35 



Dec. 6th, 1821. A letter was received from the Duke of Bedford, 182! 

 stating his determination to withdraw from the Club, and to discon- 

 tinue the " Bedfordian " prizes ; and expressing his opinion that : 



" The advantages which, on the first formation of the institution, 

 we held out to the public have been amply realized, and that 

 any further incentive to improve the breeds of cattle, sheep, and 

 swine is become wholly useless." 



" The only object was to increase the animal production of the 

 kingdom, and this object has been fully attained. The markets 

 ot the metropolis and throughout the kingdom are abundantly 

 supplied ; the best and most profitable breeds of cattle and sheep 

 have been brought into notice, and have made rapid and extra- 

 ordinary progress in the estimation of the breeder and grazier." 



It was, however, unanimously resolved by the meeting of the mem- 

 bers, after considerable deliberation, " that the Club ought to continue 

 and receive the utmost support from its members." 



Sir John Sebright, Bart., was requested to become President, but 

 declined. 



Resolved, that in future an exhibitor be entitled to win in the same 

 class two consecutive years, provided he be both breeder and feeder. 



Lord Strathaven, a Vice-President, died. 



The Judges declared this to be one of the best shows they ever 1 82 2 

 witnessed. 



The Club was without a President. 



The Duchess of Rutland became a member. o 



Resolved, that in future the prizes be in cash or plate, the same as ] 3 



previous to 1814. 



That in future the restrictions as to an exhibitor not winning in the 



same class two consecutive years, unless he be both breeder and feeder, 



be abolished. 



That in future there be two classes for cows viz. one for fattened 1824 

 dairy cows, which have calved at their full time twice at least, and 

 have given fair proportions of milk. The other class for cows or 

 heifers (not spayed) which may not be eligible for the above class. 



N.B. From the Prize Sheet for 1824, it appears that exhibitors 

 sending two beasts of the same class had to select which of the two 

 should compete for the prize. 



Viscount Althorp (afterwards Earl Spencer), was elected the 1825 

 President of the Club. 



There was a sweepstake between three Herefords, belonging to the 

 Duke of Bedford, and three Durhams, belonging to the Rt. Hon. 

 Charles Arbuthnot ; won by the Herefords. 



Resolved, that "no motion, having for its object either the dissolu- 

 tion of the Club, or materially altering its constitution," should be 

 taken into consideration until a copy had been sent to each member, 



