4th January 1839

Stamford Mercury

Mr. Editor, —Your journal having an unprecedented circulation in one of the most important Agricultural Counties, you will perhaps deem the following communication worthy of insertion. At the recent Agricultural Show Bourn, the highest prize for the Shearling Wethers was awarded to the Marquis of Exeter, since which they have been slaughtered by Mr. Woodward, of Langtoft, and weighed as follows: one sheep 164lbs, one 151lbs; total 3151bs. Mr. Thos. Gibbs, of Langtoft, has also had two sheep slaughtered during the same week by Mr. Mees, of Langtoft, and which had been duly entered for competition with the Nobe Marquis, but were unfortunately withdrawn in consequence of sundry misgivings entertained by the owner: the following are their respective weights : one sheep 176lbs, one 147lbs; total 323lbs. thus exceeding the Marquis'by 8lbs. and reminding the fearful of the old adage, "faint heart never won fair lady."
JOHN GEE, sen. Langtoft, Jan. 2,1839.