Second best, £2 10s., Mr. Thomas Pope, Horningsham, bier Parry, Esq., £4, Mr. Wm. Hewer, Sevenhampton, near CROSS BREED. For the best five breeding theaves, not more than 23 months old, £5, Mr. William Hemming, Coldicott, near Moreton-inMarsh. Second best, £2 10s., Mr. John King Tombs, Langford, Lechlade. FAT SHEEP.-LONG WOOL. For the best three shearhogs not more than 23 months old, £5, to Mr. William Hewer, Sevenhampton, near Highworth. Second best, £2 10s, to the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. For the best five wether tegs not more than 11 months old, £5, Mr. James Newman, Calmsden, Cirencester. Commended.-Mr. Edward Bowly. For the best thrce sow pigs of the same litter under 4 months old, the gift of T. B. Lloyed, Esq., £4, Mr. J. H. Elwes, Colesbourne Park, Cirencester. The whole of this class commended. For the best sow pig for breeding purposes, the gift of J. H. Elwes, Esq., £3, Mr. Wm. Hewer, Sevenhampton, near Highworth. For the best sow and pigs her own produce, the pigs under 10 weeks old, £3, Sir Robt. G. Throckmorton, Bart., Buckland, Faringdon. HORSES. For the best mare and foal (her own offspring) for agriculFor the best three fat ewes, £5, Mr. George Fletcher, Ship-tural purposes, £8, Mr. Henry Baily, Wallgaston, near Berketon, near Andoversford. ley. Second best, £4, Mr. Edward Holland, M.P., Dumbleton Hall, Evesham. Commended-Mr. Samuel Bidmead. For the best stallion, for agricultural purposes, above 2 years old, £10, Mr. William Edmonds, Wroughton, near Swindon. For the best filly, for agricultural purposes, under 3 years old, the gift of Robert Gordon, Esq., £5, Mr. William Smith, Bibury. Second best, £3, Earl of Radnor. Commended-Mr. Richard Waine. RUTLAND AGRICULTURAL MEETING. Famous as the agriculturists of Rutland have been for the last 26 years for their exhibition of stock in the Riding House at Oakham, it is questionable whether a more splendid show of cattle of all kinds ever graced that building than took place at the anniversary on Wednesday, Dec. 2. It was acknowledged by many who have attended these gatherings for a number of years that a finer array of stock, both in regard to numbers and quality, was never seen in this county: so meritorious in every respect was the exhibition, that to say more in general praise would only detract from the excellence of what might be justly termed a "little Smithfield." If we may venture, however, to notice individual claims, the first-class steer shown by Mr. Wortley, of Ridlington, and which took the prize of 15 Sovs., was generally acknowledged to be a fine specimen. Mr. Wortley was very successful this year, having taken four prizes in this department. The second prize ox shown by Mr. Lyun, of Stroxton, also attracted considerable notice. In class 2 the prize ox, 3 years and 9 months old, shown by the Marquis of Exeter, came in for its share of well-deserved admiration. It is intended to exhibit this beautiful animal at Leicester and Smithfield. Next in order stood (in class 3) a first-rate steer shown by R. W. Baker, Esq, of Cottesmore; this animal, although small, was perfect in every respect, and met with a very large share of commendation from practical men. A oneyear-and-nine-months-old heifer, in extra stock, belonging to C. O. Eaton, Esq, was a first-rate animal, and obtained the silver medal given by the Duke of Rutland. There was a large show of sheep, and in these classes a spirited competition took place between Mr. C. J. Bradshaw, of Burley, and Mr. Wortley the former, however, seems to have inherited the spirit of his father, who for a number of years figured so conspicuously and successfully in this department at Rutland and elsewhere. On the present occasion Mr. Bradshaw, jun., carried off four first prizes and one second prize; Mr. Wortley obtained second prizes in three classes. The most extraordinary specimen in the show was a Leicester ewe (bred by Mr. R. L. Bradshaw, and exhibited by his son), which competed for the silver medal offered by the tradesmen of Oakham; this animal was acknowledged to be the best ewe that has been seen at any of these shows: it will be entered for competition at Smithfield, and will, we think, be a match for any one of its kind that can be taken to the metropolis. In the