The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

Teething Babies. A well-nourished baby—fat and chubby, with plenty of lime in its blood—has little trouble cutting its teeth. It is the thin, pale, bloodless baby that has so much trouble. When the teething period comes, have your baby's blood well supplied with Scott's Emulsion and all the disturbances in baby's system will be re- duced to a minimum. It will have lime enough to MO) form good teeth, its digestive organs will be kept nat- jpflllif ural, and its whole system will derive needed nourish- ment to counteract the influence of teething. At any JlfBliP time during growth Scott's Emulsion insures flesh, rich blood, solid bones and a healthy development. t There is only one way to get the BEST. Look for our trademark! Trade-Hark. Scott St Bowne, Ltd., London, Be C. All Chemistol 2/6 and 4.AI. fcjta/^lDlNNEFORDsl IJIflPflffJ'WSHWM MAGNESIA] The best remedy for Acidity of the Stomach, Heartburn, Headache, Gout and Indigestion; and the safest Aperient for delicate Constitutions) Ladies, Children, and Infants. SOLD THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. GOLD MEDALS, 1884-86. Used in the Royal Nurseries. THE BEST FOOD FOR IN F ANTS. SAVORY & MOORE, LONDON. In Tins, Is., 2s., 5s. and 10s. each. Obtainable everywhere. POLISHING-A PLEASURE I WILL NOTSTEPHENSIN'S ^FUHHITURE VA: SOLD BY CHEMISTS, GROCERS & IRONMONGERS Sole Proprietors, STEPHENSON BROS.. Bradford. COCKLE'S PILLS. • COCKLE'S PILLS, e COCKLE'S PILLS. • In universal use since the dawn of the century. A tried and trusted family medicine, prescribed by medical men for the common ailments of every- day life, such as ACIDITY. HEARTBURN. INDIGESTION. BILIOUSNESS. SICK HEADACHE. DISORDERED LIVER. These famous Pills will keep you in perfect health the stomach clean, the bowels free, the liver active, the head clear, and the skin and complexion pure and free from blemish. N USE FOR 92 YEARS. COCKLE'S PILLS. COCKLE'S PILLS. • COCKLE'S PILLS. Cockle's Pills are purely vegetable— warranted free from mercury. JSay be had throughout the United Kingdom, in Boxes at I is. xid., 2S. 9d., 4s. 6d. us., and 22s. a Great Oronond Street, London, W.C. P. DOBBINS, LICENSED HORSE SLAUGHTERER AND BLOOD AND BONE MANURE MANUFACTURER. Best prices given for Dead and Worn-out Horses, Cowa, etc., etc Prompt removal, civility, and cash payment. Distance no object. 200 Tons Blood and Bone MANURE for SALE. Guaranteed analysis. Write for circular and testimonials. WORKS: SALTNEY, and CANALSID8, CHESTER. Telegraphic Address: DOBBINS, Chester.' Telephone No. 123. All oommnnication to be addressed to the Head Office, No. 14, Canal Side, Chester. P. DOBBINS, Sole Proprietor and Manager. 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ggrtculturc. "r' "o. THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS. Unfortunately there is little improvement in the weather prospects. As the weeks have progressed things agricultural appear to have been gradually going from bad to worse, so far as harvest work is concerned. Very unsettled weather has prevailed, culminating at times in continuous downpours of several hours' duration. In fact harvest operations have been brought to a standstill; a great deal of damage has been done, indeed some farmers go so far as to say that the crops have been entirely ruined. Especially is this the case with barley, a good deal of which has been cut and standing in the wet for at least a month, and is quite spoilt for malting purposes. In some parts no serious damage is as yet reported, but another week like that which has just passed cannot fail to tell severely on the quality of unsecured wheat and barley; but on the other hand, if dry, sunny weather should supervene, even yet the benefit of the rains would out-balance the disadvantages. It is stated that in the Southern counties a much larger quantity of the crops is still unsecured than was at one time reported. The excitement in the grain markets has abated, and prices have fallen somewhat, but the reports of deficiencies in several of the European countries continue, and there is a general feeling that a higher range of values will be established. Much depends upon ths harvests in Russia and the Argentine Republic. The trade for live stock presents few new features. Fat cattle and sheep of good quality maintain former quotations, but rougher descriptions are difficult to move. There is little doing in store cattle, but sheep and lambs sell steadily at an advance. Since the above was written the prospect has somewhat improved. Monday was a fine, drying day, and a good deal of corn was carried. In cheese a good consumptive demand is reported during the past week, and although prices have not advanced, markets close firm. THE POSITION OF CHEESE. In the course of an article on this subject, the Grocers' Journal remarks:—The manner in which the price has been kept up of cheese, both new and old, in face of an unpreeedentedly large make, is puzzling dealers on both sides of the Atlantic. It is many years since the market was so strong in the full flush of the make, and all sorts of reasons are sought and given why this should be so. One thing is clear—Canada and the States, Holland, and the United Kingdom have had a tremendous output, and the shipments from North America have already exceeded by a quarter of a million boxes those for the corresponding period of last year. In June and July alone the excess landings reached 202,000 cwt. while in competent quarters an estimate has been formed that the home-make is more than 200,000 cwt. ahead of last year up to date. And herein, to our mind, lies the key to the whole position. The addition to the home- make looks large; indeed, if the comparison were with an ordinary season, it would be prodigious. But that is just the point-last season was quite out of the ordinary. We drew attention last year to the limited output at home, consequent on drought and the discourage- ment to making caused by the previously pre- vailing low prices, and we opinionated that prices would remain high throughout the winter. This is precisely what did occur. PRICES IN FRANCE AND PROSPECTS AT HOME. An advance in the price of bread in France has caused much excitement, and popular leaders are already clamouring for the suspen- sion of the duty of 12s. 3d. a quarter on wheat. The difference between the average prices of wheat in France and England is greater than the amount, of the French duty, probably because millers are more dependent upon