The Press.
London, England, 1857-12-12 00:00:00

THE PRESS, DECEMBER 12,1857.

Rlttropolitait.

SMITHFIELD CLUB CATTLE SHOW.

THE Cattle Show of this year is one of the best that
has been exhibited by this society. It is the largest
—there is a greater average of general excellence,
and a more liberal distribution of premiums. In
the show this year there are 43 shorthorns, 36 Here-
fords, 32 Devons, 8 cross breeds, and 57 other cattle
—a total of 174, being an increase of 33 over that
of last year. There are 130 sheep, or an increase of
34 ; and 59 pigs, or an increase of 18 ; making a
total of 363 entries-83 more than last year.
Mr. Wortley curried off the gold ox medal of the
show ; the Prince Consort, Mr. Overman: the Earl
of Liecester, Mr. Heath, Mr. Shaw, Colonel Townley,
the Duke of Beaufort, and several other noblemen
and gentlemen, carrying off the other prizes for
beasts. Among the sheep prizes, his Grace the
Duke of Richmond, for the southdowns, carries off
the two first. The Earl of Radnor, Mr. ltigden,
Lord Walsingham, and Mr. Kent are also fortunate
winners. The classes of pigs comprise forty pens
of three each, and nineteen single specimens in the
Extra Class. They constitute in number a splendid
show, but by no means superior to those of former
years in quality ; indeed, we have seen better pens,
and certainly better single specimens. There are
only a few that strike us as being of extraordinary
character, either in fatness or porcine beauty. Mr.
Morland's are very superior pens, quite equalling the
weight and correct proportions of our best years.
Mr. Barber's pen deserves our highest praise. Sir
J. B. Mills shows a very good pen, as do also Mr.
E. L. Betts and Sir William Booth, all of whom take
prizes.
The Implement Department has grown in extent
and importance until the number of exhibitors is
more than half what it is at the Royal Agricultural
Society's meetings—all our well-known makers
bringing specimens of their invention and workman-
ship, and transacting a large amount of business
with a concourse of customers from every part of the
kingdom. The galleries, as usual, are filled with an
endless variety of farming machinery, and stalls con-
taining gigantic specimens of mangoki-wurzel and
other vegetable reproducers of beef. Amongst
others well worthy of notice are those of the Royal
Dublin Society, upon which are displayed a portion
of the specimens shown at the society's winter ex-
hibition of farm and dairy produce held last month
in Dublin. The society has this year contributed a
collection of excellent farm products from various
parts of Ireland.
The entire arrangements of the show were very
complete and satisfactory, and the show has been
crowded with visitors during the week.

A DENSE Foe. enveloped London during the
whole of Tuesday, and towards evening became so
thick that all rapid traffic was suspended for about
two hours. About seven p.m., without any percep-
tible cause, the fog cleared off entirely.
A NEW ASYLUSI for the city of London lunatic
poor has been proposed by the Guardians of the
City Union to the Corporation. Tho cost is esti-
mated at 100,0001. The proposal has been referred
to the General Purposes Committee.
THE Leviathan continues to wend her way but
slowly towards her proper element. The total dis-
tance accomplished, so tar, is 104 feet 6 inches for-
ward, and 06 feet 1 inch aft. The operations have
been seriously interrupted this week by the " coming
home " of the mooring anchors, and the breaking of
the mooring chains. Operations, it is hoped, will be
resumed this day, and possibly in the course of next
week, or the week after, the Leviathan will be fairly
afloat.
A MOTION to present the freedom of the City and a
sword to General Havelock was brought forward by
Alderman Hale on Thursday at a Court of Common
Council. The court thought the motion premature,
and it was postponed.
THE Bistior OF LONDON visited Bethnal-green on
Wednesday evening, and held a service in St.
Matthew's Church. His lordship delivered an im-
pressive sermon to a crowded congregation of the
labouring classes. It was announced that the bishop
would preach at St. Peter's Church on the 23rd.
MESSRS. OVEREND AND GURNEY, the great bill-
discounters, have published a letter denying as
" unfounded misrepresentations " the report that
they had endeavoured to embarrass the Bank in the
recent panic.
THE MORTALITY OF LONDON continues to increase.
It has risen from 1,380 last return to 1,428 this
return. The average would be 1,450. Influenza,
terminating in bronchitis, is the prevailing disease.
1,812 children were born during last week.