Monmouthshire Merlin

TREDEGAH. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. —»—— The annual exhibition in connection with this society was held ill the Cattle -Alark-et, Newport, on Tuesday last, but owing to thj restrictions renuered necessary by the prevalence of the cattle disease in various parts ufthe country, the aspect presented by the spacious enclosure was very different from that which is wont to characterise it at the great meeting which appropriately terminates the year s agricul- tural campaign in this district. The long rows of commodious shedding were not as usual stocked with prime specimens of the bovine tribe-the graceful Hereford, the stately Shorthorns, the diminutive but symmetrical Devons, were all alike conspicuous by their absence. The ordinarily well-filled pens of sheep were, too, dreary blank spaces neither long- wool" nor sliortwool" was visible, and instead of animated discussion on their respective merits, there was perfect silence. Neither were the "grunters represented—albeit if the visitor had not the satisfac- tion of feasting his eyes on marvels of obesity, he I experienced some compensation in the fact that his olfactories were not offended by the peculiar odour generally diffused in presence of the porcine breed The exhibition was reduced, in truth, to a horse and poultry slio^Vj <ind, sliorn of tiie se\er<il tlt-paituieuts above indicated, was greatly deprived of its interest to a large portion of the public, The course pursued. however, was unquestionably the right one, because the safest, for although, happily, the farmers of this 0 locality have not as yet suffered from the dire cala- mity which has raged with such desolating results ainonir stock in other neighbourhoods, great risk would have been incurred from bringing together n large numbers of cattle from distant places. It was determined some weeks since to exclude horned Stock but the prohibition was not extended to sheep aud pigs until within a day or two prior to the exhi- bition-so far, indeed, had such a restriction been removed eves from contemplation, that only a week or two since additional prizes had been offered for several classes of sheep. The determination not to admit sheep or pigs was ultimately come to, we believe, 'on the representation of the uesila- bility of" such a course by Lord Tredegar, in his capacity of President of the Royal Agricul- tural Society. As, however, good frequently comes out of apparent evil, so it was in this case-the banishment of stock from the yard led to mea- ) sures which issued in the best exhibition of horses ever held in Monmouthshire, or, we may pro- ) bably add, in the Principality and it is perhaps not < too much say that the impetus thus given in t: at i direction will be seen both in the increased number j and superior quality of animals brought to the lie- degar Show in future years. Lo' d Tredegar whose interest in everything connected with agriculture is so well known and appreciated as to have passed into ( a pv0verb—ami the gentlemen associated with him 1 in the management of the society bent their energies < to the task of achieving unprecedented success in this department, and their efforts were crowned with I a well-deservel reward. Messrs. H. and W. Powell s 20 guiuca premium for tne best, and Mr. John Lawrence's L,3 premium for the second best, hunter, ( commanded one-and-twenty entries and the 20- l guinea cup, usually given to the best homed auimal in the yard, but which was this year, under the peculiar ] circumstances, offered to the best horse or mare, I also helped to raise the standard of excellence. Alto- j gether, although of course in some of the classes there was great room for improvement, the Show was of a most gratifying description. Let us hope ( no retrograde movement will be evinced in this de- partment next year. If there be not, and if, in the order of Providence, the cattle plague should mean- while be completely stayed, it may be expected, as we imagine, after the unfortunate interruption to the ] ordinary course of events which has this year oc- curred/and with the increased funds which it may be assumed will be at the committee's disposal, that the Exhibition of 1866 will be of such a character as ( considerably to enhance the existing prestige of the Tredegar Agricultural Society—a prestige attained j by a historf°of more than half a century marked only by constant expansion and unbroken prosperity, The feature "f this year's meeting claiming priority of notice both in point of time and because of the ( u„ and importance attached to it. was TRIIT, or HUNTERS AT COKD- XU' ICZKNEW, and which took place on Monday afternoon, and afforded verv excellent sport. Twenty-one horses were enter,L but fifteen only came on the field six j })a,ing been withdrawn. The judges were Lord C'o;uI>en;isre ;d Mr. Smith of Cheltenham The course extended over a ratner stiff up and down piece e-f gi\ und, and, with a view fairly to test the J capabilities of the horses, embraced seven or eight 1 fences, including a reen, several hedges, a post and 1 rail, artificial piece of water—some nine feet in breadth, and a double fence at the finish. A great 1 concourse of persons from Newport and Cardiff < assembled to witness the competition and Lord and J Lady Tredegar, with a large party from the Park, I and many of the elite of the county, were present. The trials began about one o'clock and, the horses being taken singly, lasted some three hours. The < first hunter brought from the paddock was Lord t Tredcgar's Whisperer" (7 years), Mr. R. Stratton, jun., being the jockey he steered his animal very I nicely, and after a rather indifferent start, got over I all his leaps well, and without mishap. Next came Augur" by Augur," (the property of Mr. E. M. Curie, Itton), ridden by Samuel Adams. Augur" took the first hurdle admirably, but made a stop at the reen (which by the way had an awkward an- ] A proach and was a difficulty nearly the whole after- noon), and after half a dozenineffectual attempts, was 1 taken back to stable, and was out of the competition. Notwithstanding, "Augur" created ( a favourable impression, and was regarded as a hunter of high quality. Colonel Morgans Redbreast," by Cock Kobiu" (5 years), rid- d; n by the owner, notwithstanding several mistakes, was awarded the second prize. After a capital start lie came to grief at the reen, his jockey escaping injury by a masterly manoeuvre, and the gelding quicklv recovering, did his work exceedingly well till the rail was reached, when the Colonel, seemingly too confident in the qualifications of his horse, ad- vanced by a slow trot, aud hindered him from ac- quitting himself so well as he otherwise ought to have done. The Colonel, however, upon that turned round and took the rail several times in magnificent ] style, and gained more laurels by the way in which the ( water and the double fence were crossed. Mr. Good- J win, jun., then brought out a mare, the property of Mr. It. Itees, of Coldbrook Cottage, Abergavenny, ou which the rider displayed splendid jockeyship she also went through her performances very well, but the judges considered her lacking in quality. j She has, moreover, a habit of rushing at her fences. Col. Morgan's "Adam," by "Will o' the Wisp," (ridden in snaffle by owner), a wiry grey horse, was next put through his exercise, but not in a very J first-class fashion, and he was reckoned as out. The colonel had a mishap at the finish. Col. Lindsay's Troubadour," by Wanderer," dam by Argerio," (;j yrs), ridden by owner, was a good looking brown