaged in this exhilarating pastime; indeed, so far from being satiated, time enjoinment seemed to increase rather than diminish, and we have heard many persons observe that Saturday was the happiest day of the three, some even going so far as to say it was the pleasantest day of their lives. We consider it a good omen of the morality and propriety of conduct of the visitors to these gardens, that notwithstanding the immense number of persons, of all classes, which the low price of admission on the second day, and the free admittance on the third, enabled to be there, not an oath, or a word that could offend the most moral person was heard.

Tea* was provided in the Pavilion, under the superintendence of Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, at one shilling each for adults, and sixpence for children. It is not too much to say that the arrangements, as well as the provisions, were most excellent. Six thousand persons visited the Arboretum during the day.

At seven oclock the national anthem was again played, time whole company, men, women, and children, joining enthusiastically; after which they dispersed, to use the words of a bystander, as orderly and quietly as if they were retiring from a place of worship. Thus ended this long talked of and much enjoyed CELEBRATION.