same class was a ewe, 13 years and 8 months old, exhibited by Mr. T. Swingler, of Langham; this, considering its great age, was allowed to be a first-rate specimen. There was a large number of hunters for the premium given by the Marquis of Exeter, but nothing to call for particular notice was exhibited. The show of pigs was limited, but the animals were of a superior kind; one, a year and three months old, exhibited by R. W. Baker, Esq., as extra stock, was a perfect specimen of the porcine breed, and was highly commended, In the root-crop department the increase of prizes brought a corresponding increase in the number of competitors. Some first-rate turnips, mangolds, and cabbages, were shown outside the gates. The first prize in class 8 was awarded to the Hon. Col. Lowther; and Messrs. Painter, of Burley, carried off the silver cup given by the Hon. G. J. Noel, M.P., for swedish turnips in quantities of not less than ten acres. During the morning a large number visited the Ridinghouse. A good sum was taken at the doors. Amongst the company we noticed Lord Aveland, Viscount Campden, the Hon. Col. Lowther and Miss Lowther, the Hon. G. J. Noel, M.P., the Hon. G. H. Heathcote, M.P., Geo. Finch, Esq, Gen. Fludyer, R. W. and W. H. Baker, Esqs., Jno. Eagleton, Esq., the Rev. H. Fludyer, Rev. Wm. Jackson, Rev. T. Davidson, &c., &c. THE JUDGES. STOCK.-Thomas Townsend, Esq., Ilmorton-hall, Warwickshire; Chas. Bosworth, Esq., Dishley, Leicestershire; R. B. Richardson, Esq., West Firsby, Lincolnshire. HUNTING HORSES.-S. Hunt, Esq.; W. W. Tailby, Esq.; W. A. Pochin, Esq. VEGETABLES-Mr. R. Ward, Harringworth; Mr. J. Grimes, Pickworth; Mr. J. Linney, Thistleton. AWARD OF PREMIUMS. Oxen or steers, of any breed or weight, under five years of age. Open to all England. First prize, £15, to Mr. E. Wortley, of Ridlington; second, £7, to Mr. R. Lynn, of Stroxton; W. De Capell Brooke, Esq., and Mr. R. Jones commended. Oxen or steers, of any breed or weight, under four years of age. First prize, £10, to the Most Noble the Marquis of Exeter, K.G.; second, £5, W. De Capell Brooke, Esq., of Geddington-grange. Cows or heifers, of any breed, age, or weight. Open to all England. First prize, £10, to R. W. Baker, Esq., of Cottesmore; second, £5, to Mr. E. Wortley, of Ridlington; W. De Capell Brooke, Esq., and Sir Thos. Whichcote, Bart., commended. To the owner, being a tenant farmer, of the best steer, under three years of age. First prize, £7, to Mr. Thos. Swingler, of Langham; second, £3, to Mr. E. Wortley, of Ridlington. To the owner, being a tenant farmer, of the best steer, under two years of age. First prize, £5, to Mr. R. Lynn, of Stroxton; second, £3, to R. W. Baker, Esq., of Cottesmore. To the owner, being a tenant farmer, of the best heifer, above two and under three years of age. First prize, £6, to Mr. C. J. Bradshaw, of Burley-on-the-Hill; second, £3, to Mr. T. W. Fowler, of Exton; Mr. E. Wortley and Mr. J. Woods commended. To the owner, being a tenant farmer, of the best heifer, under two years of age. First prize, £4, to Mr. T. Chapman of Whitwell; second, £2, to Mr. E. Wortley, of Ridlington Mr. T. Swingler and Mr. J. Pears commended. Offered by Stafford O'Brien, Esq. To the owner, being a tenant farmer, of the best cow in milk, £5, to C. O. Eaton, Esq., of Kelthorpe; second, £2, to R. W. Baker, Esq., of Cottesmore. To the exhibitor of the best bull, above two-and-a-half and under five years old, £5, to Mr. R. Lynn, of Stroxton; second, £3, to Mr. T. Suter, of Brook. To the exhibitor of the best bull, above one and under twoand-a-half years old, £5, to the Right Hon. the Earl of Gainsborough; second, £3, to Mr. R. Lynn, of Stroxton. To the exhibitor of the best mare, £3, to Mr. J. Hack, of Egleton. To the exhibitor of the best yearling gelding or filly for agricultural purposes, £3, to Mr. W. Hammond, of Barrow. Offered by the Right Hon. the Earl of Gainsborough. (To the tenant occupier of not more than thirty acres of land in the district.) To the owner of the best cow in milk, £5, to Mr. J. Wiliamson, of Langham; second, £2, to Mrs. J. Harris, of Langham; Mr. R. Mills, of Whitwell, commended. To the owner of the best heifer, under two years and-ahalf old, £4, to Mrs. J. Harris, of Langham; second, £2, to Mr. J. Edgson, of