THE CHRISTMAS SHOW OF CATTLE. 
5 
to adopt such of the newly-discovered scientific principles as had 
met with the sanction of competent judges and practical graziers. 
• The consequence of this overthrow of old prejudices is evident in 
the great number of new competitors from parts of the kingdom 
in which the idea of fattening an animal for the Smithfield Cattle 
Show had never before been entertained. 
The local agricultural associations, it must be confessed, have 
had no inconsiderable influence in promoting this spirit of emula- 
tion. Many members of these bodies, although good practical 
farmers, and thoroughly conversant with the treatment of stock, 
would have deemed it presumptuous to enter the lists against no- 
blemen and gentlemen of condition, were it not that at the meet- 
ings of the local associations they had been invited and stimulated 
to do so. 
The principal contributors to the present exhibition were Lord 
Spencer, president of the club, the Duke of Richmond, vice-pre- 
sident, the Duke of Bedford, the Earl of Warwick, Sir William 
Wake, Lord Western, the Earl of Hardwicke, the Earl of Radnor, 
Sir Charles Tempest, the Marquis of Exeter, the Duke of Man- 
chester, the Hon. W. Wilson, and Mr. Fisher Hobbs. 
The appearance of his Royal Highness Prince Albert as a com- 
petitor for prizes at this annual exhibition will not fail to raise the 
character of the Smithfield Club still higher in the estimation of 
the agricultural community. The Prince has been unsuccessful 
this year; but it should not be forgotten that his royal highness has 
only recently turned his attention to these practically useful pur- 
suits, and that this is the first time he has entered the field. His 
royal highness exhibited two Scotch oxen, and three Suffolk pigs, 
all of which were bred and fattened at his royal highness’s farm 
near Windsor, and under his own immediate superintendence. 
Although not considered by the judges entitled to prizes, the 
animals were much commended by all who saw them. These 
specimens attracted a great deal of curiosity throughout the day. 
There was never, perhaps, a fuller attendance of agriculturists 
in the metropolis on any similar occasion than at present. Besides 
the annual exhibition of the Smithfield Cattle Club, the Royal 
Agricultural Society of England held its soirees in Hanover- 
square : and Professor Brande delivered two lectures on the appli- 
cation of diemistry in connexion with agriculture, in the theatre 
of the Royal Society, Albemarle-street. The Farmers’ Club, re- 
cently established, also held its meetings at Radley’s Hotel, Bridge- 
street, Blackfriars. These friendly reunions are in every respect 
desirable, as they will necessarily tend to the diffusion of know- 
ledge upon various points essential to the well-being of that im- 
portant body- 
