588 Report on the Exldbition of Live-Stock at Derby. 
The Yi-arliiir] Bam Class, numbering 86 entries, contained fewer inferior 
animals than in any previous year. The 38 rams selected by us did great 
credit to the breeJers, although we failed to find an animal of extraordinary 
me it. 
The Aged Bams, numbering 25, were perhaps the best specimens of true 
Shropshires ever brought together at any exhibition, which our numerous 
commendations will testify. 
Yeaiiiiifj Ewes. — This grand class, containing 160 ewes, was the admiration 
of not only ourselves, but also of the public. No 1 i)en were very true in 
character, and of beautiful form. Mr. Graham's noble pen of ewes, which 
were placed sccoud, were everything that could be desired in form and general 
outline, but failed to show that true cliaracter of tlie Shropshire so necessary 
to be placed first ia so severe a comjietition. Third and fourth, and also 
the reserved number, were true Shro[isiiires of great merit. 
Breeding Eives. — The 60 breeding ewes exhibited were fair specimens, 
with great scale .so desirable in a female, but they did not possess that beautiful 
type of character shown in the previous class. 
John Coxon. 
John Evans. 
SOUTHDOWNS 
Were a capital and interesting collection, to which the noted 
exhibitors contributed. This is the fashionable breed par excel- 
lence, and that which men of high degree delight to keep. 
It is true that more mutton and wool are obtained from 
larger kinds of sheep ; but quality compensates in a degree for 
quantity, and it is found that many shrewd practical men stick 
closely to their Southdown flocks. Southdown mutton is always 
in demand at better prices than can be obtained for any other 
kind, and especially in the neighbourhood of watering-places, 
where small joints are preferred, and visitors do not mind what 
price they pay. Only a few years ago the faces of Southdowns 
were much darker than those of the animals shown at Derby 
and recent Shows. They are reverting more in their features 
to their original colour, which was grey, or speckled grey. 
Sussex Southdowns, perhaps, were lighter faced always than 
those in other districts ; but it appears that the faces of all the 
flocks are being gradually made of an uniform grey tinge. Very 
pleasant it was to find our "familiar friend " Mr. Rigden at the 
head of the list in a good well-filled class of Shearlings, with 
Nos. 982 and 984, beating the Merton and the Goodwood entries, 
and those of Mr. Colman, less known to fame. Also to note his 
symmetrical three-year-old. No. 1017, first at Tunbridge Wells in 
a good class, which was placed between the Duke of Richmond's 
and Lord Walsingham's sheep. Mr. Rigden did not show any 
ewes, and the prizes went to a good pen from Mr. Colman, and a 
pen of ewes, with backs as level and as smooth as a lawn, hailing 
from Merton. The remark of the Judges that this breed was 
well represented at Derby was generally endorsed by the visitors. 