Langham; Mr. P. Healey, of Burley, commended. To the owner of the best heifer calf, £2, to Mr. W. Hubbard, of Langham; second, £1, to Mrs. J. Harris, of Langham. Offered by the Right Hon. Lord Aveland. Long-woolled fat wether sheep, £10, to Mr. C. J. Bradshaw, of Burley-on-the-Hill; second, £5 (offered by the Society), to Mr. E. Wortley, of Ridlington. Offered by the Society. Long-woolled fat wether sheep, £7, to Mr. C. J. Bradshaw, of Burley-on-the-Hill; second, £4, to Mr. E. Wortley, of Ridlington. To the owner of the best breeding ewes, £5, to Mr. C. J. Bradshaw, of Burley-on-the-Hill; second, £3, to Mr. T. Swingler, of Langham. Long-woolled theaves, £4, to Mr. C. J. Bradshaw, of Burley-on-the-Hill; second, £2, to the Hon. Colonel Lowther, of Barleythorpe. Long-woolled wether lambs, £3, to Mr. E. Wortley, of Ridlington; second, £2, to R. W. Baker, Esq., of Cottesmore. To the owner of the best long-woolled ewe lambs, £3, to R. W. Baker, Esq, of Cottesmore; second, £2, to Mr. C. J. Bradshaw, of Burley-on-the Hill. To the owner of the best pig of any breed, £4, to Mr. T. Bowles, of Great Hale; second, £2, to R. W. Baker, Esq., of Cottesmore. To the owner of the best fat pig, £3, to Mr. T. Suter, of Brook; second, £1, to Mr. W. Benskin, of Rearsby. Offered by the Right Hon. the Earl of Gainsborough. To the owner of the best fat pig, £2, to Mr. J. Stimson, of Egleton. Offered by the Society. To the owner of the best in-pigged or suckling sow or yelt, £2, to Mr. T. Rudkin, of Langham Lodge; the Right Hon. the Earl of Gainsborough commended. Offered by the Most Hon. the Marquis of Exeter. To the owner of the best half-bred four years old hunting mare or gelding, £10, to Mr. G. Tipping, sen., of Saltby; second (offered by gentlemen of the Cottesmore Hunt), £5 to Mr. P. Healey, of Manton. Offered by his Grace the Duke of Rutland, To the exhibitor of the best beast shown as extra stock, a silver medal, value £3, to C. O. Eaton, Esq., Tixover Hall; W. R. Morris, Esq, of North Luffenham, W. De Capell Brooke, Esq., of Geddington Grange, Mr. R. Lynn, of Stroxton, Mr. C. Chapman of Exton, commended. Offered by the Tradesmen of Oakham. To the exhibitor of the best sheep shown as extra stock, a silver medal, value £3, to Mr. J. C. Bradshaw, of Burley-onthe-Hill; Mr. R. L. Bradshaw, jun., Tinwell, Mr. R. Lynn, of Stroxton, Mr. T. Swingler, Langham, Mr. E. Wortley, of Ridlington, commended. EXTRA STOCK. R. W. Baker, Esq., of Cottesmore, a pig, one year and three weeks old, bred and fed by himself on wheat and barley meal, commended. ROOTS AND VEGETABLES. Offered by the Right Hon. Viscount Campden. For Swedish turnips cultivated on any system, £7, to the Hon. Colonel Lowther, of Barleythorpe; second, £3, to Mr. W. Berridge, of Barrow. Offered by the Hon. Gerard James Noel, M.P. For the best specimen of Swedish turnips, a silver cup, value £10, to Messrs. J. and R. Painter, of Burley. Offered by the Society. For the best specimen of mangold wurtzel, £2, to Mr. T. Suter, of Brooke. Offered by the Hon Roden Noel. For best specimen of mangold wurtzel, £3 to Mr. T. Godfrey, of Glaston Lodge. ENGLAND WILL NEVER BE FARMED AS IT OUGHT TO BE, UNTIL WE HAVE A TENANT-RIGHT BY LAW. SIR, The old adage says, "Out of evil cometh good;" and the case of Mr. Breedon Everard, of Groby Hall, Leicestershire, will open the ears and eyes of thousands of farmers in Great Britain, and cause them to think for themselves, and not to lay out their money so freely as Mr. Everard has done, upon the estates of others, without tenant-right, alias justice for unexhausted improvements made on the farm by the tenant. It is plain Mr. Everard has ruined himself by improving the estate of a noble lord, after which he is turned out by his lordship without stating any reason why, or allowing him compensation for the vast improvements made on the farm. In the Mark Lane Express of the 26th October, it was stated that Mr. Everard "had, in fact, in a space of five laid years, out £5,000 in improving a farm of something over 300 acres." The above treatment of the noble lord to his diligent and admirable tenant, in the great age of discovery and improvement is monstrous: such a feudal system must soon either be ended or mended. The tide of reason long delayed, long checked and