the native supply in France than they are in England, and the French growers are holding out for their prices. Even in this country there is already a good deal in the daily papers about possibly dear bread; but this is decidedly premature. We have not heard of any greater advance than a penny a quartern of 41b at present, and bread is still cheap, and it should be so even if wheat rose to 50s. a quarter, a price which was considered moderate 20 years ago. DISEASES OF ANIMALS. The chief feature of the statistics compiled by the Board of Agriculture under the Diseases of Animals Acts for the week ended August is the great reduction in the number of out- breaks of swine fever in Great Britain. These are now down to 25, with 268 swine slaughtered as diseased or exposed to infection, this being the smallest number since the very difficult task of exterminating the pest was undertaken by the authorities. In the corresponding week last year there were 86 outbreaks and 2,114 pigs slaughtered; in 1895 145 outbreaks, and in 1894 139 outbreaks. The total number of outbreaks for the 35 weeks of this year has been 1,783, with 31,746 pigs slaughtered against 4,019 and 57,493 in the corresponding period of 1896. It is clear that substantial progress is now being made in Great Britain, and if there should be no recrudescence of the disease we would seem now to be justified in hoping that the struggle will end in another victory for the Board of Agriculture. But, as a correspondent remarks, What about Ireland ? As regards the weekly returns, there is again a blank under the head- ing pleuro-pneumonia. There were six out- breaks of anthrax, 25 outbreaks of glanders, and two cases of rabies were reported. The figures last year were 15 anthrax, 25 glanders, and one rabies. FIGHTING THE WABBLE FLY. A writer in the Agricultural Gazette makes the following very pertinent remarks on this sub- ject :—The warble fly, with all his faults, has one redeeming characteristic. During many months in every year he places himself entirely in the hands of his enemy, the cattle-owner. During winter and spring the fly exists nowhere excepting as a maggot in the backs of cattle, and if cattle-owners could be induced to take but a very little trouble in the early spring for about two years, the pest can be practically, or perhaps absolutely, exterminated in these islands. I know from experience that fifty cows tied up in a cowshed can have every warble dressed by one man with sulphur and grease in much less time than one hour, and by going over the cattle a second time a few weeks later it is almost certain that not a maggot will escape to develop into a fly and propogate the species. When the warble flies first acquired the habit of wintering in the backs of cattle they presumed to think the farmers would never be induced to act together even for the very short time that would be necessary to exterminate them; but they reckoned without the Board of Agricul- ture. If I correctly read the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, the Board of Agriculture in Great Britain, and the Lord Lieutenant and Privy Council in Ireland have power to declare warbles in cattle a contagious disease in the same way as they have declared sheep scab to be so, and these authorities can make an Order providing that all owners having cattle affected with warble shall dress the maggots while still in the animals' backs with some suitable dressing two or three times in the course of the spring, and that the police shall see the Order carried out as they do other Orders relating to cattle diseases.

FARMERS' SUPPLY ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of the Cheshire, Shrop- shire, and North Wales Farmers' Supply Asso- ciation was held at Brindly Lea, Nantwich, on Tuesday, under the presidency of Col. Cotton Jodrell, M.P., chairman of the association. The report of the directors shewed that the associa- tion continued to make great progress among farmers. Trade during the year had greatly increased, shewing nett sales of X32,924 14s. 9d., the largest turnover in any one year of the association's existence, and representing an increase of business compared with the previous year of nearly £ 11,000. The gross profits amounted to 91,728, and of this 9721 16s. 4d. was devoted to the payment of a bonus of 6d. in the £ on the purchases of members, and the usual five per cent. interest on capital. During the year the association had acquired a mill at Whitchurch, which is to be used in connection with the business of the association. The Chairman congratulated the sub-committee upon having secured the mill at Whitchurch upon a lease, and observed that there was every probability that the mill would be not only of great assistance to the management and to the shareholders, but a source of remuneration. (Hear, hear.) Although the development of the association's operations had necessitated the employment of additional clerks, he was glad to say that the working expenses were still less than three per cent. He could only hope that this satisfactory position would be maintained, and that the association would continue to do very good work in the district in which it carried on its operations.— Mr. Evan Langley, Bickley, in seconding the adoption of the report, re- marked that the great success of the association was due to the energy and business capacity of their manager. With a capital of only £ 3,000 the association had succeeded marvellously in having done business amounting to £ 33,000.—The report was adopted, and a resolution passed, sanctioning the payment of the bonus and the five per cent. dividend.—Mr. Byrd proposed a vote of thanks to the Chair- man, and referred to the great interest which Col. Cotton-Jodrell took in the operation of the association.—Mr. Thomas Charlesworth, in seconding, spoke of the interest evinced by Col. Cotton-Jodrell in agriculture generally.—Mr. W. J. Dutton spoke in similarly complimentary terms, and in replying teethe vote of thanks, the Chairman acknowledged the assistance which he received from h.s co-directors, and their excellent manager, Mr. Dutton. With regard to Mr. Dutton, he did not think that the association could have had a man more fitted to discharge the duties of manager. (Applause.) As to himself, he could only assure the ehare- holders, as he had done on other occasions, that he did all he possibly could to promote the welfare of the association. (Applause.)—The company, which numbered about 100, subse- quently partook of luncheon.

