620 Bcjwrt on the Live Stock exhibited at Bedford. 



and we considered the ■whole class well worthy of being highly commended. 

 In the class of Shearling Ewes, we consider them over an average of former 

 years, and likely to produce some prize-takers in future years. 



The South Down classes were well represented ; and in the Shearling class 

 some good animals were exhibited. The first prize, although rather under 

 size, was a perfect specimen of a South Down, both as regards character and 

 quality. The second and third prizes were fair specimens of the breed ; 

 and many others in this class were remarkable for their quality. In the 

 older class the prize animals were very similar as regards size, character, and 

 quality, all being excellent specimens of the breed. The Shearling Ewes was 

 a very good class, although few in number; the whole class being com- 

 mended. And we can make the same remark as on the Oxfords. The 

 Hampshire Downs, in Class 99, were a mixed lot. The first prize was a good 

 useful sheep of the breed. The old Sheep and Shearling Ewes, although 

 small in numbers, were fairly represented as regards size and quality. In 

 the Ewe Class, 106, being a mixed class, the first prize, Oxford Downs, were 

 well worthy of notice. The Lamb Classes, 107 and 108, were also of a 

 mixed character ; and some useful pens were exhibited. Class 109 was re- 

 markably well filled, and some very good pens shown, the first prize being of 

 unusual excellence. 



ShropsHIRES.— Class 96. Sliearling Rams. — This was the 

 most numerous of all the Sheep Classes, having 61 entries, with 

 10 absent. The First Prize was awarded to Lord Walsingham ; 

 the Second to Messrs. Mansell ; Third to Mr. Crane. The 

 Reserve Number, belonging to Mr. Beach, was highly com- 

 mended. 



Class 97. Aged Rams. — 20 entries. The First Prize was 

 awarded to Messrs. Mansell ; the Second to Mr. Crane ; the Third 

 to Lord Chesham. The Reserve Number, belonging to Mr. W. 

 German, was highly commended. 



Class 98. Pen of 5 Sliearling Ewes of same Flock. — 21 entries, 

 1 absent. First Prize awarded to Lord Chesham ; the Second to 

 Mrs. Beach ; Third to Mr. J. Pulley. The Reserve Number, 

 belonging to Mr. VV. O. Foster, was highly commended. 



The Judges of Shropshire Sheep report as follows : — 



We beg to 'present our Eeport in these classes, and have great j^leasure in 

 congratulating the Society on the extent of the classes, and the exhibitors on 

 the merits of the animals exhibited. As compared with jirevious exhibitions, 

 which we have observed for about fifteen years, we consider the classes con- 

 trast favourably, esjiecially taking into consideration the number of the general 

 entries. As a whole, we find the sheep possess more uniformity of character, 

 liave not diminished in size, and still maintain the muscular proiwrtions and 

 consumable material which are themselves the natural properties of the 

 Shro])shire ; though we wish to remark that there were specimens exhibited 

 to whose character we take exception, and whose breeders we advise to exer- 

 cise a strict attention to type and colour. Class 96 consists of 61 entries, 

 and contains animals well calculated to perpetuate the prestige of the Shrop- 

 shire. But care must be taken to avoid selecting for sires the weaker types, 

 and most undefined specimens exhibited. Class 97. The sheep are, as a lot, 

 variable in type, size, and quality ; and our selections were confined to the 

 animals we considered most likely to reproduce true specimens of the breeds 