obstructed, has neverthtless set in, in North Lincolnshire, in the shape of tenant-right, which is wise, just, reasonable and profitable, but more so to the landlord than the tenant. Lincoln Heath, and the Lincolnshire wolds, for instance-a century back, rabbit warrens and wildernesses the principal part of them-what do they produce now under tenant-right? Why great crops of corn, clover, and turnips, and some of the heaviest-woolled sheep in the kingdom. The great improvement of the said wild land under tenant-right is a fine example to all the world. I hope the Groby Hall case will be the means of causing a tenant-right to become the law of the land, to protect such useful and ornamental tenants as Mr. SAMUEL ARNSBY, Everard. Peterborough. Nov. 5, THE SMITHFIELD CLUB FAT CATTLE SHOW. An increase, it appears, of one-third, both in the Hereford and Devon classes, has been the principal item in swelling the catalogue and filling the showyard, though the Shorthorns still remain a long way ahead of the other breeds. The total number of cattle is very much greater than on any other occasion. yet seen. Now we do not at all detract from the merits of Mr. Wortley's gold-medal ox when we say that there have been other animals which are remembered as being grander in their day and generation. By affirming that the best ox once was better than the best is now, we are not implying the deterioration of all; because, now, the prize animal is not so far beyond all compeers as he used to be-or, at any rate, there is far greater merit in every beast in his class than was the case a very little time back. The prize Shorthorn ox will remind many persons of the famous Durham ox, and is remotely descended, we What an hear, from Earl Spencer's celebrated stock. extraordinary length and breadth, and yet most beautiful symmetry and compactness of form; his chine and ribs most wonderfully expanded, his immense weight of flesh most evenly laid on, and of first-class quality; and his head and bone fine, and very handsome. The only deficiency appears in his thigh and twist, which might have been better in proportion. His measurement is extraordinary, the girth being no less than nine feet two inches, and the length nearly six feet. Now that Mr. Wortley has made such a glorious debut at Baker-street, winning golden opinions with his real golden honours, and also, in addition, a third prize for his Shorthorn cow, likewise of his own breeding, we hope to welcome him in future as an annually successful competitor. As to excellence, we have no hesitation in pronouncing this exhibition the best ever collected together in Baker-street Bazaar. Class after class presented an Last year the Shorthorns were obliged to yield one array of animals of remarkably high character, with of the gold medals to Mr. Heath's superb Devon; but rarely an inferior beast; and, as we might anticipate the year before, they carried off both, just as on the from the extension of good breeding of late years, the present occasion. Colonel Towneley's splendid cow, four quality is almost universally of a superior description, years and one month old, and having had one calf, is and the huge monstrosities of fat once wondered at and far before any other animal in her exceedingly good ridiculed have given place to animals of a more class, and is, indeed, one of the finest we ever saw; profitably-feeding, early-fattening, and valuable kind. not, however, for an immense frame or an extravagant The standard of merit is not now simply the amount of degree of over-fatness, but because of her level and flesh, except in the judgment of some old-school autho- regular feeding, her unsurpassed touch and quality of rities; but the symmetry, quality, and valuable charac-meat, united to a faultless symmetry, beauty, fine offal, teristics of the animal are taken into consideration, and neat head. But the visitors to Salisbury, York, notwithstanding the circumstance of this Show being Birmingham, and elsewhere, know her so well that purposely designed for fat stock intended for the we need not extend our expression of admiration. butcher. And we trust this principle will be persevered We would only add, that if any proof were wanted of in-namely, to encourage such a fatness as may indicate