COUNTY OF CORK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 217 



for cattle premiums, ^^"140 for horses, ^35 for sheep, and £^i for swine. 

 The debt due at present by the Society is ;^350; but with the increase of 

 numbers and the subsidy above referred to, which it is hoped will be con- 

 tinued, the debt is likely to be wiped out this year. As the number of 

 thoroughbred herds of cattle in the south of Ireland has fallen off owing to 

 agricultural depression, the number exhibited at the April Show was not, 

 by any means, as numerous as might be expected in a pastoral district, 

 being fewer than at Dublin or even Belfast. Nevertheless, the exhibit of 

 pure-bred stock was a great improvement in respect of quality on the Shows 

 hitherto held. Under the stimulating influence of the Department of Agri- 

 culture, the Spring Show at Cork in future should rank among the best of 

 their kind. Owing to the offer of the Royal Dublin Society of six service 

 premiums of ;^50 each to the Cork Society, a record exhibit of stallions 

 took place, namely 31 thoroughbreds, 7 agricultural, and 3 half-bred sires. 

 These were notably mentioned by the English Judge as the best class he 

 had yet seen. 



With the capacious show ground, with large and commodious buildings, 

 and backed up wath a substantial grant from the Department of Agriculture 

 and the County Council, there can be little doubt but the Society will enter 

 upon a new career of usefulness. The local Societies newly formed at 

 Skibbereen, Clonakilty, and Mallow, as well as those in the adjoining 

 counties, should assist as feeders to the Cork Show, which should be the 

 4:hief one in the province. 



