The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. ♦ THE CREWE SHOW. The annual show of the Cheshire Agricul- tural Society, with which was amalgamated the exhibition of the Crewe Canine Association, was •held at Crewe on Saturday. With the excep- tion of two heavy showers in the afternoon the event was favoured with fine weather, and the attendance was gratifyingly large. The show was held in Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall, and Co.'s Auction Yard and on part of the Crewe Athletic Ground, and the only convenient thing about the site, so far as the public were con- cerned, was that it was near the railway station. The exhibits were arranged in a haphazard, straggling fashion, and it was a matter of extreme difficulty to find any particular depart- ment. Appended is a record of the entries at the shows for the last ten years m ( j t £ ns oc g £ | Entrance fld S S B • §?S* -• Sj-r-g a Sfr Fees. Show held OD « bl !» CJ P< CC "tr? Q. O a H!? 3 & g s -s |^ | i gi-3 | at [h hoOB O « W ffl h 0Ph Eh £ b. d. 1887 10 52 83 25 90 73 92 32 457 158 2 3 Crewe. 1888 20 79 76 17 73 53 104 — 45 467 219 19 3 Chester. 1889 14 48 91 24 194 53 141 — 38 603 156 7 3 Congleton. 1890* — — — — Crewe. 1891 26 51 85 27 178 38 101 58 564 242 14 0 Stockport. 1892 27 44 67 30 247 55 88 12 48 — 618 242 16 6 Warrington. 1893 19 87 82 43 250 58 163 10 25 — 737 178 0 9 Sandbach. 18c)4t 18 135 93 250 [' 83 151 19 37 786 197 1 9 Nantwich. 1895 23 86 162 69 416 52 86 21 34 366 1315 283 12 9 Kuutsford. 1896 7 84 83 42 350 46 92 — 29 548 1281 266 11 0 Chester. 1897 11 91 116 32 322 47 129 38 25311039 Crewe. I I I I Amalgamated with the Manchester and Liverpool Society. t The Pigs were not shown, owing to Swine Fever. J Dogs only. Much has been said within the last twelve Illaoliths about raising the standard of the exhi- bition, and making it the county show in more than name; but it can hardly be said, taking the number of entries as a criterion, that the efforts in this direction have so far been attended with pronounced success. The entries of cattle, for instance, only numbered 116, and, as the Presidsnt (Lord Crewe) pointed out at the luncheon, this is ridiculously small for a which is so noted for its dairy stock as Cheshire. The delay in posting the list of awards was the subject of great complaint. Almost in every case where the judges handed their books in, it was a considerable time after the conclusion of the judging, but in some Classes the results were not made known at all. The display of cheese was excellent, though ot th ° "XT"* tbit at events ■Sot ST™ £ 'lttle •Momagement is t givon to the manufacture of small cheese suitable for family use. In the 2lnn° foI not less than 501b. the bv Ur1ZeRWeK ?,Utn0fihe C0Unty> beiQg taken by Mr. Richard Dutton, Old Marton Hall, d .th,1S ^xhibitor was awarded the m.?J 5 of Chester s (Mr. B. C. Roberts') special prize for the best four cheeses made upon the long-keeping principle. In the other open class, for cheese not less than 30lb., Mrs. Watson, of Brereton Farm, Har<*rave deservedly secured the premier honours! The competition for butter, as usual, served to ,demonstrate the superiority of Mrs. France, of Spurstow. The cattle, though few in number, left little 'to be desired, so far as quality was concerned. The dairy cows were somewhat aged, but Mr. o- W. Gould, Lymm, shewed a finely pro- Portioned animal, which won the special prize i ±,10 given by the President for the best jjairycow or heifer in the yard. The heifers of th a sPlend}d display, and Mr. Stretton, one the r? • £ es' ihformed our representative that Hall shewn by Mr- Thomas Parton, of Weston y Were the best he had seen in the country, hon of the heifers that did not secure IVTo -tf would bave done so at most shows, a Tn'ficent bulls were exhibited in each class twu iudSes took a long time in deciding' whether the five guinea silver cup for the best bull in the yard should go to Mr. John Siddall, of Oakhanger Hall, Crewe, or Mr. John Hobson, of Audlem. They were almost obliged sto call in an umpire, but finally they gave the trophy to Mr. Siddall. The same animal was awarded Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall and Company's -champion prize for the best of the winners in the Cattle Classes. There is no doubt that in recent years, through a variety of circumstances, a marked improvement has been manifest in the breed of heavy horses in the county, and this improve- ment was fully maintained at the county show. «L foremost came Earl Egerton of Tatton, who added considerably to the long list of successes he has achieved this season. Tatton Queen, one of the mares shewn by his lordship in the class for pairs was probably the finest animal in the show. Mr. Joseph Hill, of Con- gleton, also exhibited a fine mare, May Flower, which carried off first honours in her class ioo^ uClass for krood mares foaled prior to 1894, the judges declared the Bix animals that entered the ring the finest they had ever seen, and it was not without considerable difficulty that they decided to give the first prize to Mr. George Wainwright, Alderley Edge. The light horses were also in advance of recent years. Scarcely anything better, indeed, could have been taken through a parade ground than two or three of the classes. Most of the modern requirements for hard roads or harder setts had been developed-light shoulders, springy action, clean, deep feet, and symmetrical pro- Portions, from the pastern upwards. Some of the horses in harness were apparently of Irish th6^ and ^bey had all the dash and vigour ial jFe natural to horse blood from the sister of j The brood mares (roadsters) from the .,ud of Mr. A. C. Carr, at