592 Report on the Exhibition of Live Stock at Birmivgham. 
Class 128. — This we consider the best class in the Yard, containins eighteen 
entries of animals of superior quality. The first-pvize sow we consider a very 
superior nnimal, possessing the true type of a Berkshire pig. 
Class 129 contained nothing worthy except the prize-animals. 
Class 130. — A small entry, but the prize-animals were very sujierior indeed, 
the hair on them being of superior length and fine quality. 
Class 131. — A small entry, containing no animal of special merit. 
Class 132. — A small, moderate class. 
We are much pleased to find that fewer disqualifications occurred upon this 
than on some former occasions. 
We cannot conclude our Report without bearing our testimony to the good 
conduct of the herd.smen, who were most civil and obliging, and used the 
greatest exertion to show the different animals to the best advantage. 
From our Steward we received the greatest kindness, assistance, and courtesy. 
Joseph Smith. 
Mathew Walker. 
Augustus Wauduutox. 
Wool. 
A feature of great interest in the programme this year, which 
has not as yet received adequate support or excited anything like 
the amount of attention it deserves, is the exhibition of wool. 
In the improvement of flocks, and particularly in the selection 
of rams, securing a heavy-weight fleece is more thought of than 
the growth of wool of the best possible quality consistent with 
the capabilities of the particular breed considered best adapted 
to the farm or district. These are serious defects to which some 
of the highest bred flocks are liable, and they can only be 
detected and guarded against by critical examination. No one 
can peruse the appended Report without entertaining a higher 
appreciation of the utility of offering prizes for wool. The 
remarks on the advantage of growing wool free from grey, are 
particularly valuable. But the fleece is often affected by manage- 
ment, and there are a number of little details connected with 
clean-washing, the length of time which should elapse between 
washing and shearing, the preservation of wool in the yolk, 
proper sorting, packing, &c., which to a considerable extent are 
calculated to determine value. All these receiv'e elucidation in 
this competition. The following is the Report of the Judge of 
wool : — 
At the reqiicst of the Council I undertook the office of Judge of wool at tlic 
Birmingham meeting, and I have to report that in Class 133 — Six Long-ivovl 
Tec/ Fleeces — two lots only were entered for competition, hdt\\ of which 
belonged to the same exhibitor, Mr. Harris, of Stonylane House, ]5ronisgrovc, 
but they were entirely diiferent kinds — No. 1, ])ure Leicester ; No. 2, cross 
Leicester and Shropshire. No. 1 was what is technically called long-wool, 
but tliis kind beiu'j: at the present time little in demand, I awarded the fir.it 
prize to No. 2, being much more saleable. I am of opinion that it should 
liave been more clearly stated as to what long-wool was, whether pfire-bred 
Leicester, liincoln, or cross-bred, which might have induced more entries. 
Class 134. Six Shoii-wool Te<j Fleecis. — hi this class were thirteen com- 