gelding of moderate quality he got through without mischance, and his main fault consists in dwelling at his fences. He was followed by Mr. Williams' The Marquis," (5 yrs.,) ridden by Fry, who did his fences quietly and cleverly all round, and was loudly cheered; but be evidently was not a great favourite with the judges, who, closely criticising his build, regarded him as too short, and somewhat high and stilty. Colonel Lindsay's Seagull," (5 yrs.,) by Grey Plover," dam by Blackfoot," g. dam by Slug," ridden by owner, made an excellent per- formance, clearing the hedges beautifully, but hardly equal to some others in C, power. The element of Strength was not lacking, however, in the next com- petitor, Mr. Williams' "Rarey," (aged), ridden by Fry, and whom the judges highly commended, with the remark thathewasmore suitedfor steeple chasing than hunting. The whole of the leaps were done in magnificent style; particularly clean were the timber, the brook, and the double at the finish. Mr. Hibbard's brown gelding The Doctor," by Gaper," seemed strongly disposed to shirk his work, but through the cleverness of his jock, Mr. Goodwin, he was ulti- mately pulled through. He was succeeded by Ma- deline," a magnificent chesnut mare, owned by Mr. Stratton, jun., who rode her exceedingly well. The judges had no hesitancy about declaring Madeline" the winner, describing her as a model in form"and a perfect huntress." It may be only fair to say perhaps that in the opinion of many on the ground, though there was no dispute as to the ability she displayed, she lacked size and strength. Mr. Kennard's black mare Emerald," mounted by Goodwin, who gained j for himself the character of a plucky and spirited j()CK.ey> UeAI, èlppt:<11t;U, auu uau iu uv through the reeu by her rider: she made amends, however, at the brook. A grey gelding," Merry- thought," a fine looking animal, the property of the same owner, was ridden by Adams, and with the exception of the reen, got over her leaps in good style. The lot was completed by a grey gelding, Dick," belonging to Mr. C. E. Lewis, St. Pierre, a good old-fashioned hunter; and Patience," a bay mare, the property of the same owner, ridden by Adams, and who executed her task remarkably well throughout, and was loudly cheered at the end. She ran Redbreast" very closely for the second prize, and there was some difficulty in arriving at the decision which, as stated above, was ultimately given in favour of the gelding, the mare receiving high commendation. This terminated the trials, and the scene of the sport was speedily deserted. In the course of the afternoon a numerous party were entertained at luncheon at the adjacent stud farm belonging to Major Morgan. THE SHOW On Tuesday, as already intimated, was eminently I successful. Of course the number of visitors was not as large as usual, and yet it was considerable, among the principal company being Lord and Lady Tredegar, and a large party the Lord Lieutenant and many of the principal families of the county. No drawback was experienced from the weather, which fortunately was very auspicious. HORSES. To the hunters we need not refer after the descrip- tion given above, except to say that they constituted 10 -1. a feature of great interest and attraction. Taking the other classes as entered on the catalogue, the first is the yearling colts or fillies in the main an in- different lot, Mr. William Price taking the prize with a useful mare, and Mr. Lewis W illiams being commended. The two-year-olds were a better class, Mr. Thomas, St. Hilary, being the owner of the winner. Mr. T. Rogers was commended for a bigger-framed horse, but which had a sluggish ap- cl In I pearance. A good animal was also shown by Mr. Lo- gan. In the three-years-olds, Mr Williams, Penkelly Castle, carried off the honours with a very thick, clever grey mare, Mr. George Pritchard being highly commended, and Mr. Logan commended. With the exception of a horse from Cardiff, the class was very good. Mr. William Watkins took the prize for the best horse for agricultural purposes, high commenda- tion being accorded to Mr. John Logan and Mr. Morgan Morgan. Admiral Muudy's silver cup for the best cart mare and foal went to Mr. Logan, who exhibited a first-class 5 years old with very promis- ing colt, the dam having with another foal taken the first prize at Tewkesbury, and second at the Royal. It is worthy of mention that this mare, and the 4 year old, 3 year old, and 2 year old, shown at this exhibition by Mr. Logan, were all from the same dam. Mr. Lewis Williams and Mr. D. Thomas were highly commended. There were four cart stallions exhibited, the blue ribbon being awarded to a horse belonging to Mr. Robert GrifIiths-" General Have- lock," foaled in 1857, by lnkerman," dam by "Tramper." He is a magnificent horse, and is a great prize taker. Mr. Roberts, Raglan, was highly commended. In a good class of nag mares Mr. William Stratton, Inglesham, Wilts, took the cup; Mr. Booker, Green Hill, and Mr. T. Edwards, Llanartb, being highly commended, and Mr. W. Graham Maindee, and Mr. W. Lewis, Llanmaes, commended. The ponies were an unexceptionable lot, the prize going to a most promising animal with rare loins and great strength of muscle, belonging to Master Jones, Cefn Llogell. The pony is by Col. Morgan's Arabian horse The Marshall," and is the fifteenth colt out of hermother. The whole class was commended. The cobs were a very fine lot, the Mayor of Newport, Mr. T. F. Lewis, taking the prize the winner was purchased by Lord Combe;mere. The judges had some diffi- culty with this class owing to imperfect classi- fication — a defect which will probably be obviated another year. In the yearling colt class, there was nothing extraordinary, the j winner being Mr Thomas Watkins, LlauYair. The two-year-olds were much superior. Col. Morgau showing a well-bred animal by "Clapham," which, was commended Mr Thomas Ed wards,Llanartb, and Messrs H. aud L. Thomas., deserved and received like i oiiee. but$>rize was m Mr. Hie.h.srd 1 Stratum, The Irunryr. A nrst class thrce.year-old thorough-bred (ehesnut) belonging to Mr, R. Rees, was decorated with the blue and the class generally was good; Mr W, Mortar. ^It W. Evans (Lan- dowtais) hcing cormnumled. The silver cup given bv )IT. \V. S. Cartwright >' for the best thorough- bred entire colt, two years and up\varue, uriurtne best thorough-bred stallion at the service of the public during the season 1865," brought three com- pctitors: Mr. David Earl's "Ancient Briton"-a very showy animal, much admired; Mr. Smith's Sir James" and Captain Ballard's Clapham"—the last-named, often decorated with honours, taking the cup, and being also awarded the twenty guinea prize given by the Corporation of Newport for the best horse in the yard, beating Mr. Cartwright's Penarth" and Musjid." Ely was entered, but, as we were informed, could not be present, having been engaged for Her Majesty's stud. It may be stated that "Ancient Briton," above referred to, is by Cotherstone," winner of the great Epsom Derby, the Two Thousand Guineas stakes, &c" and has himself won at Newmarket the Triennial Produce Stakes of £.1:24; the Liverpool Cup, value £ 825 and other stakes, and has been awarded premiums, at Worcester and Hereford Agricultural meetings, &c. Manv of his admirers were evidently disap- pointed at the decision of the judges; but though Clapham'' was not looking so well as we have seen him, the award, we believe,was a proper one. THE POULTRY Constituted a show superior to any other exhibition of the kind ever held at Newport, both as to the num- ber of pens and the quality of the birds. The Game and the Hamburghs were particularly good, as also was the any variety class, the prizes being taken by Sultans, Malays, and Silkies. The exhibition of Aylesburys was splendid—Mrs. Seamour, a Doted breeder, taking the prize. Rouen ducks were very scant. Geese and ducks comprised a good show, and the general sales effected were numerous, In the Hamburgh class the prize was taken by a silver pencilled variety Mr. R. H. Nicholas showed two pens in this class, which had taken first prizes at Middleton Show, but he was here defeated. Mr. Nicholas, however, took several prizes in other classes and we may state, as illustrating the interest he takes in the show, that there were but two classes in which he was not represented, the Game and Golden Spanish, the birds which he intended to have exhibited having been claimed at other shows. Among other local winners were Mr. T. Davies, Belmont Cottage, and Mr. John Logan, Maindee. Some beautiful Black East Indian Ducks shown as extra stock by Mr. C. Homfray and Mr. Rowland H. Nicholas, deserve special notice. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, &c. For extent and variety in this department the as- sortment of our enterprisiug townsman, Mr. J. S. Stone, took the pre-eminence as usual. Every possible description of implement or machine required in agri. cultural pursuits was put ou view by Mr. Stone, and we apprehend there are few establishments at which purchasers would find a larger stock from which to make selections, Year by year the mag- nitude of his collection seems to increase, and the space devoted to his use in the yard is proportionably greater. Beyond the implements re- quired in farming operations, he bad a number of trollies, carts, waggons, &c.; and (a feature which we have not previously observed in his exhibition) he had also on view severalhandsome and beautilully- finished waggonettes,coburgs,&c.,built at his new pre- mises in Dock-street, and which would be creditable to any establishment. We need not add that Mr. Stone took the first prize, Mr. Anstee, of Cardiff, who had a good collection, took the second prize. Considerable interest was evinced in an exhibition of Mr. Walton's patent washing, wringing, drying, and mangling machines, manufactured by the Cana- dian Washing Machine and Agricultural Implement Company, Worcester. The principle on which these machines aie constructed seems at once simple and efficient, and they will, we have no doubt, be very largely employed. Their cheapness is an additional inducement to give them a trial. The patent received high commendation. The following gentlemen officiated as Judges :— Of Horses: Viscount Combermere; Mr. Smith, Lower Wick, Worcester; Mr. Henry Higgins, Woolloston Grange, Lydney Mr. John Fothergill, Uldale Hall, Cumberland. Of Poultry. Edward Hewitt, Esq., Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, ] w AWARD OF PRIZES. Right Hon. Lord Tredegar, Tredegar Park-A cup for the best yearling cart colt or filly, bred by the exhibitor —Mr William Price, New House, Langatone Mr Lewis Williams, Spitty Farm, Christchurch, commended. I The Provincial Banking Corporation, Newport — A prize of £ 5, for the best two years old cart colt or filly- Air Thos. Thomas, St. Hilary, Cowbridge Mr T. Rogers, jun., Llantrissant, Usk, commanded. Thomas Gratrex, Esq., King's Hiil-A cup for the best three years old cart colt or filly, to be in possession of the owner twelve months previous to the show—Mr Rees Wil. liams, Pencelly Castle, Brecon; Mr G. Pritchard, Aber- gavenny, highly commended; Mr. J. Logan, Maindee, commended. Mr. William Jones, saddler, Blackwood-A set of cart harness, value five guineas, for the best and most useful working horse for agricultural purposes—Mr W. Wat- kins, IS ash, Mon. MrjJohn Logan, Maindee, and Mr M. Morgan, Cowbridge, highly commended. Admiral Sir Rodney Mundy—A cup for the best cart mare aud foal, to be in possession of the exhibitor twelve months previous to the show—Mr John Logan, Maindeo Mr. Lewis Williams, Red wick, highly commended Mr D. Thomas, Brecon, commended. Samuel Homfray, Esq., Glen Uske-A cup for the best cart stallion, that has covered in the county of Monmouth in 181)5-11' Robert Griffiths, Llantrissant; Mr Thomas Roberts, RaglaD, highly commended. Wm. Herbert.Esq, Clytha—A cup for the best nag mare for general purposes, in foal to, or with colt by her side, bv a thorough bred horse—Mr William Stratton, Ingl- ham, Leehlade. Wilts; Mr John P. Booker, Green Hiil, Cardiff, and Mr Thomas Edwards, Llanarth, Raglan, highly commended Mr William Graham, Maindee, and Mr William Lewis, Llanmaes, Cardiff, commended. John E. Rolls, Esq, The Hendre-A cup for pony, under four years old, being in the posse0" exhibitor twelve months previous to the »» Joseph Jones, Cefnllogell, Mon. Mr John Farm, Penhow, highly commended class i W* T. Carlisle, Esq, Lincoln's Inn, Lo, of five guineas, for the best cob or gallow: county of Monmouth, Glamorgan, or Brt years old, over 13 hands, and under 14 1 high—Mr T. F. Lewis, Newport, Mon. Thomas, Cowbridgo, and Mr JohnPybus, Rt Newport, highly commended Mr Henry I Commercial Road, Pillgwenlly, and Messrt Thomas, Tydraw, Cowbridge, Glamorgans wended- J. P. Gwynne Holford, Esq, Bucklands, BrE A cup for the best yearling colt or filly, got by & bred horse, (name sire,) and bred in the count} mouth, Glamorgan, or Brecon—Mr Thomas Llanvair, Abergavenny Mr Robert N. Hoopt tanner Court, Cowbridge, and Mr John LlcyJ, Head Hotel, Newport, commended. The Provincial Banking Corporation, Newport prize of five pounds, for the best two year old colt, gt.. ing, or filly, got by a thorough bred horse—Mr Rictard Stratton, The Duffryn, Newport; Hon F. C. Morgan, Ruperra Castle, Newport, Mr Thomas Edwards, Ragian, and Messrs L. and H, Thomas, Tydraw, Cowbridge, Gla- morganshire, commended. The Hon GoLlfrey Charles Morgan, M.P.—A cup for the bost three years old colt or filly> got by a thorsagb bred horse, (name sire,) and bred in the county of Mon- mouth, Glamorgan, or Brecon—Mr Richard Rees, Cold- brook Cottage, Abergavenny Mr William Morgan, Lodge Farm, Raglan, and Mr William Evans, Llandowlas, Usk, commended. Henry and Walter Powell, Esqrs — A premium of JE20, for the best weight-carrying hunter, who also must prove himself a good and straight fencer, over such fences all the Jadges may select, with not. less than 13 stone up— Mr Richard Stratton, The Duffryn, Newport. John Lawrence, Esq, Crick House, Chepstow-A pre- mium of fire pounds, for the second best weight carrying huutar-Hon F. C. Morgan, ipuperra Castle, Newport; Mr Charles H, Williams, Roath Court, Cardiff, and Mr Charles E; Lewis, St. Pierre, Chepstow, highly com mended. W. S. Cartwright, Esq, Newport-A cup, value ten guineas, for the best thorough bred entiro colt, two years old or upwards, bred by and the property of the exhibitor, or for the best thorough bred stallion, at the service of the public during the season 1865. This prize will not be awarded to any animal having a constitutional ailment, but lameness or other injury produced from accidental causes, will not be considered unsoundness— Captain J. S. Ballard, The Verlands, Cowbridge. A pecs of plate, value twenty guineas, presented by the Corporation of Newport-For the beat horse or mare of any breed, exhibiting the greatest degree of merit— Captain J. S. Ballard, The Verlands, Cowbridge. harles H: Williams, Esq, Roatli Court—A premium nf fito pounds to the exuiniior or best and most useful implements in agriculture. Also » of two pounds for the second best. Ono competitor will not be entitled to take the two premiunis-Mr John Smart Stone, Newport, Mon., first prize; Mr John Anstee, John street, Cardiff, second priz^; The Canadun Washing Machino and Implement Company, Limits, Worcester, highly commended. William Phillips, Esq, Whitson House.