Broxton, who was the winner of a number of awards at the Royal Agricultural Show at Manchester, and also at the Royal Lancashire, were deservedly success- ful. Some fifty or sixty hunters, young and aged, were included in the various classes, and the competitions would have been improved if, besides being classed according to age, their weight-carrying capabilities had in one or two classes been taken into consideration. Sheep were not numerous, but they were excellent in quality. Pigs made a disappoint- ing display. In four classes there was only one entry. The most successful exhibitor was Mr. J. Jefferson, of Peel Hall, Chester, and after him came the Earl of Egerton. The dog department, which was entirely under the control of the Crewe Canine Association, attracted much attention. In the class for Scotch terrier dogs or bitches Mr. H. Smith, of Hoole, Chester, was place first with a smart- looking young puppy. Another Chester ex- hibitor-Mr. A. E. Jones-took a third in the class for bull dogs, the first prize winner being an animal of such excellent quality that it was adjudged the best dog in the show. The entries of seeds and roots were more numerous than last year, but the judges were sorry to find that the quality of the wheat was not so good, some of the samples being in bad condition. Oats were more satisfactory, and competition was extremely keen, Mr John Wynne, Waverton, taking the first prize for the black species, and Mr. C. E. Parton, of Haughton Hall Farm, for the white. It was evident that the roots had suffered from the dry weather, but generally speaking the display was 10 meritorious for the time of year. these only two exhibits of farm produce, but these were exceptionally good, and t e ju g difficulty in selecting between them, tnj they p4ed Mr. James Oultram, of Huxley first. The samples of potatoes were few, but the quality left little to be desired. Mr. Jame iomkinson, of Willington Hall, secured p honours with his collection of horticuitura P duce, meeting with keen competition trom other five exhibitors. The second prize winner, ^r. W. Prior, of the Gardens, Maesten, \V hit- ch«rch, had a splendid collection of roots and Vegetables, but he had not sufficient varieties ot P'ants and flowers, and for this reason did not get the first prize. -J;.1?. interesting feature consisted of the tn» I1^3 from the Agricultural and Horticul- ral School at Holmes Chapel. Here were shewn samples of 93- varieties of the most modern varieties of potatoes, true to type and perfect in shape. It is proposed to issue a pamphlet at the end of the year dealing with experiments in potato culture at the school. A number of sods, shewing the effect of different manures on grass land, attracted a good deal of attention. A series of experiments with nitragin on leguminous crops was well demonstrated with clover grown in pots, with specially selected clover soil. Other exhibits descriptive of the different subjects taught in the school included a germinator, in which seeds commence growth in from 24 to 48 hours. Mr. Gordon, the principal, had the care of this exhibition, while Mr. Nield had charge of a number of samples of vegetables also grown at the school. There were some eighteen varieties, among them being extra fine carrots, onions, and cauliflowers. The Worleston Dairy Insti- tute gave a demonstration in butter-making, separating and testing milk for fat, and also in the making of soft cheese, including Cheshire, Cheddar, and Stilton. Miss Foster and Miss Harrison'had the supervision of this stand the demonstrations in butter-making were carried out by the pupils, and Mr. S. Edwards, farm bailiff, gave demon- strations in the separation of milk. As usual, the horse jumping was one of the most popular departments of the show, but it was the subject of comment that rather an inferior class of hunters were shewn. It was quite in accord- ance with custom that the chief prize should be carried off by that successful horsewoman Mrs. Blockley, of Madeley. The turn-outs made a very creditable display. The following were the judgesCheese: Messrs. J. C. Boothby, Stockport; and H. J. Fish, Whitchurch. Cattle: Messrs. G. Ash- bourner, Kirkby-in-Furness; and A. Stretton, Burton-on-Trent. Heavy horses: Messrs. J. Forshaw, Carlton-on-Trent; and Edward Green, Welshpool. Light horses The Earl of Crewe, the Earl of Enniskillen, Mr. T. H. Hutchinson, Catterick, Yorks and Mr. Frank Lloyd, Wrexham. Sheep: Messrs. P. R. Cooper, Lichfield; and P. A. Evans, Wellington, Salop. Pigs: Messrs. J. Hallas, Warrington; and Philip Ascroft, Rufford, near Ormskirk. Seeds Messrs. Thos. Baxter. Warrington; and W. Nunnerley, Ellesmere, Salop. Roots: Messrs. Thos. Baxter and W. Nunnerley. Implements: Messrs. James Mercer, Widnes, and George Moroton, Middlewich. Dogs collies, Mrs. A. H. Moore, Leek other classes, Mr. Theodore Marples. Cottage gardens: Messrs. Geo. Latimer, Crewe, and Wm. Lythgoe, Nant- wich. The following were the stewards:—Messrs. Bosley, Sandbach Coomer, Nantwich John Lea, Stapleford Benjamin Dutton, Nantwich; W. E. Lea, Tarvin; N. Turner, Nantwich; S. Byford, Crewe; T. R. Boote, Crewe H. Nuttall, Crewe; R. Hull, Nantwich; J. Woodhouse, Crewe; Richardson, Sandbach Barratt, Sand- bach L. Gibson, Nantwich; Chas. Edwards, Nantwich; J. Bebbington, Walgherton, Nantwich. The secretarial duties were dis- charged by Mr. T. A. Beckett, of Chester. THE LUNCHEON. LORD CREWE ON THE LAND SYSTEM. The President (Lord Crewe) occupied the chair at the luncheon, being supported by the Earl of Enniskillen, Col. Cotton-Jodrell, M.P., Mr. Henry Tollemache, M.P., the Mayor of Crewe (Mr. McNeil), Major Wilbraham, Messrs. James Tomkinson, Charles