582 Report on the Exhibition of Live Stock at Birmingham. 
without losing the beauty of their sweetly moulded forms and 
that rare quality for which they have always been so highly dis- 
tinguished. When these animals are removed from their native 
hills to better pastures, they naturally develop larger frames, but 
not always devoid of coarseness. The late Jonas Webb was the 
first to bring this grander form to such a high stage of perfec- 
tion in rare quality, combined with great size, that Showyard 
honours were won by him in competition with the best of the 
Sussex breeders. Lord Walsingham, by adopting similar tactics, 
has produced some magnificent sheep of exquisite beautv, but of 
stouter build and more substance than are to be found in the native 
Sussex flocks. All his prize-rams owe descent to " Royal Alan- 
chester," who had a high reserve placed on him at the Alerton 
sale in 1871, and fortunately was not disposed of in consequence. 
The extraordinary character of that celebrated prize-sire, and 
the marvellous results of his employment since then in the 
Merton flock, fully justify the confidence reposed in high breeding 
and the principle that " like produces like." He was never used 
elsewhere ; and if Lord Walsingham's prize-winners exemplify 
an elegance of form which cannot be surpassed, combined with 
high quality and size, the superiority may be attributed to the 
impress of " Royal ^lanchester." 
There were twenty-six entries in the shearling ram class, and 
even the Sussex breeders brought their sheep larger than they have 
been accustomed to do, so that there was a noticeable uniformity 
in this particular, which it will be seen the Judges remark on 
in terms of commendation. Lord Walsingham exhibited six, 
all bearing a strong family likeness in magnificent contour, with 
enlargement of frame, nice character and quality, and very prime 
legs of mutton. These took the first two prizes, two high com- 
mendations, and the Reserve. The first-prize one is very perfect 
indeed, and is to be retained for service in the jNIerton flock, for 
Lord Walsingham always adopts the excellent principle of keep- 
ing his best at home, whatever tempting offers may be made him 
to part with them. Sir N. W. Throckmorton exhibited two 
superior shearlings, to one of whom third prize was awarded, 
and to the other a commendation. The Duke of Richmond's 
beautiful specimens from Goodwood were commended, an honour 
also bestowed on one of the largest Southdown shearlings ever 
shown, belonging to ^lessrs. Hcasman, of Angmerijig. Alto- 
gether the Judges noticed nine, which sufliciently proves how 
high the class commended itself to their estimation. 
The older rams were to the number of seventeen entries, and 
exemplified very fully the same notable features of high quality 
in beautiful forms. Lord Walsingham received the first and 
third prizes and also the Reserve with splendid specimens — the 
