11 



Sydenham, but that which received most favour and which 

 was recommended by the Committee was the suggestion 

 of Mr. John Giblett, that a Company be formed to 

 provide a suitable hall. They recommended that if this 

 was done, and adequate terms offered to the Club, the 

 Exhibition and Annual Show of the Club should be leased 

 to them for a term not exceeding twenty-one years. This 

 led to the issue of a preliminary prospectus of the proposed 

 Agricultural Hall Company, with Mr. Jonas Webb as 

 Chairman, and in the same year (1860) it was resolved that 

 the scheme be carried out the Company undertaking to 

 erect a suitable building on a selected site in Islington, to 

 make all suitable arrangements, and to pay the Club 1,000 

 per annum ; the Club agreeing to lease their exhibition for 

 a term not exceeding twenty-one years, commencing in 

 1862. The site chosen was that known as " Dixon's 

 Lairs," Islington. 



In the same year the President, the Duke of Richmond, 

 died, and at the meeting of the Club it was resolved 



" That this meeting desires to record its deep regret at the 

 irreparable loss the Club has sustained by the decease of its 

 late President, His Grace the Duke of Richmond, K.G., who 

 has, during a number of years, given the greatest attention to 

 further its objects, and promote its prosperity." 



His Grace had taken charge of the Club's affairs when its 

 success was practically assured, but he had done much in 

 maintaining and increasing its position. His name will 

 always be associated with that of Earl Spencer, as one of 

 the two men whose personality influenced the Club and 

 swayed its counsels most during the second great period of 

 its existence. 



With the death of what may be termed the last 

 permanent President, it was resolved that in future the 

 holder of the office should be elected for the term of one 

 year, and not be eligible for re-election for the term of three 

 years. The Right Hon. Lord Berners, elected President 

 for 1861, became the first of the Annual Presidents. 



The remainder of the stay at Baker Street was taken 

 up by the ordinary work of the Club and, preparations 

 for the removal into larger quarters. Among other 

 things, the prize sheets were re-arranged, fresh divisions 

 and classes added, this latter, in the year the Show was 

 held under its new conditions, being further increased 

 by another 600. 