SUCCESSFUL PIG BREEDERS.—Messrs. Dodd and Sons, of Bridge-street, Chester, and Little Mollington, are to be congratulated on the success of their Tamworth pigs (boar and sow), which took first and second prizes respectively at the Cheshire Show recantly held at Crewe. ONE OF SIR GILBERT GREENALL'S HORSES PURCHASED BY A KiNG.-It is stated that Sir Gilbert Greenall has just sold his champion. weight-carrying hunter gelding Devonian at a record price. Its destination is Italy, and the animal is intended for the King's own use. Devonian is a brown horse, stands 15.2 hands high, and has the best of manners. It is the well-known winner of numerous first and champion prizes as a 15-stone hunter. RSSULT OF THE CHESHIRE SEtow.-The financial result of the Cheshire Agricul- tural Show at Crewe is highly satisfactory. The number of people who passed through the turnstiles was 6,742, which,'is the best attend- ance since 1893, when the society visited Sand- bach. The takings at the gates on Saturday amounted to J6329 2s. 4d., X46 Is. was paid for admission to the Grand Stand, and the sale of catalogues and sundries bring the total receipts up to X421 16s. 5d. The entry fees, too, we are informed by the Secretary (Mr. T. A. Beckett), are an improvement upon last year's, and as the expense of fitting up the show yard was comparatively small, owing to the cattle pens, &c., being already in existence, the society's bank balance should be substantially increased. This must be extremely gratifying to those who have taken a prominent part in the re- organisation of the society.

WIRRAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. + The members of the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society are deserving of the sincerest sympathy. They promote what is admittedly one of the best shows in this district, and for a series of years they have been deprived of that measure of success which is unquestionably their due by unfavourable meteorological conditions. The fifty fifth annual exhibition, opened at Bidston, near Birkenhead, on Wednesday, was as unlucky in this respect as any of its predecessors. A threatening sky in the morning, was fol- lowed shortly after noon by a heavy downpour of rain, which continued with- out cessation the whole of the afternoon. Thanks to the excellent system of drainage carried out by the society, matters were not so bad underfoot as might have been expected, but the wretched weather made enjoyment impossible. It is satisfactory to learn, however, that the receipts were a slight improvement on those for the opening day last year, the takings at the gates and stands during the day being S337 2s. 3d., as against E316 19s. 8d. There was a slight falling off in the entries compared with last year, as will be seen from the following figures:— Machinery and implements, 79 this year, against 71 last year; pigs, 23, against 25; sheep, 45, against 51; cattle, 78, against 89; horse, 343, against 382; pigeons, 1,441; against 1,460; poultry, 887, against 970; dogs, 1,135, against 1,424; grain and roots, 86, against 59 cheese, 60, against 53; butter and eggs, 109, against 109; horticulture, 790, against 765; bees and honey, none, against 47; making a total of 5,076, against 5,505 in 1896. As at the Cheshire show, there was a fine display of horses. The society have done much within recent years to encourage the breeding of heavy horses, and it was gratifying to note the marked improvement in this department. An expert expressed the opinion that there had never been anything to equal the exhibi- tion of heavy horses at any previous show. The most successful competitor in this section was the society's vice-president (Mr. J. W. Kenworthy of Kelsall), who simply carried all before him. He captured no fewer than six firsts, five seconds, and two thirds, while in addition he won for the third time in succession the fifty guinea challenge cup for the best shire mare with foal at foot. The cup thus becomes his property, but Mr. Kenworthy has generously intimated that he will present the cup to the society, and that next year he will refrain from competing in the heavy-horse classes. Ercall Countess, with which Mr. Kenworthy won the cup, is a magni- ficently built bay mare. She has taken firsts all over the country, her career having been one of almost uninterrupted success. Mr. Kenworthy's closest competitor was Earl Egerton, of Tatton. In the open class for shire stallions foaled in 1895 or 1896, his lordship had matters his own way with Tatton Victor, a handsome bay; while in the open competition for mares foaled in 1893 or 1894, his lordship took premier honours with that noted prize-winner, Tatton Queen. Other successful heavy horse exhibitors included Messrs. J. Bentley, Stoke Farm, near Chester, and T. J. Dutton, Saltney. The light horses were well up to the average. In the hackney brood mare class Mr. Austin C. Carr, Broxton, distinguished himself. The chief trophies in this section fell to Mr. G. W. Ziegler, of Landican, who took the 100-guinea challenge bowl for hunter brood mares, and also the hackney challenge cup. In the hunter open competition, Mr. Ernest Brassey, of Stamford Bridge, took a first with a neat looking grey gelding. The jumping competition proved very interesting, and resulted in the first prize being taken by Mr. T. Roberts, Liverpool, with his bay mare, Diana; the second by Mr. J. J. Ward, Birkdale, Southport, and the third by Mr. H. Jagger, Wakefield. Animals of excellent quality were shewn in the open cattle classes, but it must be con- fessed that the local classes were disappoint- ing, and that they would suffer by comparison with the exhibits at the county show. The open class for shorthorns did not produce a large entry, but finer