392 HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Of swine, there was a good show. First prizes, both 

 for large and small breeds, were won by R. E. Duckering, 

 Northorpe, and Messrs Wheeler & Sons, Long Compton ; 

 while Mr Beswicke-Royds, Pyke House, had a first prize for 

 the large breed. Poultry were also a fair show. 



For admission and for catalogues, there was drawn a 

 sum of ;^3i40 15s. 6d. 



This being the year of the Presidency of the Prince of 

 Wales, it was expected that His Royal Highness would be 

 Chairman of the dinner. Circumstances, however, pre- 

 vented His Royal Highness from attending not only the 

 show of the Society, but several other engagements at other 

 places. In the Prince's absence, the chair was taken by the 

 Earl of Dunmore, w^ho, in proposing the health of His Royal 

 Highness as President, referred to the interest which he took 

 in agriculture, and to the fact that he had sent some excel- 

 lent stock to the show all the way from his farm in Norfolk. 

 It was understood that the reason His Royal Highness was 

 prevented from being present at the show was the visit paid 

 to this country by the Czarewitch. At the dinner. Lord 

 Dunmore read the following letter from the Prince : — 



'Dear Dunmore, — As I understand yoii take the chair in my place at 

 the Royal Highland Society's dinner at Stirling on Wednesday next, I hope you 

 will take the opportunity of expressing in my name my great regret that, owing 

 to circumstances over which I have no control, it will not be in my power to 

 be present on that occasion. I shall be glad if you will also state the interest 

 I take in the success of the Society, and my earnest ho])e that I may be able to 

 take part in their proceedings some future year. 



' Believe me, very sincerely, 



'ALBERT EDWARD.' 



Sir William Stirling-Maxwell was croupier, and among 

 those present were : The Earl of Aberdeen, Sir James 

 Gardiner Baird, Bart., Sir W. J. Hope Johnstone, Sir W. C. 

 Bruce of Stenhouse, Sir Robert Menzies, Bart., Admiral 

 Sir A. Edmonstone, Bart., Lord Elphinstone. Sir Wm. S. 

 Maxwell had the honour of returning thanks for the Suc- 

 cessful Competitors. 



