exhibited at the Society's Meeting, 1882. 
593 
Two pens of the DevonsMre Horned Sheep were sent by Lord 
Poltimore ; but no pen appeared of the pink-nosed Dorsets, which 
probably represent a specially selected and developed outgrowth 
of this most useful old breed. And, in spite of the absentees, and 
of the most objectionable practices on the part of some of the 
keepers of the pens which came, there was no department at 
Reading of more cheering import than the Sheep Classes. 
These told that the rot of 1879-80-81, which ruined hundreds 
of farmers, has not also ruined the breeds of sheep of this 
country. Sheep are now as good as ever in quality, if fewer 
in number. It is a sad pity that some of those who once owned 
the flocks cannot be as easily restored to the positions which 
they once held, as have been the sheep themselves. 
Beport of the Judges of Hampshire Down and other ShorticooUed Sheep. 
Class 111. — Badlv represented ; two good sheep. First prize, a remarkably 
good sheep, plenty of length, symmetry, and good wool. Second prize, also 
a good sheep, with good coat and quality. 
Class 112. — Badly represented ; only one good sheep, and that was dis- 
qualified from a disease. 
Class 113. — Xot largely represented ; only o entries, one disqualified ; but a 
very good class. First-prize lot a superior pen of ewes. 
Class Hi — A good entry ; general good class ; and mostly of very superior 
quality. 
Class 115. — A very superior class ; of good quality and well represented ; 
the best class of all. 
JoH^ G. KrsG. 
F. BCDD. 
Beport of the Inspectors of Shearing. 
We have completed our inspection this mominj, and would recommend 
that Xo. 835 (Class 88), No. 1117 (Class 107), Xo. 1231 (Class 113) be 
disqualified. 
T 7 lAJi 1QOO James E. Eawlexce. 
July lOih, 1882. J B WoKKiiAX. 
PIGS. 
The ingenuous rustic (if such a being still survives) who 
should pass from the pens of sheep to those of swine, would 
find himself sorely puzzled to determine where wool ends 
and hair begins ; and where the line is drawn, by the Judges, 
bv which thev determine what amount of fraud shall con- 
stitute disqualification. Some of the small breed of White 
Pigs have a coat so curly and shiny that it might almost pass 
for a lustre-fleece ; but whereas sheep are tolerated when tinted 
with every hue of the rainbow, a Berkshire pig was turned out 
of the prize-list because the white tip to his tail was artificially 
produced. As it would seem, water-colours are admissible, but 
not paintings in oil. As the matter looks now, the toleration 
VOL, XVIII. — S. S. 2 Q 
