154 The Shrewshuri/ Show, 1914. 



[Coniiiuied Xnnii piiye 151.] 



always a number of black sheep, a gi-eater proportion probably 

 than in any other breed, although it has never been the 

 custom to keep black rams. From time immemorial the 

 wool of the black sheep has been kept separately, for the 

 purpose of making the brown or "Cochddu" tweed, which 

 was the common wear amongst the old Welsh farmers, and 

 was also used for making worsted for the brown stockings 

 that were worn with it. About forty years ag«) the late 

 W. E. Oakeley, of Plas, Tanybwlch, started a flock of 

 black sheep, and since then many other flocks have come 

 into existence. The black colour appears to be more prepotent 

 than the white, for it is found that in crossing black and white, 

 either way, at least 75 per cent, of the lambs are black. From 

 this it would almost appear that the original colour of the 

 sheep was black or brown, and it is a remarkable fact that 

 the white mountain lambs generally have a patch of brown 

 wool at the back of the head, which disappears with age. 

 This is probably a reversion to the original type. With the 

 exception of their colour there is no difiierence between the 

 black and the white sheep, the points being the same, and 

 the one is quite as hardy as the other. 



These black sheep are now becoming very fashionable as 

 park sheep as they are very ornamental and have a great 

 advantage over white in districts that are at all affected by 

 smoke, and there is something very attractive in their wild 

 appearance and bright and prominent brown eyes. 



The tweed made from the undyed wool has a most pleasing 

 and distinctive appearance. 



The third Shrewsbury Show may truly be said to have been 

 a "country meeting," and the Local Committee are to be 

 congratulated upon the success of their efforts to provide a 

 satisfactory Showground. 



The Mayor was indefatigable in his efforts to carry out the 

 necessary arrangements, and was al)ly assisted, firstly, by Mr. 

 H. C. Clarke, and secondly, by Mr. Prideaux, as Town Clerk. 



The Local Committee were fortunate in having as their 

 Chairman Sir J. B. Bowen-Jones, Bart., and Members who, like 

 himself, had had the experience of the Society's requirements 

 on the occasion of the previous visit to Shrewsbury in 1884. 



As one of the Honorary Secretaries, Mr. Alfred Mansell ren- 

 dered invaluable services to the Society in respect of the several 

 arrangements connected with the Showyard, and was ably 

 assisted by the Secretary to the Local Committee, Mr. Edward 

 Clothier. 



Thos. MoRow. 



16 Bedford Square, 



London, W.C. 