Reynolds, W. Starkey, &c. After the health of the Queen had been pledged with enthusiasm, The PRESIDENT proposed the toast of the day, Success to the Cheshire Agricultural Society.' He thought they might claim to have achieved that day at any rate a fair measure of success. He saw from the record of the society's shows for the last ten years that in 1887, when the show was held at Crewe, there was a total of 457 entries, whereas on the present occasion they had 1,039 entries. (Applause.) That was in itself a satisfactory circumstance, and he thought that so far as some of the classes at any rate were concerned, he could say that the quality had kept pace with the quantity. Those gentlemen who had been judging the hunter classes would, he thought, bear him out in the opinion that those classes were exceptionally good, and would be a credit to any county show. (Hear, hear.) He was glad to know also that the exhibits of cheese and butter, an industry with which they were so peculiarly associated, were of a satisfactory character. He was glad to draw attention to the fact that the Mayor of Chester had given a prize for a long-keeping cheese—a cheese to keep twelve months—which had been locally won. Speaking in the presence of those who were greater experts than himself, he was not one of those who thought that the place of the quick ripeaing cheese would ever be taken by long-keeping cheese. Farmers were bound to follow the market, but at the same time it was a good thing that there should be some practice in the manufacture of a more keeping quality of cheese side by side with that quickly ripening cheese which he thought was likely to remain the principal industry of the county. He confessed that so far as the number ot the entries of cattle was concerned it did seem to him that in a county like theirs an entry of 116 head of cattle was rather a small one. (Hear, hear.) He should like to think that in future years that number would be increased. I hat consideration brought him to the more general one of the position the show was to hold in the future as regarded the whole county. They knew that there was in Cheshire a certain number of local shows of very high class, and with those shows he was sure the Cheshire Agricultural Society would in no way wish to interfere, but at the same time if that society was to be the county society, and that show was to be the county show, it ought to assert for itself a sort of premiership among all the shows in the county. (Hear, hear.) That it had not entirely done so in the past he thought they would all agree was due to the fact that it had perhaps been held rather too often in one part of the county, but that was a defect they hoped might be remedied in the future. It was proposed to hold the show, as far as possible, all over the county in rotation, and he ventured to think that as time went on, and as these more local shows found that there was no wish to interfere with them, but rather on the contrary, the society would assert that primacy that the county society ought to do. (Applause.) He thought they might congratulate them- selves on the whole upon a fairly successful farming season so far. Not only in that county but in other parts of England, he believed it might be truly said that the prospects of farmers were somewhat brighter this year than for some time past. (Hear, bear) We had had a certain amount of excite- ment in perusing the report of the Royal CommIssIon on Agriculture. The consideration ot that report might arouse ideas of a some- what controversial character with which he had no intention of dealing on such an occasion as that. He was bound to say that from having read the various reports he personally came to the conclusion that our present English land system, with its relation of landlord, tenant, and labourer, and by which the landlord was responsible generally for the permanent improvement of the farm, and the tenant devoted all his capital and energy to the working of the farm, was one which had stood the test of time better than any other system would have stood it. (Applause.) That was an opinion he knew might be controverted, and was op m to some objection; instances no doubt could be adduced in which that relation had not been a successful one, but taking it altogether and comparing it with the relation that existed between owner and cultivator in other countries, he was disposed to think they would not be very wise if they were to seriously tamper with the relations between landlord and tenant as they existed in this country. (Applause.) Mr. THOMAS PARKER, in responding on behalf of the society, was very pleased that he could join with Lord Crewe in congratulating the society on the success that had attended its meeting. The circumstances under which they were assembled there that day were such as would contribute to the success of the society. They were all aware that a new era had been reached in the affairs of the society, and he hoped that it would be well supported now by those whom they looked to for support. In the neighbouring counties it was the general thing for all classes to contribute to the success of the county agricultural show, and in that respect they might take Stafford- shire as a worthy example. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the cattle classes that day he did not know that he ever saw in connection with that society a better class of animals ever in the ring. If it was true, as Sir Michael Hicks Beach said the other day, that the best were the best, would pay the best, and bring about the best results, he was very pleased to helieve that some of the best were m that yard, and had been exhibited that day. (Hear, hear ) He was rather sorry that their worthy [ resident's prize had gone to another part ot the county-the northern part—(laughter),— but the winner had fairly won it, and was entitled to it. He was very pleased they had connected with the society such gentlemen as Lord Crewe; they only wanted a few more men of his stamp, men imbued with the right principle, and then the society would be the best of its kind in the county. (Hear, hear.) The agricultural interest was an important one, and it was worth supporting. The broad backs, clear brains, and determined enterprise of Cheshire people had kept agricultural depression as far away as in any other county in England, and all honour to such men. With respect to long-keeping cheese, the experience of last summer bad proved that something new would have to be applied in order that the temperature of the cheese rooms might be lewer, because the temperature this season bad had a disastrous effect on cheese. As Lord Crewe said, these permanent improvements fell on the landlord, and he supposed the landlords would see them right. (Laughter.) He was very glad to think that things were looking a little more rosy and bright with respect to agriculture. They had always been hopeful, and trying for the best, but a good many had not forgotten old grievances and sores. A good many did not forget the liabilities it bad been a very bad paying con- cern, although they had done well. (Much laughter.) They wanted a little more breathing time, and if they could recover their position, and stand as they did in 1870, they would all work with the best spirit, and trust to see landlord, tenant, and labourer in as happy a position as it was possible to occupy. (Ap- plause.) Colonel COTTON-JODRELL, M.P., in proposing the heath of the President, said Lord Crewe bad occupied a high position, but now they saw him coming to live among them as a common English gentlemen, and being the president of their Agricultural Society. It was a satisfac- tion to them all to know that Englishmen were the people in the world who could do those things. It was all honour to such men as Lord Crewe that they could that day shew as good a show as any county in England in similar cir- cumstances. Alluding to the fact that the society bad been undergoing a certain amount of re-organisation, and that measures would be taken in future to distribute its shows more regularly over the different parts of the county, he endorsed Lord Crewe's remarks, and added that it was necessary everybody belonging to the society should try to make it better known, and try to get a much greater number of sub- scribers. He believed the total number of regular subscribers to the society at present was only about 300 or 350, but such a number was utterly inadequate for the purpose of making the show a thoroughly representative one. If they held the show in different parts of the county, and endeavoured to get a very much greater number of subscribers, he thought they would ensure a brilliant future for the society. (Applause.) Lord CREWE, in responding, said the position of an English gentleman was one which he would change for no other, even if it involved the responsibility of judging a class of hackneys in a ring as he bad been that morning. (Laughter.) Referring to Mr. Parton's speech, he said that in his opinion the relation between landlord and tenant, under which the landlord made himself responsible for all the permanent outfit of a farm, was the absolute essence and backbone of our English land system. (Ap- plause.) Though he bad not the pleasure of numbering Mr. Partoni among his tenants, he could assure him that f he did, and Mr. Parton came to him with a request for some improve- ments, which he (his lordship) was able to agree was of a thoroughly reasonable character, he hoped he should come forward and execute the improvement, even if he had to borrow the money. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Tollemache reminded him that there was an exhibit at the show from the Holmes Chapel School. He was assured that in every respect it was thoroughly worth a visit, and he hoped that not only the ladies and gentlemen who were present would visit it, but that they would urge their friends to visit what was undoubtedly one of the most interesting and characteristic features of such a show as that. Mr. HENRY TOLLEMACHE, M.P., next proposed The Town and Trade of Crewe,' and said for the fifty years he had had more or less the honour of knowing the town of Crewe, it cer- tainly had increased, it appeared to be increasing, and he hoped it would continue to increase. (Hear, hear.) As to the trade of Crewe there was no doubt that all other trades and industries were over-shadowed by that gigantic industry, the London and North- WesteA Railway Company, a company which held the first place among railway companies in the whole wide world, whether they con- sidered the comfort of the passengers, the speed of its trains, or the excellence of its permanent way. The townspeople of Crewe had been among the first to grasp the idea that the interests of the neighbourhood around were the interests of Crewe, and whenever the Cheshire Agricultural Society had wished to hold their show there they had but one answer from the Town Council, and that was the very heartiest welcome that could possibly be offered to them. That day's show had been very much facilitated by the consideration shewn them by the Town Council, and he was certain that those good feelings would be reciprocated. (Hear, hear.) The MA TOR having responded, Mr. JAMES TOMKINSON proposed The Judges.' The EARL of ENNISKILLEN, in acknowledg- ment, said