—A prize or fivo "t.itiOM for the best siusj le of cider, from a hogshead of not less than Go gallons, made In the Hundred of ChWicciJor Wentloog.—Mr. Matthew Halo-Coldlm*boar.. Mon Mr. JJywio, IT'on, highly Oai j nienii'od Mr. "William Pride, LUnrihangel, Chep atw 1 and Mr. Chanes Dackham, Salisbury Farm, Msgor, Ma, j and Mr. Chanes Dackham, Salisbury Farm, Magor, Mn, I ci.mmc-nded.. Ciawshay Bailey,Esq, M.P »— A cup, value ten *mac t8 for the best general root crop, consisting of mangold \vuri z.l,6".vc/'ish or common turnip, in all not less than 15 e Jr.m^s Till, Gr»ai. lioue», Caarwank, iir Warren Evnns, Ll mdowlas, highly commended. W. p. Herrick, Esq, Beau Manor Park, Leicestershire —A cup, value five guineas, for the best three acres of mangold wurtzol, grown by a tenant farmer, whose farm is situated the south side of the road leading from New- port to Chepstow and if a portion only of a n)Id be exhibited, the piece so shown to be measured through the whole length of the drills in that part of thE field which may be selected for competition—Mr E. C. Daifield, Penhow- Subscribers' Prize-A premium of ten pounde, for the best piece, (not less than ten acres,) of swedish turnips, growing within the county of Monmouth; and if a portion only of a field be exhibited for this prizt, the piece so shown to be measured, through the whole leigth of the drills, in that part of the field which may be selected for competition—Mr James Till, Great House, Caerweut; Mrs E. Dowle, Claypit, highly commended. Subsei,ibers' Pi ize-A premium of five pounds, for the best piece (not less than five acres) of swedish turrips, grown by a tenant farmer, in the county of Monmouth, who does not farm more than 100 acres of arable land; and if a portion only of a field be exhibited for this prize, the piece so shown to be measured as in the last prize-Mr William Price, New House; Mr Henry Price, Undy, highly commended. Subscribers' Prize—A premium of five pounds, for the best piece (not less thau two acres) of mangold wurtzel, grown by a tenant farmer in the county of Monmouth- Mr Isaac Lawrence, Kemys; Mr T. T. Davies, Langstone, commended. Subssribers' Prize—A premium of two guineas ant a half, for farm servants or labourers, for the longest serri- tude, uninterruptedly, under the same master, on the same farm, or under the same family-Thomas Power, servant to Mr John Lloyd, King's Head Hotel, 49 years Subscribers' Prize-A second premium of one guinea and a half, for farm servants or labourers, for the longest ser. vitude, uninterruptedly, under the same master, on the same farm, or under the same family-Edward Williams, servant to Mr James Ballard, Cowbridge, 42 years 11 months. Subscribers' Prize-A third premium of one guinea, for farm servants or labours, for the longest servitude, unin- terruptedly, under the same master, on the same farm, or under the same family- servant to Mr John Waters, Croaheolydd, Bassalleg, 40 years 9 months. POULTRY. GAME (Black or brown-breasted reds)—First prize, f,2, Mr. J. H. Wiliiann, Spring Bank, Welshpool second, JEt, Mr Joseph Cocks, Severn Bank Tannery, Worcester Mr William Bradley, Severn Navigation, Worcester, and Mr R. W. King, Wellington, Salop, highly commended Mr Robert Shiel, station master, Bassalleg, ^Newport commended' GASIK (Duckwings or other greys and blues)-First prize, cup, value i.3 3s, Mr J. H. Williams, Spring Bank, Welshpool second, £ 1, Mr William Dinning, Park Ter- race, Wellington, Salop. GAME (any other variety)-First prize, JE1, Mr William Nicholas, Caerphilly, Glamorganshire; second, 10s, Mr William Nicholas, Caerphilly, Glamorganshire Mr John Rees, Tregarn Mill, Langstone, Newport, highly com- niended- SPANIsH-First prize, cup,value £ 3 3s, MrAlfred Heath, Calne, Wilts second, i:1 Mr George Lamb, Compton, Wolverhampton Mr R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport, and Mr John Smith, 35, Bradford-street, Walsall, highly commended, DORKING (coloured)—First prize, cup, value xo 3s, Mr W. R. Peacey, Chelworth, Tetbury, Gloucestershire second, £ 1, Mr Robert N. Hooper, Llansannor Court, Cowbridge Mr R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport, highly commended. Cochin China (coloured)—First prize, a cup. value £ 3 3s, Mr Henry Tomlinson, Balsall Heath Road, Birmingham second, 21, Miss Julia Millward, Newton St. Loe, Somer- set Mrs Mary Seamour, Aylesbury, commended. COCHIN CHINA (white)—First prize, -iEl, Mr John Gar. diner, Terrell street, Bristol; second, 10s, Mr John Gar- diner, Terrell street, Bristol. BRAHMA POOXBA—First prize, £ 1, Mr Joseph Hlnton, Hinton, Bath second, 10s, Right Hon Lord Tredegar, Tredegar Park, Newport. HAMBURGHS (Gold.Pencilled)-Firat prize. 92, Mr E. Ilatton, Pudsey, Leeds second, JEL Mr R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport; Mr James Stretton, 44, Broad-street, Worcester, commended. HAMBURGHS (Silver Pencilled)—First prize, cup, value 93 3s, Mr John Holland, Chesnut Walk, Worcester; second, Mr John Holland, Chesnut Walk, Worcester; Mr R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport (2 pens), Mr James Platt, Dean, Bolton, Lancashire, highly commended. HAMBURGHS (Gold Spangled)-First prize L2, Mr A. K. Wood, Burnside. Kendall, Westmoreland; second, jEl, Mr Thomas Fletcher, Commissioners' Office, Great Mal- vern Mr James Hawkins, Newport, commended. HAMBURGHS (silver Spangled)-First prize, C2, Mr A. K. Wood, Burnside, Kendall, Westmoreland second JB1, Mr Thomas Davies, Belmont Cottage, Newport; Mr George Witcombe, Kingsholm, Gloucester, highly com- mended. POLANDS (Black, with white crests)-First prize, JE1, withheld; second, 10a, Mr Thomas FletoherjConamiseiouew' Office, Great Malvern. j • Hinton, Hinton, Bath second, 10s, Mr H. B. Sketch, Ctifton Cottage, Blaina Iron Works; Mrs Blay, The Poplars, Gregory's Bank, Worcester, highly commended. BANTAMS (Game)—First prize, PI, Rev A, Kingscote Cornwall, Bencome, Dursley; second, 10s, Mr R. Tate, Green Road, Leeds Mr Thomas Davies, Belmont Cot- tage, Nevvport, Mr R. Tate, Green Road, Leeus, and Mr W. Bradley, Severn Navigation, Worcester, highly corn- mended. t BANTAMS, (Black or white,) Clean leggetl-First prize, £1 Mr E. Cambridge, 2, Brunswick-terrace, Stokes Croft-road, Bristol; second, 10s, Mr Thomas Davies, Bel- mont Cottage, Newport. BANTAMS, (Any other variety)—First prize, cup, value £2 2s,'Mr Thomae Davies, Belmont Cottage,Newport; se. cond, 10s, Rev P. W. Storey, Charweltoa House, Da ventry. ANY OTHER DISTINCT BREED—First prize, £ 2. Mr F, W. Zuihorst, Belville, Donnybrook, Dublin seoond £ 1, I Mr Edward Pigeon, Lympstone, Exeter third, 17s GlI Mr R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport; fourth, 12s 6J Mr Joseph Hinton, Hinton, Bath fifth, 10s, Mr P. P, i Cother, Salisbury, Wilts; Mr Edward Philhmore, 119, High-street, Cheltenham, and Mr R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport, highly commended; Rev P. W. Storey, Char- < welton House, Daventry, and Mr George Corps, 8, Vic- j toria place, Newport, commended. ] DUCKS (Aylesbury)—First prize, £ L, Mrs Mary Sea- mour, Hartwell, Aylesbury; 2nd, 10s, Mr John Logan. Maindee, Newport; Mr John Pye, Spitty Farm, Aberga- t venny, Mrs Mary Seamour, Hartwell, Aylesbury, and Mr Samuel Lang, jun, The Shrubbery, Redland, Bristol, -highly commended Right Hon Lord Tredegar, Tredegar Park, commended. DUCKS (Rouen)—First prize 21, Mr John Williams, t Goytre, Usk second, 10s, ditto. f GEES E.