Report on the Exhibition of Live Stock at Cardiff. 399 
quickly fallen into the observance of rules thus inculcated, while 
their sheep stand as well as ever on the prize-list. I have the 
authority of Mr. Leeds, the Steward of Sheep, for saying that no 
duties could be more thoroughly or conscientiously discharged 
than those undertaken by the gentlemen who looked to the 
shearing, as there was not a sheep which escaped their examina- 
tion, let this arrive however late upon the ground. Subjoined 
is their official return : — 
The Inspectors ©f Shearing beg to rejx)!! the following numbers as failing to 
comply with the regulations : — 
No. 
Class 9i 997 
„ , f98 
„ 95 1019 
„ „ 1020 
„ 96 103G 
All the disqualified sheep were Shropshires. 
Pigs. 
Within the last few years, more particularly at Meetings 
in the South or the Midlands, some very noticeable improve- 
ment has been apparent in the breeding of the large white 
pigs. Your true Yorkshire pig was certainly an immense 
animal, but so terribly coarse as to be almost unsightly, if he did. 
not promise to be yet more decidedly unpalatable. Mainly, as 
it would seem, through the efforts of the Messrs. Duckering, 
and their pupils, the Messrs. Howard, a far better quality 
has been obtained, at no material sacrifice of size. The large 
breed is still large enough for all useful purposes, and some good 
illustrations of this w^ere shown at Cardiff. The small whites, or 
"Sol ways," — and now all of a family at Salford — were still 
better; while Mr. Sexton is as strong in blacks as Mr. Eden in 
whites. The Judges, however, in their elaborate Report depend 
on the Berkshires, as being throughout the best represented 
breed, and it is remarkable that during the summer these pigs 
have been taking a great lead ; and deservedly so, too, as for 
type, quality, frame, and coat, they are amongst the best-looking 
pigs out. The Report may be left to speak to their individual 
merits, at the same time it should be stated that some of the 
awards over the Berkshires were not liked, the first-prize sow 
being objected to as one of the plainest in the class ; and 
there is some warranty for this adverse criticism in the fact 
that, when shown at Wolverhampton last year, she was never 
noticed. However, let us now hear the Judges in answer : — 
We have great pleasure in making our Eeport of the Pig Classes for 1872, 
and consider them very good, more especially the Berkshires. 