the importance of fat stock shows, it is here in the fact the profitable nature of a breed, rather than mere that an animal of the very purest and best breed has weight, regardless of expense and time wasted in its won the day against all others, in the production of the attainment. largest quantity of most valuable beef. But is she a bona fide fat animal for the butcher? Or will she be taken home, and, if possible, again used as a breeding cow? Colonel Towneley also gains a second prize for an exceedingly good steer in the cross or mixed-breed class; this steer and the cow being the only animals exhibited by him. As to individual merit, we must own that, while the universal excellence proves how our various breeds are progressing, instead of deteriorating, the two best animals in the yard cannot be set up as nobler and more magnificent specimens than were ever seen before. If we were to compare the gold-medal ox or cow this year with those of many years back, we should undoubtedly The show of Shorthorns, as a whole, was very satisfind that a great advance has been made; but to expect factory; and we particularly admired the class for steers that every year's prize animal is absolutely to eclipse the or oxen above three years old, comprising some espepreceding one, is to consider breeding as purely mecha-cially good animals, and the class of cows which connical. Whereas Nature bestows her gifts of form and beauty, and constitution and kindly habit, capriciously, as far as world-renowned marvels of excellence are concerned, and sometimes only at rare intervals gives us a Master Butterfly or a Durham Ox. Hence the relative merit of individual animals from one year to another is of less importance than the amount of improvement or otherwise marking an entire class, or, indeed, a whole show. And, of course, the larger the number of firstclass animals bred, the greater the chance of obtaining an ox more perfect or astonishing than the world has tained some amazingly good and meritorious. Yet it will be observed in the list of awards that the judges have given the Shorthorns little more encouragement or approval than they were compelled to administer, only two commendations being accorded-one to Lord Southampton's ox, and the other to Mr. Garne's white cow The latter is very handsome, very fat, and had she been less patchy, and with more meat on her neck, would have been entitled to a prize. In the steer class, Mr. Lynn's prize animal has a wonderfully good fore-quarter, but struck us as being defective about the first rib, and also on the hip. Earl In the class of Devon steers we meet at once with a Spencer's second-prize steer is a very good one; and Mr. "bone of contention," namely the hip and rump, and Joseph Stratton's third-prize steer has great substance, other points, of His Royal Highness's second-prize steer, though deficient in some points. Mr. Richard Stratton's which, being somewhat narrow and defective, cause people steer in this class beat Earl Spencer's at Birmingham; to inquire how he could be selected for such an honour. but is certainly inferior in size and not superior in His fine bone, handsome head, straight back, and character. Mr. Brooke's second-prize ox and Mr. nice quality of meat have been adjudged meritorious; Roberts's third-prize ox are both useful and good beasts; for while the Earl of Leicester's third-prize steer has a the former, however, too patchy on the loin for our wider fore-quarter, a better rump, thigh and twist, and taste, and neither of them coming at all up to compari- good back, he has by no means that fashion about him son with the magnificent Ridlington ox that has van- that could make him more worthy of the second place quished them. Mr. Cook's ox, five months older than than the other. Mr. John Overman's prize steer is a Mr. Wortley's, is exceedingly large, and weighty, having | beauty; very perfect in form, a fine cylindrical frame, great depth and length, but nothing like its breadth of deep, with a full breast, and a handsome head. We chine and fore-quarter. Mr. Rushbrooke's is a very also admired Mr. Fouracre's, for its size and substance. heavy good animal; as also that shown by Viscount The Earl of Leicester's prize ox is very heavy, and wellEmlyn, and another shown