-First prize, £1, Mrs Mary Seamour, Hart- 1 Aylesbury; second, 10.3, ditto; Mr Richard Rees, s rook Cottage, Abergavenny, commended. i KEYS.—First prize, XI, Miss Julia Millward, c l St. Loe,Somerset; second, 10s, Mr Samuel Lang, 'he Shrubbery, ReJland, Bristol Hon F. C. r I, Ruperra. Castle, Newport; Mrs M." A. Horlock, aga, Chepstow (three pens), highly commended. ING CLASS.—First prize, £ 1, Mr John Gardiner, s street, Bristol second, 15?, Mr John Logan, f 3, Newport; third, 7s Gel, Mr Joseph Hinton, a Bath Mr Frederick G. Phillips, Chippenham, s nd Mr John Williams, Goytrey, Nantyderry, d jmmended; Mr Joseph Hinton, Hinton, Bath a >gan, Maindee, Newport (two pens); Mr John f s, Goytre, Nantyderry; Mr R. H. Nicholas, Newport, and Mr Thomas Davies, Belmont < Newport, commended. IPSTAKES Foit SPANISH COCKS.—Prize, i6s.— t omas Ace, Ystalyfera, Swansea Valley. JKING COCKS-Prize 12s, Rev AI Kingscote CoiQ- Bencombe, Dursley Mr Edward Shaw, Plas nlmot, Oswestry, commended. GAMS COCIcs-Prize 24?, Mr J. A. Williams, Spring p Bank, Welshpool; Mr George S. Sainsbury, Northgate c street, Devizes; Mr William Nicholas, Caerphilly, p Glamorganshire, commended. t COCHIIT CHINA COCKS—Prize 12s, Mr H. B. Sketch j Blaina Iron Works, Blaina Mrs Mary Seymour, Hart-' n well, Aylesbury, commended- r GAME BANTAM COCKS—Prize 20), Rev A. Kingsoote Cornwall, Bencombe, Dursley Mr Thomas Davies, Bol* mont Cottage, Newport, highly commended; Mr W. ? Bradley, Severn Navigation, Worcester, commended. COCKS (any other variety)-Priza 16s, Mr H. B. b Sketch, Blaina Iron Works, Blaina- FOWLS—(Cottager's Prized—First priza 15s, Mr Chas- E Alleu, Malpas, Newport; second ptize 12s 61, Mr Geo. t Boundy, Malpas, Newport third prize 7s 6d, Mrs Esther d Ford, Malpas, Newport; fourth prize 5s, Mr William j Davies, Yiotoria Avenue, Maindee, Newport; Mr Charles t Allen, Ma'pas, Newport, highly commended Mr Wm. Jenkins, Malp»s, Newport, Mr Charles Harris, Maindee Park, Newport, Mr Charles Harris, Maindee Park, V Newport, Mr William Davies, Victoria Avenue, Maindee, Newport, commended. a DUCKS—(Cottager's Prizes)-First "prize 15s, Mr Chas. y Harris, Maindee Park, Newport; second prize 12s 61, ii Mr William Reed, Malpas, Newport; third prize 7s 6d, ii Mr Charles Allen, Malpas, Newport; fourth prize 5s, Mr c William Reed, Malpas, Newport. h PIGEONS. h PAIR OF CARRIERS.—First prize, 10S, Mr Ernest E. M. Royds, Green Hill, Rochdale second, 5s, Mr. Henry Yardley, Market Hall, Birmingham. f PAIR OF POUTERS.—First prize, 10s, Mr Ernest E. ll M. Royds, Green Hill, Rochdale; second, 5s, Mr Henry Yardley. Market Hall, Birmingham; Mr George S. n Sainsbury, Northgate street, Devizes, commended. A PAIR OF TUMBLERS.—First prize, 10s, Mr John Per- g civall, Clent Villa, Harbourne, Birmingham second, 5s. ■- Mr Henry Yardley MarkM HaU, Birmingham ^Q^led/ 0 YA^ILLV OF FANTAILS 1 10s, UR Henry 8J Yardley, Market Ilaii, Birmingham second, 5s, Mr George S- Sainsbury, Northgate street, Devises Mr George S. Sainsbury, Northgate street, Deviz-ss, and Mr. CI Henry Yardiey, Market Hall, B.i il.»,±hly com- meuded; Mr Thomas Roe, Dock parade, Piilgvrenlly, commended. PAIR (any other variety).—-F-irst prize, 10B, Mr Henry nr Vardiay, Market Hall, Birmingham second, 5', Air I Henry Yirl!p-, Market Hall, Gi: .,i'um J t;urd,2> 51, 1 M.v "Einesu Jb. 'at. n.ov>i», Mrooa Jli'l, -*r. j c" f George C. MurLou. Bishopstrosv, Warminster, and v {' Arthur Middleton, Newport, Mou,, highly commended ( "L^ufwar, Siow hill, Ivowport, Mr J. 3. M'Gregor, Giis Work*, Great Malvern, Mr George C. Mar ton, Uisbnpstrow, Warminster, Mr George C. MnrtoD, Bishop- 8 ets'ow, Warminster, and Mr Thomas 11 oi, Dock parade, b Pillgwenlly, commended. THE DINNER ? Took place at the King's Head Hotel, Mr. Lloyd pro- r, Tiding an admirable spread. The company was not nearly so numerous as usual. The Right Hon. Lord Tredegar presided and he was supported at the centre table by the Lord Lieutenant of the county (Lord Llan- rr over), Admiral Mundy, Mr. Octavius Morgan, M.P., b Mr. Gratrex, Hon. Godfrey Morgan, M.P., Col. Lindsay, Col. Milman, and Hon. Arthur Morgan. The Vice-chair was occupied by Mr. H. J. Davis, and among the other t' gentlemen present were-Col. the lion, F. Morgan, Rev. P; Canon Hawkins, Messrs. S. IIomfray, L. A. Homfray, el Wickey Homfray, C. Homfray, W. G. Cartwright, 9 Captain Ballard, C. H. Williams (Roath), Captain Hill (Abergavenny), Lieutenant Gratrex, T. F. Lewip (Mayor Cl of Newport), E. J. Phillips (ex-Maynr), Captain Relph, W. Lane, J. G. Palling, A. Bassett, John Lawrence, R. <1 S. Roper, D. Baker, — Bradley (Cowbridge), W. Price, r.Wakeman(Monmoutb), S. Vernon, F. Justice, jun., v Traherne Rees, W. Vaugban, C. H. Oliver, J. Pylus, P — Jones (Cefn), — Jones, jun., R. Ducktiam, jun., ▼' — Williams (Penkelly Castle), Jones (Varteg), E. <j< Edmunds, jun., R. Stratton, jun., R. Raine, J. Griffiths, li J. P. James (Chepstow), H. Williams (Crindau), Heniy Oakley, J. W. Jones, J. S, Stone, Till (Caerwent), ti D. Harrhy, Matthew Hale, H. R. H. Richards, — c Heard, H. E. Hibberd, — Adams (St. ArvanB), &c.> &c. a' The cloths having been removed, The Noble President rose and said that before pro- 0 ceeding with the toasts usually given at gatherings of c' this kind, he wished to offer a few remarks having special o reference to the meeting of that day. It was a source of o great regret to him that he could not congratulate the h present company on being so numerous as the assembly p which generally attended these meetings; still, in y the uircumstance3 under which they unfortunately met, » he was very much gratified to see even so many as were g now around the table. He had not expected one half 81 the number. As to the exclusion from the yard that day ti of horned stock, as well as sheep and pigs, he tl was sure the exhibitors and other gentlemen present tl would give him credit for doing the best he b could to prevent the spread of the cattle plague, tl (Cheers.) As President of the Royal Agricultu- e ral Sooioty and vice-president of the Smitbfield Club,both I of which had passed resolutions urging on Government b the adoption of more stringent measures than they had thought proper to take hitherto, he could not possibly r { have allowed cattle to be brought to this exhibition, b (Hear, hear.) Up to this time Providence had kept the t plague from this county and from all parts of South c Wales with which he was connected; and he should c therefore be extremely sorry to do anything which might render possible the thought that he had at all contributed t to the introduction of the disease into districts hitherto t happily free from it. (Cheers.) He would not trouble g them with statistics of the cattle plague; but he might I state that he bad of late been troubled with a vast li amount of correspondence, and hal never had so many e disagreeable questions to answer. The Council of the I Royal Society had, as already intimated, thought it neces- t oessary, with a view to prevent the increase of the plague, a to impress upon Government the necessity of more strin- r gent measures being adopted, and he trusted Government i would take the advice of the Royal Society and the r Smithfield Club, that the country might, if possible, be 1 saved from an extension of this terrible malady. He I was much gratified to find that the exhibition of horses t in the yard that day is some degree made up for the f want of horned stock and