The Sun.
London, England, 1857-12-01 00:00:00

32 1 80
93

.I:IItAfINGHAM CATTLE AND POULTRY

SHO W.

BIRMINGHAM, MONDAY EvEinro.
The annual exhibition-of cattle and poultry "5
opened to the public this morning. The exhibition
this year is a week earlier than usual it also opens
and closes a day earlier in the week than it has dbne
in former years. The change was adopted for the
purpose of meeting the views of exhibitors of stock
who are desirous of competing at the Smithfield
show this week. Under present arrangements they
will have a much better opportunity of doing E°
than if the stock was detained at Biogley Hall LIP'
til a, lat's hour on Friday,evening.
This show, in the unanimous opinion of practical
men, possesses extraordinary merit in all reveal!.
There are many new exhibitors, and from the pol3l'
tion they have taken, the council hitiv every reason
to congratulate them on the numerous accessions
to the ranks of their supporters.
In the cattle department the Herefords tali() this
precedence in numerical strength and aggrega'''
excellence, as well as in the order 'of the prize list.
Tho entries are far more numerous than on sal
former occasion, and it is no exaggeration to °l'd
that they have seldom, if ever, been equalled/ and
never surpassed. The first class for oxen or steers
contains a splendid array of the " white faces," cule
of which, sent by Mr. John Shaw, of HuntsburY"
hill, Northamptonshire, obtained no less than three
distinctions, namely, the first premium of 101:, the
extra prize of 201. as the best Hereford in all the
four classes, and the gold medal as the best ,ox or
steer of any breed. it is a very perfect animal
all points, large, heavy, and symmetrical, and ripe
in quality, amply deserving the laurels it has wen'
Its age is four years and three months.' Mr. Win'
Heath, of Ludham-hall, Norwich who in forme;
years carried away the palm from his opponents, had
to content, himself with the second place. The
steers, though not equal to the oxen, are still au-
mirable' as are also the cows. The one belonging
to Mr. Philip Turner is an extraordinarily
_good
beast, being full in the girth, compact, and mar'
ing a large amount of superior beef. She is ell
years and two months old, • and has had three
calves. She is a good example of what may be so'
complished by judicious feeding.
The far-famed short-horns, without presenting
any very remarkable features, are upon the whole
well represented, the names of the most successful
" growers " of this favourite breed being met 'with
in the catalogue. The animals in the ball on this
occasion are rather more numerous than they rare
12 months ago. The cows surpass any other of the
short-horn classes in merit ; one of them, the pro-
perty of Col. Townley, receives the gold medal !le
the best cow or heifer, as well as the first prise 13
her class, and the extra premium of 201. as the
most meritorious abort-horn of any age in the ex"
bibibition. The quality of the heifers will be:on
derstood when it is stated that out of five entries,

four gain either prizes or commendations.
The show of Davons was good, especially ad re-,
gards the division occupied by oxen or steers, where
the competition was very close. Both the Pio",
fell to the lot of the Earl of Leicester. One of thew
animals received a special prize, given by the noble.
president of the association, Lord Ward, to consist
of a silver cup, or other piece of plate, of the 'Val"
of 251., for the best ox or steer of any kind or age,
bred and fed by the exhibitor.
In compliance with the wishes of a number of
gentlemen, whom the council were desirous to coll-t
ciliate, a class with a single premium was opened
for long-horn oxen or steers, but there were only
three entries, and the animals were of an inferior
description.
The Scotch breeds were poorly represented';
there were only two specimens in the yard ; thee.)
were West Highlanders, and were both sent by
Mr. Ralph Sneyd, of Keole Hall, Staffordshire.-
In the extra classes the successful competitors_
this year were rewarded with two premiums at
51. each, in place of the silver medals hereto-
fore conferred upon them by the judges. Viscount
Dillon, of Ditchley-park, Oxfordshire, was adjudgliti
the prize for oxen or steers ' • and to the Earl of
Lichfield the one for caws and heifers ; the latter
noble lord sending a handsome short-born cow,
which was prevented by the want of a duly authen-
ticated pedigree from entering the ranks of her own
race.
The show of sheep is superior to thatcohfarlaacstrfur
year.o
The Shropshires fully maintain the character
size, shape, and quality which they have acquired.
The Leicesters are also much above the average,
both for wool and mutton, and Lord Walsingbam,a
Southdowns were distinguished by uniformity and
excellence of character.

The show of pigs was as large as usual.
The poultry exhibition excels the best which has
yet taken place in this town. On this occasion the
number of silver cups is increased, a fact which has
probably helped to stimulate competition.
To-day the hall has been thronged from the MC"
meat the doors opened. The attendance included
a large number of the nobility and gentry from all
parts of the country.