animals have seldom been seen in a ring. Particularly keen was the competition in the class for bulls calved in or before 1895. and the judges experienced con- siderable difficulty in deciding between Mr. Thomas Atkinson's, of Bury, Master Ailesbury, and Mr. William Heaton's, of Bolton, Moun- taineer. Master Ailesbury was first at the Royal Show, and though he seemed somewhat stale, the verdict was finally given in his favour. The district class for yearling bulls was a strong one in point of quality. Mr. Heaton was placed first and second with two animals which were greatly admired. The second prize winner, Lord High Chamberlain, should be heard of again. The district dairy cows did not call for particular mention, but the Channel Island cattle made an exceedingly good dis- play, a cow and heifer shewn by Miss Greenall, of Warrington, being greatly admired. There was a creditable display of that much- talked-about article-cheese. The recent hot weather has somewhat adversely affected the flavour of cheese, but taken as a whole the exhibits were of excellent quality. The class for the heavy cheeses attracted the large entry of 28, among the exhibitors being some of the best-known makers in the county. The judges, however, had little hesitation in awarding premier honours to Mr. Richard Dutton, of Old Marton Hall, Ellesmere, who secured the champion prize at Crewe on Saturday. His exhibit was of capital flavour, fine in texture, and it possessed good keeping qualities, so much so that Mr. Dutton was adjudged worthy of the Joseph Hoult' challenge bowl, value 25 guineas, for the best exhibit of long-keeping Cheshire cheese. Mr. Dutton also won a first in the class for smaller cheese, and the challenge cup for long-keeping cheese. The class for Lancashire cheese produced only six entries. Both the butter classes were well filled. The quality was good all round. In the class for the slightly salted article, Mrs. Jos. Stokes, of Tilstone Heath, near Tarporley, was placed first, and the same lady also won the gold medal, no mean achievement when one con- siders the formidable array of competitors she had to meet. In the free-from-salt class, the invincible Mrs. France, of Spurstow, was first. Pigs and sheep were well up to the average so far as quality was concerned, but the entries were limited in number. Sir Gilbert Greenall swept the boards with his pigs, while in the sheep section Mr. Cheers, of Barrow, was successful with his Leicesters, and Mr. J. W. Kenworthy with his Shropshires. One of the most interesting parts of the show to the general public was the dog tent. The quality was decidedly good throughout, some of the best known animals in the county being benched. Pigeons and poultry too made an excellent display, as also did the horticultural exhibits. With regard to the arrangements, they were perfect, and too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the executive and the efficient secretary, Mr. Arthur H. Edwardson. THE LUNCHEON. THE PRESIDENT'S ADVICE TO FARMERS The President (Mr. Joseph Hoult) occupied the chair at the annual luncheon. A large company included the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, Colonel Cotton-Jodrell, M.P., the Mayor and Mayoress of Birkenhead (Mr. and Mrs. John Pennock), Messrs. J. W. Kenworthy (vice-president of the society), William Laird, John Laird, G. H. Cox, Edward Evans, junr., J. J. Evans, E. H. Harrison, H. H. Nicholson, Thomas Johnson, T. Davies, John Davies (Mollington), T. J. Dutton, J. Beecroft, the secretary (Mr. Arthur H. Edwardson), &c. The PRESIDENT proposed the usual loyal toasts, and afterwards submitted the toast of The Bishop and the Clergy of all Denomina- tions.' The BISHOP of CHESTER, in responding, said that the clergy always took a great interest in agricultural matters, not only because they were obviously interested in agriculture them- selves, but they did it as men who were interested in the concerns and welfare of their parishioners, and what he said of clergymen was true also in regard to ministers of every other denomination. He noticed that Lord Londonderry seemed to think that the pros- pects of agriculture in this country were not so dark as some people believed, and he seriously hoped that his view of the matter was a sound one. He concluded by proposing the toast of The Local Members of Parliament.' Colonel COTTON-JODRELL, M.P., replied, and said that as the report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture was not published until just at the close of the session he had not had an opportunity of studying that voluminous docu- ment to the extent he wished to do, so that he was not prepared to say anything about the matter. The only question affecting agricul- turists which did come before the last session of Parliament was one which would be equally impossible for him to treat of upon that occasion. He referred to the proceedings in regard to the Agricultural Produce Marks Bill. He was afraid if he touched upon that measure he would be sowing the seeds of dissension between the Birkenhead supporters of that society and the Wirral supporters. He had been asked by letter that morning what the position of that Bill was at the present time, and his answer was that the Bill was dead, that the committee was now non-existent, and if the Bill should be re-introduced next session every- thing would have commenced de novo. He hoped that in each succeeding session of Parlia- ment something would be done to forward the science of agriculture in the country. science of agriculture in the country. The PRESIDENT, in proposing. The Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society,' said they were told that agriculture was still depressed, and there were unmistakable evidences in