13 
Naturally the general arrangements were appreciated 
by the breeders of stock and other exhibitors, but the 
Show itself, though very large, was of unequal merit. 
There were some very fine animals, but the great majority 
were below the average, whilst many writers waxed 
humorous over the “improvements” needed in the new 
classes, and even questioned the utility of offering prizes 
for competition among breeds that were so poorly repre- 
sented. The Mark Lane Express, of December 15th, says 
in concluding its notice, ‘‘So ends our review of the 
biggest, and as far as quality is concerned, the poorest 
Show of Cattle the Smithfield Club has collected together.” 
But all this is equivalent to saying that the Club had 
still much work to do, to improve by emulation, com- 
parison, and better methods what could be improved, 
and eliminate what could not. The minutes of the sub- 
sequent years, which record so minutely the working of 
the Club, bear eloquent testimony to the infinite care and 
patience with which this was accomplished. 
At the General Meeting of the Club held at the time 
H.R.H. the Prince of Wales was elected a member. 
An important change in what may be termed the 
constitution of the Club was also proposed at this time, 
on the motion of Major-General the Hon. A. N. Hood— 
1st. That the management of the Smithfield Club be vested ina 
Council, consisting of the President, Vice-Presidents, Trustees, 
Hon. Secretary, and 24 members.” 
and. That one-third of the 24 members shall go out annually by 
rotation, and not be re-eligible for one year. 
3rd. That the Council shall prepare rules and regulations for the 
management of the Club, and shall submit them for con- 
sideration and adoption at a special general meeting of the 
Club in May, 1863. 
The proposed Bye Laws, as drafted by the Honorary 
Secretary, were subsequently discussed and agreed to. 
They set forth the general rules by which the proceedings 
were to be guided: such as the rules of election, the 
privileges of members, the powers of the Council, the 
duties of the officers, summoning and regulation of 
meetings, alterations of rules, management of finances, 
preparation of prize-sheets. The main and fundamental 
rule of all being, that it is a principle of the constitution 
of the Club to exclude from its meetings and proceedings 
all questions of a political tendency. 
* Stewards added 1865. 
