PREFACE. 



TT was intended to issue this History at the close of the 

 Centenary Show, but as the question of the incorporation 

 of the Club followed immediately after, it was thought better 

 to bring it up to the end of 1900, the year in which the 

 Smithfield Club ceased to exist under its old organization. 



In preparing the History free use has been made of the 

 historical notes and compilations published by the late Sir 

 13. T. Brandreth Gibbs, Honorary Secretary 1843 to 1885. 



The extracts from the minutes have been continued 

 and an index added. The statistical tables have also been 

 continued, and in some cases amplified. 



It is hoped that these alterations and additions, with 

 the illustrations which are now given, will make the work 

 useful and interesting to the Members of the Club, and to 

 others who take an interest in its operations. 



E. J. POWELL. 



December, 1902. 



