682 Report of the Senior Steward of Implements at Preston. 
The Prize Schedule required a cock and three hens to be 
exhibited in each instance, if we except the Game, in which 
cocks were shown separately, and Ducks, Geese, and Turkeys, 
in which three birds constituted an entry. The entry fees 
were much lower than those charged for similarly high-class 
exhibitions, whereas the prizes were decidedly more liberal. 
The arrangement of the classes, although generally good, 
would be improved by the introduction of classes for Minorcas, 
La Fleche, Scotch Greys, Pekin Ducks, and fowls of a first 
cross suitable for the table. Divisions might also be made in 
the Cochin and Hamburg classes — the latter, although birds of 
feather, being among the best-known layers. Although July 
is an exceptionally bad month for a Poultry Show, the display 
was extremely good, many of the principal breeders in the 
country sending birds of very high merit. The best classes 
were the Dorking, Plymouth Rock, Hamburg, Brahma, and 
Game. Polish also were extremely good, but they are essen- 
tially ornamental poultry. Without doubt, the majority of the 
classes will in future be better represented, as breeders will 
make a point of producing birds especially for the Meeting. 
Mention should not be omitted of the very good arrangements 
for feeding and care of the birds, and of the ingenious water- 
fountain employed, I believe, for the first time. This was an 
inverted wine-bottle, beneath which was a metal pan, in which 
the water was kept unusually clean ; it could not be knocked 
over by the birds, whereas crested fowls were able to keep their 
crests perfectl}' dry. 
The year 1885 will be memorable from the installation of a 
Royal Show which, based upon the principle of utility, is 
certain to exert considerable influence upon the future history 
of Poultry Exhibitions. 
XXX. — Report of the Senior Steward of Implements at Preston. 
By the Hon. Cecil T. Pakker, Senior Steward. 
In beautiful weather the Show of 1885 was opened to the public 
on Tuesday, July 14th. The inhabitants had adorned their 
town with an immense display of bunting, and everything that 
was possible was done by them to make the Royal Agricultural 
Society's Show of 1885 a success, and in this they fully suc- 
ceeded. On the Friday and Saturday previous, the Working 
Dairy was opened for the practical examination of cheese- 
makers, who might be desirous of obtaining the Society's 
certificate of merit. 
I 
