The Sun.
London, England, 1867-11-26 00:00:00

SMITHFIELD CLUE CATTLE SHOW.

The preparations for the approaching cattle show
which is to be opened at the Agricultural-hall on
the 9th of Dec&nber, are now being made with
satisfactory expedition. The galleries of the hall
have been considerably enlarged by their extension
outwards to the pillars which support the groins of
the arched roof. The aspect of the interior, as con-
trasted with the appearance it has hitherto presented
during similar exhibitions in former years, will pos-
sess many features of novelty and interest. All the
exquisitely designed chandeliers (with the exception
of the great central reflector) erected by the Messrs.
Defries on the occasion of the visit of the Belgians
to London in July will, we are informed, be made
available for the illumination of the hall, and the
cheerfulness of the interior will be considerably en-
hanced by the decorations which are being arranged
by Messrs. Sanger for their equestrian displays at
Christmas. The list of entries closed on the Ist of
November, and we understand that it may be
favourably contrasted with the similar catalogues
which were drawn up in 1865 and 1866. This might
have been expected, for now the intensity of the
cattle plague, which made such ravages during the
last two years, has considerably subsided. The
catalogue comprises b 6 classes—viz., 34 for cattle,
18 for sheep, and four for pigs. The show of roots
and agricultural produce is expected to be con-
siderably larger than that collected last year. The
number of medals and other rewards has been so
considerably increased, that the prize list of the
Smithfield Club is, we believe, second only to that
of the Royal Agricultural Society of England in
extent. Six silver cups will be awarded—two of
the value of £4O each—one for the best steer or ox,
and the other for the best heifer or cow ; three of
the value of £2O, the first for the best pen of Lei-
cesters, Cotswolds, or other long-woolled breeds of
sheep, the second for the best pen of South Downs,
Hampshire, and Wiltshire Downs, the third for the
best pen of Shropshire, Oxfordshire, or crossbreeds;
and one of the value of £2O for the best pen of pigs.
Three gold medals will be offered for the competi-
tion of the breeders cf best stock in cattle, and ten
silver medals for the best pens of sheep and pigs in
extra stock. The club cattle and stock must be at
the show-yard before 10 p.m. on Saturday, the 7th
of December, the implements, &c., sent in for exhi-
bition in the galleries must be placed before 3 p.m.
on the sth, and those in the arcade on the 6th.
The judging will commence at 9 a.m. on the 9th,
and at 2 p.m. the public will be admitted. The
show will remain open till Friday, the 13th of De-
cember. Most careful measures have been taken
that no infected animals be admitted to the hall,
and the committee have resolved on carrying out
the precautionary measures of 1865 and 1866, by
enforcing the 54th section of the Consolidated
Orders of Council relative to the cattle plague, i❑
the transit of cattle entered and admitted to the
show-yard. Disinfecting fluid will be used all over
the area, and a competent staff of veterinary sur-
geons will be present to render their services in any
emergency. Everything promises that the approach-
ng show will be a most interesting exhibition.

A FALSE AL Wl. On Sunday morning, just be-
fore the church bells at Edinburgh began to ring for Divine
service, a startling noise was hoard, resembling the dis-
charge of firearms in the open air. Ten or twelve shots
were heard iu rapid succession, and in the quiet of the
morning, the reports coming from the south-west part of
the town, were hoard even in the eastern and northern
districts. A vague apprehension of a Fenian outrage
spread through the town, and in the locality whence the
noise proceeded there was great excitement, and many ran
to find out the spat, and if possible discover the supposed
conspirators against the public peace. it was found that
the discharge proceeded from a railway bridge over the
Caledonian Railway, which, having to bo removed in con-
nsction with the improvements of the access to the Edin-
burgh station, had, for the sake of expedition, been blown
up with gunpowder, it being necessary to use the only
opportunity afforded for the purpose by the cessation of
traffic on Sunday morning.