the country that that was so, because vast tracts of land in various parts were comparatively out of cultivation. But it seemed to him some- what paradoxical that, while on all sides they heard that the condition of the agricultural industry was very much depressed, at the same time they had it that at no time in the previous history of the country had the imports of agri- cultural produce been greater than they were at the present time. This shewed clearly that there was no lack of market, at any rate in this country, for agricultural produce. In this respect the agricultural industry was very different from most other industries, which became depressed for the want of a market. The English farmer had a market at home, his land would produce considerably more than the land of almost any ether foreign farmer with whom he was in competition, and he therefore ought to be able to hold his own. They were told that the Cheshire cheese industry was dying out. Why was that ? The importation of cheese was greater than it ever was before. It was given in evidence a short while ago, by a Mr. Hill, before the Committee of the House of Commons appointed to inquire into the mark- ing of foreign produce, that Cheddar cheese formed one quarter of the total consumption of the cheese in this country. When he was a boy Cheddar cheese was hardly heard of. Cheshire cheese was the cheese that everybody wanted. It was a very serious matter that Cheshire cheese should have got into bad repute, because the production of Cheshire cheese was some- thing like 20.000 tons per annum, which at 50s. per cwt. represented an income of something like one million pounds. Now what was the cause of Cheshire cheese losing the reputation it had ? There was very little doubt in his mind that the cause was to be found in the dairy; the same careful attention was not now given to the making and maturing of cheese that it was given to it 30 years ago-(hear, hear)—and he wished to ask the Cheshire farmer whether it would not be better for him to give more care and attention than he had been doing, in order to produce good cheese. (Applause.) They were living in what one might call an age of luxury, when people would pay an exorbitant price for a high-class article, but if the article was not high class it was simply merged with the foreign article and brought no better price. While he was inclined to think that perhaps rather more was being made of agricultural depression at the present moment than the circumstances warranted, still it was a question which demanded the attention of the people of this country, because it was of national interest that their agricul- ture should flourish. (Applause.) They must not forget that it was the first industry of the country, and he thought there should be some means devised by which the representatives of agriculture should be placed in a position. to compete with all the competition they were likely to meet with from foreign countries. It seemed to him that the remedy was to enlighten the farmers, so that they could make use of the very latest and very best means of carrying out their vocation. (Applause.) In his opinion the proper course to bring this about was by the county councils paying more attention than they had hitherto done in distributing know- ledge as to the means available. (Applause.) What had been done during the past twelve months bearing on agriculture ? They had had the report of the Royal Commission on Agri- culture, which was instituted in 1893 by Mr. Gladstone. He did not think, however, that there was anything in that report which was likely to benefit the farmer very much. (Hear, hear.) There were many suggestions, some of which might be good; but in this connection he wished to point out for the serious reflection of some people that, recently, while wheat had been advancing, silver had been falling, and now at the present moment they had wheat on a higher basis than it had been for years, and silver on a lower basis. Then they had had a committee of the House of Commons inquiring into the question of the marking of foreign produce. He was afraid he must say as regarded that also that very little good was likely to come from that inquiry; though, of course, this was only his own opinion. Then they had the visit of English dairymen to Holland, Denmark, and Sweden. He believed that some good would come of that. He believed that the representatives of English dairymen had seen something in those countries which would open their eyes, and if they came back here with a determination of making known what they had seen and profiting them- selves by it, then they would see a con- siderable improvement in the dairying of this country. (Applause.) This was the direction they should move in; send represen- tatives to the places where the competition came from, see how they did it, and profit by it if they could. (Applause.) He would conclude by giving it as his opinion, and he had that opinion very strongly, that the English farmer had to look, not to the Government, not to the recommendations of any Committee on Marking, or anything of that sort, but to his own individual exertions. (Applause.) He would give him ample protection for all the skill fad capital he brought into his business. (Applause.) That was only fair—(applause)— and he ought to have it at the earliest moment from the Government, and with this protection he should be able to face every competition he was likely to meet with, and as an Englishman he had not the remotest doubt he woultl do. (Applause.) He could say this much for his comfort, that during the eighties and early nineties there was a continuous combination of circumstances, all of which tended to reduce the price of agricultural produce from