Smithfield Club. 271 
was afterwards discussed at some meetings of the society *,— 
In May, an essay was read on thenature of style, and the causes 
of its diversity, by Mr. W, Turner, jun.—In August, Mr. G. 
Gray gave an account of some experiments on the root of 
the crocus vernus, as a substitute for wheat flour, and pre- 
sented some specimens of bread made from that substance. 
——In September, Mr. Turner read a sketch of the history 
of the society from its first establishment to the end of its 
twelfth year, which was ordered to be printed, as an intro- 
duction to anew catalogue now preparing of the books, 
philosophical apparatus, and other property belonging to 
the society.—At the November meeting was read a memoir, 
by Dr. Fenwick, on the life, character, and professional 
merits of the late Dr. Clarke, a worthy and zealous asso- 
ciate of this useful body.—In Dec. Mr. Turner read an 
outline of the lectures on optics and astronomy proposed to 
be delivered in the early part of 1806, in the new institu- 
tion, established under the patronage of the society. At the 
January meeting he communicated several improvements in 
arts, manufactures, and’ agriculture, with which he had 
been favoured by an ingenious correspondent : and in Feb. 
a letter inclosing a copy of the preliminary discourse deli- 
vered to the society of antiquaries at Perth, by their presi- 
dent, 
SMITHFIELD CLUB. 
This club, which was instituted in 1798 for encouraging 
the economic feeding of animals of the best kinds for the 
London markets, at their Jate mectings, during the show of 
fat cattle, have determined on a material alteration of their 
premiums for oxen or steers, in consequence of the Here- 
ford breed of those animals having of late years-carried off 
so large a portion of the six prizes annually given for the 
best oxen of different weights. &c. without distinction of 
breeds, as probably to discourage other valuable breeds : for 
the ensuing year six prizes, of 20 guineas each, are offered 
for oxen or steers of the weight of 120 stone or upwards, of 
cach of the following breeds, viz. Hereford, long -horneil, 
* This essay, we understand, will be published very soon. 
short. 
