PREFACE. 
T was intended to issue this History at the close of the 
Centenary Show, but as the question of the incorporation 
of the Club followed immediately after, it was thought better 
to bring it up to the end of 1900, the year in which the 
Smithfield Club ceased to exist under its old organization. 
In preparing the History free use has been made of the 
historical notes and compilations published by the late Sir 
B. T. Brandreth Gibbs, Honorary Secretary 1843 to 1885. 
The extracts from the minutes have been continued 
and an index added. The statistical tables have also been 
continued, and in some cases amplified. 
It is hoped that these alterations and additions, with 
the illustrations which are now given, will make the work 
useful and interesting to the Members of the Club, and to 
others who take an interest in its operations. 
E. J. POWELL. 
December, 1902. 