he thought the show was very credit- able to the county. (Applause.) Appended is the prize list:— CHEESE. Four cheeses, made in 1897, not less than 501b weight each (open class): 1, Richard Dutton, Old Marton Hall, Ellesmere, Salop 2, Joseph Ankers, Cholmondeley; 3, H. J. Wilaoa, Clive Wood, Grenshill, Salop; r, Johrf Hobson, Coole Lane i arm, Nantwich. Very highly commended W. B. Clarke, Towns Green Farm, Alprahara. Highly commended: Robert Davies, Round House, Edge, Malpas; H. Jones, Aldersey; and H. S. Walley, Bickerton Hall, Malpas. Commended: Samuel Holland, Woodhey Hall, Nantwich; Benjamin Dutton, Baddiley Farm, Nantwich; John Hull, Woodhouse Farm, Stoke-on-Tern, Market Drayton- Thomas Charlesworth, Baddington, Nautwich and Edward Goulbourne, Wilkesley, Whitchurch Four cheeses, made in 1897, not less than 301b. nor more than 501b. weight each (open class): 1, Mrs. Watson, Brereton Farm, Hargrave; 2 S. B. Ducker, Daisy Bank, Tattenhall; 3, Thomas Greenway, Burton Farm, Tarporley ;■ r, Joseph Emberton, Brockton Hall, Eccleshall. Very highly commended W. H. Hobson, Wood Farm, Malpas. Highly commended George Platt, Oak w6?.. Eaton, Tarporley. Commended Jas. W. Simcock, Hill Farm, Burwardsley; and Wm. Smith, Reaseheath Farm, Nantwich. Four cheeses, made in 1897, not exceeding 301b weight each,, of Cheshire make 1, Samuel Evans Wood- house Farm, Tattenhall Lanes. The Mayor of Chester's special prize of £10 10s. for the best four cheeses in the showyard, made upon the long- keeping principle, was won by Richard Dutton, Ellesmere. BUTTER. Three pounds of butter 1, Mrs. France, Spurstow, Bunbury; 2, Mrs. Joseph Stokes, Til- stone Heath, near Tarporley; 3, Mrs. James O Kell, Park Farm, Barrow 4, Mrs, Platt. Oak Tree Farm, Eaton, near Tarporley; r, Joseph Lewis, Fplly Farm, Oakmere. Very highly com- mended Mrs. Harding, Alpraharu, Tarporley. Highly commended Mrs. Adkins, Hawarden. Commended Mrs. Lovekin, Bunbury Mill, Tar- porley. Offered by the Crewe Local Committee— Best two pounds of butter, made up in half-pounds by a cottage tenant: 1, Mrs. Dodd, near Wistaston College, Nantwich; 3, Mrs. William Lowe, Slaughter Hill, Crewe. Fowls dressed for table 1, Philip Reade, Swanley, Nantwich; 2, Samuel Moreton, Spring Farm, Crewe; 3, Mrs. W. T. Cowzans, Alpraham. Ducks dressed for table 1, Mrs. W. T. Cowzans 2, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe 3, Mrs. Bebbington, Church Min- shull, Winsford. Best and neatest cottage garden belonging to a cottager within two miles of Crewe Town Hall: 1, S. Nightingale, 15, Mablin's- lane, Coppenhall, Crewe; 2, Thomas Stubbs, Rose Hill Cottage, Crewe Green: 3, James Tomkinson, 114, Bradneld-road, Coppenhall. CATTLE. Bull, above two years old: 1, John Siddall Oakhanger Hall, Crewe; 2, William Furber' Baddiley Hall, Nantwich; 3, C. E. Thornycroft, Chelford, Crewe; r, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe v h c, Nathaniel Pennington, Spode Green Farm, Bollington, Altrincham. Bull, above one and under two years 1, John Hobson, Coole-lane Farm, Audlem; 2, the Earl of Crewe, Crewe; 3. Thomas Parton r, John Siddall; v h c, Philip H. Chesters, Elm House, Nantwich. Bull, under two years old, bred in the society's district: 1, Samuel Raingill, The Grange, Ringway, Altrinc- ham 2, Charles E. Parton, Haughton Hall Farm, Tarporley; 3, Samuel Maddock, Spring Bank, Gresty, Crewe c, Edward Simpson, Sidway Hall, Market Drayton. Bull calf: 1, Richard Clarke, Warburton Park, Heatley, Warrington; 2, Wilmot Jackson, Whitmore Farm, Newcastle; 3, Philip H. Chesters r, John S. Billington, Balterley Hall, Crewe v h c, Lieutenant-Colonel Cornwall Legh, High Legh Hall, Knutsford. Best shorthorn bull in Shropshire and Cheshire, offered by the Great Britain and Ireland Short- horn Society: 1, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe. Pair of dairy cows 1, Samuel Raingill, The Grange, Ringway, Altrincham 2, Ed. Simpson, Sidway Hall, Market Drayton 3 and r, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe. Best dairy cow in-milk: 1, Samuel W. Gould, Foxley Hall, Lymm 2, Edward Simpson 3, Samuel Raingill; r, Thomas Parton; h c, Wilmot Jackson, Whit- more Farm, Newcastle. Best dairy cow in-calf: 1, Earl of Crewe, Crewe 2, Edward Simpson 3, Lieut.-Col. Cornwall Legh, High Legh Hall, Knuts- ford; r, Thomas Parton; v h c, Samuel Raingilr Pair of heifers, under three years old 1 and 2, Thomas Parton 3, Samuel Sherwin, Staple- ford, Chester; r, John Cheers, Barrow, Chester; v ii c, Richard Hull, Edleston Farm, Nantwich. Pair of heifers, under two years old 1, Samuel W. Gould, Foxley Hall, Lymm 2, Thos. Cooper, Seabridge, Newcastle, Staff. 3, John Siddall, Oakhanger Hall, Crewe r, George Lee, Cop House, Saltney. Pair of heifer calves 1, Samuel W. Gould 2, Nathaniel Pennington, Spode Green Farm, Bollington 3, T. H. Surie, Bellaport Hall Farm, Market Drayton r, Philip H. Chesters, Elm House, Nantwich v h c, R. Hull, Edleston Hall Farm, Nantwich. Channel Island cow 1, A. L. Goodson, Heathfield, Knutsford 2, Joseph Lewis, Folly Farm, Oakmere, Northwich. Labourer's cow 1, Mrs. Mary Pickstone, King- way, Altrincham 2, William Lowe, Slaughter Hill, Crewe 3, George Stubbs, Crewe Hill, Crewe Green, Crewe r, Robert Newbury, 125, Willaston- road, Willaston. Offered by the Crewe Local Committee, limited to tenant farmers residing within 10 miles of Crewe Town Hall. Best heifer under three years 1, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe 2, W. Bowers, Nantwich. Best heifer under two years 1 and 2, Thomas Parton. The Earl of Crewe's prize of £10 for the best dairy cow or heifer in the yard was won by Mr. S. W. Gould, Lymm. Silver cup, value £5 5s., for the best bull in the yard Mr. Siddall, Crewe. Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall, and Co.'s cham- prize, value J;3 3s., for the best of the winners in the cattle classes, was won by Mr. Siddall. HEAVY HORSES. Shire stallion, foaled prior to 1894: 1, Joseph Hill, Smethwick Hall, Congleton: 2, John Jones, Church Farm, Norton-in-Hales, Market Drayton. Shire stallion, foaled in 1894: 1, Thomas Jeffs, Hapsford Hall, Helsby; 2, John Beckett, Betchton Stud Farm, Rode Heath 3, Thomas Charnock, Hale, Liverpool; r, J. Jackson, Rope, Crewe. Shire stallion, foaled in 1895 1, the Earl Egerton of Tatton, Tatton, Knutsford 2, John Richards, Llynclys, Oswestry; 3, Nathaniel Pennington, Spode Green Farm, Bollington; r, Thomas Hardy, Mere Hall Farm, Knutsford. Shire Horse Society offered a silver medal for the best shire stallion, entire colt or colt foal, which was won by the Earl of Egerton. Pair of agricultural horses, mares or geldings 1, the Earl Egerton of Tatton 2, Peter Davies, Warburton, near Warrington 3, John Whalley, Oak Farm, Ringway, Altrincham; r, Joseph Hill, Smethwick Hall, Congleton c, Joseph Beecroft, Duckington Grange, near Malpas. Mares or geldings for agricultural purposes: 1, Joseph Hill: 2, Exors. of the late Ed. Charnock, Fazakerley, Liverpool 3, G. Holland, Cop Farm, Keele, Newcastle r, Samuel Rain- gill, the Grange, Ringway, Altrincham. Brood mare and her foal, for agricultural pur- poses 1, G. H. Mullock, Poulton; 2, E. Howard Moss, Ravenscroft Hall, Middlewich; 3, Thomas Hardy, Mere Hall Farm, Knutsford. Brood mare, foaled prior to the year 1894, the property of a tenant farmer 1, George Wainwright, The Lyleys Farm, Alderley Edge; 2, Nathaniel Pennington, Spode Green Farm, Bollington 3, Executors of the late Edward Charnock, Fazakerley, Liverpool; r, Richard Clarke, Warburton Park, Heatley, War- rington; h c, William Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton, and W. W. Bower, The Manor, Hawarden c, G. H. Mullock, Poulton, and Thomas Smith, Blacon Point. Best foal, for agricultural purposes, the property of a tenant farmer 1, G. H. Mullock, Poulton; 2, P. Allen, Willaston Hall; 3, Thomas Hardy; r, George Wainwright. Gelding or filly, for agricultural purposes, foaled in 1894, the property of a tenant farmer: 1, George Wain- wright 2, James Gould, Model Farm, Lymm; 3, Joseph Beecroft, Duckington Grange, Malpas; r, John Whaliey, Oak Farm, Ringway, Altrincham. c, Jas. Henry Lowe, Stonelow, Madeley, Staffs; Gelding or filly, for agricultural purposes, foaled in 1895, the property of a tenant farmer: 1, Nathaniel Pennington. Spode Green Farm, Bol- lington; 2 and 3, John Whalley, Ringway; r, George Wainwright, The Lyleys Farm, Alderley Edge; h c, Samuel Jones, Poole Hall, Little Sutton c, W. S. Cronshaw, The Firs, Cheadle; Johu Bennett, Betchton Stud Farm, Rode Heath Exors. of the late Ed. Charnock, Fazakerley, Liverpool. Gelding or filly, for agricultural pur- poses, foaled in 1895, the property of a tenant farmer 1, Thomas Hardy, Mere Hall Farm, Knutsford; 2, Nathaniel Pennington; 3, Joseph Hill, Smethwick Hall, Congleton; h c, George Wainwright; c, W. Allen, Backford, and Thomas Charnock, Hale, Liverpool. The Earl of Crewe's prize of £5 for the best pair of agricul- tural horses, the property of a tenant farmer, was won by John Whalley, Altrincham. A silver cup, value £10, given by Earl Egerton for the best shire mare or filly, of any age, the property of a tenant farmer in Cheshire, was won by N. Penning- ton, Bollington. LIGHT HORSES. Hackney stallion: 1, W. Newburn, Warford Hall, Alderley Edge; 2, James Laithwood, F.R.C.V.S., Congleton; r, A. E. Salmon, Manor House, Barthomley; c, Lees Knowles, M.P., Westwood, Pendlebury. Brood mare, for breeding roadsters, in foal or with foal at foot: 1 and 2, Austin C. Carr, Stud Farm, Broxton; r, W. Newburn; he, Lees. Knowles, M.P.; c, Thomas Bennion, Cherry Tree Farm, Barthomley, and A. K Salmon. Foal, likely to make a road- ster: 1 and r, Austin C. Carr; 2, John Bourne, Rectory Farm, Market Drayton; c, W. Mewburn (twice) and Lees Knowles, M.P. Roadster, mare or gelding, foaled 1896 1, Austin C. Carr, Stud Farm, Broxton 2, A. E. Salmon, Manor House, Barthomley 0, Thomas Challinor, Domvilles, Audley, Newcastle, Staffs. Roadster, mare or gelding, foaled in 1895 1, J. Rhodes, Limefield House, Drayton street, Hulme, Man- chester 2, John Knowles, Lostock Gralam, Northwich r, T. Simon, jun., Castle Hill Farm, Market Drayton c, Samuel Sherwin, Stapleford. Roadster, mare or gelding, foalad in 1894 1, T. Simon, jun. 2, George Rodger, Newton Bank, Preston Brook r, A. E. Salmon c, Joseph Jones, New Farm, Dodleston. Roadster, mare or gelding, foaled prior to 1894 1, A. L. Goodson, Heathfield, Knutsford 2, Ralph Sneyd, Keele Hall, New- castle r, Seymour H. Munro, M.D. Nantwich. Brood mare, for breeding hunters, in foal, or with foal at foot 1, Capt. W. Griffith. Tiresford, Tar- porley 2, W. Smith, Reaseheath Farm, Nantwich. Foal likely to make a hunter 1, Captain Wynne Griffith, Tarporley 2, Thomas Jones, Town House, Barthomley. Hunter, mare or gelding, foaled 1896: 1, John E. Brown, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton; 2, John Nunnerley, Buerton, Audlem. Hunter, mare or gelding, foaled in 1895: 1, John Prescott, Kinderton, Middlewich 2, Ralph Sneyd, Keele Hall, Newcastle, Staffordshire. Hunter, mare or gelding, foaled in 1894: 1, Betsy Jones, Hawthorne Farm, Cholmondeston, Winsford 2, T. Simon, jun., Castle Hill Farm, Market Drayton. Hunter, mare or gelding, foaled prior to 1894 1, H. Reginald Cooke, Riverside, Nantwich; 2, Capt. Fetherstonhaugh, Tilston House, Tarporley. Cob, mare or gelding, 13.2 and under 14.2 1, Alfred S. Day, Berkeley