sheep and pigs. It was an t exhibition of horses which would be a credit to any other 1 provincial meeting, and was almost equal to any of the t Royal Agricultural Society's meeting?. It showed that the prizes offered for stock had been of great seivice to this county altogether; he never saw a better lot of young animals, of which some gentlemen younger than himself would take advantage by and by to follow the hounds upon. The trial of the hunters on the day previously had been a most gratifying exhibition to him; it was a better exhibition than he had ever seen take place he was sure every gentleman who had witnessed it must have been highly pleased, and he congratulated certain young gentlemen recently come into the county, and who had taken prizes, on their success. (Cheers.) Having said thus much in reference to the unfortunate circumstances under which they had assembled, he would not trespass longer, but ask them to drink the health of Her Majesty the Queen—a toast which was always re- ceivedi wit* enthusiasm, and which he was sure the present company would not be backward in honouring. (Great cheering.) The Noble President then gave the health of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Prinoess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family. The Prince of Wales had been travelling about a great deal, visiting noblemen and gentlemen iu various paits of the country, and ) I" t:.í.L ') {, wherever he went his affabi'ity ani general judi- cious conduct always won for him golden opinions; and he gave admirable promise that when he succeeded to the throne of these realms he would be a king worthy the country he governed. (Cheers.) Tbu Noble President next g.vs the Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese," coupling therewith the name of the Rev. Canon Hawkins, who, his lordship said, was popular alike with churchmen and dissenters, and whom he congratulated on his improved state of health, which enabLd him again to appear in public. (Cbeers.) The Rev. Cmon Hawkins returned thanks, observing that it gave him great pleasure to be present, and that he deeply felt the kind manner in which his lordship had expressed himself. Many gentlemen around him were from a distance, but he recognised among the com- pany not a few friends whom he was glad again to meet, and he trusted that, under God's blessing, he should now be able to keep at his post for some time longer. (Hear, hear.) The clergy could not but feel interested in the success of agriculture and he looked upon these meetings as calcul&ttd very much to promote that part of the country's wealth, and indeed the country's welfare-(bear, bear); for, although he lived in a town, and during a residence of twenty years had been greatly interested in witnessing commercial enter- prise, and the business skill and ability around him, and could not but feel all this as highly important to the country, yet he could not but regard agriculture as the true basis of the nation's proposerity. (Cheers.) Among the various provincial cattle shows none was more distinguished than that in connection with which they had assembled. In his recollection it had been held for fifty or sixty years when he lived at Gloucester he heard of it, and regarded it as an affair of great import- ance; and now that he resided at the place whore it was held he reoognised more fully its vast importance, espe- cially to the immediate neighbourhood in which it was located, and in a greater or less degree also to more remote places. (Cheers.) He had been glad to see the improvements which had been gradually effected in the show through succeeding years. (Hear, hear.) It had I pleased God to afflict our country with a dire plague among the cattle; and though this district had not suffered much, it had had the effect of considerably diminishing the interest this year attaching to the show, and, as his lordship had observed, probably accounted for the smaller number of ptrsODS attending the cele- bration of their anniversary. Let them hope that in God's Piovidence a different and more cheering aspect would be presented another year. He could not but think, from what had been said and seen, that the most stringent measures should ba taken to prevent the spread of ttie disease. Although the origin and cause of the disease might not be thoroughly comprehended, yet probably the gentlemen conuected with the Royal Agri- cultural Society were best acquainted with what would prevent its extension and they might therefore hope they would have reason to thank his lordship, the Noble President, jmd others, for urging upon Government the necessity of being decided in the measures they adopted. (Cneers.) The Noble President said the next toast was the health of the Services upon which the country depended for its safety. (Cheers.) At present we were enjoying the blessings of peace, and he hoped we should continue so to do but if war shoulrl break out on the continent, or should somo conlinental power invade us, we should find those Services, with the volunteers and militia, ready to defend us, as heretofore. (Cheers.) lie gave the Army, Navy, Volunteers, and Militia, There were several dis- tinguished officers present who would respond, and he coupled with the toast the name of Admiral Mundy. (Cheers.) Admiral Mundy, in replying, said, as an old sailor, and one who had been knocking about the sea all the best years of his life, he confessed it was always with a feel- ing of grdat satisfaction that he heard a toast proposed in honour of the Royal Navy, and found that toast ac- corded a kind and friendly reception. lie could truly say he was on this occasion gratified at what appeared to him the cordial welcome given by all the gentlemen present to that toast. as just proposed by their noble president; and ht> wished also at the same time sincerely to thank the noble lord himself for the kind manner in which he had been good enough to associate his (Ad- miral Mundy's) namo with the naval service at largo. Although lie was now speaking before a large body of gentlemen who worp nrm.1 agriculture, sports of the field, and other occupations having little affinity with maiUimc jjuiamis, still as he had been called upon he might say a few words as to what was his opinion as to the present state of the royal ndvy. (Cheers.) He would therefore briefly conclude the-e remarks by adding that he himself was 01 opinion that the naval authorities were continuing to raakc steady aud satisfactory progress inward* the con- • ersion of :;<.1 many of the -,vooden-framed and mixed- metal vessels of their timf-h^noured wooden wrjit" i? wtrc- fit for such coimmou a».i he though' (■yStem introduced of constructing 'he new piates of iron- clads, though not perfecti had suooesdei in producing v^sistfin winch, fur solidity of construction and sen ^oina: I qualities, hid not been equalled by any other nation. (Cheers.) Iu reference to what the noble lord had bjeu good enough to say touching the possibility of their being engaged in a oouU&t, perhaps b.o tnigUt oe allowud to say—and he hjped he should not be considered us partially judging his own rofession—thai he hid no reason to doubt that should the day come that England would be obliged to put forth her strength on the sea, to uphold the dignity of her flag, or to guard her shores against invasion, ind protect her commerce, the men wl.o manned her ships would be able, as their forefather# had done, still to maintain the maritime ascendancy of England. (Cheers.) Col. Milman also briefly replied, remarking that the transformation