by the Earl of Lonsdale. fed, his girth extremely good, hind-quarters not so fine. Mr. Barton's enormous beast is worth noting for his Mr. Heath's second-prize ox has great girth, a splendid colossal frame; but very deficient in meat and quality. chine, but loin too lumpy, very firm in hand. In the heifer-class, Mr. Phillips's first-prize heifer is Ball's third prize is a good animal; so is one shown by certainly the tallest and biggest; but considering that a Mr. Fouracre, jun, His Royal Highness's is large, with first-prize female at any rate ought to be symmetrical, we a good back, beautiful breast, and most wonderful thigh do not like the chine or fore-quarter, though her hind- and twist. Mr. Tucker's is a splendid ox; large, long, quarter is very good. Two other white heifers--one of deep, symmetrical, and very weighty. The Devon the Earl of Radnor (taking the second prize), and the heifers are an exceedingly good class. His Royal Highother bred and fed by Mr. Baker (which has been leftness's prize heifer is beautifully fed, her hips amazingly without any recognition)-have occasioned considerable discussion as to the judges' award; the latter is very pretty and uniform in her proportions, and while not equal to the other in chine and neck-vein, rib and flank, is of greater size, and much better in loin, thigh and twist, and only three months older. Mr. Thomas's white heifer is very fleshy, having a wonderfully fat back; but we have here an evidence that mere adipose substance is not enough of itself to captivate the favour of the judges. Mr. wide and good, good chine, but neck not thick enough in proportion. Mr. Farthing's second prize is very good, with a deep frame and short legs. We admired Mr. Heath's commended heifer; she is a little beauty, very fine indeed in quality. Mr. Farquharson's is extraordinarily good, particularly for her hind-quarters and rump. Mr. Coates's prize cow is very good in some points, having an especially good rump, but her first rib too much sinking-in. Mr. Bodley's second-prize cow is very handsome. Mr. Halse's third-prize cow, remarkable for her large tuts, was first at Birmingham, and at the Bath and West of England Show, and was also Sir Thomas Whichcote's second-prize cow is exceedingly level and handsome; her meat firm and good; but she is not well ribbed-up. Mr. Wortley's white third-highly commended as a breeding cow at Chelmsford. prize cow is a beauty-splendidly fed. A finer show of Herefords has never appeared at Bakerstreet, though their number is only three-fourths of that which we saw last week in Bingley Hall. Mr. Heath's prize steer has an immensely long frame, hip wide and well covered, tut and rump somewhat defective; altogether not so meritorious as the prize beast on some former occasions. His Royal Highness's second-prize steer is straight, deep, and heavy; but not particularly handsome. We consider Mr. Naylor's third-prize steer is of better quality; and has certainly a far better forequarter, though not so heavily fleshed, or so high and great. The oxen form an uncommonly good class, generally commended" by the judges. Mr. Shaw's ox (which took the prize at Rugby, at Birmingham, and also here) is very extraordinary for his tremendous breadth, his good back and fore-quarter, and wonderfully fine head; he is very heavy, of splendid character and quality, perhaps his chief deficiency being in the flank. Mr. Heath's second-prize ox is of great length, very high standing, but not particularly good in girth. The Earl of Darnley's third-prize ox is exceedingly good; so are Mr. Ford's, Mr. Duffield's and Mr. Wright's " mended" oxen, the latter having almost a bison's depth of chest and bold fore-quarter. The heifers are a good class, Mr. Higgins' prize one being very fat and handsome, preposterous rump; Mr. Urwick's second-prize very symmetrical and compact, tut short, hips good; Mr. Thomas' perhaps too fat and lumpy. com The Hereford cows are extraordinarily good, and were all exhibited previously at Birmingham. Mr. Thomas, of Colebatch, and Mr. Thomas, of Ryton, both take prizes for uncommonly good animals. Mr. Naylor's third-prize cow is fat and of very fine quality, and Mr. Herbert's is also exceedingly good. The fact is, not only that cows are shown here which