Stud Farm, Crewe; 2, Edwin Noden, Seabridge, Newcastle, Staffordshire; c, Seymour H. Munro, M.D., Nantwich. English or Eastern mare, not exceeding 14.2, most suitable for breeding polo ponies (open class): 1, A. E. Gaddum, Green Walk, Bowden; 2, The Keynham Stud Company, Somerset; r, Ashelon Clegg, The Cottage, Mobberley; h c, W. Mewburn, Warford Hall, Alderley Edge; c, John T. Smith, Estate Office, Knutsford. Pony, mare or gelding, over 12.2 and under 13.2: 1, Harry Hardy, Haddon House, Ashton-on-Mersey; 2, Seymour H. Munro, M.D., Nantwich; r, H. Milner, The Paddock, Poynton c, Edward Bradshaw, Nantwich. Pony, mare or gelding, 12 2 and under 1, Alfred S. Day, Berkeley Stud, Crewe 2, Dr. F. N. MoJannet, Ivy House, Middlewich; r, William Cottrill, Ash Hall, Whitchurch; h c, Thomas P. Taylor, the Hill Farm, Preston Brook; c, E. Noden, Seabridge, Newcastle, Staffordshire. OFFERED BY THE TARPORLEY HUNT CLUB. Brood Mare, likely to breed a hunter, with foal at foot, or covered by one of the club stallions; Innisfail or Fenrother (entrance free) 1, William Smith, Reaseheath Farm, Nantwich 2, George P. Hodson, Marsh Farm, Nantwich. Foal, likely to make a hunter, by Fenrother or Innisfail (entrance free): 1, Charles Lawton, Hatherton Hall, Nantwich; 2, W. Hesketh, Cholmondeston, Winsford. OFFERED BY MR. ALFRED S. DAY, BERKELEY STUD, CREWE. Mare, under 14.2 hands, which has been served by one of the Berkeley stud stallions during the seasons of 1896-7 1, John Beckett. Betchton Stud Farm, Rode Heath 2, T. H. Baddeley, Coppen- hall Heys, Crewe; 3, G. Norris Midwood, The Hut, Tabley, Knutsford. Foal, by any of the Berkeley Stud stallions 1, W. J. Wilding, jun., Linden Grange, Crewe 2, J. H. Baddeley, Cop- penhall Heys, Crewe 3, Mrs. E. Richardson Cox, rwemlow Hall, Holmes Chapel; r, Frank Powis, Boothen Farm, Stoke-on-Trent; h c. William Cot- trill. Ash Hall, Whitchurch; c, James Buckley, High-street, Sandbach, and Thos Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe. Yearling colt or filly by any of the Berkeley Stud stallions 1 and r, Chas. H. Moody, Crewe; 2, John Beckett; 3, Thomas Broster, Kinderton, Middlewich. OFFERED BY MESSRS. FRANK LLOYD NUTTALL, & CO. Champion prize for the best of the winners in the light horse classes: 1 (311), Austin C. Carr, Broxton; r (402), H. R Cooke, Nantwich. TURNOUTS AND JUMPING. Best mare or gelding, 14.2 hinds and over, driven in harness: 1, £5, Harry Hardy, Haddon House, Ashton-on-Mersey 2, £3, A. L. Goodson, Heathfield, Knutsford. Best cob, 13.2 and under 14.2 hands, driven in harness: 1, J65, Alfred S. Day, Berkeley Stud, near Crewe; 2, jE3, Edward Noden, Seabridge, Newcastle, Staffordshire. Best pony under 13.2 hands, driven in harness 1, £5, Alfred S. Day, Crewe; 2, £3, C. P. Smith, Blacon Point, Cheater. Horses, mares or geldings, performing in the best hunting style over hurdles and water, to carry not less than 12 stone 1, X10, Mrs. W. Blockley, Moore, Madeley, Staffordshire; 2, E5, F. V. Grange, Oakhouse, Farndon. Horses, mares or geldings, having never won a first prize, performing in the best hunting style over hurdles and water, to carry not less than 12 stone 1, L8, Harry Hopley, Little Budworth; 2, X4, Joseph Lewis, Folly Farm, Oakmere. Local turnouts 1, JE3, Thomas Bennion, Cherry Tree Farm, Barthomley; 2, X2, A. E. Salmon, Manor House, Barthomley; r, C. H. Moody, Crewe. Best tradesman's turnout: 1 and 2, H. G. Lever, Crewe. SHEEP. Long-woolled ram, of any age: 1, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe 2, John Cheers, Barrow; r, Wm. Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton. Shearling long-woolled ram 1, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe 2 and r, John Cheers, Barrow h c, Wm. Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton. Long- woolled tup lamb: 1 and h c, John Cheers, Barrow; 2 and r, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe. Three long-woolled ewes, of any age, having had lambs this year 1, J. Cheers, Barrow 2, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe. Three long-woolled shearling ewes: 1 and r, John Cheers, Barrow; 2, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe. Three long-woolled ewe lambs: 1, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe; 2, John Cheers, Barrow; r, Wm. Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton. Short-woolled ram, of any age: 1, John E. Bourne, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton 2, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe; r, John Barnett, Norton Wood Farm, Market Drayton. Shearling short-wooiled ram 1 and r, John E. Bourne, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton; 2 and h c, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe. Short-woolled tup lamb 1 and 2, John E. Bourne, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton r, h c, and c, John Barnett, Norton Wood Farm, Market Drayton. Three short-woolled ewes, of any age, having had lambs this year 1, John E, Bourne, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton 2, Thos. Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe; 3, John Barnett, Norton Wood Farm, Market Drayton. Three short- woolled shearling ewes 1, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe 2, John E. Bourne r, John Barnett. Three short-woolled ewe lambs: 1, Thos. Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe; 2 and r, John Barnett, Norton Wood Farm, Market Drayton. PIGS. Large breed-Boar pig any age 1, Earl Egerton, Tatton Park, Knutsford. Boar pig, born since August 26th, 1896: 1, John Barratt, Love-lane, Betchton. Breeding sow, any age 1, Earl Egerton. Small or any other breed-Boar pig, any age: 1, J A. Dodd, Little Mollington. Boar pig, born since August 26th, 1896 1 and 2, J. Jefferson, Peel Hall, Chester. Breeding sow, any age 1, Earl Egerton; 2, J. A. Dodd Pair of gilts, born since August 26. 