256 ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW OF THE HIGHLAND AND 



ing Tip into massive, symmetrical, well-bred mares. Awarding 

 the prizes in the section was a matter of considerable difficulty, 

 and some of those sent out without tickets would have made 

 creditable prize-takers had there not been what were considered 

 superior animals in the section. 



Of Hunters, Eoadsters, and Ponies there were in all 49 entries. 

 In the section for brood mares there was a good display ; the 

 first prize mare with foal at foot showed good quality. The 

 section for aged mares and geldings suitable for the field pro- 

 duced a poor lot on the whole, both as regards numbers and 

 quality, there being only one fairly good horse in the lot that 

 could be called a hunter. In general, the hunting classes at the 

 Society's shows do not come up to many of the local shows; and 

 this by some is attributed to the number of days they have to 

 remain on the ground. The section for young mares and geld- 

 ings for the field was fairly represented. The hackney section 

 was good, but the jumping prize was a complete failure, as only 

 three animals competed for it; and it would be well for the 

 Society to discontinue it. The ponies were particularly well 

 represented in every section, the first size animals possessing 

 great merit. The extra horses do not call for any remark. 



Sheep. 



The strength of the show in the sheep sections lay in the 

 Blackfaced Breed, and the display was superior throughout. The 

 prize aged tups were strong-boned, well ribbed and coated. It 

 is noteworthy that the animal which gained the first prize also 

 secured the same honour as a two-year-old at Kelso and shearling 

 at Perth. Shearling tups were not only very numerous, but meri- 

 torious, well-faced, of great strength, quality, and symmetry, and 

 splendidly woolled. Ewes and lambs were well represented, and 

 of very good style and quality. Gimmers were also a good 

 show, strong-boned, well -woolled, and fine-faced. The family 

 section being shown for the first time could hardly be expected 

 to arrive at a very high standard. The turnout, however, was 

 very creditable, and augured well for the prosperity of a class 

 which deserves support at the hands of the So.ciety and sheep- 

 breeders. 



Of Cheviot Sheep the show was limited in extent. Tups 

 above one shear were a fair lot, although they might have been 

 a little more hardy in appearance and had less hair in their 

 coats. Shearling tups were only a middling lot, except those the 

 prizes were awarded to. Ewes and lambs were only middling, 

 while the gimmers were ^a bad lot. 



As a whole, the exhibition of Border Leicesters was not calcu- 

 lated to call forth a great amount of commendation. There 



