18 
these returns were made, and, in some cases, they were 
finally withheld, in consequence of non-compliance with this 
rule. Another plan was tried in 1806, when Lord Somerville 
and Mr. J. King were appointed inspectors of dead weights, 
but this was eventually abandoned; and again, in 1837, the 
Honorary Secretary undertook to inspect the weighing ; 
but such difficulties occurred, and the accounts furnished in 
later years by the butchers were so unsatisfactory, that in 
1847 the collection of the dead weight returns was entirely 
abandoned. It was revived in 1871, but, although every 
means were taken to ensure accurate returns, these were 
found to be so unsatisfactory that the collection and 
publication of them were abandoned in 1876. 
At a meeting of the Council, in February, 1886, the 
offer of prizes for carcases of meat was again suggested, and 
a committee appointed to consider and report. For various 
reasons, the chief of which was the want of a building 
suitable for the purpose, this question of a ‘block test” 
was found to be impracticable, and again in 1893, when the 
question was revived—the difficulties in the way of properly 
carrying out the scheme through want of space, and the 
impossibility of slaughtering the animals at the Hall, 
proved insuperable. 
On the completion of the new Hall already referred to, 
it was resolved to institute special slaughter classes at the 
1895 Show, viz. two classes for steers, and for long-woolled, 
and short-woolled wether sheep, four classes in all. The 
animals to be exhibited alive on the Monday, slaughtered 
the same night at the Metropolitan Cattle Market, and the 
carcases returned to the Hall on Wednesday morning for 
judging, exhibition, and sale. This new departure is well 
supported, and has proved an interesting feature of the 
Club’s exhibition. For the centenary year, additional classes 
were added, the interest in this department of the 
Show being materially increased. 
Here it may be stated that particulars relating to the 
different breeds, the judging and other regulations, prizes, 
etc., with many other matters which have ruled from time 
to time, have not been dwelt upon in this sketch, partly 
from a desire not to break its continuity, and partly because 
the information will be found in the minutes of the Club’s 
proceedings, which have been brought up to date, an index 
to which is also given, and in the different tables and 
appendices which complete this volume. Reference, 
however, may be made to the fact that in the earlier 
