558 Report of the Senior Steward of Live Stock at Reading. 
be proud : it is not too much to say that nothing approaching- 
it could be seen in the wide world. 
There was a large show of Sheep, and the Steward of that 
department (Mr. Turner) speaks in the highest terms of their 
general excellence ; the number of entries being 28 more than at 
Derby. The chief attractions were the Shropshires, Oxfordshires, 
and Southdowns. There were, we are glad to report, only two 
disqualifications for improper shearing — a result confirming the 
wisdom of the Council in continuing the inspection. The 
Steward of the Sheep complains of the manner in which some 
breeds are oiled, greased, and coloured, to the discomfort of 
those who desire " to keep clean hands." 
There was a large and excellent show of Pigs, many animals 
being of surpassing merit. I regret, however, to add that our 
eminent Veterinary Professors had several disqualifications to 
make as to age, while other practices were resorted to, which, 
to say the least, do not add to the respectability of the pig 
exhibitors. It was suggested by some that the Council should 
institute a rigorous inquiry in a few of the worst cases, at the 
homesteads of the exhibitors, and a report published ; by others, 
that the Council would do well to discontinue its show of pigs 
until a higher tone of morality obtained among pig exhibitors, 
their bailiffs, or herdsmen. Leniency in the past has failed ; it 
is therefore high time for the Council to take strong measures 
to stamp out such disreputable practices, or the honest exhibitor 
will retire from a contest in which he feels so unequally 
matched. 
The General Meeting of Members took place in the large 
marquee on the Tuesday. There was a very large attendance, 
accelerated, no doubt, by the downpour of rain which took 
place at the time appointed for the meeting, many gladly taking 
shelter. As at most public meetings in England, there were some 
grievances to be aired. The horse department of the Show was 
referred to, and suggestions were made for its improvement at 
future meetings. The amount of the sheep prizes, the position 
of Hereford cattle in the yard, together with the constitution of 
the Council, were all commented upon ; to all of which the 
President ably replied, promising that the suggestions should 
receive the best attention of the Council. The President-elect, 
his Grace the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, being introduced, 
had a most cordial and hearty reception, while the thanks of 
the members were warmly given to the President on his retire- 
ment from the office which he had filled with so much honour to 
himself and with such great service to the Society. Thus ended 
most satisfactorily the General Meeting of 1882. 
There were numerous complaints about the supply of refresh- 