foreign countries, and the farmer had consequently to constantly face a reduced income. He be- lieved that period had passed; he believed they could not again see such a combination of adverse circumstances, and he had little doubt the agricultural interest was entering upon a period of comparative prosperity. He believed the time would come, and before long too, when it would be worth while cultivating all the land in this country. (Applause.) Mr. J. H. KENWORTHY submitted The Town and Trade of Birkenhead,' and said they had a good market for agricultural produce in Birken- head, and he hoped that a still closer connec- tion would spring up in the future between the trade of the town and the agriculture of the outlying districts. The MAYOR responded, and referred to the fact that the unfortunate weather which the society had experienced for a number of years had not damped the spirit and enthusiasm of the public men in the neighbourhood in regard to the society and the show. Mr. EDWARD EVANS, jun., proposed 'The Judges,' to which Sir RICHARD GREEN PRICE, Bart., Shrewsbury, responded; and Mr. LAIRD proposed The President.' THE PRIZE LIST. Appended is a list of the chief awards :— IMPLEMENTS, MACHINERY, &c. Gold medals J. A. Lawton and Co., Liverpool, collection of carriages Richard Hornsby and Sons, Limited, Grantham, oil engine Joseph Bramham, Liverpool, collection of wire work. Silver medals D. Emmerson, Oxton, wrought- iron gates G. Hickson, Grimsby, collection of feeding troughs the Cheshire Cycle Company, Limited, cycle accessories John Cooke and Sons, Lincoln, collection of ploughs Tuck and Co., Limited, Liverpool, Warry patent pneumatic tyre Sutcliffe and Co., Halifax, egg incubator Reuben Cluett, Tarporley, dairy appliances; Wm. Calway, Sharpness, poultry and kennel appliances Ransome and Marshall, Liverpool, syringes and pumps; Kelsey and Co., Sheffield, chaff-cutter; J. A. Lawton, Liverpool, brougham, and another for dogcart Pickering Bros., Liverpool, floats Peter Shone and Son, Liverpool, lorries and the Bristol Waggon and Carriage Company, Limited, collection of carriages. Bronze medal Lea, Steer and Co., Birkenhead, collection of carriages. PIGS (OPEN). Large white boar: 1, 2, and 3, Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Large white sow.- 1, 2, and 3, Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Middle or small white boar 1, 2, and 3, Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Middle or small white sow: 1, 2, and 3, Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Berkshire boar 1, 2, and 3, J. Jefferson, Peel Hall, Chester. Berkshire sow 1, 2, and 3, J. Jefferson. SHEEP. Shropshire or any other Downs.-Shearlinz ram (open): 1, A. Tanner, Shrawardine, Shrewsbury; 2, A. E. W. Darby, Little Ness, Shrewsbury: 3. T. Fenn, Downton, Ludlow. Pen of three shearling ewes (district): 1, J. W. Kenworthy, Castle Hill, Kelsall; 2 and 3, Capt. C. Rowley Conwy, Bodrhyddan, Rhuddlan.. Pen of three ewe lambs (district) 1 and 3, J. W. Kenworthy 2, Capt. C. Rowley. Ram lamb (open): 1 and 2, A. Tanner; 3, T. Fenn. Leicesters or any other Long-woolled— Shearling ram (district): 1 and 2, J. Cheers, The Hough, Barrow; 3, W. Parker, Groat Stanney Hall, Sutton. Pen of three ewes (district): 1 and 2, J. Cheers; 3, W. Parker. Pen of three ewe lambs: 1 and 2, J. Cheers; 3, W. Parker. Ram lamb (district): 1 and 2, J. Cheers 3, W. Parker. CHEESE AND BUTTER. Three cheese, other than Lancashire, each 501b. or over: 1, R. Dutton 2, Harry Denson 3, Jos. Nicholson; 4, John Hobson; v h c, John Lloyd, Richard Bourne, George Platt, and Evan Langley h c, Samuel Holland, Mrs. Mary Mullock, and H. S. Walley (2); c, Peter Dutton and W. Toft; r, Joseph Emberton. Over 201b. and under 501b 1, R. Dutton 2, George Platt; 3, William Smith; 4, Joseph Emberton v h c, Joseph Jones and Mrs. Mary Mullock h c, Joseph Nicholas, James Hobson, Wm. Evans, and H. S. Walley c, Thomas Greenway, H. J. Wilson, and Earl Rutter; r, Harry Denson. Three Lancashire cheese, any weight: 1. Robert Seed 2, J. Keyton; 3, J. Wilding 4, J. Cook. Butter (open): 1, Mrs. Joseph Stokes; 2, Miss Kate Clegg 3, Mrs. Thomas Jackson. Free from salt: 1, Mrs. France; 2, W. G. M. Townley; 3, Mrs. T. H. Miller; 4, Miss Frances Stokes. Eggs (open).—Hen eggs (white): 1 and 2, Thos. Welsby; 3. A. Love 4, Henry Johnson. Coloured: 1, Thomas Welsby; 2, Mrs. Thomas Jackson; 3, Mrs. E. Auston. CATTLE. Shorthorns (open).—Bull, calved in or before 1895: 1, T. Atkinson; 2, W. Heaton, Thorney- holme, Lostock, Bolton. District—Bull, calved in or before 1895: 1, W. Heaton; 2, Captain C. Rowley; 3, J. Russell, Brimstage Hall, Birken- head. Bull, calved in 1896: 1 and 2, W. Heaton 3, J. Harrison, Much Hoole, Preston. Bull, calved in 1897: 1, J. Christopherson, Hooton; 2, J. Russell; 3, W. Houghton, Home Farm, Oxton. Open—Cow, in milk or in calf, calved in or before 1894: 1 and 3, C. W. Brierley, Twyford, Brimfield R.S.O.; 2 and special, W. Heatou; special, G. 8 Brown, Bankfields Farm, Eastham. Heifer, calved in 1895 or 1896 1 and 3, W. Heaton 2, S. W. Gould, Foxley Hall, Lymm. District-Cow, in milk or in calf, calved in or before 1894: 1 and 3, W. Heaton 2, S. W. Gould. Heifer, in milk or in calf, calved in 1895: 1, S. W. Gould 2, Captain C. Rowley 3. J. Russell. Heifer, calved in 1896: 1, T. Hodge, Long Fold Farm, Bretherton, near Preston; 2 and 3, W. Heaton. Heifer, calved in 1897: 1, T. Hodge; 2 and 3, J. Christopherson. Dairy cows (district).—Dairy cow, in milk, any age, of any breed or cross breed 1, and special, U. Ingham, Bootle, near Liverpool; 2, S. W. Gould 3, Captain C. Rowley. Channel Islands, open.—Cow, in milk or in calf, calved in or before 1894: 1, Miss Greenall, Walton Hall, Warrington: 2, The Marquis of Anglesey, Llanfair, Anglesey. Heifer, calved in 1895 or 1896: 1, Miss Greenall; 2, The Marquis of Anglesey. Dexter Kerries, open.