144 History of the 



then quite up to the mark in point of strength and flavour ; but 

 this is an exception, and it is the only speciality that I feel bound 

 to comment upon, save that which immediately concerns your 

 obedient servant, Richard Taylor, Ale-taster for that part of Her 

 Majesty's dominions known as Rossendale." 



On a later occasion Mr. Taylor sent in his resignation to the 

 court as follows :— 



" To the Foreman and Jury of the Halmot Court at Haslingden, 

 — Gentlemen, I respectfully, but firmly, tender my resignation as 

 Ale-taster of the Forest, an office whicli I have held for seven years 

 without any salary or fee of any description. During that period I 

 have done my duty both to his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch {h) 

 and to the inhabitants generally. From feelings of humanity I 

 refrain from suggesting anyone as my successor, for unless he 

 possesses an iron constitution, if he does his duty to the appointment, 

 he will either be a dead man before the next court day or he will 

 have to retire with a shattered constitution." 



The Court, however, declined to entertain Mr. Taylor's petition, 

 and reappointed him to the office he had so long filled with so much 

 credit to himself — though with very questionable benefit — and to 

 the advantage of the many thirsty souls within his jurisdiction. 



Notwithstanding the remark at the opening of the petition, Dick, 

 as a matter of fact, was not altogether unused to public speaking. 

 At town's meetings he frequently held forth, and his rising was 

 always welcomed as the signal for some sensible as well as humorous 

 and sarcastic remarks. 



The reference to " Kirk Fair," and to the quality of the ales sold 

 there on those occasions, will be appreciated. I do not know what 

 the Fair may be now, but within my recollection the streets of the 

 village, for three successive days, were thronged with a surging 

 mass of people on pleasure bent. As many of these came long 



(!)) His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, as has already been explained (see Book 

 Second, Chapter i.) is Lord of the Honor of Clitheroe, of which the Forest of 

 Rossendale constitutes a part. 



