226 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



V. Recognition at exhibitions. 



(1) Shropshires first gained marked distinction at the 

 Royal Society's show at Gloucester in 1853 and again at Salis- 

 bury in 1857. 



(2) They were first recognized in the prize lists of the 

 said show in 1859. 



(3) In 1884, at the Royal show at Shrewsbury, 875 Shrop- 

 shires were on exhibition, or more than twice as many as were 

 brought forward of all the other breeds combined. 



VI. Distribution of Shropshires in Britain. 



(1) While the central home of the breed is Shropshire, 

 they are now bred numerously in more than half the counties 

 of England. 



(2) They are also bred in considerable numbers in several 

 counties in Scotland and Ireland. 



VII. Distribution in other countries. 



(1) Although not imported into the United States until 

 1855, they are now more numerous than any of the other 

 breeds, and are also more generally distributed over the Union. 



(2) Excellent flocks have also been established in Canada, 

 more especially in Ontario, where also they are more numerous 

 than any of the other pure breeds. 



(3) And they are foun^ in considerable numbers in vari- 

 ous countries in Europe anc the continent of South America. 



VIII. Organizations. 



(1) Shropshires are protected by breeders' associations 

 both in England and America, and registration is carefully 

 maintained in both countries. 



(2) The American Shropshire Registry Association was 

 organized in 1884, and at least two other associations some- 

 what local in character have since been organized. 



(3) The first volume of the American Shropshire Sheep 

 Record was published in 1889. 



IX. Distribution of Shropshires in the United 

 States and Canada. 



(1) They are now being recorded from 50 states and 

 provinces. 



(2) The leading centers of distribution are probably 

 Ontario, New York, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin, but 



(3) They are relatively quite numerous in all the central 

 states. 