of the army had not yet been so far com- pleted as that of the navy, it having not been yet pre- cisely determined as to which was the best description of gun. (Cheers.) CuI. the Hon. F. Morgan, for whom there were loud calls, acknowledged the compliment on behalt of the volunteer?, remarking that he had hoped to escape that duty, as there was a senior officer (Col. Liudsay) present, and who was the prcper person to return thanks for the volunteers. Admiral Mundy had said the navy would protect the commerce of the country so it would and the volunteers would protect the agricultural interests of the country. (Cheers.) They did not want to look any further they did not want to be brought into contact with any foe who did not come into the county to which the volunteers themselves belongsd. (Laughtsr and cheers.) He would do his best to lead his gallant little army, but he did not want to go outside Monmouthshire. (Laughter and cheers.) It was more convenient to go to one's own home in the evening, than to live in another county, however hospitable thatcountymight be. He could only say that ai long as he was connected with that hon- ourable force (the volunteers) he would endeavour to do ( his duty, and support it in every way that lay in his power. (Cheers.) From what they had seen of it this year-and the Noble Lord, the Lord Lieutenant, would IIgree with him—the force of Monmouthshire was not I gone down. (Hèar, hear.) From what they had seen at a lat9 review they miht eay it was in the awcendant. They bad been complimented by the inspecting officer on the way they had performed their duty, and from what experience he had of his own battalion he must say it was in a moat efficient state, though he did not say it was attributable to his own ex ertions or to tho exertions of any single individual. But he must beg to thank the officers and men of the battalion under his command for the way in which they had struggled to get through their duty, and to become really efficient soldiers. As he hal said he should only be too delighted to protect the agricaltural interest of this county, and on the present occasion the horti- cultural interest in particular. (Laughter and loud cheers.) cheers.) The Noble President. said the next toast was that of the health of the Noble Lord the Lord Lieutenant of the County." (Cheers.) It gave him (the President) great pleasure to see the Lord Lieutenant present. Both Lord and Lady Ll-mover had been contributors since the late Sir Cnarles Morgan (the President's father) had established the show; and at the first meeting his (the President's) noble friend was present, when they were boys together. As he had said, Lord Llanover had been a constaot contributor, and anybody who had seen the model farm at Llanover would eay the Lord Lieutenant was no mean agriculturist -himself. (Cheers.) With regard to his lordship's proceedings as Lord Lieutenant ha (the President) had no reason to find fault; the Lord Lieutenant had dune everything to promote triose insti- tution which as the representative of Har Majesty he had the opportunity of doing so well, and they would all agree with him in drinking tha health of the Lord Lieutenant, trusting he might continue to go on as here- tofore. (Cheers.) Lord Llanover returned thanks, observing that as to what had fallen from his noble fr;end in reference to the performance of his (the right hon. speaker's) uuties as Lord Lieutenant of the county, ho had only to say that t those duties, though not of an onerous character, were sometimes difficult to disoharge; but he had endea voured, not merely in the disoharge of those duties, but in the disoharge of the powers entrusted to him by his Sovereign, to do all to tho best of his ability, and certainly without fa- vour or affection to anybody. (Cheers.) With refe- rence to what had fallen from his honourable and gallant friend who commanded a battalion of volunteers, he begged to thank the officers of that body for their soal and attention to their duty, and the support they had given him in the performance of hit own as head of that establishment in this county. He could fully corrobo- rate what had fallen from his hon. and gallant friend that the volunteer force was never in a more satisfactory condition than at the present moment; and he believed in no county in Great Britain could suob a force be turned out as did appear last September, in proportion to the number, if he might use the axpression, on paper- beoaw, although thsy had not nomiulily raore thaa, i v'v.-j .b* 1 1,600 or 1,700 on papar, there were more than 1,300 men on the ground. (Cheers.) Well, his noble fiiend had alluded to a period gone by-50 years ago, when they were young men, and when this institution was first established by h:s veneiaSle friend the late Sir C:iarles Morgan and he (the right hon. speaker,) remembered t!,e first meeting that took place, when he accompanied Sir Caarles Morgt.n from Tredegar, where he was spending his holidays as a boy ct school, to the cattle show at Courtybelln, und which show had from tr.ut day to the present gone on increasing and im- proving under the fostering care of him who established it in the first instance, and afterwards of his noble friend who succeeded the hon. founder. (Ciieeri.) They talked of the signs of the tiwis-but let them not suppose. he talked about the signs of the present times, or he might get into a sphere it would not be well to touch upon at this kind of meeting—but he talked of the signs" of the times as to the placard he held in his hand because he remembered when the blocks were first made for those five wonderful letters which everybody had seen who looked at the list of prizes, and which blocks well represented animals which were supposed to be good animals in those days, and ploughs which were supposed to be good ploughs, and spades which were supposed to be good spades in those days. They often heard a cant saying that if a man wished to be considered more honest tian his neighbours—and, by the way, that was the man to be respected-(laughter)-he called everything by its name he called a spade, a spade. But if they put the plough which was delineated in that letter T" into the hand of any ploughman after he had been using one of Ransome or Howard's ploughs, he would say that plough was not a plough. If they looked, as he had done, at the illustrations of Virgil, they would find a plough very similar to that which his friend the lati Sir Charles Morgan thought was a good plough and had put on the letter 11 T" of the word "Stook." (Laughter and cheers.) Therefore, having attended these meetings from 1819 to the present day, and having seen these five wonderful letters, with these marvellous animals and implements delineated upon them, he did hope his noble friend and others would adhere to those five letters, and let those who came afterwards see what was the state of agriculture when this institution was first established. (Cheers.) That institution had now for 40 or 50 years gone on im- proving for nothing told them more of improvement than facts of the kind now indie tt"d and he dared say if other institutions were started in the neighbour- ing counties of Herefordshire and Glamorganshire, aud they hal ifve other letters—" S-T-O-C-K," and put Ransome's ploughs there as a great implement of to-day, some pers ns, fifty yearshencafookingat them, would see the signs of the times, and discern progress as clearly as wasseen by the betters to which hehadreferred.Let them go on in that improvement the foundation of whioh had beer, laid by the late Sir