—Bull, calved in or since 1893; 1"E. S. Woodiwis, Upminster, Essex. Cow or heifer, in milk or in calf: 1, Countess de la Warr, Buckhurst, Sussex. HORSES. Shires, open.—Stallion, foaled in or before 1894 1, T. Charnock, Houghton Tower Farm, Hale; 2, R. Edwards, Pemsa Glyn, Chirk, Ruabon; 3, G. Osenton, Mariners, Westerham. Stallion, foaled in 1895 or 1896: 1, The Earl Egerton of Tatton, Tatton Hall, Knutsford; 2 and special, T. Charnock; 3, G. S. Brown, Bankfields -Farm, Eastham. District:—Stallion foaled in 1895: 1, J. Bentley, Stoke Farm, near Chester; 2, W. Lewis, Lower Mountain, Hope Station, near Mold. Stallion foaled in 1896: 1, T. Charnock; 2, G. S. Brown. Hunters, open.—Stallion (thorough-bred), suit- able for getting hunters, any age: 1 and 2, A. Haslewood, Buxton. District: Brood mare, with foal at foot: 1 and cup, G. W. Ziegler, Landican, Woodchurch, Birkenhead; 2, G. S. Brown; 3, J. C. Dale, Plymyard Tower, Bromborough. Foal, for hunting purposes: 1, J. C. Dale; 2, T. J. Flynn, Lunt House, fciefton; 3, G. W. Ziegler. Hackneys, District.—Brood mare, with foal at foot: 1, 2, and 3, A. C. Carr. Foal by registered sire 1 and 2, A. C. Carr 3, G. W. Ziegler. Heavy Horses, District.—Brood mare, with foal at foot, for draught or agricultural purposes: 1 and special, J. W. Kenworthy, Castle Hill, Kelsall, near Chester; 2, Executors of E. Charnock, Fazakerley, near Liverpool; 3, J. W. Kenworthy 4, J. Bentley, Sooke Farm, near Chester. Foals (by registered sire), for draught or agricultural purposes: 1, J. W. Kenworthy; 2, P. Allen, Willaston Hall, near Chester; 3, Exors. of E. Charnock. Mare or gelding, for draught or agri- cultural purposes, foaled in or before 1893 1 and 2, J. W. Kenworthy 3, T. J. Dutton, the Beeches, Saltney, Chester; special, W. Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton, Chester. Mare for draught or agricultural purposes, entered in or eligible for the Stud Book, foaled in or before 1894: 1 and 2, J. W. Kenworthy; 3, T. J. Dutton. Mare or gelding, for draught or agricultural purposes, foaled in 1894: 1, T. Charnock, Houghton Tower Farm, Hale, near Liverpool 2, T. J. Dutton; 3, J. W. Kenworthy. Mare or gelding, for draught or agricultural purposes, foaled in 1895:1, Exors. of E. Charnock; 2, J. W. Kenworthy 3, Mrs. H. Ledward, Hill Bark, Frankby. Filly or Gelding, E. Charnock; 2, J. W. Kenworthy 3, Mrs. H. Ledward, Hill Bark, Frankby. Filly or Gelding, for draught or agricultural purposes, foaled in 1896 :1, J. W. Kenworthy; 2, Exors. T. Charnock 3, T. Charnock. Pair of Draught Mares or Geld- ings, or one of each foaled in or before 1894 1, J. W. Kenworthy; 2, Exors. of E. Charnock; 3, P. Davies, Warburton, Warrington. Shires (Open).-Mare, foaled in 1893 or 1894: 1, Earl Egerton of Tatton Hall, Knutsford 2, J. W. Kenworthy 3, W. W. Bower, The Manor, Hawarden. Hunters (Open).—Mare or Gelding, qualified to carry 14st. and upwards, foaled in or before 1893: 1. T. F. Egerton, Tatton Dale, Knutsford; 2, Major C. E. W. Wood, Bishton Hall, Stafford 3, Mrs, Milton, Raby Hall Farm, Birkenhead. Mare or Gelding, qualified to carry 12st. up to 14st., foaled in or before 1893 1, E. Brassey, Stamford Bridge, Chester; 2, J. Makeagne, Corn Exchange, Manchester; 3, C. Kendall, Little Sutton, Chester. 'District-Mare or Gelding, suited for hunting purposes, foaled in 1893 or 1894: 1, J. C. Dale, Plymyard Tower, Bromborough 2, G. Piatt, Oak Tree Farm, Eaton, Tarporley; 3, C. Kendall. Filly or Gelding, suited for hunting purposes, foaled in 1895 or 1896: 1, J. C. Dale; 2, W. Horsfall, Brookfield, Chester; 3, G, S. Brown, Bankfields Farm, Eastham. Hackneys (Open).—Filly or gelding (by a regis- tered sire), foaled in 1895: 1, Cockayne Brothers, Hackney Stud Farm, Sheffield-lane Paddock, Sheffield; 2, L. Knowles, M.P., Westwood, Pendle- bury, near Manchester; 3, T. P. Mawdsley, Beechwood Lodge, Aigburth. Filly or gelding (bý a registered sire), foaled in 1896: 1, Cockayne Brothers; 2, A. C. Carr, Stud Farm, Broxton, Cheshire; 3, J. Makeague, Corn Exchange, Man- chester. Hacks, Cobs, and Ponies (Open).—Mare or gelding, 15 hands and upwards, to be exhibited in saddle 1, A. E. Evans, Bronwylfa, Wrexham 2 W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimbo-lane, Upholland 3, S. B. Carnley Norbury House Stud, Alford. Mare or gelding' 14 hands and under 15, to be exhibited in saddle 1, S. B. Carnley; 2, E. Thwaites, Churchtown Corn Mill, Southport; 3, W. Harris-Thompson. Harness Horses (Open).—Mare or Gelding, 15 hands or upwards to be exhibited and driven in harness on tbe ground in a two-wheeled carriage 1, A. E. Evans, Bronwylfa, Wrexham; 2, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House. Pimbo-lane, Upholland. Mare or Gelding, 14 hands and under 15; to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two-wheeled carriage • 1, S. B. Carnley, Norbury House Stud, Alford f 2, A. E. Evans 3, Hon. Mrs. Ward, Old Colwyn. Tradesmen's and Tenant Farmers' Classes (District).-Mare or Gelding, 14, hands and upwards; to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two-wheeled carriage: 1, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House. Pimbo-lane, Upholland 2, W. C. Boll, Bryilffynon, Rhuddlan; 3. W. Harris-Thompson. Mare or Gelding, under I4 hands; to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two-wheeled carriage: W Harris-Thompson 2, T. Roberts, 41, Kanelagh-street, Liverpool; 3, W Harris- Thompson. JUMPING AND TURNOUTS. Leapers (open competition).—Jumper over hurdles and water: 1, T. Roberts; 2, J. J. Ward; r, H. Jaggar. Hacks, cobs, and ponies (open competition).