AGEICULTUEAL SOCIETY HELD AT STIRLING IN 1S81. 257 



were, however, in each section animals fully sustaining the 

 prestige of former shows. The first prize aged tup was a very 

 fine specimen of the breed, possessing fair size, fine style and 

 quality, and lacking in nothing but wool. In the shearling tups 

 the first prize sheep was an exceptionally fine animal, having 

 good substance, true symmetry, and a rare covering of wool of 

 the fashionable sort. The second, although also of good quality, 

 was inferior to him in his head, and especially in his wool, and 

 did not come up to the owner's usual type of sheep. In the ewe 

 sections there was nothing of high merit ; but in gimmers the 

 first prize for size, substance, wool, and general conformation 

 was a treat to look at ; and not only a long way in front of any- 

 thing else in the sections, but decidedly the best of any section 

 that came before the judges. 



In the sections for Leicesters, Cotswolds, and Lincolns, only 

 Cotswolds were exhibited. They were fair good specimens, but 

 none of any great merit. 



The entries in the four sections for Short-woolled sheep num- 

 bered 33 (29 Shropshires and 4 Oxfords) ; but, unfortunately, 

 through the stringent orders of the Privy Council, several pens 

 were vacant. In the aged tups the first prize was awarded to 

 a two-shear of good character ; long, low% and wide, somewhat 

 round in his rump, and his fleece scarcely close enough. The 

 second prize sheep was a good sort, had a capital fleece, but was 

 bad in his rump and rather effeminate. The third prize had a 

 good fleece and skin. The shearling tup to which the first 

 premium was awarded was a straight sheep of nice quality, 

 capital shoulder-top, but wanted strength. The second and 

 third were strong, useful sheep with good heads, but not as square 

 on their legs as could be wished. The highly- commended sheep 

 showed good breeding, but was wanting in bone and muscle. 

 The aged ewes do not call for any special mention ; but the two 

 prize pens of shearlings were a credit to the country, especially 

 the one placed first. The third w^as also useful. Northern 

 breeders ought tu l)e very careful in introducing close fleeces into 

 their flocks, as the climate seems to have a tendency to grow tlie 

 wool rather more open tlian is desirable. 



Swine. 



The pigs were very inferior, and not up to the proper type in 

 any of the sections. The falling-oil' can only be attributed to 

 the Privy Council orders prohibiting animals from England 

 being exhibited. 



Colli !•: Dor.s. 



The Collies exhibited (sixteen dogs and five bitches) were a 

 fair class, and were regarded witli much interest. 



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