Farm-Prize Competition, 1880. 
511 
for them when young for breeding purposes. They generally go 
when about a twelvemonth old. The bad breeders or inferior 
milkers, »S:c., are fattened off, and about ten or a dozen cows are 
quitted fat annually. 
Dairy. — That these Shorthorns are by no means kept for show 
and breeding purposes alone is proved by the large dairy which 
is regularly maintained. The butter sold in 1879 made 282/. 
Mrs. Handley sells it herself at Kendal. Eggs and poultry in 
the same year to the amount of 30/. were disposed of, and these , 
three items of farm-produce generally pay the rent or thereabouts. 
Sheep. — A flock of Shropshires has been maintained by Mr. 
Handley for many years, and his successes with these at the 
local shows have been by no means few. On referring to the 
book mentioned before, I find that as early as 1861 he was in 
the prize list at Kendal, with some of his gimmers, and no sub- 
sequent year passed without numerous trophies from the neigh- 
bouring exhibitions ; but it is only with his Shorthorns that he 
has scored any national successes. The sheep have not gone 
farther from home than the neighbouring counties of Lancaster, 
York, and Cumberland. 
In 1871 some Leicesters appeared upon the scene, and since 
that time the two breeds have been kept up distinct upon the 
farm. Lately, however, the sheep, as far as exhibition purposes 
are concerned, have fallen in the rear, and have given place to 
Shorthorns. It will readily be understood how difficult, in Air. 
Handley's limited occupation, it would be to maintain both flock 
and herd in show condition, and Mr. Handley has probably exer- 
cised a wise discretion in concentrating his attention on the cattle. 
Since 1877 I find little mention of his sheep in the prize lists, 
though when I record the circumstance that his flock has taken 
159 firsts, 99 seconds, and 15 thirds, it is plain that Mr. Handley 
may rest on his laurels, and exclaim of them as of his herd — 
" Et niilitavi non sine gloria." 
There were 201 sheep at our winter visit, viz., 50 ewes and 
151 hoggets, gimmers, tups, &c. In July there were 182, viz. : 
41 Ewes. 
63 Lambs. 
19 Shearling rams. 
58 Shearlings, gimmers and wethers. 
1 Oxford ram. 
182 
It would be almost superfluous to say that the sheep were good 
of their sorts and that they were also healthy and well-con- 