Charles Morgan and the present noble President, under whose auspict-s great good had been done to the county of Monmouth, and to whom the county of Monmouth should feel everlastingly indebted. (Cheers.) Hiving said thus much, he would not farther trespass on their time but before sitting down he might be permitted to give a toast, and that toast he need hardly say was the health of the President on this occa- sion. (Loud cheers ) He sincerely hoped the noble lord might long live to preside over assemblies of this kind—(renewed cheers)-arid he also sincerely hoped tho noble lord would not forget the few words he (the Lord Lieutenant) had taken the liberty of uttering, and that especially he would remember a:nong them the word u S-T-O-O-K." (Loud cheers-) The Noble President, in acknowledging the toast, said he would not detain them long, because already he had stated his opinion of what they had seen that day. As to the improvement that had taken place in the IJgri- culture of this county since the commencement of this Society, that must be patent to all who had attended the show year after year and as to the fire letters his noble friend had so well alluded to, he (the noble president) hoped so long as he lived, and had the honour of being at the head of the show, he should retain the same heading to the bill, because nothing more clearly showed the improvements made in the description of implements, and, he might say, in the shape of the animals also. (Laughter.) He assured them as long as he had the honour of being president of that associat on nothing should be wanting on his part to fuith r all improvements which would tend to promote ° CChPor, TTo no -'° l"e health of t]ie members for One of them-Mr. Octaviua Morgan, was prca nt; but Colonel Somerset, he be- lieved was out of the country. (The toast was drank amid loud cheering.) Mr O. Morgan returned thanks. It always gave him great delight to attend on these occasions, which re- mindeu him of days long gone by. At the preaem rr-o- uieut, he could not help thinking of the days when tcc society was ifrst cstsllish.i and to which Low": hau referred. Noiv lhay considered themselves n smail party, but he rsmembere i tile time when. if the dinner party did not number-one half those now present, it vrjS «on«idcred large. He remembered LII* hist <liu:ier was held at the Parrot Hotel, between which aud the Saluta- tion there W!\3 not a houso in b-syonj tl' ■ '■ <- Since then, however, theru had been gveat progress acd improvement and he hoprd these would continue—an ¡)S:1:r;,t;úD in which everybody interested in Newport would join. (Cheers.) This year they met under circumstances different from those under which they had met before. Half a oentury had elapsed since this association was established, and they had never previously met with an check, but gone on increasing. Now however this great cattle show had been checked by the unavoidable cattle plague, and reduced to a shov of horses and chicken?. Twelve months ago no one could have foreseen such a visitation as the country had now experienced but God grant the disease might be but a temporary infliction, and that before another year the cattle plague might be stayed, and this and other similar exhibitions be carried on with renewed vigour. (Cneers.) He did not know whether they might expect that, though they might hope for it. Hitherto Ged had been pleased to spare this part of the country, and they might hope if proper measures Wore taken by Government, and the Government was the only party who could take such measures, the plague might be restricted to the localities in which it now existed, and not be allowed t) progress beyond. He there- fore trusted that Government would be most stringent in their regulations. But it was not Government alone that could prevent the spread of the disease; they must all unite in carrying out the orders in Council which had been published, else the orders would be really useless. It was all very well to make provision for the infliction of a penalty of jE20 on the man who breaks the law; but if he brought an infected ani- mal into a district, and so introduced the plague, that fine would not remedy the mischief. Tbey must depend upon men who would not break the law for the sflke of immediate personal profit at the expense of great loss to their neighbours. (Cheers.) It was decidedly the best for all parties to restrict the plague to where it now is if it were extended through careless removal of stock, the loss might be incalculable. A very large proportion of cattle would be destroyed 4here would be a great scarcity of food, and the difficulty of producing stock would be immense. There was ar.o. ther thing, of which most of them had heard. A schedule had been sent down wit i a view of obtaining from each farmer a register of the quantity of cattle on his farm. lie (the hon. member) thought that in the present state of the country it was most desirable they should know the quantity of cattle in England, and tha proportion of deaths to the live stock still existing and, in order to obtain this, and to ascertain their prospects for the future, it was requisite to know both the quan- tity of full-grown Eticii and yearlings and ungrowa stock. Some psople held such a return to be inquisitorial, but where, he asked, was the inquisitive- [icss ? They were obliged to tell not only their incomee, but what the incomes were derivej from and all this was registered. But nobody could tell their individual in- comes but the collectors who had the books, which showed their incomes. As a Commissioner he had seen many of the books, and inst glanced down them, but he knew nothing of individual incomes. So would it be with the stock. Besides, nobody would be interested in it but the immediate neighbors of the farmers, and these could even now satisfy themselves pretty well on the point. Nothing would be published but ttie aggre- gate amount in the different neighbourhoods and tt,ure, fore he could not and never could disoover why there should be a great disinclination to make the return. lienee he hoped that on tue first of January next the I return would be made as carefully as possible,that neither Government nor tho country might be misled as to the quantity of the stock. (Cneers.) The Noble President then gave the health of the mem- ber for the borough (Mr C. Bailey), making a touching allusion to the death of Mrs Bailey, to which event the absence of Mr Bailey was attributable. (The toast waa drank amid great cheering,) Mr Gratrex returned thanks on behalf of his absent friend, Mr Bailey, who, he assured the company, always looked forward to this meeting as one of the pleasantest of his annual gatherings. But unfortunately, frott domestic affliction, as had been stated, Mr Bailey did not feel well enough to be present on this occasion, and to himself (Mr Bailey) his absence would be a great de- privation. And now he (Jlr Gratrex) might be permitted to refer to a subjeet in connection with the plague,whict had visited this country. His Lordship had very kindlf presided over a meeting whose object was to establisha2 insurance association to cover to a great extent losses resulting from the cattle disease, but the agrioultunsts ot the neighbourhood had not pioperly supported the movement, though it was possible those who had thought little oT the projected association at the time might yet be great sufferers. But be agreed in an observation that had been Made that the Government should have taken the initiative ill chalking out" a mode by which fumed .Wi-iti* I*r;-