29 



The proprietors of the yard received the money for the admission of 

 the public, and paid the society 60 guineas. The proprietors had also 

 to furnish hay, straw, &c. 



Among the sheep shown were two horned, five years old, which had 

 been two years fattening, 22 months of the time on cake and corn. 



The cattle prizes were won by Herefords, Sussex, and Long-horns. 



The Judges suggested " that the'prizes for cake and corn-fed sheep 

 be discontinued, and the money offered for two distinct breeds of sheep, 

 viz. for clothing and carding-woolled sheep ; also that no sheep should 

 be shorn before showing." 



At the meeting of the Committee, Dec. i3th, 1800, the Duke of Bed- 

 ford first made the proposition of a new constitution of the society, 

 and " that it be formed into a permanent club, to consist of 50 members, 

 viz., the present Committee, together with Mr. Wilkes, of Measham, 

 the original proposer of the society, and 34 to be elected by ballot. 

 Annual subscription, one guinea." 



A guinea was paid this year to each successful candidate's servant 

 (nine in number). 



Distinct prizes were proposed for oxen, and for cows and heifers. 



It was considered " that if the cattle shown had not worked, then 

 early ripeness was a merit equally as in sheep." 



Two oxen were exhibited this year (1800) by His Majesty King 

 George III. 



Certificates of the animals produced by the owners to the Judges, 

 and examined by them. 



December i3th, resolved that no premium be given that shall not 

 have a condition annexed requiring dead weight of offal and quarters, 

 so as to ascertain the real and specific merits of the cattle and sheep 

 rewarded. 



" That the service of the Institution be to prove what breeds of cattle 

 give most food for man from given quantities of food for animals." 



The prizes offered this year varied in amount from 30 guineas down l8oi 

 to 10. There was a separate class for cows and heifers, and for long or 

 combing-woolled and for short or carding-woolled sheep ; also for the 

 best fat pig, not more than 6 months old. 



Exhibitors were required to state particularly the condition of the 

 flesh of the animals at the tune of putting to fatten. 



March 3Oth, 1801. The following were elected officers : 



President The Duke of Bedford. 



. Secretary Arthur Young, Esq. 



Stewards of the Show, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Ellman. 



It was determined to have five Judges for the entire show, and that 

 each member of the Club might suggest in writing the names of such 

 persons as he thought qualified to be Judges. 



A selection was made by the Committee, and the President and 

 Stewards ultimately appointe'd the Judges. 



Doubts were expressed relative to the ages of some of the pigs 

 exhibited this year, and it was stated it was a difficulty to get at breed, 

 the animals being so much crossed. 



It was recommended that in future, the state of the flesh of the 

 animals when put up to fatten be attested in the certificates by two 

 respectable persons. 



The number of members of the Club was now extended to 65. 



