A HISTORY OF SUSSEX 



and the lambs, which are also shown in pens of nine, are not allowed to 

 be drawn from the flock till a week prior to the show, and are not trimmed 

 for show until drawn. It is also stipulated that the sheep in these classes are 

 not to be fed differently from the rest of the flock from which they are drawn. 

 Somewhat similar rules are in force as to the feeding of cattle, but a difficulty 

 comes in here, as cattle are sent on from the other shows where, unfortunately, 

 no restrictions are in force, and the Sussex Society finds it difficult to fight 

 against the prevailing fashion, which acknowledges ' that fat covers many 

 faults.' 



It is maintained by this society that to show breeding animals in their 

 natural state is only common sense, and is far better for the animals them- 

 selves and their breeders, and it is only by having rules such as these that the 

 ordinary tenant farmer can afford to compete with the rich owner, who feeds 

 regardless of expense. Southdowns are the only sheep shown, unless the 

 society visits the extreme east of the county, when prizes are also offered for 

 Romney Marsh sheep. Various breeds of cattle are represented, such as 

 Sussex, Jersey, Guernsey, Aberdeen Angus, dairy cattle, and Shorthorn bulls ; 

 also agricultural horses, hunters, hackneys, and thoroughbred stallions. There 

 are also classes for poultry, butter, &c., and a working dairy is a feature. 



Classes are divided, part of these are open to Sussex exhibitors only, 

 whilst others are thrown open to the United Kingdom. 



The great features of the show are naturally Southdown sheep and 

 Sussex cattle. The show of Jerseys is, as a rule, one of the best in the 

 kingdom, whilst hunters usually form very strong classes. 



The society has done a very good work in the county. Agricultural 

 horses, cattle, and sheep have certainly improved during the twenty years in 

 which the society has been at work, and that this has been the case is in the 

 opinion of many owing to these shows having been held in different parts of 

 the county. It is an undoubted fact that at the show itself the quality of the 

 animals shown has enormously improved. 



An old-established and very successful show is held annually at Tun- 

 bridge Wells, but this can hardly be called a Sussex show. Arundel now has 

 an annual agricultural show, and there are several horse shows in various parts 

 of the county ; these last, however, are hardly agricultural shows. 



Agriculture in Sussex, as in other counties, has seen changes, and 

 farmers have had to adapt themselves to circumstances ; but perhaps the 

 greatest change in country life in Sussex has been the growth in building. 

 Not only have the large towns on its coast increased enormously, but its 

 splendid climate, beautiful scenery, and easy access to London, have made it 

 one of the most favourite residential counties. Houses now fringe the road 

 a great part of the way from London to Brighton. On this road are populous 

 places, such as Three Bridges, Hayward's Heath, Wivelsfield, Burgess Hill, 

 and Hassocks. It looks as if London in course of time would reach Brighton. 

 Again, in entirely rural districts, formerly a terra incognita to strangers, the 

 bicycle and motor-car have brought visitors in search of beautiful scenery. 



In these districts properties are divided, houses spring up, and Sussex, 

 once but little known save in its seaside towns, now boasts a large and 

 increasing population who, perhaps, help agriculture in a way, but certainly 

 do something to oust it from its pride of place. 



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