CHAPTER XX. 



DEFINITION OF BREEDS OF CATTLE AND SHEEP. 



In the year 1834 the Society seem to have had their 

 attention specially called to the growing importance of 

 the general shows of live stock. As we have seen, these 

 shows, when begun, were exclusively open for fat stock. 

 It has been noticed how tentatively the Society had given 

 premiums for breeding stock. Gradually the prizes for 

 store stock increased in number, but the classes of stock for 

 which they were offered were by no means well defined. 

 They varied very much according as particular objects 

 appeared to be in view. It was felt, however, that it was 

 necessary to lay down certain principles for future guid- 

 ance, as it was yearly perceived that the exhibitions of the 

 Society were exerting increasing influence on the character 

 of the stock bred in the countr)-. It was, accordingly, 

 remitted to a committee to consider the subject 'of the 

 general shows of live stock, and the arrangements which it 

 may be expedient for the Society hereafter to establish with 

 reference to these meetings.' The committee presented 

 their report on the 30th January 1835. The document is 

 alike remarkable and useful. It illustrates the state of 

 opinion of the agricultural mind in the country with reference 

 to the different breeds of cattle. We print, and we think 

 that agriculturists will be glad to have, the greater part of 

 the document itself, as the very phraseology is of signifi- 

 cance, particularly, it will be seen, where the committee 

 appear to use grudgingly the phrase, ' breed of cattle,' 

 as if doubtful whether classes of stock were really to be 

 regarded as entitled to be designated as separate breeds. 

 The following is the chief portion of the report : 



' These shows have now become a powerful instrument 