did not compete at Birmingham, but that the travelling and handling of that show greatly cut and spoil the quality of cattle exhibited here a week after, thus lessening their chance of prizes here, unless they be marvellously superior to all competitors. The Sussex Cattle have come up well; they are better than ever: indeed, so meritorious that the whole class of steers or oxen is "generally commended." Mr. Cane's prize ox is very symmetrical indeed; of wonderful depth, and altogether a most valuable description of animal. Mr. Neame's second prize is handsome, and uncommonly good meat. We would mention, as particularly good, those shown by Mr. Botting, Mr. Shoosmith, and Mr. Jer. Smith; and among the heifers or cows, those of Mr. Tilden Smith, Mr. Neame, Mr. Cane, and Mr. Jer. Smith, are similarly worthy of great praise. Of the Norfolk and Suffolk Polled Breeds, valuable both for fattening and for milking, we have only one in each of the two classes; but a larger show will doubt. less appear next year. Lord Sondes and Mr. Badham are the successful exhibitors. Of the Longhorns we have not much to say. Mr. Chapman's prize ox, which took the prize at Birming ham, of a light-red colour with a curly coat, is a good longhorn. Mr. Burbery's prize cow, which also obtained the prize at Birmingham, is of very good quality, though not in such good condition as she was there, and, as we were told, she would not eat "in this close place." The Scotch Horned Steers or Oxen were generally commended." Mr. Goodman's prize dun-coloured Highland is of considerable merit, of extraordinary depth and substance, and stands on short legs. Mr. Duckworth's second-prize West Highland is also very good, and another of his black West Highlands is also an uncommonly good beast. Mrs. Delap's dun West Highland, bred by Lord Abinger, has very great size; but the ribs are flat, and the frame, therefore, too narrow. The Marquis of Downshire has also a good heifer in this class. The Duke of Beaufort's light-red West Highland heifer is very good in form, and of superior quality. Mr. Naylor's, though of great proportionate length, is low, small, and not straight enough to show much symmetry. Of the only three Scotch Polled Oxen exhibited, Mr. Heath's and Mr. M'Combie's got prizes, and Mr. Oakley's Galloway was commended. Mr. Heath's is magnificent for the breed, which is the Aberdeen; having not only great length and depth, but widelyexpanded chest and fore quarters, ribs well arched, and uncommonly good hind-quarters and rump. This is the animal which was disqualified by the French Government at Poissy, because the Scotch exhibitors protested that he had been falsely entered as pure-bred, although (as they asserted) the breeder had declared to Mr. Heath that the bullock was a cross from a shorthorn and Scot. Mr. Heath was not suffered to explain or defend himself from such a gross charge; but, owing to the interference of Mr. Fisher Hobbs, who would not quietly see his countryman treated in so underhand and unfair a manner, the documents and evidences brought forward by these protestors were obtained. A correspondence took place between Mr. Heath, Mr. Longmore the breeder, and the gentlemen who had offered their testimony to the cross breed of the ox; and this has just been published in a pamphlet, from which it would appear that the Scotch gentlemen have either retracted or been shamed to silence; while Mr. Heath has been fully cleared of the calumnious accusation made against him. At the present show he has carried off the first prize for his bullock, the judges being thoroughly satisfied about the correctness of its breed. No Irish beasts have arrived. In the Welsh classes every one admired Colonel Pennant's ox, which gained the first prize, and also Mr. | Williamson's second-prize younger beast. Mr. Heath's black and white Welsh ox is of extraordinary size, his depth and girth being great, and his back exceedingly good. In the cross or mixed-breed classes, the Earl of Radnor takes the first prize for a very compact and wellfed Hereford and Shorthorn steer; Colonel Towneley the second prize; and Mr. Hare's Suffolk and Shorthorn poll is a valuable animal of nice quality. Mr. Thomas's Shorthorn and Hereford ox shows the possibility of making a