1896: 1 and 2, J. Jeffer- son r, Samuel Charlesworth, Red Hall, Leighton, Crewe. Litter of pigs according to age, bred by the owner, not less than six in number nor more than nine weeks old, large or small] breed: 1, J. Jefferson; 2, Earl Egerton. Berkshire-Boar, any age 1 and 2, J. Jefferson r, A. L. Goodson, Heathfield, Knutsford. Breding sow, any age 1 and 2, J. Jefferson r, A. L Goodson. Cot- tager's fat pig 1, George Basketter, Altrincham 2, James Hughes, Prince's Cottage, Newton; 3, William Lowe, Slaughterhill, Crewe. Special, given by Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall, and Co ,for best breeding sow (Berkshire) J. Jefferson. SEEDS. White wheat: 2, John Edwards, Haslington, Crewe. Yellow or red wheat: 1, William Wood, Lower House Farm, Audlem 2, James Oultram, Huxley. Black oats 1, John Wynne, Waverton 2, Samuel Boffey, Barthomley, Crewe. White oats: 1, Charles E. Parton, Haughton Hall Farm, Tarporley; 2, Samuel Boffey; r, Peter Davies, Warburton, Warrington. Barley, any variety; 1, Samuel Boffey; 2, John Wynne. Collection of farm produce: 1, James Oultram 2, Samuel Boffey. ROOTS. Collection of horticultural produce: 1, James Tomkinson, Willington Hall, Tarporley; 2, W. Prior, the Gardens, Maesfen, Whitchurch; 3, John Wynne, Waverton r, Henry Mason, 24, Stoneley- road, Crewe Swede turnips 1, Chas. Warburton, Green Lane Farm, Timperley; 2, T. H. Surie 3, W. E. Lea, Priors Heys, Tarvin; r, John Piggott, Huxley. Turnips, for table purposes 1, Peter Davies, Warburton, Warrington; 2, Charles Warburton, Green Lane Farm, Timperley; 3, Philip Reade, Swanley, Nantwich; r, Samuel Boffey, Barthomley, Crewe. Mangold wurtzel, long red: 1, John Wynne, Waverton; 2, John Piggott, Huxley. Mangold wurtzel, globe: 1, John Piggott; 2, John Wynne; 3, James Oultram, Huxley; r, James Tomkinson, Willington Hall. Scotch cabbages 1, Philip Reade, Swanley, Nant- wich. Savoy cabbages 1, Philip Reade 3, John Piggott, Huxley. Red cabbages 1, Philip Reade; 2, John Wynne, Waverton; 3, John Piggott. Cauliflowers: 1, John Warburton, Wood-lane, Timperley; 2, John Wright, 84, Henry-street, Crewe; 3, Charles Warburton, Green-lane Farm, Timperley; r, George Stockton, 90, Henry-street, Crewe. Carrots 1, John Wynne 2, Philip Reade; 3, John Piggott; r, A. E. Salmon, Manor House, Barthomley. Kidney or fluke potatoes, coloured 1, Simeon Maddock, Hough, Nantwich: 2, John Piggott; 3, John Cheers, Barrow. Kidney or fluke potatoes, white 1, Peter Davies, Warbur- ton 2, Simeon Maddocks 3, John Cheers. Round potatoes, coloured: 1, Simeon Maddock; 2, John Cheers; 3, James Oultram. Round potatoes, white 1, Peter Davies; 2, J. Edge, 4, Wellington- road, Nantwich; 3, Samuel Boffey, Barthomley. Crewe; r, James Oultram; v h c, John Cheers. Onions, white 1, J. Edge; 2, John Elson, I Tushingham, Whitchurch; 3, James Mason, 48, Bradfield-road, Crewe r, John Piggott. Onions 1, John Wright, 84, Henry-street, Crewe 2, Henry Mason, 24, Stoneley-road, Crewe 3, John Elson, Tushingham, Whitchurch; r, John Wynne, Waverton. Red celery 1, Henry Mason 2, Geo. Stockton, 90, Henry-street, Crewe; 3, John Wright. White celery: 1, Charles Bostock, 58, Bradfield-road, Crewe 2, John Wright; 3, Henry Mason; r, George Stockton. IMPLEMENTS. Collection of agricultural implements 1, Beard- more and Co.; 2, Geo. Cotton and Co., Limited, Holmes Chapel, Crewe; r, McHattie, and Co., Chester. Stand or collection of carriages: 1, Wadeson and Allen, Mid-Cheshire Carriage Works, Congleton; 2, Thomas Smith, coach builder, High- street, Crewe. Collection of dairy vessels for cheese and butter-making, for sale of milk, and other dairy work: 1, R. Cluett, Royal Dairy Works, Tarporley; also gold medal for butter cooler. DOGS. Judges: Mrs. A. H. Moore, Leek, collies; Mr. Thedore Marples, all other classes. St. Bernard dog (rough or smooth): 1, J. S. W. Harding. St. Bernard bitch (rough or smooth) 1, Mrs. AdaL. Churchill. St. Bernard novice, dog or bitch (rough or smooth): 1, Rev. Wellesley Greaves. Collie dog (rough or smooth): 1, E. H. Morris. Collie bitch trough or smooth): 1, C. Bentley. Collie novice dog (rough or smooth): 1, T. Millar. Collie novice bitch (rough or smooth): 1, C. Bentley. Collie puppy, dog or bitoh (rough or smooth): 1, T. Millar. Fox-terrier dog (smooth- haired) 1, Rev. W. P. Nock. Fox-terrier bitch (smooth-haired): 1, G. Howard. Fox-terrier novice, dog or bitch (smooth haired): 1, J. J. Holgate. Fox-terrier puppy, dog or bitch (smooth haired) 1, J. J. Holgate. Fox-terrier dog or bitch (wire haired): 1, J. Rhodes. Fox-terrier puppy,dog or bitch (wire-haired) 1, J. J. Holgate. Bull-terrier novice, dog or bitch 1, E. W. Cureton. Bull dogs, dog 1, R. Hartley. Bull dogs, bitch 1, L. Crabtree. Ivish terrier dog 1, T. C. Tidswall. Irish terrier bitch 1, J. J. Johnson. Irish terrier puppy, dog or bitch 1, C. H. Grover. Scotch terrier, dog or bitch 1, H. Smith. Spaniel dog or bitch (exceeding 30lb. weight) 1, L. Crabtree. Spaniel dog or bitch (not exceeding 301b. weight) 1, O. J. Burgess. Retriever dog or bitch (wavy) 1, J. Morrison. Any other variety, dog or bitch (exceeding 251b. weight) 1, J. J. Holgate. Any other variety, dog or bitch (not exceeding 251b. weight) 1, Mrs. S. H. Walker. Collie dog (rough or smooth) 1, J. G. Hall. Collie puppy, dog or bitch (rough or smooth) 1, W. Hunt. Fox-terrier dog or bitch (smooth or wire) 1, J. Grice. Any other variety, dog or bitch (exceeding 251b. weight): 1, J. Leeming. Any other variety, dog or bitch (not exceeding 251b. weight) 1, R. W. Young.