Pigs And Flowers (And More Besides)

There's a rather wonderful short story by Saki (H H Munro) which concerns a young man telling a story to two children on a train journey. In the story there is a king who is very fond of pigs and flowers but is advised that he can't have both in his garden. The king very wisely chooses to have pigs.

But in an act of incredible generosity I can let you have both pigs and flowers today...

Yes, we're back at Gransden Show for a few more pictures. You can have some more flowers if you like....

There were even elaborate flower arrangements highlighting some of the expensive tractors on display. Someone had matched these with a rather tongue-in-cheek decoration for this rusty wreck.....

In fairness this rusty old machine, it was explained, has just been acquired by its owner, who plans to have it restored to immaculate condition by next year's show. I can only wish him or her luck with the project.

What else?

One of the more understated beauties in the Fancy Pigeon marquee.

And I spotted a few breeds of farm animals that I've not shown you before...

These two cuddly characters (the sheep, not the exhibitors) are, I'm fairly certain, Hampshire Downs. They are not a rare breed but they are nice-looking creatures.

The Teeswater (above) is a vulnerable breed however with under 1,500 in the country. There are several breeds of "longwool" sheep which are thought to be descended from the sheep brought over by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago.

And this is a Lincoln Red, one of less than 500 representatives of the breed. 

I'm not sure what to say about this trio of wooden puppets....

…..supply your own caption!


Take care.