560 Report on the Exhibition of Live Stock at Oxford. 
Southdown Sheep. 
la Class 80, Shearling Earns we consider fairly represented, and some good 
animals were shown, but not over an average. In Class 81, Sheep of any other 
age, we consider there were many remarkably good animals, and the whole 
class, with few exceptions, far above an average. Class 82, Shearling Ewes, 
was one of the best, and we consider it of extraordinary merit. 
Thomas Cooper, - 
Henry Fookes, 
Henry Lingar. 
Shropshiee Downs. 
This very useful class of sheep is fast gaining in popularity, 
and it is not surprising tliat it is so, for, in outline, they closely 
resemble the more aristocratic Southdown. They are hardy, 
sound, and prolific, and appear to flourish in all districts where 
they have been introduced. Numerically they were superior to 
any class exhibited, and this position they have held for some 
years at the Society's shows. Their value will, however, be much 
enhanced in public estimation when their breeders shall have 
accomplished the removal of that stain which has been so fre- 
quently and so forcibly pointed out of late years, viz., the want of 
uniformity in type and character ; for black, light, and speckled 
faces and legs are seen side by side, with close and open fleeces ; 
thus marring their otherwise good appearance. This should not 
be ; and if their breeders, as a class, desire to hold, as they may 
do, a foremost position, a " local parliament " of the most intelli- 
gent breeders should be called, to determine among themselves 
some standard or true type to aim at, and, once agreed, let no 
other be recognised ; then, and not until then, will the Shrop- 
shire Down hold its proper place as a distinctive and high-bred 
sheep. I entirely concur in the able and interesting report sent 
in by the Judges, and I would commend its careful perusal and 
consideration to all breeders of the class. 
Shearling Ram, Class 83. — Twenty-two entries. Mr. John 
Coxon, of Freeford, took first prize ; Mr. Mansell, of Adcott Hall, 
second prize, and commendation ; Mrs. Sarah Beach, of the Hat- 
tons, third prize and commendation ; Lord Chesham claimed 
the reserve number and two commendations ; Mr. R. Fenn, of 
Stonebrook House, Ludlow, was highly commended, and Mr. 
John Evans, of Uffington, got one high and two ordinary com- 
mendations. In this class the Judges report many sheep of great 
merit, possessing the attributes of the true Shropshire. 
Class 84, Ram of any other age. — Eighteen entries. Mr. 
John Evans, of Uffington, took first prize, Mrs. Beach second 
and third, Mr. Mansell and Mr. Baker each being highly com- 