pretty good beast by intermixing two breeds, each of which is perfect in its own way; but we cannot say we like the produce as much as the originals. The Duke of Beaufort's prize West Highland and Devon red heifer is an interesting and successful attempt to combine the valuable qualities of amazingly distinct breeds. She is a very compactly-formed, fine, and beautiful little thing. We do not remember to have seen such a fine Extra Stock class before; and the judges have deservedly given it a "general commendation." The silver medal is adjudicated to his Royal Highness, for a very capital Devon steer; but other judges would be quite as likely to have awarded it in a different direction. In this class we find Lord Walsingham's Shorthorn heifer, which is fat, and uncommonly good; the Marquis of Exeter's white Shorthorn ox, which took the prize at Oakham last week; the Earl of Leicester's Devon ox, handsome, fine, beautifully fed, long, yet symmetrical, slightly defective about the hind-quarters; Sir Thomas Whichcote's shorthorn cow, level, deep-framed, and good; Mr. Brooke's enormously large Shorthorn ox; Lord Feversham's uncommonly fine, level, and There has been a considerable growth in the exhibition of good mutton, the number last year and this being as follows: Long-wools.... 1856. 40 18 38 1857. 35 32 62 Here we see at a glance that, while the Long-wools-or more properly the Leicesters-have slightly diminished in number, the crossbreeds and Southdowns, and other Short-wools have nearly doubled their entries in a single year. The great feature of the sheep-classes (just as at Birmingham) is the great advance made, and the size and superior quality attained, in a few years, by the crossbreeds, the long and short-wool half-breds being now some of the most profitable sheep we possess. Class thirty-three includes some very great shearlings, as Mr. Hine's Leicester and Downs, and Mr. C. Howard's Oxfordshire Downs. It is a pity that the first prize sheep, good as they are, present the appearance of far wider backs to the eye than they actually reveal to the hand. Mr. Keep's second-prize Southdown and Cotswolds are very large, of great width and substance, thick necks, and have beautiful mutton and a good quantity of fair wool; their rumps rather defective. Mr. Hitchman's are good, and Mr. Stevens's have uncommonly good backs. Mr. John Overman's commended Southdown and Leicesters are very great, broad, and good; Mr. Edmonds's highly-commended Oxfordshire Downs not equally meritorious. The next class in which the sheep do not exceed 220lbs. live weight is very good. Mr. Overman's prize Southdown and Leicesters are beauties, and their quality first-rate. Mr. C. Howard's secondprize Oxfordshire Downs are only slightly inferior; and the Earl of Leicester's, Mr. Hine's, and Mr. Twitchell's pens are all of exceeding good character. The "Extra Stock" of crossbreds is a large class. Mr. Keep's extremely good Cotswold and Southdown wether gains the silver medal; Mr. John Overman's highly-commended Southdown and Leicester wether is very well formed, wide, and meritorious; Mr. Hine's Leicester and Down wether very handsome; Mr. Twitchell's, and the Earl of Leicester's, both deserving their commendations; and Mr. Hemming's Cotswold and Sussex Down wether is noticeable for its tremendous frame and proportions. The short-woolled breeds are honoured with a gold medal, which has been fairly won by his Grace the Duke of Richmond, for a pen of Southdowns of his wellknown character. The Earl of Radnor's Southdowns are very fine, meriting their second prize. Mr. Kent exhibits Downs of splendid form, which would have certainly gained a prize had they been more judiciously fed. The third prize is awarded to Mr. Rigden, and a high commendation to Lord Walsingham: but we do not concur in the decision here, his lordship's being much broader, better-formed, and handsomer than the others, and not far below them in quality. What a pity it is that exhibiters often leave so much to their shepherds! for were they to hand their sheep a little before sending off to the show, they would detect some two inches' thickness of wool on the shoulder and not one inch on the loin, which (we may inform them) has the effect of displaying an even, perfectly-shaped |