If it is true, as we are frequently told, that "familiarity breeds contempt," then this gentleman's long and intimate acquaintance with show work in every detail has presented to him the opportunity to make light of the multifarious duties and the anxieties invariably associated with arranging and successfully undertaking the management of dog shows, but more especially agricultural shows (which often include dogs), where the numerous departments are so varied. .

The subject of these lines, whose portrait I have much pleasure in reproducing, first saw the light some thirty-eight summers since, and being educated at the Liverpool College, was afterwards articled to a public accountant in that city; but finding the close confinement of office life uncongenial, and the position of Secretary to the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society becoming vacant, he applied for the same, and was unanimously elected from a list of nearly a hundred candidates hailing from all parts of the kingdom. He still continues to occupy the post to the complete satisfaction of the Council, although tempting offers from other societies have been made to him, and in the opinion of the writer he is wedded to the Wirral Society, which, by the way, is regarded as one of the most important local Agricultural Societies in the Kingdom, and a win at their show is appreciated accordingly by all exhibitors.

Mr. Edwardson is also Secretary of two other institutions, in addition to which he has a very extensive insurance business, acting as a broker, as well as being agent for most of the leading insurance companies, and is well known throughout Lancashire, Cheshire, and North Wales.

MR. ARTHUR H. EDWARDSON.

From photo by Henry, Liverpool.

As an instance of the progress made by the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society since our friend's appointment to the position of Secretary, suffice it to say the largest show ever held prior to that year (1887) consisted of a total entry of less than 1,400 exhibits in all sections, and a prize list of some £800. However, this total has now been increased to close on 6,500 entries, and the amount of prizes to the handsome sum of nearly £2,500, in addition to which Mr. Edwardson has obtained for his society, either by subscription or through the generosity of friends, a number of most valuable challenge bowls and vases and other special prizes, including one valued at a hundred guineas and four valued at fifty guineas each, all of which are for horses, one valued at fifty guineas for cattle, one valued at twenty-five guineas and another valued at ten guineas for Cheshire cheese, and one of the same value for butter, while there is also a five guinea cup for Irish Terriers, competition for which is confined to local exhibits.

The arrangements and the whole management of each annual show have always been excellent, in spite of the untoward climatic influences on several occasions {vide Press reports).

A shrewd business man and of a most kindly disposition, our friend is always both ready and willing to assist in an unostentatious way others less fortunate than himself whenever an opportunity presents itself, and is never more happy than when he is lending a helping hand at shows of other societies, and has fulfilled the responsible and onerous duties of Manager or Hon. Manager on many occasions, including the following shows: Ladies' Kennel Association, Darlington, Liverpool, Fylde Fox-terrier Club, Cruft's, Liverpool, Rhyl, Southport, and the Kennel Club (for several years). He is also an active member of the Executive of the Liverpool, Southport, Ormskirk, and other shows.

Although a general lover of dogs, I have only once known his name appear on the prize list of the canine section of any show, though some years ago he was a frequent and successful exhibitor of pigeons.

By his courtesy, tact, and obliging manners, combined with his business aptitude, Mr. Edwardson has made a large circle of friends in the Fancy, and the Doggy World in particular, and long may he be spared to hold the secretarial reins, guiding the destinies of the society, and thereby ensuring the up-to-date and perfect arrangements being continued for the comfort and convenience of both exhibitors and exhibits in future, as during the past fourteen years, at the Annual Show of the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society.