- Mare or gelding, 15 hands and upwards, exhibited in saddle: 1, Arthur E. Evans; 2, W. Harris- Thompson; 3, S. B. Carnley; r, the Hon. Mrs. Ward. Mare or gelding, 14 hands and under 15 exhibited in saddle 1, S. B. Carnley; 2, Edward Thwaites; 3, W. Harris Thompson; r, Lewis Claud Leadbetter. Turnouts (open competition).—Mare or gelding, 15 hands or upwards 1, Arthur E. Evans 2, w' Harris-Thompson 3, the Hon. Mrs. Ward! Mare or gelding, 14 hands and under 15: 1, S. B. Carnley 2, Arthur E. Evans 3, the Hon. Mrs. Ward r, W. Conwy Bell; h c, W. J. Milton. Tradesman's and Tenant Farmers' Classes- District Competition (horse dealers excluded) — Mare or gelding, 14 £ hands and upwards 1 and 3, W.Harris-Thompson; 2, W. Conwy Bell; r, G. Smith; h e Geo. W. Ziegler. Mare or Gelding. under 141 hands: 1 and 3, W. Harris-Thompson; 2, T. Roberts; r W.J.Milton; he, W. Conwy Bell; c, W. R. Salvidge. SECOND DAY. Thursday, the second day of the annual show of the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society, opened under most depressing con- ditions, rain descending steadily and heavily, and the sky, black with heavy clouds, affording little hope of improvement. It was, in fact, typical Birkenhead Show weather, and it was inevitable that it should have a serious effect upon the receipts. The takings at the gates amounted to only e239 13s., compared with X508 last year, a falling off of X300. The receipts for the two days were zC551, against X830 taken last year. The horse-leaping con- test produced a fine exhibition of horsemanship and jumping, and it was unfortunate that it was attended by a mishap. One of the hunters a powerful animal, whose spirits or temper seemed to be kept in subjection with difficulty, cleared the water jump in line style, and resist- ing the efforts of the rider to turn him or pull him up, rushed straight on and sprang over the barrier. The spectators did not seem to have contemplated such a feat, and did not mov& until.too late, the result being that a woman who was standing at the back of the line of people was struck on the head and stretched senseless. She was removed in the hand ambulance and recovered consciousness soon after, having sustained a slight concussion of the brain and a severe shaking. Another high- spirited animal also cleared the barrier after taking the water jump, but fortunately without any serious result. The first prize was won by a brown gelding, owned by Mr. H. Jaggar, Wakefield, which cleared the water jump magnificently with fully 5ft. to spare. Appended are some additional awards HORSES. Hackneys (open). Stallion, any age: 1, H. Whittick, the Newlands, Hull; 2, W. Mewburn. jun., Warford Hall, Alderley Edge; 3, Lees Knowles, M.P., Westwood, Pendlebury, sear Manchester. Hacks, Cobs, Ponies, &c. (open).—Mare or geld- ing, 12 hands and under 14, to be exhibited in the saddle: 1, T. Roberts, 41,Ranelagh-street, Liverpool; 2, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimbo-lane, Upholland; 3, W. Canwv-, liall, Brynffynon, Ehuddlan. Mare or gelding, under 12J hands, to be exhibited in the saddle 1 T. Roberts, Liverpool; 2, W. J. Milton, Chester- street, Birkenhead; 3, J. H. Boffey, 34, Cavendish- street, Birkenhead. Mare or gelding, 14 hands and upwards, to be exhibited in saddle: 1, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimbo-lane, Upbolland; 2, E. Thwaites, Church- town Corn Mills, Southport; 3, W. C. Bell Brynffynon, Rhnddlan. Mare or gelding, 12 hands and under 14 hands, to be exhibited in saddle • 1 T. Roberts; 2, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimlo-lane, Upholland ■ 3 W Conwy Bell, Brynffynon, Rhuddlan. Mare or gelding, under 12 hands, to be exhibited in saddle: 1, W. J. Milton, Castle Hotel, Chester- street, Birkenhead 2, J. H. Boffey, 34, Cavendish- street, Birkenhead; 3, W. H. Jones, 61, St. Andrew-street, Liverpool. Harness horseg.-Mare or gelding, 12.1 hands and under 14 to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two-wheeled carriage 1 and 3, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimbo-lane, Upholland 2, T. Roberts, Liverpool. Mare or gelding, under 12, hands, to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two- wheeled carriage: 1^ W. J. Milton, Castle Hotel, Birkenhead 2, J. H. Boffey, 34, Cavendish-street Birkenhead; 3, W. H. Jones, 61, St. Andrew- street, Liverpool. Turnouts (confined to Tradesmen).—Mare or gelding, exceeding 13 hands, to be exhibited and driven in harness 1, A. Maclumpha, 74, Brighton- street, Seacombe; 2, J. M. Shaw, South-road, Waterloo; 3, W. Williams, 174, Grange-road, Birkenhead. Mare or gelding, not exceeding 13 hands, to be exhibited and driven in harness: 1 W. J. Milton, Castle Hotel, Chester-street, Birken- head; 2, T. H. Linton, 10, Market-street, Birken- head; 3, P. Elson, 50, Oxton-road, Birkenhead. Leapers (open).—Jumper over hurdles and water: t' ?vJaSger' Emley> Wakefield 2, J. Bromley 3, J. Kelly, 44, Watergate, Whitchurgh. DOGS. Among the local winners were :-St. Bernard, rough or smooth bitch: 2, J. Henderson, Whitby Heath, near Chester. Dalmatian novice dog or bitch: 2, F. W. Cosgrove, M.R.C.V.S., Neston. Pointer, limit, dog or bitch: 2, Major R. W. P. Lodwick, Chester. Retriever, novice, flat-coated dog: 1, H. A. Garland, Eaton Park. Spaniel) novice, dog or bitch, any variety: 3, H. A. Garland. Spaniel, limit, field, dog or bitch, any other variety 1, H. A. Garland. Collie puppy, rough dog 2 and special, R. P. Lloyd, Rose Cottage, Hope. Collie, limit, rough bitch: 3, C. Langley, Thornton Hough. Irish terrier, puppy, dog 2 and special, T. P. Jones- Parry, Gresford. Irish terrier, maiden, dog 2, T. P. Jone3-Parry. Irish terrier, novice, dog: 2 t! P.Jones-Parry. Irish terrier dog, local: 2 T P. Jones-Parry. Scottish terrier, maiden, dog: 2, H. Smith, Hoole, Chester. g »