642 Report on the Exhibition of Live-Stock at Shrewshurij, 1884. 
Class 54. — In this class there was a small competition ; but there were some 
two or three splendid animals. 
Class 55. — Only one entry put in an appearance, and these animals were 
of an indifterent character ; and there was some hesitation as to giving them 
the first prize. 
Class 56. — There was greater competition in this class, and many of the 
animals were of really good Shorthorn type. 
Class 57. — There was also good competition in this class, and the prize 
animals were of a very promising character. 
Class 58. — Tliere were five entries in this class ; but, beyond the prize 
animals, there was nothing of any especial merit. 
We would wish to express our best thanks to the Steward of this depart- 
ment for the very able assistance he rendered us in the performance of our 
duties. 
Charles Howard. 
John Thompson. 
John Wood. 
Herefords. 
A most satisfactory show of Herefords as regards the quality 
of the cattle, and so extensive that even the Shorthorn entries 
did not reach more than three-fourths of the number of the 
Hereford entries — the numbers being 144 Herefords, against 
108 Shorthorns — proved decisively the abundance and excel- 
lence of what may be called the raw material, that is, the pure- 
bred Hereford stock of the country as it is kept in the ordinary 
course of farming. Until about the present time the capabilities 
of the breed have been exemplified chiefly by the magnificent 
steers and oxen, with occasionally a prime heifer or a marvel- 
lously massive cow at the Fat-stock Shows, and by animals 
specially prepared for a " starring " tour, to go the round of 
a few of the Shows of " breeding " cattle — the Royal Agricul- 
tural Society's, of course ; the Bath and West of England always, 
and those county and local Shows where Herefords most do 
congregate. One after another, many of these " stars " have 
dropped out of our system, and the prompt supply of others of 
equal magnitude to appear in their stead is one of the great 
evidences of the ample resources that the Hereford breeders 
have at hand, and of the earnest determination of the breeders 
themselves to keep the Hereford creditably represented in the 
Showyard. Within the last five years the Hereford herds of 
England and Wales have been thinned, by large purchases 
for exportation to Canada, the United States, South America, 
Jamaica and other parts of the world. Ireland also has helped 
to meet the demand, and cattle purchased in the sister island 
have joined the selections in England and Wales at the port of 
shipment. Of many of these exports particulars have been 
published ; but in some cases, cither from indifference, or from 
desire on the part of buyer or seller to avoid publicity, no 
